PUBLISHED 02/21/2007
Performance Training
Asics Gel-DS Trainer 12
We Say: DS Trainer fans are very devoted, and every time Asics changes this shoe--for better or worse--they react. This year, they'll be happy. The update features a new last, the heel has a snug racing feel, and the forefoot is broader to help accommodate more foot types. Even with the broader forefoot, plan to buy a half size bigger, due to the new last configuration. Asics also built up the support on the medial (inner) side of the shoe for enhanced stability. We recommend the DS Trainer as an everyday shoe for efficient runners.
Wear-Testers Say: "The shoe was very comfortable in the heel and through the arch." --Doug Cedrone, 21, Allentown
"I loved the feel--good cushioning, yet stable." --Sharleen Sakai, 55, East Lansing
Price: $110
Weight: 9.9 oz (M) 8 oz (W)
Widths: Standard
Contact: 800-678-9435; www.asics.com
EDITOR'S CHOICE: New Balance 902
We Say: This excellent update is built on a new last that sports a snug heel, a nicely wrapped arch area, and ample room in the forefoot. The shoe supports the foot well, but isn't too firm. In fact, our lab tests found it to be the second-softest shoe in this guide. NEW BALANCE also uses a new lightweight foam in the 902, which makes it nearly an ounce lighter than its predecessor. We recommend the shoe for lightweight runners with normal arches looking for a training or racing shoe.
Wear-Testers Say: "Wow, great shoe. The lightest training shoe I've ever tried, yet it still had plenty of support." --Michael Ostrom, 25, San Diego
"In my book, a perfect lightweight trainer." --Sean Hennessy, 48, San Diego
Price: $100
Weight: 10 oz (M) 8 oz (W)
Widths: B-4E (M) 2A-D (W)
Contact: 800-253-7463; www.newbalance.com
Nike Air Zoom Elite 3
We Say: The Elite is slightly narrower in the heel and forefoot than its predecessor, for a sleeker, more snug, race-like feel. The cushioned area in the heel has been extended into the midfoot to accommodate racers who tend to land farther forward when they run fast. As with the Triax, the Elite features a more supportive sockliner. We recommend the Elite for efficient runners as an everyday trainer, or as a racing shoe for runners with normal arches.
Wear-Testers Say: "The arch support could be improved, but they had enough cushioning for training." --Emily Petz, 22, East Lansing
"I have wide feet, but this shoe has a very accommodating forefoot." --Giselle Covington, 21, San Diego
Price: $100
Weight: 10.7 oz (M) 9.8 oz (W)
Widths: B,D (M) Standard (W)
Contact: 800-595-6453; www.nikerunning.com
Reebok Premier 3D Trainer
We Say: The updated 3D Trainer uses the same new last as the Paris Trainer, with its deeper heel fit and tighter midfoot wrap. The 3D also features a midfoot support bridge that starts underneath the shoe and wraps up onto the midsole for added stability and a smooth ride through the gait cycle. Reebok improved durability, thanks to added carbon rubber on the outer edge of the heel. We recommend this shoe for efficient runners with normal to high arches looking for a lightweight trainer. Available March 1.
Wear-Testers Say: "I enjoyed the shoe, but it was a little narrow for my wide feet." --L.A. Anderson, 48, East Lansing
"Lightweight and comfortable; I loved this shoe." --Lindsay Wieber, 21, East Lansing
Price: $85
Weight: 10.9 oz (M) 9.2 oz (W)
Widths: Standard
Contact: 800-843-4444; www.rbkrunning.com
