PUBLISHED 05/13/2008
Motion-Control
Editor's Choice: Asics Gel-Evolution 4
Price: $90
Widths: 4E (M) 2A-D (W)
Weight:13.1 oz (M) 10.6 oz (W)
Contact: 800-678-9435
asics.com
We Say: In this superb update, Asics has softened the ride of its most supportive shoe with cushioning underfoot. Along with a larger Gel unit absorbing impact in the heel, the midsole features a softer, more flexible forefoot. Inside the shoe, a memory-foam sockliner provides a more welcoming fit. RW Shoe Lab tests show the 8 to be softer than previous versions but still stiffer than every other shoe but one in this guide. Recommended for runners with flat arches looking for a supportive shoe at a good price.
Wear-Testers Say: "I loved the fit, especially the fact that my heel didn't slip." --Nancy Short, 26, East Lansing "A roomy toebox and snug heel made it very secure and comfortable." -- Chuck Krawse, 52, San Diego
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Brooks Addiction 8
Price: $100
Widths: B-4E (M) 2A-2E (W)
Weight:13.5 oz (M) 10.8 oz (W)
Contact: 800-227-6657
brooksrunning.com
We Say: This update offers a slightly different approach to midfoot stability. It uses a repositioned overlay in the forefoot and a section of midsole foam along the inside of the shoe to hold the arch in place. This works with a support column in the midsole to keep the foot from rolling too far inward. The more supportive design results in a relatively flexible shoe that is the firmest in this guide. Recommended for bigger runners with flat arches who prefer a somewhat flexible forefoot.
Wear-Testers Say: "This shoe had a ton of support and conformed nicely to my foot." --Don Rockford, 37, East Lansing "This was a comfortable shoe that had plenty of depth to fit my orthotics." --Michele M. Belise, 37, Allentown
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Pearl Izumi syncroGuide II
Price: $125
Widths: Standard-4E (M) Standard-D (W)
Weight: 13.5 oz (M) 11.7 oz (W)
Contact: 800-328-8488
pearlizumi.com
We Say: Pearl's updated Guide is built on a substantial foundation. It uses a stiff plastic frame extending from the heel to the ball of the foot to create a stable platform that, along with a wider forefoot, helps smooth the transition from heel-strike to toe-off. While this design makes for an incredibly stable shoe, it also results in a firm heel and a stiff forefoot, according to our lab tests. We recommend this shoe for bigger runners with flat arches who need a tanklike motion-control shoe.
Wear-Testers Say: "They were heavy, but the breathability was very nice." --Cheryl Wallingford, 25, San Diego "They felt very stable. I would have liked more cushioning, though." --Jason Lounds, 36, East Lansing
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Stability
Brooks Switch
Price: $80
Widths: Standard
Weight: 11.7 oz (M) 9.8 oz (W)
Contact: 800-227-6657
brooksrunning.com
We Say: The new Switch is a stripped-down shoe built on Brooks's old midsole foam that isn't as resilient as the foam in the Addiction. The shoe still offers great cushioning, but the midsole material compressed quickly in our lab tests, which means the Switch can feel a bit firm. This was corroborated by some of our testers. But several of them liked the shoe's fit, which is bent upward slightly in the forefoot for a smoother toe-off. Recommended for runners with normal arches looking for a good basic training shoe.
Wear-Testers Say: "The shoe's cushioning and flexibility were perfect for a big guy like me." --Garrett Hamilton, 28, East Lansing "It fit well and gave me plenty of support, but the shoe could have been softer." --Kimberly Hellwig, 28, Allentown
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Mizuno Wave Nexus 2
Price: $80
Widths: Standard
Weight: 11.3 oz (M) 8.8 oz (W)
Contact: 800-966-1211
mizunousa.com
We Say: Mizuno hasn't made many changes in this update, just a few tweaks to the upper. Overall, testers' impressions of the shoe were mixed; some wanted more cushioning, especially in the forefoot, where others felt it was just right. The new mesh in the upper got a mixed reception as well, but that's because Michigan wear-testers didn't appreciate its extra breathability in the winter. Lab tests showed that the Nexus is firm underfoot, which is why we recommend it for bigger runners looking for a stable shoe.
Wear-Testers Say: "I loved the lightweight feel of this shoe." ---Zena Rocford, 30, East Lansing "Very versatile. It worked for track workouts as well as long runs." --Katrina Taft, 28, East Lansing
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