PUBLISHED 10/31/2006
The Motion Control Group
Recommended for runners with low arches who are moderate to severe overpronators and who need maximum rearfoot control and extra support on the medial (arch) side of their shoes. Also best suited for bigger runners who need plenty of support and durability.
Adidas Supernova Control 9
We say: The updated Control now features GCS, Adidas's Ground Control System, which helps stabilize the foot (see below) and has previously been available only in Adidas's higher-end shoes. The Control 9 is built on a new, wider last (foot form) for a broader base of support and a roomier fit. According to our RW Shoe Lab, the Control 9 is the most flexible motion-control shoe in this guide, so we recommend it for lighter-weight runners with low arches who usually find shoes in this category too clunky.
Wear-testers say: "This wider update allowed me to use my orthotics in the shoe." --Martha Andrews, 44, East Lansing"This shoe has just the right amount of support and heel cushioning." --Jennifer Weiler, 35, San Diego
Price: $95
Weight: 12.1 oz (M) 10.1 oz (W)
Widths: Standard
Contact: 800-448-1796; shopadidas.com
Brooks Beast
We say: The Beast has been updated with a new midsole material called MoGo that is lighter and designed to be more durable. The shoe also features deeper grooves in the outsole to help diffuse impact forces in the heel and increase flexibility in the forefoot. According to our Shoe Lab tests, the Beast is the firmest shoe in this guide yet is still relatively flexible. We recommend this shoe for bigger runners with flat arches who need maximum motion control. Note: The Ariel, the women's version of this shoe, received the same updates as the Beast.
Wear-testers say: "They don't feel like army boots as some motion-control shoes do." --Ryan Mancini, 24, Allentown"Excellent breathability in the upper." --Tim Lamber, 36, Allentown
Price: $120
Weight: 14 oz (M) 12.3 oz (W)
Widths: Standard-4E (M) Standard-2E (W)
Contact: 800-227-6657; brooksrunning.com
Nike Air Equalon
We say: The new Equalon uses a rounded heel to help guide heel-strike to the outside--and keep the rest of the foot there--in order to limit overpronation. To complement this beveled heel, the shoe also includes a firm piece of foam on the inside of the midsole for added stability (see below). The sockliner uses "memory foam" to provide a better fit, while the forefoot of the women's version features an extra flex groove for--you guessed it--improved flexibility. Recommended for larger runners with low arches.
Wear-testers say: "Excellent initial feel. Good for big runners who do high mileage." --Richard Hayhoe, 54, East Lansing "Great cushioning and stability, but could be a little more breathable." --Andrea Pompa, 29, San Diego
Price: $130
Weight: 14.4 oz (M) 9.3 oz (W)
Widths: Standard
Contact: 800-595-6453; nikerunning.com
