Body and sole - annual shoe guide - buyers guide

American Fitness, March-April, 1990 by Kari L. Tackett

BODY and SOLE

American Fitness' annual sports shoe spectacular.

Sneakers. A generic term to describe a once generic article of clothing for your feet. Consisting of canvass upper and rubber soles, these all-terrain tennies got you through P.E. and post-graduate life in moderate comfort and style.

Today, more than merely "sneakers," they are the heart and "sole" of every athlete's wardrobe. Even those with a more casual commitment to fitness find themselves searching for a first-rate walking / running / hiking / aerobic shoe. Of course, the days when one shoe fulfilled all these needs are gone. Instead, specialized sneakers now feature hightech cushioning systems, state-of-the-art anatomical designs and serious style.

American Fitness proudly presents its 1990 shoe review. So put your best foot forward as we showcase the latest in aerobics, court, cross-training, hiking, running and walking footwear.

AEROBICS

Kaepa

The mid-cut Galaxy continues Kaepa's tradition of fit and comfort. The Galaxy, while excellent for aerobics, is functional for all women's athletics. The Endura [TM] rubber outsole tread is made to grip wood, tile and synthetic exercise floors, as well as indoor/outdoor court surfaces. The cushioning system consists of a full-length polyurethane foam midsole that bounces back to shape throughout the life of the shoe. A window of exposed midsole--the "Heel Pillow [TM]--softens the impact under the heel.

L.A. Gear

L.A. Gear, which brought fitness into fashion, offers the Brat, a shoe with stability, durable traction and plenty of pizzazz. For aerobicisers at any level, these shock absorbent shoes feature an outsole which reduces the weight of the shoe without loss of support to high stress areas. The rear foot motion control device gives added stability through the heel.

Nike

With the knowledge aerobics places a great deal of stress on the lower legs, particularly feet and ankles, Nike features the Air Conditioning Mid. Designed to absorb shock and cushion and provide stability without sacrificing performance, workouts with the A/C Mid tend to be safer whether on carpeted or hard floors--regardless of intensity level. It is also built to fit and flex with the foot through a unique anatomical design. ($60)

Reebok

Reebok has made the new Side Step, for women, able to withstand the toughest workout while appealing to an image-driven market. With a combination of bright colors, sleek styling and the latest in material technology, the Side Step offers optimum performance and support. The full-support leather shoe features Reebok's Hexalite [TM] System in the forefoot and heel for lightweight cushioning and shock absorption. It comes in a low-cut and mid-cut style. ($59.95 & 64.95)

Saucony

Saucony presents the Prestige Line for 1990 in a variety of colors, including black. Featuring all-leather uppers, Saucony adds a polyurethane sockliner with triangular studs for cushioning and comfort during strenuous workouts. A padded tongue and collar afford extra comfort. Both the mid and low-cut have a rubber outsole that is stitched at the toe for durability. ($74.95 & 67.95)

COURT

Brooks

Brooks' Match for men and women features a clean design and uncompromising quality for tennis players of all levels. The outsole is made up of a semi-cup stitched sidewall design with three-color solid rubber and non-marking all-court compound. The upper is all leather with nylon infinite speed lacing system and convenient removeable sockliner. For side-to-side shock absorption, the EVA midsole features HydroFlow [TM] custom cushioning and Kinetic Wedge [TM]

Kaepa

Kaepa's new Match Point II all-court women's shoe may not be able to guarantee you'll show grace under pressure, but the enhanced side-to-side control may let you get the upper edge over your opponent. You will also look the part with the classical styling of this low-cut court shoe. The Super Endura [TM] L.M.S. [TM] outsole provides stability, while the pivot and grip areas on the bottom offer superior traction for complete foot control. ($65)

Converse

Converse adds a high-performance shoe to the multi-court shoe scene. Featuring the style necessary to satisfy the expectations consumers demand at a more affordable price, the CZ 2200 offers the popular Converse Energy Wave in the forefoot for energy return and cushioning. It also has a multi-purpose outsole for better traction whether you're playing indoors or outdoors. In men's sizes 6 1/2 to 13. ($59.95)

L.A. Gear

L.A. Gear walks onto the court with Flame Court, a women's tennis shoe with twisted leather "flame" detailing. Not only an eye-catcher, this shoe also provides real cushioning and support with a full-length EVA midsole, full board lasting (a form shaped like a person's foot, on which shoes are made or repaired) and forefoot stability straps. And, of course, comes in rainbow colors.

Nike

Once again, Nike proves intelligent style and state-of-the-art design can go hand-in-hand with the introduction of Air Tech Challenge II 3/4 tennis shoe for men. Since quick stops, changes of direction, strong lunges and landings from overhead shots place special demands on tennis players' shoes, Nike has designed the Air Tech Challenge II 3/4 to support and enchance all these moves and more. They have been engineered to protect with features like Hytrel [R] stability straps, Air-Sole [R] cushioning and multi-surface herringbone outsole for shock absorption. ($95)