 Today’s footwear pick is the Karhu Ikoni HIVO 2021, a surprisingly lightweight trainer. With it’s shortened Fulcrum + Propulsion unit is designed to encourage a quicker turn over and a weight of just 9.6 oz in men’s size 9 & 8 oz in women’s size 8 the Karhu Ikoni HIVO 2021
should be a nice responsive shoe for daily runs. I want to mention there is the non HIVO version which offers a more standard fit compared to the HIVO version which is wider. Let’s talk fit. The forefoot has been specifically designed to fit on the wider side and with the absence of any annoying stitching the Karhu Ikoni HIVO 2021 should accommodate wider feet with ease, especially those feet with higher insteps aka, “the bridge across the top of the foot”. From my experience Karhi’s heels have fit very well and are snug and I don't see any reason why these would be any different. What do I like? I’ll start with that 8mm drop from ball of foot to heel which is the most I think any shoes should really have. Many running shoes have a rather high 10 to 12 mm’s. Really nice to see a slightly lower heel to toe drop here. Although I would like to see it go 6mm in the future as I think that would compliment the “Fulcrum + Propulsion” unit better. The toebox with zero stitching and wider foot is great to see from this brand. For the amount of cushioning and rubber here 9.6 oz (8oz women’s) is not bad and that Karhu “Fulcrum + Propulsion” unit is very helpful at providing a platform designed to encourage a quicker turnover is all good stuff. Quick point, In the Wide fit option titled “HIVO” there is the black/white color and one other unlike the standard width that comes in a few more colorways. Also, the naming is a bit confusing with the wide being called HIVO, yet on the Fleet Feet website it is called “D” width and no mention of HIVO. What could be better? To be honest not much. I personally would like to see the heel drop go to a lower 6mm drop and possibly sizing down to a men’s size 7, but that’s not limited to just this model. Other than that the Karhu Ikoni HIVO 2021 is a really nice lightweight trainer with good cushioning and stability with a relatively fast responsiveness ride. Lastly, a more straightforward naming system, just leave it as a “D” width. Lastly, my final score. At a msrp $140 I think with all its features it is priced well and competes with similar shoes in its respective category. Based on my findings the cushioning is moderate lending itself to a more responsive and stable ride. The leading feature is clearly the “Fulcrum + Propulsion” unit which I find is usually a love it or hate it. I like anything that helps improve turnover speed. And so I give the Karhu Ikoni HIVO 2021 a score of 7 out of 10. Available at your local Fleet Feet running shoe shop. Available online here Men’s https://us.karhu.com/.../mens-ikoni-ortix-hivo-jet-black..., Women’s https://us.karhu.com/.../womens-ikoni-ortix-hivo-jet...
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