Speed for $55
Over recent years, Mizuno has adapted their spikes to meet the demands of a broader range of American sprinters. When it comes to racing flats, it’s worth checking out the Mizuno Speed 2005, sprinting off the shelves for just $55. Running Network.com recommends it.
In updating the Speed this spring, the proven rubber outersole and nylon spikeplate remain while the upper has been redesigned for better performance. Tailored to hug the foot and visually reminiscent of the Tokyo of recent seasons, the Speed 2005 is designed to appeal to developing sprinters.
Sizes: men/unisex 6-13 * Weight: 6.6 oz. (size 9) * Upper: mesh, synthetic overlays * Midsole: EVA * Outersole: rubber heel, nylon spikeplate, eight spikes * Recommended for: sprints up to 400 meters; training and competition on all track surfaces.
Asics Gel Trabuco Gets 4.5 Stars!
Check out these opinions on ePinions.com. People seem to really love the Asics Gel Trabuco trail running shoe; the average rating is 4.5 stars! The shoe is described as “perfect” and “great”. Here’s an example:
This is an amazing shoe for running on trails and the road. It has alot of stability and you can run easily over rocks and roots without having to worry about tripping or twisting your ankle.
Go check it out!
New Balance: Balancing Great Shoes and Commendable Labor Practices
Long has negative publicity surrounding shoe manufacture labor practices in developing countries plagued the athletic shoe industry. New Balance, however, has been paraded as the exemplary brand for runners concerned with fair labor practices. Unlike other athletic shoe producers, New Balance rarely outsources production. In fact, 100% of New Balance’s manufacturing plants are located in the United States. At the height of public awareness about labor practices in the athletic shoe industry, New Balance was the clear choice for socially aware runners. But, it turns out, New Balance also makes a fantastic running shoe. Regardless of manufacturing labor practices, runners love New Balance.
So, you’ve decided a New Balance shoe is for you. But which one?
Supportive Cushioning Models
- 2001 (Men’s Styles Only) The New Balance 2001 a Heritage style built with N-ergy V 2.0 system midsole technology and a full footbed of ABZORB SBS for the mild to moderate pronator.
- 992 The New Balance 992 is a Heritage shoe featuring Abzorb® cushioning and Encap® built for the mild to moderate overpronator who requires a combination of cushioning and stability.
- 991 The New Balance 991 is a Heritage shoe featuring Abzorb® cushioning and Encap® built for the mild to moderate overpronator who requires a combination of cushioning and stability.
- 1041 (Women’s Style’s Only) An innovative trainer with a unique foxing construction and N-ergy system midsole technology developed for the mild to moderate overpronator.
- 766 The New Balance 766 named “Editor’s Choice” by Runner’s World. The New Balance 766 is a supportive trainer featuring the “Transitional Support” system and ABZORB in the heel and forefoot which offers a combination of cushioning and stability. The 766 is available in a regular and water resistant version.
Stability/Motion Control Models
- 1221 The 1221 is a high mileage trainer designed with integrated medial ROLLBAR and TS2 midsole technology offering the ultimate in support and cushioning.
- 1122 (Men’s Models Only) The New Balance 1122 is a high mileage trainer for the runner who requires maximum motion control, stability and cushioning.
- 856 The New Balance 856 is a high mileage trainer with ABZORB SBS cushioning, ROLLBAR and dual density medial post to accomodate the moderate to severe overpronator.
- 855 A high mileage trainer with ABZORB SBS cushioning, ROLLBAR and dual density medial post to accommodate the moderate to severe overpronator.
- 587 The New Balance 587 ia a highly stable Heritage trainer for runners who require maximum motion control, support and cushioning.
Lightweight Models
- 901 The New Balance 901 is a lightweight training shoe developed with added support for the performance runner looking for a fast-paced trainer.
- 900 The New Balance 900 is a lightweight training shoe developed with a dual density post providing added support for the performance runner looking for a fast-pace trainer.
New Balance 1060 Review
One of the most well-known flexibility shoes out there is the New Balance 1060. This neutral-cushioned shoe is meant for middleweight to heavier runners. It offers a number of technologies that help runners with high arches. They include the following:
-An Abzorb SBS® system in the outsole that helps ‘absorb and disperse’ impact throughout the foot, a must-have for under-pronators
-The Blown Rubber Outside in the heel which helps keep the shoe light and cushioned
-An Abzorb FL midsole that makes the shoe even more resilient
This shoe is known as one of the softer flexibility shoes and gives a smooth ride with a little bounce. It is about $110 and weighs about 12.6 oz for men, 10.5 for women. For more information, visit the New Balance website.
Nike Air Zoom Percept – Softest Review Yet!
If you’re looking for the softest stability shoe on the market, the Nike Air Zoom Percept might be for you. Sorry boys, this comes specifically tailored for women in a lightweight, 10.1 oz design. This little sister to Nike’s 2005 Air Pegasus is our “softest” review to date.
What makes this stability shoe so comfy? Two key technologies. First, the heel comes with a Zoom Air system specific to Nike Air Zoom shoes. This cushioning allows the heel to keep momentum throughout the stride while minimizing impact on the forefoot. Additionally, a soft midsole and flex-grooves specifically geared to women’s feet give a runner the feeling that she’s running barefoot. These shoes can give mild pronators with normal arches the most comfortable run on the road! The come in around $110 and can be found at a variety of stores and on a number of websites. For more information from the source, visit Nike’s website.
Saucony Grid Hurricane 8 – Well Worth the Honors
One shoe I’ve kept my eye on during my running history is the Saucony Grid Hurricane. The latest version, the Hurricane 8, uses a number of different devices to help give runners maximum comfort. As hinted at in the title, the Saucony patented “Grid” (woven filaments) at the heel helps stabilize the foot on impact. For additional comfort, a MCD (Motion Control Device) helps reduce pronation, and an increase in HRC (“high rebound compound”) makes it the most comfortable version of the Hurricane ever.
The other key to this stability shoe lies in the midsole. Saucony’s patented Dual Density Impulse™ EVA system helps to minimize shock while its Arch-Lock system (see above) provides control and support. The shoe weighs in at 13.2 oz for men, and 11 oz for women.
While I haven’t purchased the shoe myself (it isn’t exactly right fit for my foot), reviews of the shoe have been impressive. Runners’ World magazine recently named the Saucony Grid Hurricane 8 the Editor’s Choice shoe of Spring 2006, and the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine has named previous models some of the best shoes for mild motion control. The Hurricane rings in at a heavy $125, but if you’re willing to fork out the cash, you’ll have a great run!
Asics Gel-Kinsei – Most Revolutionary Shoe Yet
On February 1, 2006, Asics launched its Gel-Kinsei, its most advanced running shoe to date. This stability shoe is jam-packed with features while weighing 13.2 oz for men and 11.5 oz for women. Here’s why you might want to consider a pair:
-The upper was created with a mesh material called Spacemaster-UV®. The material was inspired by sea-coral, and is very light, dry, and durable. Additionally, the shine reflects UV rays, making for a cooler run for your feet.
-The Solyte midsole cradles the foot and connects to the heel, providing maximum support
-The heel features two separate Gel® columns, and allows the heel to move independently while absorbing shock
It’s no wonder that Asics calls this shoe its “golden star” (kinsei’s English translation!). Previously launched in small quantities as the 2005 ING NYC Marathon, the shoe is now available in wide release for about $165. For more information, visit the Asics website.
Combine Speed, Comfort and Stability with the Adidas Adistar Adapt
The best trail shoes have it all – comfort for a fun run, stability to plow through tough terrain, and flexibility to handle all types of conditions. The Adidas AdiStar Adapt, recently named the Editor’s Choice trail shoe for by Runner’s World Magazine, combines all three. This relatively light, low-to-the-ground trail shoe weighs in at 13.9 oz for men and 10.9 oz for women. An improvement upon the Adistar Trail, this shoe is a good match for lightweight runners aiming for speed.
Like most Adidas shoes, the Aidstar Adapt includes adiPRENE® + to protect the forefoot against rough conditions. Additionally, it contains the Adidas Ground Control System™, allowing the heel to move independently of the shoe and adapt to the ground. A mesh layer on the top of the shoe helps provide breathability for a more comfortable run. Though they retail at $110, I have seen them for as little as $79.99 on websites such as Amazon.com, which compares favorably with the Nike Air Cesium. For more information, check out the Adidas website.
Asics Gel Foundation VI: Have Your Cake and Eat It Too
Want a motion-control running shoe, but don’t want to lose the cushioning of a stability running sneaker? Try the Asics Gel Foundation. The Foundation, currently Asics’s sixth edition, is one of the company’s many motion control shoes. Built for the mild to severe over-pronator, it features a stability technology (in the form of a DuoMax medial post in this case) to ensure a controlled gait from heel to toe. Unlike many other motion-control shoes, the Asics Gel Foundation has a cushioning mechanism that ensures comfort throughout your stride.
The Foundation’s cushioning system stands out from other motion-control shoes through a variety of features. Like many Asics running shoes, the Foundation features a GEL® Cushioning System and a SpEVA® midsole to ensure a comfortable fit. The shoe also has a Personalized Heel Fit (PHF) memory foam that conforms to the runner’s foot over the course of its use.
The Foundation is geared to both male and female runners, and weighs in at a relatively light 12.4 and 10.1 ounces, respectively. Suggested retail prices run at about $90, but vary depending on location. For more information, take a look at our Asics reviews.
Brooks Shoe Advisor Makes Picking Shoes Easy
Brooks Shoe Advisor Makes Picking Shoes Easy
Anyone who know a lot about running shoes has heard the name Brooks. Brooks Running offers a variety of shoes geared toward both runners and walkers, for trails and on the road.
I recently rediscovered Brooks when I found out I was an over-pronator. Taking the advice of a fellow runner, I decided to research different brands of running shoes online to see what the right shoe was for me.
Brooks’s website features a shoe advisor that helped me pick out the perfect (Brooks Branded) running shoe. I checked off the boxes: female, for road running, severe over-pronator, flat foot, medium weight. Brooks offered me two shoes: The Brooks Ariel and the Brooks Addiction 6. Since I had already received two recommendations for the Addiction 6, Brooks simply reconfirmed my decision.
To find out which running shoe is best for you, visit our Brooks running shoes review category.
