GET YOUR SNEAKERS ON!

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 swanky 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!