Our friends over at Runner’s World posted their annual Fall Shoe Guide, taking a look at the best that Nike, Asics, Adidas, Brooks, Saucony, and others have to offer.
Here are some of the highlights:
Adidas Supernova Sequence 5
Adidas rolled out a satisfying update of the Sequence. Previous versions felt heavy to wear-testers–the Sequence 4 topped the scales at 12.9 ounces. RW Shoe Lab tests show the 5 is lighter by 1.2 ounces, more flexible, and offers better cushioning. To save weight, Adidas removed the external heel counter–a plastic piece that holds the foot in place at heel-strike–and slimmed down the stability post that runs along the inside of the arch.
Bottom Line: A high-mileage trainer for moderate overpronators.Nike Air Pegasus 29+
The Pegasus remains a go-to choice for a marshmallowy-soft ride. A breathable mesh upper provides structure to hold the foot in place with few overlays. Underneath the foot, Nike removed the independent crash pad at the heel, opting instead for cutouts in the sidewall that compress upon heel-strike to slow excessive inward roll of the foot. Wear-testers say the high heel tab can irritate the Achilles.
Bottom Line: A sound choice for recovery runs and long miles.Brooks Glycerin 10
The Glycerin is the Cadillac of running shoes–its suspension ensures a bump-free ride mile after mile. The midsole and outsole have been heavily sculpted; columns of foam and rubber promote a fluid landing. Brooks extended the midsole to fill in a gap at the outer edge of the midfoot, where previously a plastic shank held guard, for a smoother heel-to-toe transition.
Bottom Line: Luxury cushioning for runners with normal and high arches.Saucony Ride 5
A best buy pick that tops $100? If you’re shopping for new shoes, you know they’re getting more expensive. But the Ride 5 is indicative of a trend we’re seeing (read Lab Report below): The shoe is $10 more expensive and is a full two ounces lighter than its predecessor. That weight savings is largely a product of using less foam in the midsole and a reduction in rubber on the outsole, which also makes this update lower to the ground and more flexible. The changes resonated with testers, who rated it the highest of any shoe in this guide for comfort, cushioning, and ride. So, despite the price hike, it’s worth the splurge.
Bottom Line: Offers cushioning for long runs but is light enough for fast efforts.Asics Gel-Lyte 33
The lightest shoe in Asics’s 33 collection, the Lyte features a thin mesh upper that moves well with the foot, but the sewn-on overlays rubbed some wear-testers. Shoefitr scans confirm a looser-than-average heel fit.
Bottom Line: A fast, flexible shoe for lightweight runners.
Gotta hand it to the guys over at Runner’s World. Even if you’re a beginner, they take the time and effort to educate us all for informed decisions.