NEUTRAL/MOTION STABILIZING Brooks Defyance 4
$100
The Defyance has earned an important spot in the Brooks lineup as a dependable, neutral performer. The upper is an open mesh, and the saddlelike midfoot overlays have been beefed up on the medial side to improve support. The midsole has received the typical minor adjustments, but they haven’t affected the overall ride for which the shoe is known. The shank support has been reworked for more effective midfoot support without any unnecessary plastic. The outersole features slightly shortened longitudinal flex grooves to smooth the forefoot flexibility. These changes add up to a good solution for neutral-footed runners.
“Comfortable fit, just like last year’s model. The ride has a bouncy feel to it, good cushioning. Fairly lightweight feel (love that). I loved the light feel and support.”
Updates the Defyance3 •Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics • Sizes: Men 7–13, 14, 15 (B, D, 2E);Women 5–12, 13 (2A, B, D) •Weight: Men 11.9 oz. (size 11);Women 9.7 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, S-257 Cushsole (EVA Strobel board) •
www.brooksrunning.com
NewBalance 1080
BEST SHOE Neutral
N $135
With the 1080, New Balance leads into a numerical reset, establishing numbers that correspond to their category. The 1080 represents the pinnacle of neutral cushioning in the NBx performance running line. Although it bears a resemblance to the 1064, which it replaces, the upper nowfeatures an airier, two-layer mesh, aswell as more substantial overlays positioned for better flexibility where the foot flexes. The midsole is much the same as before, but there’s a new crashpad under the cuboid bone to soften a midfoot landing. Redesigned flex grooves and StabilityWeb allowan improved transition fromheel to toe. The outersole features tougher rubber on the lateral side, softer blown rubber medially. The attention to detail and fit, aswell as its plush ride, earned the 1080 top honors in the Neutral shoe category.
“These shoes cradlemy feet and help me confidently land each strike withmy foot. No noticeablewear even@200 miles.” + “I think New Balancewent a little overboard with the cushioning on these, though overall they have been really pretty good.”
Replaces the 1064 • Recommended for: medium-arched feet with neutral biomechanics • Sizes: Men 7–13, 14, 15 (B, D, 2E, 4E);Women 5–11, 12 (2A, B, D) •Weight: Men 13 oz. (size 11);Women 11.1 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, polyurethane Strobel board •
www.newbalance.com
Saucony ProGridTriumph 8 $130
The Triumph series has always specialized in cushioning and protection. The Triumph 8 trims someweight from Round 7 while retaining most of the protection and plushness. The upper has noticeably less bulk, a move in the right direction, but it’s still on the heavy side. One improvement is the open area at the first metatarsal, which gives a roomy feeling and accommodates a wide forefoot, hallux rigidus or bunions. The midsole features minor changes to the molding but offers much the same ride as before—well-cushioned without being mushy. The outersole continues with the combination of blown rubber in the forefoot and carbon rubber in the heel, but more separation between the heel lugs gives better articulation in the touch-down. The Triumph continues to offer Saucony’s best-cushioned ride.
“Lots of room in the toes. They are comfortable but a little stiff, but with plenty of cushion throughout the whole shoe. Heavier feeling than most shoes Iwear now, but I probably don’t need all the pampering these provide.”
Updates theProGridTriumph7 •Recommendedfor: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics • Sizes:Men 7–13, 14, 15;Women 5–11, 12 •Weight: Men 13.1 oz. (size 11);Women 11.7 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board •
www.saucony.com
ASICS Gel-DS Trainer 16
$110
The DS Trainer has always represented the ASICS philosophy of balancing engineering and minimalism. Version 16 has locked onto this concept with proven technologies and lightweight materials. This time out, the upper is much the same from the toes to the midfoot, but between the arch and the heel, there are nowtwo layers of material securing the heel to prevent slipping. The result is a heavier shoe than in the past, but it has a much better-fitting heel. The midsole has seen the usual minor tweaks without noticeably affecting the ride, though the articulation in forefoot flexion is a little more pliable thanks to the addition of ASICS’ Guidance Line. The result is a midweight shoe with a great balance of stability and cushioning that holds up to the demands of high mileage.
“They felt perfectly snug and are the lightest shoes I haveworn with this much great support.” + “Cushionwas good, with a good feel around the ankles and from the tongue. Overall, heavier than I expected but with a good, balanced feeling.”
Updates the Gel-DS Trainer 15 •Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation • Sizes: Men 6–13, 14, 15; Women 5–12 •Weight: Men 11.9 oz. (size 11);Women 10.2 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, two-density Solyte Strobel board •
www.asicsamerica.com
ASICS Gel-Kayano 17 $140
As the flagship of the ASICS motion stabilizing contingent, Version 17 of the Kayano maintains the plush ride, fit and stability that has long defined it. The familiar profile has been well dialed in for at least five years, so the faithful have been consistently served and that continues here. Although the differences appear to be cosmetic, they’re actually upgrades: The upper has a bit less Bio-Fit, but what’s there is used more precisely on the medial and lateral sides; and replacing the synthetic leather overlays with HF-welded overlays saves weight without compromising support. The midsole geometry with its precise shaping has been maintained from the flex grooves to the decoupling of the heel and, with the generous Gel cushioning all but identical, the ride is indistinguishable from recent versions. The good news—make that great news—is that the Kayano 17 continues to be as con- sistent a performer as ASICS delivers.
“The Kayano is always snug and comfortable. The cushioning is great, the shoe is very stable, andmy feet are secure in them while running at any speed.”
Updates the Gel-Kayano 16 • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation • Sizes: Men 6–14, 15, 16 (D), 8–14, 15, 16 (EE), 8–14, 15, 16 (EEEE);Women 5–13 (B), 6–13 (AA, D) •Weight: Men 13 oz. (size 11);Women 11.4 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, two-density Solyte Strobel board •
www.asicsamerica.com
30 IHRSA |
www.healthclubs.com
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