2009 IMPACT Running Shoe Review

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IMPACT Magazine > Running > News and Articles > 2009 IMPACT Running Shoe Review

2009 IMPACT Running Shoe Review

Seven reviewers of widely varying ages and experience gave this season’s running shoes a whirl.

Brooks Ghost (CN$140) and New Balance 1063 (CN$170)

I had the pleasure of trying two excellent shoes, the Brooks Ghost and the New Balance 1063. Both pairs were immediately subjected to a one-hour-plus run without any modifications. Like a young child, I wasted no time after receiving the shoes and taking them for a spin. (Fortunately, perhaps, they arrived about ten days apart). I normally use custom inserts by Vasyli but decided to test the shoes as delivered.

Comfort 8.4, Support 8.1, Cushioning 8.7, Performance 8.9, Lacing system 8.0
TOTAL: 8.42

The Ghost offered a slightly more natural feel, but the 1063 appeared to offer a tad more support for those needing it. However, after eight to nine runs in both pairs, I give a gentle nudge of favouritism for comfort to the Ghosts. And if you can classify the lacing system as a comfort item, then the 1063 wins hands down. I love the Sure Lace system; however, for racing I use the zip lock system used by virtually every triathlete.

Although I don’t feel I need the extra support, the dynamic nature of the fit and support of the 1063 were marginally more noticeable than the Ghosts. While I would give the 1063 a marginally higher score than the Ghosts, for the type of runner I am, comfort overrules the decision at this point.

I have very mixed feeling about cushioning. Admittedly there has been a considerable body of literature written on the subject and a wide range of opinion found in the literature. Therefore, my comments might only serve to muddy the waters. I am not a big fan of cushioning, especially when it comes at the expense of road ‘feel.’ With this in mind, the 1063 offer a unique sense of cushioning as it runs the entire length of the shoe, but the Ghost, feeling slightly lighter, offers a sense of cushioning that, for a runner like me who wants to feel connected to the road, is more welcome.

Ah, performance. If you are anything like me, at the end of the day, speed (no matter how slow the slow run is suppose to be), durability, and appeal can be rolled up into one. Both shoes are attractive and not overstated in their presentation. They both have the necessary reflective tape, similar meshing, etc. However, accumulating over sixty kilometres each in both shoes, my nod goes to the Brooks. For my longer runs, I find myself looking to the Ghosts to join me on my journey. End result: 8.9 for the Brooks and 8.4 for the New Balance.

Comfort 8.1, Support 8.6, Cushioning 8.7, Performance 8.4, Lacing system 9.0
TOTAL: 8.56

As for lacing, the New Balance Sure Lace system wins hands down. I have had numerous pairs of NB over the years, and while the differences between shoes with similar attributes and pricing are often subtle and buying might boil down to availability, colour, or simply habit, I am a big fan of the NB lacing system, as I have never had my lacing come undone, whereas I cannot say the same for the more traditional types of laces as found on the Brooks.

Overall, both shoes were excellent, but for this review the Brooks Ghosts take the top podium stop while the New Balance 1063 is a strong rival.

A final note for those who might be more ‘scientifically’ inclined. Shortly after receiving the shoes I met up with Rob Sunderland, an orthotics and gait analysis practitioner. I asked if he would mind testing me with the different shoes to see if what I subjectively felt might bear out in ‘the evidence.’ What might not come as a surprise is that the Brooks Ghosts biomechanically performed better while running on the treadmill than did the 1063 New Balance—less pronation, better foot strike, etc. What I was not prepared for was how a current (what I considered to be a minor pain in my hamstring) injury dramatically impacted my gait! Both shoes provided good control, but it was clearly evident that I required attention to the minor pain. It also reinforced my hunch that like a good bike fit, before investing in a pair of shoes, if possible consider having your gait analyzed as we all tend to have our own unique running style and therefore not just any shoes will fit the bill.
- John Winterdyk

Asics Gel-Nimbus 10 (CN$190)

Comfort 9, Support 9, Cushioning 9, Performance 8, Lacing system 8
TOTAL: 8.6

Full disclosure: Asics has been my shoe of choice for both training and racing. I was initially concerned with the extra support and weight of this shoe compared to the other Asics shoe models; however, I found that the slight heel elevation and midsole support was refreshing and seemed to help with my lingering calf strain and plantar fascia awareness, especially during the uphill sections of my long run. I also found that my high arches enjoyed the support and non-slippage of this shoe.

This shoe would be perfect for runners doing long runs that are a higher percentage of their total weekly volume (ideal one-third of weekly mileage) due to the extra support for insurance purposes.
- Aaron Case

Merrell C2 Converge (CN$140)

Comfort 6, Support 9, Cushioning 6, Performance 7, Lacing system 7
TOTAL: 7.0

Initially the stiffness of the sole of the shoe was uncomfortable for my bony feet. My high arches translate to fewer and smaller contact points between my foot and the shoe. Therefore, I prefer more flexibility and softer cushioning under the ball of my foot.

Early in my run, this shoe felt more like I was trying to run in very well-built and durable walking shoe. However, into the run, the aching in my feet subsided and I started to appreciate the stiffness of the shoe. The shoe felt great once I got into a groove toward the end of my run as I started to ‘break in’ the shoe. The straight roads allowed for a smooth ride.

This shoe seemed slightly unresponsive to corners or adjustments at a higher speed because I struggled slightly to get back into a rhythmic cadence after deviation.
The advantage to wearing this shoe is that it should last for many miles due to its durable design. I would also recommend this shoe for someone with a flatter or more padded foot for the majority of their easy runs.
- Aaron Case

Zoot Ultra Race 2.0 (CN$170)

Comfort 10, Support 7.5, Cushioning 8, Performance 9, Lacing system 10
TOTAL: 8.9

The Zoot Ultra race shoes were a huge surprise to the triathlon and running markets upon their release last year. Zoot did a good job at providing a lightweight shoe for competition or speed training. I had the opportunity to try the original prototypes of the Ultra Race a year and a half ago and was excited to see a triathlon company making a triathlon-specific shoe. A few months later it was a surprise to see how many pairs showed up on the start line of local road races.

I'll be honest: I wasn't completely sold on the shoes last year. I recognized its merit and excellent features, but never considered racing a high-paced ITU race in this shoe.

This year, however, Zoot blew me away with the new Ultra Race 2.0. It may be one of the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. In a track workout, I was impressed at the cushioning and stability on the steep curve of the track. I wanted to see how the new design handled a high tempo workout down along the Bow River pathways. Again I was surprised that the new upper shoe was warm—even at minus-five-degrees Celsius—impressive for a race-day shoe. It was quick and agile and proved its race-day worth. Stability was excellent considering the Elastic lace system. The shoe also boasts a nifty water drainage system, an improved seamless interior (for sockless wear), and pull tabs to get the shoe on quickly.

I have rethought the way I feel about Zoot shoes and am giving the Ultra race one of my highest ever rankings. Consider this shoe for your next triathlon (sprint, Ironman, or Xterra) or road race.
- Jordan Bryden

Mizuno Wave Rider 12 (CN$150)

Comfort 10, Support 9, Cushioning 8, Performance 8, Lacing System 9
TOTAL: 8.8

The Wave Rider 12 is a great update from last year, giving the feel of instant comfort with the new ortholite sock liner. The gender engineering helps smooth the roll-through on foot strike, softening initial impact. For those looking for a narrower fit, the Rider has a firm but forgiving cushioning system with good forefoot flexibility. A bit firmer in the heel than I'd prefer, but the lightweight feel of the shoe makes up for it.
- Shawna Gallant

Puma Complete Calibus (CN$132)

Comfort 8, Support 8, Cushioning 9, Performance 9, Lacing system 9
TOTAL: 8.6

This shoe fit me like a glove throughout the entire shoe. It has one of the snuggest lacing systems I have ever used, and the entire shoe seemed to hug every part of my foot. The shoe was so snug that during my first run I developed small blisters on the edges of my toes. However, after my second run in these shoes, I realized that the initial tiny blisters were well worth it due to the amazing responsiveness of the shoe. It seemed as though I would just think about changing direction and the shoe would lead the way. I also found the quick adaptability to different surfaces great for keeping my cadence (stride rate) consistent and high.

Initially I suffered some separation anxiety from the feel of the road beneath me due to the soft ride, but happily adjusted to running in them on the concrete as well as some harder trail surfaces. Towards the end of my first run, my legs still felt fairly fresh despite two hours of “rookie” x-country skiing earlier in the day. I really appreciated the neutrality of this shoe and would consider this shoe for the full marathon in my quest to run under 2:40.

I would suggest this shoe if you are a neutral runner with very little pronation looking for a responsive and nimble shoe.
- Aaron Case

Saucony Triumph 6 (CN$160)

Comfort 10, Support 9, Cushioning 10, Performance 9, Lacing System 9
TOTAL: 9.4

The Triumph 6 has a much smoother fit than its previous model, giving a high level of initial comfort with a breathable upper and an attractive sleek design. The shoe is built with a roomy toe box for those with wider feet or long-distance runners looking for extra space for their swollen toes. The sole is flexible through foot strike, giving a smooth, highly cushioned ride for those looking for a pillowy soft feel.
- Shawna Gallant

Nike Zoom Vomero 3 (CN$170)

Comfort 8, Support 8, Cushioning 9, Performance 7, Lacing system 8
TOTAL: 8.0

In my thirteen years of running and triathlon, I’ve owned, or at least tried, nearly every running shoe brand. Like everyone else, I have my favourites but never hesitate to switch if I find a new or updated shoe model that suits me better. My encounters with Nike running shoes unfortunately weren’t always happy, which is more a reflection of my personal preferences and needs than of their quality. The Nike Zoom Vomero 3’s overall fit was comfortable immediately. This shoe offers plenty of cushioning and still feels low to the ground. The tongue is soft and iattached much higher along the laces than in most other running shoes. The outsoles provide great traction on the road. The heel cup and mid-foot are comfortable. While looks shouldn’t be the most important consideration in choosing a running shoe, the Zoom Vomero 3 certainly delivers. This model is Nike+ enabled for instant workout feedback when used with a Nike+ SportBand or iPod® nano and Nike+ iPod Sport Kit. I recommend anyone looking for a neutral cushioned shoe to give this one a try. For me, the heel cup isn’t as high as I’d like it to be and the shoe feels too flat on the ground. But the fact that it doesn’t suit my running style doesn’t mean it couldn’t suit yours.
- Margreet Dietz

Etonic Praya NC (CN$149)

Comfort 9, Support 9, Cushioning 8, Performance 8, Lacing System 10
TOTAL: 8.8

The name Etonic brings me back to my beginnings, when I started seriously training in the eighties. Etonic was one of the few shoe brands that designed proper motion-control shoes for an emerging market of runners. The Praya NC is their neutral cushioned trainer, and I liked this shoe immediately. The iridescent purple stripes were about the flashiest thing about this otherwise no-nonsense running shoe that doesn’t try to pretend to be anything other than what it is: a comfortable and sleek cushioned shoe for the neutral runner looking for something to wear for all those runs in the week. From a thirty-minute easy run to forty-five recovery minutes to ninety-minute base runs, this shoe would be the trusty friend at the front door. The cushioning doesn’t feel overdone, though it might be too firm for some runners used to cushiony trainers. But I liked the response to the ground, and the shoe moves well through the mid-foot to provide a natural stride. The upper materials are both comfortable and ventilated and Etonic has gone with the bubble laces that seem to work so well. I really like the toe box on this shoe. It has a slightly squared but tapered toe box that felt fitted but not confined. I suspect this shoe is durable over time with its Everdure heel plugs and e-Bound midsole compounds. Like a true friend, I think it would stand the test of time.
- Lucy Smith

Pearl Izumi Women’s Streak (CN$160)

Comfort 7, Support 6, Cushioning 7, Performance 6, Lacing System 6
TOTAL: 6.4

I pulled this shoe out of the box, and right away my eight-year-old daughter wanted a pair of her own. The colour scheme is apparently super cool! It is a sleek shoe to look at: it has the minimal profile to the midsole you would expect in a lightweight training and racing shoe, and the upper is covered in a seamless looking mesh, except for a nifty and smart little toe cap that would keep your toe from wearing through the shoe too quickly. Forefoot ‘Flex Grooves’ in the outsole make it quite flexible in the front, which is something fast runners need in order to feel efficient, so I was quite excited to run some fast kilometres in this shoe. The shoe is comfortable and light; it feels like a slipper but also has good toe box space, which can help reduce the chance of pace-killing blisters in the marathon. I wasn’t entirely happy with the lacing system, though. When pulled tight the laces felt too close together across my instep, and the laces slipped around a little as I tried to get a good fit. The lovely fast feel of the flexible and responsive midsole was compromised by the feeling that my foot wasn’t held snugly enough in the actual shoe. While the shoe did feel really flexible at speed, and it had the right amount of cushioning, this extra room up top was distracting and not optimal for me in a racing shoe.
-Lucy Smith

ECCO BIOM B in YAK leather upper style (CN$240)

Comfort 8, Support 8, Cushioning 6, Performance 6, Lacing System 9
TOTAL: 7.4

This unique shoe design is definitely geared for the advanced runner, and it comes with a training schedule to allow for proper adaptation to this “free” style of shoe. I would not recommend this shoe to a beginner runner, as they could be at higher risk for injury. The shoe fits narrow and hugs the foot well, so there isn't any excess movement during training. The extremely flexible yet firm sole becomes hard and stiff in cool or cold weather with absolutely no traction on snow or ice. This is a great shoe to help athletes focus on technique or speed work done indoors, but not ideal for long runs.
- Suzanna Lemay

adidas Supernova Glide (CN$130)

Comfort 10, Support 9, Cushioning 10, Performance 9, Lacing system 9
TOTAL: 9.4

As a fan of adidas running shoes in general, and the Supernova Cushion and Response Cushion in particular, I had high expectations for the Supernova Glide. And it didn’t disappoint. This update to the Supernova Cushion 7, which won the Runners’ World award for Best Update and the Running Network award for Best Shoe in the Neutral Category in Spring 2008, is superior in every way. They were comfortable as soon as I put them on. I did an entire week of training in this shoe, including my 2:40 long run, without any problems. The increased forefront cushioning hasn’t hurt its responsiveness. The Glide’s toe box is far superior to that of the Cushion 7, with an excellent fit around my relatively wide feet compared with the wrinkling of the toe box upper in my Cushion 7. The fit and soft material of the heel cup is close to perfect. The upper mesh is less open than in the Cushion 7, which feels more robust without sacrificing breathability. Adidas says the Supernova Glide incorporates gender-specific features for the men’s and women’s models, adjusted for differences in foot shape, body weight, flexibility in ligaments and tendons, pronation, and touch-down behaviour. I’ll definitely use these shoes in my next half-marathon and marathon. For a ten-kilometre race, I may opt for a shoe with a little less forefront cushioning; then again, I may not, as I truly love this shoe.
- Margreet Dietz

Reviewers

Reviewer Jordan Bryden is a twenty-two-year-old elite triathlete living in Calgary. He competes in ITU and Xterra on an international and as a competitive swimmer and runner on the national level. Bryden runs track and road races for the Calgary Spartans Track Club.

In 2005, Bryden won the Junior National Triathlon Championships, the Xterra Junior World Championships, and placed well within the top twenty at the ITU World Championships. Last year he took the bronze at the U-23 Pan-American Championships and won the Canadian U-23 National Championship. He brought home the bronze from the Elite Triathlon Championships and competed at two world championships in 2008.

Reviewer Dr. Aaron Case is a running- and sport-focused chiropractor in Kitsilano, Vancouver. As a low-mileage (forty to fifty miles per week) 2:45 marathoner, his goal is to optimize every mile that he runs towards performance and reduced injury.

Reviewer Margreet Dietz started running at the age of twenty-six after moving from her native The Netherlands to Belgium. While becoming a runner wasn’t her intention, she soon realized that life simply felt better during or after a run.

Dietz increased her endurance from a five-minute jog in 1996 to completing the twenty kilometres of Brussels in 1997. It took 2:00:18, good for 12,484th place.

After moving to Canada, she finished her first marathon in 1999 in 4:18:36, other running races including an off-road marathon in Death Valley, USA, and two triathlons before moving again. She completed her second certified marathon in her new hometown, Sydney, Australia, in 2001 in 4:46:35. By then she trained with a coach for the first time, though focused on triathlon. Her triathlon finishes included two Ironman competitions before she ran her third marathon in 2003 in 3:24:53.

After numerous triathlons including three more Ironman competitions, she has focused on running since 2005 and is coached by Pat Carroll, an Australian former top distance runner. Now a Canadian resident again, she ran her ninth marathon in Victoria in 2008 in a PB of 3:07:10.

Dietz is a professional writer and a regular contributor to endurance sports magazines.

Reviewer Shawna Gallant competed in cross-country in junior high and college, then several five and ten-kilometre races both competitively and recreationally. She has run two marathons and several half-marathons, most recently Seattle in November 2008. Shawna has also competed in sprint and Olympic distance triathlons for several years, placing second in her age group in the 2008 Alberta Challenge Olympic Distance Triathlon. A lightweight runner and a manager at the Tech Shop, Shawna enjoys testing new shoes for races of varying distance.

Reviewer Suzanna Lemay started in cross-country, and moved to track and field in high school, specializing in 100-metre, 200-metre, relay, and long jump. Lemay has used running as a means to train for competitive soccer, which she played for eight years, and currently enjoys running for general fitness. Having worked in the shoe industry for seven years, Lemay favours neutral lightweight trainers to run for her own health and well-being.

Reviewer Lucy Smith is a nineteen-time Canadian champion in cross-country, ten-kilometre road running, half-marathon, duathlon, and half-Ironman. She has been involved in running since she was eleven years old and along the way has tried every distance from the 800-metre to the marathon. Over the course of thirty years, she developed her love for competition into a passionate full-time career and lifelong pursuit of excellence and has been rewarded with countless podium finishes at international triathlon, duathlon, and running competitions.

In 2007, Smith turned forty and began a master’s racing career in addition to pursuing her other sport passions. Smith is a certified run and triathlon coach and works as a personal coach to athletes who desire to achieve greater satisfaction and results from sport. Smith is also a writer and mother to two small children: she keeps a blog of the running life called Run For Joy (lucysmith.ca/runforjoy).

A lightweight (five-foot, four-inch and 115-pound) and efficient runner with a 10, 000-metre PR of 32:40 and a 2:48 marathon at forty, Smith opts for a minimal shoe that provides a responsive and dynamic fit and feel. Forefoot flexibility and neutral shoes are high on her list of preferences for training and racing.

Reviewer John Winterdyk is a senior masters triathlete who has been involved in sport since 1983. He was the first Canadian to break the ten-hour and then the nine-hour barrier in an Ironman race and in 1984 won the Canadian Ironman, becoming the first Canadian to win at event at that distance. He has won numerous age-group national titles for Olympic and long-course distances and has represented Canada at the World Triathlon and World Duathlon Championships more than a dozen times. In 2005 he won the gold medal in triathlon at the World Masters Games and in 2008 he again won the long-course national and short-course national titles in his age group as well as set new course records in both events for his age group.

Today Winterdyk continues to enjoy competing and relishes the opportunity to exploring the limits of human conditioning and endurance. He prefers medium to lightweight runners that are neutral and offer near minimalistic feel and cushioning.