Running Network Fall/Winter 2017 Shoe Review

2017 FALL/WINTER

TRAINING SHOE REVIEW

W

hile it’s always been true that different feet need different shoes, there’s never been the kind of variety in running shoes that we see today. The debate over the motion that the foot takes as it travels from touchdown to toe-off and, more importantly, how it relates to injury, has resulted in design approaches that have freed the foot to function with less restriction. Different technological solutions have arisen to coax the foot into its “ideal” path. Some are proprietary, and some have become manufacturing best practices.

One problem that arises when paradigms shift is how to clarify this new thinking and its MOTION resulting changes via the STABILIZING—3 language and terms we use to describe it. The opinions expressed on the internet have somewhat muddied the waters instead of clarifying them. While categories help us make sense of things, they aren’t always the end point.

Ten years ago, biomechanical function (neutral, pronator, supinator) was presumed to point to a specific category, so shoe shopping involved a quick try-on of 2 or 3 different brands or models followed by a trip to the cash register.

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For more than 20 years, we’ve made recommendations of the type of biomechanics best suited to a shoe, and grouped those shoes into a category. Today we’re finding that new categories are needed, so we’re proposing the following: structured for shoes that use a mid-foot support to maintain the shape of the sole; full-contact for shoes with a relatively flat bottom that stays in contact with the ground from footstrike to toe-off; and rocker bottom for shoes with a sole that curves up, i.e., away from the ground, in the front and the back, allowing the the shoe to roll forward with the foot; many of these bottoms also have relatively thick, cushioned soles.

| NEUTRAL—4 | PERFORMANCE—5

Since all three types have some stability built into the shoe, distinctions within the categories speak more to the type of running they’re suited for than to the runner’s biomechanics.

For example, within each category some shoes have a little broader base to lend still more stability to the shoe, while others have extra cushion for high-mileage training or runners prone to overuse injury.

holdover category—performance—continues “The times they are a changin’,” wrote Bob Dylan more thanOne 50 years ago, and that has certainly been outside Changes in perception and perspectives allow newseason. Emerging this new language. for running whether the case in the running shoe industry over theforpast brands Shoes have seen somefast, successes, solutions as well as individual progress.

A perfect example in competition or training fast to run fast, might also there have been many new shoe launches (as with the most active past seasons, about 35% of this spring’s of this is shoe geometry.

It has adapted over the past several incorporate features of any of the three categories— offerings are new), and changes in materials and construction methods have left their mark on the industry. years to a point where we find ourselves with more options, structure, full-contact, and/or rocker bottoms—or they may Today may be the calm before the storm, as 2017 exhibits the hallmarks of significant transition. Much of but also more complexity. merely lighten the materials and lower the profile. the anticipation centers on the jump from standard manufacturing to automated processes. This could mean we’ll behas seeing shoesthat that customized, quicklyWith delivered, and possibly even right Dr.that Benno Nigg suggested theare shoe that feels right all this change going on, this made is still true: Always make around theShoes corner fromadapt your to house. is right. should the foot, not the foot to the sure your shoes fit well and offer the support that feels right shoe. This aligns with what we have seen recently: shoes

for your foot.

Overfrom thedifferent past few seasonscategories we’ve seen newfor or runners improved traditional working withmanufacturing techniques and materials for — Cregg Weinmann uppers: engineered meshes, because full-knitthe uppers, Every shoe in this Review features very different biomechanics foot islaminates, directing theand membranes.

Running Reviewer for theelastomer, Running Network, one shoe or more of these advances.

And at the heart of midsole innovation is Shoe the thermoplastic also LLC instead of the other way around. known as TPE. These midsoles vary by ingredients, much like cookie dough recipes. Here, it’s the spongy foam that just may be the secret ingredient that makes a shoe a delight to run in. Brands look for their ownFORTIUS special recipes and ingredients, and you are the beneficiary as these blends are all more protective, Media Group, LLC Partners durable, and responsive than ever.

American Track & Field Coaching Athletics Latinos Corriendo RunMinnesota www.american-trackandfield.com

www.coachingathleticsq.com

www.latinoscorriendo.com

www.runmdra.org

www.ePodismo.com (Italy) www.ePodismo.com/USA

Get Active! & Club Business International

Outdoors NW www.outdoorsnw.com

Track & Field News www.trackandfieldnews.com

www.shoeaddicts.co

Out There Monthly www.outtheremonthly.com

Winged Foot (NYC) www.nyac.org

Race Packet DC www.racepacket.com

Youth Runner www.youthrunner.com

www.SoulFocusSports.com www.TrackAlerts.com wwwUSTFCCA.org www.WomenTalkSports.com

As inAthletes much of life, education is your best bet for Missouri finding your perfect shoes.

Your local runningwww.HalfMarathon.net specialty Only Colorado Runner Runner & Triathlete Running Journal, Racing South www.coloradorunnermag.com www.morunandtri.com storewww.atf-athlete.com can capably assist you in this process because they know runningwww.running.net and they know shoes.www.MarathonGuide.com Use our www.RunBlogRun.com reviews as a starting point.Florida With their assistance New and your ownZone good judgment, we’re confident you’ll find Athletics-Africa Running & Triathlon England Exchange RunOhio www.issuu.com/RunDenmark www.athletics-africa.com/s/ www.flrunning.com www.usatfne.org www.runohio.com success in your shoe search. www.RunningProductReviews.com Austin Fit www.austinfitmagazine.com

—Cregg Weinmann, Running Shoe Reviewer for the Running Network,www.SlowTwitch.com LLC www.healthclubs.com

California Track & Running News www.caltrack.com

Club Running (RRCA) www.rrca.org/publications/club-running

Hawaii Sport www.hawaiisportmag.com

Welcome!

For the last four years the nearly-daily changes in the media world have required that we continually reinvent ourselves to find the mix that makes sense for both you, our readers, and for our sponsors and advertisers (whose worlds have also been in flux). Even the Shoe Reviews, which we’ve produced since about 1990, have undergone changes.

Runners are creatures of habit and comfort. Most research seems to show that runners like to see their sponsors in digital, social, and print. Using these different platforms reinforces both the brand and its message. The successful brands understand that and those are the brands you see in our pages supporting the Running Network, RunBlogRun and our digital partners, the shoe addicts.

They also support FORTIUS Media Group LLC because they know we provide the content that strengthens your relationship with our sport. We encourage you to purchase your running product through your local running stores as they put their money back into the local sport. We also encourage you to support brands that support your favorite races, stores and, yes, your favorite media. (Keep an eye out for our video and audio takes on the reviews, too.)

Many thanks to you for your support through all of this change. I’d also like to extend special thanks our Shoe Review team: footwear reviewer Cregg Weinmann, graphic designer Kristen Cerer, production manager Alex Larson, and project coordinator and editor Christine Johnson, who pulls it all together.

Whether you run or walk, just remember to move! Wishing you and yours Happy Holidays and a Happy & Healthy 2018!

Project Coordinator/Editor: Christine Johnson, Holding Space LLC Reviewer: Cregg Weinmann Designer: Kristen Cerer Shoe Photography: Daniel Saldaña, Cregg Weinmann Advertising Sales: FORTIUS Media Group, LLC Publishing Director: Larry Eder, 608.239.3785, fortiusmedia@ gmail.com Ad Manager: Adam JohnsonEder, 608.556.9164, adamlawrenceeder@ gmail.com Legal Counsel: Perry F. Goldust, Esq. This 2017 Fall/Winter Training Shoe Review is produced independently by FORTIUS Media Group, LLC for its partner publications and websites. All shoes reviewed were tested by experienced, competitive runners who were matched to the biomechanical purpose of each shoe model.

Copyright © 2017 by FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be stored, copied, or reprinted without prior written permission of FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. FORTIUS Media Group, LLC and its partner publications and websites suggest that, as with all fitness activities, you meet with a healthcare professional before beginning or changing your fitness regimen.

Larry Eder Publishing Director, FORTIUS Media Group, LLC

361˚ Meraki

130

$

The new Meraki from 361˚ fills the role of a nicely cushioned yet responsive midweight trainer. The upper is a thin, closed mesh with fused film overlays and a stitched saddle for extra support. The midsole features the proven combination of Qu!kfoam and compression-molded EVA. Introduced in the Meraki is a new configuration called Qu!kflex, a wavy-patterned forefoot that cushions well and flexes better than previous 361˚ shoes. Nearest to the foot is an EVA Strobel board providing extra cushioning and a plusher feel to a well-cushioned shoe. The full-contact outersole features a thin layer of carbon rubber at heel and toe, with an open mid-foot of toughened durable foam that’s molded for traction without adding weight. The durable construction, responsive and cushioned ride, and versatility of features make the Meraki well-suited for daily running on a variety of surfaces.

”Fit well, with a nice supportive wrap through the arch. [The] well cushioned ride, with rebound in both heel and ball, made them great to run in.”

The newly updated Tempo 9 resumes its role as the stable running counterpart to the Boston Boost. Since the introduction of Boost foam, the Tempo has been just a slightly brawnier version of the two shoes, with its hybrid of EVA and blown TPU, but Round 9 successfully dials in each feature to optimize stability for faster running and long racing in keeping with the Tempo name. The upper is closed mini-mesh that’s very breathable, with sueded overlays extending to the lowest lace loops. The midsole is low-profile Boost foam covered with a layer of EVA and stabilizing film overlays on the medial side that add strength to the foam there. The outersole continues with the thin layer of Continental® carbon rubber, which offers good traction as well as durability. Its versatility is the Tempo’s strength: A touch of stability that’s nicely cushioned and durable.

”Good update. Sleeker, but with plenty of cushion.

Feels fast enough, cushy enough, and stable enough. They get the job done.”

The One is Altra’s lightest weight shoe, which makes it suited for both racing and tempo running and, perhaps for some, even daily training. Round 3 continues with the versatility of its predecessors, while adding some nifty new aesthetics. The upper is a closed mesh with full-length, thin, fused overlays from the foot-shaped toe box to the heel, and anchored with a stiffer synthetic suede below the Achilles tendon tab.

The medial side of the tongue is tacked in place both for a bit of support and to keep it from slipping side to side. The eyelets are segmented to allow articulation with the foot’s movement. While spare, the ankle padding is sufficient to protect and conform to the foot. The midsole is single-density A-bound foam shaped by the Altra’s zero-drop geometry. The outersole is toughened foam with a drop-in blown rubber component called FootPod, that provides traction and additional durability. The result is a light, fastfeeling shoe that handles well the duties on the quick end of the running spectrum.

”Roomy forefoot with a light, fast feel. Good cushion, great flexibility, no problem with traction.

They were great for faster runs.”

New Sizes: Men 8–13,14; Women 6–11 Weight: Men 11.3 oz. (size 11); Women 9.2 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Geometry: full-contact

adidas adiZero Tempo 9

120

$

Updates the adiZero Tempo 8 Sizes: Men 7–13; Women 6–11 Weight: Men 10.7 oz. (size 11); Women 8.5 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Geometry: full-contact

Altra One v3

100

$

2017 Fall/Winter Training Shoe Review — 2 — FORTIUS Media Group, LLC

Updates the One v2.5 Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 6–11 Weight: Men 9.5 oz. (size 11); Women 7.6 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved, foot shaped Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Geometry: full-contact, zero drop

ASICS DynaFlyte 2

130

$

The original DynaFlyte introduced Flyte Foam, the first new cushioning system for ASICS in a generation. Round 2 continues with its most effective aspects while building in more comfort. The upper is a new bi-layer mesh that’s very open on the inside layer and features alternating bands of open and closed mesh in the outer layer. The logo cutout is sandwiched between the two layers, for both a cool look and additional lateral support.

The smooth tongue and rearfoot interior have sufficient foam for comfort without adding unnecessary weight. By replacing the original polyurethane Strobel board with an EVA board the midsole has a smoother and more energetic ride. The outersole continues with carbon rubber in the heel and blown rubber in the forefoot. Two tread patterns are used: The perimeter has a tougher solid pattern that encircles a grippier, nubby pattern in the center of the sole. The combination provides both durability and excellent traction. This update improves the original, though fans of Round 1 should be equally pleased.

”Flashy looks with a great ride. Cushioned and responsive, comfortable fit. Like my favorite ASICS shoes.”

The new Levitate joins the Brooks lineup as a deluxe shoe, complete with a new material for the brand: DNA AMP. The upper is supple engineered mesh, with smooth linings and tongue that wrap the foot softly yet securely. The structure at heel and toe effectively flex with the foot to maintain its shape against the roll of all but the most mobile ankles while holding the toe box above the toes. The midsole is DNA AMP, a polyurethane foam encapsulated by a TPU skin to efficiently reduce energy loss. It provides as lively a ride as Brooks has yet produced in a deluxe, high-mileage shoe. The outersole is a durable rubber configured in a chevron pattern that provides grip and, with its grooved surface, good durability as well. While the weight seems a bit hefty, the ride actually gives it a much lighter feel. Once other shoes in Brooks’ line get “AMPed,” the bar for comfort and performance will be raised.

“Snug around the ankle and really hug[s] my foot.

Great underfoot support. Comfortably handle my mid- to long runs.”

The original Clifton was a home run for Hoka, and has garnered a faithful following.

Round 4 keeps the momentum going by dialing in the upper while maintaining the expected ride. The upper is a nicely done combination of closed mesh with printed overlays that wrap the foot effectively, providing a comfortable fit. Subtly textured linings manage moisture well, while providing an almost-plush feel against the foot.

The midsole continues with the rocker geometry that defines the Clifton; its thick foam layer cushions nicely without impeding faster running. The outersole continues with a very minimal design: just a few pieces of carbon rubber at the heel and toe, strategically placed in the highest-wear areas of the sole. The performance of the Clifton 4 is what’s expected of a Clifton: lightweight, quick, and well cushioned.

”Love the foot-hugging fit. Light and cushiony— like a cloud, but responsive.”

The Wave Shadow is the replacement for the Sayonara series. While the Sayonara merged two previously well-loved shoes (the Precision and the Elixir, both longtime successes), the Shadow replaces a good shoe that never got the love it deserved. The upper is a minimesh with a stitched saddle that offers great midfoot support and a few welded overlays provide a little extra structure in strategic areas. The midsole may be the Shadow’s secret weapon: It has a deceptively flexible and bouncy U4ic foam, that holds up well to high-mileage training. The outersole features a durable rubber compound that has a little extra cush to it. A textured pattern within the tread affords great grip, with the added benefit of being durable enough for everything we threw at the shoe. The Wave Shadow’s performance, durability, and ride earned it our award as the Best Training Shoe.

”Roomy and airy over the toes, snug heel but without a lot of structure. Great for tempos and big miles. Ran some longer races with good results.”

Updates the DynaFlyte Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15; Women 5–12 Weight: Men 10.4 oz. (size 11); Women 8.3 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Geometry: full-contact

Brooks Levitate

150

$

Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 5–12 Weight: Men 12.8 oz. (size 11); Women 10.2 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Geometry: full-contact

Hoka One One Clifton 4

130

$

Updates the Clifton 3 Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 5–11 B,D Weight: Men 10.4 oz. (size 11); Women 8.3 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Geometry: rocker bottom

Mizuno Wave Shadow

Training Fall/Winter 2017

110

$

New Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 6–11 Weight: Men 10.2 oz. (size 11); Women 8.2 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Geometry: structured

New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo v2

135

$

The Fresh Foam family has a number of members, offering something for almost everybody. The Vongo v2 offers plenty of foam, creating a stable base that makes it well-suited to high mileage or larger runners. The upper is a closed engineered mesh that conforms nicely to the foot and adapts well as the foot moves. Fused overlays at heel and toe add shape to the upper, and a fused logo supports the saddle. Articulated eyelets permit the laces to adjust as the foot flexes. Hyper-mobile feet will appreciate the structure in the heel counter that keeps it from breaking down quickly. The Fresh Foam midsole offers plenty of durable cushioning, with sidewall molding shaped to support (medially) and flex (laterally). The full-length, full-contact carbon rubber sole has both good traction and durability. The wide platform adds support, and a longitudinal flex groove runs from heel to toe to permit the foot to direct the shoe to its preferred motion without losing stability. Runners looking for a reliable high-mileage shoe should give the Fresh Foam Vongo serious consideration.

2017 Fall/Winter Training Shoe Review­— 3 — FORTIUS Media Group, LLC

”Great high-mileage, distance shoe. Good fit, traction, breathes well. They got the job done for me.”

Updates the Vongo v1 Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15,16; Women 5–11,12 Weight: Men 11.8 oz. (size 11); Women 9.9 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Geometry: full-contact

Nike Zoom Fly

Performance Fall/Winter 2017

150

$

The Zoom Fly is a new performance shoe in the family of shoes Nike created for its attempt at a sub–2-hour marathon. The upper is a thin, engineered mesh that offers good support, wraps the foot securely without extra material, breathes well, and conforms nicely to hold the foot securely. The tongue is offset, snugging in near the base of the shin bone in front of the ankle, enhancing the fit. The midsole is a maximal design with a rather tall stack height—33 millimeters—and a heel shaped to optimize the heel-to-toe roll-through. A rigid plate embedded in the midsole material propels the foot, minimizing energy loss while also preserving the Lunarlon foam’s longevity.

The outersole features a traditional forefoot of thin blown rubber, with minimally applied carbon rubber in the heel and toughened foam managing the low-wear areas. The ride, performance, and innovation earned the Zoom Fly our award for Best Performance Shoe.

”Great firm cushion, effortlessly rolls through the stride. Good rebound, with a light and minimal upper.”

New Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15; Women 5–12 Weight: Men 9.7 oz. (size 11); Women 7.8 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Geometry: rocker bottom

Puma Speed Ignite NetFit

NEW SHOE Fall/Winter 2017

140

$

The Speed Ignite NetFit is a fresh new concept for Puma that offers a myriad of lacing options to give the best upper fit possible. The upper consists of a soft, stretchy inner booty that wraps the foot just below the ankle. Over the booty is a mesh net that’s covered with holes designed to offer free range to customize how you can lace the shoe. The lace throat only has holes at its top so the whole forefoot is available to customize the lacing pattern.

The midsole is the effective Ignite blown TPU foam that Puma has been using for several years. Here they’ve used the same setup as seen in last season’s Speed 500. The outersole is a carbon rubber heel with a blown rubber strip down the center under the metatarsals for just a little softer feel at toe-off. The medial side is toughened foam, which is sufficient for the biomechanically efficient. The customizable fit, resilient midsole, and good durability earned the Speed Ignite NetFit our award for Best New Shoe.

”Roomy forefoot fit, fine for the toes. Lacing options make the fit a non-issue for my foot. Really responsive midsole, good cushioned feel.”

Round 3 of the Zealot ISO is perhaps its most versatile incarnation yet. The ISOfit system in the saddle has been sandwiched between the inner and outer layers of mesh to secure the mid-foot, while allowing the shoe to flex well and still support the foot. The linings are smooth and the ankle collar foam conforms to the foot with a luxe feel. The embossed molding of the heel counter provides some firmness without restricting the motion.

The midsole continues with the full-length Everun topsole, but the new midsole foam is resilient and cushy without mushing out. The outersole sports a zigzag pattern of blown rubber in the forefoot and a perimeter of tougher carbon rubber in the heel. The zigzags have great flexion, and the shape is perfect for both firm and loose surfaces. The medial side is toughened foam from the heel up to the forward end of the arch, contributing to the cushy feel without compromising the grip or durability. The fit, ride, and performance earned the Zealot ISO 3 our award for Best Renovation.

”The fit was good, seemed to form to my foot.

Lighter than they look, actually quite light, well cushioned and they breathe well.”

The Ultra Road is Skechers’ max cushion road shoe, the beefier sibling to the GoRun and GoRun Ride. Round 2 updates include refinements to the upper, midsole, and outersole that bring it more in line with the rest of the Skechers running shoe line. The upper is similar to Round 1 when it was the first Skechers model to feature a knit upper. Venting over the forefoot, fused eyestay supports, and the QuickFit pull tab at the heel have made the update sleeker and more aesthetically attuned to the line. The midsole is 5Gen foam with a 28-millimeter stack height. The cushioned feel is soft but surprisingly resilient, with good rebound. The outersole is a two-part layout of the Parametric Web first seen in last season’s GoRun 5 and GoMeb Razor. Traction and durability are each surprisingly good from this thin and light rubber compound. The flexibility also benefits from the thin profile, through the rocker sole aids in propulsion as well. The cushion, fit, and ride make more fans of the Skechers line each season, and the Ultra Road 2 will certainly attract its share.

”Soft and cushioned, light but not flimsy feeling.

Knit upper fits well. They really worked for me.

Great for recovery, but were fine for daily training as well.”

New Sizes: Men 7–12,13,14; Women 5.5–10,11 Weight: Men 11.0 oz. (size 11); Women 9.0 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Geometry: full-contact

Saucony Zealot ISO 3

RENOVATION Fall/Winter 2017

130

$

Updates the Zealot ISO 2 Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 5–12 Weight: Men 9.8 oz. (size 11); Women 7.8 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, Everun topsole Geometry: full-contact

Skechers Ultra Road 2

120

$

Updates the Ultra Road Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 5–10,11 Weight: Men 9.4 oz. (size 11); Women 7.7 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Geometry: rocker bottom

Under Armour Threadborne Fortis 3

110

$

The Fortis series has been aimed more at utility than performance running but that changes with the Threadborne Fortis 3. The shoe features a new upper, midsole, and outersole, all of which add performance. Merging the Threadborne concept with a versatile Charged Foam silhouette is a good step in the right direction. The upper is Threadborne, a knit fabric that has strands stitched into the weave offering enough additional support to eliminate the need for overlays. A stretchy internal booty hugs and moves with the foot, buffering the interior from the stiffer outer fabric. The midsole is Charged Foam, a proven setup for Under Armour running shoes. Its durable and lively behavior makes it well-suited to high mileage. The outersole is carbon rubber throughout. A contoured heel and segmented forefoot intersperse carbon rubber with flex grooves, that allow the foot to lay down smoothly as it transitions from heel to toe. Its light weight, good cushioning, and reasonable price tag make the Threadborne Fortis 3 worth an audition to your shoe rotation.

2017 Fall/Winter Training Shoe Review­— 4 — FORTIUS Media Group, LLC

”Secure fit, decent rebound, breathable. They did a good job for me.”

Updates the Speedform Fortis 2 Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 5–11,12 Weight: Men 10.8 oz. (size 11); Women 8.6 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Geometry: full-contact