Sole searching: whether you pump up or air out, there's a lot more to know about fitness footwear than smooth shoe slogans - types of shoes offered under each brand name, and for these specific purposes: aerobics, cross training, running, walking, outdoor, and court use - buyers guide

American Fitness, July-August, 1991 by Jeanette Dvorak

AEROBICS

Adidas

Adidas sticks to the basics in aerobics footwear. For men, the full-grain leather Artemus High ($60) or Lo ($55) is offered in solid black or white. For women, the Tropez SC Hi ($60) or Lo ($55) come in solid black, white or white with speedy pink trim. All models are built with a padded tongue and collar for comfort and a premolded heal counter for stability. A third model, the Impulse Lo, differs in its two-colored optimum cushioning midsole and three-colored rubber outsole.

Avia

Three new models, the performance mid-high 615, low-cut 602 and mid-high 607, feature a patented cantilever outsole constructed with customized cushioning and the Arc forefoot system with an elasticized stable toe fit. The 615 ($90) is designed for advanced-level instructors, while the more traditional 602 ($60) and 607 ($66) are appropriate for all class types including step. Avia's performance line also includes the competitively priced low-cut 403 ($47) and high-top 407 ($50) with cantilever outsole cushioning and full grain leather for comfort without a breaking-in period.

Kaepa

Kaepa presents the mid-cut 6705 Pulse ($65) which offers a polyurethane midsole with two-section Action Hinge to separate the foot's naturally independent flexing motion. The lightweight 9.9-ounce leather shoe ensures a good fit with adjustable arch supports, a reinforced internal heal lock and lace locks for customized tension settings. Kaepa's trademark Endura rubber outsole and Permatec 2000 rubber compound provide durability, protecting high wearing heel and toe areas.

K-Swiss

K-Swiss has grown from its reputable role as the traditional tennis shoe by promoting the women's Luzern training shoe for aerobics. Besides adding colorful detail to the all-white K-Swiss originals, the mid- ($64) or low-cut ($62) Luzern offers flex channels in the outsole to match the flex patterns of the foot. Upper shoe construction has become more elaborate too, with external support panels for lateral and instep stability--an important feature for participating in aerobics.

L.A. Gear

L.A. Gear mixes fitness and fashion flair with its colorful Muscle 3/4 ($54) shoe for high/low aerobics. Made of breathable micro-perforated leather upper and soft brushed nylon lining, its polyurethane sockliner features a self-adjusting arch for a personalized fit. The non-marking rubber outsole promises abrasion resistance for durability.

Nike

Nike introduces a new top line Air Elite Ultra ($90) for state-of-the-art aerobics performance. Its low profile upper is designed not to catch on edges in bench or step classes. Focusing absorption in the forefoot for high-impact exercise, the Air Sole also contains a larger than usual airbag for extra cushioning. Mobility is enhanced by deep grooves in the midsole and outsole enabling flexibility, while forefoot and medial arch wraps provide safe side-to-side movement.

Reebok

Reebok introduces the Pump Aerobic Lite-Mid, a Cadillac of aerobics shoes at $105. The exclusive Pump midfoot system, recognizable by a colored circle on the tongue, provides a custom fit adjustable to any foot size. Reebok also created a patended Hexalite system in the shoes forefoot and heel for lightweight shock dispersion. The all garment-leather, requiring no breaking in, is lined with breathable Cool Max lining.

Ryka

Ryka's 770 Nitrogen Ultra Lite Aerobic Shoe ($70), available in low-and mid-cuts, boasts the lightest aerobics shoe construction to date due to Nitrogen micro-balloons in the forefoot. All of Ryka's women's shoe designs, of full grain Napa leather, include support pieces on the medial and lateral sides of the forefoot and a molded heel counter for a good fit.

Saucony

Saucony has revitalized its look and technology with the introduction of G.R.I.D.--ground reaction inertia device--in the women's G.R.I.D. Fit ($90). For ultimate shock absorption and mediolateral motion control, the sole features a concave sphere in the heel that functions with a molded fit system and wedged midsole for stability. The upper shoe has a stretch tongue, contoured heel tab and multi-piece linings to enhance comfort. Saucony also offers the Palladium mid-cut 6840 for aerobicists, with a dual density compression sole that has softer cushioning under the metatarsals and firmer midfoot and arch support.

CROSS TRAINING

Adidas

Two men's trainers by Adidas emphasize the running aspect in cross training. The Torsion CFR Hurricane, available in low-and mid-cuts ($70 and $75), has a torsion sole for optimal surface contact. The CFR Trainer ($60) features a non-marking rubber outsole for traction and a reinforced upper for stability. For women, Adidas introduces the women's Oregon Ultra Tech ($60). The Oregon has a unique contoured EVA sockliner which molds to the individual's foot. The sole contains a thermoplastic heel counter for controlled rear foot motion and a durable carbon rubber outsole.

Asics

The Gel Cross (men's $63, women's $60) is a technically advanced outdoor sports shoe. The full-length polyurethane midsole contains Asics gel, a flexible packet of silicon-base to absorb impact, sustaining long-term resilience. Like most running shoes, it is slip-lasted for exceptional comfort and fit.