Part I: The Aesthetics
The Look
Over the past years, Converse had been trying to update and modernize its previous lines and styles to make it not only wearable in the fashion world, but have a clear and functional use in sports, training and fitness applications. Such attempts were mildly successful with the release of the Weapon Evo (2009), Star Player Evo (2010) and Pro Leather 2k11(2011). Over the more recent releases, it has enjoyed collaborating with the R&D of its more famous sister company, Nike. While the technology transfer in the previous years may not be as prevalent as the other competitor's sister companies (Adidas Climaride/ Reebok Zigtech technologies), it is nice to see that Nike and Converse are finally working hand and hand.
Being an update of the Auckland Racer, a popular training/ ruining shoe made by Converse a few decades back, the designers at the star chevron brand figured out some ways to update the shoe, particularly with the help from its sister company.
And what an update it has been. Gone are is the heavy canvas/ leather combination as it was replaced by a suede/ mesh upper skin.This results in reduction of weight and addition. Take note that there are 3 colorways for the Auckland Racer Remix. Each colorway features a different lightweight material. Although among the 3, the Navy/ Orange variant looks the most modernized.
The Sole on the other hand, had the major upgrade as it has been infused with a sole that is quite similar to Nike free. The pre cut soles and the soft midsole provides a near minimalist feel when running.
The heel area provides a rubber strap support similar to the weapon evo basketball shoe models.
The breathable mesh and rubber star chevron logo.
Part II: The Test Run
I did a test run after acquiring the said shoe, but the real test begins when I started using it for an actual run. Last May, I joined Medicard's Medirun event in the 10 kilometer category. The route was a simple run around for 1-2 kilometers in BGC, followed by a trek to buendia flyover and take a U turn and run back to the starting line.
The Start
The Nike free technology invested in the sole made the shoe light and spongy. It did have some initial pain running around the first few kilometers around BGC.
Running up the Buendia flyover
This is where the shoe impressed me. I have tried a lot of shoes through my 1 1/2 years of running and some of them quite fail when handling the stress of a steep uphill, particularly the Buendia flyover. The Auckland Racer Remix's Nike free influenced cushioning system was effective in coping up with the stress of the incline as we did cross the dreaded flyover twice in the race. After the end of the race there were no blisters present.
Overall, while the Auckland Racer Remix isn't one of the most advanced trainers around, it is still an all around training/ running shoe. The problem for most runners or those who travel and work out is that they have to pack a training shoe as well as a casual shoe hence minimizing space in luggage and compartment. This running shoe does both of that.
The shoe retails for 3,990 also comes in 2 other colorways
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