The Blog Of Eric Herdman

Laced Up And Ready To Go Run

We test all of the shoes that come into the store so we know how they “work.”  We test them on the treadmill with our HD video system, measure degrees of pronation, over/under pronation and run them through 5-6 other secret tests to determine what we really have on our shelves.  More important to you is the knowledge about the shoe so we can get/put you in the right shoe for you.

So when the Pearl Izumi (PI) Fuel showed up I was stoked.  I was excited about the shoe when I did the buying some 9 months ago and was waiting its arrival.  I grabbed a pair and headed to my shoe lab.

The facts…

• 10.2 ounces men’s size 10 (my test pair was a 11)
• Runs a tad small.  However , not everyone will notice this!
• Soft enough for a neutral runner
• Stable for slight to a bit more overpronation.  We can test this so you can be 100% sure at RRRC (stability provided by a medial side slice of Syncro Frame)
• Plenty of mid-sole under foot with SKYDEX in the strike zone and forefoot.  Mid-sole thicker than most shoes in this category.
• Mid foot wrap is the best I have felt in years from them
• Drop 25/12mm
• Arch height okay for medium to high arch foot
• Seamless (PI is the best at this) upper

The Treadmill Test

I normally overpronate 10-20 degrees.  This shoe held me to a comfortable and “normal” 7-10 degrees.  My slightly forward of normal initial impact zone was soft and quiet on the TRUE treadmill.  My mid-transition plant was made with the whole sole making contact with the surface and I left the ground over the first and second metatarsals (as normal).  Upon replay I measured the degrees of pronation and noted any (there was none) shoe upper sag of bagging.  This is a well fitting shoe.

The Road Test

I took the Fuels out for a quick 4 miler around Henderson and along the wash.  The first thing I noticed is that the shoe weighs only 10.2 ounces the second thing I noticed was that the shoe felt like a plush full on training shoe (Good thing, some lighter weight shoes can beat the crap out of you).  I placed orange duct tape on the bottom to see the exact wear pattern and as expected it was normal for me.  This is important because some shoes can be to controlling and some can let the foot flip and slide all over the place during the initial strike to toe off.  Other things to note but not exact or scientific.  This shoe felt fast and yet protective.  Downhills were comfortable.  Traction was solid and sure.

Final thoughts

This is a go to shoe for someone wanting a trainer that is flexible in the mid-foot forward.  Protective  from back to front.  Wants or need a lighter weight shoe.  Yes, this shoe is perfect for an everyday trainer for the right body type, efficiency style and training mode.  Please stop in  the store and we will help you take a look at the shoe and go over these considerations.  Finally, you can go long and fast in this shoe!  Pearl Izumi has another winner on the shelves AGAIN!

Light weight blown rubber, carbon and a very grippy out-sole

Medial side:  SYNCRO FRAME = Stability

Way flashy red laces, great mid-foot fit and vented toe box.

Visit Red Rock Running Company at 7350 W. Cheyenne. Las Vegas, Nevada 89129 for a shoe fitting and treadmill video test