PERFORMANCE Nike Lunar Elite+ 2 $100
The Lunar Elite+ 2 does the original at least one better in several areas, and winds up a better shoe as a result. The original midsole and outersole benefitted from earlier Lunar series shoes and the effectiveness of the Dynamic Support platform, so both have been retained in their original configuration. The original upper lacked the close tailoring needed for a really good performance fit. Round 2 changes to a breathable, open mesh and remedies the tailoring issue bywelding on a supportive saddle with Flywire strands running from the midsole to the lace eyelets. The saddle consists of a zigzag ofwelded straps that function like independent fingers to snug the midfoot, while keeping theweight down. The fit is outstanding and lines the foot up over the midsole, overcoming theweakness of the original. The improved fit, quality and comfort of the materials, aswell as its outstanding ride, earned the Lunar Elite+ 2 our Best Renovation honors.
“I think Nike has finally figured out a good Flywire configuration. The shoes snug down nicely without producing any uncomfortable pressure points. They roll nicely withmy feet as I strike and then toe off (no slapping whatsoever). Cushioning is very good. I can feel the ground without feeling every pebble.”
Updates the Lunar Elite+ •Recommendedfor: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to very mild overpronation • Sizes:Men 6–13, 14, 15; Women 5–12 •Weight: Men 11 oz. (size 11);Women 9.6 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board •
www.nike.com
On Cloudsurfer $149
A new brand from Switzerland, On employs a unique running technology called CloudTec. The outersole of the shoe features nine CloudTec lugs in the forefoot and four in the heel that, when viewed from the side, have an oval-shaped negative space. Under pressure, the lugs com- press to cushion, but since they have small teeth on the inner surface, they grip each other to aid forward motion. The sensation is a nicely cushioned ride with a responsive, bouncy feel. The lugs are attached to a traditional, though low-profile, midsole, and when combinedwith the lugs, it’s roughly the height of a typical running shoe. The upper is a quality-built, simple design of air mesh and synthetic suede that fits securely and has a plush feel. The technology is effective, the shoe is light and efficient, and the durability and cushioning are very good.
“The fitwas good, though more routine than anything amazing. The cushioningwas outstanding, the responsiveness of the lugs and midsolewas more than expected. The impression of the testingwas thoroughly aligned with the expectation. Except for the upper (whichwas OK) the shoe promised, then delivered.”
NEW•Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics • Sizes: Men 8–12;Women 5.5–9.5 •Weight: Men 11.4 oz. (size 11); Women 10.1 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted •
www.on-running.com
Puma Faas 500 $100
The Faas 500 is the top end of a series of Puma shoes designed with less materials and a simpler ethos. Performance is the goal, so it’s not surprising that the name derives from the Jamaican pronunciation of theword “fast.” The upper is a thin mesh and synthetic suede with an ankle collar of memory foamthat’s not exactly Spartan. It has a snug feel, and the EVA Strobel board and Ortholite innersole contribute to great step-in comfort. The ride is responsive, thanks to the flexible midsole, and is aided bywell-placed grooves underfoot. The thin outer- sole offers good traction and uses more durable (and heavier) carbon rubber only where needed. The combination of lightweight, comfort and responsive performance earned the Faas 500 honors as our Best New Shoe.
“They fit snug, the cushioningwas great, the balance and durability of these shoeswere awesome. I used them for most ofmy long runs. I’m sad towear them out because theywere so good.”
NEW•Recommendedfor: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics • Sizes:Men 6–12, 13, 14, 15;Women 5.5–11, 12 •Weight: Men 10.6 oz. (size 11);Women 9.2 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board •
www.puma.com
Saucony ProGrid Mirage $100
The Mirage follows in the footsteps of last season’s innovative Kinvara, so it shares more than a few similarities. Itsweight belies its durable nature, and it has a more traditional feel in both the upper and the outersole. The midsole shares the small heel-to-toe drop found in the Kinvara, but an EVA Strobel board adds a few millimeters of foam to up the ante on the cushioning. A TPU support shores up the medial side of the shoe, unobtrusively adding a touch of stability. The outersole is largely exposed midsole, but keywear areas are XT-900 in the heel, blown rubber in the forefoot. The upper has a familiar heel design and awell-padded ankle collar with an open air mesh for breathability and supportive midfootwelded overlays. The performance is unexpectedly good, whether for faster running or daily running. Its performance, versatility and outstanding design earned the Mirage distinction as our Best Shoe in the Performance shoe category.
“Snug-fitting heel with good toe
room.Very comfortable, and that only got better with
time.Great on roads, decent off-road. Light- weight for a training shoe, and the heel-to-toe slopewas really great.Workedwell for training, long races, fast or easy—well done.”
NEW•Recommendedfor: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation • Sizes: Men 7–13, 14, 15;Women 5–12 •Weight: Men 10.4 oz. (size 11);Women 8.9 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board •
www.saucony.com
Scott eRide Trainer $115
Scott continues to refine the products in its expanding line of running shoes. Proven in earlier Scott shoes, the ErgoLogic Fit upper, a two- layer, midfoot support/lace system, secures the foot effectively. The midsole has a lowprofile but doesn’t sacrifice much, as the ride is responsive and resilient, even in regular training. The outersole reveals the performance nature of the shoe with a polyurethane tread over more than half of the outersole, greatly reducingweight without losing anything in traction or durability. High-wear areas of the outersole feature carbon rubber, primarily at heel contact and toe-off. Versatility may be the eRide Trainer’s greatest strength, as it’s light enough for faster running, whether in training or longer races, and holds up to daily runs with equal ease.
“Very secure fit in themidfoot, with room for your toes. Good cushioning, nice and responsive, light—actually really light for a daily trainer. These have a great combination of fit, responsiveness and lightweight.”
NEW•Recommendedfor: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics • Sizes: Men 8–12, 13;Women 6–11 •Weight: Men 10.9 oz. (size 11); Women 8.5 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board •
www.scott-sports.com
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