DYNABLAST 2 Review

As an ASICS Frontrunner, ASICS kindly gifted me a pair of the DYNABLAST 2to try and test out so here is my personal review. I wasn’t sure about these as I wasn’t keen on the first model but I thought I would give them a try.

Firstly I was looking for a new long run shoe to replace the DYNAFLYTES which was one of my favourite models and my go to shoes for easy runs. However, these are no longer available so with anything that is new I am always a little reluctant to try, purely because I like to stay to the same model as that is what I am most comfortable with.

What is the DYNABLAST 2?

The DYNABLAST 2 is a cushioned neutral shoe which has the ASICS FF BLAST™ cushioning. This model shoe retails at £110.  This model shoe is targeted for the runner who wants to have comfort and run long miles. The DYNABLAST 2 is suitable for road running and for the neutral runner, with an 8mm drop and weighs 252g for men and women 212g. This means its weighs less and the heal drop is less then the first version. This makes these shoes a very lightweight shoe and looks comfortable.

ASICS state the following for the DYNABLAST 2

The DYNABLAST™ 2 shoe is designed for runners seeking a comfortable ride. It’s a responsive running shoe that’s made to take your post-run feeling to new heights. Fewer overlays on the upper mean less rubbing on your foot. It’s formed with a soft, circular-knit that creates a more locked-in feel with a comfy touch. The FF BLAST™ cushioning’s energised softness provides a trampoline effect as you run. By lowering the drop height to 8 mm, this shoe offers a more responsive feel underfoot.

The key feature of DYNABLAST 2 features the following

• Circular knit upper improves airflow and provides a supportive foothold
• FF BLAST™ technology provides lightweight cushioning and a responsive rebound
• Underfoot cut-outs provide excellent bounce
• OrthoLite™ X-30 sock liner provides soft, step-in comfort

First impressions are that the colours if electric red/black look cool. I always like the funky colours ASICS does but this one isn’t over the top. I noticed it did feel light, the laces are thin and the tongue felt like a slip on sock and was thin but comfy; sometimes thin isn’t always good such as racing shoes but that’s because they are built for speed and I always find they aren’t the most comfortable shoes. The foam and sole looked a bit plastic but plenty of grip for a normal day running shoe.

The material was very breathable so your feet don’t overheat and the material felt like a nice cosy sock. I tried the DYNABLAST 2 on and felt very comfortable and snug, I felt that they felt better than DYNAFLYTES which was a big tick for me and I took a size ten and they came true to size and had plenty of room for my feet to breath. Sometimes when shoes are too comfortable they don’t last long and don’t feel fast. However the DYNABLAST look and feel like they will last alot of mileage and with it being light I feel it’s a quick shoe too.

So first impression so far all good, so it was time to test them on a few runs and see how they held up. I firstly found that my feet were very comfortable on my easy runs; my feet didn’t sweat too much and they didn’t overheat so that’s good but I think they might do when it’s warmer. I did find they were bouncing more than the DYNAFLTYES so that’s a good thing too which means I should be able to run faster at the same heart rate. Due to my off season break and my lack of fitness I can’t compare pace against my heart rate etc as I am not in peak shape but the DYNABLASTS felt like they had a bounce and response when running with them. I ran a few 60 minute runs and they maintained comfort along all the runs and felt really good on.

I ran in the wet, dry and paths with fallen leaves and I found that the DYNABLASTS had a high level of grip and no slip, so that’s good and another tick for me for everyday run shoes. In fact I was very surprised about the amount of grip. I also came away thinking that this could also be a good race shoe for some people because of the grip and feeling a bit of a bounce.

Onto my conclusion – at first I wasn’t sure as my trusted DYNAFLYTES were my go to every day shoe for easy and long runs but I am very pleased with the DYNABLASTS. I believe they are reasonable and will last a lot of mileage and they maintain their comfort for a long time. They are very comfortable and snug with a lot of cushioning. I am enjoying using these and I am happy to have found a replacement for my DYNAFLYTES.

You can check them out on the ASICS website HERE and my full YOUTUBE review HERE

GEL-NIMBUS 23 Review

As an ASICS FrontRunner ASICS have gifted me a pair of the GEL-NIMBUS 23 to test out and review so here is my review.

So what is the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS?

The GEL-NIMBUS 23 shoe is a neutral shoe for both ladies and men and provides plenty of cushioning and comfort. This model is for a wide range of runners with neutral striking run technique and provides a bit of stability, comfort and is a solid sturdy shoe perfect for all abilities and for those long runs. However these aren’t light and if you like lighter shoes this model may not be for you. For me it’s a good shoe but not my preferred shoe of choice. The NIMBUS has been going for some time now and is classed as a reliable running shoe and is one of ASICS popular models for all abilities but remains a very popular shoe amongst beginners.

ASICS state: The GEL-NIMBUS™ 23 running shoe continues to offer excellent comfort and long-run impact absorption. Its improved stability provides a more balanced stride that’s followed by smoother transitions. Constructed with comfort and breathability in mind, the upper features a softer engineered mesh design for long runs. Engineered eyelet shaping helps the upper move more naturally with the foot, while a stretchy midfoot panel appropriately hugs the foot to generate better flexibility. Providing the runner with excellent shock absorption and softness, the GEL-NIMBUS™ 23 delivers more compression in the heel thanks to its softer GEL™ technology cushioning unit and contoured design lines. Also, a gender-specific TRUSSTIC™ device provides an articulated amount of support in the right direction for men and women to help generate a smooth transition. Under the toe, the inclusion of gender-specific pillars help cushion the body and help runners experience a softer feel. Simultaneously, the ORTHOLITE™ X-55 sockliner equips runners with a forgiving, yet responsive stride. The components of the GEL-NIMBUS™ 23 shoe help increase the softness without forgoing the integrity of the shoe’s ride. The 23rd version of the GEL-NIMBUS™ continues to make advancements within the lineage by offering improved support and comfort for distance runners.

Some key features of the GEL-NIMBUS include:

•             ENGINEERED MESH UPPER IMPROVES BREATHABILITY

•             GEL™ TECHNOLOGY CUSHIONING

•             TRUSSTIC™ TECHNOLOGY IMPROVES STABILITY

•             FLYTEFOAM™ PROPEL TECHNOLOGY CUSHIONING INCREASES IMPACT ABSORPTION AND RESPONSIVENESS

•             FLYTEFOAM™ TECHNOLOGY CUSHIONING

•             ASICS LITE RUBBER OUTSOLE IMPROVES DURABILITY

•             ORTHOLITE™ X-55 SOCKLINER IMPROVES STEP-IN COMFORT

•             REFLECTIVE ACCENTS IMPROVE VISIBILITY IN LOW-LIGHT CONDITIONS

•             3D SPACE CONSTRUCTION IMPROVES COMPRESSION AT FOOTSTRIKE

What is new compared to the previous models?

A few minor upgrades have been produced; the Gel cushioning allows the heel to have more expansion which allows for a softer and more absorbing foot strike feeling as well as the laces being adapted slightly to allow a more foot flexibility as well as making it a more comfortable shoe.

So how does it compare?

The shoe weighs 309 grams so it’s not one of ASICS light shoes. The material allows your feet to breath and it appears light weight and very similar to other ASICS models. The laces are normal running laces with the tongue being quite excessive. The tongue is bulky but provides that comfort you’re after. It’s the same for the heel quite thick but provides that little stability you are after inside. The grip appears to be slightly different to the previous model and feels very robust and a solid shoe that again will provide some stability when running. You will definitely be able to get plenty of mileage from this shoe because I believe it is built to last a long time. When putting the shoe on there was plenty of room for my foot and felt like a perfect fit. What I found was it was very comfortable and the heel and tongue made it feel like it was giving me some stability as well as giving me that comfort. What I did notice as mentioned before is that they are slightly heavier than my other trainers but of course I use light shoes more.

I took the Gel-NIMBUS out for a long run of around 60 minutes and had no problems at all, no sore toes from hitting the front of the shoe; I always go up around half a size anyway. I found the shoe very responsive to my easier runs while maintaining that comfortable feeling and feeling like the shoe is giving me more support than my normal models I use. However when I took it for a speed test it certainly maintained that comfortable feeling with my foot and supporting my foot. But I found it was not a very responsive shoe for speed training but that’s ok as that’s not the GEL-NIMBUS purpose. I do see that they do a light version and would love to try those and compare those.

Conclusion: It is a very popular shoe model in the ASICS range that caters for all abilities. This shoe is built to last in regards to running lots of mileage in them; the way the shoe is designed is to be sturdy & robust to give you that stability as well as comfort. I believe the Gel-Nimbus is a perfect shoe if you’re looking at doing plenty of miles in them and long runs, with stability while keeping your feet comfortable. Lets face it, keeping your feet comfortable is important and if that is your main aim then this is the shoe for you. However it is a heavier shoe and for me it’s not a training or race shoe for speed work, but that’s not the purpose of this shoe -you need to look at another shoe model if you want speed.  If you have been happy with previous versions, then I am pretty sure you will like the 23. I think it’s better than the last version and a sturdy running shoe for long runs.

Check out my YouTube Video review HERE