Running - 1999 Men's Fitness Gear Guide - shoes and clothing - Buyers Guide

Men's Fitness, Dec, 1998 by Tom Brunick, Tom Weede

OK, so running isn't something most of us do because fun; we do it for the fringe benefits. Want to lower your resting heart rate and get lean? Then hit the road or trail with your own two feet. You'll burn more calories and work your heart better than with just about any other aerobic activity.

And then there's the mental aspect of running: Traversing your favorite mountain trail on a weekend trek or rambling down city sidewalks before the crush of commuting cars cracks the early morning silence clears the cobwebs in your head faster than any antidepressant drug.

And what's the vital piece of gear you need to keep your feet moving? The right pair of shoes, the ones that take care of your feet so all you have to worry about is turning your legs over and not stepping in any holes. The glut of running shoes on the market these days can be daunting, but we've sought out the pick of the lot. We've also highlighted some other items that not only look cool but will also keep you cool on the run.

1 New Balance 851

The 851 offers a great blend of cushioning and added support. The compression-molded EVA midsole, graphite rollbar and support post provide a soft feel with enough firmness to slow down excessive pronation, The 851 offers a huge plus for the big guy, coming in three different widths up through size 15, For the man who travels from store to store trying to find the shoe that fits, the 851 is a blessing ($90).

2 Brooks Radius OC

Many runners seek a shoe with a good base of support and an emphasis on cushioning. Enter the lightweight Radius OC from Brooks. Its cushion-pod outsole combines with a liquid-cushioning system called Hydroflow in the forefoot and outsole, counteracting hard surfaces. The HydroFlow cushioning also makes the midsole last longer. One caution: This shoe does not offer enough medial support for overpronators ($80).

3 Asics Gel 130

The Asics Gel 130 is a great value for mild to moderate overpronators, with a dual-density compression-molded EVA to reduce foot roll. The blown rubber outsole in the forefoot gives the runner a cushioned ride, while the hard rubber heel plug adds to durability at initial ground contact. For added cushioning and support, this shoe has DuroSponge rubber in the forefoot and a rearfoot gel ($70).

4 Etonic Pro III

Offering both a support plate and a motion-control plug in the heel, the Pro III provides medial support for overpronators, although it is a firm shoe. The fit options are good here, with sizing up to 16 in D and 15 in 2E and 4E. The midsole contains compression-molded EVA and air cushioning in the heel, while the outsole is made of carbon rubber ($80).

5 Adidas Response

The Response has many of the same features as Adidas' top-of-the-line cushioned shoe, the Universal ($85). The blown rubber outsole in the forefoot and the compression-molded EVA midsole with AdiPrene heel cushioning provide a soft ride on a variety of surfaces, particularly hard surfaces. Overpronators will probably find that the Response does not have enough medial support, but underpronators and neutral-foot types should appreciate the cushioned ride ($75).

6 Adidas Equipment Roost

The Adidas Equipment Roost is a running shoe that screams stability. The midsole has a two-density compression-molded EVA, with the second density of EVA extended from midfoot to forefoot. AdiPrene cushioning gives added padding in the heel. Also, the Roost's high-traction outsole and a water-resistant upper make it functional for off-road running. One of its strengths is also its weakness: The high-traction rubber outsole may not have the smooth ride you're looking for on the road. The Equipment Roost is a tad expensive, but if you're into trail-running shoes and overpronate, it's definitely worth a look ($110).

7 Nike Air Terra Bryce

The Air Terra Bryce, Nike's less-expensive mid-cut trail-running shoe, is a good value compared to the mid-cut Nike Terra Ptarmigan ($125). Its mid-cut design adds side-to-side support and helps keep debris out of the shoe, while forefoot straps give added support up front. The compression-molded EVA midsole, with its air cushioning in the heel, keeps the shoe from feeling like a clunker, and the rubber outsole is aggressive enough for traction on trails or snow. The only drawback: This shoe could use more midfoot support ($75).

8 Nike Air Arma

It may not get as much attention as some of Nike's flashier styles, but Nike's Air Arma is a great value for an underpronator or neutral-foot type. The shoe has an interlocking polyurethane and compression-molded EVA midsole for durability and cushioning. A visible airsole unit in the heel makes for an even softer ride. Overpronators take note: You may not find enough medial support ($70).

9 Reebok Run DMX6

If you underpronate or are a neutral-foot type, take a good look at the Reebok DMX6. It comes with a more affordable price tag than the DMX10 ($100), and it has more of a running-shoe look. Sure, it has four less pods, but the DMX6's six-pod air-transfer system still gives a cushioned ride. One con: It may be too flexible in the midfoot for overpronators ($90).