REVIEWS
YOUTH RUNNING SHOES Winter 2011 continued Nike LunarGlide+ 3
The overall success of the LunarGlide franchise, both in sales and performance, has made it among Nike’s most broadly available products: from toddler’s 2C to men’s size 15. The adult version features a well-cushioned and stable ride, and the children’s version has been adapted to provide the same. The uppers are the same—closed mesh with synthetic suede overlays and a supportive thermoplastic heel clip that improves the heel fit and support—except where adapted to the smallest sizes. The midsole is the same Dynamic Support throughout the size range: Lunarlon foam in a Phylite foam carrier that’s shaped for stability and lasting cushioning. $55 Child/$82 Youth ($100 Adult) Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feel with neutral biomechanics to moderate overpronation Shape: semi-curved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Sizes: children 10.5–13.5; youth 1–6.5 (M width)
Puma Cell Ikonis Jr. The Ikonis doesn’t align directly to a Puma shoe for adults that’s sold in the U.S., but it’s strongly connected to the Complete running line. The upper will look familiar to those acquainted with other Puma running shoes, like the Complete Velosis. The upper is open airmesh supported by synthetic overlays at heel, toe, and eyestay, with additional support from the Puma form-stripe. The midsole is a generous slab of EVA cushioning—simple, but effective. The outersole is fulllength carbon rubber, proven for its durability. The performance is a consistent blend of reliable durability and cushioning, which is particularly useful for active children. $45 Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feel with neutral biomechanics Shape: semi-curved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Sizes: children 11–13; youth 1–7 (M width)
Reebok Zig Sonic
Saucony Kinvara 2
The Zig technology has been an effective cushioning technology for Reebok, and has worked well for sizes all the way from a toddler 4 to a men’s 15. Both the adults’ and children’s versions feature cushioning and fit, a testament to Reebok’s experience making shoes. The uppers are as close to the same as possible: closed mesh, vented through the saddle with minimal overlays and a smooth interior. The midsole is the same corrugated ribbon of EVA that provides its well-cushioned ride, with small patches of carbon rubber in the high-wear areas of the outersole to keep the weight down where possible.
The Kinvara 2 opens the door to minimalism for children in the same way it was brought to its adult line: by offering cushioning and a great fit without anything extra. The upper is stripped down without giving up the touches of comfort where needed. The airmesh and minimal overlays make these shoes light and all the better for running fast. The midsole is responsive and durable ProGrid Lite EVA, proven for its great cushioning, with a slight drop from heel to forefoot of only 4 millimeters. The outersole is arranged in triangle-shaped lugs for traction with carbon rubber only in the high-wear areas to keep the weight down. The combination of light weight, excellent cushioning, and responsiveness earned the Kinvara 2 honors as our Best Youth Running Shoe.
$75 ($100 Adult) Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feel with neutral biomechanics Shape: semi-curved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Sizes: children 4–13.5; youth 1–7 (M width)
$55 ($90 Adult) Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feel with neutral biomechanics Shape: semi-curved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Sizes: children 10.5–13; youth 1–7 (M width)
CREGG WEINMANN is footwear and running products reviewer for Running Network LLC. He can be reached via e-mail at shuz2run@lightspeed.net. Copyright © 2011 by Running Network LLC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be stored, copied, or reprinted without prior written permission of Running Network LLC. Reprinted here with permission. www.morunandtri.com
SPRING 2012
M ISSOURI RUNNER AND TRIATHLETE
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