3. TPU Support Cage
The TPU support cage (or frame) was inspired by the Energy Boost, which I hold pretty high on my short list of possible best runners I’ve ever worn. Aside from their inspiration, it should keep the foot locked into place very nicely. This means the Springblade Drive is built for running, with explosive speed, as well as training. Certain features, such as this support cage, will contain lateral movements; such movements are typically absent while running, as it tends to be a linear sport and not a lateral sport. Are they trainers? Are they runners? Maybe both. But multifunctional footwear is never frowned upon, that’s for sure.
I wonder what else is on the list
I had the 1st gen runner versions of the Springblade, they were pretty damn good running shoes, except for a few things.
1. They click and clack very noisily on hard surfaces and when going up stairs, its just kind of annoying but thats about it.
2. The Springblade tech on my right shoe split right at the midfoot, so the blades kind of flopped around and so i stopped running in them after that.
The midfoot area in these looks a little different from mine, but i dont know if that will stop them from tearing in half after only about a month’s use.
The Springblade’s themselves, honestly didnt feel that much more comfortable than a foam, zoom, or Gel like in Asics. Not worth the price IMO, but these trainers could be different, we’ll see
really glad to hear more insights from actual users. too many people castigating the shoe just because kickgenius didn’t warm up to the pair. Counterkicks gave these a meh for roadwork but excellent scores for speedwork.
the midfoot split reminds me of my mizuno enigmas
The problem with the Springblade is that the physics are wrong. Sure the blades are going to go back to their original position and propel you UP slightly but the physics are wrong for them to send you FORWARD. Its kind of hard to explain, but KickGenius’s video explains it better, but basically there would have be another part where instead of being a \ there would have to be a >.
Brian from Counterkicks and an runner friend of mine confirm the springblade as great for speedwork and on track days.
My friend says when performed with a proper runner’s lean and pancake flat midfoot or forefoot strike these work for speeddays. No problem with the “upward ” angle KG pointed up aince you are leaning on your ankles. In fact he didnt notice thia issue at all. But he prefers the boost adios for superior feedback.
http://counterkicks.com/2013/07/review-adidas-springblade/
Here, read the cushioning section, he even highlighted the difference in heel and forefoot cushioning. Forefoot being firm and the heel softer. No other reviewer gave it a thorough real world review as Brian.
I wouldn’t really trust anything KickGenius says. Their videos are riddled with incorrect logic and a bad understanding of physics and science. Appreciate the effort, but they usually do more harm than good.
http://counterkicks.com/2013/07/review-adidas-springblade/
Here he even pointed out the forefoot midfoot difference in cushioning firmness. Imo couterkicks gave the most thorough review since he was a competitive runner in his youth and an active runner now he runs everyday.
Is the colorway in the pic above out yet? I don’t see those anywhere online