2010 CROSS COUNTRY RACING SHOES
BAREFOOT
VIBRAM FIVEFINGERS
The benefits of running barefoot have long been supported by scientific research, coaches, and athletes who’ve offered ample evidence that training without shoes allows you to run faster and further with fewer injuries. Motion studies demonstrate that when running barefoot, one naturally lands on the forefoot, directly below your center of gravity. This results in optimum balance, increased stability, less impact, and greater propulsion; plus it delivers sensory feedback that allows runners to make immediate corrections in their form. When used with a specific training regime, the Vibram FiveFingers may help strengthen feet and lower legs as they combine the sensation of barefoot running with the protection and sure-footed grip of a Vibram sole.
Vibram FiveFingers Trek Sport
Vibram FiveFingers Bikila
Vibram FiveFingers KSO TREK
Vibram FiveFingers KSO
Vibram FiveFingers Sprint
Vibram FiveFingers Classic
Vibram FiveFingers Moc (Men) and Performa (Women)
Vibram FiveFingers Flow
LIGHTWEIGHT
NIKE FREE RUN+
The Nike Free Run+ is more flexible and more cushioned than previous incarnations. The Free Run+ not only strength-trains your legs and feet by imitating barefoot movement, it maximizes cushioning and multi-surface traction. Designed with a full bootie, the Free Run+ gives you a customized fit and barefoot-like feel during your run. The lightweight mesh upper features minimal seaming, offering comfort and encouraging toes to flex and grip naturally while engaging muscles normally neglected in traditional footwear. The asymmetrical lacing system helps reduce pressure over the top ridge of the foot. To get your feet even more involved during your run, the Free Run has deep rearfoot flex grooves for enhanced flexibility and stability plus wider flex grooves across the forefoot for muscle activation and a more barefoot-like experience. If you're ready for the benefits of barefoot training but require a shoe with a more plush feel than others, check out the Free Run+.
SAUCONY PROGRID KINVARA
To quote Saucony; "ProGrid Kinvara: Where minimalism meets maximum performance." The Kinvara is a super lightweight, performance trainer which features a light, open and minimalistic mesh upper, no extra layers of stiff plastic. The low profile midsole/outsole combo provides extremely flexible cushioning. The Heel ProGrid LITE construction absorbs impact, dissipates shock and sets the foot up for a smooth transition, while the XT-900 carbon rubber outsole offers exceptional traction without sacrificing durability.
NIKE LUNARFLY+
The LunarFly is the ideal selection for those neutral to underpronating runners who are looking for a lightweight and responsive shoe. The shoe’s LunarLite cushioning and dynamic support midsole architecture provides an exceptional amount of cushioning and adaptive support. The upper’s notched and padded heel counter delivers great step-in comfort and fit; and the outsole’s environmentally friendly “green” rubber has added abrasion resistance at the heel.
NEUTRAL
ASICS GEL NIMBUS 12
The new Nimbus 12 maintains its top-of-the-line cushioning shoe reputation with a plush, cushioned platform feel, along with a stable ride; providing the ultimate cushioned ride for the neutral to under-pronating runner. New this year is the Guidance Line vertical flex groove, which decouples along the foot’s ideal center of pressure and promotes an efficient path through the gait cycle. The Asymetrical Lacing Upper has been improved by removing forefoot overlays, thereby opening up the toe box and lessening the potential for irritation. Another technical change is a 3mm heel raise which takes pressure off of the Achilles tendon. These changes promise to make an already fabulous shoe even better.
ASICS GEL CUMULUS 12
The GEL-Cumulus has long been a favorite of runners looking for a smooth and cushy ride. The updated Cumulus delivers an even larger GEL Cushioning heel unit - for improved shock absorbtion at the decoupled rearfoot impact zone. When combined with the forefoot Gel cushion, the result is an efficient attenuation of shock during impact and toe-off phases of the gait cycle.
STABILITY
adidas SUPERNOVA ADAPT
An updated version of the ever popular Supernova Classic , the Supernova Adapt offers a similar fit and feel to it's predecessor. The midsole's adiPRENE+ forefoot and adiPRENE heel insert will be familiar to those who have run in the Supernova Classic in the past. Also carried-over is the lightweight and cushy blown rubber outsole. However, new for the Adapt is the FOREMOTION midsole; This freely moving heel system helps with motion control as it adapts to the ground at impact to ensure a smooth and stable ride.
SAUCONY PROGRID HURRICANE 12
Just as in the past, the new HURRICANE 12 continues to offer a superior blend of cushioning and stability. Saucony's impact deflection technology, ProGrid, effectively absorbs impact, dissipates shock and provides a seamless transition from heel through forefoot. The Dual Density SSL (Saucony Super Lite) EVA midsole maximizes stability and durability while minimizing weight. Another nice update is the reconfigured outsole, which provides more consistent ground contact; resulting in improved stability and transition through the midfoot.
MOTION CONTROL
ASICS GEL-FOUNDATION 9
Designed for moderate to severe over-pronators, this maximum support shoe features a broad, stable platform, complemented by a dual-density DuoMax medial post which provides the highest degree of pronation control. The lightweight SpEVA midsole, and the rearfoot & forefoot GEL Cushioning System, attenuates shock during impact and toe-off phases, and allows for a seamless transition as the foot moves through the gait cycle.The P.H.F. (Personal Heel Fit) is comprised of 2 layers of memory foam which line the ankle collar and mold to the runner’s heel, creating an amazingly comfortable and personalized fit.
BROOKS ADDICTION 9
The Brooks Addiction 9 stays true to it heritage and continues in the tradition of catering to the excessive over-pronator. Over the years, the Addiction has been a favorite of those who require a combination of cushioning and reinforced medial stability. The shoe’s broad Linear Platform and Progressive Diagonal Rollbar provides sturdy stability by supporting low arches and keeping over-pronation under control. The current Addiction features BioMoGo, the world's first-ever biodegradable midsole for running shoes. Like it’s predecessors, the Addiction 9 delivers the perfect blend of support and performance.
TRAIL
adidas SUPERNOVA RIOT 3
The adidas Supernova Riot 3 is a stability trail-running shoe that helps to control overpronation with the Pro-Moderator medial support device. For shock absorption, the Riot has adiPRENE under the heel which provides superior cushioning at impact; and forefoot adiPRENE+ which maintains propulsion and efficiency. The muti-directional TRAXION outsole yields maximum grip in all directions.
ASICS GEL TRABUCO 13
Asics has made this iconic trail shoe lighter and more comfortable than ever. The Trabuco uses a lighter weight midsole compound than standard EVA and also features enhanced cushioning and durability. The GEL Cushioning System in the heel and forefoot attenuates shock during impact and toe-off phases, and allows movement in multiple planes as the foot transitions through the gait cycle. Delivering true trail performance, the Trabuco has a Nylex plate located in the midfoot and forefoot which provides protection from rocks and trail debris; the outsole’s reversed lugs provide uphill and downhill traction on all types of terrain; and the upper features a lace pocket enabling the laces to be tucked in and unexposed.