Best running and walking shoes: Put your feet first with one of these top 12 picks - Shoe Review 2002

Shape, April, 2002 by Tracy Teare

If you're one of the 62.8 million women who like to get moving on our continent's tracks, treadmills, streets and sidewalks, protecting your feet is a top priority. Choosing them may not score as high on the thrill meter as slipping on the latest Manolo Blahniks, but the right fitness footwear can help you go farther and faster, even feel better--and who wouldn't want that?

To help you pick the perfect pair, we present 12 of the best running and walking shoes selected by Paul Carrozza, who tests some 250 models each year as owner and founder of RunTex and WalkTex specialty stores in Austin, Texas, and footwear editor for Runner's World. Each model is a winner in its own right, but make sure it suits you too. "First and foremost, pick a shoe that matches your foot type," says Carrozza, who analyzed more than 40 pairs of walking and running shoes and culled feedback from 40 Shape testers for this review. "A mismatch that puts your feet through an unnatural pattern can cause all kinds of problems and injuries." In general, feet tend to fall into three categories, which we've broken down as follows for your convenience:

Category B If your feet are neutral, they need shoes with a semi-curved last and moderate cushioning.

Category A If your feet are rigid and curved and tend to underpronate -- or roll outward excessively on landing (often the case with high arches) -- you need a shoe with a curved last (the shape of the outsole), soft cushioning and strong midfoot support.

Category C If your feet are straight or flexible and typically overpronate -- or roll excessively inward on landing (often the case with low arches) -- they need a straight last and a firm insert on the arch side of the midsole, a firm midsole and a lower heel.

So find your match on the chart and take it for a spin. Your feet will be glad you did -- and so will you.

gearupdate

road runners

                                sizes       best suited for

Nike Air Pegasus 2000, $80      5-11 12;    Categories A and B
                                regular,    (rigid underpronators
                                wide,       to neutral, problem-
                                narrow      free feet)




Mizuno Alchemy. $90             6-11        Categories B and C
                                            (neutral to flexible
                                            feet; mild to
                                            moderate overpronators)






Brooks Ariel, $110              6-12,13;    Category C
                                regular     (overpronators);
                                and wid     runners who are
                                            heavy or who have
                                            low arches or
                                            flexible feet

                                details worth noting

Nike Air Pegasus 2000, $80      * Lightweight and soft, but
                                still stable
                                * New full-length air midsole
                                delivers primo cushioning.
                                * Available in three widths
                                * Accommodates a broad
                                range of women's foot types

Mizuno Alchemy. $90             * Revolutionary Wave
                                technology provides durable
                                cushioning and stability.
                                * Internal straps hold even
                                narrow heels in place.
                                * Fits a wide range of
                                women well
                                Downside: Not available
                                in widths.

Brooks Ariel, $110              * Offers maximum support by
                                way of the latest technical
                                materials in the midsole
                                * Forefoot is more flexible than
                                are others in this category,
                                * Accommodates orthotics

                                comments

Nike Air Pegasus 2000, $80      * "This shoe really makes you
                                want to run."
                                * "I wore a similar shoe 10 years
                                ago and this is a great update."
                                * "Makes me feel like I'm
                                running on air."


Mizuno Alchemy. $90             * "This is the first Mizuno I have
                                tried and I really lovethe fit and
                                the stable ride."
                                * "Feels really solid but is still
                                lightweight."





Brooks Ariel, $110              * "I loved the support in this
                                shoe. No achy legs after my
                                long runs."
                                * "It's great to find a shoe
                                with support that doesn't
                                feel clunky."

fitness walkers

                                sizes       best suited for

Nike Air Pure Simplicity, $75   5-12        Categories A and B
                                            (rigid underpronators
                                            to neutral feet);
                                            light- to moderate-
                                            weight walkers;
                                            warm climates




Asics Gel-Tech Walker III, $85  5-12; B, D  Categories B and C
                                            (neutral feet to
                                            moderate
                                            overpronators); fast-
                                            paced walking





Brooks Addiction Walker, $85    5-12;       Category C (severe
                                AA, B, D    overpronators);
                                            heavy or large-
                                            framed walkers



                                details worth noting

Nike Air Pure Simplicity, $75   * Very light and flexible
                                * Stretchy upper fits like a glove.
                                * Breathable mesh keeps feet
                                cool; no need for socks.
                                * Fun, nontraditional look
                                Downsides: Offers less support
                                than other walking shoes; one-
                                piece, tongueless upper may be
                                hard to get into with high arches.

Asics Gel-Tech Walker III, $85  * Low-to-the-ground design and
                                flexible forefoot invite quick pace.
                                * Soft gel and firmer material
                                combine for optimum
                                cushioning and stability,
                                * Accommodates orthotics
                                Downside: Heavy walkers may
                                find this shoe too soft on the
                                lateral side.

Brooks Addiction Walker, $85    * Straight last and wider base
                                for outstanding support
                                * Accommodates orthotics well
                                Downsides: Heavier than most
                                walking shoes; leather upper
                                isn't as breathable as mesh.

                                comments

Nike Air Pure Simplicity, $75   * "The stretch upper is
                                so comfortable, I may not go
                                back to a conventional shoe."
                                * "Finally a walking shoe that
                                isn't white!"





Asics Gel-Tech Walker III, $85  * "I love the low heel, It feels
                                really good to have a more
                                natural gait."
                                * "Built for speed. They coax me
                                to pick up the pace."





Brooks Addiction Walker, $85    * "I've never tried a motion-
                                control shoe before, and I love
                                the extra support."
                                * "The size options are great for
                                my wide feet."


Road Runner Honorable Mentions (*): adidas Supernova; Asics GT-2070; New
Balance W763

Fitness Walker Honorable Mentions (*): Ryka Bravo; New Balance WW755;
New Balance WW841

(*)For more details on our Honorable Mentions, visit shape.com and click
on ShapeLink.