All of our new shoes as of December are just updates of our best shoes from 2010. The two best sellers are the Asics 2000 series and the Brooks Adrenaline. Both arrived November 1st and we have just about sold out of our first shipment. That’s a good sign.
The new Asics 2160 continues to build on its great reputation as both stable and well cushioned. We sometimes felt that last years’ 2150 was too corrective for a light stability shoe. The 2160 however strikes a better balance between helping the over-pronator from breaking down their shoes to the inside, while also helping the more neutral runner who likes the 2160 fit and appreciates having some extra support for the end of their long runs when their arches get tired and their ankles roll in.
We really like the feedback we have been getting with the Brooks Adrenaline 11. By replacing the Hydroflow cushion pack in the heel with a new-fangled “DNA” gel material, the Adrenaline now has a much more smooth heel/toe transition. It used to feel stable but “flat”. Now it is stable and soft and smooth. Very nice.
Other new shoes include the Brooks Defyance 4. It is a little lighter and softer but still has a snug heel and roomy toe-box. I think the Defyance will remain our main “orthotic shoe”. It has such a nice wide platform and stable base, but does not have the duel density midsole that can often throw off the correction built into your orthotic.
The new Nike Structure Triax is still a steady performer. Believe it or not it is one of the widest shoes we carry.
Forget your old experiences with Nike shoes scrunching your little toe; the Triax is wide, soft, stable and cushioned. Definitely worth a try.
I can’t forget the new Asics Kayano 17. Perhaps the shoe with the most dedicated following among runners. Every year they shave off a little weight and this year is no exception. The funky off-centered lacing from a couple years ago is fudging back to the center of the upper. Really though, the eccentric lacing system never made much a difference in this shoe. The Kayano is and will always be about fit. After years of honing the dimensions, and spec’ing the shoe with the best materials available, the designers of the Kayano have made the closest thing we’ll see to a “does everything” shoe. It is uncompromisingly stable, soft, and with an incredible fit. Of course no shoe is good for everyone but the Kayano comes pretty close.
0 comments:
Post a Comment