Let’s break “barefoot” running down into its constituent parts. Is it a techology or a technique? Or both? Today, we’re looking at the question of shoe height.
by Dan Empfield, March 15, 2011
What constitutes good running form? Does good form lend itself to natural, or barefoot, or minimalist, running technology? What are the hallmarks of that technology?
Do you subscribe to the “natural” running philosophy, but need a bit more support? This shoe borrows from both the Kinvara and a regular training shoe. Saucony is about to score another hit in this architectural theme.
We’re talking running footwear against the backdrop of an article in today’s NYT that either misunderstands, or faithfully represents a misunderstanding, of how feet are best mated to running shoes.
Light and stable at a weight of 9.7 oz., the big feature is this shoe’s rubber Wave plate. This Mizuno is a lightweight trainer, good for neutral runners, maybe slight pronaters.
Is this still a shoe? Or is it a running sock with a midsole glued on it? Whatever it is, smart money says it’s fast. And fast it is, but it’s just there for the most efficient lightweight runners.
This Germany company is a behemoth, making shoes for athletes in sports many people have never heard of. They were on the right track with their ’09 running collection, and their ’10 Spring line is even more promising.
The Ace, at 7.3oz in a size-9 men’s, is a very lightweight trainer that gives a reasonable amount of cushioning and stability in a neutral shoe. Keep in mind, it’s a neutral shoe.
This more “substantial” cousin to the Adios differs from the Adios in the thickness of the midsole. It’s the thickest among the lightweight trainers from Adidas. Its weight is 9.7 oz.
The new 2010 Nike LunarElite is one of the best updates I’ve seen this season, and it may be a favorite for all but the heavy runners who can run with success in a neutral shoe.
We write about running footwear here a lot. It seemed appropriate to tell you how to read and interpret these articles. What is a “pronator?” What is a “last?” What is an “outsole,” and a “medial post?”
The Kinvara, available soon, is the latest lightweight trainer in the Saucony line. Already seen on Lindsey Corbin’s feet during Kona ’09, this is a great shoe for neutral runners.
Brooks is not known for shoes that shout at you, but, the Green Silence is a bold and garish racing flat from an otherwise conservative – even classic – shoe company.
