Fall Shoe Guide 2008

New running shoes that have been tested and reviewed to help you find the perfect fit.

As oil prices hit record highs, you're paying more for gas, groceries—and even running shoes. Since they are made almost entirely of petroleum-based products and manufactured in China, the price of new shoes is inextricably tied to rising crude-oil-prices. Many shoe companies tell us to expect a $5 to $10 increase in 2009 on top of this year's price bumps. Since there's a good chance your next pair will cost more than $100, it's more important than ever to get the right shoes. That's why we go to such lengths to evaluate shoes. Not only do we test each one mechanically at the RW Shoe Lab, we also put hundreds of shoes on the feet of real runners across the country. The goal of all this testing is simple: to help you find the best shoe for you.

Asics Gel-Stratus 2.1
We Say: The only thing new in this minor update is the upper, where Asics removed many of the overlays and added a more breathable mesh. The intent was to save weight and improve airflow, but the 2.1 is slightly heavier then the 2. Many of our testers commented on how well the shoe kept their feet cool. What's consistent are the shoe's low-profile fast feel and very flexible RW Shoe Lab score. Recommended for biomechanically efficient runners with normal to high arches.

Wear-Testers Say:
"I enjoyed the lightweight feel and breathability of the shoe, but it felt a bit baggy." —Amie Marvin, 23, East Lansing

"I liked the snug heel and midfoot as well as the flexibility of the forefoot." —Brian Hendricks, 36, Allentown

Price: $80
Widths: Standard
Weight: 11.2 oz (M) 9.2 oz (W)
Contact: 800-678-9435; asicsamerica.com

Avia Avi-Lite Guide
We Say: While lightweight, this new shoe offers quite a bit of support. The arch area of the midsole is filled in, and the sole under the forefoot is wider than other Avia shoes. These features, combined with added arch overlays, work to guard against overpronation. Another nice feature, the two sets of eyelets, so you can better customize how the shoe is laced. Recommended as a trainer for lighter runners with low arches or as a racing shoe for those who train in motion-control shoes.

Wear-Testers Say:
"I liked the lightweight feel and stable base." —Tristan Dupuis, 46, East Lansing

"It had more support under the arch, which took some getting used to." —Keith Carnes, 50, East Lansing

Price: $110
Widths: Standard
Weight: 11.6 oz (M); 9.2 oz (W)
Contact: 800-848-8698; avia.com

Reebok Premier Smoothfit Cushion
We Say: This new shoe has an impressive fit and feel. It's built on a new last with a tighter midfoot wrap to better hold the foot in place. Also, all of the upper overlays are welded, making the Smoothfit supercomfortable and reducing the chance of blisters. The midsole and outsole are the same as that used on Reebok's Road Plus (March '08) but without the stability post and with an added wedge of more durable, high-rubber-content foam under the heel and forefoot. Recommended for blister-prone runners with high arches.

Wear-Testers Say:
"I liked the fit, and the welds used in place of the stitching held up well." —Michelle Hohauser, 33, San Diego

"A good shoe, the seamless upper fit my foot well." —Ted Towse, 36, East Lansing

Price: $95
Widths: Standard
Weight: 12.3 oz (M); 10.1 oz (W)
Contact: 800-843-4444; rbkrunning.com

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