PUBLISHED 07/29/2008
As oil prices hit record highs, you're paying more for gas, groceries—and even running shoes. Since they are made almost entirely of petroleum-based products and manufactured in China, the price of new shoes is inextricably tied to rising crude-oil prices. Many shoe companies tell us to expect a $5 to $10 increase in 2009 on top of this year's price bumps. Since there's a good chance your next pair will cost more than $100, it's more important than ever to get the right shoes. That's why we go to such lengths to evaluate shoes. Not only do we test each one mechanically at the RW Shoe Lab, we also put hundreds of shoes on the feet of real runners across the country. The goal of all this testing is simple: to help you find the best shoe for you.
MOTION-CONTROL
Editor's Choice: Asics Gel-Evolution 4
Price: $110
Widths: Standard–4E (M) 2A–D (W)
Weight: 13.4 oz (M) 11.2 oz (W)
Contact: 800-678-9435
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We Say: The latest Evolution is a superb shoe for serious overpronators. Asics extended the shoe's plastic midfoot bridge back to keep the foot from rolling too far inward. This design is enhanced by a new last (the form around which the shoe is constructed) that provides more space in the forefoot while narrowing the circumference of the ankle collar to lock the heel in place. These changes make the shoe more than half an ounce heavier than its predecessor, however. Recommended for bigger runners with flat arches who need plenty of support.
Wear-testers Say: "Stable, but the weight could be reduced a bit." --Keith Binkley, 53, San Diego
"It started stiff, but the shoe definitely got better after a few runs." --Chris Hughes, 40, East Lansing
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Mizuno Wave Renegade 4 We Say: Super stable, the Renegade 4 uses three columns of foam to reinforce the substantial plastic Wave plate on the inside of the shoe. This works with the softer exterior plate to direct the foot to the outside so it has less time to overpronate. A strip of stretchy fabric on the shoe's collar helps isolate the ankle's outward motion. A few testers who noticed this feature complained about heel slippage. Recommended for bigger runners with flat feet looking for an everyday trainer.
Price: $120
Widths: Standard
Weight: 14.1 oz (M) 11.3 oz (W)
Contact: 800-966-1211
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Wear-testers Say: "Fabulous support and cushioning." --Lyndsey LaLorde, 28, East Lansing
"I loved the breathability, but the heel could be softer." --Janelle Peralton, 28, San Diego
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STABILITY
Adidas Supernova Sequence
Price: $95
Widths: Standard
Weight: 11.6 oz (M) 9.9 oz (W)
Contact: 800-448-1796
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We Say: This update to the Supernova Control 10 has a more comfortable ride. Adidas accomplished this by moving the stiff plastic from the outside of the midsole to help the shoe move more naturally with the foot. Another reason for the improved ride: foam that runs all the way under the sockliner from the heel to the forefoot. The Sequence also lost more than an ounce of weight, which is noticeable. Recommended for bigger runners with normal to low arches who need plenty of support.
Wear-testers Say: "It has excellent support and is still quite lightweight." --Mark Lathrop, 38, East Lansing
"Extremely comfortable, but the tread wear could be improved." --Amy Heriford, 22, East Lansing
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Brooks Axiom 3
Price: $90
Widths: Standard
Weight: 10.9 oz (M) 8.8 oz (W)
Contact: 800-227-6657
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We Say: The latest Axiom is surprisingly durable for a shoe that's so lightweight and flexible. Lying underfoot is a new midsole foam that offers more resilient cushioning (according to our lab tests). This update is also built on a new last that curves upward slightly in the forefoot for a more natural feel as the foot moves from footstrike to toe-off. Recommended as a race-day shoe for runners with lower arches, or an everyday trainer for efficient runners with normal arches.
Wear-testers Say: "The shoe had many great features: good support, light weight, above-average cushioning."--Paul Wakeman, 48, East Lansing
"From the very first day of testing, these shoes just felt right." --Roger J. Pum, 62, Allentown
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