PERFORMANCE
MizunoWave Elixer 5 $105
This Elixer is the best yet, expertly blending lightness, stability and ride. The upper sports minor changes to the overlays and new support straps of stretchy synthetic material shoring up the medial side. The base of the entire upper is a uniformly shaped air mesh. TheWave plate is unchanged, but the midsole is AP+—the old AP with new polymers added for a better rebound, which softens the cushion of the shoe while making the ride much more responsive. The outersole features a new configuration of G3, moving from the dots of PU to a combination of chevrons and fins that improve traction and durability. The Elixer has always been a good choice in the performance category; now it’s even better.
“They fitwell, like Mizuno always does. Iwas surprised howcomfortable the shoewas, especially the cushioning. I felt like Iwas in close contact with the ground but still able to have the protection and ‘spring inmy step’ that the shoe afforded me. I liked the shoe style and function. It has become one ofmy favorites.”
Updates theWave Elixer 4 • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to moderate overpronation • Sizes: Men 7–13, 14, 15;Women 6–11 •Weight: Men 11.4 oz. (size 11);Women 9.5 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted
New Balance 740 $85
Despite the number reset, the 740 is the second round of last season’s 749. There’s also some resetting of the upper design, making a visual alignment with the NBx firmament. The upper shows a subtle change in fit and support; while still built on the New Balance performance last, the shoe feels wider, and the N-lock lacing has been internalized and lacks the separately adjusting feature of the external version. The midsole has been slightly resculpted to better incorporate the N-Ergy cassette, but is much the same as the previous heel setup. The more supportive shank and the adjusted flex grooves allow a very responsive toe-off. This version has more forefoot volume with the responsive cushioning and stability of its predecessor.
“Roomy fit, but seemed towork OK. Good amount of cushioning, yet allows you to feel the road. Keeps the foot stable and pace quick.Was a good tempo shoe, but I’d rest these on easy days. Above average sole durability; the heel plug is verywear-resistant.”
Updates the 749 • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation • Sizes: Men 7–13, 14, 15, 16 (D, 2E, 4E);Women 5–11, 12, 13 (B, D) •Weight: Men 11.7 oz. (size 11);Women 9.7 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted
Nike LunarElite+ 5 $100
The Lunarlite foam has been working its way through many of Nike’s established performance shoes, transforming them into new shoes. The LunarElite+ 5 retains only the mission of the Elite+ 4: to provide a light, responsive, stable ride. The revamped upper is now a no-sew, seam-free combination of mesh and synthetic overlays, with Flywire for midfoot support. The close fit is not quite racerlike, but it’s secure and comfortable. The Lunarlite midsole features Nike’s Dynamic Support, which is soft enough for neutral feet and stable enough for mild to moderate overpronators. The ride is typically cushioned and responsive—the snappiest Lunar shoe yet.
“The fitwas pretty good, and the smooth interiorwas appreciated. Not as snug in the arch as some tempo shoes or racers. The cushioning andweight are where the shoe really shines, and durability has been great; the cushioning really holds up.”
Updates the Elite+ 4 • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to moderate overpronation • Sizes: Men 7–13, 14, 15;Women 6–11 •Weight: Men 11.4 oz. (size 11);Women 9.5 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board
Reebok Premier SF Attack $90
The SF Attack is new to the Reebok Premier line, and a bit of a sleeper with a unique design. The upper is open air mesh with the toe cap as the only forefoot overlay, making them light and bunion-friendly. The Smoothfit upper (the “SF” in the name) supports the midfoot without interior seams, securing heel and midfoot with a soft, sueded feel. The midsole is responsive and durable injection-molded EVA, with a second density adding a good measure of stability. The DMPRTek outersole provides good flexibility with proven durability and a bit of extra cushioning. For performance, stability and its great light feel, the Premier SF Attack deserves serious consideration.
“Great fit. I ran a half-marathon in the three days after I got them and had no blisters or sore spots. Right amount of cushion for running on the road, and nice and straight and stable. These are probably the lightest shoes I have been able to run in and feel like I have good cushion and support, and can run some longer miles in.”
NEW • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with very mild to moderate overpronation • Sizes: Men 7–13, 14, 15; Women 6–11 •Weight: Men 11.4 oz. (size 11);Women 9.5 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted
Scott Makani II
$110
After a start with European triathletes, Scott brings a range of training and racing shoes to the U.S. market. Of these, the Makani II may be the most versatile, managing thewear and tear of training while being light enough to race in. The upper is the typical lightweight mesh, but with a stretchy inner sleeve through the midfoot and a supportive saddle that cinches separately. The midsole is a new EVA blend known as UltraLyte, which provides a nicely responsive ride. The midfoot features a second density of EVA, as well as a shank of a carbon fiber element beneath a TPU windowthat, in concert, provide torsional rigidity by resisting excessive twisting. A combination of blown rubber in the forefoot and carbon in the heel and high-wear regions rounds out a familiar construction. Its ultra lightweight, responsive ride and good stability earned the Makani our Best Performance Shoe award.
“This is a very good-fitting shoe which snugs up nicely aroundmy ankle, and the toe box allows enough room formy toes to dig in during speedwork. This shoe is very responsive-feeling with a nice flexible forefoot and a very stiff arch. The heel area absorbs shockwell, and the forefoot allows a feel of the ground while pushing off.”
Updates the Makani • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation • Sizes: Men 6–12, 13;Women 5–11 •Weight: Men 10.8 oz. (size 11);Women 8.7 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, UltraLyte Strobel board
SPRING/SUMMER 2010 | GET ACTIVE! 33
STABILITY
STABILITY STABILITY STABILITY STABILITY
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