Nike Dual Fusion TR-II

The Nike Dual Fusion TR II is a great entry-level shoe for the budding running enthusiast. While by no means a pure running pair, the TR II is light enough to be comfortable even after 12 kilometers yet sturdy enough to handle different surfaces and remain stable.

Nike Dual Fusion TR-II

Cushioning

The TR II features a higher ride on the heel than on the forefoot, a feature common among many trainers. The cushioning is quite soft, providing comfort and safety especially since I was a heel-striker when I first acquired this pair. The transition to mid-foot running was smooth with this shoe, and there was no significant ‘thud’ when hitting the ground.

Stability

I have an injured ankle, so a pair with good stability is a must. This pair is alright for the most part, but I have experienced that on occasion – especially on unstable surfaces like gravel – it does not quite prevent my feet from ‘rolling’ outwards. However, for the weekend warrior who spends most of training and/or running sessions on the blacktop or the treadmill, this shoe is perfectly fine.

Aesthetics

Nike will always be producing handsome-looking kicks, and I appreciate the simple but functional design of the TR II. The pair comes with oval laces, which hold a knot quite securely; I have never experienced laces coming undone during a run. The tongue lays nicely flat top of the foot without excess material chafing the ankle. Also, the trademark triangular arch support on the TR II provides the necessary visual detail, in my opinion. It would have been preferable to have the ‘NIKE’ logo at the back of the shoe printed using reflective material instead of matte paint. Still, it is quite a good-looking pair.

Price

For under PHP 3,500, this is one of the better pairs out there on the market. Most specialty running shoe brands that carry everyday trainers still sell those trainers at comparatively steep prices, sometimes hitting the PHP 5,000 mark. For the price, the TR II is definitely a pair of kicks that can only be described as bang for the buck. You get a well-cushioned, comfortable pair that is versatile enough for indoor cardio sessions as well as 10k road races.

The Verdict

Well-cushioned, good-looking pair of shoes for a beginner runner that is affordable and durable. More experienced runners will require something better, but for anyone who runs less than 30 kilometers a week, this pair is well-worth the money. 

Image from MRR Sports, retrieved on March 2, 2012.

TOMS Shoes - Desert Botas

TOMS International just recently launched their Summer Collection in a press release which I was fortunate enough to be a part of, covering the event for When In Manila. Quite a pleasant surprise after when TOMS gave each of the three bloggers who attended a pair of shoes. Mine was a pair of TOMS Desert Botas.

For every pair you buy, TOMS gives one to a child in need. Truth.

The pair was TOMS take on the classic desert boot, that rugged and versatile footwear used by many military men in desert countries. I was given the dark brown pair.

Aesthetics

From the get-go, the boots (or as TOMS likes to call it, the 'botas') definitely look pretty rugged, albeit with a much thinner sole, giving it a sleek but utilitarian look. It's a simple pair, and it went perfect with a pair of jeans. My favorite detail about it though is the houndstooth detail on the inner lining. I thought that was classy.

Comfort

Since I wore the shoes to work today, I was expecting it to be a tad bit more comfortable than my regular leather shoes. I was wrong; it was WAY more comfortable, to a fault. This pair has a low ride on the heel (unlike most shoes) so it felt weird at first, but after about half an hour, they felt really good. The canvas upper was light and there was no restrictive feeling whatsoever in the toe-box. However, since I wasn't a fan of mid- to high-cut shoes, I had a little bit of discomfort from the edges of the botas rubbing against my ankle. Thankfully - and a great feature, may I add - the edges can be folded down solving the chafing problem in seconds, though this gave the shoes a much more casual look.

Cushioning

I dance and run, and it has become second nature to feel how much support a pair of shoes gave my feet. Even though the TOMS botas had a low ride, they felt well-cushioned enough for a serious amount of wear-time; in fact, they felt very comfortable even after work and walking along Jupiter Street, Makati earlier. The flat sole is something I personally like as well, though I don't suggest stepping on wet tile floors. The tread of this pair isn't designed to handle smooth and slick surfaces.

Oh yeah.

All in all, I love the pair, and they look awesome with your favorite jeans. Good enough for a casual workday or a weekend out, in my opinion. Also, it's interesting to note that TOMS International is serious on social responsibility; in fact, the TOMS One for One program gives a child in need a pair of shoes for every pair that you buy.

For more information on the TOMS Summer Collection Press Release, read my article on When In Manila.

How's that for a bargain.

Check out TOMS website for more items.

TOMS International - Manila Stores

A comprehensive list of TOMS retailers in Metro Manila.

Updated as of March 2012.