From: page@ficus.cs.ucla.edu (Thomas Page)
Subject: A contribution for the FAQ: SHOES
Organization: UCLA Computer Science Department
Date: Fri, 22 Jan 93 16:00:45 GMT

Here is a summary of shoe reviews gleaned from various places including
manufacturers' adds, Road Runner Sports catalog, Runner`s World, Running
Times, rec.running postings, and my own experience.  I will post and update
occasionally.


Guide to Categories
-------------------

Basic: A good quality shoe for a beginning through mid-mileage runner.
Lightweight trainer/racer: Typically under 10 ounces.  Very light,
	very fast, biomechanically gifted runners can wear these shoes
	as daily trainers.  Other runners may get away with using these
	as a second pair for racing in or for track workouts.  These
	shoes usually have blown rubber soles for light weight so they
	wear out too quickly for an everyday training shoe for most of us. 
MC: (Motion Control) Made for over-pronators and heavier runners.
Stability: For neutral runners and mild over-pronators.  Offers some resistance
	to pronation and supination.
Racing flat: Most people should race in their regular trainers or lightweight
	trainers.  For people who can get away with it, racing flats might buy
	them a few seconds in a 10k.  If that is the difference between 1st
	and 2nd, it is probably worth it.  If it is the difference between
	38:04 and 38:14 it is probably not worth the risk of injury.  These
	shoes have very little stability, cushioning, or durability, but they
	tend to weigh 2-4 oz. less than a lightweight trainer.

Construction
------------
If you remove the insole, you can tell the type of construction.  Slip Lasted
shoes have a sewn seam running the length of the shoe.  Board lasted shoes
have a cardboard board running the length of the shoe.  Combination lasted
shoes have cardboard in the rear half, and a seam up the front half.  Slip
lasted shoes are the most flexible.  Board lasted shoes are the most stable
and least flexible.  Combination lasted shoes attempt to compromise giving
a flexible forefoot and a stable rear.  Orthotics wearers should stick to
board or combination lasted shoes.  True over-supinators (these are rare)
should use flexible slip lasted shoes.  Another way to look at it: if you
have a rigid foot (tends to be high arched feet), favor flexible (slip laste)
shoes.  If you have a floppy foot (tends to have flatter feet and overpronate),
favor combination or board construction.

Last
----
The last is the form the shoe is made on.  Lasts vary from curved, to
semi-curved, to straight.  Straight lasts are generally the most stable
shoes, while curved lasted shoes tend to be the most flexible.  You just
have to see what last from what manufacturer fits your foot.

Stores
------
A good running shoe store is essential.  The sales people at the sporting
goods chain stores and the mall shoe stores just don't know their products
or how to fit runners, despite advertising to the contrary.  A real runner's
store should allow you to run in the shoe on the sidewalk outside the store,
or at least on a tread mill in the store and watch you run.  They should be
able to tell you if you over-pronate in a particular shoe.  The advice you get
in a good store is worth the price (full retail) you pay.

Don't be a jerk and pick the brains of a good running shoe store salesman
and then buy at a discount place.   If you value their advice, buy a pair
of shoes from the specialty running store so they will still be in business
the next time you need them.  Then, if you liked the pair you bought, go
ahead and buy it from a discount store or mail order place in the future;
you don't owe the store your business forever.  Remember though, that models
change, and you will want to go back to the good store every few years.

Notes:
------
Weight is typically listed for mens' size 9 as quoted by manufacturer and found
either in Runners World, Running Times, or Road Runner Sports catalog.
Different sources differ in the weight they report, often by as much as
an ounce.  I have not been consistent about which source I use here so
you may find a discrepancy with a source you consult.

M.C. stands for Motion Control (i.e. a shoe for over-pronators).

************** SHOE REVIEWS *************

ADIDAS
------

Torsion Integral	M.C. 12.5oz. Combination, straight $100 ($69sale).
	Seriously solid stable shoe for runners with moderate pronation
	problems; too cushioned for heavy runners or severe over-pronators.
Torsion Advance		Lightweight 10oz. Board, semi-curved $75 ($54).
			Good option if you are a mild overpronator, but
			want a lightweight second shoe.
Torsion Cross		12.5oz. Combination last, semicurved.
Oregon Ultra Tech	Lightweight $75 ($49sale). Similar to Advance but less
			stable.
Marathon Training II	Off road $75($49 sale)
Oregon Classic		Lightweight, 9.0oz Board last, semicurved.
	$56 ($42 sale).  The old classic Addidas running shoe that has been
	around for 20 years.
Response Class		Stability, 11.2oz.slip lasted, slightly curved,
	$80 ($65), Not for extreme overpronators. 
Equipment Cushion	Stability 12.9oz.(RW says 10.6oz.) Slip lasted,
	semi-curved.  $100($80sale (though also seen for $39)). Stable durable
	shoe for high mileage and big runners.  Not for severe overpronators.
Equipment Guidance	Stability 11.4oz. Combination lasted, curved.
	$100($80sale).  For forefoot runners and underpronators.
Equipment Support	M.C. 11.9oz. Combination, slightly curved. $110.
			This shoe is for overpronators who want a lighter
			shoe with softer (EVA midsole) cushioning.  Good
			for all but severe over pronators.  Note: the previous
			Support model had a polyurathane midsole and was a
			heavier shoe for bigger runners.

ASICS
-----
GT II   Compromise lightweight/stability/MC. 11.5oz. Combination, semicurved
	$100/$89.  Good basic middle of the road shoe.

GT Cool X	M.C. 11.5oz Combination, semicurved. $125($100).  Not for
		under-pronators or heavy runners.  Cool-max liner.

GT-Express	Stability, 12.0 Combination, semicurved.$135/$89. For mild
		over pronators.

Gel MC	M.C. 13.0 Combination, semicurved. Heavy duty motion control for
	heavier runners.

Gel-Lyte III	Lightweight 10.3oz. Combination, semicurved $65/$49. Runs
		half size small.  Flexible and soft cushioning for over
		supinators.

Gel-Lyte Speed	Lightweight. 9.6oz. Combination, semicurved. Runs half size
		small. 
Gel-Lyte Ultra	Lightweight 9.0oz. Combination, semicurved. Runs small. Not
		for over-pronators. Mono-tongue.

Gel-120	Basic/stability 11.5oz. Slip last, semi curved. $70.  Fine basic
	trainer.  Replacement to the popular Gel 111.

Gel-Exult	Lightweight trainer, mild motion control, 10.2oz. Combination
	last, semicurved. $100 ($75sale).  Runs 1/2 size small.  Fairly soft
	cushioning.  Good compromise for people who need a little more
	motion control than the other lightweights provide.  Mono-tongue.

Gel Elite Racer	Racing flat. 8.0oz. Combination, curved.  $80. Fast flexible
	racer for those who can get away with it.  More stable and cushioned
	than most racers, but then heavier too.


AVIA
----
3000	Lightweight trainer, 9.8oz. Slip-lasted, curved.  $100. Quite flexible,
	not for over-pronators.  Stretch fit upper similar to Nike Huarache.
2080	M.C. 12.6-13.2oz. Combination, semicurved,  $105. Very well cushioned.
2070	Stability/MC, 12.0oz.  Combination, semicurved,$90.  Major control
	and durability shoe for heavy runners.
2045	Stability, 10.8oz. Combination, semicurved, $79($59). Flexible for
	fast runners and over supinators.  Not for severe over-pronators.
	Pretty light for a stability shoe.
2030	Basic/Stability, 11.5oz. Combination, semicurved. $60($45).
	Stable and firmly cushioned.  Good for mild overpronators and heavy
	runners.


NEW BALANCE
------------

1500	MC and Stability, 12.3oz. Slip lasted, semi-curved.  $169
	Just about the most expensive running shoe made.  It fits and
	feels great but I would never spend this much for a running shoe.

998 (women's)	M.C. 9.5oz. Slip-lasted, straight. $105  Major motion control.

997	MC and stability, 12.5oz. Slip lasted, semi-curved, $100+ ($79sale)
	The 99x series has been one of the most popular enduring lines for
	years.  Very stable, very well cushioned.  Great for heavier runners.

900	Lightweight trainer, 9.9oz. Combination last, semi-curved $100($69sale)
	Discontinued (replaced by 860) but still available and on sale.  Better
	durability, stability and motion control than most light weight
	trainers.  Some people could wear this as a daily trainer.

860	Lightweight trainer, 9.8oz. Slip last, slightly curved. $80. Replacement
	for 850 and 900, it is lighter, more durable and more stable.  A good
	good choice in light weight shoe for those who need a more stable shoe.


850	Lightweight trainer, 9.8oz. Slip last, semi-curved.  Discontinued 
	$90($59 sale).  Typical lightweight trainer.  More flexible than 900.

680 (women's)	MC, 10.6oz Combination, slightly curved. $85. Major motion
	control and durability.  Firmer midsole than 998.
	
678	MC, 11.9oz.  Combination last, straight.  $85.  Most recent entry in
	New Balance's most popular line of shoes (676,677,678).  Very durable,
	well cushioned, and stable.  Great for high mileage and heavier runners.
	Wider toe-box than almost any other shoe reduces blisters and other
	problems for some.

677	see 678.  Discontinued and so on sale ($49).

580	MC 12.9-13.7oz. Combination last, straight $96.  Very tough shoe
	for heavy runners.  Firmer cushioning resists breakdown by those
	who are very hard on midsoles.  Good trail shoe too.

520	Stability, 11.5oz. Combination, semi-curved $78. Not for severe
	overpronators. Good basic shoe.


480	Stability, 11.1oz. Board last, semi-curved $66.  Fine basic shoe.



BROOKS
------
Beast	M.C. 13.5oz. Slip last, semicurved. $115. Tough, durable shoe for
	heavier runners. All of Brooks' high technology is in this shoe:
	Propulsion Plate System, HyrdroFlow in heel, diagonal rollbar for
	stability.

Fusion	M.C. 11.5oz. Slip last, curved $130($89). Carbon fiber "propulsion
	plate".
	

Mojo	Stability. 11.8. Combination, semicurved (RW says straight) $75($58).
	Firm midsole.  Good value. Decent motion control and great durability.

Kona Coast	Lightweight.  9.0oz. Slip last, curved. $104.

Chariot HFX	Mild motion control. 12.0oz. Combination, semicurved. Soft
		cushioned.

Chariot HF	13.0oz. Combination, semicurved.

Chariot Classic	Basic 11.0oz. Combination, semicurved. $75($40). A long time
		favorite and ancestor of most Brooks shoes.

Chariot PPS	M.C. 10.6oz. Board (Road Runner Sports says combination),
		semicurved. $78. Classic chariot fit plus the propulsion
		plate, hydro-flow cushion pad and roll bar.  Good motion
		control and lighter weight than most M.C.  shoes due to
		blown rubber outsole (less durable).  Good price for so
		much technology.

Fission		Stability 11.7  Slip, semicurved. $125. High tech successor to
		Fusion. Not for heavy runners or extreme over pronators.

Avalon		Stability (women's shoe) 9.4oz. Combination, semicurved. $80.

Banshee		Basic 11.0oz. Slip, semicurved $62($46). Good value if you
		don't need motion control.

Magnum DR	Lightweight 10.1oz. Combination, semicurved. $95. All of 
		Brooks' high tech features in a lightweight package.
		Good motion control for a lightweight.


SAUCONY	
--------
note: most Saucony shoes fit narrow in the heal and wide in the forefoot.

Grid 9000	MC. 13.2oz. Slip lasted, semi-curved. $115.  A tough shoe
		for heavy runners and severe overpronators.

Grid 8000	Lightweight/stability 10.7oz. Slip lasted, semi-curved. More
		flexible, for over-supinators.
	

Grid Control SL	M.C. $100. Firm durable midsole.

Grid Lite SD	Lightweight. 9.7oz. Slip lasted. $105/$74. Lycra upper for
		snug fit.  Good stability for a lightweight.

Azura ST	Lightweight 10.5oz. Slip, curved $85($49)

Azura STS	Lightweight 10.5oz. Slip, curved $85($64). Not for over-
		pronators.

Shadow 6000	Stability. 12.2oz. Slip, semicurved. $88($60)

Shadow 5000	Stability, slip, simicurved $80($60)

Bangor		Basic 11.2oz.  Combination, slightly curved. $60.
		Good value for entry level shoe.

Jazz 3000	Basic. $74($45) Top rated by consumer reports for what
		that's worth.  Soft cushioning.

Jazz 4000	Basic $75($55) Continuation of popular Jazz line. Ok for
		mild overpronators.

Procyon		Basic/Stability, 11.5oz. Slip, straight. $80. Ok for mild
		in the lightweight category.

International Control	Stability. 12.3oz. combination, slightly curved. $78.
		Similar to Jazz series but a little more stable.

U.L.T.F.	Racing flat. 7.5oz. Slip last, curved.($60)


ETONIC
------
StableAir Guard	M.C. 13.5oz. Combination, straight. $115. Heavy duty trainer
		for large runners.  Air unit in heel and forefoot in
		polyurethane (firm) midsole. Very stable and solid.
Street Fighter	Basic 11.5oz. Slip, semicurved. $65($66). Ok for mild pronators.
		Separate lasts for men's and women's models.
StableAir Lite	Lightweight, 9.8oz. slip, curved.
StableAir Base	Basic, 10.8oz. Combination, semicurved. $58($45). Air unit
		in heel only. EVA midsole. Soft cushioning.
StableAir Speed	Racing flat. 7.2oz. Slip, semicurved $60($50).
Stab.A. Pro II	M.C. 12.2oz. Slip, semicurved. $80($60) Another durable high
		mileage shoe for extreme overpronators.  Less stable than the
		Guard, but much less expensive, and more than an ounce lighter.

REEBOK
-----
Bolton	Basic, 10oz. combination, semicurved.  $65. Good buy for all but severe
	over-pronators and underpronators.  The equivalent of the Nike Pegasus
	in Rebok'z line.
Pump GraphLite	Stability, 10.5oz. combination, semicurved, $120.
	The pump helps some people with difficult fit problems.  Otherwise, it
	is a lot of money for a gimmick.  A fine shoe, but the Graphlite is the
	same shoe without the pump, and $30 cheaper.
GraphLite	Lightweight, 9.5oz. Combination, curved, $90.  Same as
	Pump GraphLite only without the pump, which makes it a much better
	buy.  Cut away midsole with graphite bridge.  Good trainer/racer.
Pyro	Basic/Stability, 10.4oz. Board lasted, semicurved.. $55.  Not for
	over-pronators. Great buy.
Aztrek	Stability. 10.8oz. slip lasted, semicurved, $70. Pretty light.
Ventilator Supreme	M.C. 11.8oz. Combination, straight, $90.  For heavy
		runners who need major motion control.  Not to be confused
		with the Ventilator which is a lightweight shoe.
Inferno	Lightweight, 8.9oz. slip, curved, $75.  Like most trainer/racers, not
	stable or durable enough for everyday, but a fine second shoe for high
	speed training and races.

NIKE
----
Air 180		Stability.
Air Max ST	M.C. 12.1oz. slip last, slightly curved. $115. 
Air Max		Stability, 11.4oz. slip last, semicurved, $110.  Well cushioned
		shoe for heavy runners and heel strikers.  Not for forefoot
		strikers or severe over-pronators.	
Pegasus		Basic 10.8oz. slip-last, curved $70.  Enduring favorite.  Good
		stability for all runners except sever over-pronators.
Icarus Extra	Basic 10.6oz. slip, slightly curved. $60.  Good value in entry
		level shoe.  More cushioning but less control than the Pegasus.
		If you over pronate, stay away.
Air Alpha	Lightweight, 9.2oz. slip, curved. $95($69).  Same last and
		midsole as Huarache, but with conventional upper.  Runs half
		size small. 

Verona (women's)	Stability, 9.1oz. slip last, slightly curved. $105.
		For mild over pronators.  Great daily trainer if you you don't
		need more control.  Same last as Athena, but firmer mid-sole.
Athena		Stability (women's version of Anodyne), 8.5oz. Slip, slightly
		curved. Blown rubber outsole is less durable than the carbon
		rubber in the Anodyne.
Huarache	Lightweight trainer, 9.5oz. slip last, curved $110($95).
		Radical looks. Unconventional lycra upper and plastic heel
		strap.  Very soft cushioning. Only for fast, efficient runners.
		Some will love its fit, others will hate it.  Runs a half to
		whole size small.
		fit, others will hate it.
Skylon II	Lightweight/stability, 10.4oz. Slip, curved.  Flexible shoe
		for fast runners/racers.  Not for heavy runners or severe
		over-pronators. 
Anodyne		Stability, 10.5oz. slip-last, slightly curved. $85.  Quite
		light for so stable a shoe.  The large external stability
		device bothers some people.
		

MIZUNO
------

Controller II	M.C. 11.1oz. Combination, semicurved $78.  For mild over-
		pronators who want a blend of control, stability, and
		cushioning.  Not for extreme overpronators.
HST-60		Lightweight 9.0oz. slip, curved. $60.  Perhaps the best buy
		in the lightweight category.
HST Stable	M.C./Lightweight, 10.0oz. slip last, semicurved, $95.  One
		of the best lightweights for people who need some motion
		control.

-- 
-----------------------------		-------------------------------
Thomas W. Page, Jr.			email:   page@ficus.cs.ucla.edu
3531 Boelter Hall			day:     310 206-8696
Department of Computer Science		evening: 310 398-1830
University of California
Los Angeles, 90024-1596
Newsgroups: rec.running