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REVIEWS
Best Running Shoes Summer 2010 by Cregg Weinmann
Rolling into summer, there are a variety of new and updated running shoes. Our annual review of second quarter shoes includes 3 new models and 5 updates. There’s a little something for everyone: light, almost racer-like shoes, to maximum motion-stabilizing models that curb overpronation, and everything in between.
adidas adiStar Salvation 2 $140 The Salvation is the most protective motion stabilizing shoe in the adidas line. This round maintains that effectiveness by making few adjustments to its predecessor. The upper is now a more open mesh. More significantly, there’s now a supportive saddle with elastic inserts to move with the foot for a better fit, the laces are integrated more effectively with the logo stripes to lock in the midfoot more supportively, and the bunion window has been opened up to accommodate more foot shapes. The midsole is effectively the same (minor tweaks have been made, though few would notice the difference) and the outersole and ForMotion cassettes are indistinguishably altered, except for the color. The ride is still resilient and supportive, aided by the multi-density Ortholite innersole and adiPrene Strobel board. Runners looking for plush comfort will find it in the Salvation. MOTION STABILIZING Sizes: men 6.5–13,14; women 5–12 Weight: 14.4 oz. (men’s 11);
ASICS Gel-3020
$120
The aim of the 3020 is comfort and stability, which it achieves well, though with a firmer ride than is typical of ASICS. The upper wraps the foot well and Biomorphic Fit panels stretch with the foot to improve the feel regardless of the flexing or poBEST SHOE sition of the foot. The lacing has been separated Motion from a single eyestay to individual points that Stabilizing allow the laces to flex and snug alternately as tenSU 0 MMER 201 sion is applied by the moving foot. PHF memory foam has been added to the new, lower ankle collar, which reduces ankle irritation. The addition of a flexible bunion window rounds out the upper improvements.The midsole has a firm forefoot cradle and a wider base that combine to make the ride both firmer than other ASICS stability shoes and its most stable. Overall, the fit, stable performance, and attention to detail earned the Gel-3020 our Best Shoe award in the Motion Stabilizing category.
10.8 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, adiPrene Strobel Board For: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation
RESPONSIVE TRAIL Sizes: men 8–13,14,15; women 6–11,12 Weight: 13.6 oz. (men’s 11); 10.3 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, S257 Strobel Board For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to very mild overpronation
Saucony ProGrid Hurricane 12 $140 Over 11 outings, the Hurricane has provided predictable stability, fit, and performance. The Hurricane 12 nudges the shoe more firmly into the high-end, plush, motion stabilizing range. The upper receives some alterations which, though they seem minor, have improved the fit, principally the Arch Lock, which has a more open design with the stretchy thermoplastic and elastic insert in the medial saddle. Welded overlays on the lateral side are new, as is the switch to a more open and pliable airmesh. The midsole receives a cushioning boost with a larger crash pad and additional stability by extending the second density back to the heel. The outersole features more rubber through the shank, covering the TPU support for better contact with the ground and improved transition through the gait. The result is a plusher and smoother ride without compromising support or stability.
Nike Vomero+ 5 $130 Nike has successfully dialed in the Bowerman line, which is epitomized by the Vomero. Version 5 distills the essence of the shoe—great cushioning, midfoot support, and forefoot flexibility—by making as few adjustments as possible. The upper feaBEST SHOE tures a slightly beefed-up saddle and, while actuNeutral ally paring back some of the rubbery thermoplastic, SU MMER 2010 maintains the effective TPU heel counter. The Vomero uses an open mesh similar to that used in the previous versions. The Cushlon midsole is one of the best combinations of responsiveness and cushioning among the foam formulations industry-wide. This round adds a small, stabilizing midfoot crashpad while maintaining the Zoom Air ride and durable cushioning. The outersole continues the combination of blown rubber and longwearing BRS 1000 in the heel. The ride, fit, and performance earned the Vomero+ 5 the Best Neutral Shoe award for our summer review.
MOTION STABILIZING Sizes: men 6.5–13,14; women 5–12 Weight: 14.7 oz. (men’s 11); 11.2 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, HRC Strobel Board
NEUTRAL Sizes: men 6.5–13,14; women 5–12 Weight: 12.0 oz. (men’s 11); 10.1 oz.
For: low- to medium-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation
(women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board For: medium-to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
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REVIEWS
Best Running Shoes Summer 2010 continued
Reebok Zig Pulse $100
Newton Gravitas=Gravity $175
Reebok introduces a new technology with the ZigTech line. The Zig Pulse features a zig-zag, ribbon-like configuration of EVA as the midsole; it’s surprisingly stable on smooth surfaces and provides excellent cushioning. The upper is a lightweight, stretchy, closed mesh that offers quite a good midfoot fit, though the lace eyelets stop a bit too short to allow optimal fit through the ankle. The single-density midsole has a well-cushioned feel with a resilient ride. The heelstrike is dispersed by a plate between the heel and midsole, which extends the midsole life, but makes the shoe less nimble on rough surfaces. The outersole is a toughened skin of the Zig EVA with a few strips of rubber in the high-wear areas which, though effective, create gaps when downward forces occur (e.g., when running), allowing the sole to pick up rocks. That means the most effective use of the Zig Pulse might be on the treadmill-—or at least on very smooth roads.
Newton’s neutral trainer Gravitas=Gravity (Gravitas is Latin for gravity) has reached the second round, with some improvements. The upper continues with the same stretchy airmesh as before, but has altered the overlays to provide the saddle-like support with a bit more open forefoot. The midsole features a denser foam throughout, both for durability and improved responsiveness. The heel has been slightly reshaped to aid in transition—yes, you’re expected to land on your midfoot or forefoot, but it takes some getting used to—as does the aforementioned reshaped heel. The outersole has a tougher rubber compound on the actuator lugs, blown rubber beneath the toes, and carbon rubber in the heel. Bottom line? The shoe has been upgraded, adding value to a well-designed, high-end shoe. NEUTRAL PERFORMANCE Sizes: men 6.5–13,14; women 5–12 Weight: 11.2 oz. (men’s 11); 8.9 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted,
NEUTRAL Sizes: men 6.5–13,14; women 5–12 Weight: 14.4 oz. (men’s 11);
EVA Strobel Board For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
10.1 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, DMX Strobel Board For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
Somnio Pacemaker
$135
Zoot Ultra Kapilani
$125
The Pacemaker heads the second round of Somnio’s expanding line. Designed as a Performance shoe, it is light, but the customizability of its 12 included parts makes it more versatile than traditional running shoes in all categories. The upper is open mesh with a stretch mesh in the forefoot to improve the wiggle room and better accommodate a variety of foot volumes and shapes. The midfoot features a supportive, synthetic leather saddle—standard, but effective. The midsole is single-density EVA with cavities in the medial forefoot and lateral heel; inserts of three different densities allow accommodation of an individual’s weight and/or preference. A flexible varus wedge may be used (or not) in either or both shoes to address biomechanical differences and innersoles come in three thicknesses to personalize fit and cushioning. This customization is the #1 benefit of this brand. Optimal setup is determined at the point of sale, but all pieces are included for later adaptation. The carbon heel and blown rubber forefoot offer predictable performance and durability.
The Ultra Kapilani joins the Zoot line, adding another daily trainer to the mix. The Zoot shoes are so light that this 11.5-ouncer is the brute of the brood, but is light by any other standard. The Kapilani begins with the same midsole unit as the Ultra Tempo+ with its responsive dual-density setup, then makes changes above and below. The upper is a fully lined airmesh, the stretchy lining adding comfort without affecting breathability. The fit is aimed to higher-arched feet with a neoprene insert snugging the upper to wrap over the instep. Inside, the cushioning has been augmented with a plush PU innersole and EVA Strobel board, which add a noticeable cushiness to the ride. The outersole here is a tough carbon rubber which is largely responsible for the added weight, but is durable, tough, and effective, so we think it’s worth its weight. The carbon shank, a Zoot hallmark, is the same as the one in their triathlon models, so expect the same performance feel.
NEUTRAL PERFORMANCE Sizes: men 7–13,14; women 5–11,12 Weight: 11.8 oz. (men’s 11);
(men’s 11); 9.1 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA
9.5 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted For: medium- to high-
Strobel board For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation
STABILIZING PERFORMANCE Sizes: men 8–12,13,14; women 6–11 Weight: 11.5 oz.
arched feet with neutral biomechanics to moderate overpronation
CREGG WEINMANN is footwear and running products reviewer for Running Network LLC. He can be reached via e-mail at shuz2run@lightspeed.net. Copyright © 2010 by Running Network LLC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be stored, copied, or reprinted without prior written permission of Running Network LLC. Reprinted here with permission.