1. ABZORB provides a superior blend of cushioning and compression set features with Dupont Engage and Isoprene rubber for the ultimate ride
2. Carbon rubber outsole

Customer Review :

Best Running Shoe

This is the best shoe I have weared, doesn't matter you are running, walking or jumping, this is the best comfortable shoe to wear.

Rating :

The Best Running Shoe I Have EVER Owned!

I have used New Balance running shoes in the past and have found that all of their shoes are easily five star shoes. Switching between ASICS and NB I can finally say that the 993 is the absolute best running shoe I have ever purchased hands down. I was skeptical before buying based on all of the near perfect reviews thinking that it was too good to be true but I can say that the 993 is worth all the praise it gets here on Amazon. The shoe feels great from the moment I tried it on. I suffer from plantar fasciitis and these shoes are the best cure so far. Also the fact that the NB 993 is made in the USA really makes me feel good that I have supported a great American made product that easily outweighs the foreign made competition. Buy the NB 993 if you are looking for the best running shoe that money can buy!

Rating :

Unwearable, and I loved my 991

I'll start by saying that the 991 was the most comfortable shoe I'd ever worn. Based on that experience I decided to go for the 993. Big mistake. I first noticed that the arch seemed low, which was a little uncomfortable but I figured I just needed to break them in. Well, after developing shin splints from a day of walking in them, I looked side by side at the insides of both the 991 and 993, discovering a significant change in the shape of the footbed(not just in the materials, which is what the company claims.) I've decided that these shoes are unwearable. Still longing for the feel of my 991, I tried on various New Balance shoes. They all seem to have this new shape with a very low arch that graciously invites all sorts of injuries and pains.

You might think that this is just me, but about a year ago, a friend who was wearing the 993 noticed my 991 and said that he wished he still had his 991, that the newer shoe really sucked. I wish I'd listened to him. In the meantime, my search for a good all around sneaker continues...

Rating :

Sqeaky New Balance?

I've worn New Balance athletic shoes almost exclusively for 25 years+, and based on this pair, I think my worst fears are starting to be realized. When they started to make their cheaper shoes overseas (China of course), I traded emails with one of their executives about how disappointed I was, but all he would do was point out that that still made some in the USA. That was probably 8 years ago or more. Over time, of course the trend continued, but I kept buying the more expensive pairs made in the USA, because they just fit so well. As many reviewers here have pointed out, the 99x series especially were always the best, most comfortable, most durable running shoes imaginable. Well I've had these 993's for 10 months now, and prefer a 5-year old pair of much lower priced NBs to these because they have never been comfortable, they've ALWAYS squeaked loudly, and they just seem more cheaply built. Other reviewers have noted the narrower tow, and I think that's the case as well. I had hoped they would break in over time, but enough is enough. If the top line USA-made shoes are going to be just as poorly made as the cheap China versions, I believe New Balance will be losing their best customers.

Rating :

Delivers

I picked up these shoes to replace an old pair of Adidas runners... first thing I noticed was the price. After that I noticed the weight. Then I noticed the mediocre styling. But then I took them out for a run, and they were great. I'm a bigger dude at about 205lbs. The shoes provide plenty of support and cushion for pounding the pavement. I also own a pair of The North Face Fire Road runners, and the comfort level of the NB993's didn't quite match TNFFR out of the box. The stiffness and support on the NB993 is enough that I think you could take it running down some light to moderate trails without any problems. The weight of the shoes means you don't feel light on your feet on trails where footwork counts, and of course lots of rock will shred the foam. Construction seems better on the NB993 than my old Adidas or TNFFR shoes, and I think long term durability will be acceptable. NB993's are true to size as far as I can tell. The look of the shoe is such that I wouldn't feel weird throwing a pair of jeans on with them.

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1. Imported

Customer Review :

Painful, and not in a good way

These shoes are heavy and not very comfortable. It feels like I hit the ground too hard when I walk. The back digs into my Achilles tendon and hurts. After a short walk all my toes become numb and start aching on both feet. This pain doesn't stop until I take the shoes off. I am already fit, so I did not notice any extra toning. I wear these all the time because I just moved overseas and all the rest of my shoes are being shipped. I bought them for the move thinking I would travel in comfort. I was wrong. :( I also have knee pain that these shoes did not relieve. I actually had to buy extra insoles to lift my foot over the back part of my ankle where the shoe digs in, and to get some cushioning because there is very little under the heel. The sole is squishy, but the inside of the shoe is hard as a rock. I bought mine on sale for $85, and still think I paid too much. They are more of a pain than they are worth. Also, one shoe is entirely lower than the other. Shocking! They are both marked the same size, but the left has a lower sole and is quite a bit lower in the upper part around the ankle, how they passes quality control, I'll never know. I think they are just horrible.

Rating :

Poor Service

If you have any trouble with these shoes Sketchers will not stand behind their product. You will not be easily supported nor will you get a replacement/coupon/reimbursement for or towards another pair of shoes. I had a pair of sketchers that started falling apart after a week. The store would not take the worn shoes back and told me to contact Sketchers. So I did, and sent along pictures for their inspection. I was told that I would have to ship them in at my cost, with delivery confirmation because they are not responsible for packages and they would deem them to either be intentionally damaged or a manufacturing defect. Their Customer service reps are rude, and short and offered me no other options.

Rating :

skeptical with arthritis, back and lower extremity issues.

I am a 36 year old SAHschoolingM of 3 little ones 7 and under and have had back problems, pain and lower extremity pain since I was very small due to JRA and now Fibromyalgia. I don't have weight issues, my weight is in a healthy range, though a loss of 5lb. would not be unwelcome. I am not as active as I was when I was younger and I would like to change that, but I have many bad days and it's hard to be fit when you feel bad. I pretty much only wear Dansko's and Birkenstocks if I want to eliminate daily debilitating pain, and even then some days I just can't function normally.
I want some shoes to wear when I am being more athletic with my family. I haven't really found any in the past that support me like my Dansko's and Birks and allow me to be relatively pain free all day.
I am trying out these shoes due to other customer rave reviews and will come back and update once I've worn them a bit.
I purchased these today and wore them as I did house work and errands for several hours until they started to be uncomfortable. They took a bit of getting used to, Dansko's however have a rocker sole so that wasn't the worst of it. I found that when I walked and was standing still there was more "play" in my ankles and I had to use more muscles to stand still. Overall they were comfortable and I am looking forward to getting used to them.
After taking them off I can definitely feel muscle fatigue like I just completed a workout. It isn't a bad feeling though.
The sales person where I purchased them has been selling shoes for over 30 years, and himself suffered with back and knee pain. He reported wearing these daily for 3 months, with no breakdown, and relief of his issues once he completed the break in period. I am skeptical because he is after all a sales man. But hopeful because I need some athletic shoes that don't make me have worse problems than I already have.
eta 7/28/10
After over a week of wearing these on and off, I cannot say that they are as comfortable or supportive as my Dansko clogs or Birkenstocks, but they haven't created any new problems, and for me that is very good. They are working out for me better than many other athletic style shoes I have bought in the past. I replaced the insole with a Dr. Scholls back relief insole the first day. I haven't noticed any loss of weight or increased muscle tone, though the soreness I experience when I first got them has waned, as did the jelly leg feeling so I would assume that I am toning something and gaining more muscle control.
I have the tan version with white sole. I treated them with silicone stain spray before wearing and after 9 days of camping they still look surprisingly new. A little damp towel on the white parts and a nubuck brush on the uppers was all it took to freshen them up.

Rating :

Not for me, but maybe for you.

I read a lot of mixed reviews prior to purchasing these shoes. Some people said they were great and some said they bothered old knee, ankle, foot injuries. Unfortunately, I experienced the latter.

In spite of my bad experience with these shoes, I do believe other people when they say they've experienced the opposite and had relief from injuries while wearing them. I can imagine the heels of these shoes would be a welcome relief to people who stand on their feet all day and wind up with painful, sore heels.

I could not continue to wear them, though, because they were causing my knee to hyper-extend. I'd recommend to others to try them on in-store and wait another day after that before purchasing. I was in quite a lot of knee pain the following morning after wearing them in the house for only a few minutes. If I'd done what I'm recommending, I could have saved myself the trouble of returning them.

Rating :

knee pain

I wore them for two months. The cushioning feels fabulous on the feet, especially with high arches. After two months of wearing them continuously at work and exercise, I developed increasingly intolerable pain in an old skiing injured knee (hadnt bothered me for 23 years). After stopping them, the swelling and pain have back down to normal. What do orthopedic docs say about these?

Rating :

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1. High abrasion synthetic and air mesh upper
2. Durable pull cord for one-pull adjustment
3. Microban zinc based anti-microbial protection
4. Padded heel
5. Perfect compromise between a hiking sandal and shoe.

Customer Review :

awsome

these are an awsome pair of sandls great for sand water or just sporting around.

Rating :

Runs small...

Like others have said, these run small. I would have given them a 5 star review, except for the hassle of having to get a half size larger.

Hopefully, if enough people make mention of the size problem, it will be corrected either by the factory, or at least mentioned in the product description.

I'm otherwise very pleased with the shoes.

Rating :

Teva Sandals

Comfortable, reasonable price, time will reveal how durable they are.
Rapid shipping and adequately boxed.

Rating :

Great sandals

These sandals are great -- cool on the feet, comfortable, easy to clean, and a covered toe.

Rating :

Great Stuff

I find I wear these almost all the time.
Took them fishing and they are as advertised.
In and out of the water these are maybe the best shoe I have every owned.
I buy the cheapest shoe I can just because, but these are worth every red cent and a good price anyhow.
I will be buying this shoe again. I will probably buy a few over time just to have backups and get them before I can no longer find them.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. adiPRENE insert in heel for comfort and shock absorption
2. adiWEAR outsole for best durability in high-wear areas

Customer Review :

Not worth the money, time, or anything!

I purchased these trail running shoes as I am in Iraq, and we have nothing but dirt, rocks, mud, etc to walk/run on. While the tread is great (there is your one star) the shoe offers no support. Your feet will stay cool, but be all over the place.

I take my running seriously, as I am graded on how fast I run. This affects my promotion, and favor with my command. With that thought, I am always in the market for the best for my FLAT feet. I thought that these shoes would be the ones to keep me training, and not wearing out shoe after shoe, but I was let down. The best shoe on the market (many Soldiers over here use them) are Solomons. You can serch them out for yourself.

Pro's: Keeps your feet cool, (I'm in Iraq, and they are not bad after running in the evenings). Great tough tread, very thick offering plenty of traction on the dirt and rocks.

Con's: had to return them as they dont fit my normal size...had to reorder a whole size larger. Tight fitting still. The shoe puts your foot at an "outward" pointing angle (feels like half the outside of my foot is falling off). The shoe wants to slip off once I take off in a sprint (I run 2 miles in 12:00 minutes). The sole is MAYBE 1/8th of an inch thick, and is glued in, so even when I bought some great soles, they had to be placed over the existing sole.

Overall, great try Mr. Adidas, but this shoe is not for the average runner, especially a runner whos promotion, career and even life could depend on them.

SSG Sims, J.
Via Iraq.

Rating :

love them!

I just have to say that I love adidas running shoes, specially this ones! I do not buy running shoes if they're not adidas.

Rating :

Too small

If you are going to buy this on-line order 1/2 a size bigger than you usually wear.

Rating :

POOR QUALITY

The quality of the shoe is misleading for an Addidas product. I have been wearing Addidas shoes for over 40 years and was suprised at how the company is ignoring the quality that was originally associated with the brand.

Rating :

Weird sizing

I've been a size 12 in every shoe I've owned for the past 15+ years. I tried these on in 12's and my toe was about to pop through the front. So then I tried them in 12.5 and they fit just like the 12's. I then figured that 13's would be the way to go so I ordered a pair. With the 13's, I had about 3/4" of space in front of my toe and the sides of the shoe were too tight around the sides of my toes. I'm not sure what's up with these shoes or Adidas, but I gave up on both and am going with a pair of Asics.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. This GPS-enabled sport watch tracks your training, then wirelessly sends your data to your computer
2. The ultimate in training technology, its sleek design features a touch bezel that lets you quickly s
3. Its unique design gives the GPS antenna a better view of the sky, so it can get a stronger signal du
4. And its high-sensitivity GPS receiver provides improved tracking under trees and near tall buildings
5. Also includes the wireless heart rate monitor

Editorial Review :

This GPS-enabled sport watch tracks your training, then wirelessly sends your data to your computer. The ultimate in training technology, its sleek design features a touch bezel that lets you quickly scroll and select features on the run. Its unique desig

Customer Review :

Takes a little getting used to but I love it

I had the old Garmin 201 which I liked but had a few issues with. It completely died so I thought I would catch up with technology & got the 405CX. I read a lot of the reviews & was concerned with a few things but decided to go for it.

The only problems I've really experienced so far are: 1) just getting used to how to find where things are & using the touch bezel- I would recommend locking it most of the time, 2) it takes longer than I expected to charge up (compared to a cell phone or ipod) & the charge depletes quickly & 3) even if you turn the GPS "off" it seems to turn itself back on, which is a major issue for me as I travel for work and if the GPS is constantly tracking itself & looking for signal the battery won't last more than a day. On that last point I am working on to see if the GPS stays in"off" --I'm still learning with this whole thing

But on the points I like (especially compared to my ancient Garmin: 1) the accuracy is incredible! When you upload to the website & follow your route on the map you can see where you stepped to one side of the sidewalk when your dog sniffed a tree! 2) the wireless data transfer is SO quick & easy, and I have a Mac and have not run into any issues with that at all, 3) it's very comfortable- it came with a smaller velcro wristband but I'm using the plastic one which is a little big for a female but still comfortable, 4) quick satellite detection -- one problem I had with my old 201 was it took FOREVER to find enough satellites & if I ran somewhere with lots of big trees or buildings it would lose signal and sometimes tell me I was running a 15 min. mile which I know I'm not. The 405 seems to be much more reliable on that front although for the first time today, in the month I've had it, it seemed to have problems with my speed. I have it set to auto pause at 14:00 min. pace and it kept pausing when I know I wasn't going that slow, but every other time I've used it the times seemed very accurate.

The heart rate monitor that comes with it seems to work well although I haven't figured out how to use it best for training yet. And I love the Garmin website to look at my runs & track my info. It's easy to use & fun to look at your progress.
On the whole I really am thrilled with the 405 & think most of my issues just come from me needing learning how to use it better.

Rating :

Unreliable software/firmware

I bought the Garmin 405CX back in june. Unfortunately the product is very unreliable.

Shortly after trying out the accompanying software for Mac, I got my first Kernel panics, which basically means you loose everything you are currently working on. Apparently I am not the only one with this problem. Friends and family has experienced the same, and a quick google reveals that many users are experiencing this.

The firmware on the watch itself is also having problems, causing the watch to sometimes just freeze, requiring a hard reset and re-sync with the computer.

Even though I like the product and what it does, I can not currently recommend this to others with the current software flaws.

Hopefully Garmin will be eventually fix this issue, but considering I can find references to the kernel panic as far back as february 2009, I do not have high hopes.

This is really a shame, as all my previous Garmin GPS products have worked flawlessly.

Rating :

Buy a 305 instead

I bought one of these to replace my old 305 which was stolen, and that in turn was a replacement for my original 205. The 205 and the 305 were brilliant devices that worked very intuitively and I was expecting the same standard with the 405.

But no. Unlike its predecessors, the 405 is annoying, hard to use and buggy.

These are my main gripes:

1. There is no "off" button.

Seriously, you cannot turn it off. So if you go for a run then toss it in the drawer the battery will go flat. The only solutions are to leave it on the charger, or plan your exercise long enough in advance to give this time to charge.

2. The screen is too small.

When I run I like to know my distance, time, speed and average speed. The 305, with 4 data fields, was fine for this. The 405 has only got 3 data fields of which only one is big enough to read on the go, which is not enough because;

3. The controls are completely useless.

The touch bezel is incredibly frustrating to use even when you're sitting on the couch. Trying to use it while running is like trying to thread a needle while running. The only way to manage it is to set the screen before you go and then don't touch it. So no scrolling through data fields on the go (and auto-scroll means you have to wait for ages to fleetingly see the data you are looking for). I've also heard that wet fabric will trigger the bezel if it comes in contact. I don't run in long sleeves but if you do it's one more thing to be wary of.

4. The backlight only stays on for 30 seconds. If you run at night or in the mornings with such a small screen you cannot read the display without the light. Turning it on requires touching the bezel which means you're just as likely to stop the clock or turn off the GPS as succesfully turn on the backlight. Doing that every 30 seconds is not practical or fun.

5. The speed readout does not seem to be accurate. Sometimes when I speed up I look at the screen and it says I've slowed down, and vice versa. It usually corrects after a minute or so but that never happened with the 305.

This is one of those rare situations where you can get a much superior product for a much lower price by just getting a 305 instead.

Hopefully the next generation will be better.


Rating :

Bye bye Polar RS800CX

I've been using the Polar RS800CX for about 9 months. I've been extremely frustrated with the red button not working issue and the problematic foot pod. So, I decided to give the Garmin 405cx a spin.

I could go into a huge review of pro's and con's but to sum this up, the Garmin beats the Polar HANDS DOWN!

Yes, the Garmin software is not as robust and the Garmin has a few less features but the Garmin is MUCH more intuitive and the ease of use just speaks for itself.

The most important thing is this, when I press the button on the Garmin I know it's going to work. I can't tell you how many times I lost my workout data because the Polar RS800CX button did not work. I always had to press the button 3-5 times before it would register.

I really like to routes feature on the Garmin.

Okay, I could go on and on about how much more pleased I am with the 405cx. But the only thing right now is I would have liked a little longer battery life. Having said that, I'm sure the watch would have been larger so I think this evens out.

If you are a serious runner, biker or inline skater you will like this HRM.

Rating :

Excelente

Estupendo Producto, deacuerdo a lo esperado, buena calidad... el unico detalle es que la bateria dura muy poco.

Rating :

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