Written by: T.J. Murphy
Posted: Sunday, 04 May 2008
Page 1 of 2
In the second half of
our Spring 2008 running shoe reviews, we look at a primo collection of trail
and road models produced by a mix of newcomers, classic running shoe companies,
and contributions from the knowledgeable world of hiking and mountaineering.
ON AND OFF ROAD
Mizuno Wave Inspire 4
$95
For runners who need
excellent cushioning with a moderate amount of stability, the Wave Inspire is
now in its fourth successful edition. A double fan wave flows throughout the
EVA midsole, supporting the shoe both with cushioning and anti-pronation
features. The result is a smooth ride with a nice bit of snap. A built-in
ventilation system helps to wick away heat, and Mizuno’s Dynamotion Fit
technology aims to decrease “distortion” in the collar and the heel for those
tired of shoes that slip. Mizunousa.com
Lowa Arete LO $90
Runners and triathletes
may know little about Lowa, a company with
German roots and widely known in mountain climbing circles for more than 80
years. Extending this know-how into the realm of running, the Arete LO has been
designed for trail and road, using a molded EVA midsole and integrated
supination/pronation support system. An especially cozy upper uses two layers
of foam. Lowaboots.com
Etonic Kendari SC
$110
The Kendari SC features
a two-density midsole bolstered by a medial stability post, producing a
balanced mix of cushioning and stabilizing properties. This makes the Kendari
SC a good choice for runners who need protection both from the pavement and
from mild overpronation troubles. Etonic uses its Resilient Cushion system both
under the forefoot and the heel, along with a stability plate to absorb and
disperse shock. Etonic.com
HIT THE TRAIL
The North Face Rucky Chucky $110
Named after the famous Rucky Chucky
river crossing at the Western States 100-mile trail run (the crossing that
confronts runners deep within their journey for a belt buckle, at the 78-mile
point), the Rucky Chucky is, indeed, a rugged, high-performance trail shoe for
the ambitious off-roader. At 14.5 ounces, this abrasion-resistant, nubuck-uppered
shoe is braced by TPU welding reinforcements to withstand both lateral and
medial forces. A midfoot shank and medially posted rearfoot help stabilize foot
motion, and a “Tenacious Grip” outsole digs in for traction. Thenorthface.com
Vasque Velocity VST $100
New this spring, Vasque introduces
the VST, a trail runner streamlined down from the original Velocity. VST stands
for Vasque Spine Technology, a heel-strike control system using a TPU top plate
and integrated gel to center and cushion landing. The last of the VST provides
support for high arches, and the Mako II outsole is designed to handle loose
rock and gravel. Vasque.com
Inov-8 Roclite 295 $95
Engineered to be breathable and
protective, the Inov-8 Roclite 295 blends nylon mesh and synthetic reinforcements
for trail running on hot days. And wet days: the upper is treated to be water
repellant. Arch support is provided by the Inov-8 Fascia-band, a technology
element also meant to enhance push-off and overall heel-to-toe efficiency.
Inov-8.com
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It's a really cool concept. We pick one day – Sunday, August 31 – and find out how many people around the world can lace up their running shoes and put in a whole bunch of miles. 
