First Look | 2012 K-Swiss K-Ruuz 1.5 | Gear Review
SWIMBIKERUN.ph is honored to be one of the first in the Philippines to try the latest incarnation of the K-Swiss K-Ruuz 1.5. K-Swiss is argueably, one of the most committed brands in triathlon today and with the release of their 2012 shoe lineup, it looks like they have no intentions of stepping off the gas.
We gave the K-Ruuz a quick spin and here are the results.
Andreas Raelert with the 2011 record setting K-Ruuz
The K-Ruuz has a LOT of history. This is the shoe that Andreas Raelert wore when he set the fastest Ironman world record time of 7:41:33 at Challenge Roth!
6.3 oz!
Release Date and Weight : Set for release in the Philippines on the 2nd quarter of 2012, the K-Swiss K-Ruuz 1.5 (K-Swiss speak for “cruise”), is the brands lightest racing flat with a listed weight of just 6.5 oz. Upon testing, our size 9 1/2 K-Ruuz 1.5 weighed even lighter! Measuring just 6.3 oz on the tried and tested SBR.ph scale.
Burn the roads with the insane “look at me” K-Ruuz color combo
Style : The 2012 K-Swiss K-Ruuz 1.5 comes in two colorways. The men’s version has the fiery red, optic yellow, and black color combination. While for the womens, it’s a combination of optic yellow, fiji blue, and black.
The inside walls of the K-Ruuz
You can see the ION-mask coating in this shot
Ventilation : Full breathability is achieved by using an open air mesh upper. The exterior of the K-Ruuz 1.5 is coated with K-Swiss’ unique ION-mask hydro-phobic technology, which is designed to repel water and keep your feet dry.
With the insert removed, the superfoam sole with drainage ports is revealed
Drainage : Drainage ports in the middle of the sole allows excess fluid to drain out and also keep the weight down.
TPU insert integrated with the AOSTA II Rubber Compound helps control pronation
Cushioning and support : I recently tried the K-Ruuz 1.5 for a quick 45 minute interval session. The K-Ruuz responds to every step. The cushioning is thin enough to let you get a solid feel of the ground yet has just the right thickness to provide enough cushioning for a comfortable run. The K-Ruuz 1.5 has very mild stability (note: very mild) which is achieved via the TPU insert at critical flex areas.
Smooth interior
Seamfree Tech = blister free run
Sockless running : One of the first things that I do everytime before I try a shoe is get a feel of its interior. The insides of the K-Ruuz 1.5 is smooth, thanks to its SEAMFREE tech. I haven’t tried running sockless with it yet as I always prefer running with socks but I don’t think sockless runners will have a problem with it.
Loop tabs assures faster transitions
Faster transition : Triathletes will surely love the loop tabs at the tongue and the rear.
1/2 size smaller than my usual
Sizing : You have to go down a 1/2 size smaller than your usual to get the right fit for the K-Ruuz. I’m a regular size 10 so I was surprised when K-Swiss sent me a 9 1/2. Now I know why. Based on feedback, some people even size down a full inch.
The 2012 K-Swiss K-Ruuz
Verdict and Recommendation : Super light, flexible, and really comfortable. This is an excellent shoe for fast sessions and races. People with wide feet will have no problem running with this shoe as it has plenty of toebox available. It’s best suited for mild over-pronators or neutral runners competing in 5k up to 21k distances. Faster runners will surely have no problem using this for longer distances as well.
How much? : As per K-Swiss Philippines, the MSRP of the 2012 K-Ruuz is 4,995.00.
i got my pair last january (through germany) and i have been using it for the last 3 months… tried on track, grass, asphalt, concrete surfaces with varying distances. my own experience…. good for short distances but the cushioning becomes a problem for longer distances (21km condura). its first real test for me is Aviva Ironman 70.3 SG… will decide from there if i will stay with K-ruuz for Cebu.