Spring 2013
SHOE GUIDE Spring time.
The days grow longer and warmer; the rain, snow and naked trees give way to early sunrises, blue skies and green leaves. And after a long winter spent primarily indoors, runners are itching to head back outside. New runners join the ranks following New Year’s resolutions, and experienced runners refresh the worn out footwear that gloriously accompanied them through miles of training and racing in the previous year (or the winter). 2013 starts with many interesting new running shoes. In the past couple of years, we’ve seen new players in the shoe arena coming up with innovative concepts. And established brands apply technologies developed for the past Olympics to the everyday trainers of 2013. Overall, running shoes are getting better. We took the most anticipated models out for some thorough testing. Here are the shoes you don’t want to miss.
By Ruggero Loda
SPRING 2013
NEUTRAL
VALUE
Skechers
K-Swiss
GOrun 2
Blade Light Run II
Weight: Men’s SPRING 20136.6 oz. | Women’s 5.2 oz. Category: Minimalist Price: $80
Weight: Men’s 10.0 oz. | Women’s 8.1 oz. Category: Neutral Price: $95
www.skechers.com
www.kswiss.com
The second iteration of Skechers GOrun 2 provides a comfortable, well-fitting minimalist experience that builds upon the strengths of the first version. Designed for lightweight adaptability, the GOrun 2 is a great go-to shoe for minimalist veterans and a great “first shoe” for newcomers to the category. With a lightweight, comfortable and flexible upper, as well as a contoured and adaptive outsole, the GOrun 2 provides tactile feedback that doesn’t get in the way for a comfortable and performance-minded run. Weighing a scant 6.6 ounces, the GOrun 2 provides a responsive ride that feels like it’s barely there. And at a tempting price point, this shoe is well-positioned to fit into any minimalist runner’s rotation.
This updated version of the Blade Light Run has an overhauled upper that’s seam free and boasts welded overlays that make it a comfortable and lightweight neutral running shoe after a slight break-in period. The one-piece midsole/ outsole (constructed from superfoam technology) and Aosta inserts (to improve durability) keep the shoe fairly flexible and responsive. Wear testers liked the forefoot flexibility, but found the midfoot area slightly stiffer.
NEUTRAL
MINIMALIST
SPRING 2013
Mizuno adidas
Energy Boost Weight: Men’s 9.8 oz. | Womens 8.2 oz. Category: Neutral Price: $150
www.adidas.com The adidas Energy Boost is a great choice for neutral runners looking for a fast, light and soft shoe that fits snugly. The overall feel is extremely soft and cushioned, with a snug, almost sock-like upper. The sole unit of the Energy Boost is designed to provide exceptional energy return, which makes for a fast feel. Rounding it out is a sock-like upper that hugs the foot comfortably, providing a touch of extra support. During testing, the Energy Boost performed best during faster workouts on the track or tempo runs.
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www.midwestevents.com
Wave Rider 16 Weight: Men’s 9.9 oz. | Women’s 8.2 oz. Category: Neutral Price: $115
www.mizunousa.com The latest update to this perennial favorite features the same great cushioning you would expect from Mizuno, and a flexible Dynamotion upper that places stretchy material in all the right places. Nothing changes in the undercarriage from the last version — except that Mizuno found ways to effectively decrease the overall weight by improving the upper. As a neutral shoe, the Wave Rider 16 provides a bit more support than many of its counterparts. This is due to an Extended Wave Plate, which decreases twisting of the foot and provides some support for overpronators. Testers praised the durability of this shoe, and heavier runners appreciated that the Wave Plate technology maintains some resilience in the midsole.