PERFORMANCE adidas adiZero Aegis 2 $110
Round 2 of the adiZero Aegis features some changes, along with many familiar features. The midsole is virtually the same: underfoot a soft, adiLite layer that’s atop a layer of adiPrene+ with the stabilizing ForMotion cassette in the heel. The outersole has received some minor alterations but still provides good durability and traction. The upper shows the most significant changes while maintaining its original objective: Align the foot over the low-profile sole while offering a touch of support. The original featured a tongue that opened only on the lateral side to shore up the overpronating foot. This version features twowoven fabrics—stiffer, nonstretch on the medial side; open air mesh laterally—to achieve the same objective. The result is breathability and support. Overall, the lightweight and responsive Aegis 2 features flexibility and efficiency with a measure of stability that’s enhanced by the lowprofile, making it ideally equipped for faster-paced running.
“Close, racer-like fit. Lowprofile makes them very stable and improves reaction to the ground. Very light trainer; I’d say light and snappy. [Compared to the original], it is good, though not an improvement.”
Updates the adiZeroAegis •Recommendedfor:medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics tomild overpronation • Sizes:Men 6.5–13, 14, 15; Women 5–12 •Weight: Men 10.3 oz. (size 11);Women 9 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted •
www.adidas.com
Karhu Fast2 Fulcrum_ride $130
In its second time out, the Fast Fulcrum_ride features an update to the Karhu Fulcrumtechnology. The Fulcrum component has been reshaped slightly into a lower profile that nowtips the foot forward at a gentler pitch. Up top, the new upper offersmore room in the forefoot, making it better-suited to high-volume feet, and keeps it open across the metatarsals to accommodate bunions or a wide forefoot. The mid- sole is still resilient and responsive EVA, though the Strobel board has an added layer of EVA to improve the level of full-length cushioning. The outersole is typical carbon and blown rubber, here in a reconfigured layout with a U-shaped heel and forefoot ridge of the more durable carbon rubber, with the softer blown rubber on the medial and lateral forefoot. The shoe is surprisingly light, providing neutral-footed runners another shoe choice for faster training.
“I was surprised at the amount of cushion [it] seemed to have when there didn’t seem to be much of it. Very light weight. I liked it a lot.”
Updates the Fast Fulcrum_ride •Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics • Sizes: Men 8–13, 14;Women 6–11 •Weight: Men 11.2 oz. (size 11);Women 9.9 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board •
www.karhu.com
K-Swiss Kwicky Blade Light $130
The Kwicky Blade Light is a sibling to the Blade Light, but with a personality of its own. The midsole features the Blade Light design of angled EVA blades for cushioning and energy transfer; however, here it’s enhanced with a second density for stability. A heel crashpad aids touch-down and is topped off with GuideGlide foam against the foot for comfort. Minimal outersole rubber in high-wear areas keeps the shoe lightweight but durable enough for racing and faster training. The upper featureswelded thermoplastic overlays in a saddlelike frame- work with a mesh of extra support on the medial side. The “secretweapon” of the upper is a treatment of Ion Masking, which makes a molecular mask on the surface smaller thanwater molecules, so they just run off. Perforations through the innersole, Strobel board and midsole allowwater to drain from the interior, a plus for triathletes. If this sounds like your cup of tea (whichwould also drain off), give the Kwicky Blade Light a look.
“Snug fit through the arch, and roomy in the toes.Well-cushioned with each layer of foam, and the ‘skoosh’ of stabilitywas just right. Another fine example of quality begetting quality. K-Swiss has really impressed me.”
NEW•Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation • Sizes: Men 6.5–13;Women 5–11, 12 •Weight: Men 10.6 oz. (size 11);Women 9.3 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board •
www.kswiss.com
Li-Ning Fremont $85
Li-Ning is China’s largest domestic sports footwear brand, and the Fremont represents its first foray into the U.S. market. The shoe has a low profile with a very slight heel-to-forefoot drop, which means you should count on an adaptation period to minimize the chances of injury. The upper is supported minimally in the heel and features just enough midfoot support to keep the foot lined up over the midsole. The midsole is a well-cushioned, injection-molded EVA with a large lateral crashpad fromheel to midfoot. The TPU shank support is vented to allow air to circulate into the shoe and is aided by the perforated innersole. The Fremont’s light weight makes it suited for faster-paced running—even racing for some runners—but the effect of activating the muscles in the foot also makes the Fremont a good additional tool for runners looking to get stronger.
“Nice form fit, moccasin-like. Not a lot of cushioning, but very responsive and fast feeling. Very lowto the ground, so any tippy feeling is really reduced. Very interesting approach. A valuable tool for running fitness and racing performance.”
NEW•Recommendedfor:medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics • Sizes: Men 7–12, 13, 14;Women 6–11 •Weight:Men 10 oz. (size 11); Women 8.8 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted •
www.li-ningusa.com
MizunoWave Elixer 6 $110
TheWave Elixer 6 is an update that respects the strengths of its predecessor. Version 5 featured a major overhaul of the midsole compound and the outersole configuration, so Round 6 merely draws attention to the heel crashpad with a bright green color-up and leaveswell enough alone—a smart move. It’s the upper that receives the attention in this update. Overlays have been slightly modified, as is typical in an update, but here the Dynamotion Fit has been redefined from a stretchy overlay to a hinged tab as the first eyelet, which moves better with the foot and allows the lacing to better secure the upper. Runners who are in need of lightness, stability and good cushioning will find it in the Elixer 6.
“I love the cushioning in this shoe! It provided a great bouncy feel.With each step I took, I felt balanced and secure.” + “I love the weight. If theweight could be maintained with a slightly thicker heel, itwould be the perfect speed shoe.”
Updates theWave Elixer5 •Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation • Sizes: Men 7–13, 14, 15; Women6–11 •Weight:Men 10.9 oz. (size 11);Women 9.1 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted •
www.mizunousa.com
28 IHRSA |
www.healthclubs.com
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