Shoe Review
The following information was provided by The Runners Web
By Bob Richards
Let the fall shoe-buying season begin.
Before you is The Running Network's Fall Shoe Review for 2000. This is your guide to what's new and what's been updated. Armed with this information, you'll be able to make an educated purchasing choice. With millions hitting the roads and trails daily, all with different wear patterns and foot compositions, one thing is certain: The engine driving the technology and design of running shoes never stops. We don't want you to, either. Use this guide to your advantage.
Cregg Weinmann, footwear and running product reviewer for The Running Network, has put together an impressive lineup of shoe reviews. The new models have been worked over and evaluated by wear testers and their feedback is noted. There are new materials and ideas worth checking out. Our evaluations seek to provide working insight for the runner on the run. Your specialty store can answer further questions.
Weinmann reviews shoes in the following categories: cushioned, cushioned renovations, lightweight, lightweight renovations, stability/motion control, stability/motion control renovations, trail and trail renovations.
No two runners are exactly the same. Finding the correct running shoe isn't always easy. To have optimum success, choose your footwear wisely. This guide and a good specialty store can make the process easier.
"First, we ask if they have any injuries, if they have any other problems," said Gwenn Woomer of Gazelle Sports in Grand Rapids, Mich. "We have them take their shoes off and we look to see what foot structure they have. We also have them bring in their old shoes to see if they are supinators or overpronators. What kind of arch they have is the biggest thing. Width plays a big role, too."
In a sampling of running stores across the country, we learned the trend is toward motion control.
"We"re selling more stability shoes with all the companies," said Mary Gleason, co-owner of Hoy's Sports in San Francisco. "I would say it's probably because a lot of people are doing marathons so a lot of people need support. A lot of body types are doing marathons, which is great. Back in the '70s and '80s, it was more the thinner runners."
"The main thing we've seen is that the majority of runners are needing a stability shoe, something with a medial support post," said Justin Burrow of Runsport in Houston. "Even if at one time you had high arches, chances are that after you've put in a lot of miles, the arch begins to break down and you need some stiffness in the shoe."
"We sell an awful lot of stability shoes," said Charley Rodgers at the Bill Rodgers Running Center in Boston. "Thats been our forte for years. We tend to err on the conservative side in the sale of shoes. Unless we get someone who is a real supinator, we tend to go with more stability."
Stability or cushioned, there's probably a pair of shoes for you in the Fall Review. Just make sure they fit properly. Information worth repeating comes from Chicago-area podiatrist Carle Rollins.
"I always tell my patients to buy their shoes at the end of the day, or after you work out, because your feet will swell by the end of the day and you want to buy when your feet are at their biggest size," Rollins said. "And you should always try on both shoes because each foot might be a different size."
Frankly, some of the new technology and materials are exciting. Our feet never have had it this good on and off the roads. The shoe companies have put in the research and development and have brought their finished products to the market. The testers have made their evaluations. With The Running Network's shoe reviews, advice from local specialty stores and medical professionals in the field, it's your move.
There's a lot to think about. Just put your feet first.
General Trends
The conservative approach from Spring 2000 is continuing into the fall and beyond. One area of development is more substantial, better-cushioned, and anti-bacterial sockliners. Also emerging is the concept of shorter development times, increased awareness of consumer feedback, and longer shelf life for existing products.
Cushioned Shoe Trends
No-frills cushioned models continue to lead the development process. New uses for proprietary cushioning systems allow improvements in the high end shoes.
Stability/Motion Control Shoe Trends
Performance of motion control and stability shoes has improved, causing fewer new models to be introduced. The established models continue to provide needed support and control, but have caused the categories to merge a little bit. Lightweight Shoe Trends Over the past several seasons, lightweight shoes have become lighter and increasingly performance-oriented. The common denominator is that there are more of them, and they are getting lighter.
Trail Shoe Trends
The serious contenders in this category, both running brands and outdoor brands, continue to show their willingness to support shoes for casual, moderate, and extreme trail running, offering more and more shoes for consumers to choose from. Technology is at an all-time high, and more waterproof offerings are available than ever before.
For any comments or questions regarding the 2000 Fall Shoe Review, email Cregg Weinmann at shuz2run@lightspeed.net
