Saucony has taken great pains recently to reinvent itself to appeal to younger high school runners, as well as a more traditional market of middle-aged joggers. The bright and bold new colors of the XC4 should help them in their quest to become one of the coolest brands in cross country running shoes. As proof, just consider the fact that the XC3 was released in lime green, but the XC4 has somehow mutated into slime green. Enough said. (Pictured: Men’s Kilkenny XC4 in Slime Green)

The Kilkenny line (named in honor of enthusiastic Irish cross country runners everywhere) has sold very well and has built up a loyal following. So the challenge with this new model was basically to not mess things up. Overall, the XC4 has landed right on the money. There are enough new features to freshen up a line that was getting a little bit stagnant, yet enough features remain familiar to reassure its base of loyal fans. For example, the shoe retains its familiar feel because the midsole has not been altered.

Some of the changes include a new air mesh upper (like the Kinvara) with a lighter weight and a synthetic suede overlay. Also, in the spike version, the configuration has been changed from six pins to four, in order to further lighten the weight without sacrificing too much traction. And of course the bold new colors should attract a whole new legion of younger fans.

The upper is constructed from a blend of breathable air mesh with suede overlays. The midsole, made from  responsive low-profile  CM-EVA,  has not been changed  from the XC3.  This updated version of the Kilkenny line continues to deliver top-quality performance. It’s still an excellent racing shoe for all types of cross country terrain.

The Kilkenny XC 4 is the CURRENT model, released in June 2011.  It is available in both spike and spikeless (flat) versions, with models for men and women.

Related Shoes

• Saucony Kilkenny XC3 (previous model)
• Saucony Kilkenny XC2
• Saucony Shay XC2

Women’s Models

Colors Available

• Black / White / Hot Pink
• Slime Green / Pink
• Teal / Orange

Check out the Women’s Kilkenny XC3 at Foot Locker. (click on a picture below)

Women's Flat - SlimeGreen/Pink

Women's Flat - Black/White/HotPink

Women's Spike - Black/White/HotPink

Men’s Models

Colors Available

• Black / White/ Red
• Blue/ Orange
• Slime Green / Royal

Check out the Men’s Kilkenny XC4 at Foot Locker. (click on a picture below)

Men's Flat - Blue/Orange

Men's Flat - SlimeGreen/Royal

Men's Flat - Black/White/Red

Men's Spike - Blue/Orange

Men's Spike - SlimeGreen/Royal

Men's Spike - Black/White/Red

Cushioning

• For reduced weight, this racing shoe contains no extra cushioning technologies.

Midsole

• CMEVA is a full length, industry standard foam designed for lightweight durability.

Upper

• Synthetic Overlays are intended to keep the upper snug to the foot.
• Open Mesh covers the entire upper and is a breathable lightweight fabric.
• Slip Lasting involves wrapping and stitching the upper in a bootie-like shape before it is glued to the midsole to increase flexibility and decrease weight.

Outsole

• Rubber spike plate is constructed for traction and flexibility.
• Contains 4 spike receptacles.
• Includes eight 5/16″ pyramid spikes and a spike wrench.
• XT-600 is located throughout the outsole and is a carbon rubber material that increases traction without sacrificing durability.

How It Fits

• Sizing: Fits small; purchase 1/2 size larger than standard running shoe size
• Width D=Medium
• Heel: MediumMidfoot: Medium to full volume Forefoot: Medium
• Toe-Box height: Low
• Arch height: Medium-low

Weight: Spike version 6.7 oz (men) 6.3 oz (women )

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Often times a company is very happy with the performance their best running shoes and decide to leave well enough alone.  They leave all the technical aspects unchanged, update the look cosmetically, and give it the next number in the series. A recent trend in the running shoe industry has been to introduce wildly bright colors to the midsoles and  uppers of new models.   Well, this is exactly what has happened with the Mach 13. Every technical feature, including the  outsole, midsole,  upper material and fit,  has remained unchanged from its predecessor, the Mach 12. It’s exactly the same shoe, only with an awesome new look.

The women’s model in orange, maize and black, is reminiscent of a psychedelic jungle cat, like a demented leopard or tiger. The men’s version in zinnia, black and gold, looks like a red and orange streak of hot molten lava. Whether you love the new look or hate it, either way you will definitely stand out on the course.

In more conventional terms, the Brooks Mach 13 is a fast XC racer just waiting to be unleashed.  It keeps all the specs and tech from the Mach 12, like Dynamic Arch Straps that provide   a snug midfoot  fit  to  keep you  locked in place when racing. It allows plenty of breathability and gives a light-weight feel in the upper to keep you loose and  relaxed.

In the running spikes version, these cross country running shoes are designed with a 5-spike configuration, including a wrench and ten 6mm spikes.  They are also available in a flat (spikeless) version.

The Mach 13 is sold in both men’s and women’s models. The Brooks Mach 13 is the CURRENT model, released in June 2011.

Related Shoes

• Brooks Mach 12 (previous model)
• Brooks Mach 11
  
• Brooks Mach 10
• Brooks Mach 9

Available Colors

• Zinnia / Black / Gold (Men)
• Orange / Maize / Black  (Women)
  

Cushioning

• To keep weight down, this shoe has no additional running shoe cushioning.

Midsole

• CMEVA is a full length compression molded EVA designed for lightweight cushioning and flexibility.

Upper

• Synthetic Overlays are strategically located to provide a secure fit.
• Air Mesh covers the upper, which is a breathable mesh that allows heat to escape.
• Dynamic Arch Straps are located in the midfoot, which provide a more secure fit.
• Strobel Last utilizes a full length layer of foam to provide cushioning and flexibility.

Outsole

• Contact Rubber is a thin layer of full length rubber and has an aggressive lug configuration designed for traction.
• Contains 5 spike receptacles per shoe.

Fit

• Sizing running shoes
• Standard running shoe length
• Width D medium
• Toe-Box height: Medium
• Heel: Narrow to medium width
• Midfoot: Low to medium volume
• Forefoot: Medium width
• Arch Structure: Medium-low

Weight

• Men 6.0 oz / 170g (size 9.0)
• Women 5.2 oz / 147g (size 8.0)

Model Number: 1101051D806 introduced in June 2011.

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Cross Country Shoes Comparison Chart

Every runner, and every foot, is unique. Everyone has his or her favorite shoe, but the best running shoes for your running buddy or your best friend are probably not the right shoes for you. You need to do a bit of research before finding your ideal XC shoes or off road shoes.

To help you with selecting the right shoe, here’s an interactive chart showing the major models of cross country running shoes currently available on the market. Just click on a model name to view the detail page for that shoe. (You can also search for specific terms by entering text into the search box.)

F-Lite 195 at Road Runner Sports

The Inov-8 F-Lite 195 is a supremely light cross country unisex racing flat  intended  for distances from 3k to 10k. It is best suited for dirt, grass and asphalt.

Although they are not quite identical, this racing flat is the twin brother of the Inov-8 X-Talon 190. Is a lightweight minimalist trail running shoe that provides a very high level of proprioception because of its super-thin midsole.  The F-Lite 195 is the perfect shoe for runners looking for the highest levels of proprioception and the most natural foot position. Because of the 3 mm differential between the forefoot and heel , and a foot bed  of only 3 mm, the F-Lite 195 lets your foot stay closer to the ground in its most stable natural position.

It’s also extremely flexible. The F-Lite 195 can be worn over loose terrain, but it’s best performance comes over  hard pack surfaces, so it is also suitable for pavement.

The shoes are very responsive when running. You get quite a bit of ground feedback in them – not really a barefoot feel, but definitely a lot of sensory feedback to make use of.  Your foot really  knows when it strikes the ground, which helps you to adjust your footstrike as needed.  Inov-8′s various shoe models designed with the Pose Method in mind and are favored by many Pose runners and Pose coaches.

The Inov8 F-Lite 195  is the CURRENT model, released in September 2010.

Related Shoes

• Inov-8 F-Lite 230 (hard pack urban/mountain racer)

Available Colors

• Black / White
• Red / White

Cushioning

• To reduce weight,the Inov8 Flite 195  has no additional running shoe cushioning.

Midsole

• Height: Heel (8mm), Forefoot (5mm)
• 3mm between heel and forefoot, and a 3mm insole, allows your foot to stay closer to the ground
• 1 Arrow Shoc-Zone™ – midsole cushioning constructed for extra responsive underfoot sensitivity
• Performance last offers an exact fit and ensures reduced movement during wear
• Last construction based on the average runner’s foot, allowing for a good fit for both men and women

Upper

• Performance upper constructed of fast-drying mesh for maximum breathability
• Met-Cradle™ webbing gives forefoot security, while allowing natural fluid movement
• TPU lacing system attached to upper – offers more even support throughout the foot

Outsole

• Sticky rubber outsole (based on climbing rubber technologies)  for superior traction on wet surfaces and unstable terrain
• F-Lite™ flat sole holds the foot in a  neutral position
• Meta-Flex™ groove aligns with the metatarsal to increase forefoot pliability
• Fascia Band™ mimics the plantar fascia ligament, providing more thrust power while reducing fatigue

Fit

• Sizing running shoes
• Standard running shoe length
• Width D medium
• Heel: Narrow  width
• Midfoot: Low to full volume
• Forefoot: Medium width
• Toe-Box height: Low
• Arch Structure: Low height

Weight

• 6 oz. (170g) based on size size Men’s 10.5 or  Women’s 12

Model Number: 5050973125 Inov-8 unisex F-lite 195 introduced in September 2010.

You might also enjoy the following articles:

Mizuno Wave Kaze 6 Review

Adidas adiZero Belligerence Review

New Balance RX506 Review

Asics Dirt Diva 3 Review

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Building on the success of the Brooks Mach family, the Mach 12 has been tuned up and made even lighter than its predecessor. The upper provides superior breathability and, thanks to Dynamic Arch Straps, provides a custom fit to keep you locked in during a race. The Mach 12 outsole features an aggressive lug configuration which ensures superior traction on any terrain. Brooks has also added more toe rocker in the forefoot, which assists with propulsion. These cross country running shoes are designed with a 5-spike configuration, which includes a wrench and ten 6mm spikes. It is also available in a flat (spikeless) version.

The Mach 12 comes in both women’s and men’s models. The Brooks Mach 12 is the CURRENT model, released in June 2010.

Related Shoes

• Brooks Mach 13
• Brooks Mach 11 (previous model)
• Brooks Mach 10
• Brooks Mach 9

Available Colors

• Black / Maize (Men)
• Plum / Silver (Women)
  

Cushioning

• To keep weight down, this shoe has no additional cushioning.

Midsole

• CMEVA is a full length compression molded EVA designed for lightweight cushioning and flexibility.

Upper

• Synthetic Overlays are strategically located to provide a secure fit.
• Air Mesh covers the upper, which is a breathable mesh that allows heat to escape.
• Dynamic Arch Straps are located in the midfoot, which provide a more secure fit.
• Strobel Last utilizes a full length layer of foam to provide cushioning and flexibility.

Outsole

• Contact Rubber is a thin layer of full length rubber and has an aggressive lug configuration designed for traction.
• Contains 5 spike receptacles per shoe.

Fit

• Sizing: Standard running shoe length
• Width D medium
• Heel: Narrow to medium width
• Midfoot: Low to medium volume
• Forefoot: Medium width
• Toe-Box height: Medium
• Arch Structure: Medium-low

Weight

• Men 7.1 oz. (201 g) size 9
• Women 6.1 oz. (size 8.0)

Model Number: 1100821D707 introduced in June 2010.

Just for fun: To keep the music beat going strong while running in your new Mach 12′s, you’ll want a pair of the best running headphones on the market. Check ‘em out!

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Introduced in July 2010, the Kaze 6 incorporates a lightweight parallel wave to create a protective and supportive platform ideal for cross country racing. Due to the success of the previous Kaze models, the design for the Kaze 6 has been changed very little.  The outsole and unique Wave plate have remained popular features in each year’s model, providing good traction, cushioning,  and flexibility.

The Kaze 6 has an open airmesh which provides the same level of ventilation as its predecessors. The overlays have been repositioned to improve support, with slightly less in the heel and toe and slightly  more in the midfoot, resulting in a small increase in net weight. The overall result is a pair of running spikes that provides good traction, a supportive upper, and excellent cushioning suited to the variable surfaces encountered on a cross country course.

The solid rubber outsole with a 6-spike configuration enables the athlete to modify the shoe for specific race conditions. This shoe features a Parallel Wave configuration and a semi-curved shape. The spike version includes twelve 1/4″ pyramid spikes and a spike wrench. The Kaze 6 is the CURRENT model as of July 2010.

Related Shoes

• Mizuno Wave Kaze 5 (heritage)
• Mizuno Wave Kaze 4

Colors Available

• Vermillion Orange / Gunmetal (men’s)
• Blue Radiance / Imperial Blue / Yellow   (women’s)

Fit

• Sizing: Fits true to size
• Heel width: Narrow to medium
• Midfoot volume: Low to medium
• Forefoot width: Medium to narrow
• Toe-Box height: Medium
• Arch Structure: Medium

Cushioning

• Mizuno Wave plate extends from the midfoot to the heel and is composed of an elastic thermal plastic material shaped in a parallel wave pattern.
• This corrugated design allows for vertical deformation  to absorb impact during heel strike.

Midsole

• AP is a full-length copolymer material, providing lightweight, responsive and durable cushioning.

Upper

• Open mesh covers the entire upper and provides breathability, keeping the foot cool.

Outsole

• Textured rubber is utilized in the heel for additional grip.
• Rubber plate is located in the forefoot and is engineered for flexibility and durability.
• 6-spike configuration provides superior traction

Weight

Men: 9.2 oz/261g (size 11) spikeless, 9.9 oz/281g  (size 11) w/ 6 spikes
Women: 7.5 oz / 213g (size 8.0) spikeless, 8.0 oz / 227g  (size 8.0) w/ 6 spikes

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Introduced in July 2009, the Kaze 5 incorporates a lightweight parallel wave to create a protective and supportive platform ideal for cross country racing. The primary changes in each of the previous four Mizuno Kaze models are to be  found in the upper. The outsole and Wave plate have remained unique features in each model, providing good traction, cushioning,  and flexibility.

The Kaze 5 has an open airmesh which provides the same level of ventilation as its predecessors. The overlays have been repositioned to improve support, with slightly less in the heel and toe and slightly  more in the midfoot, resulting in a small increase in net weight. The overall result is a pair of running spikes that provides good traction, a supportive upper, and excellent cushioning suited to the variable surfaces encountered on a cross country course.

The solid rubber outsole with a 6-spike configuration enables the athlete to adapt the shoe for specific race conditions. This shoe features a Parallel Wave configuration and a semi-curved shape. The spike version includes twelve 1/4″ pyramid spikes and a spike wrench. The Kaze 5 model has been DISCONTINUED as of June 2010. Sizes and availability may be limited.

Related Shoes

• Mizuno Wave Kaze 6
• Mizuno Wave Kaze 4 (heritage)

Colors Available

• Bolt / Gunmetal / Anthracite (men’s)
• Pink / Plum / Anthracite (women’s)

Fit

• Sizing: Fits true to size
• Heel width: Narrow to medium
• Midfoot volume: Low to medium
• Forefoot width: Medium to narrow
• Toe-Box height: Medium
• Arch Structure: Medium

Cushioning

• Mizuno Wave plate extends from the midfoot to the heel and is composed of an elastic thermal plastic material shaped in a parallel wave pattern.
• This corrugated design allows for vertical deformation  to absorb impact during heel strike.

Midsole

• AP is a full-length copolymer material, providing lightweight, responsive and durable cushioning.

Upper

• Open mesh covers the entire upper and provides breathability, keeping the foot cool.

Outsole

• 6-spike configuration provides superior traction
• Textured rubber is utilized in the heel for additional grip.
• Rubber plate is located in the forefoot and is engineered for flexibility and durability.
• Contains 6 spike receptacles per shoe.

Weight

Men: 9.2 oz/261g (size 11) spikeless, 9.9 oz/281g  (size 11) w/ 6 spikes
Women: 7.5 oz / 213g (size 8 ) spikeless, 8.0 oz / 227g  (size 8 ) w/ 6 spikes

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Saucony Kilkenny XC3 - Women's

Running spikes are specialized shoes often used by track runners who focus mainly on sprint events. However, other types of running spikes are used by cross country runners and by distance runners on the track. Unlike regular running shoes, spikes are used mainly for competition rather than training.

Across the different events, the shoes themselves are usually very similar, but the spikes used are typically quite different. Spikes are also used by field competitors in track and field, but these are not generally considered as running spikes. Here we will compare the running spikes used by track runners and cross country runners, and will consider the times when each of these types of running spike is considered to be most effective.

Track Spikes

The more common type of spike shoes are the track spikes used by sprinters, but they are also used by by distance runners. These spikes usually consist of an extremely lightweight shoe having a base plate which allows for the runner to screw spikes into the base of the shoe. These spikes provide better traction on the track surface. They help the runner to dig in better and also help to prevent slipping. There are different types of spikes, mainly rubber and metal, for different surfaces.

Track competitions may place limitations on the types of running spike that may be used on the track. For example, the runner may be limited to spikes no longer than ¼ inch (.635 cm) or in some cases 3/16 of an inch (.476 cm). Runners planning to use spikes should check these limitations ahead of time. They should also keep on hand spikes of other sizes, to make sure they are properly prepared for each race. Spikes might be lost from a shoe at any time, so having replacement shoe spikes handy will allow a runner to focus on competition without worrying about lost spikes.

Runners who plan to race in spikes during track meets should also plan to do some training in their spikes, to make sure they are confident and comfortable on race day. This is important because running in spiked shoes can be uncomfortable for runners who are not used to them. For these runners, an adjustment period is needed to adapt to the spikes until wearing them becomes natural and comfortable. Runners should not do all their training in running spikes, but should use them often enough to become comfortable wearing them for races.

Cross Country Spikes

There are also spiked cross country running shoes. These are known as cross country running spikes, cross country spikes, racing spikes, or simply spikes. Racing flats (or flats) are nearly identical to racing spikes, except that they have a flat bottom with no spikes or spike receptacles.

Brooks Mach 12 - Men's

Like track spikes, cross country spikes are also lightweight shoes having removable spikes on the bottom. There is also an assortment of spike lengths available for cross country runners, but these spikes are significantly longer than the spikes used by sprinters and are similar to the spikes used by track distance runners.

Likewise, each cross country meet has its own set of rules about acceptable spike lengths used in competition. Therefore, runners must familiarize themselves with these guidelines before the start of each meet, in order to choose the proper type of cross country running shoes.

When To Use Spikes

Cross country running spikes serve the same basic purpose as sprinting spikes. They are designed to provide runners with better traction over the terrain of the race course. However, cross country races are held on trails instead of tracks, so longer spikes are usually necessary. Each runner needs to carefully inspect the course before the start of each meet, in order to evaluate what type of spikes (if any) will be needed.

If most of the course is comprised of a soft surface like grass or soft dirt, then spikes shoes can be very beneficial. However, if much of the race takes place on packed dirt or paved surfaces, then spikes may not be as effective, or even detrimental. If that is the case, it might be better to wear a road racing shoe or a racing flat, as opposed to a racing spike. On the other hand, if the course is very muddy or slippery, the runner may choose to wear longer spikes than normal, in order to gain better traction over the slippery terrain.

Some models of good cross country racing spikes are the Brooks Mach 12, the Saucony Shay XC2, and the New Balance RX506.

The original Belligerence model looked a bit old-fashioned, kind of like Adidas running shoes back in the 1990′s. This 2009 update is inspired by the Japanese anime character “Kizuna” which is pictured colorfully on the bottom of the sole. It  represents a blending of teamwork with family-like bonds of unity — a perfect symbol for a cross country team.

Like the original Belligerence, the new upper lacks a traditional tongue and opens on the lateral side only, which provides more medial support than a standard opening.  The fit is enhanced by an elastic strap inside the midfoot, which also adds to the support provided by the HF-welded overlays.

The midsole and six-spike outersole remain unchanged from last season, while the rubber lugs provide great traction on dirt and grass surfaces.

The Adidas adiZero Belligerence running spikes succeed in delivering maximum style with the minimal weight demanded by cross country racing. The open mesh nylon in the upper offers great breathability and quick drying. The light strike EVA midsole is lighter than conventional midsoles, which creates a lighter and faster spiked shoe. The torsion system in these adiZero shoes creates integrity in the midfoot.

The adiZero Belligerence is the CURRENT model, released in July 2009, with with updated colors in July 2010.

Related Shoes

Adidas Neptune XS

Colors Available

• Yellow / Red (2010)
• Red / Silver / White
• Red / Yellow / Blue
• Iron / Black
• Black / Silver / Steel

Cushioning

• To reduce weight,  this shoe has no extra cushioning technologies.

Midsole

• Lightstrike EVA is a full length midsole,  lighter than conventional compression molded EVA, provides cushioning.
• Torsion System follows the bottom of the midfoot and is a wishbone shaped thermoplastic unit that is designed for increased stability by allowing the forefoot and rearfoot to move independently.

Upper

• Open Mesh provides breathability and is used throughout the upper
• EVA Sockliner is perforated for breathability and designed for underfoot cushioning.
• Adidas Logo overlays are strategically placed to wrap the upper around the foot.
• Slip Last is stitching and wrapping the upper in a bootie shape beforegluing to the midsole to decrease weight and increase flexibility

Outsole

• TPU Plate is utilized at the forefoot and is a thermoplastic plate designed for efficiency and lightweight durability.
• Traxion is positioned at the forefoot is engineered for increased traction.
• Has 6 spike receptacles.
• Includes twelve 5/16″ pyramid spikes and a spike wrench.

How It Fits

• Sizing: Fits large; purchase 1/2 size smaller than standard running shoe size
• Width D=Medium
• Heel: Medium
• Midfoot: Medium to full volume
• Forefoot: Medium
• Toe-Box height: Low
• Arch height: Low

Sizing is based on the men’s scale. Women should subtract 1.5 sizes from their women’s size. Example: Women’s 8.0 equals size 6.5 for this shoe

Weight: 6.7 oz. (size 9)

Model Number: G12956 for adiZero running shoes

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The Kilkenny is so-named in recognition of the enthusiasm of cross country runners in Ireland, where the sport is extremely popular. The XC3 has a slipper-like quality that results from its snug fit and low profile.  One nice feature is the suede interior, which adds extra comfort and even lets you race without socks.

Kilkenny XC 3 running spikes are fast cross country running shoes with sufficient cushioning for distances up to 10K. The runner has the ability to swap out spikes, giving the ability to match the shoes to the particular race conditions. It comes in both spike and spikeless (flat) versions, with models for men and women.

The upper is a blend of breathable closed mesh with minimal overlays. The midsole, made from  low-profile, responsive CM-EVA, remains unchanged from the XC2, as do the efficient lugs on the outersole. The updated Kilkenny continues to deliver quality performance and remains an excellent racing shoe for all types of cross country courses.

The Kilkenny XC3 has been DISCONTINUED as of June 2011. It was released in June 2009.

Related Shoes

• Saucony Kilkenny XC4 (newer model)
• Saucony Kilkenny XC2 (previous model)

Colors Available

• Black / Silver / Red — (Both men and women)
• White / Green / Gold — (men)
• White / Pink — (women)
• Lime Green — (women)

Women’s Models

Check out the Women’s Kilkenny XC3 at Road Runner Sports and Foot Locker. (click on a picture below)

Cushioning

• For reduced weight,  this shoe contains no extra cushioning technologies.

Midsole

• CMEVA is a full length, industry standard foam designed for lightweight durability.

Upper

• Synthetic Overlays are intended to keep the upper snug to the foot.
• Open Mesh covers the entire upper and is a breathable lightweight fabric.
• Slip Lasting involves wrapping and stitching the upper in a bootie-like shape before it is glued to the midsole to increase flexibility and decrease weight.

Men’s Models

Check out the Men’s Kilkenny XC3 at Foot Locker. (click on a picture below)

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Outsole

• Rubber spike plate is constructed for traction and flexibility.
• Contains 6 spike receptacles.
• Includes twelve 5/16″ pyramid spikes and a spike wrench.
• XT-600 is located throughout the outsole and is a carbon rubber material that increases traction without sacrificing durability.

How It Fits

• Sizing: Fits small; purchase 1/2 size larger than standard running shoe size
• Width D=Medium
• Heel: MediumMidfoot: Medium to full volume Forefoot: Medium
• Toe-Box height: Low
• Arch height: Medium-low

Weight: 6.5 oz (size 9)

Model Number: 20047

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