SHOES 34
10 S H O E T E R M S YO U N E E D TO KN O W B Y CA I TLYN PI L K I N GTON
TONGUE Strip of fabric that runs up the top center of the shoe to provide protection and comfort between the lacing system and foot
SOCKLINER Fabric and foam footbed lining the interior, often removable
UPPER Mesh fabric that covers the top and sides of the foot from heel to toes and helps cinch down the foot to the shoe
HEEL COUNTER Firm reinforcement around the heel, either placed externally or built into the interior of the shoe
TOEBOX Front end that covers and protects the toes
TOE SPRING Upward arcing design at the front of the shoe, aimed to increase forward momentum
OUTSOLE Bottom layer that contacts the ground and provides traction
MIDSOLE Various materials and thicknesses offer varying levels of support, cushioning and flexibility
HEEL CRASH PAD Built-up and segmented cushioning underneath the heel that aids in absorbing footstrike impact
HEEL-TOE OFFSET Difference in millimeters between the foot’s height off the ground in the heel and in the forefoot. (“Zero-drop” means a shoe has a level platform.)
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UNDER ARMOUR SPEEDFORM GEMINI, $130
Highlight: Everyday training versatility with a little bit of energetic “pop” for fast workouts and races
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A versatile shoe capable of long training runs, marathon racing and even shorter, faster workouts, the SpeedForm Gemini is more cushioned and responsive than UA’s SpeedForm Apollo. Like its predecessor, it has a foot-wrapping, open-mesh upper (made in a factory that makes fabric for lingerie) and a sewn-in footbed that creates a snug connection to the shoe’s undercarriage. The smooth interior of the upper and seamless heel
cup add to this bond. What makes this shoe special is its adaptive cushioning technology—it serves up a soft feeling at slower speeds and offers a slightly more firm and responsive sensation at faster speeds. It’s a great shoe for tempo runs and fartlek workouts. weights: 8.0 oz. (men’s), 7.0 oz. (women’s) heel-toe offset: 8mm; 24mm (heel)/16mm (forefoot)
2/20/15 5:01 PM