Fit

All reviewers commented that the fit of this shoe was one of the best in the testing series. It did have a relatively narrow feel through the midfoot. This was something that almost all reviewers noted. The engineered upper wrapped the foot well which allowed room to breathe and it still gave a comfortable, sock-like fit. The heel and higher ankle collar created a snug feel and it did not employ a lot in the way of a counter to accomplish this feeling. Some reviewers commented that the laces were lengthy and made it slightly challenging to get the perfect fit they were looking for.

Comfort

The Speed Sutamina 500 was a comfortable shoe that almost felt similar to a racing flat. The full sock upper gave it a much more precise foot shape throughout the shoe. This helped to keep feet comfortable by not having any heavy padding or too many layers that weight down the shoe. One reviewer noted that there was a little bit of heel slip do to the lacing system of the shoes. The shoes were best and most comfortable for some shorter tempo and speed sessions.

Responsiveness

For how fast this shoe felt, it was surprising to note that the shoe did not feel super responsive. The foam used in the shoe felt a little stiff which made it feel a little more like a racing flat than a cushioned trainer. The shoe is clearly made for quick foot turnover, not much of a full bounce or push-off type of ride. One reviewer commented that “when my foot struck the ground, it felt like the energy just dissipated and nothing was given back.”

Speed

The name of the shoe adequately describes one of the shoe’s best features. One tester stated that he “always felt fast and efficient in this shoe.” This pair of shoes was a great go-to for faster workouts and was definitely considered for race days. The shoe felt light and responded well to a fast turnover and a quick foot strike.

Ride Quality

The Speed Sutamina ride was really smooth and efficient. It had a smooth transition from heel to toe. It made for easy running with not a lot of excess work pushing out of the shoe. The shoe was soft and flexible and therefore had a good road feel. The easy footstrike and efficient push kept most runs easy and enjoyable.