It is the sound and the look of my shoe hitting the pavement that makes me smile these days. When I run, I make it a point to enjoy every second of it because being a mother of two, every second counts! At first glance, the Saucony Pro Grid Mirage caught my attention. It is [...]
When Nike launched its Lunar series, the goal was to produce a light weight and supportive shoe. The LunarElite is just that with much more. In its first version, the LunarElite weighed in at an incredible 7.1 ounces, the LunarElite+2, now slightly heavier at 8.2 ounces, has improved benefits in construction, cushioning and support. Nike features [...]
Barefoot running seems like it is the new trend for 2011, but if you are like me and not quite ready to hang up your running shoes you might want to check out Pearl Izumi Streak II. Pearl Izumi did an overhaul this year on the new minimum feature Streak II making it the perfect [...]
The adidas Supernova Glide 3 shoes are neutral trainers that pack a punch when it comes to cushioning. The Supernova Glide 3’s feature adiPRENE® in the heel and forefoot regions to provide ample cushioning during heel strike and toe push off. These trainers are rather rigid, encourage the heel-toe transition, and therefore may be a [...]
The Asics Gel Speedstar 5 is a prime example of a company listening to its’ customers and creating a shoe to match the growing trend of minimalist running. For those that are not quite ready to bare all of their 10 toes, the Asics Gel Speedstar 5 may be a good launching point for those [...]
New Balance released the new 870′s at the Chicago Marathon expo at the beginning of October. Fortunately, we were given a sneak peak at the women’s model and have been running in them since mid September. The first time I took them out for a spin was on an 18 mile training run. Typically, new shoes [...]
Karhu has been in the shoe making industry for quite sometime. This spring, however, was the first time I have had the chance to put my feet in a pair of Karhu’s. Like our male tester, I was also given a pair of Forward Fulcrum Ride shoes. The Forward is a neutral shoe that incorporates [...]
Probably best known for their cycling shoes and apparel, Pearl Izumi has been slowly becoming a popular choice for running shoes as well. With shoes like the Syncrofuel, it is no wonder more runners and triathletes are buying the shoes. On the road, crushed trail or even on the sandy beach, the Syncrofuel held up [...]
Adidas adiStar Solution is a neutral shoe that packs a lot of cushioning within each shoe. The Solution is a hefty shoe that weighs in at 11.3 ounces, around a full ounce more than its’ competitors. Our biomechanically efficient testers’ found the added weight and extra cushioning to be a bit bulky, however this may [...]
There has been a lot of talk about Nike’s recent launch of the Lunar series; we had the good fortune of testing out the Women’s LunarElite+. The LunarElite+, much like its’ other Lunar relatives, is an ultra-light weight training shoe that has managed to weigh in at an incredibly low 7.1 ounces. The midsole weighs [...]
The 1064 by New Balance is a neutral-cushioned shoe that weighs in at 9.4 ounces and comes in an array of widths. We tested the 1064 during the winter months while continuing to build base miles for the coming race season. We found that the 1064’s SureLace system and the LockDown Liner combined to provide [...]
This neutral shoe provided testers with a surprising amount of cushioning which maximized shock absorption with every foot strike. Using much of the technology that has been implemented in some of Puma’s best shoes, the Ventis provides a good amount of cushioning without the extra weight. Technologies like the Sandwich-mesh make the Ventis a breathable [...]
Testers found the Women’s Puma Complete Spectana to be a very well-cushioned shoe that provided ample stability on road and on some trails. The sandwich mesh upper provides great breathability. The reflective materials around the shoe made this a great, safe option for night runs. Puma integrated some of their best technologies into this shoe, [...]
In 2009, Under Armour entered the running shoe market and produced the first generation of UA shoes. We tested the original Apparition at that time and will be examining the Women’s update, the Apparition II in this review. The Apparition II is a neutral shoe with ample cushioning throughout, making it a very good trainer [...]
While most runners don’t consider Adidas a staple of the running world, you may find that your own opinion changes after a spin in the Adistar Solution. Adidas didn’t seek to change the fit of the upper and last, choosing to stay with a fit that most runners find very comfortable. What they did do [...]
The Spectre is Under Armour’s lightest running shoe, weighing in at 9.8 oz. It is a great training shoe for neutral runners with plenty of stability and cushion for both short and long runs thanks to the 6mm of Cartilage® Precision Handling™ and the Directional Cushioning Engineering (DCE®) system. Testers liked the ventilated internal FootSleeve®, [...]
The Women’s Mizuno Wave Precision 10 is the lightest Neutral shoe currently made by Mizuno. Weighing only 8.5 ounces and with a blown rubber forefoot outsole this shoe provides optimal flexibility, cushoining and responsiveness for the neutral runner. This shoe also was also created with Mizuno’s “wave” system which is designed to distribute weight and [...]
The Brooks Ghost 2 is a great match for a neutral runner looking for a lightweight yet durable training shoe. This shoe, weighing only 9.0 oz, makes you feel like you are running on air but with support and cushion throughout. The Brooks Ghost 2 was tested in track workouts, long distance runs and speed [...]
At 8.4 ounces, the New Balance 758 is a full ounce lighter than its predecessor, the 757 but provides the same great cushioning, thanks to the innovative Abzorb technology. The 758 also utilizes NLOCK, an integrated lacing and webbing system that provides optimal fit and security. Testers were pleased that this shoe seemed to hug [...]
The K Ona is sure proof that K-Swiss made a great decision by entering the running shoe arena. This ultra-light (9 oz.), stable running shoe is perfect for training, road races and triathlons and provides a surprising amount of cushioning. Testers boasted of this shoe’s comfort on runs ranging from easy 3-milers up to 10 [...]
The ProGrid Hurricane 11 is a stability shoe that offers the highest level of cushioning in Saucony’s line. The Hurricane utilizes ProGrid, Saucony’s most recent shock absorbing technology, from heel to toe. The arch lock system helps with motion control and provides a close midfoot fit. Testers enjoyed the plush sockliner that was breathable and [...]
The Cumulus is a neutral shoe that keeps getting better each year. The Cumulus 11 boasts a broad Solyte midsole, which is lighter than previous EVA midsloles, that provides excellent cushioning when combined with Asics “Twist” Gel technology in the rear and forefoot areas. Testers feel that the Cumulus is a great training shoe because [...]
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 9 continues to raise the bar on green efforts; this years’ model continues to utilize the environmentally friendly BioMogo midsole and has added laces constructed from recycled materials. The Adrenaline GTS 9 is designed for mild to moderate pronators and offers soft cushioning in the heel and moderate cushioning in the [...]
