REVIEWS
The Best Running Shoes for $80 or Less by Cregg Weinmann
The 2010 season is as big a cache of value shoes as we’ve ever seen. New materials and better execution of existing materials make it easier than ever to bring in a great shoe at an excellent price. These eight models, some new and some updates of existing shoes, feature quite a lot of running for the money. Good news, if you’re trying to stretch your budget—and who isn’t these days?
adidas Kanadia TR 2 $75
ASICS GEL Phoenix 2 $75
The surprise trail champion from last season has undergone an update. The good news is that its best features remain; the not-so-surprising reality is the price has been bumped up. (Last year’s price seemed almost too good to be true.) Though minor, the changes to the upper are specific: the lowered ankle collar allows a roomier fit over the instep and the heel uses the midfoot anchor introduced on the adiZero XT. The midsole and outersole have been cosmetically updated, but still run much the same as they did the first time out, providing effective trail performance while doing a decent job on the roads or track. The attractive price seals the deal.
A modest update to the initial version, the Phoenix 2 holds the line on its budget price. The midsole, outersole, and shank are virtually identical, with the same stable and wellcushioned ride introduced in the original. The upper features a more secure lacing setup of webbing across the midfoot and into the eyestay for a slightly snugger fit. Though almost half an ounce heavier than last year, they are still lightweight enough to be used for speedwork or even racing if needed, though they’re best suited for training.
TRAIL Sizes: men 6.5–13,14; women 5–12 Weight: 12.4 oz. (men’s 11); 10.3 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
PERFORMANCE STABILITY Sizes: men 6–13,14,15,16; women 6–12 Weight: 10.9 oz. (men’s 11); 8.8 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved For: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation
K-Swiss Tubes Run 100 $75
New Balance 738 $80
K-Swiss has come out of the gate with three new technologies in the past 18 months. Tubes Run has been a surprise on two counts: first, that it’s been achieved at such a bargain price, and second, that it’s so effective as a midsole configuration. The ride is well cushioned and very good for a neutral foot. It’s also fairly stable, thanks to the geometry of the diagonal flex groove in the heel that eases the foot through its transition from heelstrike to toe-off. The tubes are formed of the rubber outersole and EVA midsole and provide cushioning that is very good, if not as durable as a steeply-priced thermoplastic version would be. Bottom line? The shoe is a reliable performer at a bargain price.
The New Balance 737 was a light, reasonably cushioned, economy shoe. Its update, the 738, builds from that foundation. The overall design aesthetic now reflects the New Balance performance look. The upper has been upgraded to a better quality mesh and the foot is now secured by a new internal design and webbing at the throat instead the self-adjusting N-lock lacing of the 737. The midsole features an overhaul of the molding and reshaped geometry which give the shoe a livelier ride, especially with the well-cushioned N-ergy unit in the heel. The combination of changes and new materials employed elevate the performance and value of the 738.
NEUTRAL Sizes: men 6.5–12,13,14; women 5–10,11 Weight: 13.1 oz. (men’s 11); 11.3 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
PERFORMANCE NEUTRAL Sizes: men 7–12,13,14,15 (D,2E widths); women 5–11,12 (B,D widths) Weight: 11.5 oz. (men’s 11); 9.6 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved For: low- to medium–high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
REVIEWS
BEST SHOE $80 or Less SPR
ING 2010
The Best Running Shoes for $80 or Less continued Nike Lunar Fly $80
Puma YugoRun $80
The Lunar Fly is the first economy shoe to benefit from Nike’s Dynamic Support system and Lunarlon foam. The midsole is the same kind of geometry as in the LunarGlide and Lunar Elite, though here in a more slender profile that still offers a balanced and well cushioned ride. The upper is breathable mesh with a supportive midfoot that’s nicely tailored to hug the arch. The outersole is a durable mini-waffle tread of recycled carbon rubber and accommodates Nike+. With its versatile midsole design and light weight, the Lunar Fly earned our Best Shoe Award in the $80 or Less category.
Puma has taken a page from the lightweight, low-profile manual with its new YugoRun. A minimalist shoe, it’s best suited to very efficient runners. The upper is a foot-hugging combination of mesh with minimal overlays of soft synthetic suede at the lateral heel and medial toe. The midsole is low to the ground with great flexibility and just enough cushioning for efficient runners, with no additional support or stability. The outersole is a series of podular rubber lugs that easily handle the track and roads, but don’t do as well off-road. The light weight of the YugoRun makes it a versatile distance racer and affordable shoe for speedwork for athletes on a budget.
PERFORMANCE NEUTRAL Sizes: men 6–13,14,15; women 5–12 Weight: 9.9 oz. (men’s 11); 7.8 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved For: low- to medium–high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation
PERFORMANCE NEUTRAL/RACING Sizes: men 6.5–12,13,14; women 5.5–11,12 Weight: 8.7 oz. (men’s 11); 6.6 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
Saucony ProGrid Jazz 13 $80
Under Armour Spectre II $80
The Jazz is one of the better cushioned neutral shoes in the economy range. The upper is largely unchanged from last season. The overlays have been repositioned on the same open mesh, though the forefoot is a bit more open, improving the fit across the metatarsals and emphasizing the snug heel and roomy forefoot. The midsole and outersole are also almost the same, with only minor changes to the midsole molding and tread. The ride is nicely cushioned, thanks to the layers of foam from the Strobel board and a generous chunk of EVA in the midsole. Durability continues to be a key feature of this well-built series, enhancing the value.
The original Spectre had a lot of promise, but was thin on cushioning and a little high on the price. Round two overcomes both weaknesses. The upper now features a traditional tongue in place of the elastic Fit Sleeve. This change improves the comfort without giving up much, if anything, in terms of fit. The midsole has a beefier layer of cushioning that improves the ride without adding any real weight. The heel is a little rough on the transition, but is stable and durable. The bottom line? For a stable and durable neutral trainer, the Spectre II delivers with the best of the budget shoes, as well as some of the higher-priced models.
PERFORMANCE NEUTRAL Sizes: men 8.5–13,14; women 6–10,11 Weight: 11.8 oz. (men’s 11); 9.7 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved For: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation
NEUTRAL Sizes: men 8.5–13,14; women 6–10,11 Weight: 13.8 oz. (men’s 11); 11.9 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
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.