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Before we look at these shoes however here are some pointers to help you choose the best shoe.

How to choose.

Tip 1. Before you get measured at the local store be sure to
warm up your feet because feet expand during exercise. Also
wear the same size and quality socks that you would normally
wear when your run.

Tip 2. Don’t just listen to what the sales assistant tells you, try
the shoe out. Wear it around the store and take your time. The
shoe needs to feel great. Be wary of size - we lined up 10
different models of the same size (10 ½ UK) to find that only
four fitted as we expected, even though many were the same
brand!

Tip 3. Have a look at the wear on your normal shoe to
determine how you run. You might be a heel striker or pronator
and not realise it.

Tip 4. If you wear orthotics take them with you. You may need
to opt for a wider than normal fit.

Tip 5. Try something new! One the New Balance shoes amazed
us (WR903EU). Bargain price, low heel and so light…we are
thrilled with this one!

Tip 6. Go to a specialists running store to get the right shoe. Try
to avoid the lure of the colourful shoe. Choose the one that feels
best and that adheres to any fitting criteria you might have.

Jargon Buster

(just so that you look like you know what your doing when you
go to the store)

Lasts.
There are three sorts of Lasts (the last is the solid form around
which the shoe is moulded which give the shoes its shape).
High arches need a curved last, a semi curved last is required
for ‘normal’ arches and a straight last is best for fallen arches. If
you have high arches you should look for a curved last and soft
cushioning.

Toe Box.
The front section of the shoe.- you should have around 12mm+
of clearance from your toe to the inside of the toe box.

Shoe Upper.
The synthetic material that forms the top half of the shoe. It’s
normally breathable and quick drying.

Heel counter.
The internal heel of the shoe dictates how far your foot will move
vertically when your heel contacts the ground. Normally made of
very firm material.

The sole.
There are three parts to the shoe generally speaking. The outer
sole makes contact with the ground. The midsole is next and
can be a range of materials like gels, air or pocketed padding.
The innersole is the thinner layer of cushioning on top that
should be designed to stop moisture entering the shoe.

The Brands

New Balance
This company sent three models for review. The WR903EU,
WR 858EU and the WR1223EU. Our attention was immediately
caught by the 903 model as it was so light, simple and cheap!

The 903 also had some funky laces called “Sure Lock” laces that
worked very well. They are like nodules all the way along the lace
and so they lock into place. Even if your shoe comes undone it
will not come lose! The others models tested are also excellent
shoes and gave fantastic cushioning making a 10KM run feel
very comfortable. We have given the WR903EU the “best on
test” award as it offered a combination of sensational value and
features to make it an amazing package.

Saucony a
Wow! These are lovely shoes, especially if you have an narrow foot.
Both the Hurricane and the Trigon 6 Guide hug your foot and offer
an incredibly cushioned ride. They seemed to have extra cushioning
under the front part of the foot which resulted in an extremely secure
feel even on rough ground. At $160 the Trigon 6 Guide is probably
the best buy on test. Brilliant impact resistance and the sample we
 were sent sported gold detailing which was hard to resist.
Well done, Saucony!

Brooks b
Both of the models Brooks sent are a good bet. They are perhaps
not as flashy as some of the others on test but that can
also be a good thing. They will suit a very wide range of running
styles and offer support, stability and cushioning. The Adrenalin
also offers various widths so if you use orthotics these area
great option. If you are a pronator be sure to check out the
Infinti – it’s a well featured shoe that is likely to suit you.

Mizuno c
We have not tested this great brand for years and were mostly
impressed by the Wave Creation 9! It has a radical heal that
you could store a protein bar in. It has the largest gap I have
ever seen, and would be an awful trap for a doggy dodo…
so watch where you step! This shoe started out stiff but after
a few runs it became a very comfortable runner with excellent
support. We looked back at the specs and can see they have
done a great job with this shoe. The WC9 was made to be in
motion and once on the run it did not weaken and get sloppy
but maintained its form with ease. A ripper shoe! I think some of
the ladies will love this one not only for its looks but its lightness
and stability. .

Teva d
Well I always think the Teva’s are ‘off-road’ shoes because
that’s where I, personally, have used them most. They insisted
on sending the X1 Racer over and I am glad they did. If you
run in the wet, go for this shoe. It’s built for it with a history in
off-road R&D. The X1 is a great all-round shoe built to last and
is light weigh to boot!

North Face e.
Why would they send this shoe for a fun run review? It’s a hardcore
outdoor shoe…isn’t it? Well, like the Teva, that’s what we
thought! But guess what? This shoe is so well featured it’s literally
a go anywhere, do anything beast! You can do a 24-hour
ultra-Marathon or a 10km fun run in this and…oh this is really
annoying! We thought we had this category all sorted out but
this sort of rocks the boat. If you like to run in the bush, in the
wet and do a few fun runs, this is the shoe for you…it’s worth
the $270

Reebok f
Having built a great reputation in the running shoe market all the
Reebok range offers the features you would expect from a top
class shoe. The premier Trinity is a great shoe, light weight and
has plenty of support. It also features lots of reflective detailing
making it a great choice for night running.

So What’s the Verdict?
It’s pretty hard to put a foot wrong with any of these shoes
(pardon the pun). The major manufacturers have listened to
the market and each produce excellent shoes with their own
features and look. Probably the most important decision is
where to go to get fitted for the best shoe. Even then, take your
time for your selection and when that is sorted out, sign up and
commit to a run! UFM



Article contributed by:
Ultra Fit magazine
www.ultrafit.com.au