Spring 2011 Running Shoe Guide

Runner’s World wear-tests and reviews the latest shoes to help you find the perfect fit. By Warren Greene & Martyn Shorten, Ph.D.

MOTION-CONTROL

ASICS GEL-EVOLUTION 6
Price: $120
Widths: Stand.-4E (M) Stand.-D
Weight: 13.6 oz (M) 11.6 oz
Contact: 800-678-9435; asics.com

We Say: Like a pillowy mattress laid on a concrete floor, the Evolution layers oodles of soft padding on top of firm, corrective support for overpronators. This is a beefy shoe, with most of the weight in the heel where foam, Gel cushioning, and plastic components make it one of the heaviest shoes in this guide. Our bigger testers (who need firm guidance underfoot) loved the plush ride, especially when compared with most rigid motion-control shoes. Recommended for often-injured overpronators.

Wear-Testers Say:
“It was packed with support, and as a result, it felt overly boxy and heavy.”
—Michele Belisle, 39, Allentown

“Because the shoe was so stable, I didn’t need to wear my orthotics.”
—Mary Kay Thelen, 50, East Lansing

 

SAUCONY PROGRID STABIL CS 2
Price: $120
Widths: Stand.-2E (M) Stand.-2E
Weight: 13.3 oz (M) 10.8 oz
Contact: 800-365-4933; saucony.com

We Say: This tank of a shoe is armed with components that provide stability for heavy overpronators. The cushioning unit in the heel helps disperse shock, but it also delivers the hardest landing of any shoe in this guide, according to RW lab tests. Most testers didn’t like the cushioning, but a few noted that they just needed time to break in the shoe. We recommend the Stabil for bigger-than-average runners and overpronators looking for maximum support.

Wear-Testers Say:
“It was firm and heavy, but that’s what I prefer.”
—Erika Toraya, 37, San Diego

“The stability is solid, and the added flexibility made my run more enjoyable.”
—Marissa lezzi, 25, Allentown

STABILITY

ASICS GEL-DS TRAINER 16
Price: $110
Widths: Standard
Weight: 10.5 oz (M) 9.0 oz
Contact: 800-678-9435; asics.com

We Say: The DS Trainer has an unexpectedly cushy ride for such a low-to-the- ground, go-fast shoe. According to our lab tests, the cushioning in the heel and forefoot is markedly softer than in the previous versions, which is why the shoe has moved from the Performance- Training category. Its nested heel design cinches down for a snug fit that moves with the foot. Testers loved the new design, as well as the well-balanced ride, especially on speedwork days. Recommended as a daily trainer for moderate to lightweight runners.

Wear-Testers Say:
“It feels lighter and softer than the previous version.”
—Dean Dimmig, 47, Allentown

“A great shoe. The new heel design gave me a great wrap.”
—Janice Spodarek, 55, East Lansing

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 17
Price: $140
Widths: Stand.-4E (M) 2A-D
Weight: 12.1 oz (M) 10.5 oz
Contact: 800-678-9435; asics.com

We Say: The well-balanced Kayano puts a soft feel on some heavy support. The wide, stable heel holds gobs of cushy foam and Gel, offering the resiliency of a neutral-cushioned shoe at heel-strike and a smooth transition through toe-off. Asics tweaked the shoe’s lacing pattern slightly so it faithfully follows the topline of the foot. Testers couldn’t say enough about the soft cushioning and outstanding fit of this shoe. Of course, like most stability shoes, the Kayano is still on the hefty side, and that’s why we recommend it for bigger runners.

Wear-Testers Say:
“The heel felt like it had a big drop from rear to front.”
—Karen Haley, 56, East Lansing

“The amount of support and stability in this shoe is perfect for me.”
—Peter Butler, 49, San Diego

BROOKS TRANCE 10
Price: $140
Widths: B-2E (M) 2A-D
Weight: 11.9 oz (M) 9.8 oz
Contact: 800-227-6657; brooksrunning.com

We Say: This update is unabashed in its traditional approach to stability, delivering an underfoot feel that’s a tad firm and stiff (especially in the forefoot), according to Shoe Lab tests. The midsole offers overpronators gentle correction, and the segmented crash pad and pillow of soft foam in the heel absorb slow, pounding miles. What got many of our testers excited about the Trance was the new lacing feature that keeps the tongue from shifting midrun. Recommended as a supportive trainer for average and heavyweight runners.

Wear-Testers Say:
“It fit like a glove and was stable with every run.”
—Ted Gray, 61, East Lansing

“The cushioning is on the thin side, but that did not bother me one bit.”
—Erin Dry, 29, Allentown

MIZUNO WAVE INSPIRE 7
Price: $100
Widths: Standard
Weight: 11.6 oz (M) 8.9 oz
Contact: 800-966-1211; mizunousa.com

We Say: A flexible shoe, the Inspire has a fast feel that belies the amount of corrective support it provides. Our Shoe Lab tests show it to be firm underfoot, especially in the heel. Testers appreciated the shoe’s relative lightness, but some didn’t like how tight the upper wrapped their toes—there just didn’t seem to be enough wiggle room. We recommend the Inspire for runners with normal to low arches as a durable trainer for moderate-distance and tempo runs.

Wear-Testers Say:
“The shoe was a great blend of support and cushioning, but the forefoot felt a bit snug.”
—Brian Kester, 27, Allentown

“The shoe really had a great fit and rolled well from heel to toe.”
—Marie Quinn, 54, Allentown

NEW BALANCE 860
Price: $105
Widths: Standard
Weight: 12.2 oz (M) 10.1 oz
Contact: 800-253-7463; newbalance.com

We Say: The sequel to the 760 boasts ample stability for overpronators and Clydesdales. New Balance reshaped the shoe’s outsole to put the foot in contact with the ground longer, and added soft rubber to improve cushioning. Despite these changes, the shoe is somewhat firm and rigid, especially in the forefoot, according to Shoe Lab tests. Testers noted the stiff ride and praised the shoe’s snug heel, but a few felt the toebox was too wide. Recommended as a stable shoe for big trodders.

Wear-Testers Say: “The shoe has great arch support, and it still looks new after more than 140 miles.”
—Cheryl Miller, 42, East Lansing

“It was supportive without the bulk, but I wish it had stay-tied sausage laces.”
—Nicole Graf, 40, East Lansing

EDITOR’S CHOICE: NIKE ZOOM STRUCTURE+ 14
Price: $100
Widths: Standard
Weight: 11.5 oz (M) 10.1 oz
Contact: 800-595-6453; nikerunning.com

We Say: The Structure is a huge step forward for stability footwear. Its midsole design is ideal for runners who start off pronating only slightly but end their run needing maximum support. It’s substantially softer and more flexible than other shoes offering this much stability. Testers couldn’t get enough of its springiness or its balanced fit—thanks to a new Flywire upper that holds the arch and heel of the foot firmly in place. Recommended as a plush everyday trainer for long runs.

Wear-Testers Say: “Superb stability and yet a total lack of chunkiness.”
—Jon Saunders, 28, East Lansing

“I was able to use this shoe without my orthotics, which was nice.”
—Judy Hanson, 53, East Lansing

NEUTRAL-CUSHIONED

ADIDAS ADISTAR RIDE 3
Price: $130
Widths: Standard
Weight: 12.4 oz (M) 10.1 oz
Contact: 800-448-1796; shopadidas.com

We Say: Adidas tinkered with the cushioning of the latest Ride, adding a light, springy foam to the midsole, but kept the same stability unit for a consistent feel when the heel first hits the ground. The result is still a firm, protective shoe. The upper wraps the foot without being tight and provides plenty of wiggle room in the forefoot. Testers overwhelmingly like the fit, but some thought it was a bit dense underfoot. Recommended for mid- to large-sized runners looking for mild support.

Wear-Testers Say: “They felt very lightweight, but I would like a bit more cushioning for longer runs.”
—Scott Rowlands, 45, Allentown

“The shoe fit perfectly. It was as if I was running barefoot.”
—Stephanie Norman, 28, Allentown

EDITOR’S CHOICE: BROOKS DEFYANCE 4
Price: $100
Widths: B-2E (M) 2A-D
Weight: 10.9 oz (M) 8.9 oz
Contact: 800-227-6657; brooksrunning.com

We Say: The Defyance is a soft, low-slung trainer ready for high-mileage days or tempo runs. Built on the sole of last year’s Adrenaline GTS (minus the firm support post), this update is flexible yet firm underfoot and snug in the heel. The upper provides a secure, articulated wrap through the arch that testers absolutely raved about. A few didn’t like the lack of forefoot cushioning—a result of the shoe’s low profile. Recommended for beginners or any runner looking for a versatile training shoe.

Wear-Testers Say: “Overall it provided comfort without any glitches, though it could use more cushioning.”
—Janice Trudgeon, 54, East Lansing

“The upper held firm, but not so much that it kept my foot from working.”
—Martha Andrews, 48, East Lansing