Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Pearl Izumi syncroFuel Running Shoes Review!

Me and my synchroFules, first time out!
I haven't had much luck with running shoes. It's probably due to my low arch and wide feet, combined with a smallish feet (dress shoes 6.5). I could never find the RIGHT running shoes for me. For a while, I ran with a pair (Asics Kayano 15) that gave me the worst kind of blisters on the arches of my feet. Turned out it was way too narrow. Then, I ran with another brand (Mizunos) that gave me blisters on the bottom of my 3rd and 4th toe pads (strangely enough, only on my right foot!). I found some thin socks to wear with these and I thought I got it just right. Then Mizuno's decided to discontinue my shoes. UGH. I even bought a pair of "customized" running shoes for my gait, over pronation, wide feet and etc from Somnio but they rubbed my feet the wrong way and hurt my feet when I ran in them. It just goes to show, the "right" shoes for one person isn't a right feet for another runner.

So in my search for the perfect running shoes, I'm always talking to some shoe specialist at Fleet Feet or Sports Basement trying to find the "right" shoes. A few months ago, I was contacted by the wonderful people at Pearl Izumi to try out a pair of syncroFuel running shoes. I was really hesitant at first. What if this pair tore my feet up, too? I took a huge chance accepting the pair without trying them on. I figure, what do I have to lose but a few blisters??

Back in first week of May, I received my pair of syncroFuel and took it out for an easy 7 miler. There are some running shoes that I'm totally ok running in for a few miles but anything over 5 or 6 miles, I'd notice discomfort. I'm happy to report that the syncroFuel was absolutely wonderful. The moment I took the first step, I noticed this bounce and cushion, like I was on a trampoline (ok, hyperbole, sorry)! And it hugged my feet in ALL the right ways. I love being hugged by my shoes. You don't know how ecstatic I was on that run!! And, it just made me realize my current New Balance just didn't have that "right" fit. I had to buy slightly bigger to accomodate my wide feet. 3 months later, I'm happy to report that I STILL LOVE these syncroFuel shoes!!! Last few months, I've put many miles in these shoes but I swear I could still feel the bounce. I'm probably due for another pair REALLY soon and felt comfortable enough to write a review finally!

So, a few things. The syncroFuel is extemely well cushioned and is really awesome for the mild/over pronator like me. A few other things:

- High-abrasion Seamless Race upper with hybrid mesh combination.
(100% recycled polyester mid-foot mesh and breathable forefoot mesh)
- 360ยบ of reflectivity for added safety during low light conditions.
- SKYDEX® Heel crash pad.
- There's even a trail version of these shoes!

More from here:
http://www.runlikeananimal.com/

Honestly, I think I found my go-to running shoes and I plan to stock up, just in case!!! Pearl Izumi syncroFuel, I heart you!!

10 comments:

  1. i swear i thought i was reading about myself. i have the same problems - low arch and wide feet. i used to use new balance but they discontinued the one i was using. i had no less than 4 "fit experts" at road runner in a serious discussion on what shoe to put me in. i'm currently using nike vomeros, but i don't totally love them. maybe i'll give these a try. thanks for the suggestion!

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  2. interesting!!! :) i'm glad you found a good pair.... since your running with me in NYC & all :)

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  3. And they're cute, too! Very hard core looking ;)

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  4. Lovely looking and great that you've found a pair that works for you!

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  5. Isn't is so nice when you finally find the "right" shoe!? All is right in the world :)

    You doing the Sunset run with me on the 19th? I would LOVE to see ya girlie!!!

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  7. glad you found the right shoe! I was sad when I didn't like the new Asic Kayanos and randomly tried a pair of Mizuno Inspire, but I LOVE my Mizunos now...they make me feel speedy :)

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  8. yippeee for shoes that feel good!

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  9. Glad you found good shoes! I'm shoe shopping myself. I'm starting from scratch to find what shoes will work for me. Not fun.

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  10. choosing a right shoes is one of the tough thing to do...needs to consider its comfortabilty, i've been struggling before like you and i end up getting mizuno wave..

    its good that you've found your pair...

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