Gear
Shoe Review: New and Hot Shoes for Spring 2010
February 18, 2010By Gus Alexandropoulos
Longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures and melting snow signal the arrival of the spring running season, and with it the release of this year’s newest running shoes. It’s not easy to choose between all of these new shoes, but runners can simplify the process by focusing on a shoe with the right fit, proper cushioning and the correct level of stability.
Fit:
Finding the right fit is the easiest to figure out, but not always the simplest to find. Find a shoe with a shape that mimics the shape of your foot. A well-trained running store employee can help narrow down the options.
Stability:
Finding the correct level of stability requires a bit more work. While arch height will be a determining factor, so is the runner’s weight and average running speed.
Arch height and foot flexibility determine whether runners need a neutral cushioning shoe, a stability shoe or a motion control shoe. A runner’s weight also plays a role, as larger runners will likely need greater motion control, stability or cushioning than a lighter runner with similar arch height. Finally, runners should consider their average running speed - slower runners spend more time in the heel-strike phase of their gait cycle compared to faster runners who tend to quickly transition from the heel to the midfoot and forefoot.
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1064 - $180
New Balance
Men's: 12.1oz, 344g Women's: 9.4oz, 267g (Neutral Shoe)
Positioned as New Balance's top cushioning shoe, the 1064 delivers an uber-plush ride thanks to clusters of elastomer N-ergy pods positioned under the lateral-side pillared-heel crash pod and under the forefoot. Deep forefoot grooves improve flexibility while the new lockdown liner delivers unsurpassed control though the midfoot. Wear testers found the PL1 last was notably sleeker than previous New Balance lasts and contributed significantly to this shoe's go-fast feel. This is an excellent cushioning shoe for high-arched runners wanting a smooth ride.
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BIOM C - $220
Ecco
Men's: 12.3oz, 350g Women's: 9.8oz, 280g (Neutral Shoe)
The new BIOM C has the tallest ride height of all BIOM models and offers a much more conventional feel on the road. There is a noticeable increase in cushioning over previous BIOM shoes, making this shoe more suitable for runners seeking a responsive yet cushioned ride. As with all BIOM models, the C lacks any traditional medial post and requires a gradual adaptation period. Runners looking for an unstructured shoe that's less radical than the BIOM A or B should consider the new C.
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LunarElite+ - $145
Nike
Men's: 9.3oz, 264g Women's: 9.1oz, 257g (Neutral Shoe)
Nike encases a firm foam wedge inside the LunarElite+'s softer midsole, creating a surprisingly versatile posting platform. The result is a medial post that provides a variable level of support based on each individual runner's level of pronation. This makes the LunarElite+ a good choice for those seeking a neutral or light stability shoe. On the uppers, Nike uses glued rather than stitched overlays for structure without extra weight. Wear testers liked the silicon dots in the heel cup that added grip to minimize heel lift. A good option for faster training or tempo runs.
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Pro Grid Triumph 7 - $170
Saucony
Men's: 12.3oz, 350g Women's: 11.4z, 323g (Neutral Shoe)
The latest version of the Pro Grid Triumph 7 offers an exceptionally cushioned ride - the perfect choice for runners with rigid feet and high arches. The shoe has a snug, supportive fit around the midfoot and the addition of a blown-rubber outsole and greater heel cushioning further enhances the soft, smooth feel. Wear testers said the air cushion in the heel gave the shoe a nice bouncy feel and said the Triumph offered an excellent heel-to-toe transition. This is a good update that will appeal to past ProGrid Triumph fans.
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Supernova Glide 2 - $140
Adidas
Men's: 11.5oz, 330g Women's: 9.9z, 282g (Neutral Shoe)
The exceptional fit and comfortable ride of last year's Supernova Glide returns with this season's update. Also back is the lightweight blown-rubber outsole and decoupled heel, producing a similar feel to last year's popular model. The updates for this season are minor and focus on small changes to the upper. Adidas realized they had a winner with this shoe and wisely left it relatively unchanged.
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Ultra TT 3.0 - $170
Zoot
Men's: 8.6oz, 243g Women's: 8.2oz, 232g (Neutral Shoe)
Targeted at neutral runners, the Ultra TT 3.0 delivers a flexible, cushioned ride. Zoot's BareFit construction minimizes the risk of hotspots, while the elastic laces allow for quick triathlon transitions and accommodate the inevitable foot swelling during longer runs or races. This year, Zoot increased the forefoot's midsole and outsole width for greater stability, while micro-suede overlays provide structure in the upper. This is a good fast training or racing shoe for high-arched runners.
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Adrenaline GTS10 - $150
Brooks
Men's: 11.1oz, 314g Women's: 9.2oz, 260g (Stability Shoe)
Delivering high-end stability, the Adrenaline GTS10 is a great shoe for moderate pronators who also want excellent cushioning. The addition of a bevelled heel and deep forefoot grooves improve the ride, and the new midfoot fit offers a more snug, speedy feel. Wear testers found the shoe provided a surprising amount of cushioning for such a structured ride, with one tester saying it would be his "go-to" shoe for long, steady runs.
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CT Stamina 2 - $150
Merrell
Men's: 11.4oz, 322g Women's: 9.4oz, 266g (Stability Shoe)
When Merrell launched their running program last year, many runners raved about the shoes' performance, but griped about the drab colour. For 2010, Merrell has updated the shoes with more running-oriented colours, while also improving the cushioning and stability. The CT Stamina 2's firm medial post provides a healthy dose of stability without impeding the cushioned ride sought by most runners. Wear testers enjoyed this shoe's stable feel combined with a flexible enough forefoot to allow for an easy transition to the toe-off. This model is a good choice for runners with medium-height arches wanting a solid training shoe.
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GT-2150 - $160
Asics
Men's: 11.6oz, 328g Women's: 9.5oz, 269g (Stability Shoe)
The classic stability shoe is updated this year with reduced weight, a more comfortable collar and improved forefoot flexibility, while retaining crucial stability during toe-off. The fit remains relatively unchanged, highlighting Asics's traditional strength. With its plush ride and moderate stability, the GT-2150 is a great shoe for daily training - and with this season's half-ounce weight reduction, longer races.
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Illusion II - $120
Under Armour
Men's: 11.8oz, 334g Women's: 9.9oz, 280g (Stability Shoe)
This stability shoe offers a smooth, cushioned ride with enough control for runners with mid-height arches. This season, Under Armour tweaked the midsole density for greater cushioning without compromising responsiveness. The updated Footsleeve construction delivers greater comfort and support around the midfoot without feeling overly restrictive. Wear testers found the shoe was very roomy in both the toe box and the heel cup.
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Synchro Fuel - $165
Pearl Izumi
Men's: 10.5oz, 297g Women's: 9.2oz, 260g (Stability Shoe)
With its excellent cushioning and mild level of stability, this lightweight trainer is a great choice for fast training or racing. Pearl Izumi employs its Skydex cushioning system in the heel and forefoot for a responsive ride while the shoe's rocker and deep forefoot grooves encourage a fast heel-to-toe transition. A blown-rubber forefoot outsole minimizes weight and a seamless upper reduces friction.
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Wave Nirvana 6 - $190
Mizuno
Men's: 12.6oz, 357g Women's: 10.5oz, 297g (Stability Shoe)
The new Wave Nirvana 6 is an excellent shoe for anyone wanting maximum cushioning and stability. While these qualities make the Wave Nirvana 6 an ideal candidate for heavier runners, it's also a great choice for lighter, slower runners seeking an ultra-smooth ride. Mizuno's Wave plate medial post offers variable levels of stability depending on how much a runner pronates, further extending the Wave Nirvana 6's versatility. The tensioned fabric over the toe box prevents fabric bunching during toe-off, reducing the likelihood of hotspots.
