My ultimate final test of the Supernova Cushion 7 (C7) will be a 30k run or at least running with it for 3 hours and beyond. But before this can happen, I had to make sure that the shoe is properly run in. And therefore prior to this I had another 3 to 4 runs after my first date with C7.
The runs were mostly done on a 8k route which is slightly hilly while there was one run that was focus on a faster pace of 5min per KM. Overall the findings and performance of the shoe is not much different from what I had find out after the first run except for some new findings that I want to add on.1) The shoe still feels tight on US9 EE after 3 to 4 runs. A half size larger will be ideal and will be more comfortable without the tightness feeling at the forefoot.
2) ADIPRENE is working very well, providing the cushioning and absorbing the pressure of the body and feet as I transitioned from heel to toe. The lift is responsive aided by the ADIPRENE + technology. For a cushion shoe, a runner must have such feeling else the shoe will feel very bulky.
3) The shoe is very feet hugging and does not move too much while running. It also gave a feeling of the feet hitting the ground and does not make any noise while on the run, no squeaky sound.
4) The FORMOTION technology is holding well especially on uphill run that needed the support as well as on uneven surface.
5) TORSION System support and holds the midfoot very well. Not much unnecessary movement and therefore lessen the chances of twisting the feet.
6) GEOFIT provides the hugging feeling and cushy softness around the ankle and back of the heel. I still think its nothing special compare to other brands.
7) Initially after the 1st run, the top of part of my right leg feel some soreness ~ slight discomfort and pain. Apparently I think I had tied the shoe lace too tight. The only way to overcome it was to loosen the lace so that its not too tight. Don't feel the pain in subsequent runs.
After these run-ins, the C7 is ready for the showdown ie the 30k to prove its worthiness. So on the morning of 23 Feb 2008, C7 was ready for the ultimate showdown. At the end of the run, the truth will be review on whether this will be another thousand mile horse that can carry me on a 30k run and beyond. And if she performs well, she could be with me on the road for KLIM08.
As we troop out of the Bukit Aman carpark and the environment fill with fresh air and quietness, I was having high hopes to have a good run with C7 at the end of the day. To cut the story short, the 30k went past us under 3'30" and we are back to the Bukit Aman carpark.My final top 10 findings and review (in no orders) after this hard workout.
1) The cushioning and arch fit were excellent, and also gives me a good feel of the road.
2) I loved the breathability; a very comfortable shoe and had great ventilation.
3) I loved that there are no seams ie less friction created.
4) The cushioning and weight are some best features. (I am used to heavy cushioned trainers)
5) I love the way it feels on my foot.
7) It had great stability especially on uneven terrain.
8) The soft shoe tongue does not make the shoe feels bulky.
9) GeoFit showing its true color giving the correct fit and comfort feel to the ankle.
10) If I could improve one thing it would be the toebox--it needs to be wider.So overall, C7 pass with flying colors and I had no complain about her with the exception that if the toebox should be slightly wider, I would have given her a perfect 10. And now she will be in the running to be my thousand mile horse for this year KL International Marathon 2008.
Finally on a more personal note, I will have a high recommendation of C7 to normal and medium arch runners looking for a well cushioned trainers. Suitable for Neutral runners and slight overpronators.Previous report for review:
1) "Impossible Is Nothing" Wear Test Program
2) First date with C7
An extraction from Adidas to provide a better introduction of C7.Built to take you far and fast, Adidas Supernova Cushion 7 road-running shoes offer incredible cushioning and comfort with low weight.
- Abrasion-resistant nylon mesh uppers are lightweight and highly breathable; synthetic leather overlays create structure and support
- GeoFit™ construction at ankles provides an anatomically correct fit and extra comfort
- Nylon linings and molded, antimicrobial dual-layer EVA footbeds dry quickly and fight odor
- adiPRENE® midsoles absorb shock in the heels and help maximize heel protection and stability
- adiPRENE®+ under forefeet retains natural propulsive forces for enhanced efficiency
- Torsion® system at the midfoot allows natural rotation between the rearfoot and the forefoot, helping improve surface adaptability
- ForMotion® freely moving, decoupled heel system allows your feet to adapt to the ground strike and adjust for forward momentum
- adiWEAR® rubber outsoles give ample durability in high-wear areas and offer lightweight grip and cushion
Took her out for our first date on a Wednesday morning and did a 8.4k run. Instead of writing in paragraph of my feeling towards her I would be putting everything in point form during our first encounter.
1) She feels tight on US9 EE. I believed thats how adidas shoe are being designed. Maybe a half size larger will be more comfy for me. So have to compensate by wearing a thinner pair of socks and loosen up the lace.
2) ADIPRENE is working providing the cushioning and absorbing the pressure of the body and feet as I transitioned from heel to toe. The lift off is also quite responsive.
3) She does not move too much while running.
4) Gave a feeling of the feet hitting the ground.
5) Make very little noise while on the run, no squeaky sound.
6) Ran on uneven surface of the road carefully and even on shallow potholes. The FORMOTION technology is handling it quite well.
7) TORSION System support holds the midfoot very well.
8) Nothing great about the GEOFIT. Another brand provide better hugging feeling and cushy softness.
9) While on the run, she doesn't feel as tight as while walking around.
10) The softness and flexibility of the mesh-like material used for the shoe.
11) After run, the top of part of right leg feel some soreness ~ slight discomfort. Not sure if I had laced her too tightly or I was running faster in the lap 3 & 4 that created some pressure. Will put more focus and check out this area in my next date with her.
Till then, will provide more feedback about her in the next date to come.
Yes thats the Adidas Wear Test Program offered by Adidas Malaysia. I got an email from Brother Tey ET saying Adidas Malaysia is once again running this program for the second year. For the last year program, I believed Carboman and Felixdbear are Der Pacemakers that were selected.The email:
I have some good news for runners who blogs or having their own webpage.
adidas had brought in some very high performance technical running shoes to be given away to runners to wear-test them & given us their very frank & unprejudiced opinion about the shoes
after 30 days of usage.
The sizes are limited and I have them in size UK5.5, 7.5 , 8.5 & 10.5. Those wishing to possess these shoes will have to comply with the following terms & condition :
1 ) Come to the adidas office to fit the shoes.
2 ) Undertake to give comment about the shoes after 30 days of usage.
3 ) Must be a blogger or has his/her own website.
If you are interested pls make an appointment with me or my partners Mori Hiroshi as detailed below :
Office address:
adidas Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Block B , Level 4,
Plaza Damansara
45 Media Setia 1
Bukit Damanasara
Kuala Lumpur
Tel Office : 03 - 20804843 / 20804876
Contact Person ( 1 )
Krishnan Karuppan
Mobile : 012 - 3503668
E-Mail : krishnan.karuppan@adidas.com
Contact Person ( 2 )
Mori Hiroshi
E-mail : Hiroshi.mori@adidas.com
This offer expires on 22nd February 2008
Best Regards
Krishnan Karuppan
Head of Running
adidas Malaysia
So I called up Krishnan on Friday (25th Jan 2008) to ask for an appointment to see if I am qualified. As I was on the phone with him, I did also mentioned that currently I do market Saucony on a freelance basis and wanna ensure that here is no conflict of interest from a brand perspective.
It was very professional of Krishnan to say "NO" as he said that it will be even better for him where I can make comparisons between Adidas and Saucony. He gladly invited me to come over to his office and see him to choose the right model for myself.
As I reached the Adidas Malaysia office, I was greeted by Krishnan after about 5mins at the waiting lounge area. He brought along a box of shoes out and based on my shoe size which is between US9 and 9.5, and also I am a neutral runner which need good cushioning + stability, he specifically offered me the Adidas SuperNova Cushion 7 (EE). It was a yellow beauty and she immediately caught my full attention.
My first impression of her:
1) According to Krishnan the sole of the shoe is built around a piece of rubber which absorbs the pressure of every step that the runner take. To show me the effectiveness, he brought out a round purple ball and asked me to throw it on the floor. The purple ball did not bounce at all but stuck to the ground where it fell (like a piece of plasticine). The same material of the purple ball is also placed at the forefoot for better cushioning and lift off. The technology is patented by Adidas and its called "ADIPRENE". The logical sense behind ADIPRENE is every time your feet that's carrying the body weight hits the ground, it basically absorb all the pressure instead of allowing it to push back to your feet that will impact your calf and thigh muscle. With this technology, the SuperNova Cushion 7 will allow you to stay longer on the road with little impact.
Note: The ADIPRENE technology is definitely suitable for runners who always land on their forefoot (like a sprinter or I called them Hopper) which supports the entire body weight as the feet hits the tarmac. It will definitely able to absorb the pressure as well as cushy enuf to give the runner the transition to lift off.
2) Next is the "FORMOTION" that divides the heel of the shoe into two separate portion. FORMOTION is designed at the outer side heel of the shoe. According to Krishnan, this is to provide more flexibility at the heel during landing and also to prevent heavy wear and tear at the heel portion.
3) The "ADIWEAR" technology is incorporated at the back of the sole (heel) to minimise heavy wear and tear as the rubber hit the tarmac.
4) The "NO SEAM" technology actually offer a no stitch mechanism on the mesh material that is use for the make of the shoe. And therefore less friction around the feet and probably the problem of getting blisters.
5) The famous "ADIDAS TORSION SYSTEM" is also incorporated at the arch area of the sole to provide further stability.
6) Lastly is the "GEOFIT" technology that had the shoe designed in such a way that it is very feet hugging. (Just like the feeling of hugging your favorite toy bear). I have not put the shoes on the run but the feeling is like the shoes are your feet when I was trying her on.
So sounds like there are quite a fair bit of German technologies that were incorporated into designing and manufacturing the SuperNova Cushion 7. The next is for me to put her on for a ride this week and let the run do the talking on how well can she gallops.
