Brooks Ravenna 2
MOTION STABILIZING $100
The Ravenna hasmoved up in the food chain.While it was a peppy performer, it now has a bit more muscle to it, thanks to the incorpo- ration of Brooks’ DNA cushioning element. The Ravenna is still peppy, but the extra boost in cushioning makes it even better-equipped for highmileage. The upper is ever so slightly altered (the usual fewmillimeter shift in overlays), but the elastic straps to the eyestay remain, allowing the upper tomovewith the foot. The midsole sportsminor adjustments to the forefoot, but the lateral heel has much more articulation in the crashpad, and rests over a more concentrated outersole element and altered heel flex grooves. The remaining outersole is much as itwas,with carbon rubber in the heel and blown rubber up front. The combination of its accommodating fit, good stability and lasting cushioning earned the Ravenna 2 the Best Shoe honors in theMotion Stabilizing category.
“Nice roomy toe box. They are very comfortable. The heelstrike is one of the most comfortable I’ve ever felt. There is nice bounce to the shoes on the run.Good stability and the lacing is great. This is a great, light-feeling
shoe.Much better than all the brands I’ve tried.”
Updates the Ravenna • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet withmild tomoderate overpronation • Sizes: Men 7–13, 14, 15;Women 5–12 •Weight: Men 12.1 oz. (size 11);Women 10.1 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, S-257 Cushsole (EVA Strobel board) •
www.brooksrunning.com
BrooksTrance 10 $140
The Trance has undergone a transformation that is both substantive and
visual.Themore resilient DNA cushioning, new in the Trance 10, is an upgrade, and midsole shaping (smaller pods on the lateral side) broadens the base of the shoe. The result is better stability, though the full-length DNA and increased foamcontribute to aweight gain of more than 10%. The upper is designed for the same effective support with newoverlays and a TPUheel cradle doing the job. One of the more significant improvements is the fit, as stretchy straps in the eyestay flex with the foot for more security, and an extra eyelet at the top of the tongue holds it in place. The outersole features a bit more rubber surface, thoughwith varia- tion in height for sufficient flexion. Runnerswith a need for extra stability and cushioning owe it to themselves to try out a pair of Trance 10s.
“Good fit, cushioning and stability. I had notworn Brooks shoes before, and I discovered that they really knowhow to make shoes!”
Updates the Trance9 •Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet withmild tomoderate overpronation • Sizes:Men 7–13, 14, 15 (B, D, 2E); Women 5–12 (B, D) •Weight:Men 13.4 oz. (size 11);Women 11.2 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, S-257 Cushsole (Strobel board) •
www.brooksrunning.com
MizunoWave Inspire 7 $100
The Inspire has been one ofMizuno’smost dependable motion stabilizing shoes. Though not flashy, it’s a performer, and Round 7 focuses on improving its fit and transition. The upper is now amore open air mesh, and there have been slight shifts to the overlays that, alongwith a stretchier feel to the mesh over the toes, open up the metatarsal area for a bitmore room. The first eyelet is nowhinged on the lateral side to allowmore adaptable lacing in securing the
foot.The midsole contours look different but offer the smoothest transition of all the newMizuno training shoes. The stability of the asymmetricalWave plate is rock solid. The outersole features some reshaping of flex grooves, but is as effective as ever for traction and durability. The fit and performance are the real value of the Inspire, perhaps as aptly named a shoe as any on themarket.
“The Inspire has been a reliable training shoe for me. The 7may be even more so than earlier versions; fits reallywell, durable, plenty of cushioning and plenty of stability. No downside as far as I’m concerned.”
Updates theWave Inspire6 • Recommended for:medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to moderate overpronation • Sizes: Men 7–13, 14, 15, 16 (D, 2E); Women 6–12 (2A, B, D) •Weight: Men 12.7 oz. (size 11);Women 10.1 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted •
www.mizunorunning.com
Nike Zoom Structure Triax+ 14 $100
The Structure Triax has been updated with several mantras inmind, including “Don’tmess with success.” Round 14 stands pat on the effective dual-density Phylonmidsole (one of Nike’s last shoeswith the compound) and its well-executed crashpads and flex grooves, which provide great cushioning, stability and an unobtrusive transition. The upper of the Structure Triax 14 benefits from Nike’s innovative Flywire, as some of the strapping and overlays of previous versions have been replaced by supportive Flywire strandswelded to the midfoot of the shoe. The forefoot has an open feel with plenty of room over themetatarsals and a clean look to gowith the smooth functioning. If the Structure Triax has been your shoe, rest assured that they didn’t change what you love about it.
“Good toe room, but not quite as snug as I would have liked. Good balance and stability. Not as cushiony as other Nikes I have tested in the past.” + “My feetwere secure and balanced—the shoes felt
stable.My overall impression is, there are shoes on the market that
are more comfortable and cost less.”
Updates theZoomStructure Triax+ 13 •Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation • Sizes: Men 6–13, 14, 15 (B, D, 2E, 4E);Women 5–12 (A, B, D) •Weight: Men 12.5 oz. (size 11);Women 10 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board •
www.nike.com
Reebok Premier Road Supreme 2 $100
ThePremierRoadSupreme2takes a good shoe and makes it even
better.The upper opens up the forefoot for a roomier fit across themetatarsals, with a snugger fit laterally provided by a large Kinetic Fit
panel.Areshaped heel tab and morememory foam in the ankle collar give a form fit to the rearfoot. TheDMX foamStrobel board and generousOrtholite innersole, along with the injection-molded EVA,make for a cushy ride. The medial second density offers just enough extra stability to make the shoe effective for a large group of runners, fromthemild tomoderate overpronator to the fairly neutral runner looking for extra support, especially on long runs. Holding the pricewhile improving the comfort adds to the value.
“This shoe fits great; it just hugs my foot with nice toe room.Well-cushioned, just a bit bouncy, very smooth from heel to toe. Nice. Lots of good runningmiles formewith this shoe.”
Updates thePremier Road Supreme • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation • Sizes: Men 6.5–13, 14; Women 5–11, 12 •Weight:Men 12.4 oz. (size 11);Women 10.6 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted,DMX Foam Strobel board •
www.reebok.com
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