PUBLISHED 05/13/2008
EDITOR'S CHOICE: New Balance 903
Price: $100
Widths: Standard-2E (M) Standard-D (W)
Weight: 9.2 oz (M) 7.8 oz (W)
Contact: 800-253-7463
newbalance.com
We Say: This outstanding update has the same sole as the previous version but benefits from the addition of flexible N-Lock bands in the upper, which connect the laces to the midsole for a supportive midfoot wrap. And the new rounded sockliner better conforms to the shape of the foot. Testers raved about the results of these updates and commented on the 903's outstanding fit. Recommended for biomechanically efficient runners with normal arches looking for a comfortable speedwork shoe.
Wear-Testers Say: "This was a superb shoe for long-distance or tempo runs." --Matt Wehrman, 29, East Lansing
"The laces stayed tied, keeping the shoe snug. An exceptional go-fast trainer." --Jim Warrenfeltz, 26, Allentown
Nike Free Everyday
Price: $92
Widths: Standard
Weight: 10.5 oz (M) 8.3 oz (W)
Contact: 800-595-6453
nikerunning.com
We Say: The concept of Free started as a way to strengthen your feet, something Runner's World completely supports. But the average runner can't transition directly from a traditional road shoe to something this flexible without risking injury. This new shoe is the first Free to have Nike Air cushioning in the heel and a more traditional supportive upper. As with other shoes in the Free line, the Everyday should be integrated gradually into your running-shoe rotation.
Wear-Testers Say: "I liked the Free's overall comfort and durability." --Andrew Pope, 25, East Lansing
"The shoe was lightweight and flexible, but I question using it as an everyday trainer." --Nick Galac, 24, Allentown
Neutral-Cushioned
BEST BUY: Asics Gel-Cumulus 10
Price: $95
Widths: 4E (M) 2A-D (W)
Weight: 11.8 oz (M) 9.7 oz (W)
Contact: 800-678-9435
asics.com
We Say: Asics packed more Gel into the heel of this update, adding an extra half ounce to the shoe. The additional Gel and the heel's new modular design result in a modestly softer impact score from the RW Shoe Lab. Despite the extra cushioning, most testers found the shoe to feel slightly firmer under-foot, most likely due to a new footbridge that gives this version added support. Recommended for runners with high arches or those who are lighter with normal arches looking for an excellent everyday trainer.
Wear-Testers Say: "They felt good, but the heel was a bit chunky." --Andrea Campian, 26, East Lansing
"They were comfortable overall but could have used a bit more cushioning." --Meghan DePaolo, 32, Allentown
Asics Gel-Nimbus 10
Price: $120
Widths: Standard-4E (M) 2A-D (W)
Weight: 13.3 oz (M) 10.5 oz (W)
Contact: 800-678-9435
asics.com
We Say: The resilient ride of the latest Nimbus gives it a bounce that helps in the final miles of a long run. Our Lab tests found that the shoe's new midsole foam sprang back faster than every shoe in this guide. Asics also sought to improve the overall feel by adding a soft, snug-fitting ankle collar and shifting the laces to better follow the natural topline of the foot, but testers had a mixed response to how this changed the shoe's fit. Recommended for average-weight runners with normal to high arches looking for a durable cushioning shoe.
Wear-Testers Say: "The durability was out of this world. After 120 miles, they still felt like new." --Stacie Fejtek, 25, San Diego
"This is the most comfortable shoe I've ever run in." --Jonathan Laughter, 22, San Diego
EDITOR'S CHOICE: Brooks Defyance
Price: $90
Widths: Standard
Weight: 11.5 oz (M) 9.1 oz (W)
Contact: 800-227-6657
brooksrunning.com
We Say: This new shoe should look pretty familiar. Brooks removed the internal support post from its well-liked Adrenaline GTS 7 and replaced the previous version's stiff insole board with a layer of soft foam. The result of these changes is the Defyance, a shoe that's soft, flexible, and hugs the foot like a tight pair of jeans. Our testers raved about the shoe's comfort, and our lab tests confirmed that the Defyance is substantially softer than the GTS 7. We recommend the shoe for light- to average-weight runners with high arches who don't overpronate.
Wear-Testers Say: "It fit me perfectly and offered excellent support." --Brett Davidson, 26, East Lansing
"This shoe had great forefoot cushioning." --Tammy Chick, 41, East Lansing
