PUBLISHED 01/23/2008
New Balance 1062
We Say: New Balance overhauled the sole of the 1062 to make it more supportive than its predecessor. The transition bridge is now thicker, and the heel is segmented into three independent pods to better isolate impact forces and promote a smoother transition from heel-strike to toe-off. It's still the stiffest shoe in this guide. Recommended for bigger runners with normal to high arches who want good cushioning with a bit of added support.
Wear-testers Say: "The arch wrap kept my feet secure, but the weight could be reduced." --Todd Davidson, 21, East Lansing
"The shoe had excellent cushioning, great breathability, and an ingenious lace design." --Jonathan Laughter, 22, San Diego
Price: $120
Widths: B-4E (M) 2A-D (W)
Weight: 13 oz (M) 10.6 oz (W)
Contact: 800-253-7463; newbalance.com
Reebok Premier Ultra KFS V
We Say: A new sockliner and an extra layer of foam directly underfoot go a long way to improve the overall comfort of the Ultra. Lab test scores showed that the Ultra remains firm. Reebok added mesh stretch panels to the toebox to accommodate a broader range of foot shapes in the shoe's toebox. As with other shoes in this review, the Ultra was also updated with a $5 price increase. Recommended for bigger runners with high arches looking for a durable everyday training shoe.
Wear-testers Say: "I have wide feet, so the toebox width is great." --Jim Wilson, 63, East Lansing
"It had great breathability, but the upper was a bit stiff." --Chea Thaing, 25, San Diego
Price: $120
Widths: Standard
Weight: 12.5 oz (M) 10.2 oz (W)
Contact: 800-843-4444; rbkrunning.com
PERFORMANCE TRAINING
Asics Gel-DS Trainer 13
We Say: The forefoot overlays have been removed on this update, so there's less chance for chafing and irritation. This helps give the toebox a bit more room. Runners who felt the Trainer 12 was too snug should take a look at the 13. The laces are off-center, following the actual topline of the foot for a more natural feel. Another nice bonus is the $10 drop in price. Recommended for biomechanically efficient runners or as a racing shoe for runners who train in stability shoes.
Wear-testers Say: "A great shoe, but not enough support for longer runs." --Bethany Allen, 25, San Diego
"Overall I liked the shoe, but it felt too narrow in front" --Andris Roze, 24, East Lansing
Price: $100
Widths: Standard
Weight: 10.4 oz (M) 8.3 oz (W)
Contact: 800-678-9435; asicsamerica.com
Nike Air Zoom Hayward 3+
We Say: The Hayward now has a Nike Free-inspired segmented midsole with a minimal upper design. According to our lab tests, the Hayward is the most flexible shoe in this guide. While it looks more like a retro fashion shoe, the Hayward is a performance trainer reportedly based on a sketch from Steve Prefontaine's notebook and features a funky tribute to its designer ("Pre 51 - 75") emblazoned on the tongue. Recommended as a racing shoe for efficient runners who like the retro look and flexible feel.
Wear-testers Say: "I love the simple design." --Jamey Lobdell, 44, East Lansing
"A great shoe for racing." --Brian Hendricks, 35, Allentown
Price: $82
Widths: Standard
Weight: 9.8 oz (M) 8.2 oz (W)
Contact:800-595-6453; nikerunning.com
BEST DEBUT: Puma Complete Eutopia
We Say: Puma's latest has a flashy look and offers solid performance, too. The heel and forefoot feature a section of durable polyurethane hexagonal units that compress into each other for added softness, tying the Bislett (right) as the softest shoe in this category. The upper overlays are covered in mesh for added support and a snug forefoot feel. Recommended for efficient runners with higher arches looking for a unique aesthetic.
Wear-testers Say: "The shoes had a snug fit at first and took a few miles to break in." --Richard Leisey, 36, Allentown
"At first feel this shoe felt too minimal, but it is a quality shoe." --Sharon Becker, 36, East Lansing
Price: $120
Widths: Standard
Weight: 10.3 oz (M) 8.5 oz (W)
Contact: 888-565-7862; puma.com
Reebok Premier Bislett $85
We Say: The updated Bislett is more supportive in the heel, thanks to a firmer heel counter to better hold the rearfoot on top of the shoe. It's on the same midsole and outsole as past versions, with sections of durable rubber only in high-wear areas. The rest of the outsole is made up of exposed midsole foam that wears quickly, however. A true racing shoe, the Bislett is recommended for longer races or as a speedwork shoe for efficient runners with high arches.
Wear-testers Say: "These had the right balance of cushioning and support, but the outsole wore too quickly." --Christopher Garges, 32, Allentown
"They are very comfortable, but they need to be wider." --Josh Parker, 21, East Lansing
Price: $120
Widths: Standard
Weight: 11.3 oz (M) 9.1 oz (W)
Contact: 800-843-4444; rbkrunning.com
