Gear

The Fall Lineup: This Season’s Hottest New Running Shoes

August 4, 2009
By Gus Alexandropoulos

The top running-shoe trends that emerged this spring continue to evolve in the fall season. Runners can expect to see more gender-specific shoes, softer cushioning and new forefoot -strike shoe options. But even with all these updates and new shoes, it’s important not to forget the basics of proper fit and the correct level of support.

Pronation

A runner’s foot naturally rolls inward (pronates) as it strikes the ground. A moderate amount of pronation absorbs some impact during the footstrike, but too much or not enough inward roll can eventually result in running injuries.

To find out what level of pronation control you need, you need to look at the foot’s arch height. Runners with very low arches tend to roll excessively inwards when running and require stable motion control shoes. Runners with average-height arches require a blend of stability and cushioning found in stability shoes. Runners with high arches and rigid feet do not pronate enough and need cushioned shoes without medial stability.

After determining the required stability level, runners should focus on finding shoes with the appropriate support and with the correct fit. Ideally, shoes should mimic the shape of the foot and have a snug heel and comfortable toe box. Also consider the shoe’s instep volume and height - and remember that feet swell during the day and on long runs, so it’s best to buy shoes at the end of the workday. Properly trained sales staff can help during this critical fitting process.



  • STABILITY SHOES

  • 1225 - $190

    1225 - $190

    New Balance


    Weight: Men's - 12.0 oz/340 g, Women's - 9.6 oz/272 g

    As New Balance's top stability shoe, the 1225 is packed with innovative technologies, including the new Stabilicore medial article. Unlike most shoes where the medial article is simply a moulded piece of firmer foam, the Stabilicore unit consists of an independent thermoplastic article that is placed into the existing midsole. The benefits are many, with the primary bonus being more precise and consistent articleing. Cushioning is exceptional with a flexible forefoot for a smoother ride. The sleek and snug-fitting PL-1 last adds to the fast feel of this shoe. Runners with medium arches looking for smooth stability and cushioning will love the new 1225.

  • Gel 3010 - $180

    Gel 3010 - $180

    Asics


    Weight:  Men's - 12.7 oz/360 g, Women's - 10.4 oz/295 g

    The new 3010 combines a GEL heel crash pod with a medial article for a smooth, controlled ride and late-stage pronation control. The wide outsole adds to the shoe's stability, while the upper's carefully positioned stretch panels assure a comfortable fit. This year, the ride is softer without compromising a close-to-the-ground feel. This is a good shoe for runners with mid- to low-height arches who are seeking a combination of low ride height, stability and cushioning.

  • LunarGlide+ - $150

    LunarGlide+ - $150

    Nike


    Weight: Men's - 10.6 oz/300 g, Women's - 8.6 oz/243 g

    Nike's LunarGlide+ combines a surprising level of plushness with an innovative stability article, which offers a variable rate of motion control suitable for both neutral and mildly pronating runners. The women's version incorporates a gender-specific heel counter that frames the heel and Nike's medial-side Arch Strap for a firm and supportive instep feel. Nike adds a stretchy fabric panel near the medial side of the fifth metatarsal to further improve the fit. This is a good shoe for neutral to slightly overpronating runners seeking light weight and a snug fit.

  • Premier Trinity KFS IV - $140

    Premier Trinity KFS IV - $140

    Reebok


    Weight: Men's - 12.6 oz/358 g, Women's - 10.4 oz/290 g

    This high-mileage stability shoe provides a firm and responsive ride thanks to Reebok's DMX Shear vertical and horizontal cushioning.  Reebok's proven Kinetic Fit System places foot-conforming stretch panels at strategic locations for comfortable fit, while a firm medial article controls excessive pronation. A solid transition bridge prevents unwanted midfoot flex and supports the shoe's smooth, efficient ride. A good shoe for runners with mid-height arches who want good stabnility and a responsive ride.

  • Progrid Omni 8 $140

    Progrid Omni 8 $140

    Saucony


    Weight: Men's - 11.8 oz/334 g, Women's - 10.6 oz/300 g

    The Progrid Omni 8 provides a snug fit, good cushioning and, thanks to its large medial article, a substantial amount of pronation control. A large, soft heel crash pod and blown-rubber lateral forefoot outsole smooth out the ride while the Comfortride sockliner delivers instant step-in comfort. Runners with medium arches requiring some stability will appreciate the Progrid Omni 8.

  • Ravenna - $170

    Ravenna - $170

    Brooks


    Weight:  Men's - 10.8 oz/306 g, Women's - 9.0 oz/255 g


    With a softer BioMoGo midsole and snugger mid- and forefoot fit, the Ravenna is a good replacement for the outgoing and popular Axiom. A small mid-stage medial article provides moderate pronation control while the variable-lacing upper delivers a customizable instep fit. Brooks includes a cushy sockliner for exceptional out-of-the-box comfort.  A good choice for runners with medium-height arches seeking a snug fit and smooth ride.

  • Super Nova Sequence 2 - $140

    Super Nova Sequence 2 - $140

    Adidas


    Weight: Men's - 12.0 oz/340 g, Women's - 10.5 oz/297 g

    Positioned as Adidas's moderate stability shoe, the Super Nova Sequence 2 delivers a smooth cushioned ride and medium amount of motion control - perfect for the majority of runners. This year, Adidas minimizes potential hot spots by removing some of the overlays on the uppers. The smooth, controlled ride remains relatively unchanged while the tweaked heel and forefoot components improve the overall fit. This is a good shoe for runners with medium-height arches looking for a blend of stability and cushioning in a high-mileage training shoe.

  • Wave Alchemy 9 - $155 STABILITY

    Wave Alchemy 9 - $155 STABILITY

    Mizuno


    Weight: Men's - 11.9 oz/337 g, Women's - 8.9 oz/252 g

    Positioned as one of Mizuno's more stable shoes, the Wave Alchemy 9 delivers exceptional pronation control without the extra weight of similarly stable footwear.  It's an ideal shoe for larger runners with low arches looking for a more responsive ride than what's typically offered by pure motion control shoes. The Alchemy 9 includes Gender Engineering construction, which addresses the different average weights and gaits of male and female runners. The environmentally friendly Pebax Rnew wave plate delivers a smooth controlled ride. The Alchemy 9 has a very responsive ride for such a stable shoe.
    CUSHIONING SHOES

  • Apparition - $130

    Apparition - $130

    Under Armour


    Weight:  Men's - 11.8 oz/335 g, Women's - 10.4 oz/295 g

    The Apparition is Under Armour's neutral cushioning shoe and includes many of their proprietary cushioning and fit technologies.  In particular, many runners will appreciate Under Armour's FootSleeve, which effectively wraps the midfoot, offering a controlled and supportive fit. Heel cushioning is top-notch, with a smooth heel-to-toe transition and just a hint of medial support. With its well-cushioned and flexible ride, the Apparition is ideal for mid- to high-arch runners with neutral biomechanics.

  • Biom B 1.2 - $220

    Biom B 1.2 - $220

    Ecco


    Weight:  Men's - 11.8 oz/335g, Women's - 9.3 oz/265 g

    Targeted at performance runners, the innovative Biom B avoids traditional articleing and stability features and instead promotes the foot's natural movement. The shoe uses a firm, low-ride-height PU midsole that's moulded to act like a minor heel counter. Due to the lack of conventional cushioning, Ecco has included a six-week training program to transition the body away from conventional padded and articleed footwear. Because of the reduced cushioning and stability, runners may notice a decrease in stride length, an increase in turnover and a shift toward a mid-to-forefoot strike. The concepts hold merit and runners wishing to explore a more natural running style should seriously consider the Biom B.

  • Cruise - $169

    Cruise - $169

    Pearl Izumi


    Weight:  Men's - 12.3 oz/348 g, Women's - 9.8 oz/278 g

    Runners with high arches will appreciate the cushioning and smooth ride of the new Cruise.

    Pearl Izumi employs its Skydex cushioning in the heel and forefoot for a resilient ride, while the seamless upper minimizes hot spots during long runs. A highly segmented forefoot and a partially decoupled heel crash pod provide good flexibility, making the Cruise well-suited for larger neutral runners.

  • Energy - $144

    Energy - $144

    Zoot


    Weight:  Men's - 10.3 oz/292 g, Women's - 9.9 oz/280 g

    Fans of this neutral cushioning shoe will be glad to hear that, except for the upper-colour update, this shoe remains unchanged for the season. Zoot carries over the great cushioning and smooth heel-to-toe transition as well as the innovative and blister-reducing BareFit technology. The elastic laces accommodate foot swelling on longer runs and make triathlon transitions a breeze.  The Zoot Energy is a good race shoe for larger neutral runners or anyone who wants a speedy neutral training shoe.

  • ST Converge 2 - $150

    ST Converge 2 - $150

    Merrell


    Weight:  Men's - 10.7 oz/305 g, Women's - 8.9 oz/254 g

    Merrell's high-mileage cushioned training shoe delivers a plush ride for neutral runners. The updated yet still understated colours should appeal to more runners, while the balanced cushioning and responsive ride confirm the shoe's performance-oriented construction. Merrell uses different density outsole rubber to cut the weight, and the deeply segmented forefoot and heel assure sufficient flexibility for high-arched runners. A good neutral-cushioning shoe for daily training.

  • YMMV - $100 NEUTRAL

    YMMV - $100 NEUTRAL

    END


    Weight:  Men's - 9.3 oz/263 g

    A minimalist shoe geared toward neutral runners, the YMMV provides solid cushioning at a low weight. The stripped-down uppers account for most of the weight savings, but the simple EVA-based midsole without gels or other cushioning devices also contributes to the gram-shaving. END builds up the medial side of the midsole for the barest hint of stability without limiting the natural inward roll necessary for shock absorption.  Fitting about a half-size smaller than usual, the YMMVs are a good option for efficient runners who want to try a new lightweight shoe.