For impatient people like me, the time spent on loosening the shoelaces, slipping my foot into the shoe, squatting down to tie the laces, and repeating the same procedure to the other foot felt too much sometimes. I’m going to be honest, I’m the type of person who prefers not to untie the laces between runs!
When I read about New Balance FuelCore Sonic’s Boa System, I’m very intrigued. This shoe is created after two years of collaboration and development between New Balance and Boa. Both companies saw an opportunity to change the running experience through a better fit of runner’s footwear.
From top to bottom, the shoe is designed for speed and constructed with lightweight yet robust materials.
Boa Fit System
The Boa technology sounds like what I’ve been waiting for my whole life. This technology doesn’t require me to tie and untie any shoelaces at all. Furthermore, the Boa System dials and laces are guaranteed for the lifetime of the product on which they are integrated.
To wear the shoe, firstly, ensure the wheel (or dial) is pulled out. Then, put the shoe on, press the wheel, and rotate the wheel to tighten the strap until you’re comfortable with the fit. It’s that simple, and it takes me less than 30 seconds to wear both sides of the shoe. Taking them off is even simpler. Pulling out the wheels, loosening the laces and taking out both feet usually take me less than 15 seconds!
The Boa System in NB FuelCore Sonic consists of 3 components: the L6 reel which features maximum impact protection, resistance to accidental opening and dirt contamination; TX4 Lace, a flexible, lightweight, low friction and high strength Boa lace; and FormTX Guide, a high-performance textile lace guide that instinctively conforms under dynamic movement.
As much as I love the Boa System, I find that the space around my forefoot is too roomy. As the strap doesn’t cover that area, it isn’t possible to adjust the fit at the forefoot.
The Shoe’s Upper and Sole
The FuelCore Sonic’s upper is made of an ultra-breathable air mesh to help runners stay cool and comfortable during the run. The fabric is soft and flexible; it feels like sock. Bootie construction is designed to ensure a snug, lightweight, and second-skin-like feel.
There isn’t a separate tongue like other shoes with laces, instead, the “tongue” is sewn to the upper. I notice that the “tongue” either gets folded or forms a trough when I tighten the strap to the maximum, thus exerting slight pressure on my forefoot.
The heel counter is quite soft and lightly padded, great for claustrophobic heels like mine. There is a pull tab at the back of the shoe that helps pull the shoe onto and off my foot.
FuelCore Sonic brings speed to life with a full-length REVlite midsole that is thick yet lightweight, firm and responsive, as well as a solid rubber outsole.
Runner’s Boon
- Designed around the lightest, most responsive technologies, FuelCore Sonic weighs just 185g for a Women’s size 6 shoe.
- With the Boa System, I can spend less time lacing and more time running.
- FuelCore Sonic is available in 3 different colours. Men can choose from: Vivid Cobalt Blue with Black & White, Black with Gold & Thunder, or Thunder with Energy Red & Black. Meanwhile, Women may choose from: Alpha Pink with Black & White, Black with Silver & Thunder or Cyclone with Vintage Indigo & White.
Runner’s Bane
- The strap doesn’t cover the area around the forefoot, so there’s a lack of snug feel at the forefoot.
- The traction on wet surfaces could be better.
Conclusion
New Balance FuelCore Sonic is a shoe designed for speed chasers. The Boa System minimises the time spent on tying and untying the laces before, during and after runs. The mesh upper and sole are designed with the lightest and most responsive technologies to help runners achieve record-breaking speed.
New Balance FuelCore Sonic is available at New Balance stores for S$149.
