Running Network LLC 2008 Spring Shoe Review: Performance Reviews for Web

PERFORMANCE-Motion Stabilizing Shoes

ASICS GEL-DS Trainer 13 $100 Best Shoe: PERFORMANCE-Motion Stabilizing
Perhaps the most versatile of the performance shoes, the GEL-DS Trainer has won more awards than any shoe in this Review, including honors as our best shoe in this category. The use of BioMorphic fit has been enhanced by an asymmetrical seam at the toe which improves the fit through the metatarsal area, but gives it a shorter fit at the toe, at least for higher-arched feet. This new, snugger tailoring at the toe requires you to assess whether the shoe will fit you as it has in the past. The midsole tooling and dialed-in Solyte have improved the cushioning of the GEL-DS Trainer, while maintaining its racer-like characteristics and stable feel. The outersole continues with little change, providing the traction and flexbility that have won it praise in the past.

TESTER FEEDBACK: “Fits snug but like a glove. Very bouncy. Nice cushioning, though stable ride. No need to worry about twisting an ankle. Unique looking shoe. It’s a nice, innovative design.”

BOTTOM LINE: It’s snug-fitting, stable, and well cushioned; engineered to provide the ASICS ride in as light a package as possible.

Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15; Women 5–12
Weight: Men 10.9 oz. (size 11); Women 9.2 oz. (size 8)
Shape: semi-curved
Construction: slip-lasted
Fit: low- to medium–high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation, for faster-paced runs

Avia Avi-Lite II $100
This update features only minor adjustments, as the award-winning original had a lot going for it. One concern testers had from the original was with the forefoot, which has now been shored up a bit with a DuraRyd layer to help out there, as well as in the heel where the effective crashpad is now a firmer density. The saddle offers the same support as the original, but upgraded linings and a plusher interior justify the $5 price bump.

TESTER FEEDBACK: “Good support upper. Might not be so good on irregular terrain. Allowed adjusting lacing for improved fit, nice feature.” 2. “Nice improvement on the original, light, tough, stable. I enjoyed the shoe.”

BOTTOM LINE: Light and stable with great flexibility and decent cushioning.

Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 5.5–11,12
Weight: Men 10.7 oz. (size 11); Women 8.5 oz. (size 8)
Shape: semi-curved
Construction: Strobel slip-lasted
Fit: medium- to high-arched feet with mild overpronation, for faster-paced runs

Mizuno Wave Elixer 3 $100 Best Renovation
The previous versions of the Wave Elixer overlapped other shoes in Mizuno’s lineup with too many similarities and not enough identity of its own. That’s no longer the case. The Elixer 3 features dramatic changes to the outersole and upper, while capitalizing on the strength of the midsole. We loved everything about this shoe except the shape of the outersole: while it makes a stable transition in the heel, it’s a little rigid. The upgraded upper meshes, G3 forefoot traction, and the 15-gram reduction in weight have transformed the Elixer into a true performance shoe, a renovation that really stood out among the shoes we reviewed.

Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 6–11
Weight: Men 11.1 oz. (size 11); Women 9.5 oz. (size 8)
Shape: semi-curved
Construction: Strobel slip-lasted
Fit: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation, for faster-paced runs

Puma Complete Tenos V $95
The Tenos has evolved from a sleek, traditional-looking shoe to one with a markedly unconventional profile. Sporting a small medial post, which belies its effective stabilizing performance, the real biomechanical accommodation comes from the design of the sole. Even though it runs like the lightweight shoe it is, the stabilizing properties can tame even moderate overpronation. Resemblance to previous versions is gone, though the fit remains and is enhanced by medial and lateral support straps and an antimicrobial lining made from bamboo.

TESTER FEEDBACK: 1. “Above average cushion for the weight of the shoe. Liked the transition from heel to toe.”
2. “No problems with stability … definitely provided adequate support.” 3. After 100+ miles: “Little wear noted,” and “They seem to be holding up pretty well.”

BOTTOM LINE: A unique looking, surprisingly light, stable, and durable trainer with some cool features.

Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15,16; Women 5.5–11.5
Weight: Men 11.6 oz. (size 11); Women 9.8 oz. (size 8)
Shape: semi-curved
Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, full-length EVA Strobel board
Fit: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation

Zoot Ultra Tempo+ $130
Zoot is best known for triathlon gear. As running is one-third of that sport, triathletes need running shoes and this is a boon for runners with a penchant for speed. The Ultra Tempo+ incorporates specific features to enhance the running experience of athletes with mild to moderate overpronation: the need to deal with water and affected biomechanics (e.g., fatigue transitioning from the bike leg), rapid entry, and comfort for barefoot use. Testers were initially concerned about the tall Achilles tendon pad, but were pleasantly surprised at the overall comfort of the shoe. Its durability, weight, and performance are surprisingly good.

TESTER FEEDBACK: “These are really comfortable, well cushioned, and stable. I think I have my new marathon shoes picked out.”

BOTTOM LINE: A versatile shoe for faster running, whether racing or training, with a great fit and a distinctive look.

Sizes: Men 8–12,13,14; Women 6–10,11
Weight: Men 11.0 oz. (size 11); Women 9.1 oz. (size 8)
Shape: semi-curved
Construction: Strobel slip-lasted
Fit: medium- to high-arched feet with mild overpronation, for faster-paced runs

PERFORMANCE-Neutral Shoes

Nike Air Zoom Hayward 3+ $80
Much of the inspiration for Nike’s performance shoes comes from their history with the University of Oregon. In fact, the Hayward name comes from Oregon’s fabled track stadium. This shoe is loosely based on icon Steve Prefontaine’s notion of the perfect shoe. It has the feel of a throwback shoe, but the components, design, and philosophy are contemporary. The upper features an arch band of sueded synthetic which supports like a track shoe. The midsole has features that enhance flexibility while providing better cushioning than what’s typical in a lightweight shoe, thanks to the thin Zoom Air bag. The outersole is a classic waffle design that, in addition to its retro look, still offers great cushioning and traction.

TESTER FEEDBACK: 1. “I like the fit, feels like slippers. They are snug but the upper material at the toe allows movement. They are comfortable on and while running.”
2. “Foot and shoe feel as one; no sliding around inside the shoe. 100+ miles and they still feel brand new.”

BOTTOM LINE: Flexible, well cushioned, and fun to wear; maybe it’s the connection to Pre, maybe it’s the racer-like feel.

Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15; Women 5–11,12
Weight: Men 11.1 oz. (size 11); Women 9.1 oz. (size 8)
Shape: semi-curved
Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, phylon Strobel board
Fit: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics, for faster-paced runs

Pearl Izumi Streak $100 Best Shoe: PERFORMANCE-Neutral
Pearl Izumi has always suggested a light, fast feel with their seamless uppers and low-profile appearance. The Streak (and its off-road sibling the Peak XC) has finally found the right combination of cushioning technologies, materials, and design to provide a protective ride at a true performance weight. The breakthrough is a gas-filled cushioning element from Skydex which utilizes their opposing hemispheres in a new, thin, polymer cassette. It displaces a similar amount of heavier midsole foam, resulting in a much lighter shoe with the same low-profile, foot-hugging feel Pearl Izumi has long promised. It’s now worthy of long distance racing or performance running and garnered honors as our best shoe in the performance-neutral category.

TESTER FEEDBACK: 1. “Fits snugly, hugs the foot, very cushiony and easy on your foot.” 2. “Perfect on the road. If used properly the shoe has a lot of miles to be run in on that bouncy sole. Light and effective, cool looking and good to run in.”

BOTTOM LINE: A resilient, neutral shoe for faster running or racing, though it holds up to training for runners who are light on their feet.

Sizes: Men 6–13,14; Women 5–11,12
Weight: Men 10.2 oz. (size 11); Women 8.7 oz. (size 8)
Shape: semi-curved
Construction: Strobel slip-lasted
Fit: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics, for faster-paced runs

Puma Complete Eutopia $120
Puma continues to push the envelope with innovative lightweight shoes. The Eutopia enters the Puma line as a neutral high-mileage trainer with performance credentials, particularly its weight. The noticeable addition of a full-length lD Cell layer gives the Eutopia a well-cushioned feel that’s durable enough to hold up to high mileage and is nicely married to a cushy EVA Strobel board and new single density innersole. This combination makes for a comfortable step-in experience that continues in a smooth ride on the roads. Dual density lugs break up the outersole and allow a great feel for the road.

TESTER FEEDBACK: “I found the cushioning to be sufficient for long runs with decent bounce in both the heel and forefoot. Good traction on all running surfaces, reminds me of a tractor tread. After pounding these shoes hard on every type of surface only the softest areas of the sole show any sign of taking a beating. Fine for tempo runs, long runs, and daily training. I really liked these shoes and have not had Pumas since 1973.”

BOTTOM LINE: Lightweight and very well cushioned, especially suited to neutral runners with a preference for light shoes.

Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15,16; Women 5.5–11.5
Weight: Men 11.1 oz. (size 11); Women 9.3 oz. (size 8)
Shape: semi-curved
Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, full-length EVA Strobel board
Fit: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics, for faster-paced runs

Zoot ULTRA TT $130 Best New Shoe
Most of the performance shoes we tested were excellent, but the combination of innovation and performance in this shoe stood out enough to earn honors as our best new shoe in this Review. The Ultra TT (TT for Triathlon Trainer) proves its mettle as a daily trainer, a tempo shoe, and a long racer. Rapid entry, moisture management, mechanics, and cushioning were handled in unique ways that came from Zoot’s re-examination of existing technologies, best practices, and searching for innovative solutions both inside and outside the footwear universe. The lacing, for instance, features a pulley-like system combined with an elastic lace. Testers were impressed that a new brand could make such a significant impact in the market.

TESTER FEEDBACK: “Great cushion for the road, for the whole foot, without even looking like they do. Very good stable feeling, nice and straight, and the way the laces tightened up they held your foot secure with just one pull, even downhill. A very light training shoe. l use them for racing and training. I loved this shoe.”

BOTTOM LINE: A low-profile shoe that can function as a racer for all but the fastest runners, and as a trainer for those who want a very light shoe and aren’t too hard on them.

Sizes: Men 8–12,13,14; Women 6–10,11
Weight: Men 10.0 oz. (size 11); Women 8.1 oz. (size 8)
Shape: semi-curved
Construction: Strobel slip-lasted
Fit: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics, for faster-paced runs

###