From the None issue of Runner's World
2002 Reviews
Adidas adiStar Competition: $100
The Competition marries the minimal upper and outsole of a track spike with the cushioning of a road-racing flat. It has a full-length graphite plate'the ProPlate'which adds structure and firmness to an extremely light shoe. But you have to like the stiff feel of the ProPlate for fast-paced running and rapid toe-off. (Some won't.) Best-suited for efficient runners at sub-marathon distances. Weight: 8 oz.
Adidas Response Competition: $70
The Response Competition is a great racing shoe for runners who train in either the Adidas Boston or Response. It's very similar to the Boston/Response, but much lighter, while still providing a cushioned midsole. But you need to be an efficient runner to wear it in distances up to the marathon. Weight: (m) 9 oz.; (w) 7 oz.
Asics Gel-Verdict: $85
Although the Verdict is the replacement for the Gel-Lyte and is technically a performance trainer, most runners will use it as a racing shoe. With its light, flexible forefoot, good midsole cushioning, and small rearfoot support collar, the Verdict is a solid choice for recreational racers in any road-race distance. Weight: (m) 9.9 oz.; (w) 8.5 oz.
Fila Racer: $85
With a substantial midsole, the Racer has more than enough cushioning for any road distance. It has a very light mesh upper, good midfoot support, and a hint of stability. Suitable for fast, efficient runners. Weight: 8.9 oz.
Mizuno Wave Spacer: $100
Mizuno has used its rubber-and-plastic Wave in this racer for added stability, and also included an innovative forefoot design with two cushioning pads divided by a deep flex groove. If you're an efficient runner and train in either the Mizuno Precision or Maverick, this is the racer for any distance. Weight: 8 oz.
Mizuno Wave Phantom: $80
The Phantom has a different Wave design than the Spacer, with an all-plastic Wave that adds stability on both the lateral and medial sides. This approach makes the Phantom a more substantial shoe than the Spacer, and thus better suited for the long haul. Weight: 8.5 oz.
New Balance 240: $60
The 240 has good rearfoot cushioning, but otherwise there's not a lot to the shoe, which is clearly built for speed. Try it if you're a lightweight who can fly. Even then, it's strictly for short-road distances. Weight: 7.7 oz.
New Balance 330: $80
The 330 is one of the few road flats designed to provide cushioning and stability for recreational racers. This great shoe even has a second midsole density for added stability. The 330 is also one of the few racing shoes available in a women's model. Weight: (m) 9 oz.; (w) 7 oz.
Nike Air Streak: $90
Like the 330, the Air Streak has a two-density midsole for added stability. The Streak also has good midsole cushioning and exceptional midfoot support. If you're looking for lightweight protection for a marathon, the Streak gets the job done. Weight: 7.8 oz .
Nike Zoom Kantana Trainer: $100
Although the name suggests that this shoe is a performance trainer, we see it primarily as a racing flat. The Kantana has a substantial midsole (with low profile Zoom air) and a cushioned, flexible forefoot. The upper has a wider base of support than most racing shoes and a more durable outsole. A good racing shoe for many, especially if you're aiming for 26.2 miles. Weight: 9 oz.
Puma Complete Prompt: $70
Puma has always made top-notch track spikes and road-racing flats, and the Prompt is the latest example. It's a highly flexible, very light, and well-cushioned racer with a small medial post that offers a little stability. Best suited for the efficient racer who wants to fly over sub-marathon distances. Weight: 8.3 oz.
Reebok 3D Speed Racer: $75
Reebok's 3D Ultralite one-piece midsole/outsole design really shines in racing shoes, because there's no extraneous outsole weight to slow you down. With an extremely light, one-piece mesh upper and its innovative midsole/outsole, the Speed Racer is best suited for short road distances.
Weight: 8 oz.
Saucony Static Racer: $75
There's not a lot of cushioning between the Static Racer and the ground, but it's adequate for fast runners at short distances. The upper is especially nice with a rounded toe wrap and a tight, spike-like fit.
Weight: 7.5 oz.
