An update-
I found a pair of NB Arishi for $41, so I grabbed them to see how similar they are to the original Zante.
I haven't run in a v1 in several years, so everything should be taken with a grain of salt.
I ran four miles in them this morning and they were less cushiony than I expected, but that could be them having spent the last few nights in a frozen car. The fit was a little sloppy but I'll get that dialed in.
I'll update more after another run or two.
New Balance brought back a carbon copy of Zante v1 called Fresh Foam Veniz as a discount level sneaker. Same exact design, slightly different upper materials. Hard to find but it might still be around.
The V1 was the best of the Zante line and sounds like the Zante is now cut from production. The current version of the 890 is nice but you'll wear that down too (I get 500 miles but the bottom is nearly foam). Wider in the toe box than the Zante, but better purchase them quickly as it looks like the 890 is going to be bulked up (screwed up?) with the next version.
I just got a pair of the NB Propel with the FuelCell foam. It's not quite as zippy as the Zante, but I've done a 7 miler and a 15 in them and they are going to fit into my shoe line-up in the same place as the Zante did for me; longer medium effort runs and tempos, mostly. I also use the NB 1400 and Nike Legend React (big box version of Epic React I found on sale. It's fine for easy stuff but I'll be looking for something else next).
The Veniz looks more like the original than the Arishi. Only found a few sizes left so far, and none that work for me, but I'll continue the search.
The 890 looks like it has a real rocker to it (to borrow ski terminology)- which is to say that there doesn't appear to be a flat spot on the sole.
Is that a weird experience? Does it perform like any other shoe without such a weird curve?
If you just wear out the outsole quickly, I would suggest patching it
I wear the lateral heel very quicky, so I superglue a small piece of roadbike tyre to mine and it gives me much more mileage/time
890 Roller wrote:
The 890 looks like it has a real rocker to it (to borrow ski terminology)- which is to say that there doesn't appear to be a flat spot on the sole.
Is that a weird experience? Does it perform like any other shoe without such a weird curve?
I had and loved the 890v6 and also bought the 890v7 knowing full well that it is a very different shoe on paper. And those spec differences are just as apparent on the road.
Honestly I hope NB makes the v8 more like the v6 as I’m not digging the v7. Whereas I felt like the v6 was a great shoe for just about any distance I find the v7 too minimally cushioned for daily running. While great for track workouts, the v7 is almost too close to my flats. I’d prefer more distinction if for no other reason than psychological when I put the flats on.
As far as the supposed ‘rocker’ sole, I am not sure where you are seeing that. The entire midfoot is flat in pics and there is so little structure to the sole that any apparent curve in the forefoot region is unnoticeable on the road.
Shoe Shopper wrote:
The Veniz looks more like the original than the Arishi. Only found a few sizes left so far, and none that work for me, but I'll continue the search.
Check Amazon
Droddy & Stinson's Communal Bong wrote:
Shoe Shopper wrote:
The Veniz looks more like the original than the Arishi. Only found a few sizes left so far, and none that work for me, but I'll continue the search.
Check Amazon
Success. Thanks. I'll have a pair in a few days and will post my thoughts on them.
Big box models have always flown under the radar for me, but might have some promise.
Shoe Shopper wrote:
The Veniz looks more like the original than the Arishi. Only found a few sizes left so far, and none that work for me, but I'll continue the search.
[/quote]
Success. Thanks. I'll have a pair in a few days and will post my thoughts on them.
Big box models have always flown under the radar for me, but might have some promise.[/quote]
Look forward to your thoughts.
Can someone please opine on the NB Pursuit and Solas as compared to the original Zante ? Thanks !
sa2 wrote:
Shoe Shopper wrote:
The Veniz looks more like the original than the Arishi. Only found a few sizes left so far, and none that work for me, but I'll continue the search.
Success. Thanks. I'll have a pair in a few days and will post my thoughts on them.
Big box models have always flown under the radar for me, but might have some promise.[/quote]
Look forward to your thoughts.
Can someone please opine on the NB Pursuit and Solas as compared to the original Zante ? Thanks ![/quote]
Yes, please!
I ran four more miles in the Arishi this morning.
The toebox is a little more spacious than late model NB Beacons in the same size and width.
Again; a bit stiffer and less bouncy than my (possibly faulty?) recollection of the original Zante, also again with the caveat that New England is having a cold snap and it was around 22 F when I jogged.
The Veniz and a pair of Zante v3 (as close to a control as I could find) should arrive soon.
I would also be interested to hear opinions on the Pursuit and Solas as compared to known quantities.
I received my pair of Veniz this weekend and took them out this morning for an easy four.
They were lovely. Very similar to my recollection of the original Zante. For context they felt a little softer than the new pair of v3 I bought for a control.
Would recommend.
Thanks for the updates.
Can you compare the Veniz with the Arishire ?
*Arishi
Shoe Shopper wrote:
I received my pair of Veniz this weekend and took them out this morning for an easy four.
They were lovely. Very similar to my recollection of the original Zante. For context they felt a little softer than the new pair of v3 I bought for a control.
Would recommend.
You sold me on the Veniz, thanks!
It’s hard to find a cheap, flexible, moderately cushioned shoe with a small-ish heel-toe drop. I have 3 old pair of Zantes I’ve been trying to make last. If I could train on trails everyday I’d just use cheap XC flats.
sa2 wrote:
Thanks for the updates.
Can you compare the Veniz with the Arishire ?
I can. I'll run in the Arishi again today, and try to use them back to back on a double sometime this week.
My current thought is that the Arishi is stiffer and firmer than the Veniz (and the v3), but I haven't run in the Arishi after receiving the two other fresh pairs.
Just got back from a half hour in the Arishi on damp roads and have a few more observations.
They are stiffer and firmer than the Veniz [or Zante v3]. They're a fair bit wider in the toe box (which today manifested as a sloppy fit). I had a similar experience with the Skechers Meb Razor in the past, but eventually was able to get them clamped down tight enough to feel pretty good.
The Arishi sole reminds me of the soles of Adidas Sambas- everyone had a pair, you remember what they were like- they are grippier than the Zante or Veniz. I was able to run with more reckless abandon than usual on wet leaf covered sidewalks.
Tomorrow I'll run in Zante v3 in the evening, and Thursday I'll do a double in the Veniz and Arishi and give a final low down.
Historically my opinion on shoes has been either hate, "run in if I have to", or love, so it's been fun to pay closer attention to why shoes are falling into each category.
Anyone try to Solas yet?