PUBLISHED 01/23/2008
Puma Complete Tenos V
We Say: The Tenos is more pliable under-foot because of deeper outsole flex grooves. According to RW lab tests, the V is considerably more flexible than the IV. This update dropped nearly two ounces, yet our testers didn't notice a loss of stability. Puma also rounded the back of the heel, which helps slow down the foot's inward roll. Recommended for runners with normal arches who desire a solid, lightweight training shoe with a bit of style.
Wear-testers Say: "The shoe was light and comfortable." --Karen Gustafson, 24, East Lansing
"The lacing system did a good job cinching the shoe around the foot." --Laurie Reinhart, 35, Allentown
Price: $95
Widths: Standard-2E (M) Standard-2D (W)
Weight: 10.5 oz (M) 8.4 oz (W)
Contact: 888-565-7862; puma.com
Reebok Premier Road Plus KFS V
We Say: The Road Plus is extra stable, thanks to an updated heel counter and a plastic strut that reinforces the midsole post. Reebok's stretchy KFS panel system now runs beneath the forefoot overlays. This allows the upper to stretch and better adapt to the shape of the foot. A cushier sockliner and an extra layer of foam give the Road Plus a softer feel underfoot. Recommended for bigger runners with low arches.
Wear-testers Say: "The shoe had good breathability, but the upper felt stiff." --Erica Polson, 30, San Diego
"It fit well but made a slapping noise as it hit the ground." --Gerald Hanson, 47, East Lansing
Price: $90
Widths: Standard-2E (M) Standard-D (W)
Weight: 12.7 oz (M) 10.5 oz (W)
Contact: 800-843-4444; rbkrunning.com
Saucony ProGrid Hurricane 10
We Say: Saucony has improved the Hurricane's soft cushioning with more independent outsole segments under the heel to better isolate impact force. Flex grooves under the forefoot are deeper to improve the shoe's pliability, and RW Shoe Lab tests showed the 10 to be slightly more flexible than the 9. Saucony has also softened the arch wrap material for a better fit. Recommended for lightweight runners looking for a soft daily training shoe.
Wear-testers Say: "It fit like a glove." --Christina Nichols, 44, East Lansing
"I've run in past versions, which were too stiff. The 10 has a much better feel." --Rob Krueger, 36, East Lansing
Price: $130
Widths: Standard
Weight: 12.1 oz (M) 10 oz (W)
Contact: 800-365-4933; saucony.com
NEUTRAL-CUSHIONED
BEST UPGRADE: Adidas Supernova Cushion 7
We Say: The latest Supernova Cushion offers an outstanding fit, thanks to the new last used in all the other Adidas shoes in this guide. It's wider through the midfoot, which many testers found comfortable. Also new are two heel plates, found in the midsole, that slide slightly on top of one another to isolate impact forces and slow side-to-side movement. This makes this update slightly more stable. Recommended for runners with normal to high arches looking for a soft shoe with a good midfoot wrap.
Wear-testers Say: "The cushioning and arch fit were excellent." --Lisa Benvenuto, 28, Allentown
"I loved the breathability; a very comfortable shoe." --Tyler Ernst, 21, East Lansing
Price: $90
Widths: Standard-4E (M) Standard-2E (W)
Weight: 12.1 oz (M) 10.3 oz (W)
Contact: 800-448-1796; shopadidas.com
Brooks Glycerin 6:
We Say: The latest Glycerin is softer. First, there is a larger cutaway section of outsole under the heel for the foot to sink into just after impact. Also, Brooks added softer foam to the midsole directly under the heel. The improved cushioning was confirmed by RW Shoe Lab tests. Another cool feature is the forefoot, which is curved slightly upward for a smoother toe-off. Recommended for runners with higher arches who want a soft, stable, neutral shoe.
Wear-testers Say: "This shoe had excellent cushioning but was rather heavy." --Michael L. Derstine, 46, Allentown
"The shoe was extremely comfortable." --Dominic DeFlorrio, 21, East Lansing
Price: $120
Widths: Standard
Weight: 12.8 oz (M) 10.4 oz (W)
Contact: 800-227-6657; brooksrunning.com
BEST BUY: Mizuno Wave Rider 11
We Say: The Rider has the same new heel design we saw in the Inspire 4 (page 98). A stretchy panel in the rearfoot makes the upper less likely to lose its shape at footstrike, which improves the shoe's heel fit. Deep forefoot flex grooves make this the second most flexible shoe in the guide, and a new sockliner that's dimpled under the heel and forefoot yields a softer feel underfoot. Recommended for runners with high arches seeking a lightweight and flexible shoe.
Wear-testers Say: "This is a superb shoe for long runs." --Lauren Garges, 33, Allentown
"Great overall fit; the upper part of the shoe was really comfortable around the ankle." --Lance Blaskowski, 25, San Diego
Price: $95
Widths: Standard-2E (M) Standard-D (W)
Weight: 11.2 oz (M) 8.9 oz (W)
Contact: 800-966-1211; mizunousa.com
