Canadian Running – September-October 2019

The Sonic RA PRO 2 is one of the most dynamic
shoes you’ll find for 2019, which says a lot from a
company known more for its trail-running offerings.
The PRO 2 combines ample speed and reasonable
protection in a lightweight offering. The RA Pro 2 is
a fantastic option for speed and tempo runs in your
build-up to a half or full marathon. The Pro 2 also
includes a highly breathable and malleable mesh
upper that forms comfortably to the contours of your
midfoot through to the forefoot.
Although we found the RA PRO stood up over
weeks of testing, you may want to stick with a shoe
that provides more support and cushioning when it
comes to your long runs.

Light, bouncy and responsive,

the Floatride Energy is also

surprisingly affordable, and a

great shoe for speed, tempo

workouts and race day.

Neutral heel strikers who like

a little more cushion under the

heel will like the Floatride Energy

that also comes with a high heel

collar, tongue and laces that

come right up to the ankle and a

3D-molded plastic heel cup for

solid all-around support.

The shoe’s generous toe box

might leave you feeling like you

should go down a half-size, but

don’t be tempted – once you start

running you’ll find you’ll need the

extra room as the mileage piles up

and the shoe forms to your foot.

Developed at Asics’ Institute of Sport Science

in Japan, the MetaRide comes wrapped in

a bold design and offers distance runners

comfort and outstanding energy return over

heavy mileage with zero drop from heel to toe.

Asics designed the MetaRide to limit

movement in the ankle joint where runners

expend a lot of energy, and provides a

secure grip in the heel collar and counter

towards the back of the shoe. Metaride’s

midsole contains a thick layer of cushioning,

which led to soft landings during a recent

37K test run on an asphalt surface. The

curved outsole, designed to shift your

body weight forward for added propulsion,

provides the shoe’s ample built-in speed.

In terms of aesthetics, it’s the Metaride’s

thick midsole that’s most likely to catch

runners’ eyes on first glance, which

separates from the outsole towards the

middle and at the back of the shoe, providing

additional spring in a progressive look.

All told, we’re big fans of Asics’

MetaRide which gets high marks for

energy return, efficiency and comfort

for your next marathon PB.

Reebok

Forever Floatride Energy

Men’s: 247 g (8.7 oz.)

Women’s: 207 g (7.3 oz.)

Drop ratio: 10 mm

$130

EDITOR’S PICK

Best Training Shoe

Men’s: 220 g (7.7 oz.)

Women’s: 209 g (7.4 oz.)

Drop ratio: 6 mm

$170

ASICS

MetaRide

Men’s: 301 g (10.6 oz.)

Women’s: 249 g (8.8 oz.)

Drop ratio: 0

$300

ASICS Metaride

REEBOK Forever Floatride Energy

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FALL 2019
PERFORMANCE
Salomon
Sonic RA PRO 2
66 Canadian Running September & October 2019, Volume 12, Issue 6
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gear
fall shoe guide