PUBLISHED 09/04/2007
Merrell Cruise Control
We say: The new Cruise Control is one tough trail shoe, due in part to a nearly indestructible Vibram outsole. The shoe's midsole features reinforced tubes running through the heel to improve support and a plastic plate from heel to forefoot that provides protection from trail debris. This helps make it one of the firmest shoes in this guide, according to RW Shoe Lab tests. Recommended for bigger runners who run on fire roads or cinder trails and are looking for a durable supportive trainer.
Wear-tester says: "The shoe had excellent support and great traction. The laces were awesome, but they bounce around too much." --Nicci Ciranna, 22, East Lansing
Price: $95
Weight: 14.1 oz (M) 11.6 oz (W)
Contact: 800-789-8586; www.merrell.com
Editor's Choice New Balance 800
We Say: A great shoe, the new 800 features a deep diamond-shaped lug design of both sticky and hard rubber for good traction. Nylon bands connect the laces to the midsole and work with the shoe's tongue-less upper to deliver an outstanding fit. The mesh upper dries quickly and provides an air-conditioned ride. Results from the Shoe Lab showed the forefoot to be the most flexible in this guide, which adds to its fast feel. Recommended for biomechanically efficient runners who want a fast-paced training or racing shoe.
Wear-tester says: "The 800 fit like a glove. I like that the tread pattern didn't hold onto small rocks." --Paul Dovin, 50, Reading
Price: $80
Weight: 10.3 oz (M) 8.3 oz (W)
Contact: 800-253-7463; www.newbalance.com
Best Update: Nike Air Zoom Kyotee II
We Say: This update is built on a new last that's more snug in the heel and forefoot, similar to the feel of Nike's Zoom Elite road shoe. Besides the air unit under the heel, the shoe features a new forefoot air bag for better protection from the trail and a softer feel underfoot. Nike has also added sticky rubber to the outsole for traction on wet rocks and a new water-resistant mesh to the upper. Deeper flex grooves make the Kyotee slightly more flexible than the original, but not by much. Recommended for runners with normal arches who regularly traverse a variety of trail conditions.
Wear-tester says: "Lightweight with a great ride on every surface imaginable." --Joe Hammond, 58, East Lansing
Price: $90
Weight: 11.1 oz (Men's Only)
Contact: 800-595-6453; www.nikerunning.com
