Reviewing shoes can be a touchy subject. Most often, we all fit the same shoe differently; what’s snug for one, may be loose for another. Some prefer stiff shoes, others prefer more flexibility. So in many respects, it’s more than what is appropriate, it’s a personal choice.
In my running shoes reviews, you will get a general understanding of each shoe, what changed from the previous season’s model, and what stands out. I have divided the shoe reviews into three categories…cushioning, stability, and motion-control.
Choose a Category: Cushioned – Stability – Motion-Control
CUSHIONED
ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 12
Price: $125
Widths: Standard
Weight: 12 oz(M) 10.2 oz(W)
All Asics
My Review: As with all ASICS shoes, this Gel is no different. It goes beyond cushioning, to extreme, soft-feeling comfort. You are provided superior impact protection. You actually squeeze the foam-lined interior to feel its softness and feel. The shoe fits very well, and seems the shoes off-set lacing system is a positive update. This show is recommended for those runners who have normal to high arches, and require some stability.
ASICS GEL-PULSE 2
Price: $85
Widths: Standard
Weight: 12.3 oz(M) 9.9 oz(W)
All Asics
My Review: Though this shoe does not feature the soft, fancy padding, or exotic materials as the Gel-Nimbus 12, it is special in one way…balance. It is tough in the cushioning category, as you want a shoe that will absorb your impact, yet at the same time, deliver performance. This shoe is a bit more stiff in the forefoot, which helps speed the transition from foot landing to pushing off. wear testers did agree that there was certainly enough cushion to protect their legs during long runs, even if they did not feel as well as the GL 12’s.
NEW BALANCE 1906 SC
Price: $200
Widths: Standard-2E(M) Standard-D(W)
Weight: 12.9 oz(M) 11 oz(W)
All New Balance
My Review: The concept behind this shoe does not work as planned. The series of elastomeric columns were meant to act as shock absorbers for the feet, however, the resulting cushioning is very stiff and heavy, especially in the forefoot. The wear testers thought the shoe fit well, and was snug to the foot, there was some difference of opinions in comfort. This shoe is best for performance-based running; those that are efficient in their gate.
NIKE ZOOM VOMERO+ 5
Price: $130
Widths: Standard
Weight: 11.2 oz(M) 9.5 oz(W)
All Nike
My Review: This is the next version of the Vomero, however, not much has changed, which is a good thing because the shoe has always performed well and had a very cushiony feel. One change that was made was filling in the outsole, under the arch, to smooth the midfoot transition area. As before, the wear testers loved the cushioning, snug feel around the heel, and the snug-fitting upper. I would recommend this shoe as an everyday, lightweight trainer, for those with normal to high arches.
SAUCONY PROGRID RIDE 3
Price: $95
Widths: Standard-2E(M) 2A-D(W)
Weight: 12 oz(M) 10 oz(W)
All Saucony
My Review: This is almost a cross between cushioning and stability. Like others, it has a good amount of cushioning to comfort every stride, yet it offers very good stability. The result is an average shoe. It will not feel like the pillow-cushioning of other cushioned shoes, nor is it ultra-stable, but it does provide a nice combination of. This shoe is best for injury-prone runners who need cushioning and require stability.
STABILITY
ADIDAS SUPERNOVA ADAPT
Price: $95
Widths: Standard
Weight: 12.6 oz (M) 10.7 oz (W)
All Adidas
My Review: This is probably my best selection, it fits all of the stability requirements. It is somewhat stiff, but very well put together, providing you enough cushion as well as stability. As all good running shoes should be, it has a roomy forefoot. I highly recommend this shoe for long mileage, high-arched runners.
ADIDAS SUPERNOVA SEQUENCE 3
Price: $100
Widths: Standard
Weight: 12 oz(M) 9.8 oz(W)
All Adidas
My Review: firm, but not too stiff, that is what this updated Supernova provides. With a fair amount of arch support, and a lower than average profile, it has the look and feel of a stability shoe. However, many wear testers have said the upper is not snug and allows your feet to slip and jam their toes in the toebox. This shoe is recommended for runners with normal arches, as a mid-distance trainer.
ASICS GEL-3020
Price: $120
Widths: Standard
Weight: 12.2 oz (M) 10.2 oz (W)
All ASICS
My Review: As with all ASICS Gel shoes, the well-placed gel pads and foam make this shoe comfortable on any run. For more stability, it has a dense strip of material in the midsole, running under the arch. Inside, you will find Asics traditional cushiony lining. The shoe hits snug in the upper and heel area, with good toebox room. I recommend this shoe for high mileage and those runners prone to injury.
SAUCONY PROGRID HURRICANE 12
Price: $140
Widths: Standard-2E(M) Standard-D(W)
Weight: 13.3 oz(M) 11.1(W)
All Saucony
My Review: this Hurricane is an update, which has excellent support and a firm feel. The main update is an area you do not see…the last. It has a more countered fit and better toebox. The medial post has been expanded and has an improved heel crash pad to further assist over-pronators. Highly recommended for injury-prone runners, with average builds…it is a very durable trainer.
UNDER ARMOUR ILLUSION II
Price: $85
Widths: Standard
Weight: 11.9 oz(M) 9.9 oz(W)
My Review: This stability shoe is not bulky, even with its dense platform, and is surprisingly flexible. There is not much to this update, so you should be good if you liked the previous version. Recommended for high-arched runners as an interval, hill, or treadmill workout shoe.
MOTION-CONTROL
BROOKS ADDICTION 9
Price: $100
Widths: Standard-4E (M) Standard-D (W)
Weight: 13.1 oz (M) 10.4 oz (W)
All Brooks Shoes
My Review: Unlike traditional motion-control shoes, the cushioning is a nice feel, along side its stability and motion-control features. The layers of foam has received great praise, and has a snug wrap around the arches. The features include a beveled crash pad in the heel, a supportive arch, and under the medial side is a reinforced post. This type of shoe is recommended for those requiring orthotics support, or those who have low arches.
NEW BALANCE 1012
Price: $130 / Sale Priced @ $109
Widths: Standard-4E (M) Standard-2E (W)
Weight: 15.2 oz (M) 12.2 oz (W)
All New Balance
My Review: No fear, this shoe would never be mistaken for a racing shoe. This tan-like shoe is as stable as they come. New Balance is known for being a bit more rigid and control of the over-pronator’s foot roll is absolute in this model. This updated version weighs a little less, made possible by the slimmed down post. Other changes include a lockdown liner for the instep and firmly holds the midfoot in place. Wear testers acknowledged the snug feel of the midfoot and open toebox. This shoe is recommended for long training runs for those that over-pronate.
PEARL IZUMI SYNCROGUIDE III
Price: $130
Widths: Standard
Weight: 14.5 oz (M) 11.9 oz (W)
All Pearl Izumi
My Review: This is a heavy feeling shoe, though it is truly comparable to other shoes in the same category. the feeling comes from stabilizing plastic in a wide supporting platform. The result is a stiff forefoot and snug and firm heel. Overall, however, this is a very stable shoe. Although wear testers indicate the fit was a bit off, the seamless upper was very supportive and comfortable. This shoe is recommended to heavy overpronators.
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