Brooks Beast: Setting the Pace for Motion Control
If you’re a guy looking for motion control in a running shoe, try the Brooks Beast . These are regarded by many as the best running shoe in the market. Brooks, a brand well-known for its durability shoes, has released a new version of the Beast for the past several years.
The Beast is known by many as the best motion control running sneaker on the market. Geared specifically toward over-pronators, people with low arches, and runners who need orthotics the Beast is equipped with e-1™ and e-2™ compounds to increase durability and absorb impact shock. This allows the shoe to have superior cushioning while still offering a great deal of support. The top of the shoe also offers the classic Brooks breathable mesh, allowing airflow through the foot while on long runs.
The Beast, like many motion control shoes, is relatively weighty for a running shoe. It comes in at 14.5 oz in the men’s version. It can cost anywhere between $90-$110, depending on the store or website. Also check out our review of the Brooks Ariel running shoe.
Brooks Ariel: Keeping up with the Beast
Ladies, if you’re in awe/envy of the Brooks Beast, fear not: there is a running shoe out there for you. In addition to the Beast, Brooks features the Ariel for women. In addition to a color job, the shoes are cut a little lighter and weigh in at 12.3 oz vs. 14.5 for the Beast.
Like the Brooks Beast running shoe, Ariel is known by many as the best women’s motion control shoe on the market. Again, it’s geared to runners that over-pronate, have low or flat arches, and those who sometimes use orthotics. The Ariel uses most of the same technology as the beast, including Substance 257, a compound that claims to “offer unsurpassed cushioning and durability.” Both shoes also offer diagonal rollbars on the bottom of the shoe to reduce excess pronation, and heel stabilizers to increase motion control. It can cost anywhere between $90-$110, depending on the store or website. For more information, visit the Brooks Website.
Nike Air Cesium: A Lighter Running Shoe for Over-Pronators
While many motion-control shoes are relatively heavy, companies are now making innovations to these running shoes to make them lighter. One such shoe is the Nike Air Cesium.
Air Cesium, which was featured in November 2005’s Runner’s World Magazine as a hot new product, is classified as a stability shoe with motion control capabilities. The shoe features a crash pad on the lateral (outside) portion of the foot, helping soften the blow with each step and making it harder to over-pronate. Geared toward mid- to heavy-weight runners (runners that are more likely to over-pronate) the Air Cesium claims to “offer similar benefits of a custom orthotic,” according to Nike officials, while weighing in at a waif-like 10 ounces.
The Air Cesium is available on a number of European web sites and will be officially unveiled by Nike in January of 2006.
