For my triumphant return to outdoor Refine Method, I wore a new pair of shoes: the limited edition New Balance Team Garmin-Sharp Argyle 890v3 Performance Running Shoe. The shoes looked great and I received a number of compliments during the short time I had them on.
It’s a bonus that they performed very well too.
And by bonus I mean the entire reason I tried them out. I needed to see how the shoes performed and I decided that I’d start with short, fast distances first. As a lightweight shoe, the 890v3s are very different than the thicker shoes I usually wear to run.
At the same time, I’ve been wanting to dabble in lightweight running shoes for shorter, faster distances and had no idea how to decide which to go with. When New Balance offered me the chance to try out their limited edition New Balance Team Garmin-Sharp 890v3 performance running shoe, of course I said yes. And then they asked if I wanted to give away a pair to a reader — so, we all win. Well, two of us win, and one of the two is me. Mazel tov in advance to the one of you who wins.
As an injury-prone runner who loves lightweight sneakers for cross-training but needs cushioning for longer runs, I wanted to be careful. Outdoor Refine includes about four sprints up a hill, at just over 100 meters, in addition to all the other exercises we do. This seemed perfect for trying out a lightweight shoe with more flexibility than a standard running shoe.
The shoes, despite my initial concerns that they were too big (more on that below) were incredibly comfortable. I felt light on my feet and more importantly, I felt FAST during those sprints. Despite running up a steep hill, I felt like I was running on air as I zipped past people.
I also felt completely comfortable during walking lunges, jumping jacks, deadlifts, moving ladder jump squats, fast feet in and out of the ladder and all the other Refine-y moves that are much better performed with a flexible shoe.
Edited to add: these are more supportive than the New Balance Minimus.
I haven’t gone on a run in them yet, but I plan to later this week when I have 30-35 min with 4x100m strides on my plan. I’d love to see how I feel during a short run with a few bursts of speed.
If all goes well, I will incorporate them into more of my Richmond Marathon training runs!
About the shoes
Why are they called Team Garmin-Sharp?
New Balance has once again been named the official off-bike shoe of Team Garmin-Sharp, the American professional cycling team.
The argyle design is very pretty. Why argyle?
To commemorate the third year of partnership, New Balance has introduced the Limited Edition Team Garmin-Sharp 890v3 running shoe, featuring the bright blue hues and argyle patterns reminiscent of the team’s cycling uniform, which earned them the nickname “Argyle Armada.”
Any other interesting tie-ins to the cycling team?
The shoe also includes a custom insert, or sock liner featuring the riders.
What size should you get?
As for sizing… this is something I struggle with because every brand runs differently on me, and I size up for running which usually means my running shoes don’t work for regular wear.
New Balance shoes seem to run a little large on me and I was torn between two sizes. I ended up asking for the larger size, figuring my orthotics (should I choose to have extra support with these) would fit into the larger size better.
Check out the New Balance Team Garmin-Sharp 890v3 performance running shoes – if you like what you see, you can enter to win your own pair thanks to New Balance! You can get up to two entries.
New Balance Team Garmin-Sharp 890v3 Giveaway
(1) For one entry, leave a comment telling me if you run in lightweight shoes. I’d also love to know if you run lightweight for all your runs or just some.
(2) For one entry, Tweet the following:
I entered to win @newbalance Team Garmin-Sharp 890v3 argyle running shoes from @dysterious. http://dorishinyblog.com/?p=10301
Then come back here and leave a comment letting me know you did so.
(3) If you have a contact at Twitter that can help me get my (extremely inactive/no tweets/no followers) name as my handle, you automatically win. Kidding. But let me know.
*I must receive all entries by Tuesday, August 6 at 12am and the odds of winning are determined by the number of entries received. Prize value is $109.99. No purchase necessary to enter.
They’re great shoes. Good luck!
**I received my New Balance 890v3 performance running shoes at no cost for review. All opinions are entirely my own.
I run in Nike flyknits which are super light. I love them! And I run in them for all my runs. However, I’m trying to find another pair for shorter runs.
And I tweeted!
I am a sucker for trying new shoes, and these sound awesome! I’m also injury prone (which is obvious based on my current foot/ankle situation), so I’m always interested in shoes that are light but still give enough support to those of us that aren’t efficient enough for super minimal shoes!
HOT PICTURE. I do not run…but when I do, I don’t think they are lightweight. I NEED these for Refine though!
I tweeted!
Why funny you should ask. I was wearing Asics which had tons of support and helped with pronation but after our run on Sunday I decided to go to JackRabbit and get some (lighter) weight neutral Saucony’s. I tested them out last night with a quick 3.5 miles and so far so good! I think I’ll stick to those for running but would like another pair for cross training (I mean, not necessary but as a wish list item 🙂 Glad you got to do outdoor Refine!
And I hit you up on twitter 🙂
I am a NB girl! Love them. I typically wear a neutral running shoe for long distance (but I don’t really run long distance much anymore, I like short and deadly). I use NB minimus for lifting and sprinting. They are uber minimal so they are only good for under 2 miles. I use them for 15-20 min HIIT sprints on treadmill or hill sprints. Longer than 20 min and my ankles get sore. These that you are debuting look like the perfect combo of lightweight yet supportive! I want.
I am a NB girl! Love them. I typically wear a neutral running shoe for long distance (but I don’t really run long distance much anymore, I like short and deadly). I use NB minimus for lifting and sprinting. They are uber minimal so they are only good for under 3 miles. I use them for 15-20 min HIIT sprints on treadmill or hill sprints. Longer than 20 min and my ankles get sore. These that you are debuting look like the perfect combo of lightweight yet supportive! I want.
I don’t run in lightweight shoes- yet 😉 But I’ve been curious about trying them so winning these would be great!
And I tweeted!
I tweeteded.
I don’t run in lightweight shoes because I’m so injury-prone, but I use my NB minimus for workouts like Refine sometimes.
i use lightweight shoes for bootcamp classes. I also workout barefoot at home to build up the ankle/feet muscles. I would love to try these shoes for a run!!
I currently run in brooks pure cadence 2’s but I’d love to try these shoes!! They’re so pretty!! I’m training for my first marathon in January! Also i tweeted!
I haven’t tried lightweight shoes, but I would love to win!
And I tweeted! (@katie_lf)
I run in Brooks Pure Cadence which are considered lightweight shoes. Such a world of a difference between these shoes and what I previously used to run in. I was instantly converted. I do all my runs in them now. I’d love to try out NB.
Hi! I just tweeted and started following you on twitter. I love refine too, but haven’t tried an outdoor class yet. I should! Anyway, I really want to get into running but I have never found sneakers that work for me. I’d love to try these .. I think lightweight shoes would maybe work well for me.. I have tried Nike free runs and they aren’t bad but like I said I’m not really a runner (yet:) Thanks for the chance to win.. I look forward to reading more!
I haven’t run in lightweight shoes, but I do walk in them! Brooks Cadence are what I wear for walking and Brooks Adrenalines for runs. Would love to try these!
I tweeted as well! @olivesinphilly
I run in Asics and am also always either injured or worried about being injured so am looking for something new. I’m also trying to do more short speedy runs and sprints (like up Central Park) so think these NB would be a great fit. My dad always, always wore New Balance and still swears by them so maybe it’s in the family!
I havent ran in light weight shoes but I sure would like to try!!
Tweeted 🙂
First, I only wore a lightweight shoe for races (it is a flat). Now I wear a lighter shoe for all runs. It has absolutely improved my running and I love having shoes that are too bulky or full of cushion.
I only run in lightweight shoes. Typically, I’ve bought Saucony Kinvaras, but I’d love to try the New Balances.
I run in lightweight shoes! First the brooks pureflow2, and currently saucony grid profile. Both have a 4mm heel drop and the sauconys are firmer.
I’d love to try the New Balance ones. 🙂
Yay for outdoor Refine!!
I wear Saucony A5’s for Refine (indoor), if I run too and from Refine, speed workouts and racing (half distance and under). They are marketed as a racing flat.
I wear Saucony Virrata for outdoor Refine and one or two short runs a week. They are a zero drop shoe. I will likely race in them at some point, just haven’t races since I started using them.
Then for all other runs / marathon racing I wear the Sauncony Kinvara (just moved on to the 2nd generation, I stock pile shoes).
I would be interested to try a different brand of shoe.
I don’t wear lightweight shoes, because I’m like you..need that cushioning. I like the idea of trying them out for the shorter runs, though!
Tweeted!
Awesome giveaway! I haven’t tried a minimalist shoe, but I’d like to. In the past I’ve gone for uber-supportive, but that hasn’t worked out so well for me.
I have not run in lightweight shoes before but have been toying around with the idea for days I do speed work or short runs.
I only wear lightweight shoes. The lighter the better.
i also tweeted
I used my very lighweight sneakers to run a 5 miler and didn’t love it. I prefer a little more support. Looking to get some new sneaks 🙂
I also tweeted
I do usually run in light shoes – I’ve had six knee surgeries over nine years and I’ve found the lighter shoes put less stress and strain on my ankles, shins & knees.
I tweeted! (as @MsElleWoods)
Yes, I wear my Asics Hyperrocket girl all the time. I love having lighter shoes on.
I tweeted.
I didn’t really like the lightweight at first, but I have become accustomed to them now. I think I just need to find the perfect one. My calves bulk easily so I feel they are better. I haven’t tried New Balance yet.
I’ve transitioned over to the Saucony Kinvaras and felt they helped me regain my running form but were not quite there. I just tried the Virattas, which seem to, for now, provide the cushioning I need alongside zero drop. We’ll see how they hold up! I’m shifting between the two in my lower mileage phases.
I’m trying to round out my shoe choices for marathon training and I’d love to try the New Balance offerings. I absolutely love lightweight running shoes and I’m crossing my fingers as I’ve never won a giveaway. 😉
I do not run in lightweight shoes, but I would like to try!
I run in Nike Lunarglides…which aren’t too light but also not too heavy.
I tweeted!
https://twitter.com/HopSkipJumpAsh/status/362983349813379074
I run shorter and faster runs in lightweight shoes. My marathons and anythign over 10 is in my regular Kayanos.
Still not running right now but I’m loving lightweight shoes for Refine!
I tweeted too!
I do not run in lightweight shoes but actually have been considering trying to….great giveaway Dori! XO
I don’t run in a lightweight shoe, but have been tempted to try running in my Nike Frees that I wear in Refine!