I have a pretty special relationship with my shoes. When I like a pair, I can wear it until it rips all over the place. This is what happened with my RC1400… Let's just say I can't run with it anymore. On the other hand, I am always a little hesitant to buy the same model several times, because it "prevents" me from testing shoes for this blog (really flat problem, I know). So I was extremely happy when I received the pair of RC1600s that I had ordered, as I knew that I would probably like the RC1600 as well as the RC1400 and at the same time it made an extra pair to test for the blog.
I now have a hundred kilometers of covered with these shoes. I'm not sure yet whether I prefer the 1600 or the 1400. For me, the 1400 was an extremely successful and balanced model.
Here are the stats for the 1600:
Weight: 5,4 oz
Height difference: 6 mm
Front height: 15mm
Rear height: 21 mm
The upper
What I often criticize about minimalist shoes is that they are too soft in the forefoot. It allows the toes to take their place, sure, but I feel less stable if there isn't some stiffness in the upper at the metatarsals. This is not a very wide shoe and will not fit very bulky feet. As you can see in the photo, I'm a little tight in it… The tongue is not very wide either, so we can see your foot (or your bottom).
The inside of the shoe is flexible and well finished enough that it can be worn without stockings. I have not tried to do more than a few kilometers without a bottom. I certainly wouldn't do a competition like that, but “it's okay”.
In terms of durability, I can't really tell you yet, as I only have about 100km done, but I find the upper feels quite durable. If I could change anything I would make the shoe a little bit wider, but other than that the fit of the upper is excellent. I find it weird that I feel more cramped in the 1600 than in the 1400, two shoes built on the same “last”.
The midsole
The 1600 is called a "marathon racig flat" by New Balance. I find this to be the best way to qualify this shoe and the midsole has been constructed with that in mind. Just enough cushion to run a marathon. Those who have already hit the wall know that after 35km, the running technique can leave something to be desired and that the heel attack is no longer always "proprioceptive". If I had to run another marathon tomorrow morning, I would probably do it with the 1600. It's also a good choice for doing intervals on a track or on the road, as the upper holds the foot well and that the sole is firm enough to feel the ground well. We feel that this shoe is even more performance oriented than the RC 1400
As can be seen in the photo above, the shoe is made to give "natural stability". The outer side of the shoe is weakened by the slit and the inner side is reinforced with more material, in order to slow down pronation. It looks good in theory, but the advantage I see is that it can reassure those who feel they need a shoe with stability. I already talked about this in another article, but I don't think that slowing down pronation reduces the risk of injury.
The outer sole
Again, we see that the shoe is constructed to slow down pronation. Indeed, the 7 white holes that you see on the outside of the shoe are used to reduce the structural strength (an engineer can take me back with pleasure) of the shoe in order to make it softer on the external side, which aims to slow down pronation. For me, I find this a good way to make the contact with the ground softer, while keeping a sole firm enough to transmit the energy of the stride well. Maybe looking at the sole you are intrigued by the black dots on the front. These are points that aim to make the sole lighter. They are made with a slightly rubberized material, but quite hard. I was worried about durability, but after 100km they are still like new, so no worries at that level.
In short
The RC 1600 is a competition shoe that will allow you to give your all in your next competition. This is not a minimalist shoe that will push you to improve your running technique, that is not its goal. It's also a great choice for doing your intervals!
Available at Fradette Sport Place de la Cité!
ah I am in a hurry to put them on my feet !! they wait quietly in the closet, with their greensilence friends (the 3rd pair 😉).
I also strongly appreciated the 1400, I just have to run as fast as you, it will have a little more in common 😀
So if I understand correctly, this would by no means be a shoe recommended for those who, like me, are more of a supinator?
Goods.
My opinion and the one shared by most scientists is that being a supinator, pronator or neutral is not a scientifically validated way to choose your shoes ... Difficult for me, however, to recommend these shoes to you without knowing what to wear. you're running right now, your history, etc. Maybe I am not clear enough in the article, but the elements that give natural stability do not, in my opinion, change the risk of injury or the biomechanics.