Top 10 Shoes 2016
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FORTIUS Media Group, LLC and Cregg Weinmann, the Running Network’s footwear and apparel editor since 1998, have teamed up to bring our readers Cregg’s picks for the top ten shoes of 2016. He’s included a variety of shoe types, brands, and prices. Full reviews can be found at the links provided. Take a look!
Nike LunarGlide 8 – $120 Though a bit tardy to the latest midsole party—repurposing polyurethane—Nike shot to the head of the class with the LunarGlide 8. The Lunarlon name is familiar, but the performance of this polyurethane version shines brighter than its predecessors, going toe to toe with the best in the marketplace. http://runningproductreviews.com/php/shoes/ training/2016-fall-training/911-nike-lunarglide-8-120
On CloudFlyer – $160 The CloudFlyer is a current high point in On’s development as a serious contender in the running shoe wars. It shows a commitment to push a technological advancement to better performance, and to do it well. Where it goes from here should be an impressive show. http://runningproductreviews.com/index.php/shoes/training/ 2016-spring-shoe-review/805-oncloud-flyer-160
by Cregg Weinmann
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2 (Tie) New Balance Vazee Pace 2– $110
The New Balance Vazee Pace 2 and the Saucony Zealot ISO 2 were shoulder to shoulder in the Running Network’s Fall Shoe Review, the runner’s version of Yin and Yang. The Vazee has a lively fast feel; the Zealot is more protective. The Zealot is tenths of an ounce lighter; the Vazee is tough enough for long runs. Each had strengths in the other’s wheelhouse, but each is complete in its own right. So here they remain, locked in a tie, and a great team if one is looking for a couple pairs of versatile shoes for faster paces.
(Tie) Saucony Zealot ISO 2 – $130 http://runningproductreviews.com/index.php/shoes/ training/2016-fall-training/909-new-balance-vazee-pace-2-110 http://runningproductreviews.com/index.php/shoes/trail/2016-year-endtrail/912-saucony-zealot-iso-2-130
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Top 10 Shoes 2016
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Brooks Mazama – $140
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Brooks Hyperion – $130
The Performance Trail category is filled with fast trail shoes equipped to balance the demand for both speed and traction. The Mazama mastered this with a clever use of lugs and negative space, a thin rockplate for protection, and a light but substantial upper.
The first new racer from Brooks since the Green Silence in 2010, the Hyperion replaces the T7 racer, a series that lasted a decade and a half. The Hyperion isn’t just special, it’s really special: lightweight, protective, supportive, and with the geometry to move fast.
http://runningproductreviews.com/index.php/shoes/trail/2016-yearend-trail/916-brooks-mazama-140
http://runningproductreviews.com/index.php/shoes/racing/ 2016-spring--summer-racers/833-brooks-hyperion-130
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Nike Zoom Streak 6 – $100
Released in time for the Rio Olympics, and to the elite athletes just in time to make that team, the Zoom Streak 6 shows the result of the ingenuity that comes with Nike’s resources. It’s ultralight materials protect and perform just as well as much heavier solutions. http://runningproductreviews.com/index.php/shoes/ racing/2016-spring--summer-racers/867-nike-air-zoom-streak-6-100
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adidas Vengeful Boost – $110
There’s no doubt that adidas is rejuvenated in the running category, thanks to its Boost foam. The Vengeful Boost is a result of its “green light to shoot while you have the hot hand” attitude. It’s working and runners reap the benefits with durable, responsive shoes that perform great. http://runningproductreviews.com/index.php/shoes/training/2016-falltraining/899-adidas-vengeful-boost-110
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Under Armour Bandit XC – $110
A XC shoe has to be really good to make a best of the year list, and the Under Armour Bandit XC is that good. Between its protective TPU forefoot plate and the mud-shedding ankle-high upper, its performance serves cross country runners of any speed, from the tape-breakers to the middle-of-the-packers. http://runningproductreviews.com/index.php/shoes/ cross-country/2016-cross-country/890-under-armour-bandit-xc-110spikespikeless
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ASICS Dynaflyte – $140
The Dynaflyte was ASICS’ first new traditional performance shoe since the complete overhaul of the GEL-Lyte in 2012. It’s light to the point of almost disappearing on your foot and the new foam delivers durability and performance that’s noteworthy enough for it to anchor this list. http://runningproductreviews.com/index.php/shoes/training/ 2016-fall-training/906-asics-dynaflyte-140
* For more information on all top 10 shoes of 2016 and many others, go to www.runningproductreviews.com *