Craft Sportswear Men's CTM Ultra 3 Running Shoe, Black-Heat, 11 Review
The Craft Sportswear Men's CTM Ultra 3 Running Shoe is engineered for both dedicated athletes and those who appreciate versatility in their footwear. This shoe stands out due to its lightweight construction and premium materials, making it an ideal choice for high-mileage running as well as everyday activities.
With its innovative Ud Foam midsole and Ultra-Rebound insole, you can expect exceptional energy return and responsiveness on your runs. The one-piece engineered mesh upper not only enhances breathability but also contributes to a secure fit thanks to its asymmetrical lacing system. Whether you are pounding the pavement or navigating moderate trails, the CTM Ultra 3 ensures comfort and support every step of the way.
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Features
- LIGHTWEIGHT & DURABLE: Ud Foam midsole offers lightweight, long-lasting performance for a pure running experience.
- HIGH REBOUND: Ultra-Rebound insole maximizes energy return, perfect for high-mileage running athletes.
- SECURE BREATHABLE FIT: One-piece mesh upper with asymmetrical lacing provides a snug fit at the heel and midfoot, while allowing room in the forefoot for comfort.
- ADDED TRACTION: 3-pieced lugged traction rubber outsole is effective on roads and moderate trail surfaces.
Pros
- Lightweight design enables fatigue-free runs.
- Excellent energy return for maximum efficiency during runs.
- Breathable upper maintains comfort over long distances.
- Versatile enough for various terrains and everyday use.
Cons
- May require a break-in period for some users.
- Asymmetrical lacing might not suit everyone's foot shape.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | CTM Ultra 3 | Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% | Adidas Adizero Boston 9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lightweight | Very Light | Moderate |
| Energy Return | High | Exceptional | Good |
| Breathability | Excellent | Good | Very Good |
| Traction | Good | Road-specific | Versatile |
Detailed Review
When it comes to the performance of the Craft Sportswear Men's CTM Ultra 3, several aspects deserve attention.
Comfort:
The comfort level is notable, especially with the Ultra-Rebound insole that cushions the foot effectively. You will notice that even during longer runs, your feet remain protected from impact stress, thanks to the responsive cushioning.
Design:
This shoe's aesthetic appeal cannot be overlooked. The black-heat color scheme combined with sleek lines makes it not just functional but stylish too. The engineered mesh upper provides excellent ventilation, ensuring your feet stay dry and cool.
Fit:
One of the standout features is the asymmetrical lacing system, which creates a snug but comfortable fit around the midfoot and heel. For individuals with wider forefeet, the additional space in this area adds significant comfort.
Traction:
Equipped with a three-pieced lugged rubber outsole, this shoe delivers reliable traction whether you’re on asphalt or a gravel path. It handles varying weather conditions adequately, ensuring safety during your runs.
Overall, the Craft Sportswear Men's CTM Ultra 3 Running Shoe is a great investment for anyone serious about their running routine. Its combination of lightweight design, energy return, and comfort positions it as a top contender in the premium running shoe market.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Excellent cushioning and fit. |
| Durability | 8/10 | Long-lasting materials suitable for frequent use. |
| Performance | 9/10 | Responsive and efficient energy return. |
| Design | 8/10 | Sleek and modern look. |
| Traction | 8/10 | Reliable on various surfaces. |
User Reviews
These running shoes are unlike any running shoes I've ever worn before. Why you ask? Well first of all, they're the thinnest running shoes I've ever worn. The material stretching over the top of my foot is so thin that I can pretty much see through it. The material kind of feels like an elastic, almost wet suit type material. It's really breathable and my feet do not get hot at all.. I haven't worn these in the cold yet but as thin as these shoes are, I would not try to west them in cold weather.The second thing that I think makes these shoes so unique is the amount of cushion/height/material that is used in the heel area. So the best way I can explain this is that the shoes themselves are flat, but the heel area has so much cushion underneath it that it almost feels like walking on a padded heel. I won't say that the shoes feel uneven in two areas from the heel to the toes, but there is a incredibly noticeable amount of padding in the heel area.I ordered my normal size, and I have no rubbing or sore toes at all from these shoes. I also have a wide foot and I was able to order a normal size and the shoes were still wide enough. I wear a really thin sock with these shoes, and the way the shoe is designed, I think thin socks are a necessity witn these shoes.The color shoes I ordered were the black shoes with the red laces, and let me just say that this color combination is super stylish. Red on black is a very popular color combination with clothing and with these shoe, they really draw attention to the shoes. I've worn these to a couple events where I wanted to have really nice shoes on and didn't need running shoes, but I wanted to look stylish but also feel comfortable and they really looked impressive with a nice pair of jeans and dressy shirt. I've put a good amount of miles on these shoes so far and I'll continue putting more miles, but it's also nice to be able to wear these comfortable shoes when I don't want to have to put on dress shoes that aren't going to breath well.One last thing I noticed is that the shoes do say that they are designed in Sweden but made in China.I'm really impressed with these shoes. I walk, run, and jog 30-40 miles a week. These shoes are made for a serious runner. They're a high grade shoe and designed pretty uniquely with the super thin top and thick bottom heel. They barely feel like I'm wearing a shoe until I put it on and baret weight down on my heel and it absorbs my weight into the shoe.
I have used a wide variety of running shoes over the past 13 years; however, I had never heard of this brand until it popped up in my feed. I run all the time, so I figured it couldn't hurt to try these out. As far as bias goes: I prefer things with a good cushion (like Hoka or Saucony) and I like a bit of an aggressive drop (although, I am fine with less of a drop if they are just training shoes rather than racing).Cons:I am not used to the mesh-style top that these shoes have and they really throw me off. The lace/top portion of the shoe does not have any structure of it is own, likely to reduce the weight of the shoe. This makes it very difficult to put the shoe on. Its form fitting but the material catches on your sock while you slide it on and I have found myself having to sit down like a child to figure out how to force this shoe on my foot. This is not because the shoe is too small for me, its the way the material is designed. Full disclosure, I don't wear "fancy" running socks, so if you own the slick high-speed running socks you may not encounter this issue. But if you're like me and just wear standard cotton socks when running (especially on training days) prepare for trouble. Another thing I don't like all that much about these shoes is the way they grip your socks once you are in the shoe. It makes the foot almost feel cemented in place. I imagine some people may like this, I do not. Again, this is not because they are too small, there is room in the shoe for my foot to move around, but the material has some form of a grip in it that doesn't allow your sock to move around.Pros:All of the cons aside, the running experience in these shoes is not bad. They provide a nice level of support and have a good tread on the bottom. The shoes, themselves, are high quality and I didn't find any weird aches or pains after running in them for a bit. If you can get past (or like) the way they grip your feet, these would be an excellent pair of running shoes. Not necessarily a pair I'd refer all my friends to use, but definitely one I wouldn't mind using for a season or two before they run out of juice.Overall, if you can see past the situation with how they grip your feet, you'll probably like these shoes. I'm guessing some people are into that style, so if that's your thing this may be a 5 star product for you. That is definitely not my thing, however, so I cannot see giving this any higher than 3 stars. As I mentioned in the beginning, I have worn just about every major brand of running shoe at this point and these shoes are far from the worst, but they are not a pair I would ever plan on buying, again.
I’ve never encountered this brand before, but so far so good. This is a Swedish company that is a relative unknown in the American market. The difference between this version of the shoe and the one prior is the upgraded upper. It fits more snuggly and more comfortably.I prefer to run without socks and you can do that with this shoe. It’s surprisingly cushiony with not a lot in the way of stability control. I don’t need much stability, so this isn’t an issue. The shoes are light at just over 9 ounces for the pair.Give them a try. Recommend.
I got these for my son and he says that they are comfortable for daily use. They are holding up well so far.
I didn’t know what to expect of these shoes. They’re pretty flexible and deconstructed. They fit on your foot like a glove and when you run or walk, they do a good job of contouring to your foot. I am a five fingers user and I really like these better than that. He’ll shape is a little odd, but it does give you some spring and protection against the road. If you’re considering these, I would give them a shot!