SUDU SRM 01 Running Shoes – Review

By Steve Crabtree, August 2024

After a summer of over-indulgence where keeping active wasn’t always priority number one, my clothes began to tell me that I had to do better.  These nice t-shirts and fitted jackets all of a sudden weren’t sitting well on me anymore, so I dusted off that old (new) gym membership and got my increasing backside in gear.

Ah. Gear. Yes – gym gear. It had been a while and some of my old gymwear perhaps wasn’t so fit for purpose. Especially where the footwear was concerned. So, getting back into my gym routine, I knew I needed the right pair of shoes. Something light, comfy and that looked good too. A pair I could wear in the gym, and wear when I join my wife running down the canalside next to our house.

With that in mind, I decided to try the SUDU SRM 01 trainers. I was looking for something that combined lightweight comfort with style. So, how did that go..?

What SUDU say…

“The SRM 01 is SUDU’s first ever running shoe. Lightweight, ventilated and engineered, the SRM 01 in White & Pink is designed to keep up with your pace at any distance, supercharging the stride by striking the perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort.”

First Impressions

This bright, electric blue box arrived at my door, and inside were this bright new pair of white and pink SUDU SRM 01 running shoes. I took one out and my initial thoughts were positive. I liked the look of them on the SUDU website, but they looked even better in person. I had been slightly sceptical about the colour scheme, with the purple to pink keyline around the foot being the only thing I was unsure about when I saw them online.  They actually turned out to be quite striking though. The white with pink accents provided a fresh, stylish look that I like. The shoes felt solid in the hand, yet light as well.

Trying them on, I really liked the fit. The SUDU trainers wrapped my feet nicely, offering a snug and comfortable feel. The design includes a subtle conforming collar over the top of the foot, towards the ankle, which adds to the overall comfort when you fasten them.

These were a good pair of shoes, easy to wear right out of the box without a need for a break-in period. This meant I could enjoy my workout without the usual discomfort associated with new shoes.

I was eager to see how they would perform when I took them along to the gym.

Features

• Moulded sock liner​
• Elastic tongue wings​
• Speed Weave+ engineered knit upper​
• Conforming collar​
• Lightweight outsole and midsole​
• Spring Foam+ for aggressive heel management

Mixing up speeds

For my first session, I took the SUDU SRM 01s for a 2.5k jog on the treadmill. I’m not the fastest runner, in fact if I said I enjoyed running my nose would grow.  But, I don’t mind it – and I enjoy mixing up speeds to keep my interest peaked. Here, what I immediately noticed was this springy sensation at the very back of the heel. Not spongy, not absorbing…springy. With each step, it felt like there was a bounce, providing an extra bit of energy return. This responsiveness made the run more enjoyable and feel less strenuous.

Next up, I did 10k on the bike, before a short free-weights workout. While the shoes didn’t stand out dramatically during these activities, they consistently delivered comfort. They felt sturdy and stable, and gave me a solid foundation for my various exercises. The comfort level stayed high, and the shoes never felt cumbersome or restrictive.

The great outdoors

Unsurprisingly, the shoes are great outside as well. On a warm, cloudy British summer’s day, my wife and I went for a 2-mile run along the canal path by our house. The terrain along our part of the Rochdale Canal in Calderdale is smooth, and nice underfoot. Taking the SUDU SRM 01 trainers out for a spin meant I got to see if I got the same level of comfort and springiness that I’d experienced on the treadmill.

And I did. Whereas my running abilities don’t match that of my wife, I enjoyed our short but sweat-inducing jaunt to Sowerby Bridge and back. The shoes helped – with the responsive cushioning in the heel making the run more enjoyable than usual for me. It really does make that much of a difference.

One of the other standout features of the SUDU SRM 01s is their breathability. I wore the shoes with sweat socks instead of dedicated running socks, and my feet stayed cool throughout my gym session and my run. At the end of both workouts, my feet were comfortably dry, which made a noticeable difference when it came time to shower and change. Good breathability in running shoes often goes underappreciated, but it’s a feature that you switch on to when you notice it.

The Verdict

In all, the SUDU SRM 01 running shoes are great.  I’m not sure I had given thought to any expectations, but they offer a great blend of style, comfort, and performance. I think they’re perfect for an everyday gym routine, and outdoor running sessions. I’ve worn them for leisure too, and I really like them.

The shoes deliver on their promise of lightweight comfort and breathability, making them a solid choice for anyone looking for reliable running shoes. Whether you’re getting back into a fitness routine, or you’re a seasoned runner in need of a new pair of kicks – the SUDU SRM 01s should be a serious consideration.

The SUDU SRM 01 Running Shoes are available from sudu.co.uk. RRP – £125.00