spring shoe review 2010:Spring Shoe Review 09 2/24/10 9:52 PM Page 1
ShoE REvIEWS: Motion Stabilizing—iii | Neutral—iii | Performance—v ach new season brings with it the anticipation of improved design and new materials. The shoes that endured our weartesting process represent the best shoes for a variety of feet and runners. The influence of “Natural Motion” and a reexamination Eof design and available materials can be seen in the changes that have been made in a number of the shoes. Many shoes in all categories have been lightened up and have lower profiles, though there are still a number of heavyweight shoes with heavyduty motion stabilizing technologies, or multiple layers of plush cushioning. Such changes have further established some best practices that improve overall comfort. All brands have their own lasts and formulations of basic materials that allow them to address the majority of runners’ requirements for fit and feel. The number of offerings in the Neutral and Performance shoe categories continues to grow, while those in the Motion Stabilizing category, though smaller in number, are becoming more precisely tuned to give better support and a more efficient transition from heel to toe-off. While there are some new patents in both design and use of materials, a number of innovations have spread throughout the industry so rapidly that they have already become best practices, and the consumer is the ultimate beneficiary. Shoe companies use slightly different lasts (the foot-shaped forms on which shoes are made) and proprietary midsole formulas, and those result in a wide range of offerings on the market and improved chances that runners can find a shoe to match their fitness and biomechanics. It may take a bit of time to check out all the options, but you’ll know the right shoe for you when you try it. We offer this Review as a starting point.