Urban Freeflow: Streetwear : le parkour / free-running

I now consider myself a very good judge when it comes to picking trainers that are well suited to my PK needs. After months of testing various brands and shelling out a small fortune in the quest for the perfect shoes, I can report that I've at last found as a pair that are as near perfect as possible. For experienced traceurs, the most important aspect for trainers to stand up to the job are - comfort, shock resistance, weight, grip, durability and most importantly, cost. Many brands out there offer most of these qualities but up until now I haven't found any that fulfil all categories. The reason I'm shouting so loud about these ones is because of the cost. I only paid £29 pound for them which is bordering on stupid-ness! For people who are image conscious and can't wear anything unless it has the swoosh logo on, these aren't for you. But if you want shoes that can be worn from the shop straight into frenetic PK action, be confident in the shock resistance, feel able to spring around because of the lightness, grip to walls like a mother*****er and not have them fall apart in seconds, these babies are for you. Yes they are a budget line trainer but they satisfy the needs when it comes to hardcore pk and they won't leave you with a burning hole in your pocket. I've been wearing mine for two weeks now and have been out drilling cat leaps like there's no tomorrow. So far they've held up just fine and have shown no real signs of wear.

If you were to get yourself a set of polysorb insoles with the loose change you have left over, and you will have a pair of trainers that will serve their purpose very well. If you wear them out, it won't kill you to go and get another pair. In my book that makes for a very happy traceur.

Style - These are budget end trainers where style isn't always paramount. But that said, these look just fine. 3/5

Fit - Very comfortable. I had shredded up a pair of Nike Air Max shoes prior to buying the Asics and was able to wear them out of the shop straight into an all day jam. 5/5

Grip - Very good grip which has fared well when put through the rigours of hectic cat leap drills. 4/5

Shock resistance - The heel area of the shoe is fat! When polysorb insoles are added, you are as protected as much as could be wanted without feeling you are bouncing around on a trampoline. 4/5

Weight - Nice and light which is imperative for fast fluid running. 4/5

Durability - As with any trainers, its all down to the individual. So far mine have held up very well to 2 weeks of intense PK action where I've been paying particular attention to big cat leaps. 4/5

Value - I paid £29 which is outstanding. There are many different models which range from £25 - £50 and all offer the same kind of qualities. My previous pair of Nike Air Max shoes cost me £70 so you can buy 2 pairs of Asics and have enough money left over for some polysorb (or similar) insoles. 5/5

Overall - These babies fit the bill all round and cost next to nothing. To date, these have been by far the best shoes I've worn for Parkour and I'm already planning to buy another pair as backup. 4/5

If you can think of any products that you think would be of benefit to other traceurs, feel free to write a report and submit it to Parkour@urbanfreeflow.com The most obvious products used by us are trainers but we'll be happy to put up reports on accessories like back packs, gloves, padded socks or whatever info you think should be shared among the community.