Tested in the great outdoors, step by step with Emmanuel Lassalle. For a year, the walker from the Vosges has been preparing to tackle an awesome challenge with Propulse Walk 400: travelling 426 kilometres from Paris to Alsace, the longest walking race in the world. Newfeel was by his side to finish the season and get his verdict on our shoes. Here is what happened!
2320 KILOMETRES TRAVELLED SINCE JANUARY
When travelling between 100 and 200 kilometres per week, the essential thing is to feel comfortable in your shoes. Since we met him in November 2014, Emmanuel Lassalle has only ever worn Propulse Walk 400, both in training and in competition.
"The high point this year is clearly Paris-Alsace. Over such long distances, I need to alternate between 15 pairs, all equally worn, so that it never feels like I am changing my shoes".
All the feedback we get from this sports fanatic, who has become our technical ambassador, is absolutely vital. Emmanuel, who says he walks "to feel good", is helping us to improve our shoes and his views are incredibly useful.
DYNAMISM, CUSHIONING AND COMFORT: THE PLUSES OF PROPULSE WALK 400
Emmanuel was forced to abandon the race after 313 kilometres because of the heat, yet his memories of the Propulse Walk 400 are positive:
"I had never walked for so long in Propulse Walk 400. The first surprise was that they were extremely dynamic, whatever the speed, between 7 and 11 km/h. The foot motion was always natural, which is a real advantage when you want to pick up speed. The cushioning is very soft on each step and the shoes are really comfortable. And there is another important point: my feet were never sore, not even for a second!".
ANY TIPS FOR PEOPLE CONSIDERING BUYING A PAIR?
"I can recommend the Propulse Walk 400. They are perfectly suitable for fitness walking and more experienced walkers. That said, if you are not so experienced, I think you might be better off with Propulse Walk 100 and Propulse Walk 200, which have thicker cushioning. It was actually through this model that I discovered the range, in Decathlon in Epinal (France)".
