Running Shoe Reviews
Spring 2011 Running Shoe Guide
Runner's World wear-tests and reviews the latest shoes and solicits feedback from 350 real runners to help you find the perfect pair in time for your first spring race
By
Warren Greene and Martyn Shorten, PhD
Image: Thinkstock
Finding the Right Fit
No shoe is perfect for every runner. That's why we mechanically pound and flex each new model at the RW Shoe Lab and solicit feedback from 350 real runners; the results are below and on the pages that follow. The shoes are organized into four categories: motion-control, stability, neutral-cushioned, and performance-training. To figure out which category fits your feet, it's helpful to know how much you pronate (an inward roll of the foot that helps dissipate shock). Also, soft cushioned and performance shoes aren't always suitable for heavier runners.
Nine trail runners built to take whatever nature dishes out