MOTION-CONTROL
ASICS GEL-FOUNDATION 9
Price: $100
Widths: Stand.-4E (M) 2A-D (W)
Weight: 12.9 oz (M) 10.6 oz (W)
Contact: 800-678-9435
WE SAY: For a shoe that does such a great job correcting overpronation, the Foundation is decidedly unmotion control-like. Its interior is lined with plenty of soft materials that, when combined with the sole's balanced profile and flexible forefoot, results in a smooth, steady ride, free of the stiffness that plagues many motion control shoes. Except for noting the shoe's heavy heel, testers had nothing but positive things to say. Recommended for large runners or heavy overpronators who need superior support.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY: "Excellent fit around my heel and arch support."—Dan Hare, 48, East Lansing
"It supplied great shock absorption."—Helen Capparell, 42, Allentown
For videos and more complete reviews of the shoes, click here.
NEW BALANCE 1226
Price: $140
Widths: Stand.-4E(M) 2A-D(W)
Weight: 12.5 oz (M) 10.3 oz (W)
Contact: 800-253-7463
WE SAY: The 1226 suffers from a slight identity crisis. Like the Asics Foundation, it's heavy and loaded down with foot-stabilizing features, yet it's also flexible and surprisingly plush. This is because the shoe uses a thick sockliner to conceal its firm midsole cushioning. RW Lab tests showed that the 1226 is heftier and firmer than the previous version, which is why we've moved it from the stability to the motion-control category. Recommended for average to bigger runners looking for a supportive platform.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY: "I liked the cushioning, but not the stiffness."—Elizabeth Perschy, 48, Allentown
"Excellent support for my feet—and I'm a 200-pound runner."—Theodore Wismer, 49, Allentown
STABILITY
KARHU STABLE RIDE 2
Price: $120
Widths: Standard
Weight: 12.6 oz(M) 10.2 oz(W)
Contact: 877-662-7238
WE SAY: There isn't much new in this update besides an upper that's been remodeled to hug the arch. Testers liked the snug new instep fit but felt the upper didn't breathe well. Several also felt the shoe's transition from the higher-than-average heel to the forefoot to be awkward, despite the special plastic midfoot bridge that's supposed to smooth out the ride. Recommended as a supportive tempo-run shoe for overpronators and extreme heel-strikers.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY: "I liked the forefoot cushioning but felt the heel was a bit stiff."—Robert Reingruber, 40, Allentown
"Good comfort, but the upper breathability needs to be improved."—Mark Antonino, 39, East Lansing