Mizuno Wave Alchemy 11
MOTION STABILIZING $115
The Alchemy is among Mizuno’s most familiar models because change happens very slowly for this effective stabilizing shoe and for good reason: It works. The midsole and outersole are unchanged. That’s good news not only for devotees, but also for any runner looking for a stable, well-cushioned ride with good durability. The upper also has much in common with the previous versions. Although the mesh is a bit more open now, the hingelike top eyelet is unchanged (DynaMotion Fit), and additional support has been added via a frameworklike saddle that secures the midfoot firmly over the midsole. The gender-specific design and roomy fit have been retained, making the Alchemy among the most versatile motion-stabilizing shoes available.
“This shoe fit well and gave me the much-needed support I generally look for in a shoe. Like former versions, a very nice balance of cushioning and protection.”
Updates the Wave Alchemy 10 • Recommended for: low- to medium-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation • Sizes: men 6.5–13, 14, 15; women 5–12 • Weight: men 13.2 oz. (size 11); women 10.4 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted
New Balance 1260 $142
In New Balance’s new numbering system, shoes ending in “60” represent performance stability, which explains why this is the update to the 1226. The upper continues the open mesh with repositioned overlays to shore up the arch and better secure the instep. The forefoot overlays are “no-sew” across the metatarsals to reduce friction. The interior has a luxe feel, and the PU Strobel board now teams up with a PU innersole for longer-lasting plushness. The midsole features a newly configured Stabilicore, which trades the former semi-rigid plastic support for a rubbery compound that cushions while stabilizing. An articulated N-ergy system of foam and rubbery components soften and direct the touchdown and transition through the gait cycle. The outersole is the typical blown-rubber forefoot and Ndurance carbon rubber heel with really good forefoot flexibility. Its execution, material upgrades and stable, well-cushioned ride earned the New Balance 1260 our Best Renovation honors.
“The fit is perfect. Well-cushioned and very stable. They held my feet well and yet they did not feel like they were restraining at all, and the weight is pretty light for the stability.”
Updates the 1226 • Recommended for: low- to medium-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation • Sizes: men 7–12, 13, 14, 15, 16 (B, D, 2E, 4E); women 6–12, 13 (B, D) • Weight: men 13.7 oz. (size 11); women 10.9 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, PU Strobel board
Nike LunarGlide+ 3 $100
The LunarGlide has driven the development of Nike’s whole Lunar line and is one of the best shoes on the market, if you like the feel of it. It does a good job of splitting the difference between firm and soft, though there are those who feel it’s either too firm or too soft. This is the best-fitting LunarGlide yet, with an improved saddle that employs a strap sandwiched between the gusseted tongue and an external framework of sueded overlays to cinch the foot without strangling it. The forefoot, notoriously wide-feeling in the first two rounds, is better-tailored here without making it too narrow, thanks to minor adjustments to the overlays. The midsole adopts the sleeker profile of the LunarElite, though it’s still as stable as the previous version, and the heel carrier foam has a cut-out to allow the two-layered cushioning/ stability system to flex more adaptively, giving it a better feel for both heel strikers and midfoot strikers — not an easy task.
“Great fit. Very light shoe overall. The cushion is just right, heel to toe has a nice springy feel. Lunarlon is my new favorite foam.”
Updates the LunarGlide+ 2 • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to moderate overpronation • Sizes: men 6–13, 14, 15; women 5–12 • Weight: men 11.9 oz. (size 11); women 9.3 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board
Pearl Izumi SyncroFuel Road II $120
The Fuel heads into Round 2 with a focus on its strength. The midsole and outersole — an effective use of generous cushioning combined with Pearl Izumi’s proven Syncroframe stabilizing technology, and the standard blown-rubber forefoot/carbon rubber heel — have been retained in this update. Its Skydex heel crashpad and forefoot cushioning elements continue to offer a unique feel to the ride. The refinement of this version has gone into the upper, where tailoring improvements make the racing shoe fit even better. The welded plastic overlays have been replaced with no-sew suede that provides both support and comfort by conforming to the foot’s shape without having hard edges. This more adaptable fit also positions the foot over the midsole to take advantage of both the cushioning and stabilizing design.
“Nice improvement in the fit, needed a little nip-and-tuck. The cushioning and stable ride I loved from the original are still great. Lots of good miles in these.”
Updates the SyncroFuel • Recommended for: low- to medium-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation • Sizes: men 7–13; women 5–11, 12 • Weight: men 12.4 oz. (size 11); women 10 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board
Saucony ProGrid Omni 10 $110
For more than a decade, the Omni has filled a consistent niche in the Saucony line. Round 10 continues that legacy of good value and performance with the classic Saucony fit: a snug heel with plenty of room for the toes. The changes are subtle, but contribute to the overall success of this version. The upper has slightly more flexible welded overlays on the lateral side and minor tweaks to the medial side. The bunion window at the first metatarsal is opened for better flexibility, and less friction and pressure on the foot. The midsole’s second density has been feathered out a centimeter or so before the first flex grove, improving flexibility by making the softer density a bit more predominant so the ride is now smoother. The midfoot shank has been adjusted as well: The medial side has been lowered slightly, while the flare on the lateral side handles the torsional forces from the crashpad. The overall effect is excellent cushioning and stability.
“Good fit, and as stability shoes go, the break-in factor seemed to happen quickly. They were cushiony enough but not spongy, and they did have good stability. I’d say they are just about right.”
Updates the ProGrid Omni 9 • Recommended for: low- to medium-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation • Sizes: men 7–13, 14, 15 (M, W); women 5–12 (N, M, W) • Weight: men 12.8 oz. (size 11); women 10.7 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board
GET ACTIVE! 31
BEST SHOE Performance
L
BEST S L
Perform Neutr
BEST NEW SHOE FALL 2011
BEST RENOVATION FALL 2011
BEST SHOE Neutral
L
BEST SH L
Motion Stabilizin
F
F
F
F
1
1
A A
A A
0 0
0
L L
L L
2 2
2 2
1
1
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44