Running Times- shoes- 2001-2003

[outsider]

Running Times zmienił swoją stronę netową i wycieli stare opisy butów z lat 2001-2003. Ale większość tego miałem w wordzie, no to wklejam.


2001

Training Shoes

Severe under-pronation to neutral pronation

Nike Air Skylon
$85, Men 6-15, Women 5-12
Part of the Bowerman Series, this shoe replaces the Air Skylon Triax. The introduction of a new midsole material-Phylite-makes a light trainer even lighter. The injection molded EVA forms a one-piece midsole/outsole that is reinforced with a black hard rubber heel plug and a "Waffle Fill" forefoot outsole piece. This nicely executed true lightweight trainer even offers a full-length air unit inside for superb cushioning. Our tester reported initial forefoot stiffness that went away after a few workouts. As Nike has promised, shoes in the Bowerman Series will be around for more than a year before being updated

GOOD FOR: Go-fast runners who like a shoe that keeps up
NOT FOR: Over-pronators, heavy runners
PRONATION FACTOR: Severe under-pronation to neutral pronation




Under-pronation to neutral pronation

adidas Boston
$80.00
Men 6.5-13, 14, 15
Women 5-1, 12
The old Boston was one of the best forefoot cushion oriented shoes on the market for the under to neutral pronator. This new version still fills that biomechanical bill, but fits it a bit differently, with a less supportive feeling midfoot area. There’s also less cushioning in this edition due to a lower volume midsole. It’s still plenty flexible for the efficient runner who likes a responsive ride in a basic shoe.

GOOD FOR: Efficient runners
NOT FOR: Heavy runners and over-pronators
PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review: 6/01




adidas Gazelle Proplate
$125.00
Men 6.5-13, 14, 15
Women 5-11, 12
New to this third version of the Gazelle is the “Proplate,” a carbon fiber plate in the forefoot area designed to store energy at landing and use it for propulsion at push-off. This makes it a totally different Gazelle, much stiffer in the forefoot. Wear testers loved the fashion-forward cosmetics, the fit, and the heel cushioning, but it’s not a shoe for everyone. Those who liked the old Gazelles may want to stick with the original, returning to the market in July as a “classic.” This new model is only for very lightweight, efficient runners, ideally forefoot strikers who may like the rigid feel up front.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under-pronation to neutral pronation Review: 9/01



adidas Response
Men 6 ? -20, $74.99
Women 5-12, $79.99
The latest generation of this adidas mainstay looks like a throwback shoe, with a clean, retro upper design. The new version fits narrow, especially in midfoot area, and the reflective three-stripe design helps laces hitch up for an even snugger fit. While not as cushioned as the last Response, this one has better support for the lateral side of the foot, making it a good choice for under-pronators (supinators). The blown rubber forefoot outsole may not be durable enough for those who pound their shoes, but this Response makes a good trainer for the efficient runner who likes an uncomplicated upper and responsive ride.

GOOD FOR: Moderate mileage runners who like simple shoes
NOT FOR: Heavy runners, over-pronators
PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review: 3/01





Asics Gel Cumulus III
$80, Men 6-13, 14, 15, (widths 2E, 4E), Women 5-12 (widths 2A)
For three generations, ASICS has tried not to mess up an excellent shoe, and they’ve succeeded every time. The Cumulus is still one of the best neutral cushioned shoes out there: great fit, great forefoot flex, outstanding cushioning front and back-just a good hard-working no-frills trainer for the efficient runner who likes comfort without a lot of useless cosmetics on board. Like last year, the Cumulus comes in men’s medium, wide and extra wide; narrow-footed women can rejoice that a narrow width has been added.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under-pronation to neutral pronation Review: 9/01




Asics Gel Lyte DS
$85, Men 6-13, 14, Women 5-11, 12
ASICS gets back to basics with the Gel Lyte DS, the latest version of the first lightweight training shoe, the original Gel Lyte (circa 1986). This version is a lot like the original-and last year’s Lyte DS-in that it’s light, low to the ground in the heel, and very flexible in the forefoot. Improvements include better forefoot cushioning and more natural forefoot flexibility due to a reconfigured DuoSole outsole and better placement of flex grooves. A good choice for racing or speed work for efficient runners-and even for long slow distance if you’re a lightweight.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under-pronation to neutral pronation Review: 9/01





Diadora Mythos 280
$79.95
Men 4-12, 13
Women 5-10
The Mythos 280 is a good, solid lightweight trainer, if lacking flashy innovation. The well-designed minimalist upper provides great ventilation, and the synthetic suede trim is pliable, light, and strong. (It's not used much in the industry because it shows dirt easily, which is too bad because it really performs well otherwise.) The forefoot outsole is more durable than average blown rubber, and gives a responsive push-off, with no mushiness. For lightweight, efficient types, the 280 is a good everyday shoe, and for others, could work well for speedwork or races.

GOOD FOR: Efficient runners who like some cushioning
NOT FOR: Over-pronators
PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review: 6/01





Mizuno Wave Creation 2001
$119, Men 7-14, Women 6-11
Already an excellently cushioned shoe, Mizuno has taken the same midsole mold as last year’s model and added a chunk of VS-1 foam to the heel for extra cushioning upon heel-strike. A very breathable upper, the addition of the BioLock fit system (two unobtrusive internal straps attached to the lacing system), and a relatively light weight for a cushioned trainer make the Wave Creation a good choice for the runner with no special biomechanical needs.

GOOD FOR: Runners who like comfort, don’t need much stability
NOT FOR: Severe over-pronators
PRONATION FACTOR: Under-pronation to neutral pronation Review: 3/01






Mizuno Wave Rider 2001
$89.99, Men 7-15, Women 6-11
The third generation of the nicely cushioned Wave Rider series, this is the best so far. Among the improvements: The addition of VS-1 foam in the heel, inclusion of the same Intercool system as the new Wave Mercury and Interlock system as the Creation. Another big improvement over last year’s version is a beefier outsole in the forefoot area. The oldie had excessive exposed EVA in the forefoot allowing too much road feel, especially when you stepped on a pebble just right. This cushioned trainer is loaded for the price.

GOOD FOR: Efficient runners, especially those who liked the old Wave Rider 2 or Wave Rider 2000, and those with sweaty feet
NOT FOR: Severe over-pronators
PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review: 3/01





New Balance 830
$85.00
Men 7-13, 14, 15 (widths B, D, 2E)
Women 5-11, 12 (widths 2A, B, D)
The 830 isn’t a new model for New Balance, they just ran out of numbers in their 82X line, and rolled into the 830’s. The 830 is very similar in fit and ride to the 829 which it replaces. Only the upper is changed, and it too has a very similar feel as the oldie. That’s welcome news for the efficient, lightweight under-pronators and neutral runners who appreciate New Balance’s most flexible trainer. The 830 also makes a nice marathon shoe for those who don’t need pronation protection.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review: 12/01





New Balance 1030
$100.00
Men 7-13, 14, 15 (widths D, 2E, 4E)
Women 5-11, 12, 13 (widths 2A, B, D)
This is a radical version of the 1040 (which we reviewed in September). The two models share the same midsole and outsole tooling, including the New Balance "N-ergy" cartridge stability cushion device. The 1030, though, incorporates a minimalist upper with a "sling back" construction that exposes the back of the heel. Like the 1040 this one has a nice smooth ride for the biomechanically efficient runner. The wild upper design won’t work for every one, but if it fits you, and you want to save some $ (this one is ten bucks less than the 1040), the 1030 will draw some attention.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under- to neutral pronation Review: 12/01



New Balance 1040
$119.00
Men 7-13, 14, 15 (widths D, 2E, 4E)
Women 5-11, 12, 13
We were expecting a weird ride when we saw the hard plastic plug in the heel, big midfoot gap, and big forefoot flex grooves. Not so: the 1040 delivers a nice heel-to-toe transition (rare in shoes with the midfoot midsole cut out this much). The plastic thing in the heel is NB’s “N-Ergy” stability cushioning system. It’s made of Hytrel (DuPont Plastic) and it’s hollow in the center for cushioning right under the heel bone. Its outer perimeter is a horseshoe shaped compartment that surrounds the soft center, adding stability. The 1040 feels hard to the hand, but cushioned and stable to the running foot. Fast, efficient types will like this one.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review: 9/01




New Balance 2000
$190.00
Men 7-12, 13, 14, 15 (widths 2E, 4E)
The company that brought us the first $100 shoe 20 years ago (the original 990), now brings us the first shoe to approach the $200 barrier. The 2000 replaces the $170 1700 with a more plush upper and a midsole loaded with forefoot cushioning from a large Abzorb unit. The heel sports New Balance’s N-Ergy unit. A very, very comfortable trainer for the Mercedes Benz set, with a luxury look, luxury price, and luxury performance for the neutral pronator. Available in men’s only.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review: 9/01





Nike Air Max
$140.00
Men 6-13, 14, 15
Women 5-11, 12
It’s back to the big Air look for the Air Max, but in a lighter weight package than before. The lack of heavy overlays in the all-mesh upper and “Waffle Grip” outsole in the forefoot help keep the weight down. A new Tube Air unit of full length Air makes for a very smooth, cushioned ride and a good protective and comfortable trainer for efficient runners.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review 9/01




Nike Crested Butte
$110.00
Men 6-13, 14, 15
Women 5-11, 12
(Trail shoe, although also appropriate for road running)
This is a bad weather trainer with a very protective upper. The Gore-Tex upper is waterproof and breathable-but not breathable enough for summertime running. The zippered shround over the laces can be worn open or closed, so trail runners can easily regulate the temperature of their feet. The ride is cushioned and flexible, making the Crested Butte appropriate for all surfaces, including pavement. The fit is a bit longer than typical so don’t be surprised if you need a half size smaller. One weakness is the shoe’s midsole, which flexes too easily under the arch, especially for heavier runners.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review 12/01





Nike Storm Pegasus
$85.00
Men 6-13, 14, 15
Women 5-11, 12
(Trail or Road Shoe)
The Storm is essentially the same as the current Air Pegasus, but with a more winter-proof upper made of water repellent but breathable Nike "Clima-Fit" material. Surprisingly, this version is just as cushy as the regular Pegasus, which is to say that it’s very cushy: heavy runners may find that they bottom out. The Storm Pegasus is a good choice for trails as well as pavement, especially if you’re already a fan of the Air Pegasus. Unfortunately it’s not available in widths like the regular Pegasus, which remains in the line.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review 12/01



Saucony GRID Azura
$79.99
Men 7-13, 14
Women 5-11, 12
This is a true lightweight trainer, and it reminds us of the original Azura from a dozen or so years back. Light, flexible, nice cush up front, and cosmetics with pizzazz. Like that oldy, the fit is narrower than a typical Saucony, but this new one might be a bit sloppy on the medial side of the midfoot. Otherwise, the upper is lightweight, pliable and very breathable. A unique Velcro lock at the bottom of the lacing system captures the lace ends, allowing use of cord locks to enhance quick change, making the Azura a nice triathlon shoe. Perfect for forefoot strikers with fairly efficient mechanics.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review: 12/01



Neutral pronation


adidas Equipment Ride Classic
$99.99
Men 6.5-13, 14, 15
Women 5-11, 12
This is the original Equipment Ride from 1999, born again in answer to running stores who complained that last year's version was less of a ride. Back is the plush, pampering feel that was lost in the firmer 2000 version. Available mostly in running specialty and better sporting goods stores, the price is dropped $20 from last year, another plus. Like an old big-finned Caddy, this shoe has that nice big boat road feel with lots of cush for runners who like luxury.

GOOD FOR: Runners who crave cushioning
NOT FOR: Severe over-pronators and those who prefer a responsive ride
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 6/01




Asics Gel Nimbus III
$110, Men 6-13, 14, 15, Women 6-12
The Nimbus is ASICS’ statement neutral cushioned shoe, providing a big boat ride for the price. This third version reverts back to the more flexible cushioned ride of the first Nimbus, a good change from the rigid midfoot of the second Nimbus. Besides a more durable midsole, the major improvement is a less complicated upper, which results in a more comfortable fit. In short, this is still a great shoe for the efficient runner looking for a plusher, smoother ride than last year’s version.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 9/01




Asics Preleus
$90, Men 6-13, 14, 15, Women 6-12
The Preleus is a new, neutral, cushioned shoe in the ASICS line, fitting between the lighter, more flexible Cumulus and the cushier, bouncier Nimbus. The Preleus has a bit more midsole substance on the lateral mid to forefoot area of the outsole, making it good for the high mileage under-pronator looking for durable cushioning. Our wear-testers reported that it took a few runs to break in, but got more and more comfortable with each wearing.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 12/01





Avia 2058
$65
Men 7-12, 13, 14
Women 5.5-10
Avia comes through with a great bargain in the 2058, with excellent heel cushioning combined with a surprisingly stable feel (though not for the over-pronator), thanks to Avia’s Dual Cantilever System. The shoe provides good forefoot cushioning, too, but the forefoot flex may be too localized for some feet-it bends too easily at one flex groove. Still, the positive story here is that the 2058 delivers a lot of performance for the money. Efficient runners who like a lot of heel cushioning should not be scared away by the low price.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 9/01




Fila F1 High Speed
$89.95 (available July 1)
Men’s Only 6.5-13 (only in black)
Like the Fila Flow, the F1 provides a comfortable ride for the efficient runner. The upper, with a stable heel construction and stretchable material in the toe area, provides a nice, snug fit. Meanwhile the hard plastic and carbon fiber construction of the arch offer the necessary mid-foot rigidity, before giving way to a very flexible forefoot. All in all, a nice light-weight trainer that could also serve as a racing shoe for many people.

GOOD FOR: Efficient, fleet-of-feet runners
NOT FOR: Heavy runners, over-pronators
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 6/01




Fila Flow
$75 (Men's only)
Men 4?-13
Even though FILA calls it a lightweight trainer, the Flow feels like a racing flat and runs like one too. Yes, it’s light all right, in weight and support, and the lack of heavy overlays on the upper gives it that glove-like racing shoe fit. If you like a responsive toe-off, as many efficient runners do, that’s great, but the lack of stability, in spite of the tiny medial post in the heel, rules it out for those with less than perfect gaits. If you’re going to be near the lead at Boston or London this spring, it’s a good trainer, but the Flow would also work as a racer for most of us.

GOOD FOR: Lightweight, efficient runners who train fast
NOT FOR: Heavy runners, over-pronators
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 3/01




New Balance 763
$89.95
Men 6-13, 14, 15 (widths D, 2E, 4E)
Women 5-11, 12 (widths 2A, B, D)
The 763 replaces the 762-one of the most popular shoes in the New Balance line-but there are some significant changes in this edition that may alter the demographics. Most notably, the 763 is a less stable shoe than its predecessor, since the medial post is positioned slightly further forward in the heel area. A larger midsole notch and more flexible forefoot create a smooth heel to toe transition, making this an excellent shoe for efficient runners who like a stable feel. But pronators, even moderate ones, who liked the 762 might consider switching to the more stable 854

GOOD FOR: Efficient runners who need some stability
NOT FOR: Severe over-pronators
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 6/01




New Balance 750
$79.95
Men 6-13, 14, 15 (widths D, 2E, 4E)
Women 5-11, 12 (widths 2A, B, D)
A new model, designed to compete with popular cushioned trainers such as the Asics Gel Cumulus, Nike Air Pegasus, and Brooks Radius 257, the 750 holds its own in their league. It delivers solid performance cushioning in a lightweight, uncomplicated and affordable trainer. Until now, neutral runners had only one choice from New Balance under $100, the 878. Unlike that shoe, the 750 is built on the trimmer SL-1 last, which has a snugger fit. A great shoe for efficient runners seeking a soft, comfortable ride.

GOOD FOR: Efficient runners who want a simple shoe
NOT FOR: Over-pronators
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 6/01




New Balance 879
$90.00
Men 6.5-13, 14, 15 16 (widths B, D, 2E, 4E)
Women 5-11, 12, 13 (widths 2A, B, D)
The 879 replaces the popular 878, which has been a workhorse in the New Balance line for a long time. Rest assured, fans, that the new model provides the same ride and feel. With New Balance’s SL-2 last, which has a roomier forefoot than the typical running last, the 879 fits wide feet nicely. Besides cosmetics, the 879 has a better upper design than 878, as the forefoot overlays wrap around the metatarsal joints rather than over them, providing a more comfortable shoe flex.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 12/01




New Balance 1021
$99.99
Men 7-13, 14, 15 (widths B, D 2E)
Women 5-11, 12, 13 (widths 2A, B, D)
Probably the most cushiony shoe in the New Balance line. No stability features here, just cushioning, and lots of it. Big chunks of Abzorb in the heel and forefoot surrounded by soft EVA along with blown rubber components in forefoot outsole make the 1021 soft and very comfy underfoot.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 9/01




Nike Air International Max/Converge
$90.00
Men 6-13, 14, 15, 16, 17 (widths available)
Women 5-11, 12, 13, 14 (widths available)
If you liked the old versions, you’ll probably like these updates. Durable cushioning is the story with a full-length polyurethane midsole encapsulating big Air units front and back. The women’s Converge is more stable in the rearfoot than the men’s International Max due to broader based midsole tooling and firm pillars wrapping the rear air bag. A good long, slow distance trainer for the efficient runner who likes a durable shoe with flashy looks.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 9/01




Nike Air Max Triax
$80.00
Men 6-13, 14, 15
Women 5-11, 12
Brought back to fill the void created by the ever-evolving International Max (men) and Converge Max (women), the Max Triax is $10 cheaper and has a combination of polyurethane (rear) and Phylon (fore) in the midsole (others have full-length PU). the result is a lighter, though less durable shoe. Though there’s PU in heel area, this is not a good shoe for heavy runners who are hard heel strikers (ordinarily a good profile for a PU midsole) because the midsole is cut away in the rear to allow the Air bag to compress easily at footstrike, meaning heavy runners may bottom-out. The upper has a roomy midfoot thanks to ghilly lace loops and the forefoot Air unit provides great cushioning.


GOOD FOR: Lightweight midfoot or heel strikers
NOT FOR: Heavy heel strikers
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 6/01





Nike Shox R4
$150, Men 6-15, Women 5-12
Nike always introduces new technology in a cosmetically striking shoe, and this one is no different. Shox is Nike’s first serious departure from Air as a cushioning device. Both cushion well. The difference, according to Nike’s sports research lab, is that Shox-inspired, in part, by automobile springs and engine mounts-adds a rebound effect that improves efficiency. Maybe so, but our runners didn’t notice. They reported the shoe to provide a comfortable and well cushioned-if a bit unstable-ride. The flashy upper is supportive, but also has its drawbacks as two runners reported heat build up. Air aficionados need not fear-Nike is not giving up on that technology, as a new and greatly improved Air Max will be rolling out next summer.


GOOD FOR: Biomechanically gifted runners who like people to ask them about their shoes
NOT FOR: Runners who need stability
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 3/01




Nike Shox R4+
$140.00
Men 6-13, 14
Women 5-11, 12
This relaunch of last spring’s Shox R4 has a new upper and a more beveled Shox pillar on the lateral heel area. The beveling makes for a smoother landing for heel strikers. The new upper has a shroud that doesn’t really seem to have a function, but will keep the laces clean. Our wear testers liked to unzip it halfway to show some cleavage… Cosmetics aside, the Shox R4+ is a nicely cushioned, durable trainer for runners who don’t overpronate.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 12/01




Nike Air Tailwind
$120, Men 6-15, Women 5-12
This is business as usual for Nike Air cushioning. Loads of visible air in a stable, solid polyurethane midsole reinforced by rigid plastic support devices on either side of the upper in the rearfoot area. While heavier than average, the Tailwind offers a cushioned, stable ride. This model will have a short lifespan, as a new Air Max Tailwind is scheduled for release in June.


GOOD FOR: Heavy runners who like durable cushioning
NOT FOR: Over-pronators
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 3/01



Reebok Boston Road DMX
$79.99
Men 6.5-14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 (widths available)
Women 5-12
Reebok, which has gained a reputation for making outré shoes in recent years, returns to the mainstream with the Boston Road. The name comes from a decade ago, and the shoe itself is something of a throwback too, although it contains Reebok’s latest technology. The DMX I-Pak (a thin, flexible air chamber under the sock liner) moves cushioning to the appropriate spot throughout the stride, while a TPU midfoot bridge creates a smooth heel to toe transition. But the bottom line is that the Boston is a basic, no-frills trainer for the runner with no biomechanical problems. Early reaction to its comfortable ride and reasonable price indicate that it could help Reebok move back toward the front of the running shoe pack.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 9/01




Rykä Veritas Plus
$65 (Women only), Women 5-12
This is a no frills shoe, which is fine for a moderate mileage woman who doesn't need, or want, to spend a fortune on a more technical shoe. Cushioning is good in the heel, less so in the forefoot. In spite of the long medial post, it is not a stability shoe for those with sloppy footplants.

GOOD FOR: Low-mileage runners with good mechanics
NOT FOR: Runners who need good stability and forefoot cushioning
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 3/01




Saucony Jazz
$74.95
Men 6-13, 14, 15
Women 5-11, 12
After numerous incarnations, the Jazz returns as a modest update of its original form from two decades ago-a very simple, very flexible, and very well cushioned shoe. This Jazz retains the traditional Saucony fit (snug heel, roomy forefoot) and a soft ride. The triangular stud outsole is a Jazz tradition that provides good cushioning, traction and durability. One possible negative-the studs don’t extend to the edge of the lateral forefoot outsole, which caused our under-pronators’ feet to roll out too much at push off.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 9/01




Saucony GRID Shadow
$89.99
Men 6- 13, 14, 15
Women 5- 11, 12
(Trail or Road Shoe)
The only problem with the heavy duty, durable, well-cushioned Grid Shadow from last year was that the upper fit needed work. The work has been done with this new Shadow, which has a much simpler and more effective upper. The same midsole-outsole tooling means the same great Shadow ride with durable cush. The shoe’s large striking surface means it’s a great choice for orthotics wearers. Shoe weight is higher than average, but the payoff is durability and a solid underfoot foundation that is good for roads and trails, and can be great for heavier runners.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 12/01





Saucony GRID Swerve
$89.95, Men 7-14, Women 5-12
This flashy update of the Swerve preserves the feel of the original: light and responsive, with a rigid midfoot and flexible toe off. The GRID provides great heel cushioning without being squishy, and the ride up front is firm and sure. Despite its stiff midfoot and medial post, the Swerve doesn’t give a lot of stability, so it’s not for everyone--but it is just right for efficient, neutral runners who like the secure fit and prefer the feel of the road.

GOOD FOR: Efficient runners who like a stable feel in a responsive shoe
NOT FOR: Over-pronators, mid to forefoot strikers
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 3/01



Neutral to moderate over-pronation


Asics 2070
$90, Men 6-13, 14, 15, 16 (widths 2E, 4E); Women 5-12 (widths D, 2A)
The 2070 is a dramatic departure from last year’s 2060 with a more complete realization of ASICS IGS, or Impact Guidance System. With a trimmer midsole and smaller medial post, it appears this shoe is less stable, but the advanced design features at work are not as evident. IGS uses strategically placed flex grooves and modular pillars in the lateral heel area of the midsole and outsole to efficiently guide the foot through a natural pattern. The final result is a big improvement over the 2060 in all areas-the 2070 is lighter, more stable, and better cushioned (especially in the heel) and provides a smoother heel to toe transition. One of our testers said it reminds her of 1999’s 2040, her favorite in the series. This is an excellent trainer for the high mileage runner who likes great cushioning mixed with moderate stability in a lightweight shoe.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate over-pronation Review: 12/01



Asics DS Trainer VII
$100, Men 6-13, 14, 15; Women 5-11, 12
Thenew DS Trainer is simply the old DS Trainer with a new upper-which is a good thing. With the same popular lightweight feel and ride, the new upper has a less complicated lacing system, with regular eyelets rather than ghilly loops, and fewer forefoot overlays. These changes give it a better fit up front, and the more pliable materials mean less interference for the fast feet that wear them.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to very moderate over-pronation Review: 12/01




Asics Gel Kayano VII
$130, Men 6-16, Women 5-12
In this, the seventh installment of ASICS’ top of the line trainer, the company continues to improve on an already excellent design. A full-length SpEVA midsole has been added for extra durability and a bouncier push-off. The Kayano VII also offers a better fit, with a simple lacing system and less obtrusive overlays in the mid and forefoot upper. ASICS continues to use the Impact Guidance System which is a series of flex grooves that enhance the natural heel-to-toe roll of the human gait. Overall, a good update to a great trainer.

GOOD FOR: High-mileage runners who like comfortable stability
NOT FOR: Extreme over-pronators
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate over-pronation Review: 3/01



Brooks Adrenaline GTS
$85, Men 7-13, 14, 15 (widths available), Women 5-12 (widths available)
An excellent update to a good stability shoe. Built on a new last, the same as last spring’s Trance, the Adrenaline is roomier in the forefoot and straighter in the arch area for better stability. Brooks also repositioned the forefoot overlays for better flex and a more comfortable fit. The other notable change is a switch to blown rubber in the forefoot outsole which provides a much cushier ride than the hard rubber on the old Adrenaline. One tester, an Adrenaline fan from way back, was disappointed in last year’s version due to reduced stability, but likes this one much better.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation to moderate over-pronation Review: 9/01




Brooks Trance NXT
$120, Men 8-15, Women 6-13
Brooks continues to improve its top o’ the line trainer. With this model they use a new, straighter last, resulting in a more stable ride and a roomier forefoot that is less likely to crowd your pinky toe. As is the case with most shoes in this price range, you should expect a lot of cushioning, and the Trance does not disappoint. An extra large Hydroflow unit in the heel combines with copious amounts of Substance 257 (rubbery foam inside EVA midsole) to make this one of the cushiest shoes in Brooks’ line. Another new feature is the HPR Plus (High Performance Rubber) compound in the heel of the outsole which offers better traction and has more durability than regular HPR. Despite possessing a small medial post, the Trance is not ideal for over-pronators.

GOOD FOR: Runners who like a stable and cushioned ride in a top of the line shoe
NOT FOR: Extreme over-pronators
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate over pronation Review: 3/01




Mizuno Wave Mercury
$89.99, Men 7-15, Women 6-11
The Mercury, which replaces the Wave Conviction, introduces a "Double Wave" plate in the midsole to provide better stability than its predecessor. While biomechanically similar to the excellent Wave Alchemy, the Mercury is less stable due to more scalloping in the midfoot midsole. If you’ve been running in the Alchemy and like it, don’t change. If you can get away with less medial support in the arch area, however, and would prefer a slightly lighter shoe, try the Mercury. With the Mercury and the Wave Rider, Mizuno is introducing its new "Intercool" system, a series of channels in the midsole that allow hot air to be pumped out of the shoe with each midsole compression. Mizuno claims a temperature reduction of 6% and humidity reduction of 12%. In other words, runners with sweaty feet should pay attention.

GOOD FOR: Runners who like or need moderate stability and have hot feet
NOT FOR: Severe over-pronators
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate over-pronation Review: 3/01



Reebok Aztrek 2001 DMX
$74.99
Men 6.5-14, 15
Women 5-12
Those who liked the old Aztreks should take to this well designed update. This solid, uncomplicated trainer delivers good heel cushioning and moderate stability for the reasonably efficient runner. The 2001 version incorporates Reebok’s DMX I-Pak: a thin, flexible air chamber just under the sock liner that adds a layer of comfort throughout the stride. The outsole provides excellent traction on all surfaces and the upper hugs the foot while allowing a comfortable forefoot flex with a gap next to the first metatarsal head. In all, a great buy for a young or budget-minded runner wanting a versatile, durable shoe.

GOOD FOR: Neutral-gaited runners who don't need bells and whistles
NOT FOR: Heavy over-pronators
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to very moderate over- pronation Review 6/01



Saucony GRID Hurricane
$109.95, Men 7-14, Women 5-12
The Hurricane has been a Saucony favorite since 1996, in the early days of GRID, offering a comfortable trainer with good forefoot flexibility. Until now, however, the midfoot has also been too flexible for a stability trainer. Finally, the new Hurricane provides real stability due to a longer and thicker medial post, making it a good shoe for an over-pronator who likes comfort. The new version offers great cushioning fore and aft, and stays close to the traditional Saucony fit with snug heel and midfoot but roomy forefoot. In all, the best Hurricane yet.

GOOD FOR: Neutral runners who like a stable ride, moderate over-pronators who like cushioning
NOT FOR: Extreme over-pronators
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate over-pronation Review: 3/01




Saucony GRID Web
$84.95
Men 7-12, 13, 14
Women 5-10, 11
This update is primarily a cosmetic freshening. Retaining the same midsole and outsole unit, the Web is still a comfortable fitting, lightweight trainer for the neutral runner who likes a stable, responsive ride with durable heel cushioning. The medial post gives a stable feel, but the shoe does not have enough motion-control for any but the most moderate over-pronator.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to very moderate over-pronation Review: 9/01



Moderate Over-Pronation to Over-Pronation

adidas Calibrate
$89.99
Men 6.5-13, 14, 15
Women 5-11, 12
The Calibrate is an excellent shoe for an over-pronator who wants comfort. Thanks to adiPrene in the midsole and forefoot, and polyurethane in the rear half of the shoe, it is both durable and well cushioned. We like polyurethane because it delivers such a smooth ride with a feeling of substantial, rather than mushy, cushioning, making the Calibrate a good shoe for big guys. A plastic medial post and filled-in midsole under the medial arch offer stability, along with a very durable outsole. The only down side is the weight, but that’s what you get in most stable, durable trainers.

PRONATION FACTOR: Over-pronation Review: 12/01




adidas Cairo
$99.99
Men 6.5-13, 14, 15
Women 5-11, 12
Adidas changed little from the original Cairo, and in this case, that’s a good thing. It retains the same well-cushioned yet stable ride, while a new outsole provides improved traction and forefoot flex. The one big change is in the upper, which fits better due to an improved design of overlays, resulting in less restriction in the forefoot area without sacrificing the supportive fit. The Cairo remains an excellent moderate-weight motion-control shoe for the over-pronator who likes to go fast.

PRONATION FACTOR: Over-pronation Review: 9/01



adidas Supernova Control
$89.99
Men 6.5-13, 14, 15
Women 5-11, 12
Not to be confused with the Supernova Classic, the Control replaces the Extra in this popular adidas line. Things will get even more confusing in the next year when these models are joined by the Supernova Cushion and Trail models as well.
But back to the model at hand. The Control, with a modest medial post and an emphasis on cushioning and flexibility, performs much like the Extra. The fit however, is even snugger in the forefoot, making the Control best suited for those who are always looking for shoes that will hug narrow feet.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation Review: 12/01




Asics 1070
$75, Men 6-13, 14, 15, 16 (widths 2E, 4E);
Women 5-12 (widths D, 2A)
The 1070 replaces the 1060, with which it shares many features. The biggest departure is the addition of gel in forefoot, where both the 1060 and the 1050 before it had gel only in heel. You could think of this as a junior 2070, with a slightly firmer ride and somewhat bumpier heel to toe transition than the $90 2070. The 1070, however, is an excellent $75 shoe for the runner who likes a good balance of cushioning and stability.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation Review: 12/01




Brooks Vapor
$70, Men 7-13, 14, 15, Women 5-12
A budget version of the brand’s popular Adrenaline. It’s built on the same last (the new semi-straight last, unveiled last spring in the Trance) that has a more generous forefoot fit and broader platform for push-off. Like the Adrenaline, the Vapor is moderately stable and well-cushioned in the heel, but the Vapor has a firmer ride up front with its harder outsole and lack of forefoot cushioning technology. Still a good moderately priced shoe for runners with no major biomechanical needs.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over- pronation Review: 9/01




Diadora Mythos 300
$84.95
Men 4-12, 13
Women 5-10
With a well cushioned, moderately stable ride, the Mythos 300 matches up with the popular ASICS GT-2060, the industry standard for the slightly un stable. The men’s and women’s versions have the same midsole tooling, but different uppers. The 300 has better than average midfoot integrity because the midfoot midsole is filled in nicely as opposed to a big cut-out that is so prevalent these days, making the ride smooth and well-cushioned. One complaint was that the conventional lacing system could use one more set of eyelets at the top for a more supportive fit. A good choice for orthotics users who are moderate over-pronators.

GOOD FOR: Runners who like stability with their cushioning
NOT FOR: Extreme over-pronators
PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation Review: 6/01




Etonic Enigma
$85, Men 7-12, 13, 14 (widths available), Women 5-12 (widths available)
This is a nice stability trainer for those who need moderate motion-control. If you’re an Etonic fan, you’ll welcome back the familiar last and stable feel. The major caveat is the very deep flex grooves in the forefoot area, especially the one that runs right under the first metatarsal joint, where a lot of downward force is applied during push-off. Heavier runners may bottom out, so forefoot strikers beware.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over- pronation Review: 9/01




Etonic Icon E.T.
$80
Men 7-12, 13, 14 (widths B, D, 2E)
Women 6-10, 11 (widths B, D)
The icon E.T. offers a nice, open toe box and a very breathable upper-which makes for a nice overall fit. The ride is nice as well, responsive and stable rather than mushy. Unfortunately the forefoot flex grooves are oversized which leads to a sudden and extreme flex, and compromised protection under the forefoot during push-off. This a good model for heel-striking moderate over-pronators who like a responsive feel on the roads.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation Review: 12/01




Etonic Stable Pro V
$90, Men 7-13, 14 (widths D, 2E, 4E), Women 6-10, 11 (widths B, D, 2E)
The Pro V sports the classic motion-control formula: a bulky, straight last with broad-based support underfoot and big medial post, reinforced by a TPU (plastic) insert. All this means great rearfoot stability, but the big forefoot flex grooves make the shoes too flexible up front for some. Overall, the ride is very comfortable for such a stable shoe. The Pro V is also competitively priced compared to other heavy duty motion-control trainers.

PRONATION FACTOR: Over-pronation Review: 9/01




Fila Rejuvenate Plus
$85 (Men's only)
Men 6?-13
FILA didn’t change much from last year’s Rejuvenate, but that’s okay as it was a good shoe-nicely cushioned, with a smooth and surprisingly stable ride. This year’s upper is less complicated than the old but well designed-no gimmicks, just a standard lacing system, with adequate support from the overlays, and very breathable. The bottom line: a good blend of stability and cushioning.

GOOD FOR: Runners with a mild motion problem who like a smooth, cushioned ride
NOT FOR: Under-pronators
PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation Review: 3/01



New Balance 854
$90, Men 6?-16 (three widths, 8-16 in four widths)
Women 6-12 (2A); 5-12 (three widths, 6-12 in four widths)
This shoe has been much anticipated as New Balance announced it would make it as good as the 851 from four years ago. That shoe was a superb stability trainer with a great cushioned ride, good rearfoot stability, and a wonderful, wonderful fit that really hugged the foot with great affection. Then the 852 replaced the 851 with a sloppier fit and the 853 wasn’t much better. The 854 finally goes back to what works--great midfoot fit, adequate room in the toes, and the comfortable ride of the 851. Welcome back.

GOOD FOR: Runners who need stable support and prefer a lightweight, nicely cushioned shoe
NOT FOR: Severe over-pronators
PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation Review: 3/01



Nike Air Structure Triax
$90.00 (men's) $85.00 (women's)
Men 6-13, 14, 15, 16 (widths available)
Women 5-11, 12, 13, 14 (widths available)
The Triax’s sixth incarnation is possibly the very best version of Nike’s long running motion-control classic. The men’s is very much like last year’s excellent model, but the women’s version is greatly improved by filling in the midsole under the medial arch. It’s now much like the men’s except that it’s built on a women’s specific last for a better fit. It’s hard to find a more comfortable motion-control shoe for either gender that is this light and stable. Not a heavy duty motion-control trainer for the extreme over-pronator.

PRONATION FACTOR: Over- pronation Review 9/01




Nike Kantara
$120.00
Men 6-13, 14, 15
Women 5-11, 12
This new offering from Nike is designed to compete with the high-end trainers on the market. While weighing in a bit heavier than its competitors, the Kantara is very durable and has plenty of Air, fore and aft. A nicely designed-and simple-upper offers a comfortable and roomy fit. Stability features include a modest medial post of firmer Phylon (EVA), the Nike Footbridge, and a midfoot plastic shank. The Kantara’s smooth heel to toe transition will remind old timers of the early Air Maxes.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation Review 12/01




Reebok Supreme Control
$99.99
Men 6.5-14, 15
Women 5-12
At first glance this looks like a clunky motion-control special-super straight last, filled in arch, big medial post. But looks can be deceiving, and the proof with this shoe comes in the wearing. Surprisingly soft and flexible, it felt more like a cushioned shoe, but the straight last and rigid post kept moderate pronation in sufficient check. The mesh upper, with its minimal overlays, also reduced the Supreme Control’s weight, putting it toward the light side of most motion-control models. If your biomechanical quirks aren’t severe, this shoe could be a pleasant surprise.

PRONATION FACTOR: Over- pronation Review: 9/01




Reebok Ventilator II DMX
$89.99
Men 6.5-14, 15
Women 5-12
Although it’s billed as a stability shoe, the Ventilator feels firmer than the Supreme Control, Reebok’s motion-control model. That’s due to the large medial post that extends well forward, the transition bridge, and the heavy duty outsole. The Ventilator name is belied by the fact that much of the upper is covered with support strapping, which also adds to the shoe’s weight. In sum, it’s a sturdy shoe that offers DMX I-Pak cushioning over a stable platform.

PRONATION FACTOR: Over- pronation Review: 9/01




Rykä Stability Km4
$80 (Women only)
Women 5-12
This is the fourth generation of Ryka’s best trainer, and there’s a lot of shoe here for only 80 bucks. This latest version features improved cushioning, especially in forefoot. The midfoot fit has also been tweaked to hug the foot better. True to its name, the Km4 provides good stability, but not to the point of motion-control; women who over-pronate severely should look elsewhere.

GOOD FOR: Women who need better than average stability and like comfort
NOT FOR: Under-pronators
PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation

Review: 3/01


Saucony GRID Omni
$125.00
Men 7-12, 13, 14, 15
Women 5-11, 12
This Omni update has the same midsole tooling with a new upper, but also with a new outsole, which is significant. The outsole is less flexible than last year, which is an improvement. The Omni is now adequately (but not overly) flexible in front and traction is improved, making it a good choice for the runner who likes a soft ride and solid rearfoot stability.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation Review: 9/01




Saucony GRID Sovereign
$74.95, Men 7-14, Women 5-12
Saucony has added a new upper to the same old foundation, with good results as the addition of plastic overlays give the shoe a more supportive midfoot fit. They have also added a third density plug in the medial post. As a result, the Sovereign has a nice broad base of support under foot for extreme over-pronators. Throw in the good outsole durability and forefoot traction, and you'll have a hard time complaining about the $5.00 price increase. The only weakness is mediocre forefoot cushioning, but what do you expect at this price?

GOOD FOR: Over-pronators on a tight budget
NOT FOR: Under-pronators
PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation Review: 3/01




Saucony GRID Stabil
$89.95
Men 7-13, 14, 15
Women 5-1, 12
Saucony’s original Stabil had quite a following, and this new version should satisfy those fans. For a motion-control shoe it’s lightweight and nicely cushioned, especially in the heel. True to its name, it provides great stability due to an extended medial post which is reinforced by a plastic insert and supported by a continuous midsole-outsole unit (unlike so many shoes these days that are cut away under the arch). We especially like the fit-supportive, but comfortable, especially in the forefoot where the overlays in the upper allow for great forefoot flexibility. A good shoe for any over-pronator that will work very well with orthotics.

GOOD FOR: Runners seeking lightweight motion control
NOT FOR: Under-pronators, and runners who want a responsive ride
PRONATION FACTOR: Over-pronation Review: 6/01




Teva Road Wraptor
$99.95, Unisex 7-14, 15, 16
This is the follow-up to last year’s radical Wraptor, the first really “runnable” sandal. This version has better heel cushioning and an improved “Wraptor” strapping system, more padded across the top of the foot. Still a bit firm for the road, the Road Wraptor could work well for beach runs or any wet environment (what drains better than a sandal?). Not the best choice for the average runner for daily runs, but fine for short jaunts on rugged and/or wet courses.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation Review: 9/01




Severe over-pronation
adidas Equipment Tyranny
$130, Men 6 ? -15, Women 5-12

This update of last year’s Tyranny clamps down even more on motion with a straighter last and a filled in section under the medial arch. In spite of resulting in a somewhat bulky feel, the Tyranny is still very comfortable for a big-time motion control shoe, with exceptional heel cushioning. "ClimaLite" material in the upper helps keep feet dry and warm in cold weather, dry and cool when it’s hot. Henry Ford would love the men’s color (black), rare in U.S. running shoes, but this is a global product and dark colors are more popular in Europe. A lighter based color will be available in April.

GOOD FOR: Runners who need motion-control but like comfort and will pay for it
NOT FOR: Anyone who doesn’t over-pronate
PRONATION FACTOR: Severe over-pronation Review: 3/01




Asics Gel Foundation III
$80, Men 7-13, 14, 15, 16 (widths 2E, 4E), Women 6-12 (widths D)
Replacing the Foundation II, the only noticeable change is the number. That’s not a bad thing: this is still an excellent extreme motion-control shoe at a moderate price, with ASICS’s trademark fit and cushioning. Available in three widths for men and two for women, the fit is slightly narrower this year. If you wore medium in Foundation II, go for wide (2E for men, D for women) in the III. If the medium II was too wide for you, the medium in this version should fit you well.

PRONATION FACTOR: Extreme over-pronation Review: 9/01




Asics MC Plus V
$90, Men 8-16 (two widths), Women 7-12
One of the stalwart heavy-duty motion-control shoes on the market, the new version is true to the tradition of excellence earned by ASICS over the last several years in this biomechanical category. A new SpEVA midsole adds durability and bounce, although the ride remains firm as in previous models. As they are doing with some of their other shoes, ASICS is now offering the MC Plus in widths, although currently only for the men’s model. If you’re a heavy over-pronator, you can’t do better than this one. The shoe also works well with orthotics.

GOOD FOR: Heavy runners, brutal over-pronators
NOT FOR: Under to neutral pronators, runners with narrow feet
PRONATION FACTOR: Severe over-pronation Review: 3/01




Brooks Beast (Men)
Brooks Ariel (Women)
$110, Men 8-16 (two widths), Women 6-13 (two widths)
One of the best motion-control shoes on the market. The last model was good, but this year’s is even better. Substance 257 reinforces the medial side of the forefoot for better stability and durability. Meanwhile, in the rear the extended "diagonal Rollbar" (medial post) should satisfy the most severe over-pronators. Beast/Ariel lovers will also notice better cushioning from the Substance 257 in the heel and forefoot. Also new is the availability of widths for the Ariel.

GOOD FOR: Extreme over-pronators, especially those who liked the Beast from three years ago
NOT FOR: Under to neutral pronators
PRONATION FACTOR: Severe over-pronation Review: 3/01




Diadora Mythos 360
$89.95 (Men's only)
Men 7-12, 13, 14
If you’re a big overpronator, this may be the shoe of the season. You cannot find better heavy duty motion control at this price. Because Diadora is not known for running shoes in the U.S., it will probably be one of the best kept secrets in the shoe biz this year. The 360 is a big, broad platform underfoot with lots of cushioning and plenty of motion-control. Its bulky straight last is about as straight as they come these days and the medial post extends all the way from the center of the heel forward to the front of the arch. The upper, which runs a bit wide, has a very supportive fit, especially in the heel and midfoot area, and will handle any orthotic nicely. The 360 competes head to head with the Nike Durham and ASICS MC Plus. Superb heel cushioning, good forefoot flex (not too little, not too much), and very effective motion control make this a great, great shoe, one worth the search.

GOOD FOR: Severe over-pronators
NOT FOR: Neutral to under-pronators
PRONATION FACTOR: Extreme over-pronation Review: 6/01




New Balance 1121
$110, Men 7-16 (three widths), Women 5-13 (three widths)
An over-pronators dream: a great motion-control shoe has been improved, while the price has been lowered. Similar in structure to last year’s 1120, New Balance has improved the upper for a better fit. From the straight last to the graphite rollbar, the 1121 is one of the most stable shoes available-and all for $10.00 less than the previous model.

GOOD FOR: Heavy runners, severe over-pronators
NOT FOR: Lightweight runners, any runner who does not over-pronate measurably
PRONATION FACTOR: Severe over-pronation Review: 3/01

[outsider]

2001


Trail shoes

Under to neutral pronation

adidas Lightfoot
(Trail shoe)
$74.99
Unisex 6.5-13, 14, 15
Aptly named, this is a minimalist shoe that feels like a racing flat in both the snug upper and the extreme flexibility of its nearly nonexistent midsole. Truly for the mountain racer, and perhaps only on race days, this might also be a good shoe for the harrier who wants nothing but a thin covering to come between foot and trail.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review: 9/01




Nike Crested Butte
(Trail shoe, although also appropriate for road running)
$110.00
Men 6-13, 14, 15
Women 5-11, 12
This is a bad weather trainer with a very protective upper. The Gore-Tex upper is waterproof and breathable-but not breathable enough for summertime running. The zippered shround over the laces can be worn open or closed, so trail runners can easily regulate the temperature of their feet. The ride is cushioned and flexible, making the Crested Butte appropriate for all surfaces, including pavement. The fit is a bit longer than typical so don’t be surprised if you need a half size smaller. One weakness is the shoe’s midsole, which flexes too easily under the arch, especially for heavier runners.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review 12/01





Nike Storm Pegasus
$85.00
Men 6-13, 14, 15
Women 5-11, 12
(Trail or Road Shoe)
The Storm is essentially the same as the current Air Pegasus, but with a more winter-proof upper made of water repellent but breathable Nike "Clima-Fit" material. Surprisingly, this version is just as cushy as the regular Pegasus, which is to say that it’s very cushy: heavy runners may find that they bottom out. The Storm Pegasus is a good choice for trails as well as pavement, especially if you’re already a fan of the Air Pegasus. Unfortunately it’s not available in widths like the regular Pegasus, which remains in the line.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review 12/01




Nike Terra Wild
(Trail shoe)
$65.00
Men 6-13, 14, 15
Women 5-11, 12
The Terra Wild is a no frills, minimalist trail shoe. Since it offers very little protection under the forefoot, not even Nike Air, and is very flexible, even in the midfoot, this shoe should only be considered by the efficient runner who finds the typical heavy, protective trail shoe to be too much shoe. For these runners, the Terra Wild gives good traction with its nice outsole pattern, and is very lightweight for a trail shoe. For those needing more stability and cushioning, this could be a nice $65 shoe for kicking around town rather than actually running on trails.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review 12/01




Timberland Z-WARP Revere
(Trail shoe)
$95, Men 7-12, 13, Women 5?-10, 11
Timberland’s Mountain Athletics division threw out all the conventional wisdom gleaned from road trainers or hiking boots and made a shoe designed from the get-go for trail runners. The result is the Z-WARP (Zoned Wrapped Agile Response Protection), a shoe that should be welcomed warmly by serious trail racers. It lacks any road-taming cushioning, but on the trails, that minimal midsole provides a great, low-to-the-ground ride, and the Wrapped aspect is particularly appreciated, enabling a secure foot plant and toe-off from any angle and surface.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under-pronation to neutral pronation



Neutral Pronation
Brooks Gila LT
(Trail Shoe)
$85.00
Men 7-12, 13
Women 5-11
Without all of the superfluous overlays and decorations present on many trail shoes, the Gila LT has the comfortable fit of a road shoe. In fact, the shoe can be used quite comfortably on the roads given its relative light weight and very flexible forefoot. The Gila does have a high arch which may irritate those with flat feet.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 9/01



Brooks Shikari
(Trail Shoe)
$75.00
Men 7-13, 14, 15
Women 5-11
If you’re looking for a budget trail shoe with the comfort of a road shoe, you’ll be happy with this one. The Shikari offers a great trail outsole, good cushioning in the heel, and forefoot flexibility well tuned for a stable push-off. The minimal midfoot area might make this too unstable for some, and the upper, while reasonably protective, has synthetic overlays in the toe that can pucker inward at push-off, which may irritate sensitive feet.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 9/01


Hi-Tec Enduro
(Trail shoe)
$65, Men 7-12, 13, Women 5-10, 11
This is one heckuva $65 trail shoe. Nothing fancy, just a supportive and protective upper, nicely cushioned midsole, and very aggressive outsole, with superb traction on all rugged surfaces. The Enduro flexes nicely in the forefoot thanks to a plastic shank inside the midsole that adds stability and underfoot protection. Not overly stable, it’s designed for the efficient runner who wants a lightweight, moderately protective shoe for trail running and rugged racing.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 9/01


Montrail Leona Divide
(Trail shoe)
$95, Men 7-12, 13, Women 5-10, 11
A lighter, more flexible and more breathable shoe than the Wasatch II, the Leona Divide retains superb protection underfoot due to the thin polyurethane plate sandwiched between the midsole and outsole. The unique outsole pattern gives a good bite on hillsides. The medial post helps stabilize the heel, but the overall stability is lessened by the trim midfoot area. In sum, simply a great shoe for those who run and race rough single-track trails.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 9/01




New Balance 704
(Trail Shoe)
$80.00
Men 7-13, 14, 15 (widths D, 2E)
Women 6-11, 12 (widths 2A, B, D)
More a casual “street fashion” shoe than a hard core trail machine, the 704 will serve the runner who does light running on paved and unpaved surfaces. The 704 has an adequate outsole with nice studs for traction, but the big forefoot flex grooves may let you feel the bigger rocks and roots. In spite of those grooves, the shoe flexes more readily in the midfoot area than the forefoot area, meaning lightweight runners with strong arches may be the target wearers of the 704.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 9/01




New Balance 804
(Trail Shoe)
$85, Men 6-16 (three widths, 8-16 in four widths)
Women 5-13, (three widths, 6-13 in four widths)
Little has changed from New Balance’s popular 803 shoe. The 804 has a new but similar upper and midsole/outsole tooling. This shoe’s predecessors caught on more with fashion-conscious college kids than the off-road crowd, but it does work on the trails. While the cushioning is adequate for road running, the forefoot is too stiff. A good choice for the 801-803 series fanatic.

GOOD FOR: Midfoot striking trail runners or those who like to walk around town in rugged shoes
NOT FOR: Over-pronators, part-time trail runners who run mostly on asphalt
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 3/01




The North Face Baja Runner
(Trail shoe)
$95 (Men only)
Men 7-14
If your idea of trails takes you primarily over desert rock and scree, the Baja Runner is for you. The exceptionally breathable upper is suited for hot climes, a gusseted tongue keeps gravel and sand out, and the almost smooth, gummy outsole gives good traction on slick rocks, even in wet conditions. Both the midsole and upper provide exceptional forefoot protection, which is surprisingly rare in trail shoes. Despite a medial post, the Baja Runner is not very stable, and you’ll want to stay only on the trails due to the firm ride.

GOOD FOR: Trail runners on smooth and/or wet, rocky trails
NOT FOR: Over-pronators, road runners, mud runners
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 3/01





The North Face Coyote Ridge
(Trail shoe)
Men $85, 7-14, Women 5-11
In the Coyote Ridge, North Face has produced a tough, rugged shoe for the equally tough and rugged trail runner. The shoe rides firm and low to the ground, with good forefoot flexibility--the perfect combination for serious off-road running, although a bit too firm if you spend much time on the roads. The outsole particularly sets this shoe apart--full-length, hard rubber for good protection, and great traction from the variable direction studs. The fit is roomy, even for wide feet, and a rear medial post provides a small measure of motion control, but not enough to classify it as a stability shoe due to lack of support from the scalloped mid-foot area.

GOOD FOR: Trail runners who like a durable shoe and a low, firm ride
NOT FOR: Over-pronators, road runners
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 3/01



Reebok DMXpert
(Trail Shoe)
$89.99
Men 6.5-14, 15
Women 5-12
Trail shoes need to provide several functions above and beyond the cushioning and stability of "normal" trainers: off-road traction, lateral stability on irregular surfaces, and protection from collisions with roots, branches, rocks, snakes, etc. The DMXpert provides these with a well-studded, durable sole for traction-we particularly liked the perimeter studs for gripping the sides of hills-a low center of gravity for stability, and a unique, one-piece upper to protect the foot and keep out debris. We liked the concept, and the initial feel, but unfortunately found that despite the two tightening straps the shoe wasn’t sufficiently adjustable to fit all feet snugly enough to take on the trails. For those whom it fits, and who like the simplicity and feel of a sports-sandal, it’s worth a try.

GOOD FOR: Efficient runners who run through rough trails and brush
NOT FOR: Over-pronators, those with narrow feet
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 6/01




Saucony GRID Shadow
(Trail or Road Shoe)
$89.99
Men 6- 13, 14, 15
Women 5- 11, 12
The only problem with the heavy duty, durable, well-cushioned Grid Shadow from last year was that the upper fit needed work. The work has been done with this new Shadow, which has a much simpler and more effective upper. The same midsole-outsole tooling means the same great Shadow ride with durable cush. The shoe’s large striking surface means it’s a great choice for orthotics wearers. Shoe weight is higher than average, but the payoff is durability and a solid underfoot foundation that is good for roads and trails, and can be great for heavier runners.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 12/01




Timberland McQuick
(Trail shoe)
$80, Men 7-13, Women 5?-11
The McQuick is designed for the serious back-country runner and racer who wants a firm, low ride, great traction and exceptional durability. The most obvious design feature is the flap that protects shoe laces nicely from snags on rough trails, which is good because these laces are hard to replace if they break, as the cover blocks access to bottom loops. Those with narrow feet may find the fit a bit sloppy in the forefoot, allowing the foot to move within the shoe on cross slopes and downhills. Wide footed runners, however, will find the McQuick provides sure footing and maneuverability on the roughest of trails.

GOOD FOR: Trail runners with wide feet who like a firm ride
NOT FOR: Any runner who prefers or needs cushioning
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 3/01





Neutral to Moderate Over-Pronation

adidas Brahma 2
(Trail shoe)
$89.99, Men 6 ? -15, Women 5-12
The Brahma 2 is the LTD, luxury model of the old Brahma (which will still be available in running stores as the Brahma Classic). The primary change is its much fancier, more fashionable upper. Though not as stable as its predecessor, the new Brahma retains a very good trail outsole and a ride comfortable enough for any surface, from trail to tarmac.

GOOD FOR: Trail runners who like shoes with cosmetic pizzazz
NOT FOR: Severe over-pronators and road runners
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate over-pronation Review 3/01




adidas Response Trail
(Trail shoe)
$79.99
Men 6.5-13, 14, 15
Women 5-11, 12
The granddaddy of trail shoes has undergone a cosmetic makeover for 2001. Not to worry, though, it remains an industry standard for a shoe that handles both roads and moderate trails. The heel has a comfortable, snug fit, a new outsole pattern offers excellent traction, and the shoe’s lightness-both physically and visually-doesn’t make you feel like you’re training in boots.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate over-pronation Review: 9/01





Asics Nandi DS III
(Trail shoe)
$90, Men 6-16, Women 5-12
Continuing the tradition of last year’s model, the Nandi III is one of the most comfortable trail shoes on the market. In fact, it is cushioned enough for all surfaces. A sleeker upper and more protective outsole have been added, and the forefoot flex groove of the oldie has been scaled back for more protection and ground striking surface. A nice rubberized toe bumper adds durability for the roughest of routes. The new model is slightly less stable, as the medial post is more midfoot oriented than previously.

GOOD FOR: Trail runners who run on pavement as well as dirt or grass
NOT FOR: Severe over-pronators
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate over- pronation Review 3/01




Montrail Wasatch II
(Trail shoe)
$90, Men 7-12, 13, 14, 15, Women 5-10, 11
Stiff, stable and firm. In other words, a good backcountry, trails-only shoe from Montrail, whose background is in hiking boots. Primarily a dirt, rocks and roots specialist, the Wasatch is stable enough for moderate over-pronation and any rugged surface, with excellent underfoot protection. The upper is equally rugged, thanks to the heavy, stiff, padded synthetic suede along the sides.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over- pronation Review: 9/01





Salomon Flagstaff
(Trail shoe)
$75
Men 7-14; Women 5-12
An excellent-and affordable-entry in the trail shoe market. The Flagstaff boasts a firm but flexible base, with Salomon’s Contragrip outsole, and a breathable mesh upper-all in a relatively lightweight package. A couple of nice features are the thin mesh tongue cover to keep debris out, and the asymmetrical lacing system for a snug fit.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate over-pronation Review 12/01



Salomon X-A Pro
(Trail shoe)
$90
Men 7-14, Women 5-12
Like the Flagstaff, the X-A Pro is a light and flexible trail shoe. While the two have much in common, particularly in the outsole/midsole, the extra 15 bucks on the X-A’s price tag will get you several other features. The kevlar lacing system is quick and secure, and, most impressively, offers you the ability to adjust the forefoot and midfoot fits independently. The upper is made from sandwiched mesh, allowing your feet to breathe, but should keep out any annoying debris.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate pronation Review 12/01





Timberland Charging
(Trail shoe)
$85, Men 7-13, Women 5?-11
In the Charging, the wide footed trail runner will finally find a shoe with ample forefoot width and volume. Our wear testers reported that the bellowed tongue of the upper kept snow, moisture, and other debris away from the foot, and the outsole provided excellent traction on snow, ice, and mud. The low profile midsole took some getting used to, but proved stable on all surfaces, except roads. The only big negative is the weight--these shoes are heavy and have stiff soles, almost like a hiking boot. The trade off, though, is exceptional durability, true to the nature of an outdoor brand.

GOOD FOR: Tough trail runners who go the rugged route and like a tough shoe
NOT FOR: Runners who run on roads and like cushioning
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate over-pronation





Over-Pronation


Asics Gel Trabuco IV
$80, Men 6-13, 14, 15, Women 6-12
(Trail shoe)
The Trabuco III was an excellent stability trail shoe, cushioned enough for roads and trails. The new version adds a more protective outsole with more aggressive studs, providing excellent traction under all conditions. The ASICS logo strap overlays on the upper are thickened and provide a much more supportive fit. Unchanged is the midsole medial post and rigid midfoot Trusstic device for stability.

PRONATION FACTOR: Over- pronation Review: 9/01





New Balance 904
(Trail Shoe)
$99.95
Men 6-13, 14, 15 (widths D, 2E, 4E)
Women 5-11, 12 (widths 2A, B, D)
This is absolutely the best trail shoe New Balance has ever made, and that says something. A major departure from the clunky 903 it replaces, the 904 gives a great ride on and off road and is very stable and cushioned without being mushy. The snug midfoot and low midsole aid stability, and the outsole provides superb traction on all surfaces, although it can be a bit iffy on smooth wet rocks. A good choice for the over-pronator whose mileage is split between tar and trails.

GOOD FOR: Just about anyone who runs on trails
NOT FOR: Heavy road runners
PRONATION FACTOR: Over- pronation

[outsider]

2002


Training Shoes

Under-pronation


Brooks Burn
$80
Men 7-12, 13, 14 (10.5 oz)
Women 5-12 (8.5 oz)
The Burn offers a surprisingly well cushioned ride for a shoe this light. Filling a new niche in the Brooks line, the Burn is more durable than Brooks’s previous lightweight trainer/racers, the Mach 1 and the Cheetah, thanks to a more resilient form of EVA in the forefoot. In addition, a Hydroflow unit in the heel assures ample protection for long races and workouts-if stability is not a requirement. The Burn is built on the same last as the successful Adrenaline GTS, so the fit is a proven winner. As with most Brooks shoes, you sit fairly deep inside the heel counter which should keep your foot securely in place, even if using orthotics or other replacement insoles.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under-pronation Review: 9/02


Brooks Illusion
$85
Men 7-13, 14
Women 5-11
The Illusion replaces the long-running Radius as Brooks’s no-stability lightweight trainer. When choosing from a list of options, Brooks installed only components that provide cushioning: you won’t detect any stability in this shoe. A nice option for those who don’t want their shoe to rearrange their stride, the only negative notes were from some speedy wear testers who mentioned that the forefoot flex needed some break-in mileage.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under-pronation Review: 3/02





Under-pronation to neutral pronation


adidas Boston
$80.00
Men 6.5-13, 14, 15 (size 10.5 - 12.3 oz)
Women 5-11, 12 (size 8.5 - 10.2 oz)
Adidas’s Boston is appropriately named, as its combination of light weight and protective cushioning has made it a favorite among marathoners. Those same characteristics also make the Boston a good choice for efficient runners looking for a single shoe for both training and racing. This update improves both fit and function. Its predecessor’s midfoot tended to pinch the top of the foot; a new upper design alleviates that problem without sacrificing the historically snug fit. By placing a TPU (plastic) shank and a bit more EVA foam under the ball of the foot, adidas has improved forefoot durability and toe-off efficiency without negatively affecting the ride. The lack of medial support definitely makes the Boston a no-go for overpronators, and the lack of lateral support may keep severe underpronators away from this shoe, too-but neutral runners should consider moving to Boston.

PRONATION FACTOR: Mild under-pronation to neutral pronation Review: 9/02





adidas ClimaCool
$100.00
Men 6.5-13, 14, 15 (12.1 oz)
Women 5-11, 12 (9.6 oz)
The ClimaCool is a proof-of-concept shoe that incorporates every foot-cooling design feature the adidas designers could pack in a single shoe. The sweat-wicking upper has large ventilation screens in the toe, sides and heel. Hundreds of holes in the sockliner allow underfoot moisture to exit through additional screens in the midsole/outersole. According to adidas, the result is a shoe that will keep your feet two degrees cooler than more conventional designs. If you wring gallons out of your socks after each run and suffer from constant moisture-induced blisters, the ClimaCool is for you. For the rest of us, we hope that adidas begins to incorporate some of the ClimaCool’s cooling features into their other trainers.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review: 9/02





adidas ClimaCool Response
$75.00
Men 6.5-15, 16, 17, 18 (13.5 oz)
Women 5-11, 12 (11.7 oz)
This past summer, adidas released the ClimaCool, a lightweight trainer that introduced its ClimaCool ventilation and moisture management system. While the original ClimaCool was fashionable enough for Anna Kournikova to wear in a now-famous TV ad, we didn’t think many runners would be willing to spend $100 on a niche shoe whose best features were useful only on the sweatiest of runs. In our summer review, we asked adidas to "incorporate some of ClimaCool’s cutting-edge cooling features into their more mainstream trainers." The ClimaCool Response is their answer. As its name implies, the ClimaCool Response is a cross between the trendy ClimaCool and the venerable Response. Like the ClimaCool, the new shoe has an extremely breathable upper and venting screens top and bottom. Like the Response, its EVA midsole has adiPRENE cushioning inserts in the forefoot and the heel. Yes, the original ClimaCool is lighter and has twice the venting, and the non-ClimaCool version of the Response has a more comfortable fit, but the reasonably-priced ClimaCool Response may be worth having in your arsenal for those hot and sticky days, or if you suffer from particularly sweaty feet.

PRONATION FACTOR: Slight under-pronation and Neutral pronation Review: 12/02





Brooks Glycerin
$100
Men 8-12, 13, 14, 15
Women 6-11, 12
The Glycerin is Brooks’s gift to the high mileage neutral runner. It replaces, but does not duplicate, the Hyperion. Whereas the Hyperion’s midsole was mostly foam with pads of their foam/rubber mix, Substance 257, under the heel and forefoot, the Glycerin’s midsole is made entirely of Substance 257. Updated Hydroflow pads are located in the heel and forefoot. The fit is less curved, so the Glycerin will fit more feet than the banana-shaped Hyperion.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review: 3/02






Mizuno Wave Precision 3
$85
Men 7-13, 14 (12.6 oz)
Women 6-11 (9.4 oz)
The Wave Precision remains a low-profile, lightweight, flexible trainer that showcases Mizuno’s parallel rubber Wave plate. The major difference between version 3 and the previous models is that the forefoot outersole material has been changed from solid rubber to blown rubber, resulting in a softer forefoot ride. The Precision is a great shoe to pull out of your bag when it’s time for a tempo run or speedwork session. More than one wear-tester reported that the Precision finally convinced him to rotate two styles of shoes ??en training-a protective model for easy and long runs and a lighter style (the Precision, perhaps) for go-fast days.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review 9/02






New Balance 751
$80
Men 6-13, 14, 15 (widths D, 2E, 4E) (11.7 oz)
Women 5-11, 12 (widths 2A, B, D) (9.5 oz)
For years, New Balance’s 87X shoes (currently the 879) have been favorites for those looking for cushy comfort. 87X shoes have always been defined by their "Cadillac rides"-wide and soft. Too wide for some runners (even in the narrow width), New Balance added the 750 to its cushioned shoe lineup last year. The cushioning was 87X-like, but the 750 was built on New Balance’s SL-1 last, which is considerably snugger than the wider SL-2 last that is used in manufacturing the 87X shoes. Unfortunately, the fit and feel of the 750 did not meet expectations, limiting the shoe’s success. The 751 maintains the same midsole as the 750, but with improvements in forefoot flexibility and fit. One fit issue that remains is the tendency of the forefoot support overlays to fold down onto the toes during toe-off.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review: 6/02






Nike Air Span & Althea (3)
$85.00
Men 6-13, 14, 15 (widths B, D, 2E)
Women 5-11, 12 (widths 2A, B, D)
With every update, Nike’s Span Triax (men, far right) and Althea (women) get a little lighter and less stable. The trend continues, with the result being the best shoe yet. Already well-cushioned and smooth-riding from heel to toe, changes to note include a more flexible forefoot and an upper that fits better in the midfoot. More blown rubber and less carbon rubber on the outersole will result in the slimmed down design being slightly less durable than last year’s model.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review 3/02






Nike Air Pegasus 2002
$80
Men 6-13, 14, 15 (B, D, 2E, 4E) (13.4 oz)
Women 5-11, 12 (2A, B, D) (11.0 oz)
When Nike resurrected the Air Pegasus in 2000, an instant classic was born. The neutrally-stable shoe was well-cushioned, properly durable, affordable, and incorporated an inventive "saddle-style" midfoot wrap that locked the midfoot into the shoe, minimizing unwanted foot motion. Plus, it was available in an amazing 110 size and width combinations. Nike has now tweaked the design without changing the fit or ride. The Pegasus 2002 retains the 2000’s full-length Air bag and soft phylon midsole, but is a bit more stable. The midfoot wrap has been vented to improve breathability. If you’re looking for criticism, the Pegasus’ midsole is too spongy for some heavy runners, while some flyweight runners reported that the super-soft midsole insulated them too much from the road as well. For the majority of us in the middle, however, this shoe should also be a classic hit.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under- to neutral pronation Review 9/02






Puma Complete Abound
$150.00
Men 6.5-12, 13, 14
Puma advertises the Abound as "a state of the art technology shoe with the perfect blend of stability and cushioning." It’s true that the Abound’s midsole is a wonder, successfully replacing most of the foam with honeycombed rubber "Cell" pads in the heel and forefoot. The result is an ultra-light high-mileage trainer that should outlast rivals of similar weight. As for the claimed stability, we couldn’t find it, but that’s no loss for those without stability problems who should enjoy this well cushioned trainer.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review 3/02





Puma Complete Prevail
$80.00
Unisex (Men's sizes) 4-12, 13, 14, 15
The Prevail lightweight trainer/racer is a fine-feeling shoe that makes you wish you could run a road race or interval workout every day. Multisport athletes take note: the gusseted tongue and large loop eyelets make the Prevail a breeze to get into. Before racing in this shoe, make sure that your foot has adapted to the seam and plastic overlay that run across the ball of the foot.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation





Neutral Pronation

adidas Atlanta
$100.00
Men 6.5-13, 14, 15 (14.2 oz)
Women 5-11, 12 (11.8 oz)
The Atlanta replaces the Ride 3 as adidas’s high-mileage neutral trainer. Despite the name change, the shoe’s midsole and outersole remain the same. With the same guts, the Atlanta’s Ride-like ride is not a surprise. The soft (too soft for some) PU/adiPRENE heel is linked to a firm adiPRENE+ forefoot by the secure, Torsion-based midfoot. The energy efficient toe-off was appreciated by heel, midfoot and forefoot-striking wear testers alike. Adidas dropped the fashion-over-function upper of the Ride, replacing it with a functional upper that is plenty snug in the midfoot and wider in the heel and narrower in the toe than most other adidas styles. They also dropped the price $20, which may not be enough. The Atlanta competes directly with adidas’s very successful Supernova Cushion, which is priced at $85.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 12/02






adidas Response
$75.00
Men 6.5-13, 14, 15 (D, 2E)
Women 5-11, 12 (B, D)
For nearly a decade, the reasonably-priced Response has exemplified the traditional adidas fit and feel, made for a low-volume, curved foot that widens slightly in the forefoot. With Adiprene pads in the heel and forefoot, the ride is firm, but not hard. Last year’s Response suffered from too much flex in the midfoot, a condition that has been eliminated with a beefed-up Torsion midfoot shank.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 3/02






adidas Supernova Cushion
$85.00
Men 6.5-13, 14, 15
Women 5-11, 12
The Supernova Cushion is a completely different shoe than the original Supernova (now called the Supernova Classic). While it retains the original’s snug midfoot, the new model has a narrower (but not narrow) and straighter toebox. The feel-for-the-road ride has turned plush and insulating, partly due to a forefoot midsole made entirely of adiPRENE+. The forefoot flexes nicely, but the shoe’s extra weight will probably make those who used the original Supernova as a go-fast shoe look elsewhere for a replacement.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 3/02





Asics Gel-Nimbus IV
$110
Men 6-13, 14, 15, 16 (14.4oz)
Women 5-12 (12.2 oz)
The Nimbus is ASICS’ high-end cushioned trainer. Comparing the Nimbus IV to its predecessor is akin to comparing the new Beetle to the original Bug: It’s been improved from top to bottom. The new upper is a wonder. Plastic overlays completely replace synthetic leather overlays on the top and sides. The plastic adds support and strength to the upper without requiring any stitching. The result is a nearly seamless interior. Smooth! The high-tech upper sits atop a high-tech midsole incorporating ASICS’ high-quality SpEVA foam, Impact Guidance System (IGS) and a forefoot Dynamic Cradle to provide exceptional cushioning and a safely flex-free midfoot. If the term "Guidance" seems incompatible with a cushioned shoe, don’t be concerned. The IGS found in the Nimbus has been tweaked for the neutral runner-with more emphasis on the "I" and less on the "G."

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 6/02





Asics Gel-Verdict DS
$85
Men 5-13, 14 (10.8 oz)
Women 5-11, 12 (8.7 oz)
We can see the ad campaign, now: "Ladies and gentleman of the jury, do you have a Verdict?" The Gel-Verdict DS replaces the long-running Gel-Lyte DS, ASICS’s lightest training shoe. Like the Lyte, the Verdict is built with a low-profile midsole and DuoSole outersole, both of which enhance forefoot flexibility while reducing weight. Built for the biomechanically efficient runner, the Verdict has no evidence of a medial post. Instead, a dense foam heel cradle stabilizes the foot as it hits the ground. Unlike the Lyte, the Gel-cushioned Verdict has a tongueless, stretch-fit upper. Like most shoes with such upper designs, the Verdict either fits or it doesn’t. Our wear testers were unequivocal in their verdicts, either loving or hating these shoes.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 9/02




Avia 2055
$60
Men 7-12, 13, 14
Women 5.5-10, 11 (B, D)
Light to average-sized runners who prefer a spongy heel should try the 2055, one of four Avia models that use large pressurized air chambers to cushion the heel. This bargain-priced shoe has pleasant cushioning in the forefoot as well, in the form of a polyurethane pad that supplements the foam midsole. The upper accommodates wide feet better than narrow feet.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 3/02





Avia ECS-Transition (no picture available)
$90
Men 7-12, 13, 14, 15 (13.4 oz)
Women 5.5-10, 11, 12 (10.6 oz)
ECS is Avia’s newest take on the mechanical midsole, which Avia was making long before it became fashionable. A contoured plastic plate on top of the midsole cradles the heel and stabilizes the foot, while the concave bottom plate flattens out at heel-strike, absorbing shock, and returning the energy to the stride as it returns to its original shape. When the first ECS-based shoes were reviewed last spring, only the heaviest wear-testers could compress the polyurethane (PU) rubber pods that filled the space between the two plastic plates sufficiently to benefit from the ECS design. This time, the pods in our latest wear-test models were unquestionably soft and squishy. The result is a long-lasting mechanical midsole shoe that feels remarkably, and welcomely, "normal."

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 9/02






Brooks Trance NXG
$120.00
Men 7-13, 14, 15
Women 6-11, 12
The third generation of the Trance is built on a midsole that is more resilient than last year’s model and contains an improved rearfoot Hydroflow pad. Combined with the mild medial post and the gel-plug in the sockliner, the Trance is a relatively lightweight workhorse for heavy heel strikers. A protected, but not overly flexible toe-off is the result of another Hydroflow pad in the forefoot.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 3/02






Diadora Mythos 310 D.A. 2
$85.00
Men 4-12, 13
Our wear testers appreciated the men’s only Mythos 310 for its reassuring, protective feel. The 310’s single-density foam midsole contains cushioning pads in the forefoot and rearfoot, and a stability shank in the midfoot. The upper is lightweight, but not well-padded, especially in the tongue. When trying on this shoe, make sure that your heel is comfortable and doesn’t slip because there is no Achilles notch or rear lock-down eyelet.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 3/02






Fila FGT 320 & 340
320: $85; 340: $90
320: Men 6.5-12, 13; Women 5-10, 11
340: Men 6.5-12, 13; Women 5-10, 11
The 320 and 340 are this Spring’s second set of twins. Both have stylish uppers, soft foam midsoles, large spongy "3A" inserts in the heel, smaller inserts in the forefoot, and, most notably, Kevlar carbon fiber forefoot plates. The plates provide noticeable spring during toe-off, but detract a bit from the cushioning. The result is a pair of responsive mid-mileage shoe styles for those who prefer a feel for the road and don’t mind a little stiffness in the forefoot. The 340 is posted on the medial side, making it slightly more stable than its sibling.

PRONATION FACTOR: 320: Neutral pronation; 340: Moderate over-pronation Review: 3/02






Mizuno Rider 2002
$90
Men 7-13, 14, 15
Women 6-11
The Rider 2002 has the same outersole and midsole as the popular Rider 2001. What’s new, then? Mizuno has drastically improved the fit of the Rider by simplifying the lacing system-replacing the loop eyelets with good old-fashioned holes. If you were reluctant to try the forefoot/rearfoot-cushioned, airy Rider because of the constrictive midfoot, you have good reason to give it another chance.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 3/02





New Balance 715
$75.00
Men 6-13, 14, 15 (widths B, D, 2E, 4E)
Women 5-11, 12, 13 (widths 2A, B, D)
With Abzorb cushioning pads in both the heel and forefoot, a foam medial post, and a plastic midfoot Stability Web, the 715 is one of the better shoe values on the market. The toebox is on the straight and narrow, but multiple widths make it possible for most runners to find a 715 that fits. It may not be the flashiest or cushiest shoe on the block, but the 715 will get the job done for just about any runner.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 3/02






New Balance 831
$85
Men 7-13, 14, 15 (widths B, D, 4E) (11.8 oz)
Women 5-11, 12 (widths 2A, B, D) (9.4 oz)
The New Balance family tree contains two branches of lightweight trainers-the techy 800-series and the more basic 700-series. The 831 is the latest leaf on a branch that began back with the 825, and fans of the 82X series should be pleased with this shoe. The completely redesigned 831 is a better shoe than its most recent predecessor, the 830, conclusively separating the 800-series from the 700-series. New Balance has replaced its standard C-CAP EVA midsole with one constructed of DuPont’s Engage EVA. The higher-quality foam still contains Abzorb pads in the heel and forefoot and sits atop a soft blown rubber outersole. A new, stiffer midfoot Stability Web and a flexible forefoot result in a ride that feels both fast and protective. The unstructured upper doesn’t grab the midfoot as tightly as some testers desired, but the 831 is snugger than the 830 and most testers gave it high marks.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 9/02






New Balance 920
$90
Men 7-12 (widths D, 2E) (10.1 oz)
Women 5-10, 11 (widths B, D) (8.2 oz)
The 920 is primarily a triathlon racing shoe, but since New Balance is also marketing it as a lightweight trainer, we thought we’d take a look. The 920 won’t be a big seller, but it will demonstrate that New Balance shouldn’t be left off any list of innovative shoe companies with its sandal-like heel, placing this shoe in New Balance’s "advaNced product" category. The unstructured heel both keeps the weight down and permits the shoe to be slipped on without untying the laces. Despite the separation between the front and back of the shoe, wear-testers felt secure. They liked the way the slingback grabbed their heel and the upper grabbed their midfoot. However, lacking much arch support, we think the 920 will be better as a racer than a trainer.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 9/02






Nike Air Max
$140
Men 6-13, 14, 15 (15.0 oz)
Women 5-11, 12 (12.1 oz)
Nike’s goal when designing the new Air Max was to "make the ultimate ‘road runner friendly shoe’-with maximum cushioning, great inherent stability and a glove-like fit." Oh, yeah, it had to look great, too. Nike has done an admirable job in balancing those requirements. Firm, durable cushioning is provided by a new full-length Tubular Air unit that is sandwiched between the outersole and a layer of PU rubber. A touch of stability is provided by a Phylon midfoot cradle, a small plastic footbridge, and an external heel counter. The stretch-fit upper is very breathable and did, indeed, fit most wear-testers like a glove. On the road, this rather trim Air Max provides a solid ride that many runners will prefer over the overly-soft ride found in Air Max designs of old. The forefoot airbag does not flex well, however, so you won’t see many Air Max’s at your weekly speedwork sessions.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 9/02






Nike Air Max Elite R
$100
Men 6-13, 14, 15 (14.4 oz)
Women 5-11, 12 (12.0 oz)
The "R" in the Air Max Elite R should stand for "Recycled." The Elite incorporates the Tubular Air unit found in the previous Air Max, the Air-cushioned EVA forefoot found in the Air Max Triax, and an upper that is similar to the one found on the Air Max Tailwind. The Elite was appreciated most by large, efficient heel-strikers, who liked the durable, cushioned heel and smooth transition. The only negative comments were upper-related. Wear-testers reported a hot shoe with a loose fit in the heel and a narrow fit in the forefoot. The Air Max or the Shox D will make better choices for most runners.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 9/02






Nike Air Max Tailwind (7)
$120.00
Men 6-13, 14, 15
Women 5-11, 12
Introduced over 20 years ago, the Tailwind remains Nike’s best option for heavy heel strikers with neutral gaits. Maximum cushioning is provided by large volume air chambers in both the heel and forefoot. Durability is provided by the polyurethane midsole that surrounds those air pockets. Sturdy overlays add strength to the upper, but trap heat and may constrict the toes of runners with a wide forefoot.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 3/02





Nike Shox D
$110
Men 6-13, 14, 15 (14.2 oz)
Women 5-11, 12 (11.7 oz)
When Shox shoes first rolled out of Nike’s laboratory in Beaverton, most runners were confused. Were they another Nike fashion shoe or a functional running shoe? The previous Shox shoe had a textured upper that incorporated an unbreathable zippered spat. Obviously, fashion preceded function. Even so, the Shox cushioning pillars, Pebax plastic reaction plates, and forefoot airbag were evidence of an underlying functionality. The new Shox D shows that Nike is taking Shox in the right direction. The undercarriage remains basically unchanged, but the upper is more conventional and fits well. A second indication that Nike is taking Shox mainstream is the $30 price reduction. The Shox D does have a unique ride, which most wear testers attributed to the fact that the Shox place the runner higher off the ground than most road trainers. As was the case for the Shox R4, larger runners who could compress the Shox pillars were more appreciative of the technology.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 9/02






Rykä Eclipse Trainer
$70.00 (Women only)
Women 5.5-10, 11 (10.5 oz)
Our wear-testers unanimously agreed that they preferred the $70 Eclipse to Ryka’s other cushioned trainer, the $90 Sole Ride. While the pricier Sole Ride incorporates a long list of technical features, the fit was a bit iffy for some. Not so with the Eclipse. A nicely executed midfoot fit strap is integrated with the lacing system. In addition, the toebox of the Eclipse has more mesh and less leather than the Sole Ride, eliminating the pinching problems that some wear-testers had with the Sole Ride. Thanks to a well-located chunk of Impact Foam and two Nitracel Engage pads, the Eclipse’s heel is very soft, while forefoot cushioning is provided by another pad in the forefoot.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 12/02





Rykä Sole Ride
$90.00 (Women only)
Women 5- 11, 12
The Sole Ride will make a nice all-around shoe for women who run moderate weekly mileage and appreciate a soft, smooth ride. With its multi-material forefoot and rearfoot cushioning systems, the highly-reflective Sole Ride is protective enough for long runs but lightweight and flexible enough for racing. When considering this shoe, make sure your feet aren’t rubbed the wrong way by the overlays in the toebox.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 3/02






Saucony Grid Shadow 7
$80
Men 6-13, 14, 15 (D, 2E) (12.7 oz)
Women 5-11, 12 (10.9 oz)
After years of coaching one of the most consistent teams in the game, Saucony has spent the last few years juggling their lineup. The seventh generation of the Shadow is a very good shoe, but it is quite different from the Shadow 6. The durable PU rearfoot/EVA forefoot design remains, but the PU stops short of the arch, making room for the Arch-Lock midfoot wrap. When the laces are tightened, the Arch-Lock is tugged up into the arch and around the foot, making for a snug midfoot. (Lovers of the Shadow 6 may find themselves happier in the wide version of the Shadow 7.) Forefoot flexibility has been enhanced, but the flat heel makes for a slightly shocky impact. The fact that the Shadow 7 so greatly resembles Nike’s Air Pegasus can’t be ignored. The Shadow 7 will make an excellent alternative for those who find the Pegasus’ rearfoot too soft.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 9/02






Saucony GRID Trigon LC/RC/DC
$90.00
Men LC 7-11, RC 7-13, DC 9-13, 14
Women LC 5-9, RC 5-11, DC 7-11, 12
Introducing the Trigon triplets, each one a neutral shoe intended for a different weight range of runner. Saucony’s theory is that runners will choose the lightest, softest shoe that provides them the necessary level of protection. The Trigon Lightweight Cushioning (LC), Responsive Cushioning (RC), and Durable Cushioning (DC) all utilize the same upper and forefoot/rearfoot supplemental cushioning systems. They differ only in their midsole and outersole materials. Designed for the lightweights, the LC is composed of a soft foam midsole and blown rubber outersole. The DC has a harder midsole and carbon rubber outersole, making it suitable for the heavier runner. The RC splits the difference. Unfortunately, Saucony provides no weight guidelines for each model, so you’ll need to try on each to find the right ride. The Trigons are built on a new and improved last, one that maintains Saucony’s much-loved narrow heel and wide forefoot, but is snugger in the midfoot than recent Saucony offerings.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 3/02






Saucony 3D Grid Web
$100
Men 6-13, 14, 15 (D, 2E) (12.7 oz)
Women 5-11, 12 (10.9 oz)
Consider the following chronology of events: (1) In 2001, Saucony replaces its high-end cushioning shoe, the Grid Web, with the 3D Grid Tornado. (2) In May 2002, a movie about a web-slinger grosses $114 in its first weekend. (3) In autumn 2002, the 3D Grid Tornado is slightly revamped and re-released as the 3D Grid Web. Coincidence? We think not. (We won’t even mention the fact that the navy and red men’s Web perfectly matches Spider-Man’s costume.) The Tornado was an excellent shoe, but at a cost of $130, not too many people were blown away. At $100, the Web is a relative bargain. The rearfoot 3D Grid and rearfoot/forefoot HRC pads provide plenty of durable cushioning without making the shoe overly soft. The fit is classic Saucony-unobtrusive front-to-back and top-to-bottom. Two quibbles: (1) the lack of heel radiusing makes the Web inappropriate for heavy heel scrapers. (2) Saucony needs to build a men’s size 12.5 and a women’s size 10.5.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 9/02





Neutral to moderate over-pronation


Asics Gel-1080
$75.00
Men 6-13, 14, 15, 16 (D, 2E, 4E) (14.0 oz)
Women 5-12 (2A, B, D) (11.2 oz)
The Gel-1080 is aimed squarely at the low to mid-mileage runner who needs forefoot/rearfoot cushioning, a touch of stability and an economical price. That description applies to a very large segment of the running population, and ASICS succeeds in meeting their requirements. Forefoot and rearfoot Gel, a DuoMax medial post, a Trusstic midfoot support, and a $75 price tag are definitely characteristics worth noting. So, too, is the fact that the 1080 comes in 99 different sizes and widths. That’s not to say, however, that the 1080 is the greatest shoe since the ruby slipper. Like the Gel-1070 that preceded it, the 1080 is not overly durable and wear testers found the midfoot fit to be slack. An additional $15 will buy the sturdier and snugger ASICS GT-2070.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation to moderate over-pronation Review: 12/02





Avia ECS Cushioning & ECS Stability
$90.00
Men 7-13, 14, 15 (D, 2E)
Women 5-10, 11, 12 (B, D)
Alphabetically-speaking, Avia’s ECS shoes can be considered the first identical twins born into the running community. The Ecto Cantilever System (ECS) is a rearfoot technology similar to adidas’s a3 system. The major difference is that ECS uses the top layer of foam to control the foot in addition to providing cushioning. As a result, the ECS can be tuned for different gaits by using top layers of varying design. The ECS Stability uses a dual-density foam topped with a plastic heel stabilizer, whereas the ECS Cushioning has single-density foam only. Our male wear testers rated these shoes more favorably than the women, who didn’t land hard enough to compress the sandwich. A supplemental cushioning pad in the forefoot brings the forefoot durability of these shoes closer to that of their heels, but forefoot durability remains the weak link.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate over-pronation Review: 3/02





Fila FGT Light L1 & 300
Light: $75; 300: $85
Light: Men 6.5-12, 13; Women 5-10, 11
300: Men 6.5-12, 13; Women 5-10, 11
The Light and 300 are a pair of stable, lightweight shoes-as opposed to lightweight stability shoes. Fila builds a large plastic arch shank into the midfoot of these two shoes, each of which has a lightweight upper, marshmallow midsole, and a forefoot outersole of thick blown rubber. Both styles are reasonably-priced and provide a good degree of stability during their relatively short lifetime. Either would make a good speed training or racing shoe for those requiring midfoot stability. There are some minor differences between these fraternal twins. The 300’s midsole has a medial post and a weight-saving hollow in the midfoot. The result is a shoe that is no more or less stable than the Light. Most wear testers chose the fit of the 300’s upper as the more comfortable of the two.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate over-pronation Review: 3/02




Mizuno Creation 2002
$120
Men 7-13, 14, 15
Women 6-11
Even though last year’s Creation was known for its smooth-as-silk ride, Mizuno raised the bar by enlarging the cushioning pads in both the heel and forefoot. The larger pads, in tandem with a sturdier Wave plate, will also provide needed improvement in durability. Despite having a lot of shoe under their feet, wear testers regularly commented that the upper has a "go-fast" feel. Testers also noted the supportive arch, a standard comment for Mizuno shoes.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate over-pronation Review: 3/02





Mizuno Maverick
$85
Men 7-13, 14
Women 6-11
The Maverick is Mizuno’s entry into the lightweight stability niche-a shoe category where many marathoners tread. Designed to reduce the pronation rate, the Maverick boasts a new composite Wave plate embedded in its midsole, made of soft rubber on the lateral side for cushioning and semi-rigid plastic on the medial side. Despite the low-profile midsole that adds stability and keeps its weight down, the ball of the foot is protected thanks to a plug of VS-1 foam/rubber..

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate over-pronation Review: 3/02





New Balance 1022
$100
Men 7-13, 14, 15, 16 (widths B, D, 2E) (13.8 oz)
Women 5-11, 12, 13 (widths 2A, B, D) (11.2 oz)
We predict big things for this shoe. Like Goldilocks’s porridge, the 1022 is juuust right. The not-too-soft/not-too-hard cushioning is supplied by an EVA midsole with huge Abzorb pads and a thick rubber outersole. A touch of stability has been added to various components, but deep flex grooves in the forefoot keep the shoe from feeling clunky. The upper is, thankfully, very conventional. Its predecessor, the 1021, had the same great guts, but the upper had enough leather to blend in at Wimbledon. As a result, most runners ignored the shoe. For New Balance fans who want more shoe than provided by the 751 or 879, give the 1022 a try.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate over- pronation Review: 9/02





Nike Air Max Moto
$85.00
Men 6-13, 14, 15 (widths B, D, 2E)
Women 5-11, 12 (widths 2A, B, D)
When the much admired Air Max Triax evolved into a revolving door of similar shoes that often stressed fashion over function, Nike fans were left without a performance shoe with big Air durability. The Max Moto, Nike’s latest member of its Bowerman performance line, fills that gap with big Air. Innovations found in the Moto include a dual-density polyurethane rearfoot that improves durability and adds a touch of stability, a layer of highly resilient soflon foam that tops the forefoot air chamber and provides extra cushion, and breathable side screens.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate over- pronation Review 3/02






Puma Complete Pryde Plus
$85.00
Men 6.5-12, 13, 14, 15
Women 5.5-10, 11
The Pryde Plus compares favorably with the better everyday stability trainers on the market. Puma’s Cell cushioning technologies are known for their durability and they add a soft feel to the heel and forefoot of the Pryde Plus. The half-length stability post added just enough stability to make it a favorite of wear testers with and without stability issues.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate over- pronation Review 3/02





Reebok Allure DMX
$85.00
Men 6.5-14, 15
Women 5-12
Like the $90 Miramar III it replaces, the Allure’s durable, cushioned ride results from the use of Reebok’s half-length, six-pod DMX cushioning system encased in a high-quality foam midsole. A single forefoot flex groove makes the transition from mid-stance to toe-off a bit abrupt for some. While narrow-footed wear testers reported that the tongue-less design and lack of a lock-down rear eyelet left them wobbling a bit, the Allure’s lightweight quilted upper secures standard-width and wider feet nicely.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate over- pronation Review: 3/02





Reebok Medallion DMX
$100.00
Men 6.5-14, 15
Women 5-12
The Medallion replaces last year’s $110 Icon IV as Reebok’s top cushioned trainer. The ten-pod DMX cushioning system, encased in a high-quality foam midsole, provides durable cushioning from heel-strike to mid-stance to toe-off. The upper snugs up comfortably on the foot, thanks to strategically-placed quilting, a traditional tongue, and a lock-down rear eyelet. 360-degree reflectivity is a nice feature.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate over-pronation




Moderate over-pronation


adidas a3
$130.00
Men 6.5-13, 14, 15
Women 5-12
The a3 is not your father’s adidas running shoe. The new a3 system is a sandwich-style midsole design aimed to address every runner’s quest for a longer-lived midsole that both absorbs heel strike energy and returns it to the stride during toe-off. A foam top layer cushions the foot, while a bottom layer, composed of polyurethane chunks set between plastic plates, absorbs impact, provides stability, and springs the foot forward. A promising technical idea, the hard plastic and polyurethane in the rearfoot make for a shoe that is quite firm and takes some getting used to. With the a3 rearfoot connected to a curved forefoot of durable adiPRENE+, make sure you enjoy the feel. Because, with the a3’s durability, you’ll be feeling it for many miles.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation Review: 3/02




adidas Supernova Control
$90.00
Men 6.5-13, 14, 15 (13.9 oz)
Women 5-11, 12 (11.3 oz)
When we learned that the new Supernova Control had a new upper, new midsole and new outersole, we were scared. Did adidas needlessly "fix" a shoe that wasn’t broken? Thankfully, no. The folks at adidas successfully incorporated a few subtle improvements without undesirable changes in fit or function. The new upper accommodates a slightly greater range of foot widths, and a longer EVA medial post, plus a more supportive Torsion system will make the Supernova Control an option for those with slightly greater stability needs as well.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over- pronation Review: 9/02




Asics Gel-Creed
$110
Men 6-13, 14, 15 (13.4 oz)
Women 5-12 (10.8 oz)
ASICS builds two of the best stability shoes in the industry, the $90 GT-2070 and the $130 Gel-Kayano. Now ASICS has introduced the Gel-Creed, a stability shoe that could reasonably be called either the 2070 Plus or the Kayano Minus. All three styles contain versions of ASICS’s Impact Guidance System in their backs, DuoMax medial post and DuoTruss arch support system in their middles, and Gel cushioning in their fronts. The Creed adds the new Dynamic Forefoot Cradle, which helps reduce overpronation all the way through toe-off. Our wear-testers suggest that you consider upgrading from the 2070 if you want similar stability but a lower arch, a more solid heel-strike, or more forefoot cushioning. Consider "downgrading" from the Kayano if you want less stability, weight or cost.

PRONATION FACTOR: Mild to moderate over-pronation Review 9/02





Asics Gel-Kayano VIII
$130
Men 6-13, 14, 15, 16 (D, 2E)
Women 5-12 (B, D)
"Ooooh!"-said with a smile-was the immediate response from wear testers of the eighth edition of ASICS’ showcase high-mileage trainer, the Kayano. ASICS puts all of its best components into this shoe, and the result is a smooth, well-cushioned ride that remains stable from heel-strike to toe-off. This year’s model has an updated Impact Guidance System in the rear and new Twist Gel in the front. Compared to last year’s model, the new Kayano is lighter, the fit in the heel and midfoot is more relaxed, and the forefoot cushioning is improved. It’ll make you wish you had stability issues.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation Review: 3/02




Brooks Adrenaline GTS
$85
Men 7-13, 14, 15 (B, D, 2E) (12.4 oz)
Women 5-12 (2A, B, D) (10.4 oz)
The Adrenaline GTS is designed for the largest segment of the running population-moderate overpronators who need some stability and want plenty of cushioning. While ASICS’s 2000-series shoes (currently the GT-2070) are most often held up as the postershoes for this category, the Adrenaline deserves a share of the spotlight. In this fourth edition of the Adrenaline, greater stability results from a new triple-density EVA medial post that is supplemented by a redesigned midfoot support. This Progressive Posting is designed to add stability and improve the heel-to-toe transition without detracting from the shoe’s cushioning. The forefoot provides a better ride, due to upgrades in both the midsole material and HydroFlow pad, as well as the addition of a thin layer of foam under the insole. Despite the enhanced midsole, however, heel strikers noticed the elimination of a large chunk of very soft Substance-257 foam in the heel.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation Review: 9/02




Etonic Trilogy
$90
Men 7-14 (D, 2E) (13.7 oz)
Women 5-10, 11 (B, D) (11.4 oz)
The Trilogy is so-named because it incorporates all three of Etonic’s latest technologies. Two of them, the StableAir chambers and the Stablite medial post, are also found on the Streetfighter. The third technology is the Dynamic Reaction Plate, a fiberglass plate that replaces the stability-enhancing fiberboard often found in the heel of stability shoes (as it is in the Streetfighter, for example). According to Etonic, the fiberglass plate distributes the runner’s weight and dissipates shock better than fiberboard, but our wear-testers didn’t notice a difference. When choosing between the Streetfighter and the Trilogy, choose the shoe that fits best.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over- pronation Review: 9/02





Etonic Streetfighter
$80
Men 7-14 (D, 2E) (13.3 oz)
Women 6-10, 11 (B, D) (11.4 oz)
The original Streetfighter was released in the late 1970’s and is considered by many to be one of the best shoes of the 1980’s. The new Streetfighter may not attain that status, but neither will it dishonor its namesake. The 2002 Streetfighter incorporates StableAir cushioning chambers in both the heel and forefoot and a large Stablite foam medial post. Secondary tech features include a cushioning Tylite gel pad in the heel of the odor-resistant insole, and a plastic midfoot support shank. Faster runners may have trouble adjusting to the relatively stiff forefoot. Like the original Streetfighter, the 2002 model fits well and has a firm ride.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over- pronation Review: 9/02





Fila FGT 320 & 340
320: $85; 340: $90
320: Men 6.5-12, 13; Women 5-10, 11
340: Men 6.5-12, 13; Women 5-10, 11
The 320 and 340 are this Spring’s second set of twins. Both have stylish uppers, soft foam midsoles, large spongy "3A" inserts in the heel, smaller inserts in the forefoot, and, most notably, Kevlar carbon fiber forefoot plates. The plates provide noticeable spring during toe-off, but detract a bit from the cushioning. The result is a pair of responsive mid-mileage shoe styles for those who prefer a feel for the road and don’t mind a little stiffness in the forefoot. The 340 is posted on the medial side, making it slightly more stable than its sibling.

PRONATION FACTOR: 320: Neutral pronation; 340: Moderate over-pronation Review: 3/02




New Balance 764
$85
Men 6-13, 14, 15 (widths D, 2E, 4E) (12.6 oz)
Women 5-11, 12 (widths 2A, B, D) (10.0 oz)
New Balance would like everyone to know that the 764 has the exact same midsole/outersole as the 763 it replaces. That’s important because the 763 was a great shoe that garnered a loyal following thanks to: (1) its fine balance between cushioning and stability; and (2) its snug-midfoot, big-toebox fit. Using the 763’s dual-density, Stability-Webbed, Abzorb-cushioned midsole ensures that the 764’s cushion/stability blend will be much appreciated. Continuing to build the men’s 764 on New Balance’s SL-1 last and the women’s on the SL-2 last will guarantee that the 764 retains the same general fit of the 763, but the upper has changed significantly. Differences between the two uppers are most notable in the toebox, where wide-toed runners will now feel soft mesh up against the sides of the balls of their feet rather than synthetic leather. On the flip side, all runners may now feel synthetic leather straps on the top of their toes rather than soft mesh.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over- pronation Review: 6/02




Puma Complete Premise
$100
Men 6-13, 14 (15.5 oz)
Women 5.5-11 (12.1 oz)
Puma describes the Complete Premise as "a high-mileage, super breathable, responsive training shoe with a great blend of stability and cushioning." All true-with an asterisk. The back half of the Premise is wide and made of beefy components that includes a Goodyear rubber outersole, dense EVA midsole, large Cell cushioning system, a plastic medial post and a plastic midfoot shank. The forefoot is composed of softer EVA foam that sits on a thin, podded outersole and is topped with a thin pad of Cell foam, making it very responsive-satisfying another claim. The upper trades padding for improved breathability-check. So, while all of Puma’s claims are true, they haven’t figured out how to make the same shoe part both durable, soft, stable, responsive-and breathable. That will be a breakthrough! If you’re a heel cruncher who needs a flexible forefoot, the Complete Premise is worth a look.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation Review 9/02




Reebok Boston Road III DMX
$80
Men 6.5-14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 (13.1 oz)
Women 5-12 (10.9 oz)
The first two editions of the Boston Road were good, fundamental running shoes and the Boston Road III DMX is no exception. Stability is provided by a dual-density EVA midsole and an impressive TPU Transition Bridge that spans the midfoot and makes it impossible to flex the Boston Road in the midfoot. The Boston Road III uses the new DMX Flow-Pak system, which shuttles a cushion of air to and fro between heel and ball, providing cushioning in both places. Wear testers reported that this shoe provided more stability than its relatively light weight would suggest.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation Review: 9/02


Rykä V2 Plus
$60 (Women only)
Women 5-11, 12 (widths B, D)
The V2 Plus is a good stability shoe for the beginning runner. There are few bells and no whistles, but no notable flaws, either. Women who are considering a move from a neutral shoe to a stability shoe may want to use the V2 Plus as an affordable first choice.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation Review: 3/02




Saucony 3D GRID Hurricane
$115
Men 7-13, 14
Women 5-11, 12
In recent years, the seven-year-old Hurricane has increased its durability and stability with each update. That trend continues with this year’s release. While its most obvious change is the striking upper, the most important alteration is found in the heel. The rearfoot gains a modest amount of cushion and stability now that the GRID cushioning system has been canted 30-degrees on the lateral side of the heel, thus better aligning it with impact forces. Hurricane fans may be disappointed with the $5 price increase and weight gain. Those same runners will be pleased that the shoe retains its snug heel, unobtrusive arch, and wide, soft forefoot.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over- pronation Review: 3/02




Saucony Grid Omni 3 (M & U)
(M=Moderate; U=Ultimate)
$85
Men 7-13, 14 (13.3 oz)
Women 5-10, 11 (11.2 oz)
When asked to name Saucony’s best shoe, their chief shoe designer chose the Omni 3. We agree. This update turns a respectable stability shoe into a category winner. The well-cushioned Omni 3 comes in two styles: the M(oderate) has a medial post from heel to midfoot. The U(ltimate)’s medial post runs from heel to ball. Plus, the U’s medial post has its own medial post: an even harder chunk of foam under the ankle, where overpronation begins.

PRONATION FACTOR: M-Moderate overpronators; U-severe overpronators Review: 9/02




Severe over-pronation


Asics Gel-Koji GS
$110
Men 8-13, 14, 15, 16 (D, 2E, 2F) (15.9 oz)
Women 6-12 (B, D) (13.2 oz)
In days past, motion control shoes were easily recognizable by their straight, wide lasts and large, firm medial posts. The ASICS’s Gel-MC Plus was a classic motion control shoe, straighter, wider and firmer than most of its competitors, capable of protecting the worst overpronators from plantar fasciitis and its injury kin. In order to receive this protection, however, the MC Plus wearer had to accept the design’s inherent stiffness. ASICS is confident that it can do better, replacing the MC Plus with the completely new Gel-Koji GS. The Koji GS is still built on a wide last, but the shoe is more curved than its predecessor. Motion control is provided by beefier variations of the same technologies found in the new Gel-Creed, minus the forefoot cradle, and with the addition of plastic medial posts (which seem more cosmetic than functional). The new design works, but, because of the difference in fit, MC Plus fans with straight feet may have to look elsewhere for a replacement.

PRONATION FACTOR: Severe over-pronation Review 9/02




Brooks Addiction 5
$85
Men 7-13, 14, 15 (B, D, 2E, 4E) (13.9 oz)
Women 5-12 (2A, B, D) (11.1 oz)
The Addiction has earned its reputation as one of the best moderately-priced motion control shoes available. The people at Brooks understand that tinkering with a classic is best done with tweezers, not a sledgehammer. The Addiction 5 subtly improves on its predecessor’s cushioning and fit. The Addiction 5 adds a HydroFlow ST pad in the rearfoot and replaces the standard EVA midsole with one made entirely of Substance 257. The result is improved cushioning all around, with no loss of forefoot flexibility. There remains absolutely no flexibility in the midfoot-just what the doctor ordered for the severe overpronator. The fit is improved by removing some of the overlays and seams from the forefoot, replacing them with smooth mesh that will better accommodate wider feet and bunions. Addiction loyalists will have only one issue to complain about: the $5 price increase.

PRONATION FACTOR: Severe over- pronation Review: 6/02


Brooks Beast (men)
Brooks Ariel (women)
$110
Men 8-13, 14, 15, 16 (D, 2E) (15.6 oz)
Women 6-12, 13 (B, D) (13.2 oz)
The Beast and Ariel are men’s and women’s versions of the same legendary motion control shoe. For years, both the men’s and women’s models were named the Beast, but the marketing troops at Brooks realized that Ariel is a much prettier name. (Heck, it’s even a Disney character.) The knock on the previous Beast/Ariel was that it wasn’t as Beast-like as earlier designs. Placing soft Substance-257 cushioning pads under the heel and ball of the foot allowed the foot to wobble ever-so-slightly. No more. In the new model, the Substance-257 material is spread evenly throughout the entire midsole, negating the need for separate, stability-reducing pads. Wear-testers also appreciated the new upper, which better wraps the midfoot and further discourages foot motion.

PRONATION FACTOR: Severe over-pronation Review: 9/02




Mizuno Wave Legend
$100
Men 7-13, 14, 15 (14.0 oz)
Women 6-11 (11.1 oz)
The Wave Legend replaces Mizuno’s first motion control shoe, the Wave Foundation. The Foundation was never competitive with celebrated motion control shoes such as the ASICS Gel-MC Plus, Brooks Beast/Ariel or the Saucony Grid Stabil. This time around, Mizuno got it mostly right. Wear-testers reported no fit issues, even among orthotic wearers. Stability was good, thanks to both a 5mm wider base and the rigid double-Wave plate on the medial side. A rubber Wave and VS-1 foam on the lateral side make for a less-than-shocking heel strike. What’s not to like? If you’re a heavy overpronator, for only ten dollars more you can get the more stable, more durable Wave Renegade.

PRONATION FACTOR: Severe over-pronation Review 9/02


Mizuno Wave Renegade
$110
Men 7-13, 14, 15 (16.1 oz)
Women 6-11 (13.1 oz)
The Wave Renegade is a big shoe for big overpronators. Most of the heft and stability result from the shoe being 6mm wider than the very stable Legend (and a whopping 13mm wider than the flexible Precision). In addition, the Renegade features the first full-length fan-shaped Wave plate, a design which reduces the rate of pronation from heel to toe. Also a first, a portion of the Wave plate is made of resilient fiberglass, further enhancing stability. Cushioning lasts almost as long as the stability thanks to the Wave plate’s shock-absorbing ripples and the large chunks of VS-1 foam in the forefoot and rearfoot. Add Mizuno’s proven Bio-Lock lacing and Intercool venting systems and you’ve got one feature-packed motion control shoe.

PRONATION FACTOR: Severe over-pronation Review 9/02


New Balance 1122
$120.00
Men 7-13, 14, 15 (widths B, D, 2E, 4E, 6E) (18.0 oz)
Women 5-10, 11, 12, 13 (widths 2A, B, D, 2E, 4E) (13.9 oz)
The 1122 is a LOT of shoe. It has so many features to restrict overpronation that it will take less space to list the stabilizing technologies it doesn’t employ: no trim rudders, no gyroscopes, and no supply of Prozac. It’s got everything else: a straight last, multiple-density medial post, TPU Rollbar, external heel counter, strong arch, and lateral crash pad. Perhaps most notable in this 1121 update is the introduction of Abzorb SBS, the long-awaited update to New Balance’s original Abzorb cushioning material. Abzorb SBS is more resilient than the original Abzorb, and provides a ride that wear testers describe as "bouncier" than the original material. (Abzorb SBS will next appear in January in the 806 and 855.) If you overpronate a LOT, don’t mind a shoe that weighs a LOT, and don’t mind spending a LOT, consider the 1122. It’s made in 150 different size and width combinations. That’s a LOT!

PRONATION FACTOR: Severe overpronation Review: 12/02




Nike Air Durham Plus
$100
Men 6-13, 14, 15 (D, 2E) (16.6 oz)
Women 5-11, 12 (2A, B, D) (13.2 oz)
The original Durham had the distinction of being Nike’s most stable (and heaviest) shoe. Even so, a number of shoes from other vendors provided more stability. The addition of the word “Plus” to the Durham name means that Nike has closed the gap with those shoes. The additional stability, though, arrives in tandem with additional weight. Both changes result from the addition of a dense polyurethane medial post to the existing stability features: full polyurethane midsole, plastic Footbridge, external heel counter, straight last, and dual-pressure rearfoot Air bag. The Durham Plus gives Nike a shoe that competes head-to-head against the best motion control shoes. Unfortunately, Nike has dropped the narrow width.

PRONATION FACTOR: Severe over-pronation Review 9/02


Saucony Grid Omni 3 (M & U)
(M=Moderate; U=Ultimate)
$85
Men 7-13, 14 (13.3 oz)
Women 5-10, 11 (11.2 oz)
When asked to name Saucony’s best shoe, their chief shoe designer chose the Omni 3. We agree. This update turns a respectable stability shoe into a category winner. The well-cushioned Omni 3 comes in two styles: the M(oderate) has a medial post from heel to midfoot. The U(ltimate)’s medial post runs from heel to ball. Plus, the U’s medial post has its own medial post: an even harder chunk of foam under the ankle, where overpronation begins.

PRONATION FACTOR: M-Moderate overpronators; U-severe overpronators Review: 9/02

[outsider]

2002


Racing Flats


adidas Response Comp
(Racing Flat)
$70.00
Men 6.5-13, 14
Women 5-11, 12
The Response Comp recycles parts from last year’s Starr Racer where "comp" may have stood for complicated-referring to the unconventional lacing system it employed. This shoe, however, mates the light, flexible midsole/outsole platform of that shoe with a more simplistic and comfortable upper, resulting in a great fitting shoe at a great price. An added plus is the availability of a separate women’s model. Female participation in running events is growing at a tremendous rate; adidas is wise to recognize this trend.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review: 7/02




Asics Gel Magic Racer
(Racing Flat)
$95
Men 4-13, 14, 15
The Magic Racer, which ASICS has wisely only tweaked for several years, was a favorite among the more efficient and faster-paced testers. Cushioning, breathability and weight were all rated very highly. The Magic Sole incorporates several channels through the midsole to reduce weight and increase ventilation. Additional cushioning is provided by a heel Gel cushion.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review 7/02





Mizuno Wave Spacer
(Racing Flat)
$100
Men 5-13
The new Wave Spacer is the first Mizuno racing shoe to utilize the Hybrid Wave technology: the wave plate in the heel is softer on the lateral side for cushioning and firmer on the medial side for support. The Spacer also uses a midsole ventilation system and a heel-locking strap incorporated into the lacing system. All these features show a tremendous attention to detail, but may have added up to the reason our samples weighed almost two ounces more than the advertised weight. The Wave Spacer also fits a bit wide, making it great for some but may rule it out for most women who tend to have a narrower foot.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review 7/02




Nike Air Streak Ekiden
(Racing Flat)
$75
Men 4-12
The Streak Ekiden is named after the popular Japanese relay races where runners cover various distances with a sash, or obi, that is transferred from runner to runner in place of a baton. The Ekiden is built on the same last as the Air Streak for a similarly roomy fit. A simpler outsole with fewer stability features helps reduce both the weight and cost of the shoe. The quick, light efficient nature of the shoe makes it a good choice for runners who share the same characteristics.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review 7/02





Saucony Static Racer 2
(Racing Flat)
$75
Men 4-12, 13
The Static Racer was the surprise hit of the group. A distinctive look, great fit and one of the lightest measured weights in this review resulted in high marks for this shoe from a company known more for big time cushioning than elite level performance. A large visible heel Grid System offers excellent cushioning for such a lightweight shoe. Several testers noted that the upper fit felt more like a natural extension of their foot than other shoes they’ve worn.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review 7/02



Racing Flats: Neutral Pronation

Fila Racer K1
(Racing Flat)
$85
Men 4.5-12, 13
With racing shoes, the biggest concern should be how the shoe feels. Firm or soft, wide or narrow, everyone’s preferences are different. This eye-catching racer from Fila was highly rated by runners who liked a firm, responsive feel. The unique ride is mainly due to the use of a carbon/kevlar plate in the EVA midsole. The one piece upper was also praised for its comfortable fit. Unlike most racers on the market that may require you to buy a full size larger, the K1 fits true to size.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 7/02


Puma Prompt
(Racing Flat)
$70
Men 4-12, 13, 14
Puma has been showing up in the winner’s circle quite often lately in big-money elite level races. Our testers, who might be a few steps slower than your typical Kenyan, appreciated how well cushioned the shoe was in the heel. There is a small medial post of a second density EVA for a bit of stability but it does not seem much firmer than the rest of the midsole material. The fit is also a bit narrower than average, especially in the ball of the foot.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 7/02




Racing Flats: Neutral to Moderate Over-Pronation

Asics Gel DS Racer V
(Racing Flat)
$85
Men 4-13, 14, 15
This update in the DS Racer series is primarily last year’s shoe with a new upper which reduces the number of material overlays around the foot. The result is an even more comfortable fit, with fewer seams to potentially rub you the wrong way. The dual density midsole and combination last makes this one of the more supportive shoes in this category. Gel inserts in both the heel and forefoot provide excellent cushioning.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate over- pronation Review 7/02




Brooks Burn
(Racing Flat)
$80
Men 7-12, 13, 14 (10.5 oz)
Women 5-12 (8.5 oz)
The Burn exists somewhere between the two worlds of racers and trainers. By far the heaviest shoe tested, runners still felt the Burn looked and felt like a racing flat. As a replacement for the Mach 1, the Burn has surprisingly good cushioning and support, making it an excellent choice for someone looking for a bit more protection. It also has a removable insole and a deeper heel counter, which allows orthotics wearers to use it-most racers save weight by gluing down a thin liner inside the shoe.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate over-pronation Review: 7/02



Nike Air Streak
(Racing Flat)
$90
Men 4-13
Nike recognizes that the majority of racing shoes are being worn in the Asian market as everyday trainers. As a result, the Air Streak is a bit wider and more cushioned than average to meet the needs of athletes around the world. Zoom Air in the heel adds cushioning while adhering to the low profile nature of the shoe. Some additional stability is offered with the inclusion of a small medial post and midfoot support shank. One unique feature is a medial "power pad" in the outsole, a TPU material that improves toe off and transition. The well cushioned Streak had many of our wear testers using them for faster workouts in addition to races.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate over- pronation Review 7/02



Racing Flats: Moderate Over-Pronation



New Balance RC 330

(Racing Flat)
$75
Men 6.5-13, 14, 15 D
Women 5-11, 12 B
This version of the 330 is mainly a color update from last year. It remains one of the most stable racing shoes on the market. New Balance uses a dual density midsole with a medial rollbar and a midfoot stability web to control overpronation better than any others in this class. Although this may not mean much to those blessed with perfect biomechanics; it is a blessing for the rest of us who struggle to remain injury free. This is one New Balance shoe that is not available in widths, but the inclusion of a woman’s model helps fill out the size offerings.
PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over- pronation




Trail Shoes


Trail Shoe Categories
Conduct a shoe survey at any trail running event and it becomes immediately clear that there is no universal agreement on what characteristics define the ideal trail shoe. There are, however, three basic categories of trail shoe, which we’ll call: Rally Shoes, Trail Tanks and SUV’s.
Rally Shoes are light, nimble shoes that allow the trail runner to deftly plant each foot in a well-chosen location. Runners wearing these agile shoes look like rally cars as they dance down the trail. You should consider a Rally Shoe if your feet lightly dash over the rough terrain. Don’t consider a Rally Shoe if you have a tendency to keep the trail clear for other runners by accidentally kicking rocks out of the way. Rally Shoes are the least protective, least stable of the trail shoe styles, but they’re also the fastest.
Trail Tanks are for runners whose feet are going where they darned well please, obstacles or not. Trail Tanks provide the full-foot protection required when the foot is consistently put in contact with hard, sharp, uneven terrain. Those who value their toenails more than speed or require maximum stability should consider a Trail Tank.
SUV’s are combination road/trail shoes that balance the varying needs of both urban and rural running. SUV’s are excellent options for those who run on trails only occasionally or must pound the pavement on their way to the dirt. Some SUV’s are more road-oriented, some more trail-oriented and their stability levels vary tremendously. Carefully evaluate your needs before shopping for an SUV.
Running over uneven terrain requires fancy footwork and is more fatiguing than road running. As a result, shoe weight can be an important consideration when choosing a trail shoe. For most trail shoes, we’ve included weights for the most popular shoe sizes-men’s size 10.5 and women’s size 8.5. Some weights are for pre-production samples. Weights of the production models may vary slightly.

adidas Beltline
(Trail shoe)
$85.00
Men 6.5-13, 14, 15 (12.1 oz)
Women 5-11, 12 (10.2 oz)
If you think the Beltline looks a lot like the Brahma Classic, which looked a lot like the Brahma, you’re absolutely right-they’re all the same shoe. When the original Brahma was updated, the new model was poorly received. Adidas responded by re-offering the original Brahma under the Brahma Classic name. Soon after, the shoe was renamed the Beltline. The name confusion is a shame because this excellent shoe deserves a better history. The outersole resembles a mountain bike tire, knobby Traxion lugs on the sides and smooth down the middle, providing grip in the slop and a smooth ride on hardpan. The fact that the Beltline is in adidas’s Control Trail category is a bit misleading. Its medial post and Torsion midfoot support hold the shoe neutral but do not significantly deter overpronation. Believe it or not, the next edition of this shoe will be renamed the Supernova Trail.

TRAIL CATEGORY: Rally Shoe
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 6/02



adidas ClimaProof Trail
(Trail Shoe)
$110.00
Men only 6.5-13, 14, 15
The ClimaProof Trail shares a nearly identical midsole with the TR8, but comes in an especially flashy package, due to the sleek waterproof bra that covers most of the upper. Along with the carbon rubber outsole, with a temperature-sensitive compound and the TraXion lug pattern, this made it a smooth ride on road and packed dirt.
The CP Trail’s upper, however, is overdone-although they show promise for being a hit with the clubbing crowd, especially given that spilled drinks can ruin non-waterproof shoes. The rear clip that loosens the waterproof cover serves no non-cosmetic purpose other than making the extremely challenging task of changing shoelaces a bit more negotiable. The CP Trail felt a bit heavy and stiff, largely due to the bulletproof uppers. Unfortunately for those who like an all conditions shoe for sloppy trails, the outsole wasn’t as brawny, or effective, as the waterproofing.
Review: 12/02


adidas Response Trail 8
(Trail Shoe)
$80.00
Men 6.5-13, 14, 15
Women 5-11, 12
The Response Trail 8, a.k.a. "TR8," shows a vast improvement over its three prior iterations. The newest generation of Response Trail might as well have been called the XLR8, given its smooth ride and light perceived weight. The TR8’s cushioning is evenly balanced against its firmness, giving the comfort and stability reminiscent of the Trail Response that was the trail shoe leader in the early ’90’s.
TR8’s positive "traits" include its durable water-resistant mesh upper, adiPRENE heel and adiPRENE+ forefoot cushioning inserts, and Z-TraXion outsole lugs for reliable purchase on most any surface, including road. Our testers found the TR8 to be one the best of the bunch for all-around performance and responsiveness, no pun intended.
Review: 12/02


adidas Sentero Trail
(Trail Shoe)
$75.00
Men 6.5-13, 14, 15
Women 5-11, 12
What a crash helmet is for your head, the Sentero trail shoe is for your feet. The Sentero’s protective components include a midsole shield to protect the foot from stone bruises, a toe bumper, and an upper with extra-thick side panels. Inside, the shoe is soft and accommodating. With its high center of gravity, don’t risk a crash by taking it on the big rocks. This helmet only protects your feet.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 3/02


adidas Supernova Trail
(Trail Shoe)
$85.00
Men 6.5-13, 14, 15 (14.1 oz)
Women 5-11, 12 (10.5 oz)
The Supernova Trail is the successor to the popular Beltline with both midsole and outersole unchanged. The versatile outersole resembles a mountain bike tire, knobby Traxion lugs on the sides and smooth down the middle, providing grip in the slop and a smooth ride on hardpan. The Beltline was in adidas's Control Trail category, but while its medial post and Torsion midfoot support held the shoe neutral, they did not significantly deter ankle rocks and rolls. That discrepancy is addressed in the Supernova Trail with a simple change to its upper. In the Beltline, adidas's familiar 3-stripes were made of thin fabric, which provided a nice fit, but not much stability. In the Supernova Trail, the stripes are made of thick plastic. When snugged to the foot, they not only provide the same great fit, but a reassuring touch of control as well. The small increase in stability comes at only a small price-the Supernova Trail is slightly heavier.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 9/02




Asics Gel-Eagle Trail II
(Trail Shoe)
$90.00
Men 6-13, 14, 15
Women 5- 12
The GEL-Eagle Trail II shares its predecessor’s versatility and overall performance as a hybrid (on and off-road) shoe that is more sleek and nimble than the popular ASICS’s GEL Trabuco. The Eagle Trail II is excellent for those transitioning from road to trail because it’s true to ASICS’s strong road shoe heritage, running smoothly on all surfaces without forfeiting cushioning or stability. This is accomplished through ASICS’s I.G.S. (Impact Guidance System), which pleased our testers with a stable ride, but without the intrusiveness of other motion control devices, many of which interfere with delicate foot placement on technical trails. The Eagle Trail II features both fore and rearfoot GEL cushioning, a resilient "SpEVA" midsole, and a hard plastic bridge in the arch. The outsole is aggressive enough to give protection for all but the muddiest or iciest of trails.
Review: 12/02


Asics Gel-Eagle Trail
(Trail shoe)
$90
Men 6-13, 14, 15, 16 (14.2oz)
Women 5-12 (12.3 oz)
With its black and chrome high-tech look, this shoe’s namesake must be the F-15 Eagle, not the bald eagle. Like the F-15 fighter jet, the best place for this shoe may not be the trail. Durable cushioning is provided by a full-length SpEVA midsole with Gel in the heel and toe. Heel-to-toe transition is smooth and the much-admired ASICS fit is definitely there, enhanced by a fit strap that keeps the heel firmly planted in the shoe. While the upper has lots of durable synthetic leather overlays and the low-profile midsole slightly enhances stability on the trails, traction and foot protection are no better than provided by most road shoes.

TRAIL CATEGORY:SUV
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 6/02




Asics Gel-Trabuco U
(Trail Shoe)
$80
Men 6-13, 14, 15 (14.2 oz)
Women 6-12 (12.0 oz)
Trabuco Canyon is in California’s Santa Ana mountains, between L.A. and San Diego. We’ve never been there, but we picture Trabuco Canyon as a hot, dry paradise filled with miles of scenic hard-packed running trails-the type of trails on which the Trabuco will shine. Trail brother to the road-specific Gel-1070, the Trabuco shares its sibling’s forefoot and rearfoot Gel pads and a small DuoMax medial post. Unlike the 1070, the Trabuco has a sticky solid rubber outersole that provides confident traction when running in dry, rocky conditions. When the trails get muddy, though, you’ll want to trade the Trabuco for a shoe with longer, wider-spaced traction lugs and a water-resistant upper.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 9/02




Avia 278
(Trail shoe)
$50
Men 7-12, 13 (14.7 oz)
Women 5.5-10 (11.9 oz)
Avia’s 278 is a trail shoe that maintains road-shoe comfort when taken on well-maintained trails. Heel strike is stable and soft thanks to Avia’s Cantilever heel design and fM#m cushioning material. Heel-to-toe transition is smooth due to an appropriately-stiff midfoot and the 278’s forefoot flexes nicely. Trail-oriented features are limited to a dark-colored, rugged upper and a somewhat aggressive outersole. Without a toe bumper and with its soft, flexible forefoot, the 278 isn’t for those runners who regularly run on rocks, but if your trails are more bark than bite or you’re looking for a responsive shoe to race in, the 278 is a bargain.

TRAIL CATEGORY: SUV
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 6/02




Brooks Trespass
(Trail shoe)
$85
Men 7-12, 13, 14, 15 (13.9 oz)
Women 6-11, 12 (11.1 oz)
The Trespass is one grabby shoe. Exceptional underfoot traction in both dry and wet conditions is provided by an aggressively-lugged, non-slip rubber sole whose various angled lugs grip on both uphills and downhills. While the upper sports an EVA skeleton that is both supportive and stylish, its large mesh outer layer also snags burrs and has lots of crevices where dirt and mud can take hold. The HydroFlow ST pad in the heel and a ball-of-foot pad of Substance 257 (Brooks’ proprietary mixture of EVA foam and RB rubber) provide good cushioning and a moderate level of protection from underfoot rocks. On trails, a medial post and midfoot shank provide enough support to satisfy the mild overpronator. On paved roads, however, the shoe wobbles slightly on its squishy lugs, reducing stability.

TRAIL CATEGORY: SUV
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate over- pronation Review: 6/02


Hi-Tec Perpetua
(Trail shoe)
$65
Men 7-12, 13, 14
Women 5-10, 11
The Perpetua is built tough and low to the ground, making it a good choice for runs on the rockiest of trails. Wear testers were less impressed on muddy runs, where the outersole tended to get clogged and lose some of its grip. This trail shoe has a very runnable feel, flexing where it should and not where it shouldn’t, but keep it on trails where the cushioning will be sufficient.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 3/02


Merrell Rip
(Trail shoe)
$100
Men 7-12, 13, 14, 15 (16.0 oz)
Women 5-10, 11 (12.9 oz)
The Merrell Rip is a crossover shoe, one that can be appreciated by both the tortoise and the hare. All trail runners will appreciate the Rip’s heavily-lugged, durable Vibram outersole, which grabs both the eye and the trail. Between the outersole and the midsole lies the Rip’s other distinguishing feature, a full-length, semi-rigid nylon Speed Plate which both protects the foot from stone bruises (good for tortoises) and provides "spring" during toe-off, much in like a diving board (good for hares). Depending on personal taste, the Speed Plate either makes or breaks this shoe. The stone bruise protection and toe spring come with the drawback of a rigid forefoot.

TRAIL CATEGORY: Trail Tank
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 6/02




Mizuno Wave Wildwood
(Trail Shoe)
$85
Men 7-13, 14 (12.6 oz)
Women 6-11 (9.4 oz)
Our wear-testers didn’t waste any time heading for the woods after lacing up the Wildwoods. No, it wasn’t because they were looking forward to a trail run. They were looking for mud to slather on the uppers. Since when did chrome become associated with the outdoors? Seriously, after toning them down with a little muck, the wear-testers found them to be capable, if unspectacular, trail shoes. The Wildwood is basically a low-profile Wave Rider with a gusseted tongue. The low center-of-gravity improves off-road stability and the gusseted tongue keeps trail debris from getting in your shoe and ruining your run. The plastic Wave plate is inherently protective, but stops short of the ball of the foot where protection from rocks is most desirable. All in all, a good trail choice if you like the Mizuno fit and ride.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 9/02




Montrail Diablo
(Trail shoe)
$100
Men 7-12, 13, 14, 15 (13.7 oz)
Women 5-10, 11 (11.7 oz)
Our wear-testers were a little wary of reviewing a shoe named after Satan. Wouldn’t "Spirit" have been a better name for a shoe that provides security in life’s bumpy situations? Despite its name, however, the lightweight and smooth-riding Diablo is a good trail shoe. Its most appreciated features included the IntegraRide heel-to-toe rock protection plate and the bootie-style stretch upper, which did a good job at keeping trail debris out. The Buffer Zone tongue provided a little additional protection from tight laces at the top of the shoe, but should extend farther into the midfoot region to help high-arched runners. Like most shoes with stretch uppers, the Diablo didn’t fit everyone.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 9/02




Montrail Diez Vista
(Trail shoe)
$95
Men 7-12, 13, 14, 15
Women 5-10, 11
The Diez Vista is a trail shoe that makes you feel like racing. With its smooth heel-to-toe transition and cushioned feel, you may forget that its midsole contains a full-length protective sheet between the trail and your feet. A soft, stretchy collar extends up to the ankle bone, providing a little extra protection from trail debris.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review: 3/02




Montrail Hurricane Ridge GTX
(Trail Shoe)
$115.00
Men 7-12, 13
Women 5-10, 11
Montrail has taken waterproof breathability to a new level with the Hurricane Ridge GTX, which avails itself of "Stretch-Fit" Gore-Tex to make the shoe lightweight and flexible without forfeiting its water-tight qualities. Built on the same cushioned yet agile outsole and dual-density midsole of the popular Leona Divide, the Hurricane Ridge provides a similar ride. The shoe won kudos from testers because of its comfort and fit, largely due to the shoe’s tongueless ankle collar. Testers were also pleasantly surprised by the Hurricane’s breathability, despite its two-layer waterproof membrane. As a shoe worn by Montrail’s awesome force of ultrarunners, it is almost expected that the Hurricane Ridge would have full-length protection, which comes from a thermoplastic urethane plate that is flexible yet substantial enough to shield against bone bruises. All-in-all, an excellent shoe for long sloppy runs where traction, control and waterproofing come at a premium.
Review: 12/02


Montrail Melee
(Trail shoe)
$80
Men 7-12, 13, 14, 15 (13.7 oz)
Women 5-10, 11 (11.0 oz)
Montrail is a key player in the trail running market. They earned their reputation by building shoes that stress function over form and provide plenty of bang for your buck. That trend continues with the Melee, Montrail’s lightest and one of its lowest-priced shoes (along with the famous Vitesse). A basic neutral trail runner, the Melee’s toe bumper, forefoot protective plate, and soft, grippy outersole provide the basic necessities for an enjoyable trail run. If your road shoe is a wide, cushy, neutral trainer and you don’t want to tear it up on the trails, consider the Melee. The Melee will also serve well as a dry trail racing shoe.

TRAIL CATEGORY: Trail Tank
PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review: 6/02




New Balance 705
(Trail Shoe)
$75
Men 7-13, 14, 15 (widths D, 2E, 4E) (15.2 oz)
Women 5-11, 12 (widths B, D) (12.1 oz)
The 705 fills a hole in New Balance’s family of trail shoes. With the 805 and 605 models, New Balance offers neutral trail shoes both with and without protection from water and trail debris. With the introduction of the 705, New Balance now offers more stable trail shoes both with and without that additional protection as well. Like the 904, the 705 has Abzorb cushioning, a durable upper with a toe bumper, and a medial post designed to enhance stability. Unlike the 904, the 705 does not have a water resistant upper or a gusseted tongue (or a low-profile midsole, or a TPU midfoot cradle, or an aggressive Tru-Trak outersole). But for $75, you get a basic, stable, trail shoe for on or off road.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over- pronation Review: 9/02




New Balance 805
(Trail Shoe)
$85.00
Men 6-13, 14, 15 16 (widths B, D, 2E, 4E)
Women 5-11, 12, 13 (widths 2A, B, D)
The 805’s predecessors unfairly garnered reputations for being trail shoes that rarely made it out of the mall. While they are fashionable, many trail shoes with down-and-dirty reputations don’t have the valuable features found in the 805: forefoot/rearfoot Abzorb cushioning pads, midsoles of high-quality foam, gusseted tongues that keep trail debris out, outersoles that are reluctant to pick up mud, flat laces that don’t pick up burrs, and tear- and water-resistant uppers. While the feature list is impressive, don’t purchase these, or any trail shoes, before you make sure they fit. The durable uppers used on trail shoes tend to be a little stiff and can irritate the foot if they rub you wrong.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review: 3/02




New Balance 806
(Trail Shoe)
$85.00
Men 5-11, 12, 13 (widths B, D-4E)
Women 5-11, 12, 13 (widths 2A, B-D)
With the 806, the 800 series is likely to remain the top selling trail shoe, a coveted status it has held for several years. From the top down: the 806’s upper is synthetic mesh with a padded ankle collar and tongue that offer outstanding comfort and security. The midsole uses NB’s cored cushioning compound, Abzorb SBS, in both the forefoot and heel, and a "Stability Web" is integrated into the midsole. That combination, along with the decent traction of the 806’s grooved outsole, gave our testers a maneuverable, protective ride and felt somewhat light on the foot. The 806 performed well on all surfaces, except paved roads, where they felt a bit stiff, Finally, as one would expect from NB-the master of sizing-the 806 comes in multiple widths so trail runners can get the Cinderella experience.
Review: 12/02



Nike/ACG Air Teocalli XCR
(Trail shoe)
$100
Men 6-13, 14, 15
Women 5-10, 11, 12
It makes sense that the Air Teocalli comes from Nike’s All Conditions Gear affiliate. These stalwart Gore-Tex XCR winter runners are built to take on anything Parent Nature can throw their way. While the triple-layer XCR uppers are waterproof and their construction minimizes heat loss, the three-layer membrane is 25% more breathable than classic Gore-Tex and the Teocalli’s large mesh panels allow for moisture release. Developed through ACG’s relationship with Team Atlas Snow-Shoe Company, the Air Teocalli XCR is a superb choice for snowshoeing, especially as an alternative to porous running shoes or cumbersome boots. The snowshoe compatibility of the Teocalli can be seen in the groove on the lip of the outsole that fits into snowshoe bindings and the external heel-counter wings that protect against binding abrasion. Other benefits of the Teocalli include a nylon shank, TPU mudguard, hard rubber cleats for aggressive traction, gusseted tongue, gaiter loops, a phylon midsole that retains its cushioning properties in cold weather, and the Nike Vis-Air cushioning system for even shock dispersion.
Testers found the shoe was rugged enough for all surfaces and weather and enjoyed the even balance, responsive feel and athletic, curved fit. In sum, the Teocalli makes an excellent shoe for winter slop, whether on dry land, snow or snowshoes.
Review 12/02



Nike Air TR9000
(Trail shoe)
$75
Men 6-13, 14, 15 (14.0 oz)
Women 5-11, 12 (11.3 oz)
As far as shoe categories go, "trail running" may be the broadest, encompassing footwear for both Eco-Challenge participants and for runners whose exposure to trails is limited to the local rail-to-trail conversion or the cedar-chipped path through the arboretum. The TR9000 is for the latter group. The midsole is constructed of an EVA forefoot locked to a polyurethane rubber rearfoot with a visible Air bag. This design has proven itself in many successful Nike road shoes (although it does flex in the midfoot, making it inappropriate for those with stability needs). The TR9000’s trail-oriented features include a moderately-aggressive outersole, a rugged upper, and a color scheme that hides dirt-none of which drastically affects the comfort of the TR9000 when on the roads. A road-only version with a standard upper and outersole is named the RD9000.

TRAIL CATEGORY: SUV
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 6/02




Nike Air Tupu
(Trail shoe)
$80
Men 4-13, 14, 15 (12.6 oz)
When designing the Tupu, Nike took a "less is more" approach. Less midsole foam yields a low center-of-gravity and a more stable foot plant. Less rigidity in the outersole combined with sticky Waffle lugs allows it to fold over and grab uneven terrain. Less upper material permits the shoe to dry quickly after submersion in water. Less overall weight encourages more precise foot placement and permits faster running. It’s as if Nike crossed a cross country racing shoe with a mountain goat. For some, less can be less. The Tupu does not provide much protection from sharp rocks, either those that are stepped on or those that reach out and attack the top or sides of the foot. Despite its exceptionally soft Air-filled heel, don’t be tempted to take the Tupu on the roads. It’s purely a lightweight trail trainer or racer.

TRAIL CATEGORY: Rally Shoe
PRONATION FACTOR: Under to neutral pronation Review 6/02




Nike Storm Alert
(Trail shoe)
$85
Men 6-13, 14, 15
Women 5-11, 12
Playing off the success of its trail category performer, the Storm Pegasus-which got a cosmetic update this winter-the Storm Alert is also a simple yet weather-protected shoe for groomed trails. The Alert feels very lightweight and its sock-like upper features a novel combination of a conforming full internal mesh bootie with a weather-resistant shell that has welded fins to prevent the shoe from stretching. In the rear of the Alert, there is a PU midsole and airsole that offers plenty of protection and cushioning. However, the phylon forefoot is a bit Spartan when it comes to protection, which relegates the shoes to more sedate trails unless you insert an aftermarket cushioned sockliner.
The Alert’s outsole was sufficient for one of our testers to wear them in a rugged 10-mile mountain race, where she not only won but set a course record. However, other testers found the heel cup too shallow and the ankle collars too short. All testers thought the forefoot too spongy for rugged trails and found the Alert had a narrow fit. They appreciated the comfort of the toe box and noted that the lack of stitching or seams was great for avoiding blisters.


Review 12/02


The North Face Switchback
(Trail shoe)
$140
Men 7-13, 14 (17.5 oz)
The Switchback fits like a running shoe but protects (and weighs and flexes) like a boot. The upper is both comfortable and capable. Two sets of eyelets allow the wearer to eliminate any pressure points without sacrificing a snug fit. Trail-specific features include a rigid toe bumper, a gusseted tongue, and elastic straps that can be used to secure a scree gaitor (or keep shoelace bows out of harm’s way when going gaitor-less). The Dri-Lex upper is mounted to a sole that is all about trail. Stability on the worst of surfaces is provided by an EVA midsole that contains both foam and polymer medial posts and sits atop a tough Pebax plate. Traction and additional protection are provided by a chunky hard rubber outersole that incorporates interchangeable, hard or soft, Champ-brand Q-Lok spikes.

TRAIL CATEGORY: Trail Tank
PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate to severe over-pronator Review: 6/02




The North Face Ultra 100 GTX
(Trail shoe)
$115
Men 7-12, 13, 14 (16.3 oz)
Women 5-10, 11 (13.0 oz)
Yeah, it’s still late summer, but we all know that winter is just around the corner. The Ultra 100 GTX (Gore-Tex) is a cold-and-wet-weather version of the popular Ultra 100. Both shoes are built for serious trail running. They feature a roomy toebox and wide-spaced lacing to accommodate foot swelling and have attachment straps for scree gaiters. The wide EVA midsole with Roll Control medial post (we love that name) provides good stability and cushion on all but the most extreme trail surfaces. A Winter Grip outersole material and a Gore-Tex scree gaiter (sold separately) are specific to the GTX model. Wear-testers reported that the shoe felt lighter and more responsive than expected-a sentiment that was quickly forgotten when the Ultra 100 was taken on the roads.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronator Review: 9/02




Puma XC III
(Trail shoe)
$70
Men 5-13, 14 (12.4 oz)
Women 5-10, 11 (10.0 oz)
The XC III is a well-cushioned, smooth-running road trainer whose dark-colored materials allow it to be taken off-road occasionally without ruining its look. Durable heel cushioning is provided by Puma’s proven i-Cell technology, an array of rubber hexagonal cells sunk within the EVA midsole. The forefoot’s low-density EVA Cell pad is soft and flexible, but provides little protection from trail debris.

TRAIL CATEGORY: SUV
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral pronation Review 6/02




Saucony GRID X-Terra
(Trail shoe)
$80
Men 7-13, 14 (12.6 oz)
Women 5-11, 12 (10.5 oz)
With the X-Terra (descendent of the Harrier), Saucony has produced a fairly lightweight, reasonably stable multi-category shoe by dreaming low. The X-Terra has a low-profile midsole and outersole that keep the foot close to the ground, reducing both wobble and weight. Stability is further enhanced by a medial post and a snug midfoot that may surprise long-time Saucony wearers. The GRID-cushioned heel is very soft, the flexible, protection-plated forefoot less so. As its name implies, the X-Terra is a shoe that is at home in various situations, from trail racing to road training. It’s best if those situations are dry, though, since the outersole lacks great traction in the mud.

TRAIL CATEGORY: SUV
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate over-pronation Review: 6/02





Salomon X-A Pro GTX
(Trail shoe)
$120
Men 7-12, 13, 14, 15 (15.4 oz)
Women 5-10, 11, 12 (13.5 oz)
The X-A Pro GTX is a feature-packed trail shoe that puts foot protection at the top of its list. A full-length underfoot protection plate and a rigid toe bumper make stone bruising and black toenails improbable. Good traction on all but the muddiest of surfaces is provided by the durable rubber outersole. A sturdy, Gore-Tex lined upper provides scrape and puddle protection. While the X-A Pro GTX allows the foot to ignore the elements, it’s sometimes hard to ignore the shoe itself. The new XCR Gore-Tex lining package is stiff but does provide waterproof, breathable protection in snow, rain and deep puddles. Although the ultra-thin Kevlar laces are strong, lace location cannot be modified for a better fit. The X-A Pro GTX is a good option for those who want the fit of a running shoe and the protection of an adventure shoe. The X-A Pro is also offered in a non-Gore-Tex version for $90.

TRAIL CATEGORY: Trail Tank
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to moderate over-pronation Review: 6/02


Tecnica Icon TR
(Trail Shoe)
$85.00
Men 7-13
Women 5.5-10.5
Somewhere between a superb light hiker and a fast running shoe, the Tecnica Icon TR is a great shoe for a hiker who is converting to trail running. The Icon’s upper is constructed out of an attractive synthetic leather and mesh ensemble with Dri-Lex moisture-moving lining that works like performance base layer fabrics to wick moisture away from your foot. The PU coated EVA midsole is encapsulated with nylon for reduced compression and a TPU unit in the arch adds torsional rigidity and motion control. The nylon plate sandwiched between the midsole and outsole shields the foot from stone bruises.
Testers found the Icon didn’t quite have it for running fast on technical trails but appreciated the shoe’s protection while maintaining good forefoot flex. They appreciated the general comfort and appearance of the Icon and liked them for easier days and casual wear.
Review: 12/02

[outsider]

2003


Training Shoes


Under-Pronation


Asics Gel-DS Trainer VIII
$100
Men 6-15
Women 5-12
Previous versions of the Gel-DS Trainer earned a reputation as one the best lightweight stability shoes on the market. With a fit for the masses, many people have made it their choice for marathon day. The eighth edition of the Gel-DS Trainer will have a more limited audience. A significant redesign, this year’s model incorporates ASICS’ Impact Guidance and a new Extended Trusstic system in an effort to better spread the stability from heel to toe. Wear-testers, however, found the design less supportive than the previous edition and the fit not as friendly for everyone.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under-pronation Review: 3/03





Brooks Illusion 2
$85
Men 7-14
Women 5-11
The Illusion 2 is a responsive, everyday training shoe for the runner looking for a soft, flexible ride. The Illusion 2 is a much-appreciated improvement on the original Illusion. The forefoot has been loosened-up and made more flexible and the midfoot accommodated wear-testers with skinny, average and even broad feet. It was the clear favorite among the flexible shoes tested for this review.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under-pronation Review: 3/03




Diadora Mythos 280 DA2
$80.00
Men 6-12.5
Women 5-10
The Mythos 280 is for those who appreciate function through simplicity. Nothing about it is overdone. See a Mythos 280 on a runner and you can safely assume they’re a minimalist whose feet prefer a curved last, a low toebox and the feel of the road, with no stability devices rearranging their stride.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under-pronation Review: 3/03




Nike Air Kukini
$90
Men 6-15
Women 5-12
The previous Air Kukini was a light, flexible, laceless trainer/racer aimed squarely at the triathlete. The new Kukini is ultra-light, ultra-flexible, fit-adaptable-and now a racer in our eyes. The addition of holes everywhere results in unmatched lightness, breathability and water drainage. Two Velcro straps offer a tailored, quick fit, but the mesh does allow plenty of foot motion. It’s not for daily use, though, as the new Kukini has no Air bags and zero support. One question: Doesn’t the run come after the bike? Where’s all this water coming from?

PRONATION FACTOR: Under-pronation Review 3/03




Nike Air Skylon
$80
Men 6-15
Women 5-12
The Air Skylon is designed for the runner looking for a light, responsive, go-fast shoe, whether for training or racing. Nike describes the Air Skylon as a "kick ass" kind of shoe. As far as the outersole/midsole is concerned, we have no argument. The midsole is one of Nike’s lightest, and it contains both a 3/4-length Air bag and forefoot Duralon pad for cushioning, and a midfoot shank to protect the arch. Our wear-testers recommend a careful evaluation of the fit, though. Many noted that the stiff upper material folded into the side of the foot during toe-off and that they missed a midfoot wrap.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under-pronation Review 3/03





Puma Complete Prevail II
$80
Men 6-14
Women 4-10
The Prevail is easiest described as a less stable version of the Extol. Wear-testers noted that the Prevail II performed more like a training shoe than did the original Prevail, which often found itself in competition.

PRONATION FACTOR: Under-pronation Review 3/03




Under-Pronation to Neutral Pronation



adidas ClimaCool2
$100.00
Men 6.5-15
Women 5-12
As we wish were always the case, the ClimaCool 2 is a distinct improvement on the original. Like its predecessor, the ClimaCool 2 incorporates ventilation screens above, below and surrounding the foot. A niche design intended for the hot-footed runner, the new ClimaCool has even larger cooling vents than the original. Adidas reports that the new design keeps feet 12% cooler than the first model and 32% cooler than the average running shoe. Unlike reports on the ClimaCool 1, wear testers experienced no blisters and few hot spots caused by the vents, even when running sockless. They did report that the underfoot venting was noticeable, particularly in the forefoot.

PRONATION FACTOR: Underpronators and Neutral Runners Review: 9/03





Asics Gel-Cumulus V
$80
Men 6-15 (D, 2E, 4E)
Women 5-12 (2A, B, D)
The first Gel-Cumulus helped re-energize the cushioned shoe category. At the time of its release, technical styles with soft rides, relaxed uppers, and reasonable prices were few and far between. After three wins, however, many considered the Cumulus IV a slight misstep. With the V, the Cumulus is back on its game. The new upper is again wide in the toebox and snug in the midfoot. ASICS also threw in a new, more cushioned Gel material in the rearfoot and a larger forefoot flex groove.

PRONATION FACTOR: Underpronators and Neutral Runners Review: 9/03





Asics Gel-Verdict DS II
$85
Men 6-15
Women 5-12
ASICS’s two current offerings in the lightweight training category, the medially-posted Gel-DS Trainer VII and the unposted Gel-Verdict DS, are not, in our opinion, clear improvements over the shoes that they replaced. The problems are not with the shoes’ speedy midsoles, it’s with their uppers. This update to the Verdict retains its low-profile midsole, Gel-filled front and rear, with tweaks to the heel crash pad, midfoot support shank and outersole. The most noticeable change is the upper, a one-piece stretch sleeve surrounded by a lacing cage. As in our review of the original Verdict we conclude, "Like most shoes with (stretch fit) uppers, the Verdict either fits or it doesn’t." Playing with socks or lacing schemes helped some testers tailor the fit, but the verdict remains out on the Verdict.

PRONATION FACTOR: Underpronators and Neutral Runners Review: 9/03





New Balance 752
$80
Men 6-15 (D, 2E, 4E)
Women 5-12 (2A, B, D)
Most of New Balance’s technical running shoes are built on one of two platforms. The SL1 platform is narrower and lower-arched than the SL2 platform. The 752 is the 3rd generation of New Balance’s SL1-based neutral shoe. The 750 series got off to a somewhat slow start as a result of fit issues with the 750 and 751. With those issues now resolved, the 752 (in tandem with the SL2-based 880) makes New Balance a central player in the neutral training shoe category. In addition to its better-fitting upper, the 752’s midsole/outersole has been tweaked. The most noticeable change is the go-fast feel of the forefoot that results from relocating the flex grooves and the use of less outersole rubber. Unlike many other neutral shoes, we do not recommend the 752 for even slight overpronators. It is most appropriate for neutral runners and underpronators.

PRONATION FACTOR: Underpronators and Neutral Runners Review: 9/03







New Balance 833
$85
Men 7-15 (B, D, 2E)
Women 5-12 (2A, B, D)
Despite the numerical incongruity, the 833 replaces the 831 as New Balance’s premier lightweight trainer. (A slightly different 832 will only be released overseas.) The 833’s new upper is glued to the same soft, flexible midsole/outersole used for the 831. The new upper continues to have little support structure in the midfoot, opting instead for lightweight plastic overlays and an abundance of mesh. While the 831’s upper sagged slightly in the midfoot as a result, wear testers reported that the new design fit well from heel to toe. An informal shoe survey during two recent marathons revealed that the 831 was the most popular race day choice among the top-selling lightweight trainers. The same should be true for the 833.

PRONATION FACTOR: Underpronators and Neutral Runners Review: 9/03






New Balance 880
$90
Men 6.5-16 (B, D, 2E, 4E)
Women 5-13 (2A, B, D)
The 880 is the latest shoe in a series historically known for its plush ride and high-volume fit. In this latest incarnation, no changes were made to the midsole, so the ride remains as soft as ever. An upper change, however, has brought the 880 closer to the middle of the fit spectrum. Wear testers reported that the 880 is slightly narrower than the 879. Some who had worn the 879 believe that they would buy a wider width when purchasing the 880. All wear testers appreciated the soft, flexible toebox pattern, where thin overlays and open mesh replace more substantial materials. Choose the 765 if you want some stability with your cushioning.

PRONATION FACTOR: Underpronators and Neutral Runners Review: 9/03





Nike Air Max
$130
Men 6-15
Women 5-15
Alas, the Air Max is clearly no longer designed for running. We were suspicious when we pulled the wear test shoes out of their velvet carry bags and took a look at their no-mesh, iridescent synthetic leather uppers. We were further worried when we laced them up and realized that there was little padding on the tongue or around the heel and that the fit was uncomfortably narrow. Our fears came true when when we went for a run. The Air Max has a long and storied history as a high-end cushioned training shoe, but its time as a technical running shoe has evidently come and gone. The King is dead! Long live the King!

PRONATION FACTOR: Underpronators and Neutral Runners Review: 9/03






Nike Zoom Spiridon
$100
Men 4-15
Women 5-12
We can assure you that the Greek shepherd Spiridon Louis, who won the first modern Olympic Marathon in 1896, never had footwear like this concept shoe by Nike. The featherweight Spiridon has a large, high pressure airsole unit under the heel and an exceedingly flexible foam-only forefoot. The upper lets lots of air through and looks more unconventional than it feels. Wear testers expressed interest in using this ultra-flexible design as a speed trainer or racing flat.

PRONATION FACTOR: Underpronators and Neutral Runners Review: 9/03






Puma Complete Abound 2
$120
Men 7-13
The original Complete Abound was unique: Its midsole consisted almost entirely of a large sheet of honeycombed rubber cells, resulting in a durable lightweight trainer that felt like running on a thick treadmill belt in your bare feet. The Abound 2 now has two honeycombed pads, one in the heel and one in the forefoot, within a conventional foam midsole,with an upper of mostly unstructured mesh. The low-profile, go-fast feel remains unchanged, as does the lack of stability.

PRONATION FACTOR: Underpronators and Neutral Runners Review: 9/03





Saucony Grid Azura I
$80
Men 7-14
Women 5-12
The evolution of the Azura has not been steady. Each generation is markedly different than the last, and there have been both advancements and retreats. The Grid Azura i should keep the Azura from extinction for at least the next few years. This Azura is built on a lightweight high-quality foam midsole with minimal add-ins; no big Grid cassette in the heel, no complicated midfoot shank, and no cushioning pad in the forefoot. What you do get is a road-insulating, flexible shoe that doesn’t get in the way of the wearer’s natural stride, and which performs well as both a neutral trainer and a racing shoe. Most noticeable to wear testers was the toe-off, which admirably feels both go-fast and protective. The midfoot can handle broader feet, but snugs up to the average foot, as well. The toebox also retains the width Saucony fans adore.

PRONATION FACTOR: Underpronators and Neutral Runners



Neutral to slight over-pronation


adidas AdiSTAR Cushion
$100.00
Men 6.5-15
Women 6-10
The adiSTAR Cushion combines an a3-based heel with a more conventional EVA-based forefoot design. When at rest, the two halves of the shoe look great together. When in motion, however, their differences are apparent. While the polyurethane and plastic heel absorbs heel-strike energy effectively, the feel is not as cushioned as that of the front. Because of the firm-heel, soft-toe design, wear testers predict that a breakdown of the forefoot foam will require replacement of these shoes long before the a3 heel has given up the ghost. Notable fit issues include an upper that feels straighter than it looks and the presence of overlays in the upper that have a tendency to pinch down on the toes.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral Runners and Slight Overpronators Review: 9/03




adidas Response Control
$75.00
Men 6.5-18 (D, 2E, 4E)
Women 5-12 (B, D, 2E)
Despite its name, our tests revealed that the Response Control’s very soft lateral heel and relatively soft medial post make this shoe most appropriate for slight overpronators or even neutral runners. Maybe we were expecting too much of a $75 shoe, but this shoe had a number of minor fit and feel issues that kept it from being a favorite of even our tight wadded wear testers. Many noted its forward arch location, flat forefoot feel, and thin tongue as minor turn-offs. Wider-footed runners who like the adidas road feel may want to put aside these small concerns, however, since the Response Control may be one of the few adidas shoes that accommodate their feet.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral Runners and Slight Overpronators Review: 9/03





Asics Gel-Nimbus V
$110
Men 6-16
Women 5-12
The Nimbus is the Cumulus’s big brother. Thirty additional dollars buys a similar fit and a ride that is more cushioned, smoother and longer-lasting. The Nimbus 5 integrates ASICS’s new Gel into both the heel and forefoot of its midsole. Other noticeable advances include a heel liner with a memory foam, and moisture vents in the midfoot and toebox.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral Runners and Slight Overpronators Review: 9/03






Asics Gel-Kumo
$90
Men 6-15
Women 5-12
Sometimes when a new shoe style doesn’t succeed immediately, a shoe company will start over by re-releasing it under a new name. Sharp-eyed ASICS fans will recognize the Kumo as a slightly modified Gel-Preleus. The Preleus was positioned as an exceptionally-cushioned shoe designed for the midfoot/forefoot striker. Technically sound, the Preleus was hampered by a debatable fit and cosmetics. The stylish Kumo is even more cushioned than the Preleus, thanks to its upgraded SpEVA midsole, but many wear-testers again noted a slack fit and a forefoot upper that was prone to pinching.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to slight over-pronation Review 3/03






Avia ECS-Transition
$90
Men 7-15 (D, 2E)
Women 5-12 (B, D)
The ECS-Transition joins the ECS-Scape and the ECS-Teem in Avia’s ECS-based Performance Running line of shoes. The Ecto-Cantilever System (ECS) is a durable combination of polyurethane support struts, plastic plates and EVA foam designed to cushion and stabilize the foot during heelstrike. The neutral ECS-Transition is basically an ECS-Scape with updated cosmetics, and will eventually replace the ECS-Cape in the line.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to slight over-pronation Review: 3/03






Brooks Glycerin 2
$100
Men 8-15
Women 6-12
The original Glycerin was one of those rare shoes whose first manifestation was near-perfect. The Glycerin managed to combine a comfortably snug, go-fast, feel-the-road ride with technology that ensured protection and durability. Updating a successful shoe is always tricky-and Brooks was smart to not change much this time around. Forefoot cushioning and stability have been slightly enhanced and a polyurethane sockliner replaces the foam original. Although most appropriate for the neutral runner, the Glycerin is still an excellent choice for a wide range of athletes, from the underpronator looking for a high mileage shoe to the slight overpronator looking for a protective shoe for speedwork and racing.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral Runners and Slight Overpronators Review: 9/03





Brooks Dyad
$90
Men 7-14
Women 5-11
The Dyad is a rarity-a straighter-lasted, high-volume, relatively lightweight, cushioned trainer. Few such shoes exist because most runners with wide, straighter feet tend to over-pronate to some degree. The Dyad is designed for the exceptions to that rule. Think of the Dyad as a Brooks Beast/Ariel without the pronation reduction devices. Despite its softness, the Dyad is durable enough for the larger runner, thanks to HydroFlow pods in the heel and toe, a full-length Substance 257 midsole, and an Implus sockliner.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to slight over-pronation Review: 3/03



Diadora Mythos 330 DA 2
$85
Men 6-12.5
Women 5-10
The Mythos 330 has a bit of a split personality. Its midsole/outersole is that of a first-rate go-fast stability shoe, but the relaxed-fit, low-support upper permits foot motion above the midsole. Combining the two creates a high-volume, lightweight shoe that is most appropriate for neutral to slight over-pronators. Wear-testers noted that the heel collar was the highest tested, so it is great for orthotic wearers, but runners with low heel bones may want to place a heel pad under the ultra-thin sockliner.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to slight over-pronation Review: 3/03




Merrell Flash
$85
Men 7-15
Women 6-10, 11 (B-2E)
The Flash is Merrell’s first road shoe and it is an attention grabber. According to Merrell, the Flash’s midsole can be "tuned to align the foot and improve gait effectiveness"-by inserting either a neutral or a firm rubber M-Chip into one of three holes in the midsole. Unless the M-Chips were removed completely, our wear-testers could not feel any change in the shoe’s stability-consistently rated as slightly stable. We’re not saying that over the course of a few hundred miles your body won’t notice. Rather than experimenting with the M-Chip variations, however, you’re probably better off following Merrell’s recommended placement for your gait type and heading out for a run. If you have a curved foot, you’ll appreciate the luxurious sock-fit upper.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to slight over-pronation Review: 3/03



Mizuno Wave Mustang
$80
Men 7-15
Women 6-11
Mizuno’s Wave Creation is an exceptionally protective neutral shoe with a rather sporty ride. Their Wave Rider is a very sporty neutral shoe with a fair amount of protection. Into the narrow space between those two shoes, Mizuno parks the entry-level Wave Mustang. A nod to the Creation’s cushioning is made by the large block of VS-1 foam in the rearfoot and a midsole that is 1 mm thicker than most other Mizuno shoes. The Rider’s fast feel is acknowledged by using the same flexible VS-1 pad under the ball of the foot.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to slight over-pronation Review 3/03




Mizuno Wave Rider 6
$90
Men 7-15
Women 6-11
As was the case for the Wave Mercury, upgrades to the Wave Rider include a new Wave plate (with polyester fiber inserts, in this case) and a thicker pad of VS-1 foam in the forefoot. The Intercool system, where internal vent holes in the insole and midsole reduce foot temperature by 6% and humidity by 12%, remains. So does the standard Mizuno fit: high arch, snug midfoot, broad toebox.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to slight over-pronation Review 3/03




New Balance 716
$75.00
Men 6-15 (B-4E)
Women 5-13
After years of familiarity with New Balance’s 700-series shoes, we were surprised by the 716. Surprise #1 was the roominess of the upper. Historically a rather narrow fit, this 700-level shoe was appreciated by average and wide-footed wear-testers alike. Surprise #2 was the 716’s soft medial post which resulted in the 716 being placed in the neutral category, a few stability notches shy of the 715.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to slight over-pronation Review: 3/03





New Balance 765
$85
Men 6-15 (D, 2E, 4E)
Women 5-12 (2A, B, D)
When updating the 764, New Balance took a very functional if somewhat unexciting stability shoe and turned it into a shoe that could be used to define the lightweight stability category. The new midsole includes larger, softer cushioning pads in the forefoot and heel and a redesigned midfoot support system. Unlike the stiff-fronted 764, the 765’s forefoot is reinforced with thin overlays and embroidery, resulting in a toebox that is breathable, flexible and broad. All of these changes come together to reduce both the shoe’s weight and stability when compared to the 764. Like its more stable cousin, the 855, the 765 can accommodate those with wider, flatter feet.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral Runners and Slight Overpronators Review: 9/03





New Balance 1041
$110
Men 7-15 (D, 2E, 4E)
Women 5-13 (2A, B, D)
The 1041 is very different from other New Balance shoes. One of just two styles that use the N-ergy rearfoot cushioning cartridge, the 1041 also has three large cushioning plugs in the forefoot, with the center pad centered nicely under the metatarsal heads. While these technologies absorb impact energy well, their inclusion results in a firm, rather heavy shoe. The trade-off is exceptional durability, even for the heaviest runner. Wear tester evaluations were mixed on the low-cut slingback heel, but all liked the soft sides of the toebox.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral Runners and Slight Overpronators Review: 9/03




Nike Air RD9000
$70
Men 6-15 (D, 2E)
Women 5-12 (B, D)
The RD9000 was inspired by the Air Max Moto-the moderately stable member of Nike’s Bowerman performance shoe line. The $85 Max Moto includes a large volume Air bag encased within a dual-density polyurethane heel unit and a Phylon foam forefoot with an Air bag and Softlon pad. For $15 less, you can get the RD9000-a less durable, lower stability look-alike. The PU heel casing has only a single-density and the forefoot bag and pad are gone, but the fit remains excellent. Wear-testers described it as a lower-mileage Air Pegasus.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to slight over-pronation Review 3/03




Nike Air Max Moto 2
$85
Men 6-15 (B, D, 2E)
Women 5-12 (2A, B, D)
This is the first update for the very successful Air Max Moto (which was based on the very successful Air Max Triax). The Max Moto 2 maintains the fit of the original-fairly curved and accommodating to standard-width and wide feet. With its dual-density polyurethane heel and a forefoot that contains both a foam pad and an airbag, the original Max Moto turned out a touch stiffer than Nike anticipated. In the Max Moto 2, there is more of the softer polyurethane and less of the harder, and an additional flex groove has been added to the forefoot. The result is a shoe that is softer and more flexible than the original, but still appropriate for slight overpronators.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral Runners and Slight Overpronators Review: 9/03



Nike Air Zoom Elite
$90
Men 6-15
Women 5-12
When Nike informed us that the Air Span would be discontinued at the end of 2003, we couldn’t understand why they would kill off their very capable lightweight stability trainer after just three generations. Then we ran in the Air Zoom Elite…and completely forgot the Span. The Zoom Elite functions very successfully as a slightly stable everyday trainer or as a speedwork/racing shoe for those with greater stability needs. Firm cushioning results from a full-length Zoom airbag encapsulated within a midsole that is thinner than your average training shoe but thicker than your standard racing flat. Wear-testers consistently praised the responsive “bounce-back” provided by the high-pressure airbag, although some, who prefer flexibility, found the heelstrike too structured. Stability comes from a solid medial post that extends the full height of the midsole (as in the original Span) and a plastic midfoot shank

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral Runners and Slight Overpronators Review: 12/03


Nike Shox NZ
$100
Men 6-15
Women 5-14
Nike’s Shox technology uses polyurethane pillars between plastic plates to absorb impact loads and return some energy to the stride. The Shox NZ is the lightest, most flexible and least expensive Shox design to date. The Shox NZ is a shoe where each yin has its yang. The heelstrike is very soft-but some may consider it wobbly. The NZ’s toe-off is silky smooth-but that’s because there is no forefoot Air bag or other supplemental cushioning material in the forefoot. The sock-fit upper fits well-but it can be a chore to put on. Still, if you crave a Shox shoe, this is the most runnable of the bunch.
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to slight over-pronation Review 3/03




Nike Shox Ride
$120
Men 6-15
Women 5-12
This update to the Shox D adds a visible Air-Sole unit in the forefoot-needed to better balance the durability and feel of the shoe’s heel and toe, although some flexibility is lost as a result. The fit of the toebox was much improved as well; no more cramped toes. Heel strike in Shox shoes feels different-"spongy" was a word heard often-as a result, despite the medial post, our wear testers do not recommend the Ride for those with more than slight stability needs.
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral Runners and Slight Overpronators Review: 9/03




Nike Shox TL
$150
Men 6-15
Women 5-12
The first part of a running shoe to wear out is usually the midsole under the ball of the foot. It’s exceedingly difficult to provide durable cushioning in a location that is continuously flexed while loaded. If Nike succeeds in migrating its durable Shox cushioning technology from heel to toe, we may see a significant jump in shoe durability. According to our wear-testers, they’re not too far away. Toe-off was reportedly well-cushioned, but a bit abrupt. Wear-testers commented more negatively on the shoe’s fit and cosmetics-easily improved-than on the Shox technology itself.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to slight over-pronation Review 3/03





Pearl Izumi Push
$80
Men 6-14 (D, 2E)
Women 5-12 (B, D)
Apparel manufacturer Pearl Izumi has joined 14 other vendors in offering a complete line of technical training shoes to today’s road runners. PI’s initial offerings include three styles-the flexible Out, the slightly stable Push and the moderately stable Vital. (A racing flat and a trail shoe are also available.) As is true for much of its well-known apparel line, PI’s shoes are both highly technical and flashy. Interestingly, it’s the tech features of these shoes (and not unnecessary add-ons) that provide the flash.
When looking at all three shoes, first noticed is their nearly seamless uppers with gusseted tongues. In order to reduce the sloppy fit often found in such designs, PI sandwiches midfoot support straps between the upper’s internal and exterior layers. The straps integrate with the lacing system-a hard tug on the laces tightens up the midfoot. Wear testers reported that the strapping minimizes foot slippage (but not quite enough on the downhills for some) and that the forefoot fit is near-perfect. Some found the Achilles notch to be too high.
The construction of PI’s midsoles is industry standard (a molded foam platform with forefoot and rearfoot gel plugs). Far from standard, however, is the fact that they vary the softness of the foam with the size of the shoe. Smaller sizes (for smaller runners) have lighter foam while larger sizes (for larger runners) have more durable foam. Not surprisingly, wear testers did not notice this customization as they wore only one size, but common sense tells us that the idea is a good one that is sure to be copied.
The heel-to-toe transition of the Push was well received by all wear-testers. PI’s designers have placed the stiffness and flexibility just where they need to be, providing a smooth, comfortable ride that quickly moved these shoes to the “favorites” list for many.
Not every technical feature is a winner. The one-piece outersole of the Push is a thin piece of carbon rubber that is less durable in the heel than desired and adds no cushioning to the forefoot. Wear testers uniformly chose forefoot cushioning as the Push’s weak link-but didn’t find it out-of-line for an $80 shoe.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral runners and slight overpronators Review: 10/03




Puma Complete Extol II
$85
Men 6-14
Women 4-10
The Extol II is the neutral constituent of Puma’s Complete shoe series. Complete shoes tend to have narrow uppers and firm rides, separating them distinctly from the majority of other running shoes. The Extol is tight from heel to toe. Support straps across the metatarsal heads lock the forefoot to the midsole and, despite a very low heel counter, the heel is held fast, too. Although very protective, there’s little softness to Puma’s Cell pads in the heel or forefoot. The Extol exceeds the "sporty car" feel. It’s more of a fighter jet.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to slight over-pronation Review 3/03





Puma Complete Pryde Plus
$85
Men 6-14
Women 5.5-11
Like its forerunner, the new Pryde Plus compares favorably with the top lightweight stability trainers on the market. Puma’s Cell cushioning technologies are known for their durability. The heel pad is reassuringly firm and the forefoot pad delivers a fast feel. The foam stability post added just enough stability to make it a favorite of wear testers with and without stability issues. Fit is average in most areas, although the Puma logo that wraps the forefoot may trouble bunion sufferers.
PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral Runners and Slight Overpronators Review: 9/03





Reebok Premier FSM
$100
Men 6.5-15
Women 5-12
Reebok’s new DMX Shear cushioning system incorporates holes drilled perpendicularly to the foot in the thick, firm, durable foam pads under the lateral heel. This design allows the foot to continue forward upon impact while slowing down the heel of the shoe. The slowing of the heel enables force to be distributed vertically and horizontally, reducing foot stress. The effect is small, but definitely noticeable. The FSM has a large medial post, but its effectiveness is offset by a midfoot shank too flexible for a stability shoe, making the FSM best for neutral runners or slight overpronators.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral Runners and Slight Overpronators Review: 9/03




Reebok Premier Road
$80
Men 6.5-19 (D, 2E)
Women 5-12 (B, D)
With the introduction of its Premier series, Reebok is recommitting to building technical running shoes. In all Premier shoes, DMX Foam replaces the bulky, less-flexible DMX Pods found in recent Reeboks-lauded by all of our wear-testers. On the road, the Premier Road proved itself a nice, simple technical shoe.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral to slight over-pronation Review: 3/03




Reebok Premier Road Lite
$85
Men 6.5-15
Women 5-12
The Road Lite is for neutral runners who like a solid heel strike and a fast toe-off. The rearfoot of the Road Lite consists of a Shear DMX pad sandwiched within a low-profile foam midsole containing a small medial post. The too-flexible midfoot shank connects the rearfoot to a lightweight, flexible forefoot that has no supplemental cushioning system. Wear testers praised the comfortable fit of the Road Lite without feeling loose, and many suggested the Road Lite would make a good marathon racer.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral Runners and Slight Overpronators Review: 9/03





Saucony Grid Shadow 8
$80
Men 7-14 (D, 2E)
Women 5-11 (D, 2E)
With its polyurethane heel and foam forefoot, the Shadow is a niche shoe that can be best defined as a durable-heeled, high-volume shoe for the neutral pronator or slight overpronator. The "durable" tag is a result of the shoe’s polyurethane rearfoot and abrasion-resistant outersole. The "high-volume" tag comes from the traditional Saucony fit. Modifications to the Shadow 8 are slight but worth noting. Heel strike is smoother thanks to a more angled heel. Stability is increased by a beefier midfoot support bridge. Larger flex grooves reduce forefoot stiffness. And for those for whom even the Saucony fit is not generous enough, wide widths are once again available.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral Runners and Slight Overpronators Review: 9/03





Saucony Grid Triumph
$110
Men 7-14
Women 5-11
Naming a shoe the Triumph is a bit brash, but in this case we think Saucony chose well. The Triumph is sure to take a position as one of the best high-end cushioning shoes on the market. It more than adequately replaces the Grid Web. This review could be just four letters long: S-O-F-T. When in the Triumph, the wearer’s heel sits atop five different cushioning pieces. The ball of the foot rests on four. Other than a quibble that the forefoot’s thick foam pad makes the shoe a bit less flexible under the ball of the foot than some desired, the only complaint about the Triumph was that it was a bit wide for some wear-testers.

PRONATION FACTOR: Neutral Runners and Slight Overpronators Review: 9/03




Moderate over-pronation


adidas a3 Twin Strike 2
$130.00
Men 6.5-15
Women 6-10
Give credit to adidas. The Twin Strike design represents their first attempt to mount their heel-first a3 cushioning technology in a shoe’s forefoot. When early feedback indicated that the original Twin Strike design needed improvement, its release was abandoned. As a result, the improved Twin Strike 2 is the first Twin Strike design to reach the market. The a3 midsole technology consists of seven polyurethane (rubber) chunks embedded between plastic plates and topped with a molded EVA (foam) cover. The positive result is a durable, stable ride. The drawbacks are additional weight and firmness, although wear testers reported that the forefoot was more flexible than expected. With the exception of the a3 billboard that tops the tongue, the upper finely melds function and fashion. Fit is typical adidas-runners with a high-volume midfoot or low arches will need to look elsewhere.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate Overpronators






adidas adiSTAR Control
$110.00
Men 6.5-15
Women 6-10
The adiSTAR Control improves upon the a3 Control it replaces. Despite the name change, the adiSTAR Control’s heel still contains adidas’s a3 energy management technology: four polyurethane chunks sandwiched between two plastic plates. After the chunks and plates are compressed during heelstrike, some of the impact energy is returned to the runner’s stride as the chunks and plates decompress. Changes to this model include a narrow-fitting, breathable upper and a full-length medial post. Both changes increase the stability of the shoe, making it a good choice for moderate-to-severe over-pronators looking for a durable shoe.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation Review: 3/03






adidas Brevard 2
$90.00
Women 5-12
The Brevard has garnered one of the most loyal fan bases in all of shoedom. Snug in the heel and midfoot and wide across the ball of the foot, the highly stable Brevard fits the woman’s foot like few other shoes. Not wanting to mess with success, adidas didn’t change the Brevard for years. Not even a color change. While Brevard fans appreciated the continuity, lacing up the exact same shoe day after day after day was getting a bit boring. Enter the Brevard 2, a shoe that borrows liberally from the previous adidas Cairo, but retains the fit and function of the original Brevard.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation Review: 3/03







adidas Supernova Control
$90.00
Men 6.5-15 (D, 2E)
Women 5-12 (B, D)
The update to the Supernova Control is minor, but we wanted to take the opportunity to add this historically-excellent shoe to our Quick Comparison Chart. Fans of the Supernova Control series will be happy to note that the midsole/outersole and basic shape remains unchanged. Plenty of cushioning is provided by a forefoot made of high-quality foam and a heel of standard foam containing large, soft plugs. A 3/4-length medial post and midfoot shank provide stability. Changes were restricted to the upper, where ghilly loops replace the conventional eyelets-making it harder to customize fit-and more synthetic leather surrounds the foot, especially around the first and fifth metatarsal heads.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate Overpronators Review: 9/03






Asics Gel-Kayano IX
$130.00
Men 6-16 (D, 2E)
Women 5- 12 (B, D)
There is no bouncing around when it comes to the focus of the Gel-Kayano. Every iteration is more cushioned, more stable and more durable than its predecessor. New to the Kayano is a bigger Gel pad in the forefoot and a new Gel material in the heel. Wear-testers immediately appreciated the softer heel. A touch more stability and durability result from a sturdy upper with well-placed support overlays. The only noted drawback? The performance gains are accompanied by a weight gain.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation Review: 3/03







Asics GT-2080
$90
Men 6-16 (B-4E)
Women 5-12 (2A-D)
The moderately-stable GT-2080 is what shoe-fitters refer to as a "go-to shoe." It hits right at the heart of the running demographic. It is average in nearly every way-which is a good thing. After all, to a shoe company, "average" translates to "lots of customers." What’s not average about the GT-2080 is its surprisingly light weight, soft heel and its availability in four widths for men and three widths for women. Fans of ASICS’ GT-2070 won’t miss a step when upgrading to the GT-2080.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation Review 3/03





Avia 2050
$85
Men 7-15 (D, 2E)
Women 5.5-12 (B, D)
Normally, when numerically-named shoes are updated, the number goes up. By naming the update to the 2050 the 2050 (as opposed to the 2051, for example), Avia is sending the message that they didn’t mess up the classic 2050. Message received. The 2050 is a stability shoe that does things a bit differently thanks to two of Avia’s unique shoe technologies, the Cantilever heel and the Anatomical Cradle. Integrated cleverly into the polyurethane heel and foam midfoot/forefoot, these two technologies work together to stabilize and cushion the heel and midfoot. (Yes, there’s a traditional medial post, too, but one wonders if it’s even needed.) Supplemental cushioning pads in the heel and forefoot add to this impressive package.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate Overpronators Review: 9/03







Brooks Trance NXS
$130
Men 7-15
Women 6-12
The newly redesigned Trance NXS is the highest priced and most technologically advanced shoe Brooks offers. Our wear testers immediately appreciated two of these technologies. The Trance’s rearfoot contains three densities of midsole foam, stacked to gradually reduce pronation rate after heel strike. (Compared to a dual-density midsoles, where pronation control is a bit more abrupt.) Also, a new fluid-filled pod provides additional forefoot cushioning. The Trance is wider in the midfoot and should get you one hundred miles or so further down the road than its hugely popular little sister, the $90 Adrenaline GTS.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate Overpronators Review: 9/03






Brooks Vantage
$75
Men 7-15
Women 6-12
No, Brooks has not reincarnated the old Vantage-just its name. The new Vantage replaces the Vapor, a successful niche shoe that filled the needs of overpronators with wide, curved feet. Built on a less curved platform, the Vantage is more mainstream, but will still appeal to Vapor fans. Stability is provided by a medial post and plastic midfoot shank-a common combination-but Brooks’s use of very dense foam in the medial post makes their system particularly functional. One important note from our wear testers was that the Vantage’s arch was low enough to not bother those who cannot tolerate much underfoot pressure. This was not the case for the Vapor. For $75, the Vantage also includes forefoot and rearfoot cushioning inserts and a foam board under the sockliner. While the Vantage isn’t quite on par with the Adrenaline GTS, it is definitely one of the best values in the stability category.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate Overpronators Review: 9/03






Etonic Stable Pro V
$100
Men 7-14 (D-4E)
Women 6-10, 11 (B-2E)
Etonic’s Stable Pro III is a classic among motion control shoes. Big and beefy, it can withstand nearly all attempts at over-pronation. With its Stable Pro V, Etonic has a shoe that it hopes will become a classic stability shoe. Although the V looks like it’s chock full of control devices, the heel is quite soft and the ominous-looking medial posting is not as stiff as it appears, making it friendlier to those who don’t need major motion control. Wear-testers reported that it was the widest of all tested stability shoes.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation Review: 3/03





Etonic Streetfighter ICO
$90
Men 7-14 (D, 4E)
Women 6-11 (B, D)
The Streetfighter is Etonic’s flagship shoe. It has a commendable balance of stability and cushioning and its upper will accommodate many feet. Stability is provided by a standard dual-density foam midsole with a plastic midfoot bridge. Supplemental cushioning technologies are in the form of Etonic’s established Stable Air heel pod and a new forefoot foam pad made of Impact Cushioning Operant #10 (thus the ICO in the name). As is true with many other shoes, wear-testers reported the fit would be better if not for an overabundance of overlays in the toe that have a tendency to pinch down on the toes during toe-off. A look at the Quick Comparison Guide at the end of this article reveals that the Streetfighter has a soft, stable ride and a relaxed fit. This Streetfighter is a shoe that a lot of runners will enjoy.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate Overpronators Review: 9/03







Mizuno Wave Mercury 3
$90
Men 7-15
Women 6-11
The moderately stable Wave Mercury 3 remains largely similar to the 2, which was known for a solid, stable heelstrike and a supportive arch. The new Mercury is slightly softer throughout after the installation of a new plastic/carbon-graphite Wave plate and a thicker pad of VS-1 cushioning foam under the ball of the foot. This Mercury retains the "Intercool" system, a series of channels in the midsole that allow hot air to be pumped out of the shoe with each midsole compression.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation Review 3/03






Mizuno Wave Alchemy 3
$90
Men 7-15 (D, 2E)
Women 6-11 (B, D)
The Alchemy has established a loyal following of narrow-footed overpronators who appreciate Mizuno’s traditional long, contoured arch and firm ride. As was true for the Alchemy 2, the new model is stable enough for all but the most severe overpronators. Rearfoot/midfoot control is provided by Mizuno’s most stable Wave, a corrugated mostly-plastic plate that very effectively inhibits overpronation and midfoot flex. While not harsh, the Alchemy 2’s ride was generally referred to as firm. When updating the Alchemy, Mizuno concentrated on softening the ride by re-designing the Wave plate, removing of the board under the sockliner and adding a thicker cushioning pad in the forefoot. The changes aren’t momentous, but the bouncier ride is noticeable. The new upper was generally well-received. Those who had trouble with the previous lacing system will appreciate the return to conventional eyelets. Wide widths are now available.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate Overpronators Review: 9/03







Mizuno Wave Legend 2
$100
Men 7-15
Women 6-11
The first update to the Legend is mostly cosmetic, leaving the basic design unchanged. A wide base and a plastic Wave plate embedded under the arch provide stability. The foam midsole's energy absorption is enhanced by an additional rubber Wave plate and a slab of foam under the outside of the heel as well as another foam pad under the ball of the foot. The new upper was neither loved nor hated, with orthotic wearers the happiest and those with low heel bones the most often irritated. In our review of the original Legend, we described it as a slightly less stable, slightly less costly version of Mizuno's Wave Legacy. Now that the Alchemy is available in multiple widths, a better comparison may be with the wide-width Alchemy. In this association, too, the Legend finishes a close second.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate Overpronators






Nike Air Structure Triax
$90
Men 6-17 (B-2E)
Women 5-14 (2A-D)
The Air Structure Triax is the cornerstone of Nike's Bowerman line--shoes that place function over fashion. When designing the third generation of the Structure Triax, Nike's principal thought was, "don't screw it up." They didn't. Modifications were minor, including moving the midfoot saddle further back to open up the midfoot slightly and enlarging the Duralon pad under the forefoot for a smoother toe-off. The result is a shoe that will fit a huge segment of the running population.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation Review 3/03





Puma Complete Peerless II
$85
Men 6-14
Women 4-10
The Peerless II is a high-stability shoe for runners who don’t want to feel any foot sway during heel strike but want a less-controlled toe-off. A rearfoot with a firm iCell pad, board base, foam and plastic medial post and an external heel counter gives way to a softer and more flexible, but rather narrow, forefoot.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation Review 3/03






Reebok Premier Stability DMX
$90
Men 6.5-15 (D, 2E)
Women 5-12 (B)
The Stability DMX is a conventional high-volume stability shoe. Foam pads and a polyurethane sockliner will keep even large runners from bottoming-out this shoe. A foam medial post in the rearfoot and forefoot and a functional midfoot shank adequately protect against over-rotation. Although the upper has a midfoot wrap that integrates with the lacing system, the fit is very relaxed. Runners with broader feet or who use orthotics appreciated the extra room, but those with average-width feet were less admiring.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate Overpronators





Rykä Sole Ride
$90.00 (Women only)
Women 5.5-12
Ryka’s Sole Ride is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. What appears at first glance to be a marshmallow of a shoe is actually remarkably stable. A dual-density heel cradle and a rock-solid midfoot shank are nicely camouflaged and the supportive sockliner, rearfoot board and high heel counter are completely hidden.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate over-pronation
Review 3/03







Saucony Grid Vision
$130
Men 7-14
Women 5-11
The Grid Vision is a shoe that you wouldn’t expect from Saucony-and that’s the point. On paper, the Vision looks interesting. The midsole consists of a single plastic plate that sits atop a wildly sculpted foam base. The gridded plate acts as rearfoot cushion, midfoot support shank, and forefoot cushion and lever. The upper uses bonded overlays to create a seamless interior. Both of these technologies are sure to have a long future in running footwear. In its present form, however, the Vision should not see that future. Wear testers reported a flat, jarring heel strike, a nice smooth transition, and a forefoot that felt slightly concave during toe-off. The performance of the fashion-forward upper was generally panned. The overlays had a tendency to pinch toes and the overdone Arch-Lock rubbed some the wrong way.

PRONATION FACTOR: Moderate Overpronators






Severe over-pronation

adidas Cairo
$100.00
Men 6.5-15
Women 5-12
The previous version of the Cairo was one of the lightest shoes that could be recommended for the moderate to severe over-pronator. The new Cairo is aimed squarely at the severe over-pronator. Sturdier componentry result in a heavier, more stable shoe. While the new upper accommodates wider feet, it is still less voluminous than most other motion control shoes. (Women who prefer the old Cairo, take note: the new Brevard is very similar to the old Cairo. Unfortunately, men, there is no Brevard for you.)

PRONATION FACTOR: Severe over-pronation Review: 3/03






New Balance 815
$85
Men 6-17 (B- 4E)
Women 5-13 (2A-2E)
The New Balance summer 2003 catalog contained over 30 different styles of training and racing shoes. It’s hard to believe that there was a niche that they didn’t fill, but there was one: the moderately-priced motion control shoe. Recently, New Balance has surrendered customers in search of such an animal to styles such as the Brooks Addiction and ASICS Gel-Foundation. No more! The 815 gives New Balance a solid if somewhat unexciting contender in this solid if somewhat unexciting shoe category. The necessary control components are all accounted for in the 815: the wide base, multi-density 3/4-length medial post, and an upper with a supportive heel and midfoot. These stability parts work with front and back Abzorb cushioning pads to provide a functional shoe that will protect floppy feet of nearly every conceivable size.

PRONATION FACTOR: Severe Overpronators





New Balance 855
$95.00
Men 6.5-16 (B-4E)
Women 5-12 (2A-2E)
After making many runners happy by leaving the 854 alone for a few years, New Balance must have been itching to make changes. The 855 is new from top to bottom. New Abzorb SBS cushioning pads replace the old Abzorb pads. A new Dupont midsole replaces the old foam and a foam medial post joins the plastic Rollbar. The result is a shoe that is more stable and more durable, but not much softer than the 854. Of course, these improvements come with a price. Five dollars, to be exact.

PRONATION FACTOR: Severe over-pronation Review: 3/03




Nike Air Kantara 2
$120
Men 6-15 (D, 2E)
Women 5-12 (2A, B, D)
The original Air Kantara combined the heel cushion of a large-volume airbag with the rearfoot stability of a sturdy foam and plastic medial post. The result was a shoe that performed admirably as a motion control shoe for smaller and average sized runners and as a high stability shoe for larger runners. Fine forefoot cushioning was provided by a second airbag and blown rubber outersole. The Kantara 2 has been stiffened, nudging it cleanly into the motion control category. This was accomplished by extending the medial post forward and lengthening the midfoot stability shank. Wear testers also reported that the 2’s upper is more supportive than the original’s.

PRONATION FACTOR: Severe Overpronators Review: 9/03





Rykä Stab KM5
$80
Women 5.5-12 (B, D)
The KM5 is Ryka’s most stable shoe and loaded with tech. The load path transitions from a foam strike plate to a heel pad to a dual-density medial post to a midfoot shank to a forefoot pad. Wear testers reported that the shoe provided a pleasant heel-to-toe transition, and that it fits narrower than average and they would prefer the wide width.

PRONATION FACTOR: Severe Overpronators Review: 9/03





Saucony GRID Stabil MC
$90
Men 7-15 (D, 2E)
Women 5-12 (B, D)
The GRID Stabil MC is a shoe for runners with low, over-active feet. Saucony throws every expected stability feature into this design, plus a few surprises. Expected is the straight platform, foam and plastic medial posting, rigid heel counter and Arch-Lock midfoot wrap. Surprises include forefoot-located posting devices, including a third-density of foam under the ball of the foot and GRID Return, a lightning bolt-shaped piece of plastic embedded in the side of the midsole. Wear-testers reported that, like the GRID Stabil that preceded it, severe over-pronators with high-volume feet will need the wide width.

PRONATION FACTOR: Severe over-pronation

[outsider]

2003


Trail Shoes


adidas Response Trail 9
TRAIL SHOE
$80.00
Men 6.5-13, 14, 15
Women 5-12, 13
Back in the day, with the advent of the Response Trail progeny, adidas ruled the trails. The Response Trail 9 brings adidas back to where it once belonged. The newest in the line engenders many of the qualities that made the Response the leader in the early 90s: a smooth stride, light perceived weight, and adequate cushioning without forfeiting the low profile agility. The shoe tested well and was lauded for its breathable mesh upper, adiPRENE heel cushioning, adiPRENE+ forefoot resiliency materials, midfoot Torsion for stability and control, and Traxion outsole lugs for reliable purchase on most any surface, including road. What testers enjoyed most, however, was that all of these features allowed them to run, simply and freely, without a thought about their shoes.
Review: 12/03




adidas CC Cardona
TRAIL SHOE
$80.00
Men 4-14, 15, 16, 17
Women 5-12
Characterized as an “adventure trail” shoe, the CC Cardona ran surprisingly well compared to others in this emerging footwear category dominated by light hikers. The Cardona features adidas’s ClimaCool 360T ventilation and quick drainage, adiPRENE and adiPRENE+ absorption and propulsion in the rear and forefoot, respectively, and a stabilizing Torsion system in the midfoot. The Cardona has a rather shapely, contoured upper with a narrow midfoot and roomy, long toe box. Given the snug upper, we recommend you try before you buy to make sure the shoe fits, so to speak. The high traction rubber and lug pattern offered excellent grip on wet and graveled surfaces and the Push Through Protection Plate effectively shielded the forefoot from bone bruising.
Review: 12/03





adidas ClimaCool Trail
TRAIL SHOE
$75.00
Men 6.5-13, 14, 15
Women 5-11, 12
Cool is the word. If you hate hot feet or want the ideal shoe for quick-drainage when crossing rivers, streams or swampy trails, the ClimaCool Trail does the trick. The testers reported that the unique breathable mesh upper and the venting in the sockliner and sole of the ClimaCool Trail enveloped their feet with air. One tester’s chilled toes were evidence of the unobstructed airflow: these are not winter shoes! Though lightweight, the ClimaCool Trail boasts a solid combination of heel and forefoot cushioning in the midsole, a high-traction outsole, and adidas’s Torsion stability. Testers recommended the ClimaCool Trail for lighter, more nimble runners, especially those who run in warmer climes or confront water crossings regularly. For a less vented equivalent, the testers favored adidas’s Response Trail 9.
Review: 6/03





adidas ClimaCool Adventure
TRAIL SHOE
$100.00
Men 4-14
Although our testers found the ClimaCool Adventure’s appearance overbearing and gimmicky, they were pleasantly surprised by its performance. Built for rugged adventure running in hot weather, the ClimaCool Adventure provides 360 degrees breathability through mesh, vents, and even a vented TPU rollbar with a metal silt screen (that will also prevent leaches from sneaking into your adventure sneakers). Since blisters are a crucial concern of adventure runners and since most blisters are the result of heat and moisture buildup, the ClimaCool Adventure is an attractive choice for the heat. The shoes incorporate heel and forefoot cushioning for a very comfortable ride and their traction was suitable for all surfaces. Unfortunately the testers found the Adventure to be somewhat overbuilt: the instep rubber, mesh cosmetics, aluminum eyelets and tubular lacing detracted from the overall performance. The simpler Aleto ($75), with fewer vents and a similar ride, was a real hit among our testers, although it lacks all the cooling features.
Review: 6/03




Asics Gel-Eagle Trail III WP
TRAIL SHOE
$110
Men 6-13, 14, 15
Women 5-12
Those who have enjoyed the smooth ride of the GEL-Eagle Trail I or II will be pleased with the third iteration of this shoe. With a new heel memory foam and the option of a waterproof upper, the Eagle Trail III is excellent for most of America’s “trail runners” who spend much of their jaunts on pavement getting to and from the trail and the remainder doing what they want: running on prime single track. Testers found the Eagle III to be true to ASICS’s strong road heritage, with both fore and rearfoot silicon-based GEL cushioning and a resilient “SpEVA” midsole compound, and were pleased to report that the shoe did not forfeit cushioning or stability when the Eagle ventured off road. ASICS’s Impact Guidance System provided structure without any objectionable motion control interfering with precision foot placement, and the carbon rubber outsole was durable and aggressive enough to give traction on all but the muddiest or iciest of trails. Also available in a non-waterproof model for $90.
Review: 12/03





Asics Gel-Trabuco VI
TRAIL SHOE
$80
Men 6-13, 14, 15
Women 5-12
Re-emerging in an updated and improved form, the GEL-Trabuco VI packs a wallop of support and lightweight runability as a superb all-terrain shoe. The newest version offers fore and rearfoot GEL cushioning, both an extended DuoMax medial post and ASICS’s Trusstic System for stability, and a water-resistant upper that does well in variable weather. This shoe is a great value for its money and was a favorite of testers who enjoyed the Trabuco’s fit, protection and athletic feel.





Asics GEL-Mesa Trail
TRAIL SHOE
$60.00
Men 6-13, 14
Women 5-12
Running down one section of the popular Mesa Trail, in Boulder, CO it is easy to pick up speed around a sun-baked bend that leads into a rocky straight littered with sharp edges of sandstone. ASICS’s GEL-Mesa Trail appears to be designed for that section, given their generous protection from a mix of compression molded EVA and rear GEL cushioning. Our testers found the Mesa to be better suited for heavier runners because its rigid and very supportive structure was too much for those who are light on their feet and want more flexibility and feel for the trail. The outsole was notably aggressive yet worked well on roads, where the testers were pleased with the smooth transition of the Mesa’s heel-to-toe action.
Review: 6/03




Brooks Trespass 2
TRAIL SHOE
$85
Men 7-12, 13, 14, 15
Women 6-11, 12
Given that many a trail runner felt the original Trespass was a trespass to the eyes, Brooks made the upper of the Trespass 2 more aesthetically pleasing. Testers raved about the Trespass 2’s out-of-the-box comfort and fit, with one feeling confident enough to wear the shoe for a successful maiden voyage in a race on trail and dirt roads. Another tester characterized the Trespass 2 as a “blue collar, working shoe”-functional and effective in a wide variety of terrains and conditions. The features that create this effect include HydroFlow ST in the heel and a forefoot strike pad for cushioning and energy return, a forefoot plate to protect against bruising, and solid traction and durability through different densities of outsole rubber. A dual-density midsole with a firmer medial material limits pronation-quite adequately for those who need it, but too much for those who don’t-while a molded plastic plate under the arch helps to even out the shoe’s heel to toe transition. In fact, the only complaints about the Trespass 2 were that the uppers, although weather resistant and warm (and more attractive), were not very breathable, which isn’t a problem in cooler temperatures.
Review: 12/03






Brooks Trail Addiction
TRAIL SHOE
$85.00
Men 8-13, 14, 15
Women 5-12
If we were to have P-factors for trail shoes, the Addiction would receive the highest of ratings. This is, indeed, a stability trail shoe in keeping with the Beast heritage, using Brooks’s Linear Platform, Active Stability technology, and an extended rollbar to make the Addiction ideal for heavier-footed trail runners who overpronate and run on groomed trails with consistent footing. The testers found the full-length cushioned midsole and rear and forefoot Hydroflow padding provided a very cushioned ride. Although the Addiction is an excellent choice for runners transitioning from supportive road shoes to trail shoes, it came in on the stiff, clunky side due to its hefty midsole which will be most appreciated by hefty runners.
Review: 6/03





Five Ten Access
TRAIL SHOE
$85.00
Men 4-13
Women 5-11
Five Ten is a rock climbing footwear manufacturer that makes shoes that clamber and scamper with ease both getting to and on the rocks. Appropriately known as "approach" or "scrambling" shoes, the Access define the category with climbing shoe S1 rubber soles, touted as the stickiest sole material on the market. Weighing in at a scant 11 ounces, the shoes cut their weight by compromising midsole cushioning and protection, of which there is little. The women’s version, however, offers more midsole cushioning than the men’s. The testers enjoyed the Access for rocky ascents and gave top marks for the lacing system and traction, but complained that the Access had little to no heel-to-toe transition so that they "slapped" the ground on downhill impact and left testers feeling a bit pounded on longer runs. On the plus side, all thought that the Access was a great looking shoe.
Review: 6/03




La Sportiva Colorado Trail
TRAIL SHOE
$85
Men 5.5-13
Women 7.5-13.5
It should come as no surprise that La Sportiva would build a running shoe that has the close fit of a rock climbing shoe. The durable, well-constructed Colorado Trail runs a bit small in the toe box, so think about going a half size larger than you normally do. A high-tensile composite rock guard and a shock absorbing heel unit make the Colorado Trail very protective underfoot. A 2.5mm fiberglass composite shank in the midfoot enhances the Colorado Trail’s stability and is short enough in the front of the shoe to allow for optimal forefoot flex, which helps to explain why this shoe was given top honors for its climbing finesse. The Colorado Trail’s heel shelf was reminiscent of a hiking boot, which bothered testers who perceived it to obstruct gentle heel-to-toe action. They did find that the heel assisted heel strikers in braking on descents.





Merrell Bolt
TRAIL SHOE
$95.00
Men 7-12, 13, 14, 15
Women 5-10, 11
Want customized trail shoes? Merrell’s M-Chips allow trail runners to change the density of the midsole in the lateral and medial forefoot and medial rearfoot with pronged plug-like inserts that come in firm or neutral TPU. By choosing the density and location of the plugs, trail runners can adjust for motion control and align the Bolt for neutral, supinator, pronator, low arch or women’s gait patterns. Although comfortable and roomy, the four-way stretch of the Mr. Roger’s-sneakers-look synthetic uppers were a bit sloppy on more technical trails. The EVA midsole with multi-density medial posting and molded arch support made for a steady ride that the testers found warranted a pleasant nod for overall performance. One tester gave the Bolt rave reviews as a "workhorse of a shoe for heavier runners, regardless of the trail conditions."
Review: 6/03




Mizuno Wave Wildwood 2
TRAIL SHOE
$90
Men 7-13, 14
Women 6-11
Testers hailed the Wave Wildwood 2 as one of the most “runable” of the shoes reviewed. For those who have enjoyed Mizuno’s Wave technology in road shoes, the Wildwood 2 carries that cushioning technology off road. The Wildwood 2 is light, agile, flexible, and offers plenty of trail feel for faster paced fartlek-type training. It is best suited for dirt roads and tamer off-road running, however, as testers reported it gave more of a road shoe feel on very rugged trails.
Review: 12/03






Mizuno Wildwood
TRAIL SHOE
$90.00
Men 7-13, 14
Women 6-11
Testers who were used to trail shoes couldn’t help but remark about the smooth heel-to-toe transition and lively action of the Wildwood on smooth or rolling trails. That perception likely emanated from Mizuno’s Wave technology, which spreads the foot’s impact over the length of the midsole for ample cushioning and protection. Two testers recommended the Wildwood for runners transitioning into trail running because it performed well on the road and was more of a hybrid road and trail shoe. One tester found the heel pocket too shallow and the heel too high making him susceptible to ankle rolls. Another tester felt that the heel was deficient in cushioning. Almost everyone, however, enjoyed the overall performance of the Wildwood and its smooth ride on more sedate trails and dirt roads.




Review: 6/03
Montrail Susitna GTX
TRAIL SHOE
$125.00
Men 7-12, 13, 14, 15
Women 5-10, 11
Montrail and Gore-Tex have teamed up to fix a problem that has long plagued waterproof footwear. Until the advent of the Susitna and its DryShell construction, waterproof barriers have been placed on the inside of the shoe-allowing the outside to get wet and heavy. Now the Susitna’s Gore-Tex XCR can shed water before it penetrates the surface of the shoe. To enhance the water-resistance, the Susitna comes with a customized gaiter. Beyond its waterproof qualities, the Susitna impressed our testers with its classic Montrail fit, one that got better with use. They also enjoyed the low profile, stability, support, and responsiveness, although wouldn’t recommend the black shoe for warmer climes. Further, although the inadequacy of shoelaces was the theme gripe of this month’s review, the Susitna poses a different problem: getting to the laces. Don’t try to change or substantially adjust them unless your last name is Houdini as the cover blocks their access.





Montrail Vitesse
TRAIL SHOE
$80.00
Men 7-13
Women 5-11
All too often a company makes a good shoe only to discontinue the style the next season. Montrail bucks that trend by sticking to that which it has done right for years. The Vitesse, a stalwart that has dominated in the trail ultra-running world for more than five years, remains the lightest of Montrail’s line, while being extremely rugged and protective, although the outsole could afford a more textured profile for traction on loose terrain. The slight bulge in the lateral mid and outsole adds some outrigger-type stability that reduces one’s susceptibility to ankle rolls. The upper sports a tongueless collar that our testers found did a superb job of preventing trail debris from penetrating the ankle, while the mesh and synthetic mix provided durability and breathability with a foot-hugging and supportive fit. The Vitesse’s midsole is firmer than a road runner might like, but it makes for a shoe that feels the same, or better, on the 100th mile as it does on the first step.
Review: 6/03



New Balance 701
TRAIL SHOE
$78
Men 7-13, 14, 15, 16 (D, 2E, 4E)
Women 5-11, 12, 13 (2A, B, D)
Kudos to the designers of the NB 701s, which our creative director voted the most attractive shoes in the review. Other high marks went to their lacing system, the underfoot protection shield, heel shock-absorbing material, midfoot web for torsional stability, and traction from different outsole compounds. The overall result, however, was reported to be somewhat uncomfortable, particularly the tongueless ankle sleeve, which blocked trail debris but was reportedly abrasive. Although a definite improvement over NB’s first round of adventure shoes, which were closer to cross trainers that would work better indoors, testers found the 701 not quite up to NB’s high standards in fit and craftspersonship.
Review: 12/03




New Balance 905
TRAIL SHOE
$100
Men 6-13, 14, 15, 16 (D, 2E, 4E)
Women 5-11, 12, (2A, B, D)
Keeping the 900-series, top-of-the-line reputation alive, the 905 incorporates NB’s shoe technologies in a manner that left one tester to marvel at its “good energy and bounce,” while noting its comfortable upper, “exceptionally smooth heel to toe transition,” and “nice motion control.” Some of those compliments are attributable to the 905’s TS2 transitional support system, which was designed to optimize support without interfering with the mechanical conversion from heel strike to forefoot propulsion. Testers gave this shoe some of the highest marks all around, with the only negative that the forefoot cushioning and protection felt inadequate on very rocky or rooted trails.
Review: 12/03





New Balance 870
TRAIL SHOE
$90.00
Men 7-13, 14, 15 (D, 2E, 4E)
Women 5-11, 12, 13 (2A, B, D)
The 870, New Balance’s trail trainer/racer, received some of the highest ratings of any shoe in this review. The 870 is very light, low in profile for quickness and maneuverability, and made our testers feel like they were running on smooth surfaces, even when the trails were turbulent. Although the shoe feels simple, there is a lot going on under the hood: heel and forefoot cushioning inserts, high-traction lug pattern and a serious support system for a secure ride. Still, some of the testers found the 870 a bit Spartan in the cushioning, structure and motion control departments, especially for those runners with special needs in those areas. Some of the testers also found the shoe’s volume high, arches low and heel cup a bit shallow but the lacing system was very secure and the unique sausage-link shoelaces were a real hit because they stayed tied without double knotting.
Review: 6/03





Nike Pegasus Trail
TRAIL SHOE
$80.00
Men 6-13, 14, 15
Women 5-11, 12
Continuing the progression from the excellent Storm Pegasus, which has been one of Nike’s best trail shoes and a worthy top seller, the Pegasus Trail is an excellent choice for road runners transitioning to the trails, or those who run on both in the same run. The Pegasus Trail morphs a road shoe fit and smooth heel-to-toe transition with the functionality of a trail shoe, given its protective midsole and stable ride. Some testers found the heel counter too deep and firm, and others thought the medial posting too firm, but all considered the Pegasus a smooth, solid SUV of a shoe.
Review: 6/03




Nike/ACG Air Zoom Steen
TRAIL SHOE
$85.00
Men 6-13, 14, 15
Women 5-10, 11, 12
Many a shoe manufacturer has tried to make a cushioned trail shoe with the result being a mushy marshmallow of a shoe that had as much control as your childhood banana-seated bike had with low air in the tires. In contrast, ACG’s Air Zoom Steen provides cushioning AND control with lower profile Zoom Air in the forefoot and dual density Phylon in the heel for moderate motion control. Testers enjoyed the stability of the Steen and were surprised that such a supportive, cushioned shoe could be so flexible and "runable." The fit was a bit roomy for those with lower-volume feet, but the different lacing options and heel snug loops helped mitigate that problem. The midfoot support shank provided ample stone-bruise protection and the waffle sole offered traction aplenty on every surface tested.
Review: 6/03



Nike/ACG Air Zoom Steens XCR Mid
TRAIL SHOE
$110
Men 6-13, 14, 15
No, these are not “Trail Jordans.” The high-top (mid-cut) may resemble that of a basketball shoe in ankle-height appearance, but this is certainly an off-court shoe that builds on the superior cushioning of the original Zoom Steens, as provided by the dual-density Phylon midsole and Nike Zoom Air. Testers gave the Steens’ traction a top ranking and didn’t perceive the Gore-Tex XCR as inhibiting the shoe’s breathability, although they did notice that the shoes were “on the warm side.” Our testers experienced some discomfort in the ankle and foot crease, but found that by experimenting with the versatile lacing options they could customize the fit to minimize any pressure they experienced. Those who care a lot about heel security, especially when it comes to flying down technical descents, will appreciate the fact that the Steens’ laces are routed through the heel counter for a tighter fit. Overall, the Steens XCR Mid is an excellent choice for winter trail running.

Review: 12/03




The North Face Ultra 102
TRAIL SHOE
$100.00
Men 7-12, 13, 14
Women 5-10, 11
Our testers were immediately won over by the Ultra 102 and its excellent out-of-the-box flexibility and comfort, its lightweight, speedy feel, and its dialed-in fit from what one tester deemed an "inspired lacing system." The wide, two-tiered lacing system is easily customized and the best of any shoe tested as it holds the foot to the sole of the shoe rather than merely securing the upper around the foot for a disembodied connection to the ground. The testers also enjoyed the Outlast footbed for slight temperature moderation, and the firm, supportive heel. Interestingly enough, some of the features that were initially seen as improvements over the Ultra 100-an easier ride, more feel for the trail, and less motion control-turned out to detract from the final evaluation of the 102. The testers found that the soft EVA midsole broke down quickly in the forefoot and the traction was somewhat deficient, leaving them to feel a bit punished by the trail after long miles in the shoes.
Review: 6/03


The North Face Vapor Light
TRAIL SHOE
$90.00
Men 7-12, 13, 14
Women 5-10, 11
Although the Vapor Light weighs the same as the Ultra 102 and felt somewhat comparable, our testers gave it slightly higher marks in the end. For a shoe with a lower price and a few less features than the 102-notably, the lacing system is less customizable-the Vapor Light offered a more protective forefoot that felt more supportive. The testers recommend the Vapor for moderate to smooth trails and thought the easy heel-to-toe transition would appeal to a broad range of trail runners. The Vapor’s dual-density EVA midsole with a TPU shank, fore and heel cushioning inserts and multi-surface outsole design for trail and road are all very functional and the only complaint about the shoe was that the heel was slightly too high and firm for more technical trail running.
Review: 6/03


Pearl Izumi Take
TRAIL SHOE
$85
Men 6-13, 14
Women 5-11, 12
Pearl Izumi has jumped into the shoe market with an impressive pace right from the trailhead. The Take is Pearl I’s first trail shoe and the testers, especially the women, hailed its comfort, fit and midfoot security. The novel tongue construction, welded Kevlar reinforced heel and toe box, seamless, two-piece inner mesh lining, and orthotic footbed with molded heel and arch all treated testers to out-of-the-box cushiness. They did, however, find that on paved surfaces the shoe lacked a smooth heel-to-toe transition, being on the “cloppy” side, likely due to the concavity of the Take’s outsole. That outsole, with tightly-spaced nubs, gripped well but is erroneously named “Shed Tread” as testers found that it retained mud to the point of compromising handling and control on wet, sloppy trails. The EVA midsole with heel and forefoot silicone absorption inserts-or silicone implants, if you will-made the Take a top choice for comfortable easy runs on rugged terrain.
Review: 12/03



Reebok Premier Trail
TRAIL SHOE
$80.00
Men 6.5-14, 15
Women 5-11
After taking some time away from the trail, Reebok has returned to the market with a trail version of its Premier Series. Fortunately for Reebok, the Premier is a gentle re-entry as the best trail shoe the company has made. A solid all-terrain shoe, the testers found the Premier agreeably simple and straightforward. They report that the cushioning gives a comfortable ride but not so much as to compromise responsiveness on technical trails. To add stability, the Premier Trail sports Reebok’s Proflexion in the forefoot. With the Premier series, Reebok has introduced performance running lasts for both men and women with a snug heel, supportive arch, and expansive toe box that allows for smoother toe-off.

Review: 6/03


Salomon XA Pro II
TRAIL SHOE
$90.00
Men 7-12, 13, 14
Women 5-10, 11, 12
This shoe could have been named the “Patriot Act” because it is all about security, but unlike the Federal legislation, the XA Pro II is all about freedom as well. Like the original XA Pro, which is seen on the feet of the vast majority of elite adventure racers, the XA Pro II retains the breathable and quick-draining mesh upper, the low-profile agility, the snugness and adjustability of the Kevlar speed lacing system, the gusseted tongue to keep out debris, and the dual-density EVA midsole that provides a firm, protective, and structured ride. Adding to that, the XA Pro II, implements a very supportive-too supportive according to one tester-midfoot system that secures the upper to the midsole for no-nonsense running or adventure trekking on and off the trail.
Review: 12/03



Salomon Raid Race II
TRAIL SHOE
$110.00
Men 7-12, 13, 14
Women 5-10, 11, 12
Despite the fact that the Raid Race II is built with the sturdiness of a hiking boot, our testers found the adventure racing shoe ran remarkably well, and one tester gave them the highest ratings of any shoe for its support and stability. Unlike so-called "adventure" shoes which are a lot of cosmetics thrown onto a cross-training or light hiking shoe, the Raid Race II is the real deal-like the original Raid Race, they will be seen on most adventure racers’ feet, especially in expedition-length events. The Raid Race II’s triple-density mid and outsole combination, molded heel counter, and TPU sole and chassis provide unparalleled protection and support. The testers also haled the Kevlar speed lacing, which, with the simple tug of a locking slide, allowed them to make the shoe feel custom fit. Although probably more than a trail runner would want for a short jaunts, the Raid Race II is perfect for long training or racing days that involve running and walking through mixed terrain.
Review: 6/03



Salomon XA-Series
TRAIL SHOE
$100.00
Men 7-12, 13, 14
Women 5-10, 11, 12
Every once in a while a company listens to its customers and gives them what they have been asking for, as though it was special ordered. The XA-Series is a racing flat for trails. Our testers were all smiles when it came to the lightweight qualities of this unique off-road speed vehicle-from the air mesh and speed laced upper to the fiberglass plate and PU-EVA combination mid and outsole. Testers were more than happy to race in them and recommended the Series for races of up to 30K, regardless of the terrain. When worn for runs longer than two hours, the tongueless lace shield tended to aggravate the testers’ insteps and the Series won’t provide enough support, stability or protection for those who tend to pound the path, but otherwise this shoe has what it takes to be a trail race favorite.
Review: 6/03


Saucony Grid Shadow 8 TR
TRAIL SHOE
$85
Men 7-13,14
Women 5-11, 12
Over the years Saucony has come to define the “hybrid” trail and road shoe category, and the Grid Shadow 8 TR continues in that trend, wedding a road shoe upper with a trail shoe mid and outsole. In this case at least one tester found that marriage to be a happy one, although another found the marriage to be “flat and lifeless” lacking in spring or bounce. The Grid Shadow sports Saucony’s renowned fit, especially in the snug midfoot, with enough toe room for longer runs. The waterproof lining will keep you dry if those runs happen to be in wet or snowy conditions. The combination polyurethane/EVA midsole adds forefoot cushioning and medial structure, along with a midfoot support bridge for added support, although testers appreciated the lack of any funny motion control rearranging their stride, regardless whether it was on tarmac or technical trail. If you like Saucony’s fit, and want a solid, basic shoe for trail and/or sloppy winter road running, the Shadow 8 TR is worth checking out.
Review: 12/03


Teva Citral
TRAIL SHOE
$85.00
Men 7-12, 13, 14
Women 5-10, 11
Trail runners enjoyed the comfortable fit and protection of Teva’s first serious foray into closed-toe trail running shoes, the Elden Trail, but had one comment, “Lighten up.” Teva listened and now brings us the Citral. To drop weight, the upper is constructed from hollow fiber synthetic materials that are 1/3 the weight of the materials in the Elden. The Citral offers medial posting through a dual density EVA midsole and forefoot protection from a coated fabric “Protection Web” that shields the ball of the foot without interfering with its flex. The Citral’s refinement carries forward the Elden’s Liquid Frame upper technology, which weds the instep and ankle to the footbed in an encompassing grasp, but adds some new tricks to the mix to improve the foot hug. Overall, the testers found the Citral to be a highly cushioned and protective training shoe that was surprisingly light for what it offered, but not quite light or responsive enough for those interested in a faster pace or racing.
Review: 12/03



Teva Tsegi
TRAIL SHOE
$75.00
Men 7-14
Women 5-11
After launching into running footwear with the best trail running sandal on the market, the Trail Wraptor, Teva has fully embraced trail running with the Tsegi: a sign of its dedication to the sport. The Tsegi uses a performance running last that is snug enough for narrow feet and, true to its rafting footwear background, a sticky, "Spider Rubber" outsole for traction on wet surfaces. Testers initial impression of the shoe was that it was a bit clunky, given its many overlays, mudguards, medial posting and relatively stiff midsole, but were pleased with the perceived lightness of the Tsegi when in motion, especially over rugged terrain, where the protection and support were worth any added heft. This is a good shoe for all-around use, runs smoothly on paved surfaces, and is a great value.

Vasque Velocity
TRAIL SHOE
$85.00
Men 7-13, 14, 15
Women 5-11
Vasque has been approaching the trail running market for the last couple years and with the Velocity they have finally stepped up to the plate. The Velocity is slightly on the heavy side and is probably not the fastest shoe out there. Still, it is certainly deserving of being called a trail running shoe rather than a light hiker or approach shoe-although it would be a strong choice for either of those two activities. Testers were a bit leery, given Vasque’s heritage as a hiking boot manufacturer, and the Velocity’s relatively clunky appearance, but they were pleasantly surprised when they laced the shoes up and took them out for a maiden spin on the trails.

All were impressed by the smooth ride and those used to road shoes found the upper fit-snug all the way down to the toes-to be surprisingly comfortable and comforting on the trail. The Velocity felt lighter than its actual weight and the forefoot flex of the dual-density Phylon midsole was where it should be. Vasque’s origins shined when it came to the highly protective molded TPU plate shank, nylon lining, and Mako outsole.
Review: 12/03