NEUTRAL/PERFORMANCE
Under Armour Apparition II
$95
The second round of running shoes from Under Armour addresses some issues of the first round and builds on its strengths. The upper is open mesh similar to that of the original, with adjustments made to the Fit-Sleeve that improve the fit and comfort. The midsole and outersole are just a bit better than Round One, with a good transition, durability and a responsive, resilient ride. The weight is toward the beefier end, but acceptable in a heavy-duty trainer. The Apparition sports a price adjustment that makes it a decent bargain. Though not a dramatic change, the performance and upgrades show the Apparition II is headed in the right direction.
“They feel really nice, slipper-like. No problems straight from the box for a 6.5-mile run. The cushion on this particular shoewas not disappointing, but not exceptional either, though no sore feet, which, for me, is saying something.”
Updates the Apparition • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics • Sizes: Men 8–13, 14, 15;Women 6–11, 12 •Weight: Men 14.3 oz. (size 11);Women 12.5 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board
Karhu Forward Fulcrum $130
The new Forward Fulcrum employs the expected top-quality components. The upper is a lightweight, perforated mesh that’s welded to eliminate seams and open across the metatarsals to nicely accommodate bunions or a wide forefoot. The midsole is a resilient and responsive EVA, which has a good level of cushioning. The ratio of midsole material in the heel vs. the forefoot pitches the foot forward for a quick toe-off, but the exaggerated lean may not suit all neutral runners as it does run “downhill” a bit. The outersole is the same effective carbon and blown rubber of other Karhu shoes and is executed at its usual high standard. Its light weight is a bonus.
“The upper has a smooth, comfy feel and good, secure fit. Unexpectedly light, especially for such awell-cushioned running shoe. Great heel cushioning, and the flowto the forefoot really keeps you on your toes, even when you are tired. I think it is about as
good a shoe as I haveworn.”
NEUTRAL
NEW• Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to very mild overpronation • Sizes:Men 8–13, 14; Women 6–11 •Weight: Men 11.6 oz. (size 11);Women 11.1 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted
MizunoWaverider 13
$100
TheWaverider 13 maintains the momentum of its predecessor, balancing light weight with protective cushioning. The upper shows typical Mizuno design caution by making subtle alterations to overlays that seem almost cosmetic, but are well thought-out. The most noticeable change is the new lining material, which is softer and cradles the heel better. The midsole is essentially unchanged, though new tooling always subtly affects the ride; here a little foam has been added under theWave plate to better cushion the touchdown. The outersole is unchanged, providing effective durability and traction.
“They proved to be one of the most reliable daily trainers inmy rotation. They fit snugly where needed, roomy in the toes. They have a good level of cushioning, but when Iwas fit, theywere super efficient—a great extension ofmy feet.”
NEUTRAL
Updates theWaverider 12 • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics • Sizes: Men 7–13, 14, 15, 16;Women 5–12, 13 •Weight: Men 11.9 oz. (size 11);Women 9.7 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted
Zoot UltraTT 3.0 $130
The third round of the Ultra TT maintains effective performance without rocking the boat. The upper is little-changed, adding a bit of reflectivity—TT does stand for Triathlon Training, after all—but leaving the lacing and entry points unchanged. The TPU at the heel and toes was overkill and has been replaced by lighter-weight HF-welds that do the job. The midsole and outersole have no changes, save cosmetic, since the cushioning and performance were well dialed-in last season. Very light for a neutral training shoe, the Ultra TT 3.0 can handle a good share of mileage, as well as faster running and racing.
“Fit like a sock, very smooth. Surprisingly, they had a good deal of cushion. I especially enjoyed the impact on landing withmy heel. Theywere great for tempo runs and races.”
NEUTRAL
Updates the Ultra TT 2.0 • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics • Sizes:Men 8–12, 13, 14; Women 6–10, 11 •Weight: Men 9.3 oz. (size 11);Women 7.4 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted
ASICS Gel DS Trainer 15 $110
Perhaps the most iconic model of this category, the Gel DS Trainer turns 14. The bulk of the changes (though there aren’t a lot) are in the upper, where the overlays have been altered at the toe and reduced in the heel, and the mesh is a bit more open. Support and fit, however, are indistinguishable from last season. The midsole and outersole are the same, with slight adjustments to the Trusstic support in the shank. The overall effect adds up to a quality, stable, well-cushioned ride that fans of the series will be pleased with. Runners looking for a great blend of lightness, stability and cushioning should consider the DS Trainer 15.
“Great fit. It’s shaped somewhat to fit perfectly around the mold of your actual foot. Nice cushioning and no hard spots anywhere. A stable ride; no need toworry about anywobble. Excellent lightweight trainer, good for mid to long training runs or races.”
STABILITY
32 IHRSA |
www.healthclubs.com
Updates the Gel DS Trainer 14 • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation • Sizes: Men 6–13, 14, 15;Women 5–12 •Weight: Men 11.3 oz. (size 11);Women 9.1 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved
• Construction: slip-lasted
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