Mention the name K-Swiss, and many will think tennis. But it isn't the case now as the brand with 5 stripes is now highly associated with the triathlon scene being the official footwear and apparel sponsor to the World Triathlon Corporation.
It was a chance not to be missed when I was given the chance to put on one of K-Swiss best selling running shoes, the K-Ona C. So why an alphabet C at the back? In fact, it means something of a face lift version where the shield logo is now moved to the centre of the shoe to represent a global branding movement. Except for that and the colours, nothing much changed. There is even an S version, which have the Ironman word or even selected country flags on it.
The K-Swiss K-Ona C...
The original K-Ona was named after the famous Kona district at Hawaii where the Ironman World Championship is held annually. Soon after it's introduction, many triathletes fell in love with the shoe and hence the start of a revolution.
The K-Ona C is a high performance trainer cum racer which is really suitable for both training and races. It may look bulky but don't be deceive by it. It weights in at about 255 grams only, which makes it a very fast shoe. Not forgetting the awesome flexibility of it where you can flex the shoes like you are wearing just a socks. Maybe a little too much here, but just try to imagine it.
Lateral view of the shoe...
Medial view of the shoe...
The shoes came with anti-slip laces. It was very long but I guess it's better than being short. No problems with the laces as it stayed firmly even when I only single tied it. Just have to do away with the extra length by tucking it between the laces and tongue.
As mentioned on it's bulky looks, many who have tested the shoe gave their first impression that it feels very different from how it looks. Being a low profile shoe, one can really feel the ground hence providing a very fast response on every strikes. I'm a person who likes harder compound running shoe, and this will certainly help. It may not be as hard compared to the ASICS range, but they are really close. The shoe offer a medial support but it is very mild, probably too mild to even feel it. Therefore, this will really suit those who pronate slightly and probably those who are into neutral shoes.
Medial support and the view of the K-Ona C's low profile design...
Take a closer look at the shoe and you will notice the number of holes around it. This is probably the highlight of this shoe. From the toe box to the heel counter to the outsole, the Flow Cool System is there to keep the feet and the inner shoes dry and well ventilated. With every stride, one can feel a slight gush of breeze entering the shoes, which really helps in moisture control. I personally ran through a rainy half marathon with this shoes. Water goes into the shoes whenever I run through the puddle but it quickly came out through the holes. No doubt the shoes and socks gets wet, but it rinses off a lot quicker compared to other shoes. This shoe is after all made for the triathlon scene. And being that, it's also seamless in design where some triathletes actually wear them without socks.
The Flow Cool System as seen on the toe box...
Being seamless in design is really great as it help save transition time for triathletes. The tongue of the shoe is very thinly padded. If one part of the shoe that will soak up with water, will be the collar as memory foam is used here. Though not really thick, it's just sufficient to offer some padding and protection to Achilles region.
The outsole of the shoe was made with K-Swiss very own EVA foam call SuperFoam. Nothing fancy about it as it duties was to provide energy return with every strike. And protecting the SuperFoam is the K-Swiss very own compound rubber call Aosta II. For the midsole, another foam called the K-EVA foam coupled with a technology call GuideGlide that helps to centre the foot to help guide every stride is used. I will say this shoe is very minimalist in design. No mumbo jumbo technology built in but yet it serves its purpose very well, to propel every stride!
A view of the outsole...
The SuperFoam and note the drainage system...
My first test with the K-Ona C was a 40KM run. No running in is required with this shoe and I quickly got used to it. Very comfortable run in it and soon after, it was an 84KM adventure. It supported me well throughout my journey, feeling really good. Though the shoe was damp, I need not worry much. If it can support a triathlete or even an Ironman through their run, and now guiding me through to a successful 84KM ultra marathon, can one imagine how good is the shoe? Did I mention that this is actually the favourite shoe of Luke McKenzie, Chris Lieto, Matt Lieto and Belinda Grander, just to name a few world class triathletes?
The K-Swiss K-Ona C is now available at a recommended selling price of RM430 from Runnerz Circle.
1 comment:
I wore these shoes in a few marathons. A couple of years a go. Not a bad running shoe at the time. One of the marathons was a very rainy event. The shoes were comfortable and the drainage system worked well. No blisters. I've worn them without socks and the vents in the toes did work in keeping the sweating under control.
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