Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) servicemen can now choose
between Adidas and Zoot for their running shoes. Journalist Koh Eng
Beng tests out the new foot gear.
When news of the new running shoes was out, I was more curious
about the Zoot sneakers. Unlike Adidas, the American endurance
sports brand is little known in Singapore. I tested out both pairs
in 4km runs and 200m short sprints at the scenic Southern Ridges
near my office.
The Zoot Energy shoes have an incredible level of cushioning; I
could feel the "bounce" in every stride that I took. Comfort is
premium as the inside of the shoes and its insoles are lined with
silky smooth, dri-fit fabric. I could even run comfortably without
wearing socks as the lining helps to prevent blisters by reducing
friction and wicking away moisture.
If you have flat feet, these are the shoes for you. Designed for
runners with low-to-neutral arch, their stiff mid-sole and strong
heel counter lock your foot in and keep it from rolling inward
excessively. This awkward movement is known as
over-pronation.
Your foot arch is a natural shock absorbent system, and without it
the impact will be transferred to the rest of the leg.
The Adidas Duramo, on the other hand, does not have that "foamy"
feel of the Zoot Energy. With less cushioning, it is a tad lighter
at 288g compared with the Zoot's 314g.
The Adidas shoes provide a good balance of cushion, stability and
support for runners with neutral-to-high arched feet. Most runners
fall into this category.
My feet felt well-supported whether I was doing sprints or long
distances. The little bump in the mid foot area fitted snugly
around the arch of my foot. I liked the feeling of having such firm
support under my feet.
Runners with high arched feet will love the German brand shoes.
They have softer and more flexible midsoles that do not inhibit the
natural rolling of the feet.
Verdict
As I have neutral arched feet, I can wear both pairs of shoes. I
found the Adidas Duramo more form-fitting for my feet, and a better
balance of comfort and support. But for long-distance runs like a
marathon, I would prefer the Zoot Energy which provides more
cushioning.
Honestly, the technical features do not matter to me as much as
their looks. Like most Operationally Ready National Servicemen, I
am a recreational runner. We might be slow, but we must always look
stylo! I like the Zoot Energy's combination of bright blue, silver
and yellow. While the minimalist blue and white Adidas Duramo may
not be a head-turner, the more you look at its famous three-stripe
logo, the more it'll grow on you.
At $39.49 for the Adidas Duramo and $43.96 for the Zoot Energy,
these performance sneakers are value for money. If you’re using SAF
eMart credits to buy, they are as good as free. Grab yours at the
eMarts now!
