Latest Reviews
 |  | | Posted: 20/07/06
Updated: 04/10/06 | | | | | Performance | | 40% | | Comfort | | 80% | | Value | | 40% |
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| | | Posted: 20/05/06 | | 'TRY BEFORE YOU BUY' | | Strengths:
Value for money (available from £20!)
Durability
Plush feel
Lots of width sizes for a good fit | | Weaknesses:
Heavy
Poor grip in wet
| | Overall:
I’m a male 74kg runner with moderate stability needs. I got my NB1050s a few months ago now, in fact only a few weeks after buying a pair of Asics GT2100. I bought them largely because they were on offer at Decathlon for only £20 – how could anyone resist?
The NB1050 has received mixed reviews in the forums on this web-site, with many complaining of blisters: I wonder how many of these were bought off the internet at a bargain price without trying on first? Most NB shoes come in a number of width fittings, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t get a good fit and avoid most blister problems. Having taken my own advice and got a pair that fit, how do they compare with the Asics GT2100 – recently voted the “Best Shoes on the Planet” by this magazine?
In use they are quite comfy and cushioned, although they feel a bit “wedgey” – in fact they seem to encourage a different running style landing more on the mid-foot than the heel – something like the “Chi” running in the June 06 edition of this magazine. They are noticeably different to my Asics – not necessarily worse though.
The NB1050 are fine for my stability needs, although don’t feel as stable as the GT2100. They are certainly heavy and for lighter runners certainly wouldn’t be the first choice for faster runs or races – I like them for longer slower runs where their cushioning makes for relaxed miles and even after a fair number of long runs they are wearing well. For heavier runners or those who go through shoes quickly, they may a particularly good choice. I do find them to be slippery in the wet though.
To sum up, how do they compare. Well, at list price I would go for the Asics GT2100, not because the NB1050 is a poor shoe, rather because the Asics is so good. However, if the choice was NB1050 for £20 or so, and putting the difference towards my next shoes I would go for the NB1050! “Budget” would certainly beat “Blow Out” in my opinion. Be warned however, there are a number of reasons that make it vital that you should try these before you buy. After all even a bargain price is expensive if you can’t use them! |
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| | | | Performance | | 60% | | Comfort | | 80% | | Value | | 100% |
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