ASICS has done it again! Perhaps the most well-respected and best-loved running shoe manufacturer, ASICS is no stranger to winning awards for their outstanding line of running shoes. It seems like not a single season goes by without ASICS taking at least one of the top honors in the Runner's World magazine shoe buying guide. Fall 2009 is no exception. ASICS' latest version of their premier cushioning shoe, the GEL-Nimbus 11, has taken the prestigious Editor's Choice Award.
ASICS continues to improve on their tradition with the Nimbus 11. The famous feel of this neutral running shoe has been augmented by the addition of a new comfort-centric upper. The result is even greater comfort, extending to the entire foot. Looks like the rearfoot GEL units have been refined as well, and they also look more streamlined, making for a cleaner look. Some runners are saying this is the best version of the Nimbus since the Nimbus 7. Arguably the smoothest ride available in the world of running shoes.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Rapid Advance of Running Shoe Technology
How far running shoe technology has come in such little time! Back in the early Seventies, when athletic gear companies first recognized the vast potential of the running shoe market, runners had few choices. The technology for running shoes was in its infancy. To put it into perspective, running shoes that were heralded as state-of-the-art in the Eighties are now sold as throwbacks (such as the wildly popular Onitsuka Tiger line), casual kicks worn strictly for show; even a novice runner would not wear them for athletic pursuits.
As the technology advanced, running became a lot sweeter. Cushioning and support of running shoes has been greatly improved, and companies such as ASICS, Brooks, Saucony, New Balance and Mizuno seemingly have a running shoe offering for every conceivable type of runner.
Now, the technology is so advanced that the lines are beginning to blur between the different categories of running shoes. For example, cushioning shoes such as ASICS' GEL-Nimbus advertise a touch of pronation control. Likewise, Structured Cushioning powerhouses such as Brooks' Adrenaline GTS and ASICS' GEL-Kayano boast enhanced cushioning.
It adds up to a wealth of running shoe choices, regardless of the individual's specific needs.
As the technology advanced, running became a lot sweeter. Cushioning and support of running shoes has been greatly improved, and companies such as ASICS, Brooks, Saucony, New Balance and Mizuno seemingly have a running shoe offering for every conceivable type of runner.
Now, the technology is so advanced that the lines are beginning to blur between the different categories of running shoes. For example, cushioning shoes such as ASICS' GEL-Nimbus advertise a touch of pronation control. Likewise, Structured Cushioning powerhouses such as Brooks' Adrenaline GTS and ASICS' GEL-Kayano boast enhanced cushioning.
It adds up to a wealth of running shoe choices, regardless of the individual's specific needs.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
More Stability for Moderate Pronators
If your gait reveals moderate pronation that is not severe enough to warrant wearing motion control shoes, you will want to take a serious look at the running shoes in the "more stability" category.
One of the most popular running shoes in this category is the legendary ASICS GEL-Kayano, long cherished by runners the world over.
New Balance is famous for comfort, fit and durability. You can expect all of the above from the New Balance 992 running shoe. It is also notable as a "heritage shoe", meaning that it is entirely made in the USA. The 992 also features a classic look constructed with leather and suede materials.
Many serious runners go for the Saucony ProGrid Hurricane running shoe, which is designed to offer the extra support needed by moderate pronators without sacrificing comfort. Saucony claims to lead the industry in pronation control with their patented ProGrid and impact interface midsole.
Those who like to get a little muddy from time to time will find a lot to like about the ASICS GEL-Trail Sensor. It features enhanced support, yet with added attributes making it suitable for off-road trail running as well as regular paved surfaces.
Unique running shoe technology is found in the Mizuno Wave Inspire. Mizuno's proprietary Composite Double Fan Wave provides an optimal blend of support and cushioning.
The Brooks Trance running shoe is notable for more than just extra support and a soft, cushy feel. It also takes advantage of advanced green technologies, including BioMoGo. Brooks added a non-toxic, natural additive to their exclusive MoGo compound that encourages anaerobic microbes to munch away once it hits the landfill, thus reducing it's lifespan in the landfill and overall waste by 50%
A few lucky sizes can save $35 bucks and pick up the attractive Puma Complete Magnetist running shoe at RunWorldwide.com.
Lastly, cycling gear leaders and running gear upstarts Pearl Izumi offer the Syncro Infinity running shoe. Like all Pearl Izumi running shoes, the Syncro Infinity is notable for it's clean, non-gimmicky, streamlined look and promise of performance for serious runners.
One of the most popular running shoes in this category is the legendary ASICS GEL-Kayano, long cherished by runners the world over.
New Balance is famous for comfort, fit and durability. You can expect all of the above from the New Balance 992 running shoe. It is also notable as a "heritage shoe", meaning that it is entirely made in the USA. The 992 also features a classic look constructed with leather and suede materials.
Many serious runners go for the Saucony ProGrid Hurricane running shoe, which is designed to offer the extra support needed by moderate pronators without sacrificing comfort. Saucony claims to lead the industry in pronation control with their patented ProGrid and impact interface midsole.
Those who like to get a little muddy from time to time will find a lot to like about the ASICS GEL-Trail Sensor. It features enhanced support, yet with added attributes making it suitable for off-road trail running as well as regular paved surfaces.
Unique running shoe technology is found in the Mizuno Wave Inspire. Mizuno's proprietary Composite Double Fan Wave provides an optimal blend of support and cushioning.
The Brooks Trance running shoe is notable for more than just extra support and a soft, cushy feel. It also takes advantage of advanced green technologies, including BioMoGo. Brooks added a non-toxic, natural additive to their exclusive MoGo compound that encourages anaerobic microbes to munch away once it hits the landfill, thus reducing it's lifespan in the landfill and overall waste by 50%
A few lucky sizes can save $35 bucks and pick up the attractive Puma Complete Magnetist running shoe at RunWorldwide.com.
Lastly, cycling gear leaders and running gear upstarts Pearl Izumi offer the Syncro Infinity running shoe. Like all Pearl Izumi running shoes, the Syncro Infinity is notable for it's clean, non-gimmicky, streamlined look and promise of performance for serious runners.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Structured Cushioning Shoes at Your Price Point
ASICS' GEL-Kayano running shoes have been a favorite pick among runners for many years. No wonder that a beginnning runner would seek them out as a sound choice. However, if their $130 price tag gives them pause, there are plenty of other good choices of running shoes in the Structured Cushioning category, which much of the running population is safe wearing. ASICS also offers the best-selling 2100 series, the current incarnation being the GT-2140 running shoe at $90. Another dependable selection from ASICS would be the GEL-1140, the latest in their 1100 series, priced at $75. A previous version, the GEL-1130 is still a fine running shoe, and can be found at RunWorldwide.com at the bargain price of $54.99.
Saucony answers with the Progrid Guide ($95) and Progrid Omni ($79) running shoes.
Brooks' rival to ASICS' 2100 series is the popular Brooks Adrenaline GTS ($88.99) running shoe.
Mizuno offers the Wave Inspire running shoe, which features Mizuno's unique Wave technology, which is much different than the mechanics of other running shoes.
New Balance is famous for fit and durability. Smart-shopping runners can snag a pair of New Balance 1224 running shoes now for $99.99 at RunWorldwide.com, which is a savings of forty bucks.
Saucony answers with the Progrid Guide ($95) and Progrid Omni ($79) running shoes.
Brooks' rival to ASICS' 2100 series is the popular Brooks Adrenaline GTS ($88.99) running shoe.
Mizuno offers the Wave Inspire running shoe, which features Mizuno's unique Wave technology, which is much different than the mechanics of other running shoes.
New Balance is famous for fit and durability. Smart-shopping runners can snag a pair of New Balance 1224 running shoes now for $99.99 at RunWorldwide.com, which is a savings of forty bucks.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Running with Flat Feet
Selecting the right running shoe first and foremost requires that you know what type of gait you have. A convenient utility to help you do that can be found online at runworldwide.com under the heading "Shoe Finder".
Runners with flat-feet tend to over-pronate, which has an adverse effect on natural shock absorption. Such runners have special needs, and should select running shoes from the Maximum Support category or Motion Control category.
If you find that you have flat-feet, this narrows the amount of running shoe choices severely. However, there are several excellent running shoes for over-pronators. And getting running shoes for special needs does not mean you have to sacrifice aesthetics. Some of them, such as the GEL-Evolution, look so good that they might make neutral runners wish for flat feet!
ASICS, leader in the running shoe industry and maker of the top-selling GT-2140 and GEL-Nimbus cushioning shoe, offer the aforementioned GEL-Evolution and GEL-Foundation. Both offer ASICS' famous proprietary GEL cushioning system.
Brooks, the company behind the popular Adrenaline GTS, offers the Beast for men and the Ariel for women. Both feature exclusive MoGo technology for long-lasting midsole durability and comfort.
Saucony offers the Progrid Stabil running shoe for over-pronating runners.
Mizuno's Wave Alchemy running shoe makes the most of their unique Double Fan Wave technology, resulting in proper support without added bulk.
With attention to the special needs of over-pronating runners, athletic shoe companies have engineered running shoes to meet the challenges of those with flat-feet.
Runners with flat-feet tend to over-pronate, which has an adverse effect on natural shock absorption. Such runners have special needs, and should select running shoes from the Maximum Support category or Motion Control category.
If you find that you have flat-feet, this narrows the amount of running shoe choices severely. However, there are several excellent running shoes for over-pronators. And getting running shoes for special needs does not mean you have to sacrifice aesthetics. Some of them, such as the GEL-Evolution, look so good that they might make neutral runners wish for flat feet!
ASICS, leader in the running shoe industry and maker of the top-selling GT-2140 and GEL-Nimbus cushioning shoe, offer the aforementioned GEL-Evolution and GEL-Foundation. Both offer ASICS' famous proprietary GEL cushioning system.
Brooks, the company behind the popular Adrenaline GTS, offers the Beast for men and the Ariel for women. Both feature exclusive MoGo technology for long-lasting midsole durability and comfort.
Saucony offers the Progrid Stabil running shoe for over-pronating runners.
Mizuno's Wave Alchemy running shoe makes the most of their unique Double Fan Wave technology, resulting in proper support without added bulk.
With attention to the special needs of over-pronating runners, athletic shoe companies have engineered running shoes to meet the challenges of those with flat-feet.
Friday, May 15, 2009
More Cushion. Sweeter Pushin'!
Running shoe technology has come a long way over the last 30 years or so. With the market for running shoes flourishing, athletic shoe companies such as ASICS, Mizuno, Saucony and Pearl Izumi constantly invest resources into research and development to increase performance and increase comfort.
Runners who have no major pronation issues have no shortage of choices in running shoes. Their sub-category is known as "neutral shoes" or "cushioning shoes". Anyone who doubts the incredible advances in cushioning technology should try running a mile in a pair of Chuck Taylor sneakers, and then another mile in a pair of ASICS GEL-Nimbus or GEL-Cumulus cushioning shoes. Any doubts will be erased, and quickly.
ASICS' wildly popular GEL-Nimbus is renowned for its luxurious feel. Those unwilling to pay $125 for the privilege can still benefit from ASICS' proprietary GEL cushioning system by turning to the GEL-Cumulus ($95) or GEL-Stratus ($72).
Brooks offers exculsive HydroFlow and MoGo technology in their cushioning shoes. At the $125 price point, they offer the Glycerin, and at $100, the Deyfyance, which is a neutral verison of their best-selling structured cushioning shoe, the Adrenaline.
For neutral runners, Saucony presents ProGrid technology in the ProGrid Triumph ($120) and ProGrid Ride ($90).
Mizuno running shoes are set apart from the rest in that the emphasis is on their bizarre-looking "Wave" technology, as opposed to the materials and polymers. Fans of their Wave Rider ($100) swear by their cushioning attributes.
New Balance is famous for fit and durability. The New Balance 755 is a fine choice for neutral runners. Lucky sizes can pick up a pair for as little as $59.99.
Runners who have no major pronation issues have no shortage of choices in running shoes. Their sub-category is known as "neutral shoes" or "cushioning shoes". Anyone who doubts the incredible advances in cushioning technology should try running a mile in a pair of Chuck Taylor sneakers, and then another mile in a pair of ASICS GEL-Nimbus or GEL-Cumulus cushioning shoes. Any doubts will be erased, and quickly.
ASICS' wildly popular GEL-Nimbus is renowned for its luxurious feel. Those unwilling to pay $125 for the privilege can still benefit from ASICS' proprietary GEL cushioning system by turning to the GEL-Cumulus ($95) or GEL-Stratus ($72).
Brooks offers exculsive HydroFlow and MoGo technology in their cushioning shoes. At the $125 price point, they offer the Glycerin, and at $100, the Deyfyance, which is a neutral verison of their best-selling structured cushioning shoe, the Adrenaline.
For neutral runners, Saucony presents ProGrid technology in the ProGrid Triumph ($120) and ProGrid Ride ($90).
Mizuno running shoes are set apart from the rest in that the emphasis is on their bizarre-looking "Wave" technology, as opposed to the materials and polymers. Fans of their Wave Rider ($100) swear by their cushioning attributes.
New Balance is famous for fit and durability. The New Balance 755 is a fine choice for neutral runners. Lucky sizes can pick up a pair for as little as $59.99.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Shoes for Off-Road Trail Running
When I started taking pictures of running shoes, it was a bit daunting that there were so many varieties and technologies. (I can relate to how overwhelmed a new runner might feel when attempting to buy their first pair of serious running shoes.) With just a little bit of homework and guidance from the right sources, it quickly became much easier to discern the unique attributes and degrees of quality and materials of various running shoes. I was also intrigued at the number of sub-categories there are of running shoes. This post focuses on the running shoe category of trail shoes.
Unlike the most popular offerings of running shoes, such as ASICS’ GEL-2140, GEL-Nimbus cushioning shoe, and venerable GEL-Kayano, trail shoes are meant to hold up to greater punishment from the elements. Outdoor trails can put obstacles such as mud, stones, twigs and foliage in the path of a runner. Trail shoes are built to rise to the challenge.
There are even sub-categories within the realm of trail shoes! For fans of ASICS best-selling 2100 series, the 2140 Trail takes the same performance attributes of that beloved line and integrates tougher polymers and water-resistant materials to stand up to the trails.
Similar offerings are available for those who may split their miles between the road and the trail, yet are not willing to shell out the dough for both a trail shoe and a road shoe. The aforementioned 2140 Trail is a good choice for this, as well as the GEL-Trail Sensor, and Pearl Izumi’s elegant Syncro Seek. ASICS’ GEL-Trabuco is offered in two versions; the standard GEL-Trabuco WR, and the GEL-Trabuco WP, which features a GORE-TEX waterproof breathable upper. Brooks’ Cascadia is engineered with many off-road attributes, yet offers such a smooth ride that some runners wear it on the pavement regardless.
For those who are hard-core trail runners, and aspire to fast speeds on tough terrain, there are the highly responsive ASICS GEL-Trail Attack and New Balance 873, which offer lighter weight and optimized traction.
So, even runners who are in the market for trail shoes are best served by doing a little homework rather than buying on impulse.
Unlike the most popular offerings of running shoes, such as ASICS’ GEL-2140, GEL-Nimbus cushioning shoe, and venerable GEL-Kayano, trail shoes are meant to hold up to greater punishment from the elements. Outdoor trails can put obstacles such as mud, stones, twigs and foliage in the path of a runner. Trail shoes are built to rise to the challenge.
There are even sub-categories within the realm of trail shoes! For fans of ASICS best-selling 2100 series, the 2140 Trail takes the same performance attributes of that beloved line and integrates tougher polymers and water-resistant materials to stand up to the trails.
Similar offerings are available for those who may split their miles between the road and the trail, yet are not willing to shell out the dough for both a trail shoe and a road shoe. The aforementioned 2140 Trail is a good choice for this, as well as the GEL-Trail Sensor, and Pearl Izumi’s elegant Syncro Seek. ASICS’ GEL-Trabuco is offered in two versions; the standard GEL-Trabuco WR, and the GEL-Trabuco WP, which features a GORE-TEX waterproof breathable upper. Brooks’ Cascadia is engineered with many off-road attributes, yet offers such a smooth ride that some runners wear it on the pavement regardless.
For those who are hard-core trail runners, and aspire to fast speeds on tough terrain, there are the highly responsive ASICS GEL-Trail Attack and New Balance 873, which offer lighter weight and optimized traction.
So, even runners who are in the market for trail shoes are best served by doing a little homework rather than buying on impulse.
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