Veloci Ascent Review

Article by Michael Ellenberger

Veloci Ascent ($169)

Introduction

The Veloci Ascent marks the debut of a brand-new working shoe firm, Veloci Operating, with their first mannequin set to launch in January 2025. For a first-ever shoe from a brand-new created by a present student-athlete (Tyler Strothman of Rice College), the Ascent feels impressively premium, showcasing considerate design and performance.

Whereas working startups typically face challenges in delivering a elegant product on their first attempt, the Ascent stands out as a testomony to Veloci’s meticulous strategy and, frankly, is a shoe that I believe lots of runners may discover a use for, whether or not it’s as their solely coach, or a part of a curated rotation.

Stats

Spec Weight: 9.5 oz / 269g

Offset: 10mm

Preliminary Ideas, Higher, and Match

The very first thing you’ll discover in regards to the Veloci Ascent is the clear, fashionable design – like I stated above, you’d by no means peg this as a first-gen providing. The robin’s egg blue colorway is placing but understated, giving the shoe a high-end aesthetic. I’ll hold these within the closet for kicking round lengthy after I’ve completed placing miles on them.

Appears apart, the higher is streamlined, with no overlays and solely a refined emblem, which contributes to its elegant look. It’s well-constructed, breathable (as evidenced throughout a number of heat treadmill runs – however hey, our boiler is fastened!), and contains a gusseted tongue that provides a layer of consolation with out inflicting strain factors. I might not name this a “super-breathable” shoe, however I wouldn’t elevate any flags right here.

One of many standout options of the higher (and Ascent platform at-large) is the broad forefoot. Veloci highlights this as a promoting level, and it’s evident – your toes have noticeably extra room than in lots of different sneakers.

That stated, the geometry across the arch on the lateral (exterior) edge feels barely unconventional to my foot; whereas it didn’t trigger particular discomfort, runners with flat ft would possibly discover this space much less accommodating. That is one thing that could be mitigated with changes like thinner socks, notably in colder seasons – I observed it primarily when working in wool socks open air.

Midsole

The midsole is an EVA/OBC combine so is much like Nike React (agency taste) or Salomon Power Foam (softer taste).

The midsole is agency, which defines the trip of the Ascent. With a 10mm drop, the shoe positions itself effectively for runners preferring a extra conventional offset (and I rely myself amongst that crowd). Nonetheless, the firmness won’t attraction to everybody, particularly these in search of an opulent or extremely cushioned trip – when you’re used to working in one thing like a Nike Invincible or New Stability Contemporary Foam Extra, chances are you’ll really feel a little bit of a shock right here. There’s cushion, to make sure – the rear stack is a beneficiant 39mm – however it’s not a pillowy-soft trip.

To its credit score, the rocker geometry via the midfoot and into the forefoot helps to compensate for the rigidity, permitting for easy transitions to toe-off regardless of a stiff heel (I took slight situation with its heel counter, however didn’t encounter any main points moreover some preliminary Achilles soreness). Whereas the Ascent is just not designed for onerous exercises, it holds up effectively at tempo tempo if wanted. Comparisons to the Saucony Endorphin Shift really feel apt, although the Ascent’s rocker is subtler, and the general really feel is firmer.

Outsole

For a model primarily based in Texas, I’ve to say that Veloci did an distinctive job designing an outsole that performs effectively in wintry situations. For the temporary time we had wintery combine, the outsole proved dependable on snow and ice, which is a powerful accomplishment for a debut shoe. Sturdiness and grip look like robust fits right here, additional enhancing the shoe’s versatility for various terrains and climate situations. Mixed with that high-stack EVA and OBC combine midsole, I anticipate total sturdiness right here to be fairly good.

Experience and Conclusions

The trip of the Veloci Ascent is outlined by its agency midsole and refined rocker geometry. It’s not a shoe for everybody—runners in search of an opulent, tender, or low-drop expertise might wish to look elsewhere. Nonetheless, those that recognize a firmer trip with a supportive, broad forefoot will discover lots to love – and as I stated, tacking on a fully premium higher goes a good distance in making the Ascent really feel worthwhile.

The Ascent’s debut highlights the potential of Veloci Operating as a model to observe. Whereas there are actually areas for refinement (just like the lateral arch geometry), this can be a stable begin that already feels extra premium than prototype. For runners who get pleasure from sneakers just like the Endorphin Shift however need a firmer twist, the Ascent is price a attempt. Supporting a startup with daring concepts is at all times thrilling, and Veloci’s first step into the market is a powerful one.

The Veloci Ascent shall be obtainable January 12, 2025 at Veloci HERE

Tester Profile

Michael is a patent legal professional and graduate of Northwestern College Legislation College. Previous to regulation college, he competed collegiately at Washington College in St. Louis (10,000m PR of 30:21). Michael’s PRs embody a 67:43 half-marathon (Chicago Half-Marathon) and a 2:21:19 marathon PR on the 2023 Grandma’s Marathon. Michael continues to race on the roads, and is chasing a sub-2:20 marathon and potential OTQ sooner or later.

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