Purchasing the right running shoes for you is extremely important for obtaining the best results. This was the first shoe to feature Nike’s new midsole technology, React foam. This Adidas-Boost-bothering foam features a synthetic rubber compound that’s created by Nike’s clever chemical engineers to be light, responsive, durable and cushioned. What this means in practice is 20 per cent more mileage (that’s 600 miles instead of 500 if you were wondering) before your shoes need replacing, 13 per cent more energy return than any other Nike shoe and a midsole foam that’s 30 per cent lighter than Boost foam.
The Kwicky’s weigh a mere nine ounces. For their size and amount of cushioning, this surprised me. The low overall weight is likely because of the foam sole and seamless upper. Both are great features of the shoe but provide the secondary benefit of reducing weight. The sole is a lightweight foam that is softer than other similar shoes like the ASICS Speedstar 6. Because of that, I’m more comfortable running prolonged workouts on the road in the Kwicky. In most cases, I prefer the combination of a firm shoe and dirt trails but the Kwicky’s give much needed cushioning on the roads.
Nike’s Pegasus line of shoes has long been a go-to option for runners seeking a versatile option for training and racing, and in 2018 the line saw the release of the best Pegasus yet: the Turbo. This shoe has a midsole made from a mix of two of Nike’s proprietary foams. One is the magically bouncy and lightweight ZoomX foam used in the world-record-setting Vaporfly 4% shoe, and the other is Nike’s durable React foam. The latter is pretty springy itself and ensures the Pegasus Turbo lasts a lot longer than the Vaporfly, a shoe best saved for races only (if you are lucky enough to have a pair). The result is a shoe that’s lightweight and fast enough to race in, but still comfortable and long-lasting so you can tackle all your training in it. Aside from the stripe down its middle, which is a bit much, the Zoom Pegasus Turbo is a nigh-on perfect all-rounder running shoe.
Brooks is known for its exceptionally comfortable running shoes, especially on the more stable end of the spectrum. The Glycerin 16s are a notable standout here, so we’d be remiss not to mention it, even though there’s no award, per se. Like the lighter PureFlow 7, it uses a good deal of padding in the collar, except there’s even more in this shoe. On top of that, it uses a thick, highly padded tongue to envelop the top of the foot in excellent cushioning too. The sock liner it uses is somehow even silkier and comfortable than its speedy cousin. For landing comfort, it’s one of the best scorers, using a thick slab of DNA Loft cushioning. It’s worth keeping in mind that these are heavier shoes meant to stabilize your gait, so they’re a bit more restrictive than other models. They’re also a bit clunky for that reason. Despite their mass, they tend to break down sooner than is ideal, but that can be expected from shoes with lots of stabilizing features and cushioning. Those who are looking for a protective shoe that will keep their gait straight and feet enveloped in pillowy goodness will get the most out of these running shoes.
The Gel-Kayano has been on runners’ feet for over 25 years, and it remains Asics’ top-selling shoe. It’s a great everyday trainer, especially if you’re an overpronator. The stretchy woven mesh upper provides a close fit, while a medial plate and sturdy heel counter keep you from rolling onto your inner foot as you run. It’s a hefty shoe packed with the company’s latest proprietary tech, including FlyteFoam Propel and FlyteFoam Lyte, as well as Gel cushioning in the forefoot and heel. Read extra details at https://info4runners.com/.
