From the September 2011 issue of Runner's World

No shoe is perfect for every runner. That’s why we mechanically pound and flex each new model at the RW Shoe Lab and solicit feedback from 350 runners. For this review, the shoes are organised into four categories: stability, neutral-cushioned, performance-training, and minimal, here are some of our top picks from the guide.

STABILITY
Shoes provide moderate support and good midsole cushioning for runners who are mild to moderate overpronators.

EDITOR’S CHOICE
BROOKS RAVENNA 2 A$199.95; NZ$249.95 (pictured top right)
WE SAY The Ravenna has a fast feel that belies the amount of corrective support it provides. Credit the shoe’s winning combination of a nimble, low-to-the-ground profile and ample cushioning for heel-and midfoot-strikers. Even more impressive is how Brooks now scales the flexibility of this shoe according to gender and size – making the smaller sizes less rigid in the forefoot than larger ones. If you’re looking for a single shoe for both marathon training and racing, this is it.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY
“It had a fast feel and a great fit. My only complaint was that the forefoot was a bit stiff.”
– Matthew Hartzell, 30
“The elastic band in the laces snugged up my arch without squeezing it tight.”
– Eamon Kuklok, 31
WIDTHS Standard
WEIGHT 312g (M) 264g (W)
AUS brooksrunning.com.au; NZ brooksrunning.co.nz

NEUTRAL-CUSHIONED
Shoes have maximum midsole cushioning and minimal support for runners with minimum pronation.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

BROOKS GHOST 4 A$199.95; NZ$269.95
WE SAY
A lightweight shoe with a snug fit, the Ghost has a fast feel and a surprisingly springy midsole that supplies just a bit of stability. The shoe’s segmented heel isolates impact
forces, helping the foot lay down more efficiently while protecting your legs on long runs. Lab tests show a lightweight and well-balanced package of bounce and flexibility, and wear-testers loved the ride and the second-skin feel of the upper. Whether you go fast or slow, this versatile shoe can handle whatever workouts you dish out.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY
“The fit was perfect – enough room but not too big.”
– Stephanie Gambone, 45
“They were soft, but there was just enough firmness to feel the terrain.”
– Shawn Calabrese, 28
WIDTHS B-2E (M) 2A-D (W)
WEIGHT 326g (M) 269g (W)
AUS brooksrunning.com.au; NZ brooksrunning.co.nz

BEST UPDATE

SAUCONY PROGRID RIDE 4 A$169.95; NZ$219.90
WE SAY
There’s nothing fancy with this neutral-cushioned stalwart; just a well-balanced design that marries a springy yet supportive platform to a reinforced upper that gives toes plenty of wiggle room. According to Shoe Lab tests, this update is lighter, softer, and more flexible than the previous version. A dollop of foam cushioning under the heel makes the Ride more aggressively sloped from heel to toe than the average shoe and a great match for heavy heel-strikers.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY
“The shoe had great comfort and well-balanced support.”
– Ryan Wasser, 27
“It did such a great job of gripping my arch, I didn’t need my insoles.”
– Louis Cravotta, 59
WIDTHS Standard-2E (M) 2A-D (W)
WEIGHT 318g (M) 266g (W)
AUS (03) 8878 3000; NZ (09) 634 5054

PERFORMANCE-TRAINING
Shoes have degrees of support and cushioning, generally weigh around 280 grams, and fit like a glove.

BEST DEBUT

K-SWISS KWICKY BLADE LIGHT A$229.95; NZ$229.95
WE SAY
This zippy new shoe moves extremely well with the foot. The springy cushioning makes for a fast and light feel that’s moderately supportive without being too beefy. Testers raved about the Kwicky’s responsive, cushy ride and excellent arch wrap, but some complained that the outsole tended to trap small rocks in its grooves. Recommended as a versatile distance shoe for efficient runners or as a supportive racer for the rest of us.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY
“It allowed me to feel the road but was cushioned enough to make it feel good.”
– Erik Daly, 35
“I liked the flexibility in the forefoot. It also provided good ventilation.”
– Betsy Daly, 34
WIDTHS Standard
WEIGHT 278g (M) 235g (W)
AUS pacificleisure.com.au; NZ kswiss.com

BEST DEBUT

SAUCONY POWERGRID CORTANA A$259.95; NZ$299.90
WE SAY
This new shoe combines a stripped-down upper with a simple rubber and foam sole that has a level profile. While most shoes have a heel drop of around 12 millimeters, the Cortana’s is only 4.6 millimeters, which means a flatter footstrike. According to our lab tests, the lightweight foam (the PowerGrid in the name) supplies outstanding energy return. The Cortana is ideal for forefoot-strikers and runners looking to transition to more minimal models with less risk of injury.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY
“This shoe felt great on roads, trails, and treadmills.”
– David Kerschner, 30
“It was more substantial than other low-profile shoes and still felt minimal.”
– Ian Wright, 24
WIDTHS Standard
WEIGHT 306g (M) 244g (W)
AUS (03) 8878 3000; NZ (09) 634 5054

BEST BUY

SAUCONY PROGRID KINVARA 2 A$159.95; NZ$199.90
WE SAY
There’s a complete absence of clunk in the Kinvara – just enough material in the shoe to hold down and cushion the foot. The minimal profile (28 millimetres in the heel and 21 in the forefoot) complements a midfoot-strike and keeps the foot in contact with the ground as long as possible. Saucony did little to this update, preferring not to mess with the formula. Recommended for efficient runners who want to ease barefoot-like training into their routine.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY
“This is one of those shoes that I love putting on because they are so comfortable.”
– Andrew Izzo, 23
“It was supportive without bulk and flexible without feeling flimsy.”
– Susan McCaffrey, 50
WIDTHS Standard
WEIGHT 232g (M) 190g (W)
AUS (03) 8878 3000; NZ (09) 634 5054

Extract from the Runner's World 2011 September shoe review

** To buy September Issue click here **