For fitness enthusiasts, shoes are very important, and choosing the right pair is a skill. A few days ago, I joked about writing a review of all the shoes I've worn over the past two years. The brand REAL RUN might not be very familiar to runners, but when you mention R2, it has a certain reputation among running enthusiasts. I own an R2 running vest, and the wearing experience is quite good.
The new R2 running shoes are full of hype because they are positioned as 'LSD,' which stands for Long Slow Distance. So, how long is 'long' in this context? It generally means at least one hour in duration, covering a distance of 20-30 kilometers or more. Runners refer to this as a long-distance run. LSD requires high endurance from runners, and long periods of running also demand a lot from the shoes. Few manufacturers directly market their shoes as LSD, so let's take a look at these R2 'Equator' running shoes.
The packaging is very simple, and when I opened the box, I was struck by the red color. I've worn red shoes from Kailas, Salomon, and Codoon, but the red of the R2 Equator is a very Chinese red. Just seeing it makes you feel excited, like a shot of adrenaline.
The upper is made of double-layer breathable mesh fabric with a high proportion of heat-sealed overlays compared to other brands, which significantly enhances the shoe's wrapping ability. The toe cap features anti-kick and widened anti-collision TPU overlays to protect the foot during exercise.
The heel also uses a large amount of TPU overlays to enhance stability, with an internal TPU piece for added support. The use of thickened foam improves comfort. The heel has a pull tab for easy on and off, and the reflective strip on the pull tab makes night running safer.
The sole structure is the soul of a running shoe, and this R2 shoe uses an EVA+rubber design. It is said that the sole design is inspired by suspension systems and tire treads, which can effectively mitigate impact and enhance rebound. The honeycomb tire outsole design may also perform well in terms of grip and durability.
The sole is about 5 cm high, which could be a benefit for runners who are not confident about their height. The insole is breathable and quite thick.
Trying them on, the toe box of this running shoe is relatively wide, allowing the toes to fully spread out and move freely. During long runs, the feet tend to swell, so we usually choose a half size larger. The wide toe box also helps prevent toe compression and black toenails. Runners with larger body weights or wider feet should love this type of toe box. The thick sole indeed feels very cushioned.
The small heel-to-toe drop makes these shoes more suitable for runners who are used to landing on their heels. I tested them on the track for a few kilometers and found that a pace of 5:30-6:00 per kilometer was the most comfortable. The track surface is relatively soft, so the thick sole made it a bit difficult to accelerate. On concrete and road surfaces, the cushioning of these shoes becomes more apparent. The honeycomb tire tread of the Equator shoes provides a reliable grip on complex surfaces. On downhill sections, you don't need to use your toes to brake; just keep your foot flat on the sole and enjoy the speed.
For entry-level runners with low cadence and longer ground contact time, the thick sole of the R2 Equator can alleviate most of the ground reaction force's impact on the knees. Advanced runners, during their daily endurance training, will choose cushioned running shoes that are more comfortable and protective than racing shoes. Day after day of training will eventually lead to flying on the race track.
I personally like the gold 'LSD' design on the side of the toe cap of these R2 Equator running shoes. It feels like a personal encouragement: 'Tomorrow, I'm going to run an LSD,' and also like a badge of honor: 'I am someone who can run an LSD at any time.' Conquering begins with seeing this miraculous red; persistence is forged by the response to each ground contact; reaching the destination is just another beginning.