Shoes to get runners on an even footing
Running is great for fitness -- and hard on legs. Injuries rise with mileage as the pounding accentuates a natural biomechanical inefficiency called pronation, a diagonal movement from outside-heel to inside-forefoot. The result: The rise of stability shoes, with centering devices that nudge feet into a straight-forward gait. They work for about 80% of runners. Severe over-pronators (about 10%) get stiff, near-orthopedic motion-control shoes, while those with a nicely centered foot roll use simpler “neutral” trainers. To determine which category you fall in, check the wear patterns on your soles. Here are some of the season’s best foot soldiers.
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Light-footed weekend warriors
Mizuno Wave Mustang: Well-cushioned “neutral” shoe for runners with perfect biomechanics.
Likes: Soft, plush shock absorption in heel from Mizuno’s “wave” technology, a rippled thermopolyurethane plate in the midsole that flattens on impact. Light (12 ounces). All-mesh upper keeps foot cool.
Dislikes: Heavier runners and those who run very long distances need more forefoot cushioning. (For that go to the Wave Creation, $120.)
Price: $80. (800) 966-1234;
www.mizunousa.com.
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Steady as you go for mild pronators
Asics Gel 1090: Cushioned stability trainer for mild pronators.
Likes: Very low price for a lightweight (12 ounces) shoe with effective front- and rear-foot cushioning technology (Asics’ “gel” silicon pads). Prevents mild pronation with a medial post (dense foam on the instep). (The 1090 succeeds the nearly identical 1080, which is still in some stores.)
Dislikes: Not stable enough for more severe pronators. Not cushioned enough for heavier runners (more than 170 pounds) and people who run more than 15 miles a week.
Price: $75. (800) 333-8404; asicstiger.com.
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More cushion, more correction
New Balance 991: Highly cushioned stability trainer for heavier and high-mileage runners with moderate to severe pronation.
Likes: Great shock absorption because of rubber “abzorb” pads under the heel and forefoot. A thick tongue helps cushion feet from shoelaces. Understated all-gray suede-and-mesh exterior is a handsome throwback to ‘80s running.
Dislikes: Heavy (14.3 ounces). Expensive, especially if you run through two or three pairs a year.
Price: $129. (800) 343-1395; newbalance.com.
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Hard-core support
Brooks Beast (Ariel for women): A motion-control shoe for heavier runners (more than 180 pounds) who have flat feet and extreme over-pronation.
Likes: Straight, wide, flat and boxy for orthopedic-like stiffness and stability. Good shock absorption: The sock liner has a built-in shock-dampening pad, similar to an aftermarket insole.
Dislikes: Heavy (15 ounces). Uncomfortable unless you have severe over-pronation.
Price: $110. (800) 2-BROOKS;
brooksrunning.com.
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-- Roy M. Wallack