BEST NEW SHOE FALL 2011
PERFORMANCE Karhu Flow Fulcrum_ride $110
BEST SHOE Neutral
L
The new Flow bears a resemblance to its sibling (and the fastest shoe in Karhu’s lineup), the Racer Fulcrum_ride. The Flow’s upper is two types of open mesh: one at the tongue, forefoot, ankle collar and heel; the other as a supportive saddlelike layer in the midfoot that’s further braced by the welded logo stripe. The eyestay is supported by thermoplastic welds that cinch the saddle and secure the foot. A smooth lining over the ankle collar foam wraps the foot comfortably and wicks away moisture. The low-profile midsole is flexible and provides a resilient, responsive ride, and the minimal Fulcrum unit propels the foot forward for improved efficiency. The outersole is rubber molded into a repeating pattern of T’s that provides traction while saving weight. The result is a well-built shoe for faster-paced running or racing.
“Snug fit — shallow over toes, too racerlike for me — but cushioning was lively and responsive.” + “Feels like I am wearing socks with soles. These are very comfortable shoes. I really like the way they feel just to wear. They are light shoes, so between their weight and their nimble feel, they beg for tempo runs or races.”
BEST SHOE Motion
Stabilizing L
New Shoe • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics for faster paced running • Sizes: men 8–13; women 6–11 • Weight: men 11.2 oz. (size 11); women 7.9 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Mizuno Wave Precision 12
$105
BEST SHOE Performance
L
BEST RENOVATION FALL 2011
The Precision is an icon in Mizuno’s running line, so it’s fitting that sublimated graphics on the upper represent Japanese block prints reminiscent of Pagoda architecture on the men’s shoe and the cherry blossom on the women’s. The upper features a semi-closed engineered mesh with welded logo and support strapping, DynaMotion Fit (hinged first medial eyelet) for secure lacing, and a touch of synthetic leather at heel and toe. The midsole is perhaps Mizuno’s best application of AP+, which, in combination with the Parallel Wave plate, cushions and holds up to both daily training for efficient runners and as a racer or fast-paced training shoe for others. The outersole, unchanged from version 11, is a combination of X-10 in the heel and blown rubber in the forefoot, with a rubbery concentric element under the cuboid bone to improve midfoot comfort. The smooth fit, great cushioning and light weight earned the Wave Precision 12 a tie for honors as the Best Shoe in the Performance category.
BEST SHOE
Performance Neutral L
“These are the first Mizuno shoes I have tested, and now I am a fan of Mizuno. The shoes are comfortable, relatively light and hold up well to use. I like that I get a good ground feel through the forefoot. They feel lighter than most training shoes, but not quite into the racing category.”
BEST NEW SHOE FALL 2011
Updates the Wave Precision 11 • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics • Sizes: men 7–13, 14; women 6–11 • Weight: men 10.6 oz. (size 11); women 7.8 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted
New Balance 1190 $115
BEST SHOE Neutral
L
The 1190 is the update to the 905 because in New Balance’s new numbering system, shoes ending in “90” represent speed performance shoes. The upper has a different type of structure: soft materials that give the shoe a flexible feel, with a full saddle of synthetic suede that secures the foot over the midsole, and synthetic leather at heel and toe to anchor the upper to the midsole. The closed mesh is far more breathable than it appears and, while spare, the ankle collar is surprisingly conforming and comfortable. The midsole is a two-density design that provides eff ective stabilization to the gait and a responsive ride, especially at faster speeds. The outersole is multiple pieces of carbon and blown rubber that sit flat to the ground and flex effectively with the foot. Bottom line? The 1190 is a light, stable shoe for running fast.
“Fit fine, roomy in the toes, snug over the midfoot, and secure in the heel. A good balance between stability and cushion. They wear like a training shoe, but their weight makes me think ‘go fast!’ Either way, you either get a durable 10K racer or a very light trainer.”
BEST SHOE Motion
Updates the 905 • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation, for faster-paced running • Sizes: men 7–13, 14, 15 (D, 2E); women 5–11, 12 (B, D) • Weight: men 9.8 oz. (size 11); women 7.9 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted
Stabilizing L
BEST SHOE Performance
L
BEST RENOVATION FALL 2011
Puma BOLT Faas 400 BEST SHOE
Performance Neutral L
$90
The BOLT Faas 400 is the latest sibling in the growing Faas family. The inspiration is multiple world-record holder Usain Bolt, whose image appears as a sub-logo on the tongue. The closed mesh upper has soft sueded overlays that provide just enough support to hold its shape, and a bit of synthetic leather at the heel and toe for durability and sturdiness. Designed to permit the foot to move freely, it has the light and highly flexible feel of a racer. The midsole is BioRide EVA foam, a resilient and flexible formulation that has a responsive ride that works best on the roads as there is plenty of proprioceptive feedback. The outersole is the toughened skin of the BioRide, with just enough carbon rubber to manage the high-wear areas. Some runners will be able to use the Faas 400 every day, but more will benefit from running in them several days a week. The combination of lightness, fit and performance earned the BOLT Faas 400 a tie for honors as the Best Shoe in the Performance category.
“Good cushioning, but with a great feel for the road (the smoother the road, the better). Well-built shoe for a lower mileage/lighter weight-training shoe. Totally flexible and light — really light.”
New Shoe • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics, for faster-paced mid-distance running • Sizes: men 6.5–12, 13, 14; women 6–11 • Weight: men 8.7 oz. (size 11); women 6.9 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board
Saucony PowerGrid Cortana
BEST NEW SHOE FALL 2011
$145
The Cortana introduces a new Grid technology for Saucony and is a showpiece for several solutions in cushioning, stability and fit. The upper is a semi-open engineered mesh with an eye-catching sublimated appearance, welded overlays, and synthetic leather at heel, toe and eyestay for needed support. Also new with the Cortana is Sauc-Fit, a stretchy medial insert, and articulated top eyelets on both sides to adjust and cinch the ankle fit and move with the foot. The midsole features the same 4-mm drop from heel to forefoot that’s proved so successful in the Kinvara and Mirage. Here it’s combined with the new PowerFoam and a plastic Impact Interface that focuses the force of the heelstrike onto a wedge of SRC foam to absorb the shock. The outersole uses a new blown-rubber compound with Saucony’s proven XT-900 carbon rubber in the heel. The outstanding ride, fit and innovation earned the PowerGrid Cortana our award as Best New Shoe.
“The fit from the top eyelets is high enough to provide stability: the [fit] for my high instep was perfect. The cushion allows extra spring without any noticeable weight increase. They have been durable and versatile. I’m impressed.”
28 IHRSA |
www.healthclubs.com L
BEST SHOE Neutral
BEST SHOE Motion
Stabilizing L
New Shoe • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation • Sizes: men 8–13, 14; women 6–12 • Weight: men 11 oz. (size 11); women 9.2 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board
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