June 20 marked the day when my loyalty to a shoe brand would end and a love affair with another would start. It wasn’t just Father’s Day, but my K-Swiss Tubes Run 100 discovery day as well.
A gift from my ever-loving family turned out to be everything I needed for my runs. Pegged at Php 3,990.00, K-Swiss Tubes is one head turner not lacking in substance.
I could have written this review the first time I used the Tubes but I wanted to be sure that the comfort and flexibility I felt weren’t just placebo effect.
The Tubes incorporates K-Swiss’ proprietary Tubes soles technology that provides regionalized cushioning system that works with the forces applied by individual body types. K-Swiss claims that the engineered cylinder mirrors the natural gait of every wearer.
After running for a total of 35 kilometers with the Tubes, I will have to agree with K-Swiss’ engineers.
My first run out with the Tubes didn’t feel like it was the first time my feet were pounding the asphalts with cotton-like sensation on my heels. It felt bouncy, with little or no impact at all. The first two kilometers felt like I was running with an old pair of shoes hugging my feet to perfection.
The Tubes’ flexibility catered well to my underpronating gait. Never was there any feeling of imbalance all throughout my runs. My feet landed firmly on the ground, thanks to the gradual reduction of the Tubes’ cylinders as I moved forward.
Though a bit heavier than my NB 738, the weight difference becomes negligible after around 3 or more kilometers into the run. For some reason, the Tubes becomes lighter the more you run with. I am normally a heel striker especially after around 10kms. But with Tubes, I am able to land mid-foot at longer distances as I was still able to lift my knees.
One of the things I notice with several running shoes is the heat it encloses the feet with on long runs. Runners and multi-sport athletes include heat trainings in their preparation for long races and it is very important that they feel comfortable running, otherwise, their target times will be in peril.
In Camsur 70.3 last year, there were several instances I poured water on my feet as it felt burning already. The Tubes’ minimizes these “overheating” problems by putting mesh outer layers on the shoes, making it breathe and keep the feet as cool as possible. This is one feature that I’m sure distance runners and multi-sport athletes will benefit from.
A real head turner, the Tubes’ aesthetics is at par, if not better than most running shoes. The color combination in basically all its models are well-thought about and artistically put together. Now, if you have a pair of shoes that attracts attention and performs as well, that’s a winner.
Conclusion
There are shoes that push innovation to its best, and K-Swiss’ Tubes Run 100 is one of it. As a former avid basketball player, I would liken the Tubes to the Nike Air series of basketball shoes. What Nike Air did to basketball shoes, K-Swiss now tries to duplicate with running footwear, and based on my feet’s experience with it, it is bound to succeed.
K-Swiss, as a company, is not known in a sport dominated by Adidas and Nike, but with their recent offerings, they’ll be on top of our sport for sure. They just crossed the finish line first, with the Tubes.
The Sweat Addicts K-Swiss Tubes Run 100 Scorecard:
Price 4
Cushioning 5
Flexibility 5
Stability 5
Weight 4
Total Rating: 4.6 Highly Recommended
Hi Deo,
I am currently looking for a new shoe to use on long runs. I’m currently using Adidas Racing Flats and they’re good and light but I can’t really use them on longer runs. This seems like a good option!
I was a big fan of Nike AirMax when I was a kid! You’d be the cool kid if you had one back in the days. If you say that the K-Swiss feels like the AirMax then I should definitely try it!
- Gerard
Hi Gerard,
If you like cushioning, then this is the shoes you’re looking for! For sure it will be best used for long runs. Again, the more you run with the shoes, the lighter it gets.
Deo P.
Deo,
Thanks so much for posting this. I’ve been increasing the length of my runs and will be hitting the pavement for a 5k next month. I narrowed down some choices today at the mall to the Tubes and another Asics (which I currently run in). Couldn’t believe something so comfortable would be well recommended for a high volume of running. Glad to read such a valuable review! Thanks again.
-Stacey
Hi Stacey,
I’m glad you found my review helpful. Thanks for dropping by as well.
Regards,
Deo P.
I’m in the market to purchase a good pair of running shoes that i can use at the gym and on the pavement. I’m looking at either the Reebok ZigTec’s or the KSwiss Tubes and wanted to know which one you would recommend. I work out 3 to 4 times and week and do alot of cardio and also in the army and do some running.
Hi Kenneth,
I have never used a Reebok ZigTec before. However, if you’re looking for a shoe that you can use for both the road and the gym, I will recommend the Tubes Run 100, primarily because I find the shoe flexible enough for a variety of uses. I use mine as well when I’m hitting the weights after a 30-minute run. I believe the shoes are durable enough to withstand the extra weight on the body during core workouts, mine has not shown any damage at all, just need some washing to make it sparkly white again.
Deo P.
I just bought some.i had the zigtechs and they hurt my feet.i am looking forward to wearing these to workout in.:)
Hey,
I get shin splints alot on runs over 2 miles. I was told by a salesman at our local running store that I needed shoes with arch support so I am currently in some Asics Gel Cayanos. This seems to have fixed the problem so I don’t think he was just trying to make a sale and making things up. These are starting to wear out though and I was intrigued by these. Do you think they would be good for those in need of arch support?
HI Alex,
Yeah, the Tubes would be. Actually, I believe most cushioned shoes are good for shin splints. Most injuries are brought about by the lack of support of our anatomy to the constant pounding running brings to it and cushioned shoes help minimize these.
Deo P.
I just bought a paair looking for some relief from aches and pains of running. I have wide feet and have struggled with my feet problem. My left foot tends to hang over the outside of shoes after a few runs, i am a very heavy runner. I heard these tubes are durable an would help with the issues I had with my feet hurting. Plus my mom just bought a pair 3 weeks ago and feels great during workouts.
Hi there,
I have not been using the gym for long (about 10weeks) i’m not a professional runner i used to be a couch potato to be honest. I started out with my usual pair of Puma trainers buti realise they werent’ good for the purpose as they hurt my foot after a while.So i went and got a pair of tubes and they felt very comfortable. But after running in them 5k twice last week and doing general workout and zumba, i developed shin splint. Now i am not really sure if the shoes caused it or the 10k. I worked up to that distance gradually doing 1k then 2 and 3 and then 5k so can’t really say i did it suddently and nearly fell off the threadmill. I felt comfortable running it. So what do you think??? I’m really curious about your opinion. Would you maybe suggest i get some gel cushionning for the tubes or just buy a different brand? Many thanks
Jimmy: I myself am heavy. I’m about 6′ at 180lbs. Need to lose about 10lbs so I can be at my “ideal” weight. Like you I have wide feet which suits the Tubes perfectly because its toe box is big enough to accommodate 5 extra large toes. I’ve had the Tubes for almost a year now and so far, they still look and feel new.
Tunde: Shin splints are caused by a variety of reasons: wrong running form, footstrike, running gait ( overpronation ), running too long too soon, etc. Has your gait been checked and were you offered the correct shoe type? I have never experienced having shin splints ( lucky me! ) all my running life so I couldn’t tell whether it was the shoes that caused it for you or not. The Tubes is very cushioned and I don’t think gel cushioning would help. I suggest you have your form checked as you may be leaning too forward putting stress on your shins when you launch your feet when you run. If you’re an overpronator, stability shoes/motion control shoes are better for you. For now, rest and let the shins recover. Be mindful of your footstrike and do midfoot running instead of forefoot if you can. HTH!
Deo P.
I’m new to running, and am trying to get off the couch and get outdoors. The only tennis shoes I had were a cheap wal mart brand, so i decided to go and get some better shoes. Shopping for tennis shoes has always been difficult for me because I have a wider foot and there is often not enough room for my pinky toe
I tried on the K-Swiss and was amazed at how much room I had and how comfortable and flexible the shoe was. For someone with hard to fit feet, it is the perfect shoe. I can’t wait to begin using them, especially after reading this review!
i was informed by the sales girl that the tubes were not for distance running. i am about to run 2 x 10k and a half marathon . i would like to know your opinion on the k-swiss tubes for distance running
Gordon: That sales girl must be kidding! I have used the Tubes in 42K, several 21Ks, 20K+ training runs and a lot of 10K+ runs…it works! In fact, I would assume it was designed for distance running and not sprints. Go get one and thank me later.
Hi,
I stumbled upon this review and my only question is regarding parkour/free running. I’m not sure if you could answer this but I’m new to parkour and I was wondering if these shoes would be suitable for parkour.
-Chris
I had zig tech (low) shoes for a year and loved them but they were getting old and worn out from running/working out too much so I got a pair of tubes they are great for being light on your feet when you want a good run and never hurt my feet when I work out
I love these shoes! I just got them and they are the most amazing shoes that I have ever ran in. Since I have had bad knees due to the impact of running these shoes are exactly what I needed.
I just bought the k swiss tubes for school and they are the best shoes i have ever had and they are sooooo comfortable
Hi there. I actually have two pairs of the K-Swiss Tubes 100 already. I loved the first pair so much, I bought a second pair in another color. I’m about to buy my first pair of K-Swiss Micro Tubes.
I love them so much as they’e very comfortable and they look so good. Strangers on the street walk up to me and ask me where I got them. That’s never happened before with Nike, Adidas or Reebok. I guess the fact that you won’t see 8 out of 10 people wearing these shoes make them much more attractive.
I’m a fan of these shoes for running. I have the black & orange ones. I am a male, 6’3 180 lbs heel striker with a high arch. I would agree that they may not be the fastest shoes, but they’re great for long distance thanks to the elastic and substantial cushioning. Appearance is of course also totally awesome! I ran a marathon in them (for which I barely trained) and wouldn’t've chosen any other shoes (for a marathon for which I barely trained).
I recently ran the Hartford Marathon (my third marathon ever and first this year) in these K-Swiss Tubes 100. I was stupid and barely trained for it. Just couldn’t find the motivation. The two weeks previous to the marathon I didn’t run a single mile. Within the 6 months prior I only ran two 13.1 milers, one 4.5 miler and a few hills. No, I’m not joking. Yes I was that stupid. I did do about 300 miles on my road bicycle including a 100 mile bike race, so that helped I guess.
I ran my first 2 marathons in my Mizuno Wave Rider 13s (recommended to me by marathon sports) and loved them!! I was torn between running in those vs. my new K-Swiss Tubes. The K-Swiss Tubes are slightly heavier than my Mizunos. The Mizunos are faster, have GREAT cushion, and fit BEAUTIFULLY, don’t get me wrong. Though heavier, I think the K-Swiss cushioning is better at injury prevention.
Come race day I decided I would “go out in style” and wear my stylish K-Swiss instead of my Mizunos (which I love to death, ran my first two marathons in, and still feel are quite stylish). I planned on running as far as I could tolerate and then alternating walking, running and stretching. At the 17 mile mark (4 more miles than I had done in the previous 11 months and 17 more miles than I had done in previous 2 weeks) I felt too sore to keep running consistently and started my walking, running, and stretching. Once I finished my shins were a bit tender and my left knee hurt a bit, but much less than I expected. Knee pain was mostly gone next day. I feel that these injuries would’ve been much worse if I wore my Mizunos, because my body wasn’t prepared for the impact/strain. I’m glad I chose to run it in the K-Swiss.
In terms of Durability, after having run a total of 40-45 miles on pavement in them, the shoes show almost no signs of wear. I’m impressed!
The Tubes 100 are definitely no minimalist shoe. I’m giving POSE running a shot and ready to start in some light shoes with almost no cushioning (as recommended by Dr. Romanov). I’m planning on getting the Saucony Originals Bullet very soon and the Mizuno Wave Universe 4 when I can afford. Because I’m switching to a minimalist style, I’m retiring these shoes from running but will enjoy them for fashion and at the gym.
For those injury prone runners who land heel first, I would hands down recommend these shoes over any I’ve tried in the past. For those running their first marathon heel first, I would definitely recommend using the tubes 100. Perhaps 3-4 weeks prior to the race, start working these shoes into your proper training routine. Again, they’re great for protecting against impact and cushion is very substantial and elastic (bounce back)… but not the fastest or lightest shoes.
Sorry everyone!
I found the K-Swiss Tubes Run 100 horribly uncomfortable. There is no cushion effect whatsoever! I describe it like walking in wooden clogs. And please don’t wear them when descending a double decker bus stairs because the ridges on the soles will catch edges of the steps and you could fall head first.
Give me a sole with soft foamy rubber any day.
Harry