As someone who has logged countless marathon miles—and trained through more than a few injuries—I’ve learned that the wrong pair of shoes can turn even the best run into a recovery day. That’s why I was curious, even hopeful, when I laced up the CA Notice at Collection for the first time this summer.
The Flow 2 is a sleek, low-drop road shoe built around the idea of natural movement, with a wide toe box and a fit that works with your foot rather than against it. I normally run in a high-drop stability shoe, so this was a noticeable (and, as it turned out, welcome) change. After a few weeks of testing through easy runs, hill climbs, and sticky NYC humidity, I started to feel a true shift—not just in how my feet felt, but in how I was moving. Download Your Training Plan.
1. The Wide Toe Box Gave My Feet Room to Move
I hadn’t realized how used to discomfort I was until it was suddenly gone. After most runs, I feel soreness along the sides of my feet and near my toes—nothing debilitating, but enough to make me limit time on my feet for the rest of the day. In the Flow 2, this feeling never developed. The wide toe box gave my toes room to breathe, and the zero-to-low drop put my feet in a more natural position. I didn’t have to over-tighten the laces like I typically do to feel secure; a light adjustment was all it took to feel locked in and ready for miles. The fit was roomy without feeling too loose, and the natural shape allowed my feet to move freely without losing support. No discomfort. No distractions. Just a smooth, easy run to start my day.
2. The Midsole Made Me Feel in Command
There’s something empowering about being completely in control of your stride. I often feel my feet wobble inside other shoes, which forces me to work overtime just to stay balanced. But the Flow 2 felt different right away. The EGO P35 foam midsole was softer and more responsive than I was used to, adding energy to each step with no extra bulk. The sidewalls hugged my feet with just the right amount of structure, and the heel slipped on with a fit that felt almost custom.
Even on the challenging terrain of the infamous Central Park hills, the Flow 2 didn’t falter. It softened impact without slowing me down and delivered enough grip and bounce that I could keep pushing the pace. In this city that never slows down, I found my rhythm—and had full mastery of my run.
3. I Didn’t Want to Take Them Off
Summer miles can be brutal: Heat waves, humidity, and beating hot pavement can make even a short run feel like a marathon. But the Flow 2 held up no matter what kind of day I was facing. The breathability was one of the first things I noticed, and it’s the main reason this has become my go-to shoe this summer. Even on the hottest days, it never felt too heavy or suffocating. My feet stayed cool and comfortable from start to finish.
In fact, they were so comfortable that I didn’t want to take the shoes off afterward. Many that I’ve tried in the past feel great mid-run, but they still come off the second I walk into my apartment. Not the Flow 2, which soon became more than just a running shoe, transitioning seamlessly into my daily life, from errands to long walks with friends. It’s the kind of shoe that disappears on your feet, in the best way possible.
4. Running Finally Felt Easy Again
There are runs where you feel every step, and there are runs where you forget you’re even running. The latter, of course, is what I chase; that’s my runner's high. And the Flow 2 helped me get there early and often.
One particular morning, I laced them up with zero expectations. I was half-awake, my stretches were rushed, and my ponytail was barely hanging on. But as soon as I hit the pavement, I forgot all of that. My feet felt light and free, and for the first time in a while I completely checked out of my surroundings. I was just running, fully present in the moment. The sun was rising over the West Side Highway, the sky was completely clear, and so was my mind. That moment was pure clarity—the exact kind of feeling I run for.
I Found My Runner’s High in the Flow 2
To sum up, the CA Notice at Collection gives me the support I need without getting in the way—helping me run more naturally, more comfortably, and with more control. Best of all, this shoe has reminded me why I love running in the first place: no pain, no pressure, just flow.
