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Shoe Guide Review

Do you know the type of shoes that works well for your size, stride, and preferred ride?

To accompany our March 2016 Shoe Guide, the “reviewed previously” shoes for reference are reviewed here below. Please note: these reviews are taken from previous RW shoe guides (from 2014-2015).

Saucony Kinvara 5 

saucony.com.au

THE KINVARA HAS LONG BEEN a workhorse in our stables. In our July 2013 issue, the high-performing shoe won our Best Update award – mostly because of an upgrade to its midsole foam. In 2014, Saucony further improved the package. The outsole got a little extra rubber for increased durability – especially at toe-off and along the outer edge through the midfoot. The upper has a more secure fit thanks to a new saddle feature called “Pro-Lock,” a triangular piece sandwiched between mesh in the midfoot that connects to the laces and pulls the upper snug against your foot. The upper fabrics also received an upgrade: A more durable mesh has been added in the forefoot, while a softer, more padded fabric now lines the collar.

BOTTOM LINE: A responsive ride for efficient runners. WEIGHT: 222g (M); 179g (W) HEIGHT: 29.6mm (heel); 22.0mm (forefoot)

Adidas Supernova Glide 7

adidas.com.au; adidas.co.nz

Adidas didn’t mess too much with this update, and we’re glad. Manufacturers tend to over-engineer successive versions, which can lead to iterations that are a step backward. The Glide 6 won editor’s choice in our Spring Shoe Guide (March 2014), and the Glide 7 earns it here, too, because of its great ride and superlative feel. “The soft, durable boost foam made for a supple feel underfoot, which gave life to my tired legs,” says tester Brian Dalek. On the midfoot, welds replace stitching on the upper to reduce potential irritation, and on the women’s shoe, a stretchier mesh accommodates wider feet.

BOTTOM LINE: A durable workhorse with a soft, superb fit. Weight: 307g (M); 264g (W) Height: 31.5mm (heel); 24.2mm (forefoot)

New Balance 870v4

newbalance.com.au; newbalance.co.nz

If moderation in all things is a virtue, then the 870 is a saint. Moderately stable, moderately cushioned, moderately nimble, this shoe will work well for most runners on most every running day. It sports a lighter weight and a wider, more stable platform under the forefoot and midfoot. The all-new, more flexible upper accommodates both wide and narrow feet comfortably and securely.

BOTTOM LINE: Makes everyone happy. Weight: 272g (M); 223g (W) Height: 32.1 mm (heel); 23.2 mm (forefoot)

Hoka One One Clifton 2

Hokaoneone.com.au;hokaoneone.co.nz

Hoka didn’t want to mess much with the formula that won the first Clifton an Editor’s Choice award and a huge following. Hoka added some padding to the tongue and improved the heel counter and overlays to better hold the foot, while retaining the popular midsole and outsole. The tweaks added about 40 grams, more than 10 per cent of the original weight and enough to disappoint some testers.

BOTTOM LINE: Ultralight max cushioning. Weight: 255g (M); 207g (W) Height: 33.7 mm (heel); 26.8 mm (forefoot)

Under Armour Charged Bandit

Underarmour.com/en-au;underarmournz.co.nz

This light stability model from Under Armour gives a unique ride from a thick, stable heel and a low, firm, flexible forefoot. Higher-density foam and a long plastic arch under the inside of the heel keep the ankle from rolling inward, while a layer of bouncier foam on the outside of the heel and under the forefoot provides energy return. Testers praised the fit of the mesh upper with smooth, seamless overlays adding structure, but they were mixed on the low, padded ankle wrap, with some finding it too tight on their Achilles. They felt it best suited for shorter, faster runs due to the firmness of the ride. Those who want a fast-but-stable model get a lot of tech at an entry-level price.

BOTTOM LINE: Speedy stability. Weight: 289g (M); 241g (W) Height: 33.7 mm (heel); 20.7 mm (forefoot)

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 32

nike.com.au; nike.co.nz

The Pegasus keeps getter lighter and faster. This version rides with a large heel-toe drop, bouncy feel underfoot, and moderate stability. Flexibility is better, however, and the upper is new. A light, woven mesh is supported around the midfoot by overlapping cords that tie into the laces. “As soon as I put them on, they seemed to conform to my foot,” says tester Crystal Peterson.

BOTTOM LINE: Light, comfy performance. Weight: 274g (M); 226g (W)

Height: 34.8 mm (heel); 21.6 mm (forefoot)

Asics Gel-Cumulus 16

asics.com.au; asics.co.nz

The little brother to the Nimbus is all grown up. If it were a person, it would be old enough to drive. The shoe’s also putting on weight – we have to go back to 2010 to find a version that tipped the scales at as much as this shoe’s 338 grams. The classic cushioned trainer is a little stiffer in the forefoot than the 15th iteration was, something our wear-testers were quick to note in their feedback. Still, they generally loved the shoe’s total package of cushioning, comfort, and smooth ride.

BOTTOM LINE The Cumulus remains a bargain-priced, high-mileage shoe. WEIGHT: 338g (M); 267g (W) HEIGHT: 36.0mm (heel); 25.2mm (forefoot)

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