One of the major complaints about all the Shox shoes has been a lack of stability at heel-strike for overpronators. This new version of the Shox (the successor to the Shox Ride) attempts to address this by adding greater medial stability to the rearfoot. The second midsole density (for added stability) doesn't do a lot, but the shorter, thicker Shox columns on the medial side do, as they create an effective stability post. Also, the plastic plate that houses the four Shox columns is stiffer on the medial side, which adds stability. Note: This is the first Nike Shox shoe to be designated a "Bowerman" shoe, meaning (in Nike-speak) it's a technical running shoe and not just a fasthion statement.
Recommended For: Mild overpromators; heel-strikers with normal or low arches; and heavy runners with flat arches who need moderate stability and maximum rearfoot cushioning.
Bottom Line: The Shox FSM is the first Shox shoe to be stable enough for moderate overpronators, but it's still heavy and lacks the smooth heel-to-toe transition of foam-based shoes. Nevertheless, of all the Shox shoes, it's most applicable to the widest range of runners.
Lab Report:

Responsiveness: Low (the transition from heel to toe isn't as smooth as conventional foam-based midsole)
Cushioning: Moderate (forefoot air unit)

Wear-Test Reports:
"I only weigh 140 pounds, so the Shox is too bulky for speedwork, but for long runs it works well. It isn't as stable as some other Nike shoes, but I found the Shox to be a surprisingly capable running shoe if you like a lot of rearfoot cushioning." -Ryan Ogliore/San Diego "The Shox FSM does not fit me snug enough. It wasn't stable enough for me. The rearfoot shock absorption is great, and the forefoot is cushioned enough, but it rides like an Oldsmobile: good shocks, loose handling." -Patricia Bauer/East Lansing

Average Reader Rating: 3 stars (1 review)

3 stars
i liked the fact that they were so weightless and i truly felt that the shock absorbtion was noticible however i felt that the sneaker was very narrow in the toe area. i also felt as if they had to be replaced fairly quickly and there was alot of pressure put on the front of the foot..
Submitted by: smac, newburgh, ny