 |
By
Cyndi Schoenhals
Fitness WriterRunner's
World Magazine periodically publishes reviews of running shoes as a guide to help
runner's choose styles appropriate for them. In the June, 2006 issue, you'll
find the 2006 summer review for running shoes. Before
the running shoes review is written for publication, tests are conducted on the
featured shoes at the RW Shoe Lab. Sport Biomechanics, Inc. coordinates the testing,
and the Department of Sports Medicine at Michigan State University supervises
it. In
addition to the testing conducted at the lab, 350 runners from San Diego; East
Lansing, Michigan; and Allentown, Pennsylvania personally run in the shoes for
a month. At the end of the month, they give their opinions of the shoes that they
tested. The
following are some of the results of the running shoe testing: Brooks
Addiction 7 - This shoe costs around $90. Runner's World recommends the Brooks
Addiction 7 for runners of moderate weight who have low arches. The mid-sole support
has been extended on the inside of this shoe to give late-stage pronators more
control over their pronation. This extra support does not seem to affect the shoe's
flexibility. Those who wore the shoes during the testing period say that the Brooks
Addiction 7 provides "good support and cushioning in the heel and midfoot."
Etonic
Minado MC -
The cost of this shoe runs about $90. It is recommended more for runners who need
a more durable shoe, such as those with large frames who have low arches and/or
those with a heavy heel strike. The design includes a column of firm foam down
the inner side of the mid-sole which helps control over-pronation. The Etonic
Minado MC has been listed as very stiff. However, this shoe has a removable foam
layer beneath the sock liner which makes the shoe seem softer and more cushiony.
The test wearers of this particular shoe say that it is lightweight, and it provides
great stability.
Fila
Flow Reckoning II - For around $110, you can own this running shoe. It is
a good shoe for runners with normal arches who want a lightweight shoe and/or
fairly good support. It is also recommended for runners with low arches who need
a lot of motion control. The Fila Flow Reckoning II is designed with the "Flow"
technology ("a plastic cradle that cups the heel and extends well into the
arch area," eliminating the need for the usual "firmer wedge of foam
along the inside of the midsole"). The upper of this running shoe has only
one overlay at the mid-foot and no overlays at the forefoot. The overlay at the
mid-foot helps to keep the heel locked snugly in place. The testers who tried
out this running shoe say that it provides good stability for its weight (12 ounces
for men's sizes and 10.5 ounces for women's).
Nike
Air Structure Triax 9 -
At around $90, the Nike Air Structure Triax 9 is a nice updated version of an
earlier model. It is currently available in men's sizes only. This shoe is suggested
for normal-arched runners and low-arched runners who need a well-cushioned shoe
with good support. The style includes a new upper design, which provides a better
overall fit. There are nylon overlays which connect the laces and the mid-sole,
providing a better fit in the arch area. The fit in the forefoot is especially
improved. Improvements have been made to the mid-sole and heel areas, as well.
The heel has a more durable, but softer crash pad. And, the out-sole has been
decoupled.
For
additional running shoe reviews, refer to the June, 2006 edition of Runner's World
Magazine.
|
|
