Fancy footwork - aerobic shoes

American Fitness, March-April, 1993

SIDE 1

Runwalk Verge ($65) combines a flexible, slip lasted forefoot with a stable, board lasted heel--accommodating the rolling heel-toe motion that intensifies as speed builds. Cushioning technology in the Verge is advanced and incorporates non-pronating features. Runwalk Vex ($50) is a simpler, lightweight model with sufficient cushion and flexibility.

RUNNING

ADIDAS

Equipment Running (women's $100) is built for durability and strong motion control. Response Running-L (women's $80), with high cushion for high mileage, reduces weight with lighter blown rubber in the forefoot. Torsion Allegra-L (women's $75) is the stability choice, preventing pronation with a straight last and more midfoot support. For men, straight lasted Equipment Support ($110) offers extra stability to prevent pronation, and the lighter Equipment Cushion ($100) has an impact cell in the heel for optimal shock dispersion.

ASICS

Gel-Lyte V ($80) will please high-mileage distance runners who need lightweight comfort. The synthetic upper is fitted to the foot with glove-like lycra mesh tongue. Beneath, padding is supplied by silicone gel in the heel and softer, porous gel in the forefoot, with a well reinforced rubber outsole.

AVIA

Avia utilizes the latest design and material innovations for the ultra-light, stretch-fit ARC 3000 (men's/women's $100). It's well designed for runners with high-arched, strong feet. For the average foot type, the 3040 (men's/women's $80) is a more supportive cushion trainer, with foam pads in the heel and forefoot.

NIKE

Air Max ($130) features Nike's largest cushioned air compartment yet. Not only a 30% increase in the heel, air cushion is added to the forefoot, beneath a full length polyurethane midsole. The ultimate fit has also been updated with a stretch mesh upper, and high-cut "dynamic fit" sleeve.

REEBOK

Pump Graphlite (men's $120, women's $110) is made for a serious runner who demands a light-weight, extremely resilient shoe. A graphite composite bridge is built into the midsole for strong arch support while the rubber outsole is cut away beneath the midfoot. Cushioning is optimal, and the pump collar secures a fit. Also minimal weight, Boston Road (men's/women's $65) is an accessible introduction for lower mileage runners. More versatile due to its durability is AzTrek (men's $70). Its semi-curved last fits a range of foot types.