Top Running Shoe Picks!

A graduate of Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Jennifer Heiner-Pisano holds a bachelor of arts in marketing and economics. Since 2019, Jennifer Heiner-Pisano has served as the retail director of a New Jersey running company where she oversees the running and management of four unique retail locations. 

On the surface, it seems as if running is an easy no frills sport with out a lot of fancy equipment being required. However, choosing the right running sneakers is key to staying healthy, preventing injury, and performing your best. Some of Jennifer Heiner-Pisano's favorite sneakers are from a brand called Newton, a company based in Boulder, Colorado. 

Newton has patented technology that is worlds apart from any other brand out on the market. What makes Newton Technology so different? Newton uses “Action/Reaction™” Technology. According to the company, “generated by the active movement of the lugs, Action/Reaction Technology creates a responsive, trampoline-like cushioning system that provides quicker bounce-back and loses less energy than a traditional foam-core running shoe.” The five lugs in the forefoot/ball area of the shoe are what make Newton’s technology and design unique. 

Unlike many other brands on the market, Newton features lower heel to toe drops to put you in a position to run most naturally. This means the heel stack height is also lower, giving runners a more level feel. Despite the lower heel stack height and lower heel to toe drop, Newton shoes are still responsive and fully cushioned thanks to the feel of the lugs in the forefoot. The same cushioning technology that goes into the lugs also exists in the heel, providing runners a fully cushioned ride with every run.

A Comparison of Running Facemasks - Pros, Cons, Pricing

 

Several different options from different retailers, both fashion and sports based. Worth noting that most of these are either sold out or backordered for weeks, so clearly in high demand and clearly something that any performance apparel company should focus on selling, as we will be wearing these for a while until the vaccination rollout is complete and proven to be effective.  

Zensah Performance Face Mask

·       Priced at $16

·       Advertised as anti microbial, odor free, moisture wicking, quick drying

·       They also include Silver which the manufacturer is claiming to aid in the antimicrobial component, which has been “embedded in the fabric [to] halt bacteria growth and keep these masks odor free”

·       Comfort straps tie behind the head so they don’t chafe or otherwise irritate the ears

·       70% Polyamide / 23% Polypropylene / 5% Elastane / 2% Silver

·       Recommended to wash on warm, and then machine dry delicate cycle (warm obviously kills the germs more than cold)

·       Available in black/white/blue/pink – all currently sold out online

Vistaprint Face Masks

·       $13 for kids size masks; $18 for adult masks; $10 for refill filter packs of 10

·       Wide variety of colors and designs (sampling below)

·       Replaceable “nanofilter system”

·       Patented technology.

o   Made from breathable melt-blown nanofiber.

o   Every mask ships with one filter included.

o   Each filter can be used for up to 12 hours.

·       Adjustable nose bridges as well as adjustable clasps on the straps to fit every face (see below)

·       Adult masks: 24cm x 15cm. Kids’ face masks: 19cm x 12cm.

·       Inner layer: 100% cotton. Outer layer: 91.7% polyester fiber, 8.3% spandex.

·       Not marketed as “athletic masks” but more fashion based

Anti Pollution Carbon Filtered Mask

·       There are a variety of these on Amazon specifically, ranging from $18 to $30 each, with carbon filter refills sold separately, ranging from $10 and up for packs of 10

·       Requires additional technology that I don’t know if we’re capable of doing at the manufacturer, or if its quite frankly even necessary

·       Several have ties that go behind the head to reduce chafing behind the ears; other’s have adjustable Velcro similar to a hat or visor

·       Made from anything from cotton to polyester, mesh, nylon, and any combo inbetween

Rhoback Masks

·       Selling for cost at $6.40 – they are not aiming to make a profit

·       Organic cotton layer on the inside (no dyes) and the outside layer is ATB-UV+ Antibacterial / Quick Absorption / Fast Drying Polyester 

·       Can be washed and reused

·       Also contains a Pouch for filter inserts should wearer have them – this is probably a good option – we don’t need to necessarily provide filters, they are available elsewhere but the mask can be worn with or without one

·       Adjustable nose bridge and ties that look like they can either go behind the ears or behind the head

·       I do also like the USA logo on the front – not sure if we’d be able to put our own logo as well as maybe something customizable, whether it’s a USA decal, NJ/NY/CT whatever