Skechers GoBionicRide Unboxing

I had good experiences running in the GoBionic and has since retired this first pair about 1 month plus ago. Having clocked very decent mileage on the shoes and scored a few personal best timing on the superlight minimalist Skechers Performance Shoe, I am of course, on the look out for "the next best thing". As I am under the sponsorship of 2ndSkin Asia, which collaborate with Skechers Malaysia, I recieved a pair of just launched GoBionicRide.

GoBionicRide- - The Box

Going according to the Skechers' naming convention, the word "Ride" usually meant a "plushier" setting. Having the GoBionic (minimalist) going cushion-y is sort of a contradiction, no? I am about to find out as I go through the differences between the original GoBionic against the new GoBionicRide.

Came nicely wrapped back from the shop

Black is Back

Lets get the similarity out of the way first. Both the GoBionic and GoBionicRide share the same features such as the Resalyte sole, the M-strike technology, The 4mm drop (GoBionic is ZERO Drop) and independent pods at the sole. Other similarity is that I took the same size (US10). This was tested at the shop using socks that I will wear with the shoes.

The similarities

Another similarity is the tongue is sewn to the top. This help in fast wearing/transition as the tongue will never be in the way.It also help prevent small stones or sand from getting in should you run past anything (sandy) like that.

Sewn tongue to top

I know this post is supposed to the the "unboxing" post. Saved for the similarity, this entry will concentrate on the differences and if it will make a differences or influences your purchase.

Could very well passed off as an Original GoBionic

As a curious user, I would obviously be on the look out for the major differences between the two shoes. If you just take a glance, there is no significant differences other than the perforation of the sockliner as shown in the photo above.
That is, until you dig deeper.
Sockliners
One of the more essential part to this shoe and I have learnt how something this simple makes a lot of differences to the shoe's ride. The GoBionicRide sockliner is harder, thicker and perforated when compared to the original GoBionic.

GoBionic on top. GoBionicRide bottom.

The thickness of the GoBionicRide is about 50% more when compared to the GoBionic.

As seen and gauge from eye

This has perhaps has claimed to add to the "Ride" factor. Noticeably, the GoBionicRide sockliners are stiffer too.

Stiff vs flaccid. No pun intended.

The Sole

The heart of the shoe. How does the GoBionicRide measures against the GoBionic in terms of sole thickness? 

Looked similar

If you ignore the color-scheme of the sole, you will see that the GoBionicRide is thicker than the GoBionic. If you pay careful attention to where the "V" notch starts, you will see the differences in thickness between the Ride and non-ride.

Look at the 3-dash on the GoBionicRide (bottom), the middle dash and the V-notch directly over it shows you the differences in thickness for the same section of the shoe.

This carry over the front portion of the shoe too, where it is significantly thicker there as well.

Look at the V-notch again.

I kept referring to the V-notch as that is the part where you can visibly see where the sole meet the bottom of the shoe. If you remember my review on GoBionic, i did note the "gap" there to be see through. That is the thickness of the sole at the part shown.
If that is not convincing enough, how about me squeezing/pressing the shoe last down to show the differences in thickness? Maybe this will show the differences better.

GoBionicRide with significantly thicker sole.

There you have it. Minor changes to the sole and make the differences to the whole plushness of the shoe.
Internal Construction
This is where your feet will meet the shoe and if done wrongly, will greatly cause discomfort and in worse case scenario, blisters.

Significantly different between the two shoes

If you look at the GoBionic, you will notice that the inner part are sewn on the mid-upper side of the shoe. This has offered much comfort for me as I can wear the shoe without socks and sockliner.

Closer look in GoBionic

If you take note of it, It is obvious that the GoBionicRide des not have the inner portion sewn like the GoBionic internally. I am very curious if this will cause any problems on the run without socks and socksliner.

Closer look at GoBionicRide

The Independent Pods
Similar to the GoBionic, the GoBionicRide has 18 independent pods on the sole.  Differences this time is that the part from Heel to Midfoot is solid and not perforated. Photo below shows how lights get through the front portion of the sole when held against lights. This is how minimalist the shoe will be if worn without the sockliner.

Interesting eh?

There are a few improvement to the GoBionicRide compared to the GoBionic where the placement of harder wearing materials are concerned. Bear in mind that this is a plushier ride compared to the more minimalist GoBionic. Essentially, they are what we would say "same same, but different".

Where the lights come through

Comparing both the shoes, you will see the immediate differences where and how the pods changed.

Midfoot and forefoot. Wear pad (black) layout

The part of the heel too, went through changes in the Ride version. Most notable is that the heel section of the GoBionicRide is not perforated like the GoBionic, apart from the additional pad on the shoe.

Notice the differences?

All these changes/addition to the good old GoBionic is what added to the cushioning and ride profile of the shoe. And obviously, with additional thickness and changes, the weight too, will change. But are they significant?
Weighing In
Both shoes are US Size 10 the weigh differences is only 20 grams (+/- 5grams) per side. Impressive even with the additional cushioning for the GoBionicRide

180grams GoBionicRide

200grams GoBionicRide

In my opinion, the shoe is already light enough and the minute addition is hardly felt. Skechers, as they are, even the most "cushion" shoe in GoRunRide, is light. Some might even felt the shoe might not perform due to the construction and this has been proven untrue by (the skeptical) me.
Want to make the shoes lighter? Remove the sockliners (GoBionicRide weigh in at 10grams as opposed to 5grams for GoBionic - the sockliners)
Other Differences
Upon closer inspection, I found the back of the shoe aka the heel to be significantly different. The GoBionicRide has higher back and it is more structured/stiffer.

Nice Rear

What I meant is that the back portion on the GoBionicRide is more structured. You can't press the back portion down like GoBionic.

See the differences?

In my opinion, this has no implication to the comfort. Some people I spoke to previously were skeptical about the softer-than-usual back portion. For me, it worked fine. No issues at all. And looking at the side profile, I now know why the GoBionicRide is taller at the back - thicker heel section.

By a few millimeters

And again, the softness-structured differences between the two. I find it interesting that despite all these addition, the GoBionicRide still come in 20grams more only. Imagine if it does without all these addition other than addition to the sole!

No differences to comfort

Next : The Ride Review

Note: This pair of Skechers GoBionicRide is sponsored by Skechers Malaysia via collaboration with 2ndSkin Asia Athletes program. Thank you Skechers Malaysia and 2ndSkin! This pair of GoBionicRide retail for RM369 (Women) and RM399 (Men) and is available at all Skechers store.

The New Hugo Red : Review

Some of you might remember a short write up i did for Hugo Red. I was given a sample of the fragrance to review. Honestly, I do not really use fragrance and thank goodness I have no BO issues (I think), but a little whiff of nice scent won't harm, right?
Being someone that like my fragrance "floral" (think Issey Miyaki and Dunhill Desire Blue), the Hugo Red striked the right tone.

Matt bottle with screw in cap

The top note is distinctively grapefruits and subtle rhubard giving it a light airy fresh tone and the base tone were of woody cedarwood giving it a warm, and yet inviting scent. It was not overpowering and easy on the wearer too. Think of it as "masculine floral".

I find the fragrance easy on the nose and not overwhelming. As I take the motorbike to work nowadays  the heat under the riding jacket and the sweat soaked body did not pose a problem for the fragrance as it remain to smell the same.

The Fragrance Descriptions

In Hugo Red fragrance own word, it says that the fragrance is built around two contrasting accords: the ‘Solid Chill’ accord and the ‘Liquid Heat’ accord, which reflect the different facets of cold and hot metal.

The ‘Solid Chill’ accord combines grapefruit in the top note with rhubarb in the heart note to create a bitter fresh accord with a metallic accent that simulates the underlying strength of solid metal.

While the ‘Liquid Heat’ accord is characterized by cedarwood and hot amber that blend together in the dry-down to convey the heat and fluidity of red-hot metal.

The transition between the two states of metal illustrates the idea of adapting under intense pressure; of going beyond natural limits to create something new and unique.

Being a user the past two weeks has allowed to to very well blend it in to my daily routine and lasting the whole day without reeking of bad fragrance. One spritz (on the shirt) was all it takes.

HUGO Red – Line-up

Eau de Toilette 75 ml RM202

Eau de Toilette 150 ml RM291

Shower Gel 200 ml RM85

Deodorant Stick 75 ml RM85

Deodorant Spray 150 ml RM85

Coffee 5 Cups - More Than Just Coffee

Ever since I eat clean, my standard meal has been reduced to what some of my friends would call "animal food". Grains, fruits and such were my main staple diet. Obviously, most of you also know that myself and wifey loves to cook. Healthy eating is not boring and only limited by our imagination and our exposure to good food. No doubt the best food there is out there for many consist of oily fried stuff laden with over processed food items. While most would say to YOLO (you only live once) and to "go forth and eat", I digress. It has been a long time planning and dream for me and wifey to perhaps retire and start our own cafe of some sort offering good healthy, hearty, affordable food.
So when a family friend (a couple actually) started a food business - and they serves coffee, it was too hard to resist not to pay them a visit. 
Coffee 5 Cups

“Coffee should be black as hell, strong as death, and as sweet as love”

That is the caption used by the cosy cafe started by two family friend, Tan Jo Hann and his wife (A Japanese of Ainu indigenous), Kayo. Both of them can cook and they shared the same passion for social work touching and empowering the less fortunate to gain ground and betterment in their lives. The word "Fairtrade" would be an understatement here as they source their coffee beans from Bali - from the very planters that does it the old school way and the beans are all organically grown. I've seen the whole beans, there was no fancy packaging, just wholesome goodness.
If some of you wonder why the name Coffee 5 Cups, it was the notion that we can only take a maximum of 5 cups of coffee a day. The mascot of the cafe is the Hokkaido Bear - a scared animal to the Ainu.

Add caption

The cafe was officially opened on May 11, 2013. I was there with my family to lend support. I hope all of you will too. Here are some photos taken that night. Yes, there were open mic session ;-)

Mei Chern rendering a few songs

Incensed Band performing 

Simple deco. Yes, the coffee pricing is super affordable and this is ORGANIC!

Not just Coffee

Meeting place - Kayo behind the counter.

A cuppa and perfect company with...

...The Family

Jo Hann and (my) wifey.

Open Mic Session

The Palace at night

I would like to highlight that Coffee 5 Cups is not just for coffee. They serves wonderful food. All individually prepared and created on daily basis. Freshest ingredients used and quality items. Milk are full cream goodness and cleanliness is utmost importance. Fans of Hokkaido food can find them here and expats from Japan, particularly from Hokkaido will find the food served here authentically like home. By the way, look out for the homemade Sesame Dressing. Much work put in there to roast, grind and make the dressing it's awesome.
Truly, Jo Hann and Kayo is inspirational for myself and wifey. We hope one day we will have a place like this of our own.

Watch out for Special at Coffee 5 Cups. Salmon Sashimi served with Potato-chicken cutlet, pumpkin-cheese cutlet, tofu seaweed salad served with homemade sesame dressing hokaido style. RM22 bento set.

Some samples of what you can find at Coffee 5 Cups

To know more and to read more about Coffee 5 Cups:
Like them on Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/Coffee5Cups
Their Blog : http://coffee5cups.wordpress.com/

Opening hours is Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 9pm (Call if not sure: 03-6206 5451)
Location:

No B-0-17, Plaza Damas 3, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia