3 Award Winning Shoes Featured in the September Issue on Newsstands Tuesday, August 3
Three of the 24 shoes showcased--all of which were put through rigorous testing by Runner's World editors, 350 real runners and the one-of-a-kind Runner's World Shoe Lab--were cited as best in class in the following three categories: Editor's Choice, Best Update, and Best Buy. Criteria guidelines for awards in each category and winners in those categories for 2010 Fall Shoe Guide are as follows:
EDITOR'S CHOICE: Represents an outstanding shoe that successfully combines the highest-quality design and technology. Our Editor's Choice Winner received the highest marks from the RW Shoe Lab, the wear-testers and the editors.
- WINNER; Brooks Ghost 3
- Although the original Ghost was a performance trainer, each update has moved the shoe more firmly into the neutral-cushioned category. The Brooks Ghost 3 is still light and zippy while being supportive enough to protect your legs on long runs. The heel is now segmented to isolate impact forces and ease the foot through toe-off. This update is built on the same last as the Adrenaline GTS, and testers enjoyed the snug fit through the heel and midfoot. Recommended it for runners with a relatively efficient stride looking for plenty of arch support. BrokksRunning.com.
BEST UPDATE: Recognizes a significant improvement made to an existing model.
WINNER; Mizuno WAVE Alchemy 10
With its soft, steady ride, the Alchemy is remarkably lightweight and flexible. Mizuno tricked out this update with a layer of foam cushioning about the plastic Wave plate in the midsole. The plate still does a first-rate job of guiding and supporting the foot, and the extra layer of foam keeps it from feeling too firm and rigid. Testers overwhelmingly liked the fit and feel, but a few noted problems securing the laces tightly. Recommended as a stable everyday trainer and long-run shoe. www.mizuno.com.
BEST BUY: Acknowledges a shoe that offers the best fit and function for its price.
- WINNER, Nike Air Pegasus+ 27
- The Pegasus delivers a terrific balance of value and comfort. Nike tinkered with the cushioning a bit with this update, but otherwise left it alone. The forefoot has been retrofitted with a springier foam compound, and the heel now features a Zoom Air cushioning unit. Both changes deliver a soft resilient ride, according to Shoe Lab tests. Testers loved the shoe's bounce, and several really liked how snugly the upper wrapped their arches and ankles. Recommended for normal- to high-arched runners as a marathon-training shoe. nikerunning.com.
Every shoe reviewed by Runner's World is first bench-tested at the Runner's World Shoe Lab---an independent testing facility in Portland, Oregon. All shoes are flexed, pounded and prodded to see how well they perform. Shoes are then matched to one of 350 "wear-testers" in one of our three wear-test centers across the country based on their individual biomechanical needs and the shoe's performance characteristics.
Testers, who must log a minimum of 25 miles per week, run in the shoes for about a month before submitting their evaluations, noting their total mileage run in each shoe and rating it for qualities including weight, traction, cushioning, support, lacing system and upper material comfort, among other categories.
Runner's World is the only magazine in the world to independently test running shoes in this way, in order to give its editors the most objective means necessary to determine which shoes are most deserving of award status. Because Runner's World only tests and reviews the best products available, shoes that have been tested may use the "Tested by the Runner's World Shoe Lab" label.
About Runner's World:
Recognized as the worldwide authority on running information, the mission of Rodale's Runner's World is to inform, advise, and motivate runners of all ages and abilities. Runner's World, published by Rodale, aims to help runners achieve their personal health, fitness, and performance goals, and to inspire them with vivid, memorable storytelling. Currently Runner's World publishes 14 international editions. Runner's World's award-winning companion Web site, RunnersWorld.com, is the largest running community on the Internet, featuring interactive, searchable, and targeted content for runners of all ages and abilities.
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