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

Avia

Avia's fall '91 lineup of cross trainers includes seven selections for both men and women, each in a variety of colors. The Adrenalin Series' Compression Chamber models show off Avia's cantilever sole technology. The full-grain leather Compression Chamber 1310 ($60) is detailed with woven and gasket reinforcement panels on the sides. The mid-high men's 1410 ($120) with forefoot Arc technology and a rear foot compression chamber is Avia's best cross trainer. The compression chamber heel is a hollow unit filled with foam and built atop an Arc platform for lightweight cushioning. It's also found in the men's 1390 low-cut ($90). Avia's other two multi-sport shoes for men and women are the 1382 low-cut ($70) and 1387 mid-high ($75), both with Arc technology and light polyurethane midsoles.

Converse

Converse presents two men's cross sport shoes for two distinct areas of training. The Power Zone ($90) caters to the weight and strength athlete. A velcro strap system and heavily padded tongue, worn inside or out, enable an adjustable fit. Cushioning is supplied by a pre-molded outsole and removable innersole that can accommodate orthotic devices. For aerobic workouts, the Energy Zone (mid $70, oxford $75) provides lighter construction in a polyurethane midsole. The outsole has traction grip divots useful in floor and machine exercises.

Kaepa

Kaepa has created a Lateral Motion Stabilizer in the heel of the men's 7400 Tristar ($75) and 7220 Circuit ($70). The L.M.S. extends the outsole, using less rubber and lightening the shoe. High-wearing sports--the ball, heel and toe--are reinforced with a patented Endura Rubber compound for durability. The women's 7350 Rage ($65), also equipped with L.M.S., is a more sophisticated entry in Kaepa's footwear lines.

L.A. Gear

L.A. Gear offers women athletes the Reliance ($45). With a lightweight midsole to disperse shock and rear foot motion control device, the Reliance promises a formidable cross training design. The leather upper is closed with an adjustable lacing system to fit just right.

New Balance

Non nonsense serial-number names characterize New Balance's function over fashion attitude toward footwear. The WXT825B ($75) is a women's mid-cut built for flexibility with its slip-lasted shape. A foot cradle in the rear ensures stability for serious athletes's activity levels. Even more technological, WF625WP ($70) is touted as their high-performance women's cross trainer. It features a low-profile, low-cut Achilles notch in back and an extended saddle enforcement over the front.

Nike

This fall, the 12.7-ounce men's Air Trainer Max ($115) weighs in a full two ounces lighter than last year's Air Trainer SC. The perforated synthetic suede shoe is backed by a roomier heel to accommodate the variety of motions in indoor and outdoor training activities. This flexible fit is reinforced by a strap support device in front and back. Also a multi-purpose model, the Air Trainer E High and Low (available for men and women) has sculpted out midsole materials in exchange for the lighter strap support system. Added support comes from its visible Air Sole heel and Modified Waffle sides of the outsole. The women's version supplies equivalent function, but in a more streamlined 10.3-ounce design.