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 [...]
The Adidas Adistar Salvation, previously known as the Adistar Control, is a moderate stability and cushion shoe. The Salvation incorporates adiPrene technology that provides excellent forefoot spring. ForMotion technology at the heel results in excellent heel and medial cushioning. Testers had to size down a half size for length and found the toe box to [...]
The Under Armour Apparition is a medium weight neutral shoe that surprised testers. The Apparition is UA’s most cushioned shoe in their new line and utilizes Directional Cushioning Engineering and Precision Handling. Testers raved about the heel and forefoot cushioning and enjoyed the ventilated foot sleeve. Testers also reported that the shoe felt a bit [...]
Pearl Izumi’s Synrospace III is a moderate stability shoe that provides excellent cushioning in the forefoot thanks to Skydex technology. The Synchrospace III offers excellent flexibility and a smooth ride due to Forefoot Flex Grooves. Testers loved the seamless mesh upper and found no hot spots or areas of rubbing. In addition, testers enjoyed the [...]
The Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS is the ultimate stability shoe that offers the best cushioning system available today. This excellent cushioning system begins with Heel ProGrid with Response Tek and continues with SRC Impact Zone and SRC forefoot cushioning. Testers enjoyed the flexibility and responsiveness of the outersole and once again loved the beefy cushioning [...]
The New Balance 769 is a light-weight moderate stability cushion shoe. What a mouth full! The 769’s incorporate Acteva Lite technology that provides a midsole weighing in 24% lighter than a standard midsole. Testers found the cushioning at the heel and arch region to be exceptional, but felt more cushion could be added to the [...]
The Asics Gel Kayano is a structured cushioning shoe made for moderate overpronators. This year the Kayano underwent some major changes or shall we say improvements. The asymmetric lacing system, courtesy of Asics Biomorphic Fit technology, allows for greater toe box room and a snug fit over the arch. The Kayano also dropped an ounce [...]
