Most of the commute run is on paved ground. While I really love zero-drop shoes I do not buy into this minimalism fad. Though some aspects are really interesting and may change the industry for good a little bit I do not believe that we evolved to run on paved surfaces. Especially when you carry a heavy backpack.
Before I used the Flow regularly I had Saucony's Cortana for these runs. But I must say I don't like Saucony's cushioning. Too squishy. Not very lasting. I also hated running in the Kinvaras (apart from their excessive lateral wear that really put me off).
Overall impression
Great shoe for forefoot/midfoot strikers on paved surfaces that don't want to sacrifice comfort.
Test conditions
- urban environment, paved surfaces, all weather conditions, runs up to 1 hr
- size: 10 US, 44 EU, 9 UK, 28 cm [my long foot measures 27 cm]
- I'm a natural forefoot/midfoot striker [since ever and not just since it is trendy. Running up a mountain with your heels is quite difficult.]
- added a 2 mm Noene under the insole. However, I cut the Noene half way to level the 4 mm drop of the shoe a little bit.
Positives
- fairly flat with only 4 mm of drop (though I'd like to see them with 0 mm)
- very good cushioning; quite firm but still very comfortable
- great fit; though slightly narrow in the beginning these get wider by time
- my wife is more a heel/midfoot stiker. This "ideal heel" really makes her land more in a midfoot position. Previously she tried the Cortana. Even I notice that. However, I'd say if it came with 0 mm drop there probably would be no need for such a feature.
Negatives
- not available with 0 mm zero drop
- after 350 km the cushioning deteriorates noticeably. Given the price tag in Eurpe those should hold up longer
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