When I lifted the shoe I was surprised to find out that the shoe with an over-sized sole weighs less than 9 ounces.  It was clear that this sole is no ordinary sole but after mile 2, it all made sense. I felt the natural motion of my foot in my shoes hit the pavement immediately work to build my lower leg strength.  The Saucongy Pro Grid Mirage is nice for mild pronation and fits into the minimalist category.  The shoes also has a a touch of cushioning with supportive stability.

The outsole of a blown rubber lightweight flexible material provided additional cushioning.  The XT-900 Carbon rubber outsole material offered good traction without sacrificing durability.  The memory foam heel pods also provided a heel pocket for a snug comfortable fit.  There is even an HRC Strobel board to further increase cushioning and step-in comfort.  And since the top is lined with an open-weave mesh with a hydrator line to wick out moisture, it could also be used as an everyday trainer shoe.

For an overall look and performance, I’d give this shoe a 3.5 out of 5.  There’s a beauty when it comes to running.  I personally could not get over the bulky bottom look of this shoe but there’s not doubt of its performance.  So as your shoes hit the payment to the road leading to paradise, enjoy the feel and performance of the Saucony Mirage.  For more information, visit Saucony.com

AGR testers found the LunarElite+2 to be a great training shoe, offering flexibility, breathability and comfort.  The seam-free overlay was a nice feature, especially for our testers who frequently blister.  The LunarElite+2’s flywire system also fit our tester’s foot snuggly, but still provided enough room for comfort in the heal and toe box. Nike states that this shoe is recommended for runners that underpronate to modestly overpronate.  Our testers found the LunarElite+2 to function as a neutral shoe with increased stability. Overall the Nike LunarElite+2 was a winner for both middle distance runs on streets and sidewalks; as well as  interval runs on treadmills or on the track.  If you are looking for a shoe that provides comfort and is versatility as well as technology, the LunarElite +2 fits the bill.  Equipped with the Nike+ technology, this shoe is sure to help get you in shape for your next race.  For any additional information please visit Nike.com.

The first thing I noticed is that the Streak II is extremely lightweight, with the women’s size 8 weighing a mere 6.8 ounces & a men’s size 10 weighing in at 7.9 ounces. Pearl Izumi knocked off a whole ounce from its 2010 Streak model!

When slipping the shoe on to go out for a run, I noticed immediately how comfortable & stable the new low-profile Streak II is. The heel crash pad offered a lot of cushioning that gave me extra spring to my step.  The forefoot is re-designed this year with Energy Foam to absorb shock and return the energy back to the runner, however, it did not have the cushy feel that the heal did. Just because the forefoot did not feel as cushy, it did offer quite a bit of support and comfort.

Since minimum feature shoes are built to allow your foot to move more freely, your muscles might need some time to adjust. The first couple times I ran in these shoes I noticed my shins were a little sore. Progressively, the soreness did go away. Running in the Streak II shoes my feet are one step closer to finally being able to move the way they were designed to!

The second time I ran in these shoes I made the mistake of going barefoot. Pearl Izumi advertises that the Streak II has a new “Ortholite sockliner for amazing step-in comfort” & “a seam-free interior”. I did feel that the Streak II was very comfortable with socks on, but without socks I got blisters on the back of my heels. If that wasn’t bad enough, the tongue of the shoe put a lot of pressure on the top of my foot rubbing it raw. So if you are going to try to run in these shoes barefoot, take them out for a tester before doing a long run. The Streak II is rather breathable, so even with socks on, your feet stay nice & cool. Since then, I’ve been running with socks on and my feet can’t complain.

The Streak II minimum feature running shoe is a great choice if you are wanting to try out minimalist running. This every day performance shoe does not sacrifice on any comfort or style and is a perfect start if you are wanting to head in the direction of barefoot running. For more information, check out Pearl Izumi website at www.pearlizumi.com

Review by Andrea Beiswanger

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 great selection for runners with a high arch or those that are a tad heavier that crave cushioning with added control. Our tester’s found that the Supernova Glide 3 offer some mild support for those that have slight overpronation thanks to the 3 stripe midfoot wrap and the beefy midsole on the inside of the shoe.

The Supernova Glide 3′s are quite different from many of the neutral trainers coming onto the scene which seek to shave weight wherever they can. Rather, these shoes do not skimp on details and features an anti-microbial sock liner and Geofit at the heel collar. Together, these combine to provide a nice place to slip your foot into during a run. The lining is soft and non-piling, while the heel collar cups the heel to provide a good starting point for each stride. The toe box provides ample room for your toes to splay while running without rubbing against the sides of the shoes. The upper is composed of mesh, which provides for great breathability. While microsuede inserts, also on the upper, are seamless against the foot and provide additional structure, yet did not induce any hot spots on long runs.

Overall, the cushioning and smooth ride stands out for the adidas Supernova Glide 3. If you are seeking a durable trainer, these are worth checking out.

MSRP 110

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 that want a little less weight in their shoes but are not quite ready to give up cushioning and springiness that they are used to from traditional shoes.

Here at AGR, we tested the women’s version of the Asics Gel Speedstar 5 for about 200 miles this fall/winter. The Asics Gel Speedstar 5 is a neutral shoe geared towards those seeking a fast trainer for speed workouts, tempo runs, and racing. In this review I will talk mostly about the women’s version, while offering some highlights about its’ counterpart.

Upon receiving the Asics Gel Speedstar 5′s, I was shocked immediately by their weight, even when they were still in the shoe box. The women’s model weighs a mere 7.3 ounces, while the men’s model comes in a tad higher at 8.9 ounces, making them Asics’ lightest trainers. After opening the box, I was further awed by their appearance, as the model I tested features a bright pink upper with only one black accent, the Asics logo. The upper is made from one solid piece of polyurethane layered over mesh with hexagon shaped cutouts. The upper is free of any stitching or synthetic overlay which helps to reduce weight. I found the upper to provide a nice wrap around my midfoot and mild support as well. Despite the upper being 100% mesh, I did not find it all that breathable despite doing much of my running in cooler temps. This may be due in part to the presence of the polyurethane. I found that these shoes kept my feet rather dry while running in sloppy wet/snowy streets; a trade off I am willing to take considering the season.

The Asics Gel Speedstar features a rather roomy toe box despite looking rather narrow when glancing down. I wear a size 9.5 and found that the length was quite generous in the toes, maybe a half size too large even. The added length did not affect or bother the remaining fit of the shoe or its’ performance, but is something to keep in mind when checking them out. I found the heel cup size and volume of the shoe to be about average, not too big and not too small.

These shoes have a close to ground feel, while still having a heel height of 21 mm. The heel to forefoot drop is approximately 10 mm, which allows for a easy heel toe transition without being overly abrupt. For those seeking shoes that reinforce mid or forefoot striking, these shoes are not for you.

The midsole features Asics lightest compound, Solyte EVA to provide ample cushioning when I took them out for a 14 mile run around town. The outsole is comprised of Asics High Abrasion Rubber in the heel region and DuraSponge in the forefoot area. The combination provides for an extremely flexible shoe that does have some degree of springiness as well.

Asics markets the Asics Gel Speedstar 5 as lightweight trainers perfect for shorter bouts. I, however, have found myself turning to the Asics Gel Speedstar 5 for 10kms to 10 mile races here in Colorado this winter and am excited to see how they perform during higher mileage races. With a low price tag of $89 and excellent performance thus far, I feel that the Asics Gel Speedstar 5′s are worth a trip to your local running store to check out. Available January 2011.

The first time I took them out for a spin was on an 18 mile training run. Typically, new shoes and a long run may equal a bad combo, fortunately this was not the case with the 870′s.  I have had no hot spots, blisters, or any real complaint after the first 18 miles and the next 90 plus miles I have put on them so far. The toe box has plenty roomy and the heel counter and extra lace loop prevented any heel slippage (that is a word, right?)

The 870′s are classifed as a light stability shoe. I am typically a neutral to mild stability shoe wearer, so the 870′s were a perfect match. I can safely say I did not notice any over-correction of my stride with the 870′s. The medial post provides gentle support at the level I need. The midfoot wrap offers a secure, but not overly snug fit.

What I am truly impressesed with is the cushion to weight ratio: the cushioning in the heel and midfoot is plenty adequate for 40 miles/week of running, while the shoe weighs a mere 8 ounces. Typically, you don’t get support and cushion for that weight, you normally have to trade one plus for the other. Thankfully, the folks at New Balance have found a way to combine all 3 variables.

Overall, I have been pretty impressed with the 870′s and am excited to see you the Ndurance rubber in the heel holds up over time; per New Balance, this rubber has addded durability over more traditional rubbers.  The MSRP for this shoe is also great, coming in at $99. To sum it all up, the 870 is a lightweight mild support shoe at a great price! Please visit NewBalance.com for more information.

Features

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 Karhu’s 3-part fulcrum engineered design: the shoe is more efficient and more balanced, therefore enabling you to move forward faster. So what is Fulcrum? Fulcrum is Karhu’s own midsole substance that is mostly located in the heel and promotes a natural foot position.  The fulcrum does, however, extend beyond the heel to the arch and forefoot area and is covered by a carbon plate.  Traditional running shoes have dual density stability substance in the midfoot region on the side of the arch. Fulcrum technology is aimed at allowing for a more natural stride.

How else does the Forward achieve a more natural stride? First off, there is a slight angle from the heel to the forefoot, which causes you to have a quick heel-strike to toe-off transition, thereby creating a “naturally centered acceleration transition,” per Karhu. The first time I wore the Forward was on a tempo workout and I definitely had the feeling that my foot was moving forward more so than in typical heel strike shoes. Secondly, the midfoot has an extremely close fit that provides efficiency via decreased pronation and supination without a lot of pieces of hard plastic, thereby making it more efficient.

The Forward has a seamless one-piece upper that hugs your mid and forefoot. I was completely comfortable with the size of the forefoot, because I have narrow feet. However, I could see the toe box being too snug for others due to its’ low volume. I ran a variety of distances in these shoes, 4-15 miles and did not have any hot spots or blisters form. The seamless upper also helps to save on weight, making the Forward a nice lightweight trainer (weight unavailable online and my scale at home won’t register it:( )

As far as flexibility, the Forward is middle of the road compared to other trainers. When walking in the Forward, there is soft-cushiony area under the midfoot to help with midfoot cushioning and provide that forward propulsion. After wearing these shoes for at least 200 miles, I feel that it is safe to say that they have excellent cushioning in relation to their overall weight and design philosophy. The Forward, however, does not offer a ton of energy return or springiness with each step.

The Forward Fulcrum Ride by Karhu, was a pleasant surprise this spring. I have constantly been turning to this shoe for speed workouts and for higher mileage races.  For more information on Fulcrum technology and other great shoes, please visit Karhu.com

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 to its claims of cushioning. The shoes provided great traction and stability with its mild pronation control on uneven surfaces like sand and slippery boardwalks. The carbon rubber heel crash pad makes them perfect for mid foot or heel strikers like myself.

They are lightweight enough even to race in with a size 8 weighing in at a mere 9.2 oz. The shoes features a seamless race upper that prevents hot spots and rubbing which I found worked perfectly for sock less runs. The mid foot is made of 100% recycled polyester mesh.  The Syncrofuel doesn’t have the same amount of flexibility as other shoes in this category I noticed but the spring like toe off does help in this regard. Some may find it to be too stiff for them in the forefoot but I found it to be okay and liked the ability to feel the ground when on the gravel trail and road.  With my orthotics, I went up a half size and the shoes fit perfect with no rubbing or too much extra room. My thoughts are that these shoes work better for those who have a lower to mid volume arch or slightly wider feet.

So if your looking for a lightweight everyday trainer and racer that won’t beat you up , check out the Pearl Izumi Syncrofuel running shoes. They retail for $110 and come in white and silver Sizes range from 5-12 including ½ sizes. For more information go to: PearlIzumi.com

Technical Info:

•Seamless Race Upper with hybrid mesh combination: 100% recycled polyester mid-foot mesh and breathable forefoot mesh

•½ length medial side syncro Stability Frame

•High Rebound SKYDEX® forefoot propulsion pad for long lasting cushioning

•SKYDEX® Heel crash pad

•Full blown rubber outsole with carbon rubber heel crash pad

•Forefoot Flex Grooves for a smooth, efficient ride

•Dual density EVA insole for increased arch support

•360° degree reflectivity

•Heel to toe offset 12mm

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 be a nice comfort for the less seasoned runner that needs the extra shock absorbing power on longer runs. The Solution has a two-part heel that is designed to help isolate and disperse the forces on your heel with each foot strike. However, our testers reported that they occasionally got rocks and debris caught between the two part system. We didn’t notice a drastic decrease in traction when this occurred, but it may be best to keep the shoes on the road and not venture off road all too often. The Solution has a good midfoot wrap that keeps your foot secure without being overly restrictive. The Solution is a tad stiff for our tester’s liking, however, the adiStar solution may be a good fit for runner’s looking for a more stable-heavy cushioned neutral shoe. For more information, please visit Adidas.com

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 a fraction of standard EVA midsoles thanks to LunarFoam, which is not only lightweight, but also actively responds to your every foot strike. The LunarElite+ is designed for a forefoot or even midfoot strikers, which can best be seen by the relatively flat angle from the heel to toe. Nike’s FlyWire technology utilizes ultralight nylon fibers positioned throughout the shoe to provide a snug fit over not only the arch, but the entire shoe. Our tester’s found that the LunarElite fit their narrow heel, however the FlyWire was not snug enough through the mid/forefoot area, which led to a sloppy feel at times. The LunarElite+ is said to think for your foot and respond by providing the right amount of motion control that a runner may need. We can’t say if these shoes were thinking for us or not, but we did find that they were incredibly comfortable during speed workouts around the track or on tempo runs at the local park. We liked the seamless construction that is present not only in the toe box region, but throughout the entire shoe. The LunarElite is also equipped with the Nike+ technology, which can help speed savy runners meet their training goals. This shoe is a shoe from the future, as we will see more attempts at decreasing the weight, as well as the materials needed to produce a quality shoe. For more information, please visit Nike.com