PUBLISHED 05/13/2008
Mizuno Wave Creation 9
Price: $130
Widths: Standard
Weight: 13.7 oz (M) 10.9 oz (W)
Contact: 800-966-1211
mizunousa.com
We Say: The key change in this update is a redesigned collar that uses independent heel panels to maintain a snug ankle wrap as the foot hits the ground. Our testers had mixed reactions to this design: Many liked the additional stability, but a few questioned whether the fit was an improvement over the old collar design. Our lab tests show that the Creation has firm yet durable shock absorption. This is why we recommend it for bigger runners with high arches looking for a durable, everyday training shoe.
Wear-Testers Say: "Light and airy with a fair amount of cushioning." --Laurie Reinhart, 36, Allentown
"I liked the cushioning, but the heel felt loose." --Jesse T. Schimmer, 32, Allentown
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New Balance 757
Price: $90
Widths: B-2E (M) 2A-D (W)
Weight: 11.6 oz (M) 9.5 oz (W)
Contact: 800-253-7463
newbalance.com
We Say: New Balance improved the flexibility and the overall fit of this update by lengthening the forefoot flex grooves and adding supportive overlays to the upper. The 757 is also a little more plush inside, courtesy of a softer sockliner and fewer upper seams that can cause chafing. Some testers loved the cushioning, while others felt it was a bit firm. Recommended for heel-strikers or runners with normal to high arches looking for a durable, long-lasting trainer.
Wear-Testers Say: "It fit wide enough without being sloppy in the forefoot, but the sole seemed a little stiff." --Bonnie Wilson, 63, East Lansing
"Comfortable for long runs, and I never felt I needed to tighten the laces." --Caroline Wasielewski, 34, Allentown
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Nike Shox Experience
Price: $140
Widths: Standard
Weight: 13.1 oz (M) 10.8 oz (W)
Contact: 800-595-6453
nikerunning.com
We Say: This new shoe replaces the rubber heel columns that have been the hallmark of the Shox line with air-filled pillars. According to our tests, this new design results in soft heel cushioning, but testers noted that the shoe's overall ride felt firm. This could be due to the plastic footbridge Nike uses to address the abrupt heel-to-forefoot transition that plagued the original Shox design. Recommended for runners with normal to high arches who don't overpronate.
Wear-Testers Say: "It was a vast improvement over the old Shox in terms of balance and weight, but the forefoot felt too loose." --Julianna Juhasz, 24, San Diego
"The shoe had a good fit, but it was heavy. It's a cool idea to combine Air and Shox." --Eric Meyer, 28, East Lansing
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Men's only
Nike Vomero 3
Price: $125
Widths: Standard
Weight: 11.5 oz
Contact: 800-595-6453
nikerunning.com
We Say: The soft ride and mild support of the Vomero make it a smart choice for all but the heaviest runners. According to RW Shoe Lab tests, the men's and women's versions are the softest shoes in this guide. The extra cushioning comes, in part, from thicker outsole lugs that significantly compress on impact. The shoe is also more plush underfoot, now that the previous version's semirigid sockliner has been replaced with one made of memory foam. Recommended for runners with normal to high arches looking for an everyday trainer.
Wear-Testers Say: "This shoe had lots of cushioning and outstanding comfort." --Jerume Reeker, 24, East Lansing
"It was lightweight yet offered plenty of support." --David Phillipes, 45, Allentown
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Women's only
Nike Vomero 3
Price: $125
Widths: Standard
Weight: 9.5 oz
Contact: 800-595-6453
nikerunning.com
We Say: The women's Vomero has a wider, more accommodating fit and a surprising amount of stability. It's the second shoe built on an updated last that has more volume through the arch and forefoot. The shoe accentuates this new fit with a stretchy mesh overlay that helps the upper conform to the midfoot. If our testers' comments are any indication, the overall fit of the new Vomero is outstanding. We recommend it for women with normal to high arches looking for a soft trainer with a great fit.
Wear-Testers Say: "The cushioning was perfect, but they needed more arch support." --Connie Cantrell, 36, East Lansing
"Nikes tend to be too narrow for me, but the fit of the Vomero was perfect." --Jessica Downey, 30, Allentown
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Saucony Progrid Ride
Price: $90
Widths: Standard
Weight: 10.6 oz (M) 8.6 oz (W)
Contact: 800-365-4933
saucony.com
We Say: Saucony overhauled the heel of this update to make it more of a performance shoe. The outsole is more segmented to better isolate impact forces, yielding moderately softer heel cushioning than previous versions, according to our Lab tests. A side effect of this new design is less midsole foam. Also, the heel is one millimeter lower, all of which helps reduce the weight of the shoe by a half ounce. Recommended for biomechanically efficient runners with higher arches who don't need a lot of support.
Wear-Testers Say: "The cushioning, weight, breathability, and flexibility were all superb." ---Don Kuntzman, 51, Allentown
"It had a supple ride that was cushiony yet supportive at the same time." --Paul Jozwiak, 23, East Lansing
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