Road warriors: a handful of endurance-building, fat-melting rides for the runner inside you - Fit Gear - Brief Article - Evaluation

The road may not beckon as often as you'd like--spring has not yet sprung in some parts of the country--but when it does, it pays to have a good pair of runners on hand, especially if you're hoping to achieve that tight, vacuum-packed look so popular with beer nuts and Alaskan salmon. As efficient calorie burners go, running pretty much dominates the scene, and running in the right shoes keeps your legs healthy and your exercise program on track. We've selected six shoes that run the gamut from high-mileage hedonists to gym-friendly treadmill tramplers. One of them is just raring to take you on your next cardio jaunt.

1| ASICS GEL-1070

Runner's profile: A midrange runner for the guy looking for everything from a shoe--except perhaps weighty conversation. Looks equally stylish grinding on a treadmill or pumping on a NordicTrack.

Support: Cushioning and stability

Foot strike: Neutral to overpronator

Sizes: 7 to 16, plus 2E and 4E widths

Lightens your wallet by: $75

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2| NIKE AIR SHASTA

Runner's profile: Water-resistant uppers, toothy knobbies and a protected lace system give the Shasta hardy mountain credentials. It's a good shoe for testing the off-roads. And the black is cool.

Support: Cushioning trail-running shoe

Foot strike: Neutral

Sizes: 7 to 15

Lightens your wallet by: $65

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3| AVIA ECS-CAPE TM

Runner's profile: Avia introduces the Ecto-Cantilever system in the Ecs-cape, which replaces the EVA midsole used in most running shoes. The two plates in this system work like a trampoline, flexing on impact, then springing back. Avia calls it revolutionary. Time will tell.

Support: Cushioning

Foot strike: Neutral runner and underpronator

Sizes: 7 to 15, plus D and wider widths

Lightens your wallet by: $90

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4| MIZUNO WAVE CREATION

Runner's profile: You can go long in this shoe or keep things short and fast to burn fat and optimize your muscle exposure. A good ride for those serious about their fitness; otherwise you'll have dropped three figures for a closet ornament.

Support: Cushioning

Foot strike: Neutral and underpronator

Sizes: 7 to 15

Lightens your wallet by: $119

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5| NEW BALANCE 1220 S

Runner's profile: Heavy-duty distance runners will want to step into these. About the best NB offers for the serious road hog. Just watch your mileage if you're trying to build muscle.

Support: Stability/motion control

Foot strike: Mild to severe overpronators

Sizes: 7 to 15, plus 2E and 4E widths

Lightens your wallet by: $125

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6| ADIDAS CLIMACOOL

Runner's profile: If you're looking for light, airy and cool, then you've found it. This latest turn on the tech lathe is best for middle-distance runs in really hot weather--or for walking on coals.

Support: Stability

Foot strike: Mild to severe overpronators

Sizes: 7 to 15

Lightens your wallet by: $100

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DETERMINE YOUR FOOT STRIKE

If you're uncertain about whether you overpronate (land on the inside of your foot), supinate (land on the outside of your foot), or have a neutral foot strike, take your current shoes into a reputable running store. Any clerk worth his stripe will be able to read your wear patterns and guide you toward the proper replacement shoe. He may even have you jog up and down the aisle to get a better idea about what your feet are doing while you run.

LEARN SHOE LINGO

Get acquainted with the following definitions so you can actually participate in the shoe-shop conversation the next time you're browsing for footwear.

* Cushioned shoes: The emphasis here is on midsole cushioning for runners with neutral foot strikes. There's little in the way of arch support.

* Stability shoes: 0verpronators looking for solid arch support and cushioning will benefit most from these.

* Motion-control shoes: For the serious overpronator looking for arch support and rear-foot stability. Heavy runners will also want to take notice.

* Performance-training shoes: For the runner who wants a light shoe for speed work and racing.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group