Matching your feet to the correct shoes can be difficult. Finding a hockey shoe that offers the cushioning and stability to match your playing style, the type of surface you play on and foot shape is essential to function, comfort and overall health.
Although artificial surfaces today are built with shock pads they still can take their toll on body parts over time, therefore shock absorption qualities are critical. Also the side to side, stop/start nature of the game is a large factor in ensuring a shoe has stability especially lateral stability built into it
Your choice of hockey shoes can make the difference between having a good or bad experience, running in comfort or pain, and, most importantly, whether you stay healthy or get injured. There are many hockey shoes to choose from. Amongst the best if not the best is the ASICS Typhoon 2. Evidence of this was in viewing the large number of International hockey players who were wearing them at the recent 2016 RIO Olympics. In this article we review the ASICS Typhoon 2 in terms of its suitability for hockey according to key elements that are important to consider when choosing a hockey shoe.
Fit
The weight of a hockey shoe, toe protection, foot support and protection against water penetration from the water based artificial surfaces are all important factors to consider when choosing a hockey shoe. We have found that ASICS Typhoon meets these requirements. It is a low profile and extremely lightweight hockey performance shoe. The upper is tough and durable and a reinforced toe plate offers great protection. The structure of the upper in combination with a solid heel counter provide excellent stability especially needed when changing directions constantly with and without playing the ball.
Shock absorption
Although artificial surfaces today are built with shock pads they still can take their toll on body parts over time, therefore shock absorption qualities are critical. The ASICS Typhoon 2 has a GEL cushioned Solyte midsole which dampens impact forces. This GEL is in both rearfoot and forefoot areas which specifically absorbs impact shock upon landing and take-off.
Grip requirements
A good grip is one that is suitable for the surface you are playing on. It should not be too long, or too short. If it is too long you may find that you ‘stick’ to the surface and find it difficult to make quick direction changes. If the grip is too short, you may find that you slip over, especially when trying to change direction of accelerate.
The same applies to the material that is used in the grip. Firm rubber compounds are commonly used to make the sole of shoes, and are generally best suited to synthetic turfs. Compounds that are too stiff (like plastic) may cause you to slip over, and compounds that are too soft may provide too much grip.
The ASICS Typhoon 2 meets this criteria with its dual density Solyte polymer which has been used not only to increase stability, but also to provide outstanding grip and efficient release particularly during rotation.
Cost
The ASICS Typhoon 2 will vary in price with a recommended retail price on the ASICS website of AUD$200.00 For a hockey shoe this may seem expensive but the wearability o this shoe appears to be much more than similarly priced hockey shoes. Certainly International players who favour this shoe give them a ‘workout’. You may find that major hockey retailers offer a competitive price for this shoe.
The ASICS Typhoon 2 comes in both men’s and women’s sizing and cosmetics.
OVERALL RATING: 9/10
ASICS Typhoon 2 shoes can be found at FHE stores, and Just Hockey stores.
