New shoe - Adidas Adizero Rocket - the cat approves

Adidas the Cat is looking for sponsorhip (runs a couch in .2 sec)

The Adizero Pro has been my trusty racing flat for the last 1 1/2 yrs. The yellow and black has been my goto shoe for training. Last spring '10 I picked up a blue pair a month before heading up to Leadville for my first marathon. The tread won't last long, but a new pair actually has pretty good grip. These are some of the most flexible shoes you'll find and you're sure to have a good feel for the ground if you like minimalist running. I still prefer the black ones as my blue pair have vinyl material around the heal; though, I still wear those without socks. 


I've only had my Adizero Rockets for a few days so have only knocked a few miles out in them. But, so far I like them. They seem to fit similar to the Pro but more cushioning on the forefoot. The sole is more like tire tread in the Rocket and ground contact through the stride is similarly evenly distributed as the Pro. Although the Rocket is less flexible and therefore less ground feel, the heal to toe drop seems less by a millimeter or two; I think the Rocket fits in with other 4mm drop shoes.

Adezero Rocket

I hope to be doing longer training runs than a few miles in the near future so the extra cushioning in the front is a welcome trade off. I had no problems in the Leadville Marathon last July in the Pro, but did the Falls run in Padernales State Park last August, got dehydrated, and at mile 15 had to walk the last 3 miles with bruised and cramping feet - a little more protection and cushioning on the rougher terrain wouldn't hurt. 


One more thing I found that's really cool about the Adizero Rocket is the swoosh that extends from the tongue across to the big toe. It's functional; in that when you loosen the the laces at the forefoot it allows the foot to span. Even though these shoes are fairly narrow, I find this feature gives them some breathing room. Also, I have a 12 1/2 in the Pro and got a 12 in the Rocket; the Rocket may be an 1/4 of a size smaller if that. 

 

The Saucony Grid Type A4 is another shoe I was considering and may get a pair this fall if training goes well this summer. I like how it contacts the ground evenly; and it may be a little more flexible and softer than the Rocket and slips snuggly between it and the Pro. The only significant difference in fit structure I noticed was the soft cushion on the sides of the heel and I doubt they would bother me like the way Puma's cup the heel and press against my achilles.