QUICK KICKS
Written by: Jillian Richstone
Donned in neon and on the hunt for their next pair of running, walking, or everyday support shoes, community members flocked to the parking lot of the Charlotte Running Company Lake Norman location on Saturday, August 29, for a massive multi-brand demo event featuring all the top brands.
The Red Bull truck was pumping out jams, a coffee truck was on site, and there were raffles, discounts, and shoes galore for everyone in attendance at this free event.
“We wanted to give everyone the opportunity to find their next favorite pair of shoes,” CRC Event Coordinator Kathryn Nulty told me was the aim of the “Quick Kicks” celebration.
One attendee said that was specifically why he decided to come to the event. “I wanted to be able to really test out some new shoes on the road and get into my stride in them,” Daniel Flowers said.
Another runner, Justin Resetar, said he likes to “think ahead” about his next shoe, and this was the perfect way to learn more about what’s on the market. Plus, he said he loves the community feel at every CRC event.
Jordan Cook told me he was on the prowl for his next “race day shoes,” while Arturo Ramos said the event allowed him the opportunity to “try out new shoes I wouldn’t have normally tried.”
The parking lot, and even the streets around the corner, were filled with runners, walkers, and stroller pushers testing out options from trainers to carbon-plated speed shoes.
Yolanda Gil was coming back from testing out some new Asics, and she shared that she “loved the event with the whole community concept and a chance to try on multiple brands.”
Connor Macfadyen joked that he’s “a bit of a shopaholic,” so it was nice to have the opportunity to try on a lot of different pairs before making his next purchase.
Eleven of CRC’s favorite shoe brands showed up, prepped with knowledge of how their unique kicks perform, what style was best for different activities, and various sizes for each participant to make sure they got the right fit.
361° is a Chinese shoe brand that has been gaining in popularity in the United States over the past ten years, with technology that “allows the shoes to be really nimble.” Jinnie, the rep present for 361°, shared that the brand “focuses on the meat and potatoes of a good shoe, which is the foam.” They had two shoes to try out at the event:
Miro Nude ST: Built for runners who want a lightweight, natural feel, without sacrificing performance. Named after the Miro Hummingbird, they have a reputation for being fast and agile.
Eleos 2: The “bread and butter” of 361°, this shoe is a cushioned, neutral trainer built with Primo Foam and made for everyday miles.
On, known for their incredibly lightweight and high-performing kicks, showcased three newer styles at the event:
Cloudboom Strike 2: I tried on a pair of the new Cloudboom Strike 2s and instantly fell in love. The CloudTec Sphere cushioning system is specially engineered for fast runs, while the carbon Speedboard aids in propulsion. They felt lighter than air on my feet.
Cloudrunner 3 Max: A high-cushioned support shoe with a layer of Hyperfoam, this shoe is perfect for new runners or for those who are on their feet all day. It’s brand new, having just launched in August.
Cloudmonster 3 Hyper: This super trainer features On’s LightSpray upper, which is a seamless, laceless construction that wraps your foot in a precision fit. The Helion hyper foam and plate-free design make this shoe great for long runs and marathon training cycles.
Asics brought two of their super-speedy race-day shoes and two training favorites to test out:
Metaspeed Edge Tokyo: Designed for cadence-style runners who are looking to start fast and finish faster with Asics’ FF Leap foam technology and carbon plate.
Metaspeed Sky Tokyo: Another elite racing shoe, the Sky variation differentiates itself with a flatter carbon plate positioned higher in the midsole. This shoe is geared toward long-striding runners with geometry specifically designed to generate incredible lift for extended stride lengths.
Novablast: A running shoe designed to provide supreme energy return at toe-off and better traction underfoot. The max foam combined with a FF Turbo Squared trampoline pod in the forefront helps create softer landings and more energized bounce during training.
Superblast: The do-it-all trainer with maximal stack height of lightweight and responsive super foam for elite daily training and long runs to race day.
Altra, known for their lower-drop shoes, brought two models to the event. Quique, one of the reps with Altra, explained that the lower drop puts the foot in a more natural position, which can increase the range of motion for the ankles and take pressure off the knees:
Torin 9: With its responsive, soft, performance-focused feel, this is a great daily trainer with zero drop, so each step feels more natural.
Experience Flow 3: With only a 4mm drop, this is still a low-to-the-ground trainer designed for those who are looking for a natural, balanced feel during their walks and runs. These shoes are great for both casual walkers and avid runners, with controlled compression that prioritizes comfort.
New Balance had two options for both racers and everyday runners and walkers:
FuelCell Rebel v5: This shoe is fast and great for everyday runs, with responsiveness and energy return from its PEBA-blended midsole. This upbeat trainer can easily transition from long, steady runs to something swifter and more spontaneous.
SuperComp Rebel: A plated, lightweight, and energetic new model, this race-day shoe has a specialized midsole geometry and rocker profile to aid in snappy transitions and speed. The durable outsole also offers traction for repetitive use, without weighing you down.
Brooks brought along three models for attendees to take out for a spin:
Ghost Amp: A lightweight, everyday option engineered with responsive technology for a springy, energized ride.
Hyperion Elite 6: Perfect for half marathons to marathons, this race day shoe delivers softer cushioning and aggressive propulsion for endless energy on race day.
Hyperion Max 4: Even with the high stack cushioning to help soften impact, this shoe is lightweight with a propulsive nylon plate to make you fly.
Diadora, known for its lightweight Italian technology, brought along two fan favorites:
Gara Carbon 3: Using the most efficient carbon plate on the market, this shoe is designed for a powerful toe-off stride. The full-length carbon plate is embedded in the midsole to enhance rigidity, ensuring no energy is wasted.
Nucleo 2: “Arguably one of the most comfortable shoes out there,” Sam with Diadora told me. This daily shoe is their best seller. It provides a lightweight and smooth-running experience that’s perfect for runners and walkers of any skill level.
Adidas showcased two great options:
Hyperboost Edge: For those looking for max cushioning, this shoe has you covered. The trainer is also lightweight with high energy return, making it perfect for 5Ks to Ultras.
Adizero Adios Pro4: These kicks are designed for marathon racers who demand speed and precision. Carbon-fiber-infused rods in the midsole add stability and economy so strides feel efficient and smooth. Look for an update to this model in September, where the carbon plating will be featured in the rim instead.
Saucony stayed busy all morning. They brought along kicks from the Endorphin series, a favorite among runners:
Azura: The Azura model brings superfoam energy and speed to weekly runs without a carbon plate. It’s versatile for easy miles, long runs, and speed work.
Pro: Made for speed, the Pro version is built for quick movements. A new slotted carbon plate enhances the SpeedRoll technology for smoother and quicker transitions, while the rubber outsole provides grip and durability.
Elite: Austin, the Saucony rep on site at the event, affectionately called this model their “alien shoe” because it’s the fastest on the market. This model also features the slotted carbon plate and SpeedRoll technology, along with Saucony’s new incrediRUN foam with 39.5 mm of responsive cushioning underfoot to help your stride feel more explosive.
Hoka, a brand known for durability and comfort, showed up with three great models to test out:
Cielo X1 3.0: Delivering a propulsive ride for pure speed, this model is Hoka’s lightest super shoe. Enlisting a carbon fiber plate and ultrasoft PEBA foam, it’s a great shoe when you’re chasing a PR.
Rocket X 3: This carbon-fiber super shoe also offers plenty of support with high-performance foam and a sticky rubber outsole.
Clifton Pro: I’m partial to the Clifton line, and this new model offers more bounce and a rocking toe box. It’s a great shoe for everyday training, walking, and active lifestyles.
Puma offered two popular models:
Deviate Pure: “This is our most versatile shoe,” TJ with Puma told me. “It feels fun to run in.” This model is a no-plate trainer with upgraded Nitrofoam that sits underfoot, designed to be more responsive than ever.
Deviate Nitro: With a carbon fiber plate, this model is a little stiffer but still flexible — as TJ proved when he folded a shoe in half and let it rebound quickly back to its intended shape! It’s Puma’s best-selling shoe with a Puma Grip on the outsole that’s perfect for asphalt racing.
“I’m newer to running and being able to try on multiple shoes before investing in a pair is important to me,” Sara Kessenich told me at the Quick Kicks event. “It’s really nice that there are so many options; I didn’t realize there were this many different types of running shoes.”
In addition to all the great shoe options,Balega was also in attendance, letting participants try out their no-cotton, polyester-wicking socks that offer targeted compression without sacrificing comfort.
Superfeet also showcased their carbon-plated insoles, “so you can make every day a fast day.” Anthony, with Superfeet, showed me they also offer everyday comfort insoles tailored to your unique arch type, with a goal to inspire movement.
Health Hax,Body 20,Give Yoga NC, Rude Dog Brewing, and Night Clubs Suck were also in attendance at this community gathering.
If you missed this 80s-inspired fest at the Lake Norman store, be sure to follow our Instagram page so you don’t miss any future events.
Similar vendor showcases and other happenings take place at all four of our locations. FollowCharlotte Running Company on Instagram and stay in touch by signing up for ournewsletter.
You can also always visit one of our stores for a personalized gait analysis and shoe fitting to find the perfect fit for you, or visit ourwebsite to view all available options.