New Balance More V4 Review

My review of the New Balance More V4

The New Balance More V4 is a cushioned shoe with a high stack height, sitting on top of the brand’s Fresh FoamX midsole foam. This is a great long run shoe, but not the most versatile offering, even in the cushioned shoe market.

New Balance Fresh FoamX More V4

Check out my full video review of the New Balance More V4 here:

New Balance More V4 Review – First Impression

Previously, I was running in the Nike Invincible 3, and while it isn’t a bad shoe per se, it wasn’t my favorite so I was ready to try some max cushioned shoes from other brands. After a few runs in the New Balance More V4, it was easy to tell this shoe was a bit different than the three previous iterations of the Invincible. Read more for my full review.

Outsole

The outsole of the More V4 is actually somewhat minimalist. Instead of a solid sheet or sections of outsole rubber, the shoe has a pattern of oval-like shapes on the forefoot and tow strips in each side of the heel. I think this is to save some weight, but it brings up some durability issues (which I will address later).

The shoe is pretty wide, especially in the forefoot. I’m a heel striker, so width in the heel area of the shoe is very important, as it helps to spread out the impact of a rock, stick or object that might cause an ankle sprain. Despite the heel area being split in two sections with a “valley” in between, I experienced no issues through 150 miles.

Midsole

The midsole of the More V4 is one of the standout features, for better or worse. The midsole is made up of Fresh FoamX foam (not to be confused with ZoomX foam from Nike), which is New Balance’s cushioned, lightweight foam. I found this foam to actually be somewhat dense and rigid, as opposed to the squishiness of the ZoomX foam. For me, this was a benefit, especially for long runs, where the density helped the foam keep its shape.

The shoe has a stack height of 34mm according to New Balance, but due to the sidewalls of the foam coming up above where your foot rests inside the shoe, the stack height looks much higher. It’s still a pretty high stack shoe.

The shoe’s rocker construction was a huge plus for me, as it helps me to roll though my heel striking stride. I noticed the wear patterns on this shoe were unsurprisingly in the heel, but also in the midfoot section, as I am pushing off further up towards the front of this shoe. That’s a huge bonus for me, and I think helps make my stride slightly more efficient. I’d say this shoe is great for heel strikers.

Upper

This was probably the most disappointing part of the shoe. There really wasn’t anything special about the upper; it’s pretty standard soft material on top and it runs pretty hot. I don’t mind hot feet too much, but it was pretty noticeable in these shoes. The heel area has a sturdy material, which protects the achilles, and the inside of the shoe was comfy (but again, too hot). I think the laces were slightly shorter, but I used a runner’s knot which can take up a lot of shoelace.

Durability

At the time of this review, I’ve run over 150 miles in this shoe. The upper and midsole are still in great shape, although the upper material is a dirt vacuum, so these did not stay clean for very long. I tend to kick the inside of my ankles in my stride, but the upper material held up.

The outsole is slightly concerning. Like I mentioned before, the outsole is not a solid sheet of rubber, but rather small pieces glued to the midsole, almost like individual honeycombs. The heel has held up, but the outsole parts near the middle of the shoe are worn down and starting to show wear on the actual midsole foam. I’d be curious to see what that looks like for a forefoot striker who puts a lot of pressure entirely on that area. I think this is a weight-saving measure, but it did appear to sacrifice some durability.

Wear on the forefoot foam

Is the More V4 Cushioned?

Yes, this is a pretty cushioned shoe. It’s not as squishy as the Nike Invincible, but it does provide enough cushion to get you through some very long runs. I ran 32 miles at once in these, and my feet felt pretty good afterwards. It’s a nice mix of density and cushion, where your feet stay comfy, but they don’t get too tired because the foam is too soft.

Is the More V4 Stable?

These shoes are pretty stable. While I wouldn’t consider them to be a “stability” shoe specifically, the density of the foam plus the width of the outsole help to make a pretty stable ride. Would I take these out on a challenging trail run? No, but for road running, these are great.

Is the More V4 True to Size?

I am a size 10 in Nike, and size 10 of the More V4 fit me perfectly. These are true to size.

Is the More V4 Good for Walking

The More V4 would be fine for walking, but might be a bot of overkill. I think the mix of cushion and firmness in the foam would actually be good for walking a lot, although the stack height might not be the best if you plan on standing for a long time. I would still recommend the Nike Invincible 2 as my favorite walking shoe.

Pros

• Lots of foam to keep you comfortable on long runs
• Rocker shape of the shoe helps you to roll though your stride, especially for heel strikers
• Bold design is better than most New Balance shoes
• Pretty stable shoe, especially for the max-cushioned category
• $150 retail price is more affordable than other brands’ similar shoes

Cons

• The upper runs hot
• Outsole shows some wear and tear in the forefoot after 150 miles
• Slightly on the heavier side

New Balance More V4 Review – Final Thoughts

I really liked this shoe. While this isn’t the super soft ride of the Invincible 1 and 2, this was a nice change. of pace. I think this shoe is best suited for long runs, as it has a great mix of cushioning and stability to keep your feet comfortable over a lot of miles. It might be a bot heavy for speed work, and a bit firm for recovery runs, but this is absolutely a shoe I will continue to keep in my rotation moving forward.

Shop the More V4 here.

Best Running YouTube Channels in 2023

If you’re looking for the best running YouTube Channels in 2023, look no further, the Fresh Brew Run Club has you covered.

YouTube continues to explode in popularity as more and more people consume more and more content on a daily basis. As a runner, I’m always looking for exciting running content on YouTube. Now after years of “research” I put together a list of the best running YouTube channels for 2023.

Now, my criteria might be a little different than other more “traditional” running YouTube content. I’m looking for channels that do more than just explain how to stretch, which speed workouts to do or scream at the camera about fartleks. Instead, I’m valuing things like entertainment, humor, inspiration, honesty and production value. Some of these creators might not even consider themselves to be “running YouTubers” in the traditional sense, but that’s what I think makes a few of them stand out from the plethora of running content on the web. In no particular order, here are a few of my favorites.

Kofuzi

Kofuzi’s humble, “non-elite” approach to creating running content is a welcome change of pace (running pun) from a lot of other content out there. His most common content is shoe reviews, but recently he’s perfected his “Runner’s Weekend” series, which covers his entire weekend at a race event, both on and off the course. Think of an extremely well done travel vlog centered around running. He’s always honest with the viewers, takes the time to reply and be a generally good dude. He also runs a live stream every weekday called the Kofuzi Run Club, which are simple conversations about numerous running-related topics, unboxings and dutifully answering questions from the chat. The livestream was recently named “The #1 running podcast to listen to while doing the dishes” by an unknown source. Check out Kofuzi’s channel here, or watch his Runner’s Weekend video for the Tokyo Marathon below:

Ben Is Running

Ben Felton is a British runner who has risen to popularity almost as fast as he’s improved as a runner, and that’s saying a lot. Ben’s perspective as someone who was previously outside the running community to becoming an incredibly talented runner shines through in his content. He’s open and honest about his training methods, results and everything in between. His calm demeanor is a breath of fresh air in a world of over-the-top YouTubers. Plus, he conveys a level of trust with his audience that few channels can achieve, especially when it comes to training programs, gear, shoes and nutrition. It feels like he’s only scratching the surface of where his content can (and will) go. Check Ben’s channel here.

Mrs. Space Cadet

Mrs. Space Cadet, otherwise known as Erin Azar, creates hilarious running-related content on her YouTube channel and other social media platforms, including a massive TikTok following. Her lightheaded approach reminds you to find the fun (and funny) in running, even when things are difficult. Her channel has documented her journey to learn the sport of running and includes “filming my progress and struggles from day 1.” Check out her channel here.

Beau Miles

Ok, now that we’ve talked about a few more “traditional” running YouTubers, lets get into some off the wall content creators. Beau Miles is an Australian YouTuber, author, philosopher and athlete, but I’d tie all that together and simply call him a storyteller. He has a way of taking settings and topics that might seem banal to the average person, and adding emotion, history and perspective that sets him apart. Not all of his videos revolve around running, although he was the first person to run the Australian Alpine Walking Trail (413 miles) and has found all sorts of ways to use running as a storytelling vehicle. If his videos don’t inspire you to go for a run and try to build something out of wood, check your pulse. Watch Beau’s stories here.

Cody Trains

I first became familiar with Cody Ko’s content back in the golden era of social media content, otherwise known as the Vine era. Since then, Cody has become a successful YouTuber, podcaster, actor and investor, but one of his more recent endeavors is my favorite. Cody Trains is a YouTube channel that Cody uses to document his training process for an Iron Man. While this is technically triathlon content, there is a great deal of running, and running-related themes such as nutrition, rest, balancing a busy schedule and the ups and downs of heavy training. What sets Cody’s content apart is his humor. His ability to find ways to laugh even during the hardest workout creates a fun, relatable and entertaining style of content that the running YouTube world needs more of, quite honestly. Energy is everything. Peep Cody’s vids here.

Virtual Running Videos

Living in the Midwest means the treadmill is an unfortunate necessity to stay in shape during the snowy months. And Virtual Running Videos has kept me from losing my mind while churning through mile after mile on the dreadmill. Their virtual runs are in interesting locations, well produced and help to take my mind off the fact that I am stuck running in a small, hot room for months on end. There’s a lot of virtual run content out there, but VRV reaches a level of consistency that I really appreciate. Get lost in a VRV here.

The Fresh Brew Run Club

Wow, how did this get on here? Oh well, better give the sales pitch. My channel was started because I found a lot of running content on YouTube somewhat unrelatable. I’m not particularly fast, but it felt like every runner with a following was breaking 2:30 in the marathon, while I struggled to finish a race without stopping (I finally did it last year!).

I wanted to create content that didn’t really talk about pace, but rather focused on the fun side of running, such as the places we run, inane challenges or the funny stuff I see along the way (or at least things I think are funny). Since starting the channel, I’ve done a lot of shoe reviews (from the perspective of a slower runner of course), started a weekly vlog and began documenting all the bad drivers I see on a daily basis. I hope to keep making content that I want to watch, and you can probably see bits and pieces of inspiration from all the YouTubers I mentioned above. Check out the FBRC YouTube channel here.

These are a few of the best running YouTube Channels in 2023, or at least my favorites. What are some of yours? Leave a comment below!

Nike Invincible 2 vs. Nike Invincible 3

When it comes to Nike’s ultra-cushioned Invincible running shoe, should you get the latest and greatest, or stick with last year’s model?

The Nike Invincible developed a cult-like following upon its release in 2021. The addition to Nike’s running shoe line offered a wide outsole, an ultra-cushioned midsole made of ZoomX foam and a somewhat nondescript upper. The Invincible 2 came out in 2022, and featured small tweaks to the upper, but remained relatively the same shoe/. However, this year’s version, the Nike Invincible 3, shook things up.

You can read check out our full review here, but the gist is a totally redesigned shoe. The massive chunk of ZoomX foam remains, but the Invincible 3 looks and feels different. So with this in mind, should you buy the latest version, or stick with the older model, now on sale? Let’s dive in.

First, check the video comparison between the two, where we compared the Nike Invincible 2 vs. Nike Invincible 3:

Visual comparison

Unlike the minor differences between the Invincible 1 and 2, the Invincible 3 is a very different looking shoe. The ZoomX foam in the V3 looks like it has been carved out “outlined” by paint around the outside of the foam. The upper is a different material, which has an almost shiny quality compared to the more matte look of the V2. The V3 also has a more prominent swoosh, wider laces and a heel pull tab. Finally, the V2 had a ton of padding around the heel collar, whereas the V3 has a much sharper quality; no soft edges. More on this later.

Feel on foot comparison

Stepping into the V2 was like stepping into a cloud. The combination of the super soft ZoomX foam and the well-padded interior of the shoe made for a unique feel on your feet. The V3 is a little more rigid, with the sharper edges and reduced padding mentioned above. The laces on the V3 are pretty short, which is not great for double knot enthusiasts like the staff at the FBRC.

Running comparison

The most important comparison; how they feel on a run. Let’s start with the V2, which needed no breaking in. Right out of the box, the V2 delivered a cushioned and soft feel underfoot. It’s why they are so great on long runs; even after a full marathon, the midsole foam kept its shape and feeling. The V3 feels like a firmer ride. It could be a denser foam in the midsole, it could be a stiffer strobel board (the material below the insole) or it could be something else in the physics of this shoe. Now, is this a dealbreaker? Possibly, but probably not.

This shoe appears to be designed to be a little bit faster than previous versions. If you loved the soft, yet slower aspect of the originals, this may be disappointing, but if you wanted to get a little more speed out of the shoe, this is a welcome upgrade.

Now, lets stalk about the most controversial aspect of this shoe; the heel slip. What is heel slip? This is when your shoe does not lock tight enough around ankle/heel area and your foot slips a little in the shoe. You can lose forward momentum or worse, develop some nasty blisters. A few initial reviews noticed this phenomenon and a reputation was born. Lets be clear, this IS noticeable in the shoe. HOWEVER, simply using all the shoelace eyelets or using a runner’s knot may solve this issue, rendering it not an issue at all. The problem is most likely fixable.

Final verdict: Nike Invincible 2 vs. Nike Invincible 3

Overall, the V2 is a slower, more cushioned shoe, while the new V3 feels faster and stiffer. So it really is a matter of personal preference, as neither version is a “bad” shoe to run in. One major consideration might be price, as there are some serious deals on the V2 at this point. If you don’t need the latest shoe on the market or want to save a little, we’d recommend finding a deal on the V2. If you need the latest release and don’t mind the cost, try the V3. Again, a matter of personal preference.

Shop for the Invincible 2 and Invincible 3.

Best Spring Running Gear 2023 (my favorites)

Spring is finally here, so I wanted to showcase some of my favorite running gear for the season. Now, not all of this is brand new or top of the line, but rather things that I find useful, durable and valuable for running during the spring months. The Fresh Brew Run Club is based in Michigan where the weather can be unpredictable, so it is important to wear the right gear.

Spring Running Shoes

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 3

Nike Pegasus Trail 3 Gore-Tex

Nike Pegasus Turbo Shield

Spring Running Apparel

Nike Spark Socks

Nike Tights

Nike Run Division Shorts

New Balance Long-sleeve Shirt

Nike Golf Dri-Fit Swoosh Front Cap

Asics Waterproof Jacket

Nike Invincible Run 3 Review

My review of the ultra cushioned Nike ZoomX Invincible 3

The Nike Invincible line of running shoes has been a fan favorite for several years now. First introduced in 2021, this cushioned shoe became a staple of easy runs, long runs and even marathons for thousands of runners. The Invincible 2 was essentially the same shoe, just with a slightly tweaked upper, but the third version is a complete redesign. Upon release, there have been many thoughts, both positive and very negative. To clear things up, I took the Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 for a couple runs and gave my thoughts.

Nike ZoomX Invincible 3

Check out my full video review here:

Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 First Impression

I tried not to read too much into the reviews. My perspective is often different than many of the elite runners and professional shoe reviewers that get their hands on these first. I review running shoes from the perspective of an average to below average runner. While I love running and run about five to six times a week, my marathon PR is right around four hours. That’s not exactly Boston Marathon qualifier territory. I don’t need every shoe I run in to be super fast, light or high-tech. I’m simply looking for something that’s going to be comfortable and stable as I steadily churn through miles.

Outsole and midsole

The redesign of this shoe starts with the outsole, which is now a two-piece construction. It has small nubs on the bottom which provide decent traction, although I would not recommend using these in the snow.

The midsole still has a ton of ZoomX foam, but has a sort of “cut out” design that might help to cut down on the weight of this shoe. Overall, this is still a pretty heavy shoe, but if you are using it for long/easy runs it won’t be an issue. It isn’t a racing shoe, although I did run my marathon PR in the Invincible 1 last spring.

Upper

The upper is also totally redesigned. The FlyKnit material on the top appears to be thinner and possibly more breathable than the tightly woven previous versions. It’s 20 degrees F here, so I can’t be sure, but subscribe to my YouTube channel and I’ll report back when the weather get’s warmer. Nike also took out a lot of padding around the heel collar both on the inside (I talk about possible issues with this below) and the outside (for some reason the previous versions had a ton of padding on the outside. Maybe to protect from bear traps?) The laces are back to a more stretchy material and actually sort of short, so hang on to your old laces. Finally, the design looks a bit sleeker, with some sharp contours, as opposed to the smoother look of the previous designs.

Does the Invincible 3 have a heel slip problem?

This is the number one complaint with the Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 – the heel slip. This is basically when your heel slides around in the shoe because it isn’t locked into place by the heel collar. Many runners were complaining about this, and right out of the gate, I noticed it too.

Now, it wasn’t as pronounced as the Nike Infinity React, which made me feel like I was running in sand, but it was enough to make me retie my shoes using all the shoelace eyelets in order to fully secure my foot. After making that adjustment, I can absolutely say the heel slip is not an issue. My shoes are tied a little tighter than I prefer and it took some getting used to, but there is no heel slip. A commenter on my video also suggested a runner’s knot, which is something I haven’t tried, but might help as well.

Is the Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 Cushioned?

No doubt! This is an ultra cushioned shoe, where the entire midsole is one solid chunk of foam. If you’ve never worn an Invincible, it will probably feel like nothing you’ve ever run in. The shape of the shoe also give a slight feeling of running down hill. The shoes are springy and responsive. Now here’s the catch; if you’ve run in the Invincible 1 or 2’s, you might notice a difference. In my opinion, the Invincible 3 is a cushioned shoe, but is a little more firm than the original versions. It isn’t uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have the buttery soft feel right out of the box from previous versions. At the time I’m writing this, I’ve run about 30 miles, so maybe they need to break in, but I would say the Invincible 3s are a more firm shoe.

Is the Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 Stable?

Stability is a huge part of a running shoe, and as a perpetual ankle sprainer, even more important to me. The Invincible 3s midsole is solid ZoomX foam, which isn’t the most stable material for a running shoe. However, Nike compensated by making this a really wide shoe. It isn’t wide on the inside (more on this below), but the surface area that the outsole covers helps to add a lot of stability. I am a heel striker, and my worst ankle sprains have come when I land on a rock or stick. The width and the ZoomX foam’s ability to absorb the difference in terrain makes for a very stable shoe. You will notice some side to side flex, but I have yet to twist my ankle seriously in any Invincible. I noted the firmer feeling above, which I also think contributes to the stability of this shoe.

Is the Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 True to Size?

Yes, the Nike ZoomX Invincible is true to size. I have seen some comments online about getting a size smaller to account for the heel slip, but I wouldn’t recommend it. These shoes seem to fit my size (10) perfectly, both before and after using all the shoelace eyelets. I would say the Invincible 3 runs slightly wide, but I have pretty narrow feet, and didn’t notice any issues. If you know your Nike size, go with that.

Pros

• Cushioning: This is a pro if you are totally new to the Invincible line. The plentiful ZoomX foam helps to make a very cushioned ride. I’m not a super fast runner, so I would sacrifice some weight for a more cushioned feeling on my feet.
• Stability: The width of this shoe helps to create a wide surface area, making this shoe surprisingly stable especially for a heel-striker.
• Design: I think this shoe looks a lot cooler. There’s some nice sharp lines and it looks less “bubbly” than previous versions. It’s something that will still catch people’s attention out on a run, but maybe blend in a bit when walking around at the store.

Cons

• Heel Slip: I detailed this above, but if I lace them how I have laced every single other running shoe I’ve used in my life, there is a slight heel slip. However, using all the eyelets or a runner’s knot solved the problem for me. It makes the shoes feel a little tighter than I’d like, but I got used to it after a mile.
• Firmness: For those of you who have run in previous versions of the Invincible, I think you will notice a firmer ride. I’m not sure if the ZoomZ foam is different, or theres something else going on with the design of this shoe, but I think the feel of this shoe is a slight downgrade. It isn’t a dealbreaker, but I wouldn’t call it an improvement.
• Cost: At $180 retail this shoe is remarkably expensive. I got about 300 miles in by previous versions before the foam started to lose its bounce. If that holds true for the Invincible 3, you are paying a lot for a shoe with average durability. Keep an eye on StockX for deals on this shoe, as well as some deals right now for the Invincible 2.

Final Verdict

Overall this isn’t a bad shoe. I think some of the initial wildly positive reviews (from people who seemingly got the shoe for free…) were a bit exaggerated, as well as some of the wildly negative reviews that mentioned the heel slip. A quick adjustment to the laces should take care of that issue. Now, should I have to lace my shoes in a completely new way on a shoe that costs $180? No, probably not. Is it a bit disappointing that the shoe doesn’t feel quite as soft as the original two versions? Yes, it is.

At the end of the day, I will not be sending this back, but rather running in this for 300-400 miles because that’s what I do with all my shoes. But in the meantime, I will have my eyes peeled for possible alternates, such as the New Balance Fresh Foam X More V4 or the Asics Novablast 3.

Overall, a decent shoe, but it might disappoint diehard fans of the originals.

For the video review and more content, such as weekly running vlogs, reviews and the lighter side of running, subscribe to the Fresh Brew Run Club on YouTube.

7 Ways to Make Cities Safer for Runners

Here are 7 ways cities can take steps to make it safer for runners, including:

1. Building dedicated running paths: Cities can create dedicated running paths that are separate from bike lanes and roads, providing runners with a safe and dedicated space to exercise. In Oak Park, Michigan, the city took unused space along a road and turned it into a liner park, complete with a path and many activations along the way. Read more about this project from The Oakland County Times.
2. Improving street lighting: Poor lighting can be a major safety concern for runners, especially those who run at night. Cities can improve street lighting to ensure that runners have adequate visibility and feel safe while running.
3. Creating more pedestrian-friendly streets: Cities can design streets to prioritize pedestrians, with wide sidewalks, crosswalks, and traffic calming measures such as speed humps. This can help to reduce the risk of accidents and improve the overall running experience.
4. Encouraging active transportation: Cities can also encourage active transportation by providing incentives for people to bike or walk to work or school. This can help to reduce the number of cars on the road and make it safer for runners.
5. Education and awareness campaigns: Cities can also educate the public on how to share the road safely and promote awareness of the rights and responsibilities of runners and other road users.
6. Promoting green spaces: cities can also focus on promoting green spaces, such as parks, gardens and other recreational areas. These spaces not only provide a safe place for running but also can improve mental and physical health, air quality, and biodiversity. The city of Royal Oak opened a brand new park in the heart of the city’s downtown, providing year-round activations, from concerts to an ice rink.
7. Collaborating with the community: Cities can also work with local running groups and organizations to understand the specific needs and concerns of runners in their community and tailor their safety measures accordingly.

Overall, cities can make it safer for runners by creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment, providing dedicated running paths and spaces, improving street lighting, and promoting active transportation.

What are some things your city has done to improve safety for runners? Leave a comment below!

Subscribe to the Fresh Brew Run Club on YouTube, and learn about the club here.

Nike Alphafly 2 Review: An Average Runner’s Perspective

Is the Nike Alphafly 2 good for average runners?

Nike Alphafly 2

The Nike Alphafly 2 is Nike’s premier, flagship running shoe, chock full of the latest running shoe technology. You’ve seen the best runners in the world wear this shoe, but is it good for the average runner too? In my review, I took to the park paths to review the Nike Alphafly 2 at varying “slower” speeds. Check out the video below:

Key Features of the Nike Alphafly 2

The Nike Alphafly 2 has some incredible technology. This is a super shoe, which essentially means it is an ultralightweight shoe with a carbon fiber plate in the midsole. The Alphafly 2 features extremely bouncy and light ZoomX foam on the midsole with the carbon fiber plate inside. This plate is to provide energy return to your stride and propel you forward. There are also Air Zoom pods to help propel you forward. The upper is made of Nike’s Atomknit material, which is so thin that you can see right through it. There is minimal padding around the heel and the upper fits like a sock around your foot.

If that sounds like a lot, it is. But is it too much for the average 4-hour marathon runner? Let’s find out.

Pros

This is an awesome shoe.

Nike Alphafly 2

• Weight: As soon as I put it on, I noticed how lightweight this shoe is. The ZoomX foam and Atomknit upper make for an extremely light shoe.
• Propulsion: Wearing these shoes feels like you have springs or are being propelled forward. Its no wonder some runners have voiced opposition to these types of shoes; they really do make you faster. The shoe returns energy to your stride and gave me the feeling of running downhill, even at slower speeds (like 9 minutes/mile).
• Looks: This shoe stands out. This shoe looks like a Ferrari and each colorway has bold colors that will certainly make you stand out on the course. In fact, they are so flashy that I was initially concerned that they are too cool for a 4-hour marathoner myself. Like, trying too hard much? But honestly, after putting these on, they look so flashy that I can’t resist. After all, look good, feel good, and run good, right?
• Performance: Let me be clear, these will make you a faster runner, no matter what pace you are running. And that’s what really matters. In fact, I think the improvement to performance might be greater for an average runner vs. an elite runner. Shaving off 4% of your time during a 4-hour marathon really adds up! I tried a few different speeds in my video, and they all felt pretty good. I did notice an urge to run faster at each of those speeds. This shoe is like a current pulling you out to the sea of faster paces, which I think is great.

Cons

Nike Alphafly 2

• Price: This shoe retails for $275, which is wildly expensive. Fortunately, you can get this on StockX for far cheaper. Still, it’s a big chunk of change to drop on a pair of shoes. If you’re shoe shopping for your first big race, maybe consider something a little more “down to earth” like the Nike Pegasus instead.
• Durability: I am a heel striker, and as I noted in the video, I saw some slight wear and tear on the heel area after one run. These are racing shoes, so you probably aren’t going to get as many miles out of these as your typical running shoes (although I have seen some runners get a TON of miles in Alphaflys and Vaporflys). The thin upper is durable enough to perform well during normal marathon conditions, but you could be one rough surface from tearing them.

Final Thoughts

This is a super shoe, meaning it will 100% improve your performance, no matter what pace you plan on running. It’s fun, light and will turn some heads out on the course. If you can stomach the price, this shoe is a great racing shoe with enough cushioning to keep your feet happy for a full 26.2 and beyond.

Be sure to subscribe to The Fresh Brew Run Club on YouTube for more shoe reviews, weekly vlogs and other running-related videos. Finally, check out some previous shoe reviews on this page.

How to Buy the Right Running Shoes

When it comes to buying running shoes, it’s important to find a pair that fits your specific needs. Here are a few tips for how to buy the right running shoes.

Nike ZoomX Invincible 3

Determine your foot type

There are three main foot types: neutral, overpronated, and supinated. Neutral feet have a normal arch and roll slightly inward when running. If this is you, congrats, you have the ideal foot type for running. Overpronated feet have a low arch and roll excessively inward. Supinated feet have a high arch and roll outward.

Knowing your foot type will help you choose a shoe with the right level of support. Bring an old pair of shoes (even if you don’t run in them) to a running shop and have the staff take a look. They can also analyze your stride to determine the best shoe for you. You don’t need to know anything about running, trust the experts!

Look for a shoe that fits well

Running shoes should fit snugly but not be too tight. You want to leave some space between your big toe and the front end of the shoe. This is to give your foot room during your stride, but also account for your foot getting bigger as you run longer. Additionally, make sure the shoe is comfortable to walk in and doesn’t rub or cause any discomfort. A shoe that is too small can cause blisters or even damage to your foot.

Consider the surface you’ll be running on

Different shoes are designed for different surfaces, such as road, trail, or track. Road shoes have a harder sole and are made for running on pavement. Trail shoes have a more aggressive tread and are designed for running on dirt or gravel. Track shoes are lightweight and have a flatter sole for running on a track, and may even include spikes on the bottom. It’s usually a good idea to start with a road shoe and go from there.

Think about your running style

If you’re a heel striker (when your heel hits the ground first in your stride) like me, look for a shoe with more cushioning in the heel. I tend to wear down the outsole in the heel area first, to finding a shoe with cushion and lots of rubber on the bottom (like the Nike Invincible) is a good idea. If you’re a midfoot or forefoot striker, look for a shoe with more cushioning in the front of the shoe. Most shoes are designed with mid or forefoot strikers in mind.

Try on multiple shoes

Don’t be afraid to try on multiple pairs of shoes to find the best fit and comfort for you. It’s also important to note that different brands and styles may fit differently, so it’s always a good idea to try a few different options. If a store allows you to take your shoes out for a run around the block, do it! The best way to gauge the comfort of your running shoes is to actually run in them. A shoe might feel great while walking the aisles of a store, but they can feel completely different while running.

These are a few of my recommendations for how to buy the right running shoes. Be sure to subscribe to The Fresh Brew Run Club on YouTube for tips, shoe reviews, weekly running vlogs and so much more, all from the perspective of an average runner. Also check out my previous reviews. Happy running!

Nespresso Pod Ratings

The Official Fresh Brew Run Club Nespresso pod ratings

Welcome to my Nespresso pod ratings. I love Nespresso pods. I love running. I love drinking Nespresso before I go for a run. So this post is my ongoing rankings of Nespresso pods as I attempt to try all the Vertuo pods. I am starting this journey in January 2023, and will continue to add to update this list as I add more pods. Be sure to check out my running vlog for my video reactions as I try each one. I also do running shoe reviews, so check that out as well!

Nespresso Intenso

My ratings. Click the links to shop for each flavor.

• Intenso: this is one of Nespresso’s strongest brews. Just pure, strong coffee. Perfect for waking me up and getting me out on the run. My rating: A
• Odacio: Bold flavor, great taste. Something I will definitely enjoy before a long run. Rating: A-
• Stormio: Not as intense as the Intenso, but a nice solid coffee. My rating: B
• Melozio: A pretty mild coffee. Tastes fine, but doesn’t have that punch I prefer before runs. Rating: B
• Caramel Cookie: This was not very good. It felt dry and the flavor was just off. My rating: D

More to come!

Be sure to subscribe to The Fresh Brew Run Club on YouTube, a channel dedicated to talking about running and coffee from the perspective of the average runner and coffee drinker.

Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 Images & Release Date

Official Images of the Nike ZoomX Invincible

Instagram user NVTZR posted official images of the Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 on his page. The cushioned running shoe returns in a redesigned outsole, midsole and upper. Check out the photos below, and leave your thoughts in the comments.

Image via NVTZR

Image via NVTZR

Image via NVTZR

Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 Release Date and Price

According to Runner’s World Magazine Runner-In-Chief Jeff Dengate (awesome job title), the ZoomX Invincible 3 will come out on February 2, 2023. Jeff noted some more details in his post:

“Expected release date is 2/2/2023 for $180. Nike specs men’s 10 at 317g (11.2 oz) and women’s 8 at 256g (9.0 oz). Astonishingly, my size 12 of all 3 versions weighed exactly 347g (12.2 oz).“

Image via NVTZR

First Look at the Nike ZoomX Invincible 3

Check out the Fresh Brew Run Club’s reaction video to the Invincible 3 below:

Redesigned Outsole

The outsole and midsole remained the same for the V1 and V2 versions of the Invincible. But the Invincible 3 features a fully redesigned outsole, with what looks like a two-part rubber material. The “cleats” on the bottom of the shoe remain, but there appear to be “holes” in the outsole, exposing the ZoomX foam material from the midsole.

Image via NVTZR

All-new midsole

The heart of the Nike ZoomX Invincible is the midsile, which has been completely redesigned. Next, the massive hunk of foam remains, but there appear to be some cutouts on the heel area (possibly to reduce weight) and some additional material encasing the midsole foam, which could add to the stability of the shoe overall.

Image via NVTZR

Invincible Upper

The upper is redesigned as well, with what appears to be a new type of Flyknit. The first two Invincibles had more of a textured material, while the Invincible 3 has a smoother, more refined-looking material. Another notable change is the padding around the heel collar. The first two versions had tons and tons of padding on the inside and outside of the shoe, where the Invincible 3 has significantly reduced the padding, which now looks similar to a Vaporfly or Alphafly.

The main Swoosh is redesigned, and a new Presto-like Swoosh has been added to the toe. Finally, there is also a heel pull-tab, which was not on either of the first two versions.

Image via NVTZR.

Click here for more shoe reviews.

Check out the Fresh Brew Run Club on YouTube.