REVIEWS

Rolling into summer, there are a variety of new and updated running shoes. Our annual review of secondquarter shoes includes 3 new models and 5 updates. There’s a little something for everyone: light, almostracer-like shoes, to maximum motion-stabilizing models that curb overpronation, and everything in between.

adidas adiStar Salvation 2 $140The Salvation is the most protective motion stabi-

lizing shoe in the adidas line. This roundmaintains that effectiveness by making

few adjustments to its predecessor.The upper is now a more

open mesh. Moresignificantly, there’snow a supportive

saddle with elastic insertsto move with the foot for a

better fit, the laces are integrated moreeffectively with the logo stripes to lock in the midfoot more support-

ively, and the bunion window has been opened up to accommodatemore foot shapes. The midsole is effectively the same (minor tweaks

have been made, though few would notice the difference) and the out-ersole and ForMotion cassettes are indistinguishably altered, except

for the color. The ride is still resilient and supportive, aided by themulti-density Ortholite innersole and adiPrene Strobel board. Runners

looking for plush comfort will find it in the Salvation.

MOTION STABILIZING Sizes: men 6.5–13,14; women 5–12 Weight: 14.4 oz. (men’s 11); 10.8 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, adiPrene Strobel Board

For: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation

ASICS Gel-3020 $120The aim of the 3020 is comfort and stability,

which it achieves well, though with afirmer ride than is typical of

ASICS. The upper wrapsthe foot well and

Biomorphic Fitpanels stretch

with the foot toimprove the feel re-

gardless of the flexing or po-sition of the foot. The lacing has been separated

from a single eyestay to individual points thatallow the laces to flex and snug alternately as ten-

sion is applied by the moving foot. PHF memory foamhas been added to the new, lower ankle collar, which reduces ankle

irritation. The addition of a flexible bunion window rounds out theupper improvements.The midsole has a firm forefoot cradle and awider base that combine to make the ride both firmer than other

ASICS stability shoes and its most stable. Overall, the fit, stable per-formance, and attention to detail earned the Gel-3020 our Best

Shoe award in the Motion Stabilizing category.

RESPONSIVE TRAIL Sizes: men 8–13,14,15; women 6–11,12 Weight: 13.6 oz. (men’s 11);10.3 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, S257 Strobel Board

For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to very mild overpronation

Saucony ProGrid Hurricane 12$140

Over 11 outings, the Hurricane has pro-vided predictable stability, fit, and per-

formance. The Hurricane 12nudges the shoe more firmly

into the high-end,plush, motion stabi-lizing range. The

upper receives somealterations which,

though they seem minor, haveimproved the fit, principally the Arch Lock, which has a more open de-sign with the stretchy thermoplastic and elastic insert in the medial sad-dle. Welded overlays on the lateral side are new, as is the switch to a

more open and pliable airmesh. The midsole receives a cushioningboost with a larger crash pad and additional stability by extending the

second density back to the heel. The outersole features more rubberthrough the shank, covering the TPU support for better contact with theground and improved transition through the gait. The result is a plusher

and smoother ride without compromising support or stability.

MOTION STABILIZING Sizes: men 6.5–13,14; women 5–12 Weight: 14.7 oz. (men’s 11); 11.2 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, HRC Strobel Board

For: low- to medium-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation

Nike Vomero+ 5 $130Nike has successfully dialed in the Bower-

man line, which is epitomized by theVomero. Version 5 distills theessence of the shoe—great

cushioning, mid-foot support, andforefoot flexibil-ity—by making

as few adjustmentsas possible. The upper fea-

tures a slightly beefed-up saddle and, while actu-ally paring back some of the rubbery thermoplastic,maintains the effective TPU heel counter. The Vomero

uses an open mesh similar to that used in the previous versions. TheCushlon midsole is one of the best combinations of responsivenessand cushioning among the foam formulations industry-wide. This

round adds a small, stabilizing midfoot crashpad while maintainingthe Zoom Air ride and durable cushioning. The outersole continues

the combination of blown rubber and longwearing BRS 1000 in theheel. The ride, fit, and performance earned the Vomero+ 5 the

Best Neutral Shoe award for our summer review.

NEUTRAL Sizes: men 6.5–13,14; women 5–12 Weight: 12.0 oz. (men’s 11); 10.1 oz.(women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board

For: medium-to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

Best Running Shoes Summer 2010 by Cregg Weinmann

SUMMER 2010

BEST SHOEMotion

Stabilizing

SUMMER 2010

BEST SHOE

Neutral

BestSummer Shoes2pp:Layout 1 6/9/10 9:09 AM Page 1

Newton Gravitas=Gravity $175Newton’s neutral trainer Gravitas=Gravity

(Gravitas is Latin for gravity) hasreached the sec-ond round, withsome improve-

ments. The uppercontinues with the

same stretchy airmesh asbefore, but has altered the overlays

to provide the saddle-like support with a bit more open forefoot.The midsole features a denser foam throughout, both for durabilityand improved responsiveness. The heel has been slightly reshapedto aid in transition—yes, you’re expected to land on your midfootor forefoot, but it takes some getting used to—as does the afore-

mentioned reshaped heel. The outersole has a tougher rubber com-pound on the actuator lugs, blown rubber beneath the toes, andcarbon rubber in the heel. Bottom line? The shoe has been up-

graded, adding value to a well-designed, high-end shoe.

NEUTRAL PERFORMANCE Sizes: men 6.5–13,14; women 5–12 Weight: 11.2 oz. (men’s 11); 8.9 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted,

EVA Strobel Board For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

Reebok Zig Pulse $100Reebok introduces a new technology with

the ZigTech line. The Zig Pulse featuresa zig-zag, ribbon-like configuration

of EVA as the mid-sole; it’s surprisingly

stable on smoothsurfaces and

provides excellentcushioning. The upper is a

lightweight, stretchy, closed mesh thatoffers quite a good midfoot fit, though the lace eyelets stop a bit too

short to allow optimal fit through the ankle. The single-density midsolehas a well-cushioned feel with a resilient ride. The heelstrike is dis-

persed by a plate between the heel and midsole, which extends themidsole life, but makes the shoe less nimble on rough surfaces. The

outersole is a toughened skin of the Zig EVA with a few strips of rubber in the high-wear areas which, though effective, create gaps

when downward forces occur (e.g., when running), allowing the soleto pick up rocks. That means the most effective use of the Zig Pulse

might be on the treadmill-—or at least on very smooth roads.

NEUTRAL Sizes: men 6.5–13,14; women 5–12 Weight: 14.4 oz. (men’s 11); 10.1 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, DMX Strobel

Board For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

Zoot Ultra Kapilani $125The Ultra Kapilani joins the Zoot line, adding

another daily trainer to the mix. The Zootshoes are so light that this 11.5-ouncer

is the brute of the brood, but islight by any other

standard. TheKapilani beginswith the same

midsole unit as theUltra Tempo+ with its respon-

sive dual-density setup, then makes changes above and below. Theupper is a fully lined airmesh, the stretchy lining adding comfort

without affecting breathability. The fit is aimed to higher-arched feetwith a neoprene insert snugging the upper to wrap over the instep.Inside, the cushioning has been augmented with a plush PU inner-sole and EVA Strobel board, which add a noticeable cushiness to

the ride. The outersole here is a tough carbon rubber which islargely responsible for the added weight, but is durable, tough,

and effective, so we think it’s worth its weight. The carbon shank, aZoot hallmark, is the same as the one in their triathlon models, so

expect the same performance feel.

STABILIZING PERFORMANCE Sizes: men 8–12,13,14; women 6–11 Weight: 11.5 oz.(men’s 11); 9.1 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA

Strobel board For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation

Somnio Pacemaker $135The Pacemaker heads the second round of

Somnio’s expanding line. Designed asa Performance shoe, it is light, but

the customizability ofits 12 includedparts makes itmore versatile

than traditional run-ning shoes in all cate-

gories. The upper is open mesh witha stretch mesh in the forefoot to improve the wiggle room and betteraccommodate a variety of foot volumes and shapes. The midfoot fea-tures a supportive, synthetic leather saddle—standard, but effective.The midsole is single-density EVA with cavities in the medial forefoot

and lateral heel; inserts of three different densities allow accommoda-tion of an individual’s weight and/or preference. A flexible varus

wedge may be used (or not) in either or both shoes to address bio-mechanical differences and innersoles come in three thicknesses to

personalize fit and cushioning. This customization is the #1 benefit ofthis brand. Optimal setup is determined at the point of sale, but all

pieces are included for later adaptation. The carbon heel and blownrubber forefoot offer predictable performance and durability.

NEUTRAL PERFORMANCE Sizes: men 7–13,14; women 5–11,12 Weight: 11.8 oz. (men’s 11);9.5 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted For: medium- to high-

arched feet with neutral biomechanics to moderate overpronation

CREGG WEINMANN is footwear and running products reviewer for Running Network LLC. He can be reached via e-mail at shuz2run@lightspeed.net.Copyright © 2010 by Running Network LLC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be stored, copied, or reprinted

without prior written permission of Running Network LLC. Reprinted here with permission.

Best Running Shoes Summer 2010 continued

REVIEWS

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