Features
Ransacker Running Shoe Awards 2007
Since our launch in December we have received hundreds of emails asking us “What’s the best running shoe of 2007?” Unfortunately, unlike the big magazines, we don’t have a team of dedicated testers who have all received free kit from the leading manufacturers. Therefore we have decided to look for a general consensus amongst ourselves, you and the likes of Runners World and Running Fitness to establish the best shoes of 2007.
This is a tricky one, since it is always a fiercely fought category, resulting in a battle between two legends and a relative newcomer. Our top three have to be the Nike Air Pegasus+, the Asics Gel Nimbus and the Saucony Pro Grid Triumph 5.
The Nike Air Pegasus+ has received fantastic reviews from Running Fitness, Runners World and was awarded the best shoe of 2007 by the ShoeGuide. In our opinion the Nike Air Pegasus+ does not amaze you but it consistently performs and for £51.99 (2007) you are getting great value for money.
What can we say about the Asics Gel Nimbus shoe that has not already been said?! Runners World USA awarded it their shoe of the year 2007, taking the title from the Nike Air Pegasus in 2006. The Nimbus 9 provides greater cushioning than its predecessor yet still remains versatile. The Nimbus 9 is also reasonably priced from £68.99 (2007)
If you were judging this category purely on looks then the Saucony ProGrid Triumph 5 would win, hands down! However not only does it look good it performs well and was given 9 out of 10 by 220 Triathlon Magazine. For version 5, the upper has been improved and the rearfoot tweaked to improve fit and impact protection. The Saucony ProGrid Triumph 5 is the most expensive shoe in the final but is still affordable at £72.00 (2007).
Our winner of this category has to go to the Asics Gel Nimbus 9. Although there is very little to choose between it and the Pegasus+ we feel that it has maintained its high standards by improving its cushioning and feel. Also amongst all of the runners that we have spoken to in the last year we have not heard a bad word about the Nimbus 9.
Runners Up
Nike Air Pegasus+
Saucony ProGrid Triumph 5
Asics Gel Kinsei 2
Mizuno Wave Rider 10
For innovation, style and comfort this category was easily won by the Saucony Progrid Paramount. A revolutionary shoe for over-pronators providing a snug fit and a smooth ride. We must congratulate Saucony for breaking the mould with this shoe and encouraging innovation.
The Comfortemp material is not just a marketing ploy, it really does work at keeping your feet fresh and the ProGrid flexion technology takes control of your feet making them feel lighter and more fluid.
The only downside to this shoe is the price and that is why (like the kinsei) you rarely see them running the streets near you. The Saucony Progrid Paramonut cost just under £100 (2007) but we are sure that once you have tried them you will be glad that you paid the premium!
Runners Up
Asics Gel Kayano 13
Asics Gel 2120
Nike Air Structure Triax
Brooks Trance 7
For us the most important factor in this category is that a when running in a motion control shoe you still want to feel natural. You don’t want to feel like you foot is trapped in a vice. For that reason the two best motion control running shoes of 2007 are the Brooks Beast 7 and the Mizuno Wave Alchemy 7. The Beast has long served as a motion control superhero, coming to the rescue of runners with low or flat arches and excessive pronation. However it still feels a bit too heavy. Unlike the Mizuno Wave Alchemy 7 that according to our testers feels just like a “normal shoe” and from £59.99 (2007) it is a real gem of a shoe.
Runners Up
Brooks Beast 7
Asics Gel Evolution 3
Saucony Grid Stabil 5
If you want a sturdy performer that will tackle anything that you put in its way then it the Inov-8 Roclite 318 GTX is the shoe for you. It’s extremely light for a Gore Tex shoe however it is probably a bit too rigid for general off-road use.
We wanted to find a shoe that could perform well on moderate off road terrain but handle occasional extreme off road conditions. The Salomon Speed Cross 2 fits the bill perfectly. It feels like a “normal” running shoe yet is packed with off road features; Contragrip, moulded EVA, Mud Guard and a neat Quicklace system. The cushioning has also been updated to reduce shock on heel impact, control pronation and give a better toe-off.
Runners Up
Inov-8 Roclite 318 GTX
Nike Air Pegasus+ 2007 Clima
Puma Complete Trail Fox 2
Helly Hansen Trail Cutter