The underfoot experience is definitely unique. CEP utilized 2 foams but not in the traditional dual density type set up. Instead they put a stable EVA in the heel and a TPEE in the forefoot area. In theory, this should work well as you get the support needed for heel strikers followed by an aggressive and responsive toe-off which propels you forward. The addition of the Bowtech technology however seemed to fight against the foot, at least during the first few runs. The thought process behind the Bowtech as opposed to a nylon or carbon fiber plate is that it is supposed to support the foot in a natural motion rather than running for you in the way that traditional plated shoes do. This in theory leads to better long-term foot health. The actual result though was a firm/strange underfoot feel.
From a stability standpoint the shoe does very well and once broken in (post 20ish miles) I found that I cold hit some pretty aggressive paces all the way down to sub 7 min pace. The shoe doesn’t feel the most comfortable though and even after being broken in I felt that it was on the firmer side.
The outsole utilizes a durable rubber which held up very well through the testing phase. Although I didn’t test it in very wet terrain, my suspicion is that it would hold its own. Speaking of the underside of the shoe though, likely as a way to both create stability and save weight, there is a very large cutout. Unfortunately the positioning of the cutout can create some discomfort in the forefoot area where the foam “reconnects.”
