Cushioning Shoe Trends
The quality of EVA production is getting better with each season. While there has been good-quality (read durable and springy) EVA for some time, it is becoming more easily identifiable in chemistry and consistency, and more affordable to use the best quality available. It has caused a slight increase in prices, but is arguably a good trade-off because the shoe price increases are slight.
NEW BALANCE 750
New Balance 750 -- $80
Sizes: Men 6-13,14,15 D,2E,4E widths; Women 5-11,12 2A,B,D widths
Weight: Men 12.6 oz. (size 9); Women 10.4 oz. (size 7).
Weakness: No significant weaknesses for recommended users.
Recommended for: Medium- to low-arched feet with neutral biomechanics.
The 750 slides into the New Balance lineup right behind the 858 in the neutral cushioned category. New Balance has produced a cloud-like trainer, which focuses on cushioning. It's not an original concept, but it works. This is accomplished with a healthy slab of C-CAP and ABZORB, coupled with a denser sockliner and an EVA Strobel board from midfoot through the heel.
Nike Shox R4
Nike Shox R4 $150
Sizes: Men 6-13,14,15; Women 5-11,12.
Weight: Men 13.7 oz. (size 9); Women 11.8 oz (size 7).
Weakness: No significant weaknesses for recommended users.
Recommended for: High- to low- arched feet with neutral biomechanics.
The introduction of the Shox R4, named for the four pillars under the heel, has created more of a stir than this whole review. The polyurethane columns compress and decompress slowly to absorb shock and then propel the runner, but subtly. So subtly that the Air bag in the forefoot seems less adequate.
PUMA DOCTRINE
Puma Doctrine $80
Sizes: Men 6.5-12,13,14; Women 5.5-10,11.
Weight: Men 11.6 oz. (size 9); Women 9.8 oz. (size 7).
Weakness: No significant weaknesses for recommended users.
Recommended for: High- to low-arched feet with neutral biomechanics.
Puma has turned a corner with KMS 100, a quantifiable formula which allows for consistency of their EVA. The Doctrine is filled with technology and it performs as expected with a well-cushioned ride in a shoe which, while not a lightweight, doesn't weigh more than necessary.
Reebok Daytona DMX
Reebok Daytona DMX $80
Sizes: Men 6.5-14,15; Women 5-12
Weight: Men 14 oz. (size 9); Women 11.9 oz. (size 7).
Weakness: No significant weaknesses for recommended users.
Recommended for: High- to low-arched feet with neutral biomechanics.
Traditionaly, Reebok shoes always seem to be too hot or too cold. The Daytona is just right for a segment of the population that hasn't been well-served, the underpronators. With full-length carbon rubber, it won't wear as fast as blown rubber, but the DMX-i extending to the forefoot will provide the needed cushioning. Flexibility is good, but some may find the shoe a little too firm.
Adidas Response
Adidas Response $75
Sizes: Men 6.5-13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20 regular and wide widths; Women 5-12,13 narrow, regular, and wide widths.
Weight: Men 11.8 oz. (size 9); Women 9.9 oz. (size 7).
Weaknesses: No significant weaknesses for recommended users.
Recommended for: High- to low-arched feet with neutral biomechanics.
Visually, the addidas response is dramatically different from its predecessors. Functionally, it is cloned from the identical pool. Response wearers have looked for two things from the shoe, cushioning and value, which are the two elements that have been retained.
Brooks Hyperion II
Brooks Hyperion II $95
Sizes: Men 8-12,13,14,15; Women 6-11,12.
Weight: Men 12.2 oz. (size 9); Women 10.1 oz. (size 7).
Midsole: CM-EVA, Substance 257, HydroFlow ST XL, Forefoot Hydroflow.
Shank: DRB Accel.
Outersole: HPR Plus heel, Cushpod forefoot.
Shape: Curved.
Construction: Strobel slip last.
Strength: Cushioning.
Weakness: No significant weaknesses for recommended users.
Recommended for: High- to medium-arched feet with neutral biomechanics.
The Hyperion II seems to have added those upgrade options, which were left off of the original, like deluxe overlay materials, direct injected supports, and improved Hydroflow and Substance 257. The ride and tailoring of the upper are sheer comfort, for the high-arched foot, because the last is still very curved.
Mizuno Wave Creation 2001
Mizuno Wave Creation 2001 $120
Sizes: Men 7-13,14; Women 6-11.
Weight: Men 12.6 oz. (size 9); Women 11.1 oz. (size 7).
Weakness: No significant weaknesses for recommended users.
Recommended for: High- to low-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation.
Sticking with proven features while adding noticeable improvements makes that reputation solid. This is one of the most cushoned shoe available. If you have been having trouble with your knees or joints, then this shoe would definately be for you.
Mizuno Wave Rider 2001
Mizuno Wave Rider 2001 $90
Sizes: Men 7-13,14,15; Women 6-11.
Weight: Men 11.8 oz. (size 9); Women 10.3 oz. (size 7).
Upper: Mesh/synthetic overlays, BioLock.
Midsole: CM-EVA,VS-1 heel and forefoot, Mizuno Intercool.
Weakness: No significant weaknesses for recommended users.
Recommended for: High- to low-arched feet with neutral biomechanics.
The one constant has been performance: cushioning with a well-tailored fit. The noticeable difference has been the improvement to the forefoot cushioning with the VS-1 insert and the fit from the BioLock lacing strap.
Saucony GRID Shadow
Saucony GRID Shadow $85
Sizes: Men 7-13,14,15,16,17 narrow, medium, wide and extra-wide widths; Women 6-11 narrow, medium, and wide widths.
Weight: Men 13.8 oz. (size 9); Women 11.9 oz. (size 7).
Weakness: No significant weaknesses for recommended users.
Recommended for:Medium- to low-arched feet with neutral biomechanics.
Classic Saucony fit, PU/EVA combination for firm cushioning for the gravity-challenged, and consistent durability keep runners coming back to the Shadow.
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