Gear Review | Best Shoes of 2010

From our friends from Second Wind Running Store.  The Best Shoes of 2010. A guide for all  those who’s on the lookout for a new running shoe this 2011.

This is a shoe guide which is dictated by a local taste.  Combining purchasing power, preference in design and colour, and most importantly fit and feel.  We can’t always just follow what other countries dictate.  Each and every runner is different and we have varying needs from runners in other countries such as interior, colour, breathability, materials, and most importantly price.

As a direct result of the footwear that we sell / move in all our stores.  This does not directly translate that these are the shoes we indeed recommend that are the best shoes for you (the consumer), but rather to help you in your future purchases.  As we always say in Secondwind, fit and feel is a matter of personal preference.  And just like any popularity race, we gathered our data, to share and hopefully help runners out there on their next shoe purchase.

You have casted your choices and votes –

For the first time in Philippine running history, we present to you the Secondwind Consumers Choice Award for 2010!

Neutral / Cushioning

What they say:

Asics Nimbus – soft landing, very good transition heel to forefoot.  Time and again, the Nimbus franchise has always kept up with the demands of runners. P7,450

Mizuno Creation – gentle impact, good contours, nice color designs.  Very formidable ride, if youre a runner who values cushion over everything else, you really should try this out. P5,495

Cushioning (Beginners Choice)

What they say:

K-Swiss Tubes Run 100 – flexible, lightweight, well cushioned ride from heel to toe.   P3,995

Neutral

What they say:

NB 758 / 759 – accommodating toe box, value for money neutral trainers, high mileage shoe.  Also goes well with shorts and jeans! P4195

Mizuno Wave Rider – low profile, slim looking, soft ride.  Good shoe, that is justly priced!  P4495

What they say:

K-Swiss K-Ona – low profile, soft ride, lightweight and attractive colors.  K-Swiss really hit the jackpot with this design, specially with the Flowcool technology.  A versatile shoe that is really designed to take punishment from training to racing. P4,995

Stability

What they say:

Asics GT 2140 / 2150 – comfortable, good arch support, not too heavy.  the GT 2100 series gives a lower profile feel than it looks.  One of seasoned runners’ favourites. P5,900

NB 769 / 760 – great colors, lightweight for a stability shoe, and comfortable.  P4995

Stability (Mild)

What they say:

Mizuno Wave Inspire – bang for the buck, good marathon shoe, impressive colors.  This could very well be the pound for pound shoe in this category.  Good price, good looks, not bad performance in supporting over pronation.  P3,995

Trail

What they say:

NB 812 / 813 – dual traction, aggressive colors, sturdy design.  Its tough, functional, and perfect for the job.  P4,395

Mizuno Wave Ascend – simple, aggressive lugs, not too bulky.  P3,995

Best shoe for 2010 award goes to:

Many were surprised with the presence of K-Swiss in the running and multisport scene.  Their attention to the athlete’s needs, and their closeness working with their endorsers such as Mirinda Carfrae, Chris Lieto, and Raelert really paid off.  The shoe really breathes of performance and style.  This shoe really just encourages you faster turnovers, smooth heel to toe transition, and their patented flowcool ventilation system to keep your feet a minimum temperature while running – even in harsh weather conditions.  Home run for the K-Onas.