6 award winning shoes among 30 distinguished pairs featured in the March issue on newsstands Tuesday, February 3
NEW YORK - (January 26, 2009) - Runner's World magazine, the worldwide authority on running information, highlights and reviews 30 of the best new running shoes on the market in its annual Spring Shoe Guide special, on sale on Tuesday, February 3, 2009.
Six of the 30 shoes showcased - all of which were put through rigorous testing by Runner's World editors, 350 "wear-testers" and the one-of-a-kind Runner's World Shoe Lab - were cited as best in class in the following four categories: Editor's Choice, Best Update, Best Buy and Best Debut. Criteria guidelines for awards in each category and winners in those categories for 2009 Spring 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.
* ASICS Gel-Kayano 15: With its exceptional fit, superior impact protection, and more Gel than ever before, wear- testers were unanimous in their praise for this Editor's Choice winner. Its new off-center lacing pattern, which follows the actual topline of the foot for a naturally snug arch wrap had wear-testers raving. Recommended for runners with normal arches who need a stable, well-cushioned shoe.
BEST UPDATE: Recognizes a significant improvement made to an existing model.
* Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS: Its roomier toebox, above average flexibility and support post for maximum pronation control makes this update a "must-have" for big runners who need plenty of motion control. One wear-tester declared, "It was supportive and I didn't need a break-in period."
* New Balance 1063: This Best Update winner features less volume in the forefoot and is snug through the arch. With a new cushy sockliner, testers welcomed the added cushioning and loved how well the upper hugged their feet. Recommended for normal- to high-arched runners looking for a durable trainer.
BEST BUY: Acknowledges a shoe that offers the best fit and function for its price.
* Mizuno Wave Nexus 3: The Nexus features decent stability, a longer Wave plate and an impressive midsole foam to provide the foot with a fluid transition through toe-off. Recommended as a solid everyday trainer for runners who prefer lighter shoes at a budget-friendly price.
BEST DEBUT: Points to a new release that received high marks from the Runner's World Shoe Lab, from wear testers and from Runner's World editors.
* Karhu Strong Fulcrum Ride: The new Strong Ride fits true to size with its new roomier last that's wider in the forefront to accommodate more foot shapes. The carbon midfoot bridge helps smooth the transition from heel-strike to toe-off. Recommended for normal-arched runners looking for a stable trainer.
* Saucony Progrid Echelon: This Best Debut standout is built to cushion the heavy footfalls of larger runners, and RW Shoe Lab tests show that it does a bang-up job. Recommended for runners with high arches or those who wear orthotics and need a durable everyday trainer.
Every shoe reviewed by Runner's World is first bench-tested at the Runner's World Shoe Lab - an independent testing facility in Portland, Ore. 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.
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.RunningUSA.org.
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