Phil’s Runners Review- Asics Landreth

Our Podiatrist Phil Trump reviews the new shoes available on the market

BRAND: Asics
STYLE: Landreth
CATEGORY: Neutral Running
RRP:$200
SIZES:  Men’s 7-16, Women’s 6-13
WEIGHT: 340g

 UPPER: The upper of the Landreth is similar to the rest of the Asics range with one notable exception.  The clutch collar system is a new design feature, which has been added to the DS Trainer and Landreth.  It contains an inner fit sleeve, which wraps around the heel and a collar that connects to the lacing system to support the heel.  This reduces pressure from a traditional heel counter and aids to improve support.

Dual PHF memory foam is contained in the inner sleeve to further increase comfort.  Additionally, Biomorphic fit has been added to the upper, which reduces irritation to the forefoot caused by areas of frequent buckling.

MIDSOLE: The midsole contains both forefoot and rear foot gel units which enhances cushioning.  The Gender specific Space Trusstic pieces through the shank of the shoe accommodates the anatomical and physiological differences between men and women, further enhancing the support each needs.  The mid foot is taken from the 2160 shoe, without the medial post and crash pad, creating a firm neutral shoe.

OUTSOLE: The Landreth has a blown rubber forefoot, which reduces the weight but aids in grip.  On high wear areas, at the heel the shoe, it has AHAR+ plugs for durability and grip.

FIT:

• Forefoot:The shoe is comfortable through the forefoot with biomorphic fit and limited overlays, which reduce irritation from pressure on the forefoot.

• Midfoot: The mid foot of the shoe is stable without creating a hard feeling which is often felt in posted shoes.  There is no sensation that the collar is pulling on the mid foot, and it feels supported by the upper, but not cramped.

• Heel Counter:The clutch collar system takes time to get used to. At first, it may suffocating, as the collar pulls the upper tight against the foot.  However, after a few wears, it begins to feel comfortable and supportive.
• Orthotics:The shoe appears to be purpose built to hold orthoses, with no posting, and a very supportive midsole, which can accommodate an orthotic.  There is some concern that the new clutch collar system will struggle to hold a foot on top of the orthotic, however when tested, no problems were encountered.

RIDE: The ride of the shoe is excellent.  Asics often get this part right every time.  The Space Trusstic system allows seamless heel to toe off and the gel and Solyte midsole give an excellent cushioning experience.  The ride is a slightly harsher than the rest of the Asics neutral running range, however, this is ideal to act with an orthotic that needs extra help from the shoe.

CONCLUSION: As a podiatrist, I have traditionally loved this shoe since its inception seven models ago.   I was very concerned when I saw the updates to the new model, however, after testing it I was pleasantly surprised.  The midsole remains stable and the upper hasn’t lost any of its rear foot support.  I will continue to recommend this shoe to patients, including those who wear orthotics.

RECOMMENDED FOR:

• Runners who have a reasonably neutral foot type
• Runners who have orthoses
• Runners who have a slightly pronated foot type but are irritated by medial posts