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welcome to the Running Network’s 2013 Fall Shoe Review
RuNNiNg NetwoRk LLC PaRtNeRS
At the recent Outdoor Retailer trade show in Salt Lake City, I came face to face with how much our world of running has changed. The show is a celebration of year-round outdoor activities, from adventure to trail, from camping to environmental concerns, to running. You’ll see investment bankers walking the show on the hunt for the next “cool” thing, and then there are the aging hippies who helm their own small running apparel brands. Cregg Weinmann, your footwear guru, and I spent a day checking out footwear and apparel brands. We visited a Brooks launch party for the Transcend, a new concept shoe coming in Spring 2014, and an ASICS media event where I was reminded of the intense competition in running footwear. Right behind the ASICS booth was the Saucony booth, where the Saucony lightweight running products continue to astound. In front of ASICS was the Brooks traveling trade show that takes a humorous look at advertising and communications and displays its fine performance running gear. I also enjoyed spending time with Jim Van Dine, president of HOKA ONE ONE, a young shoe company gaining cache in the ultra running community and among age 40+ runners who find that these shoes are helping them return to running. The Running Network team puts this review together twice a year to provide a synopsis of the best you’ll find on the retail shoe walls. Give it a read and then you’ll be ready to visit your favorite local running specialty store to select the running shoes that will serve you best.
Larry Eder President, Running Network LLC
awaRD wiNNeRS BEST SHOE MOTION STABILIZING
BEST SHOE
BEST SHOE
FALL 2013
FALL 2013
PERFORMANCE
NEUTRAL
FALL 2013
Nike LunarGlide+ 5
Mizuno Wave Sayonara
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 15
BEST NEW SHOE
BEST RENOVATION
FALL 2013
FALL 2013
adidas adiStar Boost
Saucony Cortana 3
American Track & Field www.american-trackandfield.com Athletes Only www.atf-athlete.com Athletics (Canada) www.athleticsontario.ca Austin Fit www.austinfitmagazine.com California Track & Running News www.caltrack.com Club Running www.rrca.org/publications/club-running Coaching Athletics Quarterly www.coachingathleticsq.com Colorado Runner www.coloradorunnermag.com Get Active! www.healthclubs.com Greater Long Island Running Club’s Footnotes www.glirc.org Latinos Corriendo www.latinoscorriendo.com Marathon Guide www.marathonguide.com Michigan Runner www.michiganrunner.net Missouri Runner & Triathlete www.morunandtri.com Running Journal & Racing South www.running.net RunMinnesota www.runmdra.org RUNOHIO www.runohio.com Track & Field News www.trackandfieldnews.com USATF’s Fast Forward www.usatf.org USATF–New England’s Exchange Zone www.usatfne.org The Winged Foot www.nyac.org The Winged M www.themac.com Youth Runner www.youthrunner.com
Reviewer: Cregg Weinmann Project Coordinator/Editor: Christine Johnson Designer: Kristen Cerer Proofreader: Marg Sumner, Red Ink Editorial Services Shoe Photography: Daniel Saldaña, Cregg Weinmann Advertising Sales: Running Network LLC, Larry Eder, President, 608.239.3785, larry@runningnetwork.com Publisher: Larry Eder, 608.239.3785 Website: www.runningnetwork.com For a Media Kit, please visit our website. This 2013 Fall Shoe Review is produced independently by Running Network LLC for its partner publications. All shoes reviewed were tested by experienced, competitive runners who were matched to the biomechanical purpose of each shoe model. Copyright © 2013 by Running Network LLC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be stored, copied, or reprinted without prior written permission of Running Network LLC. Running Network LLC and its partner publications suggest that, as with all fitness activities, you meet with a healthcare professional before beginning or changing your fitness regimen.
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motion stabilizing adidas adiStar Boost —$170 BEST NEW SHOE FALL 2013
The adiStar Boost is the first of adidas’ mainline shoes to benefit from the introduction of its new Boost midsole material, in a hybridized way: The key components in the adiStar line—the familiar adiPrene foam and ForMotion cassette—are used but are augmented with a full-length layer of Boost foam. If you tried the Spring ’13 version of the Energy Boost, you’ll find this ride is firmer due, in part, to the EVA framework surrounding the Boost foam underfoot and the ForMotion cassette on the lateral heel. The upper is a stretchy, closed mesh with a gusseted tongue, and an evenly textured interior wicks moisture where it comes in contact with the foot. No-sew overlays lend support along the eyestay, the logo stripes shore up the saddle, and the heel and toe have a brawnier thermoplastic for support and protection. The outersole is somewhat skeletal: The minimal rubber improves flexibility, reduces weight, and with careful positioning of the rubber, doesn’t sacrifice durability. The conforming fit, resilient ride, and imaginative blend of technologies earned the adiStar Boost our award for Best New Shoe. “The foam was amazing—like springs on my feet. Great cushioning. Felt stable and balanced, and the fit with its stretchy upper never gave me a second thought about the shoes, except how great they felt!” New • Sizes: Men 6.5–15; Women 7–11 • Weight: Men 12.6 oz. (size 11); Women 10.1 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to moderate overpronation
adidas Supernova Sequence 6 —$120 Always a solid performer, Round 6 leaves the best attributes untouched, while tweaking the details that add up to a successful product. The upper is closed mesh with no-sew overlays over the toes and toe cap. Gauzy mesh backs the saddle, which extends back into a thermoplastic heel counter. The tongue is a smooth, gusseted design, with fabric extending completely around the arch and back to where it meets the heel, beneath the ankle. The ankle collar features GeoFit memory foam and textured, moisture-wicking polyester. The midsole is the familiar adiPrene+ with a ForMotion cassette to smooth the gait and a supportive ProModerator+ to add stability to the medial side. The outersole is the familiar Continental® rubber (dependable traction and effective durability). In sum, the Supernova Sequence 6 is stable and well cushioned with a great fit. It remains a proven performer. ”Fit well. Good comfort on long runs. Cushioned as well as stable.” Updates the Supernova Sequence 5 • Sizes: Men 6.5–15,16,17,18,19,20; Women 5–14 • Weight: Men 12.6 oz. (size 11); Women 10.1 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation
Nike Lunarglide+ 5—$110
New Balance 870 v3—$110 The 870 makes another major jump in weight reduction and improved running efficiency. The design and technology of the aesthetics and materials have been improved. The upper features traditional overlays in the eyestay, heel, and toe, giving the shoe structure. The rest of the overlays are welded, no-sew laminates that effectively secure the foot over the midsole. The interior is smooth, reducing friction enough to make sockless wear an option. The foam is RevLite, here a lighter, more resilient polymer than before, and the ride is a nice balance of cushion and responsiveness. The new medial second density in the sidewall adds stability, without intruding on the foot or overly limiting flexibility. Grooves along the sidewall allow the foot to respond naturally, but have enough structure to keep things lined up. Overall, the changes are a welcome improvement on an already well-executed model. ”The shoe hugs my foot gently, and when I run, it feels like I can fly. The cushioning has impressed me, and they are very stable.” Updates the 870 v2 • Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15 (D,2E widths); Women 5–12 (B,D widths) • Weight: Men 10.4 oz. (size 11); Women 8.7 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • Recommended for: medium-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation
on Cloudrunner—$140 The fourth shoe introduced by On, the Cloudrunner is designed to manage the hardest wear yet. Equipped with the Cloudtec lugs that On is known for, the Cloudrunner has the same setup in the forefoot as the other models have, but in the rearfoot it sports beefier lugs, both in the sidewalls as well as the bottom loops of the medial lugs. The result is that overpronation has much less effect on the Cloudrunner’s ride than it does on the standard lug setup in its other models. That momentary resistance to the pronating forces doesn’t prevent pronation from happening, but it maintains the integrity of the shoe—not to mention its cool feel—for more miles without breaking down. The upper is closed mesh with a sueded lining through the arch and quality ankle collar foam adds comfort. Traditional sueded overlays support the foot. The result is a high-mileage trainer that can manage significant forces, whether from weight, hypermobile feet, or a combination of the two. ”The feel is stable and firm. The fit was good, but not really noticeable. Good to run in.” New • Sizes: Men 8–12,13,14; Women 6–10 • Weight: Men 13.5 oz. (size 11); Women 10.7 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation
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This flagship Lunar shoe works very well for neutral runners, but it also features one of the least intrusive and most effective stabilizing technologies on the market. Two changes have increased comfort. First, the Flywire strands are arranged and managed more effectively: At the top and bottom lace loops they’re loose to snug better; the middle strands are stitched to the Ghilley loops and move in concert with the eyestay and the foot, so it’s more secure. Second, the tongue is gusseted and the interior is smooth polyester fabric, reducing friction and also wicking moisture. The twopart midsole and minimal rubber outersole remain as before, as they were well dialed in. (Remember that “highly effective stabilizing technology”? Yeah, this is it.) The combination of improved fit, effective stability, and comfortable ride earned the LunarGlide+ 5 our award for Best Shoe in the Motion Stabilizing category. ”Snug and comfortable fit. I have worn all of the Lunar Glide shoes, and this one is stable and cushioned, like they should be. If I could only have one pair of running shoes, this would be it.” Updates the LunarGlide+ 4 • Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15; Women 5–12 • Weight: Men 10.6 oz. (size 11); Women 8.1 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • Recommended for: mediumto high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation
BEST SHOE MOTION STABILIZING FALL 2013
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motion stabilizing Reebok one Cushion —$110 Reebok One marks Reebok’s overdue return to performance running. The Reebok One Cushion debuts the series, along with a sibling called the Reebok One Guide. Both shoes have motion-stabilizing properties, with the Cushion leaning toward the light stability end of the spectrum. The principle behind this shoe is managing the foot’s motion during the gait, here by geometry and varying the foam density in three regions of the midsole. The ride is cushy, but the shoe is also responsive, perhaps in part because of the varying densities of the midsole. The outersole is heavily segmented with both longitudinal flex grooves and the expected horizontal variety. The motion permitted by these releases allows the foot to find the best path from heelstrike to toe-off. The upper is nearly seamless, and the interior caters to comfort as well as any shoe we tested in this review. The ankle collar is particularly plush, but the weight is not impacted by the extra foam, so feel a little pampered without paying for it in weight. Be assured that the team at Reebok can produce more where these came from. ”Plush and smooth feeling on the fit. Weirdly flexible and stable at the same time. A really good Reebok running shoe. Who knew?” New • Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 5–11,12 • Weight: Men 10.6 oz. (size 11); Women 8.9 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation
performance karhu Flow iii trainer—$115 The Flow III Trainer bears little resemblance to its namesake, but it’s now better equipped to fulfill its destiny as a snappy Performance training shoe. The upper is a two-layer open mesh that breathes well. It has minimal structure (just a heel counter and toe cap with a hint of support in the saddle), but it secures the foot well and keeps everything lined up over the midsole. The midsole’s responsive foam is low profile—an 8-millimeter drop from heel to toe, with only 16 millimeters under the heel—but with the efficiency of the geometry, there’s noticeable cushioning under the foot. The outersole has carbon rubber over only two thirds of the surface at the heel and under the forefoot, but it provides both good traction and durability. The bottom line? The Flow III Trainer is a shoe that whippets can wear every day, and the rest of us should have in the arsenal for speedier runs or races and just to mix up the training schedule. “The fit was snug, but not really like a racer—which these did a good job for, on occasion. Their low profile and flexibility made them fun to put on because they ‘run’ very well. They even handled some longer runs, but I mostly saved them for fast stuff.” Updates the Flow II Fulcrum • Sizes: Men 6.5–15; Women 7–11 • Weight: Men 9.6 oz. (size 11); Women 7.8 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, perforated EVA Strobel board • Recommended for: mediumto high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics, for fasterpaced runs
Pearl izumi eM Road N1—$115 BEST SHOE PERFORMANCE FALL 2013
Mizuno wave Sayonara—$120 With the new Wave Sayonara, Mizuno ushers in some new key design Performance shoe features. The midsole uses a newly developed foam called U4ic (say euphoric), that’s similar to its AP+ foam, but with improved resilience and durability. The geometry lowers the foot for better biomechanical efficiency, and the ride is better cushioned than one usually expects from such a light training shoe. The upper has stitching only where the upper joins together at the side of the saddle by the instep and on the medial logo stripe. The rest of the upper is supported by fused overlays over closed mesh. The shoe is flexible, moving well with the foot. The smooth interior breathes well, making this a comfortable shoe. The outersole features X-10 carbon rubber in the heel, blown rubber on the lateral forefoot, and polyester-backed TPU on the medial forefoot, which provide good traction and durability. The ride, fit, and performance of the Wave Sayonara earned our Best Shoe award for the Performance category. “Fit great, comfortable, and the cushioning is much better than expected. They are fast, but tough enough for long runs. Light enough to even race in. I didn’t expect them to be so versatile.” New • Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 6–11 • Weight: Men 9.7 oz. (size 11); Women 7.9 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation
Puma Faas 500 S—$80 The new 500 S takes the Faas 500 concept and adds some stabilizing features, offering something for most runners. The upper is closed mesh supported by welded synthetic overlays and a heel counter supported by TPU struts. The primary difference between the 500 and the 500 S is this structure in the rearfoot, which actually makes this shoe more versatile than its sibling. The midsole geometry is low profile, with the heel beveled laterally to smooth the touchdown. The medial sidewall is raised slightly for better support. The 4-millimeter drop encourages a smoother transition because the foot contacts the ground at a flatter angle. The outersole is minimal: Much of the sole is toughened EVA with rubber only in the high-wear areas of the heel and forefoot. Runners looking for a shoe for faster runs should consider the 500 S. “Fit nice and snug, but not too tight. The feel is light and smooth, and they are really more stable and durable than they seem. I ran mid-distance runs and speedwork in them and was happy with the result.” New • Sizes: Men 7–14; Women 5.5–12 • Weight: Men 9.6 oz. (size 11); Women 7.7 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics, to mild overpronation, for faster-paced runs
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Project EMotion re-vamps the Pearl Izumi line, stripping down the technology to simple, quality foam and geometry to maximize performance. The Road N1 is the first of these to hit the market. The upper is a minimal, closed mesh with welded overlays in the saddle and sueded overlays from the top of the eyestay to the back of the heel. Roomy, stretch mesh comforms to the foot, gently holding it over the midsole. The interior is smooth and the ankle collar foam is adequate for holding the foot without squeezing it. Ditto for the tongue. The midsole is molded EVA with tapered geometry. A lengthened toe-spring means the shoe contacts the ground quietly, without slapping, and it feels a little smoother. The outersole is confined to the lateral heel and medial forefoot, connected by a ribbonlike channel of rubber that follows the foot path from heel to toe. The complete do-over of the Pearl Izumi line has earned an enthusiastic thumbs-up from testers. “Perfect fit, plenty of room, and almost stretchy in the forefoot, but snug in the heel. The shaping of the midsole had a unique feel to it, making the shoe pretty fast, but it had plenty of cushion to it as well. I think they may be on to something.” New • Sizes: Men 8–12,13,14; Women 6–10 • Weight: Men 9.0 oz. (size 11); Women 7.4 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to very mild overpronation
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performance Saucony Cortana 3—$150
Scott t2C evo—$115
Saucony’s premium performance shoe adds two key, brand-wide technologies, as well as the usual tweaks and additions. The upper features Flexfilm no-sew overlays for the first time and a silky smooth interior with Hydramax polyester in the rearfoot to wick moisture. Both provide a flexible, comfortable fit. The heel and toe feature Saucony’s Support Frame, TPU supports that flex with the foot and provide shaping to each region for a better fit. The midsole continues with Power Grid and SRC foams that offer great cushioning, and combine with the 4mm geometry for gait efficiency and comfortable, everyday running. The outersole has carbon rubber in the heel and medial midfoot, with injected blown rubber in the forefoot for good full-length durability, traction, and forefoot cushioning. The combination of upgraded plush technologies, versatile design, and a balanced performance ride earned the Cortana 3 our award for Best Renovation.
Scott USA broadens its line with a common design theme and a unique midsole foam. The midsole is the unexpectedly light yet durable Aero Foam, first used in Scott’s Race Rocker, and now in all of its triathlon, trail, and training shoes. The ride is resilient and responsive. Sidewall drainage ports at heel and toe make it well suited to triathlon conditions. The closed mesh upper features traditional synthetic overlays at heel, toe, and eyestay, and is reinforced with welded supports for a lightweight framework. Sublimated graphics complete the visual punch, while a smooth interior and thin tongue complete the technical side. The outersole is zoned: A ribbon of carbon rubber follows the pathway of the foot during the gait, fabric-backed TPU in the lateral forefoot and arch, and a thin TPU sheet supports the slight rocker shape of the sole. This is a light, well-cushioned shoe for faster running and moderate training runs or long races.
“The low drop took some getting used to, but I liked it. It had good cushioning and responsive feel, and felt very stable. They became my favorites, because of the quality and design.” Updates the Cortana 2 • Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 5–12 • Weight: Men 10.7 oz. (size 11); Women 8.4 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • Recommended for: medium- to higharched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation
BEST RENOVATION FALL 2013
Saucony kinvara 4—$100 The popular Kinvara reaches its fourth version without any appearance of slowing down. The upper is a gauzy, two-layer mesh supported with a framework of Flexfilm overlays, now more efficiently arranged to open up the forefoot. There’s not much structure laterally, but the heel keeps the shoe from losing shape or support from back to front. The gusseted tongue is attached to the lining of the shoe, giving the interior a smooth feel and rendering socks optional. The midsole has been upgraded from ProGrid to PowerGrid foam with its resilient ride—the staple of the high-end Cortana—which is a definite step up in performance. The outersole is still fewer than two dozen points of rubber on the lateral heel and under the metatarsals. It’s just enough for traction and durability, but keeps it near racing shoe weight. The result is much as originally advertised: low profile, lean, and fast—definitely suited to faster-paced running.
“A snug-feeling shoe with a squishy ride. After a little getting used to, I like the way the sole is designed to rock the foot forward after striking the ground. Light, yet durable enough for even the weekly long run, and a great tempo run shoe.” New • Sizes: Men 7–13; Women 5–11 • Weight: Men 9.4 oz. (size 11); Women 7.7 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to very mild overpronation
“These shoes look cool, and I admit it: Looks count with me. [But] the performance is what this lightweight shoe is about. I’ve tried the earlier Kinvaras and found them firm, but perfect for faster running. This time they seem to have a little more rebound ... I like the looks and performance.” Updates the Kinvara 3 • Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 5–12 • Weight: Men 8.3 oz. (size 11); Women 7.1 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation
neUtral aSiCS gel-Cumulus 15—$115 The Cumulus often benefits from advances to the Nimbus, even while often being overshadowed by its plusher sibling. Round 15 fine tunes many of those advanced upgrades, improving its performance. The upper features a two-layer stretch mesh, secured by traditional overlays in the toe, heel, eyestay, and logo stripes. Added no-sew supports alongside the synthetic overlays maintain flexibility and reduce potential irritation. The midsole continues with the Solyte layer on the bottom with a cap of SpEVA for a lighter, slightly softer feel near the foot. The flex grooves are deeper throughout, giving the shoe a more flexible and responsive feel. Reshaped lugs accommodate the changes to the flex grooves. The Guidance Line now runs completely from heel to toe, releasing unnecessary lateral stiffness. The Trusstic support is divided into two pieces to allow better flexion for the foot during the gait cycle. These subtle changes make for an appreciably better shoe in Round 15. “They snug up nicely around the midfoot while still allowing for a bit of wiggle room in the toe area. The support and cushion are really good. My feet didn’t really get tired of wearing them. Good, solid, all-around shoes.” Updates the Gel-Cumulus 14 • Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15; Women 5–13 • Weight: Men 11.9 oz. (size 11); Women 10.1 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to very mild overpronation
aSiCS gel-Nimbus 15—$145 ASICS’ neutral showpiece takes a dramatic leap with two new advancements. FluidFit improves the fit of the upper by integrating all of the components in an adaptable system of support. The stretch mesh and welded supports along the lateral side of the saddle and into the separated eyelets allow the foot to move more freely, yet securely over the midsole. The medial side features a large bunion window, welded supports to secure the instep, and a wide overlay to shore up the midfoot. FluidRide is a tuned combination of Solyte and SpEVA foam layers that sandwich the Gel cushioning elements, and address the midsole geometry and its effect on the shoe’s ride. The plush midsole is flexible, and the components provide a more responsive ride than expected. The combination of fit, ride, and deluxe feel earned the Gel-Nimbus 15 our award for Best Neutral Shoe. “Like stepping into a little bed for my foot—almost perfect. Cushioning was just right: protective but not mushy.” Updates the Gel-Nimbus 14 • Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15; Women 5–13 • Weight: Men 12.6 oz. (size 11); Women 10.4 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to very mild overpronation
Running Network 2013 Fall Shoe Review—v
BEST SHOE NEUTRAL FALL 2013
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neUtral Brooks ghost 6—$110 The Ghost has been redesigned to reflect current market demands. The upper is a similar open mesh, with a combination of synthetic overlays with fused layers where the upper meets the midsole, nicely addressing what can be an irritation trouble spot. The barely there saddle provides some support but relies on the laces to secure the foot, and the heel counter keeps the rearfoot aligned. The smooth interior features new moisture-wicking linings that comfortably wrap the foot. The perforated foam tongue prevents the laces from squeezing the foot too much. The midsole gets the work done with BioMogo and DNA, but the meat-and-potatoes here is its geometry, where the lateral sidewall has been re-sculpted to allow better foot flexion and the stability has been increased by lowering the midfoot area to make full ground contact. This also eliminates the need for a shank support. Another improvement is the longitudinal groove, now called the Omega Groove, which allows better mobility for the foot to supinate before toe-off. Several midfoot lugs maximize traction and round out a successful update. “A really good shoe. I hadn’t tried Brooks before. Fit me well, seemed to cradle my heel. Just right on the cushion. Feels good when I run.” Updates the Ghost 5 • Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15 (B,D,2E widths); Women 5–12,13 (2A,B,D widths) • Weight: Men 12.1 oz. (size 11); Women 9.9 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation
Brooks glycerin 11—$150
New Balance 880 v3—$115
Version 11 pushes the envelope a bit without compromising its plush cushioning and dependable performance. The upper features new 3D Fit Print, a technique that prints the supporting materials directly onto soft, flexible synthetic suede. Reduced seaming adds comfort. The moisture-wicking linings are even smoother and the gusseted tongue adequately shrouds the foot. The midsole has been lowered in the midfoot to make full ground contact, increasing stability and allowing the elimination of the DRB Accel TPU support in the shank. The flexibility of the midsole and outersole is enhanced by the Omni Groove, a figure 8–shaped series of grooves. A Y-shaped strip of rubber connects the forefoot and rearfoot lugs, while the remaining keyhole-shaped lugs flex with the vertical siping in the sidewalls. The sum is a plushly cushioned shoe with dependable performance.
The New Balance performance running products continue to evolve, adding technologies and advancements. The 880 v3 has gotten a total transformation. The upper is a breathable mono-mesh with welded, no-sew film overlays from the toe through the saddle, providing a smooth and supportive upper. Traditional overlays at the heel and toe secure the foot over the midsole. The ride has a more resilient feel than the v2 provided, thanks to completely redesigned geometry and two foam layers that complement the dampening capabilities of each. The open design of the outersole gives excellent forefoot flexibility, and the rearfoot is stabilized by the T-beam shank support. The segmented heel and crashpad setup allow lateral release and a good level of cushioning on impact. The improvements in the shoe’s geometry have greatly enhanced its performance, which will be good news to fans of the New Balance fit.
“It was a very dependable shoe for pounding out the miles over a variety of surfaces and terrains. It also has been a good and supportive shoe for my recovery runs. I’ve liked the Glycerin, but the weight seems really noticeable now. Comfort-wise it’s great, very plush, but it isn’t very versatile.” Updates the Glycerin 10 • Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15 (B,D,2E widths); Women 5–12,13 • Weight: Men 13.5 oz. (size 11); Women 10.2 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to very mild overpronation
Mizuno wave enigma 3—$140 Wave Enigma marks its most dramatic update yet with a new upper, midsole, and waveplate. The midsole features Mizuno’s new foam formulation U4ic (say euphoric), in place of the older AP+ foam. Though they are chemical siblings, U4ic weighs less and boasts both better durability and a more elastic, responsive ride. The revamped parallel waveplate flexes better while contributing to the snappy ride, thanks to cut-out separations in the plate’s forefoot. The upper is a closed mesh with an almost quilted quality to the stretch mesh in the forefoot and ankle collar. A stiffer mini-mesh adds structure to the rearfoot and combines with traditional overlays in the midfoot to lock down the foot onto the midsole. The tongue is a stretchy, open mesh, and the lining is a smooth polyester that wicks moisture well. The variety of little improvements in feel, responsiveness, and performance makes this a successful upgrade. “Good room up front, well designed. Rolls through the stride and cushions nicely. It is better than the last pair, and I really liked it.” Updates Wave Enigma 2 • Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 6–11 • Weight: Men 12.7 oz. (size 11); Women 10.5 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation
Nike Pegasus+ 30—$100 Round 30 introduces some new tech features in the upper and minor tweaks to Round 29’s excellent midsole design. The nice-fitting upper uses a similar engineered mesh, but the midfoot is now supported by a thin saddle of no-sew overlays and small, cut-out panels covered with a mini-mesh. Along with the plush interior, these are marks of a quality running shoe. The midsole is the same Cushlon foam, decoupled to allow the foot freedom to flex in multiple directions. A longitudinal flex groove runs down the center of the sole, with lateral flex grooves under the entire forefoot and a cleft in the heel for the crashpad. The outersole features modified waffles, and the lateral side features the same tiny fins from last season that flex and grip more effectively than slab rubber, while still offering good durability. This cushy shoe has good grip, fits well, and feels great. “I liked the color scheme—bright! Nike seemed to be going for some attention. The shoes were very airy and cool, like last year. The ride is so consistent, sometimes I forget I have them on. I think they kept the best from the old shoe and improved the fit over the instep/arch.” Updates the Pegasus+ 29 • Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15; Women 5–12 • Weight: Men 10.6 oz. (size 11); Women 8.1 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to very mild overpronation
Running Network 2013 Fall Shoe Review—vi
“Fit really well. I like the smooth interior. They feel pretty light but with plenty of cushion. To be honest, I didn’t like the color of the shoe (lime green), but I have gotten compliments—and not just about the color.” Updates the 880 v2 • Sizes: Men 6.5–15,16,17,18,19,20; Women 5–14 • Weight: Men 11.7 oz. (size 11); Women 9.8 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics