Best Neutral/Cushioned Running Shoes
1. Asics Gel Nimbus 12
The Asics Gel Nimbus 12 is the top of the line and best selling neutral/cushioned running shoe that Asics offers. Not only is it one of the most popular shoes that Asics offers, it was also awarded the Best Update from Runners World in the Summer 2010 Shoe Guide.
The Nimbus 12 includes offset lacing and a weight reduction from last year's shoe. I would recommended the Asics Gel Nimbus 12 for runners with normal to high arches looking for a neutral/cushioned shoe with a bit of added stability.
2. Brooks Glycerin 8
The Brooks Glycerin 8 is a Neutral shoe that has been awarded Runners World Editors Choice for Spring 2010.
The Brooks Glycerin 8 is the first shoe from Brooks to contain their new technology called Brooks DNA. This fancy sounding technology basically means that the cushioning adapts to the unique needs of each runner. If you are heavier, it supports more, if you are lighter, it supports less because it doesn't need to. The Glycerin has always been known as a good supportive shoe able to handle the foot strike of bigger runners.
Lowest Mens Shoe Price
Road Runner Sports - $129.99
Lowest Womens Shoe Price
Road Runner Sports - $129.99
3. Nike Zoom Vomero+ 5
For the most cushioned Nike shoe out there, go no further than the Nike Zoom Vomero+ 5. The Nike Zoom Vomero+ 5 could be a great match for you if you have a Neutral to Underpronator running style with normal to high arches.
Improvements from last year include using a no-sew technique on the upper to reduce irritation, and reduced weight from last years model. Consider trying the Nike Zoom Vomero+ 5 if you are looking for a lightweight, responsive performance cushioning shoe to match your Neutral high/normal arch running style.
Best Stability Running Shoes
1. Asics Gel Kayano 16
The Asics Gel Kayano 16 is in the Stability category of running shoes, and comes with a good history of well designed shoes, as the Asics Gel Kayano 15 won the Editors Choice in the Spring 2009 Runners World shoe guide. The Asics Gel Kayano 16 is known for being well cushioned that includes a ton of Gel, and its very supportive landing pad for the foot.
Some features are an offset lacing system and a Guidance Line groove in the sole to help encourage an efficient stride. I would recommend the shoe if you are looking for a stable, well-cushioned everyday running shoe.
2. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10
Winner of the Runners World Best Update for Winter 2009, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10 is a Stability shoe designed for light to average weight, normal-arched runners looking for a stable trainer. The shoe does have a lot of support for a Stability shoe, so if you are thinking a Motion Control shoe may be too much for you, but you want to maintain a good amount of stability, the Adrenaline may be a good shoe to try out.
With the Adrenaline GTS 9's success, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10 has a lot to live up to, but from hearing from other runners who have made the step up to the 10's, almost all have been pleased with the familiar feel of the 10's.
3. Nike Zoom Structure Triax+ 13
The Nike Zoom Structure Triax+ 13 Running Shoe falls into the Stability category of shoes, which means it provides the support and stability slight overpronators need, but without sacrificing cushioning or a smooth ride.
The Nike Zoom Structure Triax+ 13 was given the Best Update award by Runners World in their Spring 2010 Running Shoe guide. The features that were updated to earn this award are an improved crash pad to better absorb shock and moderate pronation, as well as an upper with minimal material which shaves some weight. The medial post was also updated to be more substantial to be more supportive. The addition of a heel-strap overlay attached to the laces for great heel locking and a secure fit in the women's model is another great update.
Best Motion Control Running Shoes
Lowest Mens Shoe Price
Road Runner Sports - $98.95
Lowest Womens Shoe Price
Road Runner Sports - $98.95
1. Asics Gel Evolution 5
The Asics Gel Evolution 5 are the most supportive shoes in the Asics lineup of running shoes and fall into the Motion Control category. This shoe is for runners who excessively overpronate, have low arches, and is also designed to support bigger runners who overpronate and need more support than a regular Stability shoe.
Have heard quite a few positive results from bigger runners about how the Evolution 5's were able to help control overpronation for them, when other shoes couldn't. Also, quite a few runners have reported that insoles and orthotics are able to fit in with no problem, which can be challenging with some running shoes.
2. Brooks Addiction 8
Brooks Addiction 8 running shoes belong to Brooks motion control running shoes line. In the motion control category, the Addiction is consistently one of the top selling motion control shoes in the $90 level.
The Brooks Addiction provides good cushion. If you compare the Brooks Addiction with the Brooks Adrenaline, the Addiction is more cushioned and is much more stable. The Addiction is heavier than the Adrenaline but more stable.
3. Brooks Beast
The Brooks Beast is the typical shoe for heavier runners who overpronate severely. Even if an overpronator, that may not be the right shoe. The Brooks Beast is a big motion control shoe, not really for slight overpronators. Standard/premium stability shoes can work just fine in many cases.
The Brooks Beast shoe has more of the high-end stuff than the Brooks Addiction. For the money, the Addiction is a good shoe, but it doesn't stack up to the Brooks Beast for heavy severe overpronators.
