The most comfy sneakers for your feet: Shape asked more than 125 women to test 27 pairs of new-for-spring running and walking sneakers, taking into account fit, comfort, cushioning and stability. Here, the top picks

Shape, April, 2006 by Sarah Bowen Shea

RUNNING

BEST OVERALL

ASICS GT-2110, $90 asicstiger.com

BEST SUITED FOR

Flat feet or overpronators (See "What's Your Foot Type?" below.)

DETAILS

This shoe's thick arch prevents the foot from rolling inward, and a stability-control midsole conforms to your foot.

COMMENT

"It's one of the best I've worn in 25 years!"

BEST CUSHIONING

Nike Shox 2:40, $110 nikewomen.com

BEST SUITED FOR

Runners with a neutral stride; overweight runners; or those with a heavy heel strike

DETAILS

Runners appreciate the six columns of air cushioning (previous Shox versions had four or five) in the heel.

COMMENT

"These are the best-cushioned Shox ever."

BEST MOTION CONTROL

Brooks Addiction 7, $90 brooksrunning.com

BEST SUITED FOR

Low- or flat-footed runners who need extra motion control

DETAILS

Most pronation-control devices cover the arch, but this one runs nearly two-thirds of the length of the shoe and provides heavy-duty stability.

COMMENT

"It feels like one of those memory-foam mattresses!"

BEST VENTILATION

AVIA A2230, $90 avia.com

BEST SUITED FOR

Short- and mid-distance runners who want a light, breathable shoe

DETAILS

This shoe's mesh upper lacks the overlays of other shoes, which means better airflow and lighter weight.

COMMENT

"It was so light, I actually felt faster."

BEST FLEXIBILITY

adidas a3 Gigaride, $110 adidas.com

BEST SUITED FOR

Fast, short runs

DETAILS

Most running shoes have a solid foam midsole, but this one employs a honeycomb design. Those spaces make the shoe more pliable, responsive and lightweight.

COMMENT

"It made me feel stronger on hills and flats."

BEST FOR DISTANCE RUNNING

ASICS Gel-Kinsei, $165 asicstiger.com

BEST SUITED FOR

Runners training for a 10k or longer race, heavy heel strikers or 150-pound-plus women

DETAILS

The segmented heel (separate from the main midsole) improves shock absorption and rear-foot stability. The upper is also super flexible.

COMMENT

"The elevated heel made my running flow."

WALKING

You'd think that the same shoe should work equally well for running and walking, but walking sneakers are designed with features like flexible support and low, beveled heels to help ease your foot's transition between strides.

BEST OVERALL

Reebok Spring Bound, $60 reebok.com

BEST SUITED FOR

Walkers of all speeds

DETAILS

This heel combines cushioning, shock absorption and stability. A grooved sole increases traction and encourages a strong stride.

COMMENT

"During my rainy workouts, the soles provided excellent grip."

BEST CUSHIONING

New Balance WW791, $75 newbalance.com

BEST SUITED FOR

Walkers who stroll for an hour or more at a time; those who have hard-to-fit feet or who weigh more than 150 pounds

DETAILS

A plastic device under the arch increases support while maintaining flexibility. Available in three widths.

COMMENT

"These gave my flat feet plenty of support."

RELATED ARTICLE: WHAT'S YOUR FOOT TYPE?

How your feet move with each step influences what you need in a shoe.

* IF YOU HAVE FLAT FEET OR LOW ARCHES ... Your foot may overpronate, or roll too far inward (excessive wear on the inside edge of your shoes' heels is a sign). You need a sneaker that provides motion control.

* IF YOU HAVE HIGH ARCHES ... You probably have a neutral stride and an especially rigid foot that doesn't roll as much as it should upon impact. You need a shoe with plenty of cushioning to soften the impact.

* IF YOU HAVE TIGHT ACHILLES TENDONS AND HIGH ARCHES ... Your feet might supinate or roll outward when you land (excessive wear on the outside edges of your shoes' heels is a sign). You need a sneaker with stability.

RELATED ARTICLE

HONORABLE MENTION

RUNNING

Saucony Grid Hurricane 8, $125 saucony.com

This shoe got high marks for stability, thanks to the snug midfoot fit.

HONORABLE MENTION

WALKING

Ryka GCB, $70 ryka.com

Wide-footed testers rejoiced in this shoe's comfortable, roomy toe box.

RELATED ARTICLE: TOPS FOR TRAILS

There aren't too many cement-flat trails, which is why Keen's Ochoco ($110; keen footwear.com) has hyper-treaded outsoles for increased traction and durability, and motion control specifically designed for uneven surfaces. We also loved the pinch-eliminating asymmetric lacing system.--JEANINE DETZ

GOTTA HAVE 'EM? GO TO SHAPE.COM/KEEN MARCH 14-APRIL 10, 2006, TO ENTER TO WIN ONE OF 10 PAIRS OF OCHOCO TRAIL RUNNERS FROM KEEN.