PUBLISHED 01/23/2008
Etonic Jepara 2
Price: $100
Widths: Standard-2E (M) Standard-D (W)
Weight: 14.4 oz (M) 11.8 oz (W)
Contact:866-838-6642
etonic.com
We Say: The updated Jepara has a new upper that wraps the midfoot with nylon bands to provide a more snug fit. Etonic added pieces of stretchy material to the widest part of the forefoot, giving it more room. Our testers were mixed on their reviews of this new design. Some appreciated the added room, while others felt the Jepara was too wide. RW Shoe Lab tests found the shoe to be soft overall but stiff in the forefoot. Recommended for heavier runners who first see outsole wear under the heel.
Wear-testers Say: "The shoe was stable but felt a little bulky." --Meredith Longo, 27, Allentown
"The heel had good cushioning." --Kate Reesman, 31, East Lansing
Etonic Kendari
Price: $110
Widths: Standard-2E (M) Standard-D (W)
Weight: 12.9 oz (M) 9.5 oz (W)
Contact: 866-838-6642
etonic.com
We Say: This new shoe fits well over the midfoot, thanks to an overlay design that connects the laces to the midsole for a snug wrap. This system locks the foot in place over a firm foam wedge that helps control overpronation. Etonic has made the heel cushioning more durable by using a section of foam with high rubber content in the midsole. Recommended for lightweight runners with normal to low arches who first see outsole wear under the heel.
Wear-testers Say: "I was pleasantly surprised by the shoe's cushion. I could comfortably run in these every day." --Mike Fountain, 33, East Lansing
"A great training shoe with a good fit." --Chris Evans Gartley, 34, Allentown
Mizuno Wave Inspire 4
Price: $95
Widths: Standard-2E (M) Standard-D (W)
Weight: 11.1 oz (M) 9 oz (W)
Contact: 800-966-1211
mizunousa.com
We Say: The latest Inspire uses a new upper design to better wrap the heel. Mizuno added a strip of stretchy fabric to the upper in front of the heel counter, which helps isolate the ankle's outward motion and provides a more snug fit. Several wear-testers noticed a different heel fit that took a few runs to get used to. Recommended for runners with normal to low arches willing to try a new way to combat heel slippage.
Wear-testers Say: "Just the right amount of stability, but it could use more cushioning." --Michael McGann, 32, Allentown
"After I got used to the heel fit, I really enjoyed running in these shoes." --Lizzy Ternes, 21, East Lansing
Mizuno Wave Nirvana 4
Price: $135
Widths: Standard
Weight: 13.3 oz (M) 10.7 oz (W)
Contact: 800-966-1211
mizunousa.com
We Say: As with the Inspire, the updated Nirvana is designed to have a better heel fit. Unlike its sibling, however, this shoe's heel panels are completely independent. This makes the panels less susceptible to bulging outward, which gives the 4 more stability and a better fit. None of our testers noticed the new heel design, however. Lab tests showed the Nirvana 4 to be slightly firmer than the 3, so we recommend it for runners with lower arches looking for a durable trainer with a great fit.
Wear-testers Say: "The gap under the heel trapped a lot of snow." --Kevin Murphy, 21, East Lansing
"It was comfortable, with good arch support." --Joe Hammond, 55, East Lansing
New Balance 768
Price: $95
Widths: B-4E (M) 2A-2D (W)
Weight: 12.3 oz (M) 9.9 oz (W)
Contact:800-253-7463
newbalance.com
We Say: New Balance has increased this update's flexibility by removing a layer of rubber from the forefoot flex grooves. A longer midsole post, also new, makes the 768 more stable than the 767. Another welcome addition is the internal liner that backs many of the upper seams with mesh to reduce blisters and hot spots. A less-welcome change is the $5 price increase. Recommended for runners with low arches looking for a durable everyday trainer.
Wear-testers Say: "Very stable, but it needed more cushioning." --Darleen Malkames, 51, Allentown
"The shoe had a great fit." --Mark Warner, 49, East Lansing
MEN'S ONLY: Nike Air Zoom Structure Triax 11+
Price: $95
Widths: Standard-4E
Weight: 11.8 oz
Contact: 800-595-6453
nikerunning.com
We Say: The latest Triax is built slightly lower to the ground, making it more stable. The outsole under the heel is further segmented to isolate impact forces and help the foot transition smoothly through the gait cycle. Also, the outsole lugs are thicker, allowing them to compress more and making the forefoot slightly softer underfoot. Recommended for bigger runners with normal arches looking for a soft, stable ride.
Wear-testers Say: "Outstanding stability-to-weight ratio, with lots of support." --Mark Ljons, 34, East Lansing
"A good stable shoe." --Thomas McNavage, 36, Allentown
WOMEN'S ONLY: Nike Air Zoom Structure Triax 11+
Price: $95
Widths: Standard-wide
Weight: 9 oz (W)
Contact: 800-595-6453
nikerunning.com
We Say: The women's Triax is built on a new last that's not as loose in the forefoot as the previous version. As one would expect, it's softer and more flexible than the men's because women are generally lighter. What is consistent with the men's model (left) is the slightly lower heel height for added stability and a softer forefoot. Recommended for women with normal to low arches who want a stable shoe with a good fit.
Wear-testers Say: "A very responsive shoe that moved well with my foot."--Kimmy Marsh, 23, East Lansing
"The shoes were very comfortable and had a great lightweight feel." --Therese Blaszkowski, 21, Allentown
Nike Air Zoom Elite 4+
Price: $100
Widths: Standard
Weight: 10.5 oz (M) 9 oz (W)
Contact: 800-595-6453
nikerunning.com
We Say: As with the 2007 Pegasus (September 2007), the new Elite 4 lost its full-length air sole to make way for the Nike+ speed-distance measuring chip. The air pad that used to stretch into the forefoot is now only in the heel. The other updates are minor, such as the welded upper overlays that reduce the chances of hot spots and blisters. Recommended as a training shoe for runners with good biomechanics or as a race-day shoe for runners with low arches who need added stability.
Wear-testers Say: "I love the fit and support." --Adrienne Eastley, 30, East Lansing
"These shoes had a nice, snug fit, but the cushioning could have been softer." --Samantha Espindola, 21, San Diego
