My name is Will and I have been running with the Accelerate team for around 4 years now. I enjoy all types of running but am currently studying in Manchester, so do a lot of my training on tarmac and in parks and will be reviewing the Scott Pursuit. Keep on reading to find out my thoughts!
Straight out of the box
Straight out of the box the shoes felt plush and cushioned. The soft tongue and laces made it easy to get a good lace lockdown in the shoe, stopping my feet from slipping around. The 30mm stack height and rocker shape of the shoe did feel unique, especially after running in more minimal shoes like the Saucony Kinvara before, but I quickly got used to this and liked it. I run in a UK size 10 and have found the Pursuits fit true to size. I also like the different colourways (grey-black-lime green, blue-orange and dark green in men’s sizes, and navy-yellow, green-red and purple in women’s sizes) which is always a bonus!
First run thoughts
For my first run in the shoes, I did an easy 6-mile loop from my house. The soft midsole of the shoe was really comfortable running on a mixture of tarmac and dirt trail. Despite the cushioned feel of the shoe, they felt snappy and responsive. The rocker shape of the shoe helped me to promote an efficient midfoot strike and by the end of the run, I had no aches or pains which I sometimes suffer from with inefficient foot placement. The shoes felt snug and secure throughout the run. They were stable and grippy on slightly wet tarmac and soft trail but wouldn’t be appropriate for a muddier trail. The shoe is designed primarily for road running but can handle dry, non-technical trails.
Despite running less than 50 miles in the shoes so far, I have done lots of easy runs, an 11-mile long run, a fast Parkrun and a 12 x 400m session in them. The shoe is not designed as a racer but it has nevertheless felt comfortable and fast for all the types of running I have thrown at it. The shoes were also quick to break in, any initial stiffness alleviated after two runs in the shoe.
Conclusion
The Scott Pursuit is the best all-round running shoe I have used. From fast sessions to long slow runs, this shoe fits the bill. Using the shoe, I have been able to run further and faster with less fatigue the following day.
The men’s can be found here and the women’s can be found here. Or if you are not quite convinced, pop down to the Accelerate Running Store and try a pair out now.
The True MotionSolo is an incredibly versatile everyday trainer come faster-paced session even longer slower runs. The blend of cushioning, weight, and providing such a stable platform for your foot to work from is a runner’s dream. Ideal for on the roads, track, or even very light gravel tracks.
The True Motion Nevos is the do-it-all shoe in the range. It has a great blend of soft cushioning on landing ideal for longer easier runs to an incredibly pingy feeling toe-off that makes faster runs and sessions go by like a dream.
The True MotionAion Next Gen is built with the goal of comfort, mile after mile and wow does it do that! With heaps of U-Tech cushioning and a spacious fit, it’s the kind of shoe you could wear all day and not even notice.
Everyday road running shoe
10mm drop, 27mm/17mm, however, 0mm drop when your foot sinks into the center of our U-TECH™ allowing for a dynamic foot-neutral offset
The True MotionElements is built on the same silhouette as the Nevos just with a grippy outsole. It’s a great all-rounder if you run on a mix of surfaces through your weekly runs. From leaving your house for a few miles on the road to getting to light canal towpaths and onto more technical terrain the Elements can handle it.
The True Motion Aion is a shoe you can spend all day in with the aim to be comfortable. The True Motion Aion features their U-Tech cushioning system that centres your heel to the middle of the shoe and gives you a pingy toe off.
OK, here’s the thing.
Right now, within the running industry, there is much talk that running shoe design is becoming more and more dictated by the ‘next thing’ and not science. I recently asked the question:
‘What is becoming of the industry I so love?’
For me, having worked in the running industry since I was 16, having helped with shoe design and tested how many different shoes for magazines and the brands themselves, there is a feeling of disbelief in what I am seeing. Asking what research and science base is there to this ‘new shoe’ I am being shown is to often met with a shrug of the shoulders. ‘It’s what consumers want’.
Oh too often I hear that these days from brands, especially those trying to get onto the shelves at Accelerate. Come on, on what basis? Back it up then… Yeah.
A Breath of fresh air
So what a breath of fresh air to be approached by a company that wanted to talk running mechanics first the shoe second. To talk good technique and providing the foot with a great platform to influence that. I was all ears.
Nothing too soft and unstable under the foot. The platform has to be something the foot can move onto and from. Yes, it has to be cushioned, yet not to firm either. Most of all the heel has to be stable, not wallowing. Back in the early years (80’s into the 90’s) brands were trying to achieve this. External heel counters, introduction of thermal-plastic heel cups, additional support straps and so on. Midsoles were mostly firmer than most of today’s shoes providing that all important base for the foot to sit on and then work from.
Then as midsoles became softer, the problems began and over pronation became a thing. Oh my, they so got that one wrong and here we are today with all the anti-pronation ideas gradually been withdrawn from shoes.
Runners should be the centre of the design process, not the shoe
So here we are, True Motion, a new shoe brand developed by three very clever runners, about runners for runners.
“Countless runner types and even more shoe categories, material battles about the fluffiest cushioning, the best energy return, and carbon plates. Neutral, cushioning, guidance, support, motion control – so many “treatment options“ that all miss the actual cause of the problem. In the end every runner wants the same: a perfect running experience – as comfortable, natural, and efficient as possible. That is exactly what we strive to achieve. Your running experience is our motivation. Which is why we turned our backs on the mainstream industry to found True Motion. We unite comfort and support to create something entirely new. Perfunctory category compromises like neutral or support have become obsolete. Once you get to feel this, you will see running shoes with different eyes”.
In truth the True Motion Running Shoe range look just like any other shoe. They use excellent materials, looking for those that will hopefully provide plentiful kilometers of service, be comfortable and do what a running shoe should do, namely cushion us from excess forces during the running cycle. However, they are all about that all important platform for the foot.
What is the best combination of performance improvement and injury risk reduction in running?
“Finally – after more than 25 years of running shoe research and development – we found the answer: it is you! Inspired by evolution, our running shoes are based on the shape and function of human structures. The result: the revolutionary U-TECH™ technology. THE ANSWER IS U.“
Simply a ‘U’ Shaped heel platform helps the centre the heel. This allows the runners joint and limb alignment through the ankle, into the knee and into the hip to be as natural as possible.
“Two years of research resulted in a large-scale study that credibly confirms the superiority of our innovative sole design. True Motion running shoes were compared to the leading running shoes on the market (supported and neutral). 166 legs of 83 runners were studied. 200 variables per stance phase and over 1.3 million pieces of data were collected.”
So for us, here at Accelerate, over a year ago we began our own testing. By running in the True Motion shoes. Initially, it took us a moment, well a couple of runs. Then something quite unusual happened. Off the five pairs we had out on test a unanimous ‘You’re not getting these back!’ Now that is unusual.
Feedback was extremely positive, even to the extent that those with the Solo, the True Motion ‘fast shoe’ was appearing for track and speed sessions. The warm up shoes were coming off, the Solo was going on. In every case. It’s still happening.
That for me is the biggest endorsement any shoe and brand can receive. Time after time, folk wanting to run in the shoes.
We just think if you are on the lookout for a new shoe then the True Motion Range is really worth a try. Pop them onto your radar and see what you think.
Team Accelerate athlete and marathon runner Andy Shelton has been clocking up the miles in the new True Motion Aion Next-Gen. Keep reading to find Andy’s thoughts on the new Aion Next Gen below.
Who are true motion, and what are they about.
True motion is a German based company whose ethos is putting the runner first. No fancy gimmicks, they are using science to help people enjoy running and stay injury free.
Are the shoes different, yes, they are and for this reason they are wanting to make shoes that are as comfortable, natural, and efficient as possible.
So recently I have been asked to take the Aion Next Gen shoe and put it through it paces. As people know I’m an Ontm fan and have a large rotation of stability and carbon plated shoes.
Is this shoe going to be different, I’m not a stranger to True motion as I have a pair of the Solos in my shoe rotation, and I have been very impressed with overall robustness of that shoe. I have ignored all the sales talk about the shoe, and this is what I think.
Straight out of the box
They look neat and tidy, looks a well-made shoe, with nothing flashy about it, a pure shoe for running.
Love the colourway as it is nice and understated.
I took the shoes on a few runs furthest was about 16km and how did the shoe feel, all I can say is that they were a joy to my achy feet. Comfort is the buzz word and comfortable they are, this is due to the more cushioned U-Tech midsole which offers up a really soft landing.
The 3D MotionBridge structure also extends around the heel of the shoe for enhanced security and support. The outsole incorporates rotated TrueFlex flex grooves in the front of the shoe which enhance comfort when you push off from your toes. The sustainable Regrind Rubber outsole offers excellent traction and durability, so it gives confidence in the wet (it was raining heavily during the test)
The fit of the shoe was excellent, it felt stable and really secure on my foot, and it nice to know that the material used in these shoes is from sustainable resources.
Who do these shoes suit, in my opinion anyone, if you going to buy the shoes, I would go up ½ a size as this will help your feet and toes, with the little upsizing you will benefit from the extra cushioning. U-Tech Aion (Next Gen) is True Motion’s most luxurious, premium feeling shoe and is an excellent addition to your running shoe rotation, it is excellent for any runner looking to treat their feet kindly on easier or steady-paced runs.
The Aion Next gen specs are as follows:
Weight: 270 grams (slightly lighter than previous models)
Drop: 10mm
U-Tech structure centres forces applied during the gait cycle
3D MotionBridge structure helps transfer energy and offers a smooth transition
Overall conclusion
You aren’t going to go super-fast in these shoes, as they aren’t the lightest of shoe as they aren’t designed for this they are for long easy steady runs, these are definitely a road shoe.
For comfort and running enjoyment these are definitely for you, and you will not be disappointed as you will get lots of happy miles running in the Aion next generation.
Are you sold on them and want a pair right now?
The men’s can be found here and the women’s can be found here. Or if you are not quite convinced, pop down to the Accelerate Running Store and try a pair out now.
More information about the True Motion and their range can be found Here. Or watch the video below.
When looking for a new pair of running shoes there are a few simple guides to follow. Firstly. do they fit, second are they comfy, and finally do you enjoy going for a run in them. Stick to that and you are in a good place. The new Aion from True Motion certainly ticks these boxes for us.
Designed for use as an everyday road running shoe, that can clock up the miles day after day. Keep reading to find out how we got on.
Let’s start with a little background, True Motion is a German based running shoe brand with the goal of runner first. Focusing on natural movement and human mechanics, the resulting shoes have a running experience, unlike anything I have tried before.
True Motion Aion Specs:
10mm drop, 25mm in the heel 15mm in the forefoot
290g in men’s size 8UK and 250g in women’s size 6UK
Full length U-TECH midsole
3D-MotionBridge
Unboxing
Any shoe that you are greeted with a postcard from the designer, you know you are on to a winner.
Straight out of the box, they have a futuristic look to them, not your traditional trainer. First to catch my eye is the red Motionbridge wrapping around the heel of the shoe, there to help stabilize your foot and lock you in the shoe. Underneath sits the bright, shiny, and slightly sparkly U-Tech midsole. Flip the shoe over and it reveals a horseshoe shape with empty space under the heel, this is the key to their revolutionary design. As you land your foot sinks into the space, putting you in a more natural position and allowing you to align your body from ankle, knee to hip, before firing you forward. All wrapped in a light, breathable mesh upper with reflective detailing to help keep you visible.
Slipping my foot into them the first thing I feel is the horseshoe shape under my foot. It feels firm to start with yet once you get moving and the U-TECH begins to work you get the full effect and suddenly they feel plush and much softer. Hopping onto the treadmill the first few steps feel very strange, this is quickly replaced by a feeling I can only describe as gliding. I can no longer feel any weird bits under my foot when it lands just a smooth consistent base. The Spring forward is more notable now, the result a very snappy transition every time you land, great if you ever start to feel tired it can whip you back into shape.
After 60km of use
Jack was lucky enough to get a pair a few months before anyone and has been busy getting out and running in them.
“Months on and I still have the same interest and excitement surrounding them”
Having had the Aions for a few months now I still have the same interest and excitement surrounding them. I’ve mostly been using them for my easy going runs when I have been after that little bit of extra comfort. Which they have do provide very well; highly comparable to Brooks Glycerin in that respect.
I have tried using them for a few faster sessions in which I found them to be a little out of their comfort zone. Going around a fast, downhill corner I found them unstable, perhaps this was down to the hilly nature of Sheffield. However, the horseshoe shape makes it feel as though I am rolling out of the shoe. This would be my one quibble with them. The solo may solve this issue for me with the complete forefoot!
I’ve run between 60-70km in them roughly thus far, I don’t run with a watch so I haven’t accurately recorded the mileage. They are wearing very well in all with the biggest change being they have softened through the shoe most noticeable under my forefoot. This isn’t surprising given I do land on the forefoot consistently.
To get your own pair of True Motion Aions follow the link Here for men’s and Here for women’s. More information about the True Motion Range can be found Here. Or watch the video below.
One of three shoes available from True Motion, the Nevos sits alongside the previously reviewed Solo and Aion. Each shoe offers something slightly different in the range.
The Solo (reviewed here >>) is the speedier of the three shoes with the Aoin (reviewed here >>) a terrific everyday training shoes. Whilst the Nevos sits firmly between the two. It is designed to combine excellent cushioning (Aion) and responsiveness (Solo), arguably the best features of the other shoes.
For those of you investigating True Motion for the first time may be interested to learn why the Team here at Accelerate is so excited to be using and stocking True Motion. Read our introduction here >>
The New Kids on the Block: True Motion
The key to the True Motion Nevos is two fold:
Taking them out of the box you can clearly see the ‘U-Tech’ heel cushioning unit. Well, it does more than that as it all about ‘support and security’ for the heel. This is designed to centre the heel for natural limb alignment.
The cushioning material of the shoe utilises a unique foam that is responsive, in fact it is claimed that an energy return of 75% is possible.
So all of this should result in a stable, cushioned and responsive feeling shoe.
Tue Motion say about the Nevos…
You enjoy a soft touchdown like on a forest floor, you feel the natural stability and security in your entire running geometry and experience a push-off so dynamic, you can barely await your next steps. The U-TECH Nevos is a functional revolution. We are certain: if you experience this unprecedented running sensation of freedom and security, you will no longer want anything else!
So how does all of this add up in reality? Well there is only one way to find out and that’s to try a pair on and go run.
Picking the shoe up out of the box and you can get the impression it’s well made. A plush heel cup, lightweight breathable materials that are soft and easy to handle. Onto the foot and there is an immediate feeling of comfort and standing in them does, as has already been reported in the other two styles, they do feel a little odd. Not uncomfortable, just different. Fit is pretty good and they size up as I would expect.
Time to Run
First run was around the streets of Sheffield, taking in the River Don and the Olympic Legacy Park. A mix of typical urban running surfaces. It took a moment to feel and understand the shoe, again something all the Accelerate reviewers have noted. A couple of kilomters in and all this was forgotten as I realised I was just running. Movement felt natural. I was upright, no leaning forward nor any hint of an overstride. Running felt natural and easy.
Over time the cushioining and impact protection felt awesome, not too much and not to little. A real blend of coping with a few miles and also not leaving you wanting more from the shoe. This continued in every run undertaken in the Nevos. The stated responsiveness was also very obvious. Pick the pace up and it felt like the shoe really was giving.
The balance between cushioning and responsivenes is a joy
I am now into a little over 50km of running in the Nevos. Yep, they are the best road shoe I have run in this year. The Nevos is a real winner for me. Which, is actually saying something. I like the Saucony Kinvara, yet the Nevos are just more responsive. For me they knock spots of the ‘ON’ Running Flow. It’s like True Motion took the best from both these shoes and blended them together to give us the Nevos.
An everyday, training shoe, well yes. A longer distance racer, well, actually why not… even a fast 5k is not out of the question.
For me these are a real contender for the Best New Shoe of the Year. Well worth trying!
Team Accelerate Runner and Technical Sales Expert, Summer takes the all-new True Motion Solo Running Shoe for a spin. As part of the Tried, Tested and Abused series we give this shoe more than a run, as they have covered a couple of hundred miles as part of this review. Used for steady runs, tempo sessions, and also for track sessions we discover what Summer thinks about the shoe longer term.
When I first tried the Solo, I honestly didn’t think I would like them because they didn’t seem to have the same amount of cushioning that I would usually prefer. However, once I had actually tried the shoes on, I had changed my opinion completely. The more pressure and force I had applied to the shoe, whilst running, the more the shoe felt accustomed to me. There was the perfect amount of cushioning I needed. Therefore, the shoe felt like it was personalized for my preference which is one of the greatest things I took from my first experience running in the shoe.
Despite the Solo being great for fast-paced running, I didn’t enjoy doing a longer and slower-paced run in them as much. I found that the shoe took a while for me to break into until I truly found them enjoyable. Due to them being slightly smaller and lightweight compared to the other True Motion Shoes, I think the better alternative for an endurance run would be the Nevos or the Aion.
The True Motion Solo has become my favorite shoe for running in in such a short space of time. As a track athlete, I have found a huge difference within my training experience just because of the effort, detail, and technology used to create an overall amazing shoe. True Motion shoes use a different type of technology called U-Tech. U-tech is cushioning in the shape of a U on the heel of the shoe which offers support as well as comfort. Whilst training in the solo, I have never felt more stable within a shoe. This is because the U-Tech centres the heel and ankle when force is being exerted whilst running. Therefore, no harmful twisting or tilting occurs in the joints and aligning ankle knee, and hip. Overall, I think the Solo is a fantastic shoe that is great for all runners wanting a lighter and faster feeling shoe.
Even more exciting are you in need of a new pair of trainers? You can fine the Women’s True Motion Solo’s Here >> and the Men’s Solo Here >> Not sure the are they are the right shoe for you, pop down to the store and we can have a look.
More information about True Motion and their range can be found Here. Or watch the video below.
Team Accelerate runner and Steel City Strider Dot Kesterton has recently raced in the Bristol 10K road race organised by the England Masters Athletic Keep reading to hear how she got on.
Stuck out on Higgar, can’t get back in time.
Forgot to fill in the entry form.
I didn’t tell the family I’d be away.
It’s the hour before the alarm goes off and all the anxiety half dreams are swirling crazily around. A dozen reasons why I won’t make the start line. With emerging consciousness comes a breath of relief. I’m in the right place at the right time with the right kit, well prepared and have done my homework as thoroughly as I can. Despite the nerves I’m looking forward to it.
Bristol, a bit hilly like home and made rich on the back of slavery sits in late summer sunshine with a breeze off the sea as I walk to the start. I do wish the ‘England’ on my vest sat as comfortably as the ‘Wales’ on the other home international athletes, proud of their heritage. There are times when I’m simply ashamed to belong to a small island nation with small, minded leaders.
The race was organised by England Masters Athletics. The qualifier was Leeds Abbey Dash last October so here I am 11 months later in my new V70 age group to pound city centre streets in search of a new title. The route, snake like in the route map, winds around the Avon, through a small park, over unfriendly cobbles and finishes in Millennium Square, a large pedestrian area overlooking Spike Island and the river. Around 240 England Masters 35+ years old were at the head of a large group of runners looking forward to the Great Bristol 10k.
Tim Rafferty, fellow Sheffielder warming up for the half marathon after the 10k calls a greeting. it’s so good to see a familiar face among a sea of strangers.
My race goes well in that I find my pace in the early stages and settle to around 4.40mins per k. That should bring me in among the leaders without blowing up. Breathing is manageable and my legs are strong. Through the 5k point at 23.22 minutes so if I can hold onto it, I’ll be in around 47 minutes. It would be good to magic up a sprint finish but that eludes me, so I stumble in breathing hard in 47.30 chip time. At that stage I don’t know if I’m leading the age group or not, so it comes as a great relief to learn that I’ve led the group from the outset. Friend and rival, Anne Dockery, a formidable duathlete is next in around 50 minutes with the remaining V70’s a little after.
We relax and chat over the post-race presentations as people from far and near celebrate their achievements. The Masters winner was Matthew Rees, M35 in 31.33. First woman was Helen Gaunt, W40 in 35.41. Full results can be found at Here>>
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Straight out of the box
First run thoughts
Despite running less than 50 miles in the shoes so far, I have done lots of easy runs, an 11-mile long run, a fast Parkrun and a 12 x 400m session in them. The shoe is not designed as a racer but it has nevertheless felt comfortable and fast for all the types of running I have thrown at it. The shoes were also quick to break in, any initial stiffness alleviated after two runs in the shoe.
