Nike Air Uptempo 1996

Today we go way back to the 90’s, 1996 to be precise. This was the Jordan era of basketball with the red hot Chicago Bulls. But let’s not leave out his swingman and the Bulls number 2 go to man, Scottie Pippen. In honor of Scottie Pippen we take a look at the unforgettable and readily available Nike Air Uptempo basketball shoes. 

With the big “AIR” going across the shoes it comes off a little flashy, but nonetheless these shoes are comfortable.  They protected your ankles from quick cuts and gave you enough cushioning when going up for a rebound.  But if you’re not wearing these for basketball then these could be considered a fashion statement if you’re wearing the right outfit. 

Overall these are great shoes for both on and off the court.  You get a comfortable shoe with a retro look.

Saucony ProGrid Ride 4 Running Shoes Offer Big Improvements

The Saucony ProGrid Ride 4 is unquestionably an improvement over its generational predecessors. In fact, after reading multiple reviews of Saucony ProGrid running shoes, I'm realizing that they have always been positive—which probably accounts for their years of loyal fans. Now, with a few tweaks in just the right spots, dramatic improvements are promoting a whole new generation of Saucony ProGrid Ride runners.

As a lightweight everyday trainer for neutral runners, the Saucony ProGrid Ride 4 is a dependable long distance shoe. Fans of the Ride shoes have always liked the support and breathability of this series but weight has always been a mild point of contention and the source of a few complaints. The developers at Saucony were able to turn customers’ feedback into a reality by shedding much of the weight without sacrificing the shoes reputation for stability. Now, reviews of Saucony ProGrid running shoes are confirming that this new generation of trainer has successfully become one of the lightest in its class while retaining all the attributes runners love.

The new found lightness of the Saucony ProGrid running shoes is due to the blown rubber outsole which maintains the same shock absorbent qualities as before but at a fraction of the weight. Some have remarked that this shoe’s weight feels very much like a race shoe, but the cushioning is still perfect for those long weekly miles.

Other improvements include the addition of a new more comfortable lining in the collar and tongue area. Previous versions of the Saucony ProGrid running shoes required sacrificing comfort in the top lining to allow for the firmer support weight in the sole. By lightening the sole, there was weight to spare, so Saucony added a more comfortable and faster wicking anti-microbial lining that is thicker at the tongue and collar. With feet being able to stay dryer, that means fewer odors (great for you and everyone in the locker room) and more comfort while running.

Overall, the Saucony ProGrid Ride reviews very well. The cornerstone of this shoe's success is still the ProGrid system that allows the heel to absorb and dissipate heel impact. With sizes available for both men and women, this shoe is still a crowd favorite.