K-Swiss Ultra-Natural Run II
It's Ironman branded, but, is identical to the K Swiss shoe of the same name, but without the Ironman branding on them.
They are truly different then the K-Ona which is also a lightweight trainer. The Ultra-Natural Run II and the K-Ona are both 9-ounce shoes, so there is no difference in weight. They vary mostly in the upper, which I found very comfortable and snug.
But, for a shoe that is made to mimic a more natural running gait, I find them a bit high around my ankles. The shoe touches my maleolus (the Kathy Bates bone, if you remember Misery), which is certainly not comfortable on a longer run. This unnerving feature also blocks my ankle flexibility.
The outsole is flexible, but, also again not as flexible as I would expect from a style designed to mimic or accentuate a natural running form. I find the K-Ona even more flexible than the Ultra-Natural Run II.
It's not a bad shoe, but, is it ready to do battle on an even footing with a Nike Free or a Newton? In a battle of Neutral lightweight "free form" models, no, not yet.
Still, it's one of the coolest post-race shoes going. But, I don't think that's what K-Swiss is aiming for.
[Editor’s note: Our capable editor-at-large for footwear Jeroen van Geelen owns Total Running, one of the more important running and triathlon retail establishments in The Netherlands.]
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