tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494358661382300758.post125791275173198589..comments2023-11-02T05:35:09.635-07:00Comments on Seeking Ultra: Pearl Izumi E:Motion Trail N2, Trail M2, Road N2, Road M3 - exposé LukeDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173379829301923402noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494358661382300758.post-39983947482567875642016-04-13T05:00:27.894-07:002016-04-13T05:00:27.894-07:00Thanks Luke, I appreciate your advice. I think I&#...Thanks Luke, I appreciate your advice. I think I'll try out the M2 for training purposes, then maybe switch to the N2 for raceday!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08300003683512332319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494358661382300758.post-72562231895901758882016-04-12T20:13:59.347-07:002016-04-12T20:13:59.347-07:00Depends on what type of shoe you prefer. I think t...Depends on what type of shoe you prefer. I think the M2 would be fine for a shorter race, but it is a "daily trainer" type and not as light as a racing flat. I would not run a 5-10k road race in the trail n2; they won't feel as good on roads as on trails. LukeDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02173379829301923402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494358661382300758.post-91007751810630245802016-04-12T18:11:25.479-07:002016-04-12T18:11:25.479-07:00Or what about Trail N2 vs. road N2 for shorter 5-1...Or what about Trail N2 vs. road N2 for shorter 5-10k races?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08300003683512332319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494358661382300758.post-3785491265261436772016-04-12T18:06:12.602-07:002016-04-12T18:06:12.602-07:00Great thanks, I'll look into the N2 or M2. Bes...Great thanks, I'll look into the N2 or M2. Besides training for the half, I usually just do 10k…would the M2 be overkill support for a shorter race?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08300003683512332319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494358661382300758.post-85733794734260496222016-04-12T06:24:32.346-07:002016-04-12T06:24:32.346-07:00Hi Sean, if you have the chance to try on both (ei...Hi Sean, if you have the chance to try on both (either at a local store or by ordering a pair of each online and returning one) that may be a good idea? The N3 is on the heavy side but has a lot of cushioning. It may be "more" shoe than you want for a half. Maybe look at the N2 or M2 first. I recently raced in the N0 (not enough shoe for me) and use the N3 for hundred milers, on the other end of the spectrum. I'd look at the middle shoes first and then see if you need more cushioning/support, or less. LukeDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02173379829301923402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494358661382300758.post-79732366646624972002016-04-11T19:16:54.998-07:002016-04-11T19:16:54.998-07:00ust saw your thread..don't know if you will an...ust saw your thread..don't know if you will answer this, but I am trying to figure out a shoe to train for a half marathon in. I understand the N series is a neutral shoe while the M series is for support. I am seeing more positive reports in regards to N series, particularly N3 than I am with the M series. Do you have advice for which one will better serve me for pavement training? thanksAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08300003683512332319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494358661382300758.post-18722959522764402092016-04-11T19:15:14.556-07:002016-04-11T19:15:14.556-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08300003683512332319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494358661382300758.post-40025662896773167462014-04-12T21:37:52.727-07:002014-04-12T21:37:52.727-07:00The trail shoes feel 10x better to me than the roa...The trail shoes feel 10x better to me than the road shoes. They're just a different last, midsole material, etc. I wish the road shoes felt the same! I honestly can't tell the difference in drop between most shoes. Maybe Mizunos as they always feel really high-heeled to me. I don't notice much size/snugness difference in the trail versions, but I don't really wear the M2 anymore. I just love the N2 and it works for me well, so I'm sticking with them. Did the 100k in them and my feet were far better off than my legs. I haven't tried the N1, but have seen good reviews of them. I have a pair of Mizuno flats I sometimes use for speed/track work, and considering how often I do that I won't wear them out for a couple of years :) . LukeDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02173379829301923402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494358661382300758.post-9310507408759688692014-04-11T18:02:26.351-07:002014-04-11T18:02:26.351-07:00With 128 miles on the M3s they've grown on me ...With 128 miles on the M3s they've grown on me a little. But they're my least favorite PI by far. The rockered sole doesn't feel like the trail shoes, the smooth transition isn't there, and again, there's a lot of chunky sole for so little cushioning. Feels like a 12mm drop shoe too. <br /><br />On another note, I grabbed a pair of Trail N2s for only $37, but they were only available in 12.5 at that price, and I typically wear a 13. I took the chance. They came, and there is so little difference in the length, I was surprised. But the N2 feels narrower, a little more secure and my size 13 Trail N2s. They're seriously so close in length it's odd. Do you N2s fit snug than your M2s? My only knock against the M2s was I felt like I slid around in them laterally. <br /><br />Also, I'm thinking about getting Road N1s for short/fast road runs, crushed stone trails and track work. Do you have any experience with those? Michael Heimeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11855625720911804564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494358661382300758.post-51467024492341544482014-03-24T08:31:06.774-07:002014-03-24T08:31:06.774-07:00I don't notice a big difference in the heel pa...I don't notice a big difference in the heel padding, besides the trail M2 which does seem to have a bigger heel collar than the other models. I think the road N2 is similar to the trail N2. LukeDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02173379829301923402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494358661382300758.post-27361894990189592882014-03-23T18:20:54.355-07:002014-03-23T18:20:54.355-07:00Does the heel padding of the Road N2 is more like ...Does the heel padding of the Road N2 is more like the Road M3 or the Trail M2? I want to stick with this brand, and I need a long road shoe. Maybe it's not even the padding but a flexibility issue. So frustrated! Michael Heimeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11855625720911804564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494358661382300758.post-65597634671298251062014-03-23T10:12:53.048-07:002014-03-23T10:12:53.048-07:00Yikes, sorry to hear that! I had a similar thing h...Yikes, sorry to hear that! I had a similar thing happy with the Salomon XT-Slab 4, as they have a very narrow heel. I could walk and run around barefoot but as soon as I put any pressure on the spot with my hand or shoes, it burned like crazy. Haven't had it happen with any PIs though; different shaped heels I guess! <br /><br />Hope it clears up for you soon and also that you can return the shoes. LukeDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02173379829301923402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494358661382300758.post-64349692539588504702014-03-23T06:45:50.982-07:002014-03-23T06:45:50.982-07:00Well, I haven't had the best experience with t...Well, I haven't had the best experience with the Road M3s. Due to poor trail conditions, I've been running almost exclusively in them on hilly roads. I noticed a red bump on the outside back of my right heel and didn't think anything of it. Some moderate Achilles tendonitis developed so I iced and ran through it, like usually do. I did a long road run and it got bad quick. After a short recovery run the next day it became apparent I was in bad shape. Thick, swollen red Achilles and my heel looked like someone hit it with a hammer. Dark blotchy red. My heel was very sensitive to the touch. After days of rest and icing my Achilles got a lot better, but the bursitis persists. 12 days off and avoiding shoes when I can. I got one run done in other shoes. I have little choice but to partially blame the shoes. <br /><br />I find the cushioning extremely firm and the shoe lacks flexibility. Maybe I put to many miles in too soon, but after 100 miles they feel the same. Also, looking at my Trail M2' the padding is only thick around the upper rim, and the heel slips past that into a paddles, rounded heel. The Road M3s have padding down into the heel area. That's probably what rubbed and irritated my heel. Michael Heimeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11855625720911804564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494358661382300758.post-46477504474664205402014-02-27T12:37:54.132-08:002014-02-27T12:37:54.132-08:00Hi Dave, I haven't measured them, so I'm n...Hi Dave, I haven't measured them, so I'm not sure if they add to the differential, but they definitely add a few MMs to the overall height. I have a pretty high arch and find the insoles to be much more comfortable for my feet. They also add a little cushioning, but it's the structure for my arch that I like. These are the ones I use: http://shop.portlandrunningcompany.com/orthofeet-biosoft-insole/dp/3321 (though I get mine from a different shop) LukeDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02173379829301923402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494358661382300758.post-89899698001608631882014-02-27T12:24:29.634-08:002014-02-27T12:24:29.634-08:00Can you tell me what you like about the bio-sole i...Can you tell me what you like about the bio-sole inserts? Why do you use them. Also, do these add to the heel to toe differential? ThanksDavehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02149676019975190088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494358661382300758.post-46193694858440775702014-02-08T16:45:05.663-08:002014-02-08T16:45:05.663-08:00Yeah, both trails shoes have more cushioning than ...Yeah, both trails shoes have more cushioning than the Road N2, especially in the forefoot. Let me know how it works out! LukeDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02173379829301923402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494358661382300758.post-91263759877562416382014-02-07T21:12:27.915-08:002014-02-07T21:12:27.915-08:00Oh that's right about the first batches being ...Oh that's right about the first batches being too firm. Hmmm, now I'm leaning towards the M3. Especially with you saying that the Trail M2 had more cushion than the Road N2. I'm coming from more minimal shoes, and I have some sort of mental block getting such a cushioned shoe (even though it's far from a turkey maximal shoe!). Bottom line is if I'm going to do occasional long road runs, I need to save my legs and feet from the pounding as much as I can!Michael Heimeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11855625720911804564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494358661382300758.post-13598925759879905942014-02-07T21:04:35.665-08:002014-02-07T21:04:35.665-08:00I don't notice one having more of a rocker fee...I don't notice one having more of a rocker feel. Mostly just the little support in the M3 (same section of firm foam as the Trail M2) and more forefoot cushioning (and maybe a tad more heel cushioning). I haven't noticed any sudden or abrupt cushioning compression in the M3, but I did read about that in the pre-production models that testers wore back in 2012. You could always try the N2 and add a cushioning insole if it's not enough? I've never worn the Kinvaras...my feet have never felt beat up in either, just inside calf/shin from long asphalt runs in the N2. If you've been doing 26 in the Kinvaras, though, you'll probably be fine with either, and I think both give the same rocker feel, just one with a bit more cushioning and the same midfoot support you feel in the Trail m2. LukeDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02173379829301923402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494358661382300758.post-77143628707880382032014-02-07T20:45:08.920-08:002014-02-07T20:45:08.920-08:00Also, looking at the profiles, it appears as if th...Also, looking at the profiles, it appears as if there is less of a curve to the M3s. Maybe due to the extra forefoot cushioning? Is that noticeable? I love the rock to the Trail M2s. Michael Heimeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11855625720911804564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494358661382300758.post-17588599847458366952014-02-07T20:43:25.603-08:002014-02-07T20:43:25.603-08:00Thanks for the fast reply Luke! I haven't real...Thanks for the fast reply Luke! I haven't really read a single bad review on the Road N2, but I've read a few bad ones on the M3s. Something about the cushioning abruptly becoming to firm as it compresses? I've done marathon distance road runs in my Kinvaras and I just don't want to beat my feet up anymore! I'll still do short runs in them to keep my feet in shape, but not long ones. I know I could order both, but I hate making a company like runningwarehouse.com eat the shipping costs. I'd end up sending both shoes are dirt cheap right now on 6pm.com. Michael Heimeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11855625720911804564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494358661382300758.post-54864693392497141672014-02-07T20:25:02.107-08:002014-02-07T20:25:02.107-08:00Hi Michael, if you're in the US you can try si...Hi Michael, if you're in the US you can try sites like Runningwarehouse.com that allow 90-day returns so you can try both? Personally, I like the M3 road better than the N2. I prefer a little more cushioning, and I like the N2 on shorter runs, but if I'm doing anything over 10 miles on roads (or even hard crushed gravel), I opt for the M3. On the flip side, though, I love the Trail N2 more than the Trail M2, so I may just be an odd cat :) . I'm sure people do 20-50 mile runs in the Road N2, but I think it'd be a bit too hard on my body (especially lower legs). The Road N2 definitely has less cushioning than the Trail M2.LukeDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02173379829301923402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494358661382300758.post-39186331576843619912014-02-07T19:16:36.654-08:002014-02-07T19:16:36.654-08:00I have 200 miles on my Trail M2s and I love them. ...I have 200 miles on my Trail M2s and I love them. I save them for trail runs over 15 miles, especially ones where I might be heel-striking down hills. Even after 50 miles, my knees and feet feel great. <br /><br />I'm now looking to pick up road shoes to replace my Kinvaras. I want something like the Trail M2, but more cushion for road/crushed trail runs 15-50 miles long. I need advice! Should I go with the Road N2 or the Road M3? I'm note really a over-pronator, but liked the M2 just to keep my form together late in races as well as the uneven nature of trails. I don't think I really need it in a road shoe. Help!Michael Heimeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11855625720911804564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494358661382300758.post-29801158781829127062013-11-25T13:19:34.304-08:002013-11-25T13:19:34.304-08:00As someone who has a wide forefoot, I will say the...As someone who has a wide forefoot, I will say these are comfortable in the forefoot area, even though they do have a 'narrow' toebox. I personally think it has to do with the material, as it stretches to hug the forefoot, and feels sock-like without cramming my toes too much. It's a great recovery shoe, and a mainstay in my rotation.Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10817211247233790359noreply@blogger.com