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REVIEWS

Year-End Wrap-Up

by Cregg Weinmann

unning shoes are released on schedules that don’t always coincide with our publication deadlines. Some shoes don’t distinguish themselves immediately during the testing process and are squeezed out by our space limitations. Here we feature seven such shoes that are definitely worth a look as we close out 2008 and get started in 2009.

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Aetrex Zoom Runner Motion Stabilizing (Moderate)

Nike Equalon 3 Motion Stabilizing (Maximum)

Known for their orthopedic expertise, Aetrex’s latest round of running shoes makes a noticeable leap forward.

Though the shoes are a bit heavier than most on the market, runners looking for good stability and cushioning are treated to a level of customization not available elsewhere. Aetrex’s in-store computerized fitting system allows users to locate their pressure spots and then tailor a personalized cushioning layer that sits under the innersole. Each new round of shoes has been better than its previous offering, leading to better acceptance by both dealers and consumers. To find a dealer, visit Aetrex on the web at www.aetrex.com/html/dealers.shtml.

The third round of the Equalon is the best yet.

The combination of fit, stability, and especially cushioning has made it a more versatile shoe. The upper is breathable mesh with radiating overlays that have been reduced in size to shave weight. The medial side features supports stitched directly into the midsole to shore up the foot. Thanks to a reformulation of the foam, the midsole has a softer feel and flexibility has been improved significantly. The outersole is the proven combination of BRS 1000 and Duralon that provides the traction and durability expected from the Bowerman line. The plush interior and improved innersole round out a satisfying package. It’s available in gender-specific versions to ensure that everyone searching for stability can find the fit they need.

“Very stable, felt totally secure during my runs in these. Fit well, had good comfort.

I was impressed with the performance. Easily an 8 out of 10.” $130 Sizes: Men 7–13,14 (M,W widths); Women 5–11,12 (M,W widths) Weight: 14.3 oz. (M’s 11); 11.9 oz. (W’s 8) Shape: semi-curved For: medium- to high-arched feet with moderate overpronation Price:

“I’m truly impressed. Out of the box, I wore them on a 17-mile run, and had a slight hot spot, but since then every run has been a pleasure. Improved cushioning, great stability and support; this one was done right.” $135 Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15; Women 5–10,11 Weight: 12.8 oz. (M’s 11); 10.9 oz. (W’s 8) Shape: semi-curved For: medium- to high-arched feet with moderate to maximum overpronation

Price:

adidas adiStar Ride Neutral (Soft)

Reebok Verona KFS Neutral (Firm)

The adiStar Ride replaces the adiStar Cushion, and hearkens back to the neutral shoes that carried the name Ride. Its mission is to provide cushioning and ride along with the adidas fit that neutral runners expect. The upper has improved forefoot fit, thanks to a broader base and upper cut to match, including an airy mesh and liberal use of HF-welded overlays in the forefoot and at the top of the eyestays. The midsole is well cushioned, leaning to the soft side without feeling mushy. The ForMotion cassette works its magic to enhance stability and add to the “adidas” feel for the road. The adiWear outersole is durable, and a central forefoot layer of blown rubber cushions the toe-off.

The Verona KFS is one of several neutral shoes from Reebok, each staking its own claim in the neutral range. The firm ride offers responsiveness with a good measure of cushioning, in contrast to the variety of softer shoes available on the market. The upper features the proven KFS inserts which provide a snug but forgiving fit courtesy of the open stretch mesh. The DMPRTek outersole is durable while adding a measure of cushioning. The interior offers comfortable touches in the Ortholite innersole with a smooth microfiber cover, a DMX Strobel board, PlayDry lining to wick away moisture, and a foam collar that conforms to your anatomy. Overall, runners will find good value in the Verona KFS as it features durability, cushioning, fit, features, etc., expected in the KFS line.

“The adiStar Ride lives up to its name, providing plenty of springiness and decent stability compared to other adidas models. This shoe gave me a very cushioned and squishy ride, but not as much responsiveness —a Lincoln instead of a Volkswagon.”

Price: $125 Sizes: Men 6.5–13,14; Women 5–12 Weight: 12.1 oz. (M’s 11); 10.0 oz.

(W’s 8) Shape: semi-curved For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

“The fit is great. I like my shoes loose and these were roomy up front. WOW! Do they ever have bounce. I thought I was on springs. It has surprised me that the bounce is as good as the first day, very durable. Great stability for the ride it affords. They are average weight, but I would run a full marathon in these.

Overall, I was very impressed.” $90 Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 5–10,11,12 Weight: 12.8 oz. (M’s 11); 10.7 oz.

(W’s 8) Shape: semi-curved For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

Price:

Cregg Weinmann is footwear and running products reviewer for the Running Network LLC. A competitive runner for the past 43 years, he also has coached runners at all levels for over 25 years. He can be reached at shuz2run@lightspeed.net.

Copyright © 2008 by Running Network LLC. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this article may be stored, copied, or reprinted without prior written permission of the Running Network LLC. Reprinted here with permission.

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12/12/08

REVIEWS

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WELCOME TO 2009

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Year-End Wrap-Up Brooks Ghost Performance (Neutral)

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Brooks’ support of road racing and track & field has influenced the improvement in its footwear line. It has a good tradition in the Performance category, but hasn’t offered anything new since the Burn III a few seasons back. With the introduction of the Ghost, that wait is over. Significantly different from the three versions of the Burn, the Ghost starts with an upper of cool open mesh with supportive overlays that fan out over the forefoot so as not to impinge on toeroom. The midsole is MoGo with its resilient ride. The Sprung Last introduced in Brooks shoes last spring is used here for its energetic, rolling toe-off with deep flex grooves for flexion. However, some may feel that there’s less forefoot cushioning than usual. The outersole is durable HPR carbon rubber with blown rubber in the forefoot.

All in all, this is a pretty good re-entry into the category for Brooks.

“This is a good, solid shoe. I will say that it took me awhile, at least 30 miles, to get used to the feel. Once I got used it, I liked these shoes a lot better than when I first wore them. Good for shorter/medium runs, say up to about 8 miles or so, any longer [and] the thin cushioning up front would become an issue.” $100 Sizes: Men 8–13,14,15; Women 6–12 Weight: 11.7 oz. (M’s 11); 9.9 oz. (W’s 8) medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

Price: For:

Shape:

semi-curved

New Balance 749 Performance (Stability) Stable performance shoes have been a strength of New Balance, with the 900 series leading the way. With the 749, new to the New Balance line, it now offers stable, well cushioned performance by building on the cushion that used to be available only in the pricier 900 series. The upper is a cool, open mesh, with the required support provided by fairly minimal overlays. The midsole is a cushy formulation of ACTEVA which offers a good blend of bounce and durability. The fit is geared toward the medium-arched foot, but can accommodate arches that are a little higher or lower, as well.

“Very snug without being tight. Just right for tempo runs and moderate days. Not the best for really long runs. The biggest surprise is that the shoe is totally board-lasted (no foam board). I think it would benefit the forefoot cushioning if it had that extra layer. The insert is really well crafted and thought out—nice padding in the heel, thinner toward the front and ventilated. Highly recommended.”

Price:

$80 Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15,16 (D,2E,4E); Women 5–11,12,13 (B,D) semi-curved For: medium- to high-arched feet with mild overpronation

Weight:

11.6 oz. (M’s 11); 9.6 oz. (W’s 8)

Shape:

ASICS GEL Trail Sensor 2 WR Trail The Trail Sensor began as a heavy-duty trail crusher, though it was a little too much trail crusher, not quite enough of a trail cruiser. Round 2 of the Trail Sensor rectifies that imbalance. The midsole has a more responsive feel with better flexibility, but doesn’t sacrifice the protection of the original. The upper features an asymmetrical lacing design attached to an internal sleeve that improves the midfoot fit. The protection extends to keeping the foot dry courtesy of its water-resistant treatment, as well as the upper’s ability to handle scuffs from trail debris. The traction is well suited to the trail, with segmented lugs to adapt to uneven surfaces, but even pavement is easily managed.

For more information, please contact Larry Eder at larry.eder@gmail.com or 608.239.3785

“Fit feels great with good cushion on trails or even the roads. More of a responsive feel than a bouncy feel.

The lacing system provides a great secure feeling, and the sole adapts to the trail well with great traction.

It is a little heavier than norm[al], but it is rugged.” $110 Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 6–12 Weight: 14.7 oz. (M’s 11); 12.5 oz. (W’s 8) medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation ▲

Price: For:

Shape:

semi-curved