Best Under $80

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Best Shoes Under $80 by Cregg Weinmann or more than a decade, we’ve called your attention to what we think are some of the best values in economy running shoes. During that time, we’ve usually drawn the line at $75. This year, we’ve decided to nudge that figure up $5 because that small increase considerably broadens the playing field. Though scaled back on features and technologies, all of these shoes work nearly as well as the higher-priced shoes produced by the running shoe companies and are an excellent value. Two were standouts among all of the budget options in their categories: the ASICS GEL-1130 and the Reebok Premier Fusion II.

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ADIDAS RESPONSE CONTROL 7

$80

The Response Control has always represented what can be achieved in a motion stabilizing shoe without going crazy on features that escalate the retail price. The Response Control offers a fit that caters to medium-arched feet, though it also accommodates slightly lowerand higher-arched feet. The cushioning is quite good, and it features the ProModerator medial support and the proven ForMotion cassette in the heel to curb excessive motion. Younger runners, especially girls who more often need a bit of midsole support, will appreciate the Response Control’s extra stability and cushioning, which make possible the higher mileage necessary for improvement. Athletes who suffer from chronic shin splints may also find the extra support a boon to their recovery.

STABILIZING CUSHION Sizes: M 6.5–13,14,15; W 5–12 Weight: 11.7 oz. (men’s size 11); 9.9 oz. (women’s size 8) Upper: mesh, synthetic overlays, reflective highlights Midsole: CMEVA Shank: Torsion Outersole: adiWear Innersole: CM-EVA Construction: Stobel slip-lasted Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation

ASICS GEL–1130 $80 Our Pick for Top Budget Stabilizing Shoe ASICS has dominated this end of the running footwear spectrum for more than 15 years and continues to do so with this model. This comes as no real surprise, as ASICS has long been known for the trickle-down of its impressive array of cushioning and stabilizing solutions.

Familiar to ASICS fans are the nicely cushioned SpEVA midsole and Strobel board, and the stable DuoMax medial support, the two midsole features the 1000 series has maintained throughout its evolution. The 1130 is stable and well cushioned, an ASICS mantra, with a fit suited to low- to medium–high-arched feet. It continues to spread ASICS’ implied message: stable, cushioned comfort will keep you on the road.

STABILIZING CUSHION Sizes: M 6–13,14,15,16,17 (D,2E,4E widths); W 5–12 (B,D widths) Weight: 12.9 oz. (men’s size 11); 10.7 oz. (women’s size 8) Upper: open mesh, synthetic overlays, reflective trim Midsole: full-length SpEVA, GEL cushioning system (heel & forefoot) Shank: Trusstic Outersole: AHAR (heel), DuraSponge (forefoot) Innersole: molded EVA sockliner Construction: Stobel slip-lasted, SpEVA Strobel board Recommended for: low- to medium–high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation

BROOKS SWITCH

$80

Shoes that retail for less than $80 have been missing in the Brooks lineup for a couple of seasons. Now there’s a new model that incorporates what Brooks has become known for— effective and well-built shoes—at an excellent value. The Switch aims right down the middle of the stability range, providing enough medial support through the arch to stabilize feet that overpronate, but not so much that it over-controls feet with mild overpronation issues.

The midsole is S-257 with its familiar, resilient ride and good support. The fit is tailored to medium-arched feet though the shape leans a little toward comfort for higher-arched feet.

Its durability is also very good, making this shoe even easier on the wallet.

STABILIZING CUSHION Sizes: M 7–13,14,15; W 6–12 Weight: 12.7 oz. (men’s size 11); 10.6 oz. (women’s size 8) Upper: air mesh, synthetic overlays, reflective highlights Midsole: full-length S-257, HydroFlow (rearfoot & forefoot), diagonal rollbar (DRB) Shank: DRB Accel Outersole: HPR (heel), carbon rubber (forefoot) Innersole: CM-EVA Construction: Stobel slip-lasted, full-length S-257 Cushsole Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation

MIZUNO WAVE NEXUS 2

$79

The Nexus reintroduced Mizuno’s Wave technology to the budget conscious. Now the Nexus 2 makes careful changes, while using the same Alpha Polymer compound in its midsole, and essentially the same composite wave with its stable medial side and cushioned lateral side. Though slight adjustments have been made to the overlays, the fit is unchanged, meaning it’s still well suited to medium-arched feet with a little leeway on either side. The ride is responsive. The good stability and the durable high mileage the Nexus 2 is capable of make it a great value.

STABILIZING CUSHION Sizes: M 7–13,14,15; W 6–11 Weight: 12.1 oz. (men’s size 11); 8.9 oz. (women’s size 8) Upper: air mesh, synthetic overlays, reflective accents Midsole: Alpha Polymer compound, composite Mizuno Wave Shank: Mizuno Wave Outersole: X10 (heel), carbon/blown rubber (forefoot) Innersole: CM-EVA Construction: Stobel slip-lasted Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation

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Best Shoes Under $80

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➔ NEW BALANCE 740

$79

The 700 series has filled a key role in providing stability in New Balance’s economy range.

Though not a direct descendant, the new 740 draws on the strengths of those previous shoes to provide value and a good level of performance. The dual density ActEVA midsole is well cushioned with good stability, and is combined with a layer of Abzorb in the forefoot and an Abzorb crashpad to cushion the lateral heel on heelstrike. The forefoot has good flexibility and the full-length EVA Strobel board adds an extra measure of cushioning. The upper provides good support with N-Lock strapping at the midfoot to snug the fit.

STABILIZING CUSHION Sizes: M 7–13,14,15 (D,2E,4E widths); W 5–11,12,13 (B,D widths) Weight: 12.9 oz. (men’s size 11); 10.6 oz. (women’s size 8) Upper: mesh with synthetic overlays, reflective trim Midsole: ActEVA, Abzorb (heel & forefoot) Shank: Stability Web Outersole: Ndurance (heel), blown rubber (forefoot) Innersole: CM-EVA Construction: Stobel slip-lasted, perforated EVA Strobel board Recommended for: low- to medium-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation

NIKE AIR ALARIS

$72

The Air Alaris shows what a deep technology cache allows: a quality, affordable running shoe. Drawing its design and performance from the Air Span, the Alaris offers good cushioning and stability features—almost as good as shoes in higher price ranges. Cushioning is suitable to moderate mileage for most, and perhaps more than moderate mileage for lightweight athletes. Many runners will find that this shoe will get them through an entire season of running. Its fit and flexibility are reminders of other Nike shoes which focus on these needs, pointing to well-thought-out design and execution. The surprisingly low price proves what many think is impossible: that quality, moderate-mileage shoes don’t have to cost a fortune.

STABILIZING CUSHION Sizes: M 6–13,14,15; W 5–12 Weight: 11.9 oz. (men’s size 11); 9.7 oz. (women’s size 8) Upper: mesh, synthetic overlays, reflective accents Midsole: Phylon, Air unit (heel) Shank: TPU Outersole: BRS 1000 (heel), Duralon (forefoot) Innersole: CM-EVA Construction: Stobel slip-lasted Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation

REEBOOK PREMIER FUSION II $75 Our Pick for Top Budget Neutral Shoe The Premier Fusion II owes its name to a neutral, lightweight performance shoe from nearly a decade ago. This version is a reliable, neutral shoe that offers a lot for a modest price.

The upper provides support and a fit which is very good for medium- to high-arched feet.

Durability and ride are where the Fusion II really shines; it’s extremely tough, but protectively resilient and was responsive on every surface we tested. Dollar for dollar, the Premier Fusion II was the best neutral shoe in the economy category—it’s truly worthy of the Premier name.

NEUTRAL PERFORMANCE Sizes: M 6.5–15; W 5–12 Weight: 12.3 oz. (men’s size 11); 10.1 oz. (women’s size 8) Upper: dual mesh with synthetic overlays, Play Dry lining, reflective accents Midsole: CM-EVA, DMX Foam (heel) Shank: TPU Outersole: full-length carbon rubber Innersole: CM-EVA Construction: Stobel slip-lasted, full-length DMX Foam Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

SAUCONY GRID FUSION

$65

The Grid Fusion continues the string of Saucony running shoes for the frugal wallet. Like the Myth before it, the Fusion’s tailoring allows a broad range of runners to access its good fit and resilient ride, though medium-arched, neutral runners are best served. Durable enough for higher-mileage training, they offer good, responsive cushioning. They’re probably too heavy for competitive racing, but the modest price and lasting performance will allow some additional room in the budget for a mid-range spike or racing shoe.

NEUTRAL CUSHION Sizes: M 7–13,14,15; W 5–11,12 Weight: 13.2 oz. (men’s size 11); 11.1 oz. (women’s size 8) Upper: mesh, synthetic overlays, reflective highlights Midsole: CM-EVA, non-visible Grid system (heel & forefoot) Shank: TPU Outersole: carbon rubber Innersole: CM-EVA Construction: Stobel slip-lasted, HRC Strobel board Recommended for: low- to medium–high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics Cregg Weinmann is footwear and running products reviewer for the Running Network LLC. A competitive runner for the past 41 years, he also has coached runners at all levels for over 25 years. He can be reached via fax at 661.872.1233 or via e-mail at shuz2run@lightspeed.net.

Copyright © 2008 by Running Network LLC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be stored, copied, or reprinted without prior written permission of the Running Network LLC. Reprinted here with permission.