PUBLISHED 05/02/2007
NUETRAL-CUSHIONED
Best Buy: Adidas Response Cushion 16
We Say: A high-value shoe, the Cushion 16 has been updated with a more durable rubber outsole and a larger piece of cushioning foam under the heel. It also manages to be an ounce lighter than its predecessor. Our Shoe Lab tests showed the Response to be the most flexible training shoe in this guide. This flexibility means it moves more efficiently with the foot, providing a smoother toe-off, even for lightweight runners. We recommend it for runners with good biomechanics or high arches looking for a lightweight training shoe.
Wear-testers Say: "An outstanding shoe with good flexibility for both road and trail." --Thom Hunt, 48, San Diego
"Very breathable, soft upper with a good fit." --Michael T. Clark, 39, East Lansing
Price: $80
Weight: 10.5 oz (M) 9 oz (W)
Widths: Standard
Contact: 800-448-1796; www.shopadidas.com
Editor's Choice: Asics Gel-Nimbus 9
We Say: This excellent update features a more segmented midsole under the heel to better isolate and disperse impact. Asics used more gel in the heel to give the shoe a softer crash pad. According to our lab tests, these improvements make the 9 better at shock dispersion than its predecessor. There's also a new rearfoot overlay wrapping the heel that helps center and guide the foot for a better heel-to-toe transition. Recommended for runners with normal to high arches looking for a neutral-cushioned shoe with a bit of added stability.
Wear-testers Say: "I'm a heel-striker, and these shoes gave me fantastic cushioning." --Jennifer A. Weiler, 35, San Diego
"Great improvements; it's softer yet more durable." --Tony Thomas, 28, East Lansing
Price: $120
Weight: 12.2 oz (M) 10.8 oz (W)
Widths: D-2E (M) B-D (W)
Contact: 800-678-9435; www.asics.com
Mizuno Wave creation 8
We Say: With this update, Mizuno replaces one-third of the midsole foam used in previous versions with two arched plastic plates. These plates are configured like a car's strut to absorb impact and cradle the foot, with the top plate extending well into the forefoot to provide a smooth heel-to-toe transition. Mizuno updated the fit with four internal bands that connect the lacing to the midsole and make the upper more snug. Recommended for lightweight, high-arch runners looking for a comfortable ride.
Wear-testers Say: "They felt comfortable from the start, and after 150 miles they had no sign of wear." --Katrina Taft, 27, San Diego
"A great shoe overall, but they could use more cushioning under the ball of the foot."--Don Piper, 34, Allentown
Price: $130
Weight: 13.2 oz (M) 10.8 oz (W)
Widths: Standard
Contact: 800-966-1211; www.mizunousa.com
Men's Only
Best Update: Nike Air Zoom Vomero 2+
We Say: This update features a supportive, semirigid sockliner that comfortably cradles the foot. Built on a new last that's wider in the forefoot, the Vomero also accommodates more foot types. Nike improved the shoe's cushioning and durability by using outsole rubber that's 50 percent thicker than the previous version and a larger air-filled cushioning unit in the heel that takes up more than half of the midsole. Our lab tests found the Vomero to be the softest in this guide; thus, we recommend it for runners with good biomechanics or high arches looking for a soft, plush ride.
Wear-testers Say: "A very comfortable shoe with great cushioning." --Mike Cantrell, 35, East Lansing
"The shoe is exceptionally breathable." --Scott Kennedy, 38, East Lansing
Price: $120
Weight: 11.6 oz (M)
Widths: Standard
Price: 800-595-6453; www.nikerunning.com
Women's Only
Best Update: Nike Air Zoom Vomero 2+
We Say: This shoe replaces the women's Percept (there was no women's Vomero 1), but keeps the original's innovative overlay design and supportive arch wrap. Nike made over the upper to include a contoured heel designed to hold the rearfoot more securely. The Vomero also boasts softer foam in the midsole, plus extra rubber for increased durability. The sockliner is slightly thicker, as well, for a softer feel. We recommend this shoe for women looking for a soft, durable shoe with a great heel fit.
Wear-testers Say: "I loved the cushioning in the heel. I felt like I was running on clouds." --Kelly Stanton, 25, Allentown
"This shoe fits like a glove. It's the Cadillac in my running-shoe collection." --Kate Desiderio, 27, Allentown
Price: $120
Weight: 9.7 oz (W)
Widths: Standard
Contact: 800-595-6453; www.nikerunning.com
