Product: New Balance MR790
Price: $80.00
Shoe Type: Lightweight Trail / Racing
Fit: Half a size small
Weight: 7.9 oz
Pronation Factor: Neutral
Best for: Lighter runners with access to softer surfaces
Many trails near my home in northern Utah are steep, rocky, and foreboding, requiring heavy tank-like trail running shoes that can withstand the punishment of the terrain — and protect my feet as well. Many of these dedicated trail running shoes weigh up to a pound apiece in order to offer high levels of support and protection.
However, there are times in my trail running when I don’t quite need that level of stability and “armor”, but rather, I want speed and agility. In other words, I want a lightweight trail shoe, the trail equivalent to a road racing flat.
Fortunately, New Balance has come through with this wish, with their MR790 model trail shoe. At a feather-light 7.9 ounces, this trail shoe is lighter than my road-racing flats! But how will they perform on a trail?
Product: New Balance 755
Price: $85.00
Shoe Type: Neutral / Neutral Cushioning
Fit: True to size
Weight: 11.1 oz (Men), 9.0 oz (Women)
Pronation Factor: Neutral to Slight Over-Pronation
Best for: Runners with a medium to large build and medium to high arches
As the newest update to New Balance’s 750 series, the 755 remains committed to delivering lightweight cushioning for neutral runners. Our reviewers logged serious mileage with this model and reported positive results throughout nearly every stage of the evaluating process.
Almost an ounce lighter than its predecessor, the 755 boasts a significant weight reduction without sacrificing support or cushioning. Ample and evenly distributed shock absorption made these shoes an instant hit with wear-testers who noted a flexible and smooth overall ride.
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Traditional shoe technology focuses on the heel; a concept that has been widely accepted by manufacturers and athletes for more than 50 years. However, architect Daniel Talbott and his team at Oregon-based Velocy have decided to challenge this conventional wisdom with their innovative new line of running shoes.
After spending ten years researching human performance and identifying the factors that help propel the animal kingdoms fastest species, such as the cheetah and ostrich, Talbot invented Velocy’s patent pending “Forward Gravity” shoe technology. Velocy explains:
“Forward Gravity technology is engineered to place emphasis on the forefoot and in doing this, all weight is shifted forward and supported by your leg’s muscular ability during knee flexion. This is the human body’s natural way of absorbing shock.”
Velocy asserts that Forward Gravity will enable runners to run more efficiently and effectively. They also believe that Velocy shoes are capable of helping elite runners run times that are substantially faster than many, current world records.
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Product: Reebok Pump Paris Trainers
Price: $100.00
Type: Stability Cushioning
Fit: Go up 1/2 a size
Pronation factor: Moderate Over-Pronation
Best for: Runners with flat to medium arches and small to medium frames.
Reebok made a big splash last November at the ING New York City Marathon when they unveiled their new newest running shoe, the Pump Paris Trainers. These stability and cushioning shoes, set for a February 2007 release, were designed by NASA and MIT-trained engineers. The Final Sprint had the opportunity to preview and test these stability and cushioning trainers. They feature an adjustable air bladder and chamber that Reebok claims will automatically adjust to a runner’s foot and allow for a custom fit. There is also an easy-to-use pump and release for manual control of the air bladder.
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Through an upgrade of the Adrenaline GTS 5’s, Brooks was actually able to successfully improve upon what was arguably the best stability shoe on the market.
Product: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 6
Price: $90.00
Type: Stability
Fit: True to size and width
Weight: 11.8 oz (Men); 9.75 oz (Women)
Pronation factor: Moderate Over-Pronation
Best for: Runners with a medium build and low to medium arches
This is one of, if not the, best choice for moderate over-pronators who want an amalgamation of stability and cushioning. Although we had some quams regarding breathability, the Adrenalines received exceptional reviews from our wear-testers; all of whom were very impressed.
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This is the first of many shoe reviews that TFS will be publishing in the coming weeks. Check back often and feel free to send an email to thefinalsrpint@gmail.com with your feedback. Happy Holidays!
Product: Brooks Radius 6
Price: $85.00
Type: Neutral - Neutral Cushioned
Fit: True to size
Weight: 11.85 oz.
Pronation factor: Neutral to Slight Over-Pronation
Best for: Runners with medium to high arches and medium to large frames.
A solid choice for neutral pronators who like extra cushioning and some medial arch support. They will also appeal to slight over-pronators who enjoy a bit of additional support.
During our initial trials they seemed a bit too stiff, likely the result of the more supportive mesh upper, but don’t be scared away. After a few runs the majority of us began to really enjoy these puppies and found them to do very good job absorbing shock; making them an above average choice for those battling plantar fasciitis and/or minor joint pains.
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