Jamie Prokell

All of that changed in mid-July, when I started testing out Nikes new Joyride Run Flyknit sneakers. Powered by a new cushioning system, the Joyrides are supposed to deliver a uniquely soft, friendly run. Nike has high hopes for the Joyrides, and has billed them as the sneaker thats going to push plenty of non-runners, just like me, into running. And part of that is supposedly because of that softer, friendlier running experience.

It was promising, especially since it gave me a chance to get some health-focused quality time with my 10-year-old daughter, who recently joined a young womens running club in our neighborhood. Also, I do realize that Ive put on some weight recently, partly because Ive had some back flareups. If youve ever had one, you know that its one of the worst feelings in the world, and, once it happens, you cant do anything. So risking a back issue because of a quick jog is something that I havent been keen on doing.

The Joyrides gave me a chance to try anyway. And Ive quickly become a fan.

On the surface, Nikes newest running shoe looks like just another running shoe. It has a simple sock-like upper, and a cool light blue sole along the inside. But turn it over, and thats where you see the true innovation: The entire sole seems to be filled with little foam balls. (Simple, and understated cool. I was instantly into the look).

These Sneakers Got Me Hooked on Running in a Week

Those tiny balls, called TPE beads, are the thing that sets Joyride apart. There are thousands of these beads in each pair of Joyride Run Flyknits, separated into four separate pods. With every step in the Joyrides, the foam expands in multiple directions. And heres the best part: The entire sole is cushioning and responding to the pressure that youre applying to it. Do you attack with your forefoot? The Joyrides will provide more cushion there. Do you step hard with your heel? The beads in the back of the shoe are prepared to react.

The exact layout of the cushioning has been well-conceived by Nike. Youll generally put less consistent pressure on your forefoot and toes, so the front pod has far fewer beads. When walking especially, youre supposed to, if only for a moment, place a great deal of pressure on your back heel, right where the Joyrides have the greatest concentration of beads. Its innovative, and potentially fun.

<h1> Getting The JoyRide Experience </h1>

My first run was on a Tuesday night after work. My daughter was game, but Ill be honest: I was a bit nervous. So we left the house and headed outside with a modest goal. I hoped to run 10 minutes, then turn around wherever we were and run back, a solid 20-minute run. We did some light stretches, and then we headed off.

Unfortunately, the weather this first day was 90 degrees, and just four minutes in, I was tapped. The sneakers felt great, but honestly, it felt like a sweaty death sprint (also, that four-minute run had me surprisingly gassed . . . well, maybe not. I havent been out running in forever).. So I asked my daughter if shed mind if we went a little less than planned, and between huffing and puffing, she agreed that it might be better to turn around and go back. I pushed hard to jog the last few blocks back to our house, and we both headed back up the driveway, huffing nad puffing.

I spent 10 minutes cooling down from that little run and catching my breath, but I couldnt help noticing one thing: My knees and my back both felt pretty good. Not once during the run had I felt any pain in either spot. My body felt loose and comfortable. Maybe this little running experiment wouldnt be so bad after all.

After that first run, I gave my daughter a serious compliment. You see, shes already run three 5K races. Somehow, I could barely last five minutes! So I let her know that, and that I was impressed by her stamina. Her response was a shrug. Then she said, well, we dont go on an all-out run, like you did. And thats when I realized why that first run was torture. I was trying too hard. Im allowed to keep a nice comfortable pace and enjoy getting a run.

Fast-forward to my next few days running, and I changed tactics. I woke up early and started running in the early mornings. And I started running alone. I just went out and took things at a nice, leisurely pace, not trying to run fast. The results have surprised even me. Every time I run, I go a little bit longer; Im up to around 25 minutes of running now.

And the mornings I run, my entire demeanor at the office is different. I feel full of energy for the rest of the day. The thing thats surprised me most is this: Im now often looking forward to the next run. This after not even going for a quick jog once over the last six months.

I was super surprised at how much I was looking forward to the next run because in the last 6 months I had not thought about going for a jog once.

The Joyrides have been great. They feel fresh when I slip them on, and my steps feel light. I have a heavy heel strike (Im a tall guy), but with each step, I feel like the road is soft but stable.

All of this is far from what I was expecting. I was expecting to feel like moosh after every run. And I had been expecting far uglier shoes too. I like the looks of these, but when I was told that these shoes were good for non-runners with backaches, I couldnt help expecting a pair of kicks that felt like it had some thick gel insert inside. Instead, theyve been comfortable and steady with every step.

They also lock down my foot better than I expected. I like to feel confident when I step and not feel like my foot is sliding around. Its not in these sneakers, and theyre super-responsive. If I intentionally try to step hard, they feel softer. When Im lighter on my feet, they respond with more support.

I am not saying that these shoes alone changed everything for me, but they did give me an excuse to get out and give running a try. I am pretty sure that they helped me keep feeling good and wanting to get back out for the next run. And they looked good on my feet, which is always a win in my book. No wonder I cant wait for my next run.

Ive never been a runner. Theres always been something about the long slog that Ive never enjoyed. And as Ive gotten older, increasingly achy knees and a herniated disc in my back kept me from running. Sure, its nice to get outdoors and be active, but I never want to be part of anything that causes more ache in my lower back or throbbing knees.

These New High-Tech Sneakers Got Me Hooked on Running in a Week

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Jamie Prokell

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These New High-Tech Sneakers Got Me Hooked on Running in a Week