My initial thoughts having ran in the Proto Runner 1
First impressions
When I took them out of the box, the upper material immediately caught my eye. It has this almost chain-mail, shark-diver vibe going on—which is kinda cool. I’ve since learned it’s a recycled plastic knit that’s engineered to be super durable and breathable at the same time. A unique look. The boxing and presentation (including the inserts) also reinforce that these are high-quality shoes right out of the gate.
The fit
Slipping them on, I instantly noticed the springy, bouncy feel of the midsole foam—ENA Athletics calls it their proprietary foam technology. Whatever the official name, it makes you feel taller and more cushioned than most running shoes I’ve worn. I liked the plush padding around the heel, which cradles your foot nicely and might really shine on longer runs.
However, they do feel a bit bigger than my usual size. All my shoes are size 9, but these felt noticeably roomier. If I were in a running store, I’d have asked for an 8.5 to compare. They’re still comfortable, but my initial sense is that they run slightly larger than a standard UK 9.
The run
As I set off on my 5K, I felt tall, stable, and just plain bouncier compared to my usual go-to New Balance Fresh Foam 1080s (which I love). The Proto Runner 1s definitely have a surprising amount of spring in the step, which might come from the high-energy-return foam midsole they advertise. They’re also pretty lightweight—apparently around 9–10 oz in a men’s size 9—which I can confirm felt nice and nimble on the road.
Comfort-wise, I was pleasantly surprised. No immediate hotspots or pinch points. Whilst running I forgot about the slightly big feeling completely, maybe I was wrong, maybe my feet swelled a bit, I don’t know but they felt good.
Post-run thoughts
Weirdly, I found a blister on the left side of my right big toe afterward, which I’m chalking up to the extra room in the toe box. Normally, a 3-mile run doesn’t give me blisters, so I’m guessing there was some subtle rubbing from the looser fit.
Summary
Overall, the Proto Runner 1 screams high quality. The recycled knit upper looks futuristic and feels robust, the proprietary foam is super cushioned, and I’d describe the ride as running on a mattress in the best possible way. They look great and feel stable, but the sizing just isn’t right for me at 9.
All told, I’m still impressed. They’ve got some neat innovations going on with that advanced foam and the recycled materials. They just need to fit my feet slightly better.
Check out enaathletics.com
I will update this blog periodically.
