Asics Gel-Cumulus 15
$115; Editor's Choice 1 of 12
"The cushioning is good, but not overboard," says Melissa Congleton of East Lansing, Michigan, who admits to being an extreme heel-striker.
"This shoe is extremely comfortable when worn for a short, faster run as well as for a longer jog. My feet felt secure, yet not 'restrained,' and supported." —Betsy Daly, Emmaus, Pennsylvania
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GearUpSaucony Kinvara 4
$100; Best Update 2 of 12
"I love the lightweight feel and great fit. On shorter runs and workouts, it responds well. It was so nice to have a lightweight shoe with some midsole support! Sometimes my feet or legs will start to ache, but they didn't with this shoe." —Theresa Stanko, East Lansing, Michigan.
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GearUpBrooks Pure Connect 2
$90; Best Buy 3 of 12
"It's deceptive. It doesn't look like there is enough cushioning, but it works." —Steve Heflin, Emmaus, Pennsylvania
"It's lightweight, but not flimsy-feeling. The lacing system, which at first struck me as gimmicky, actually worked very well and was comfortable. A good everyday trainer." —Mark Remy, Emmaus, Pennsylvania.
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GearUpAsics Gel-Nimbus 15
$145 4 of 12
"The shoe was very 'cushy' and comfortable. The cushioning of the shoe made running on the hard pavement much easier on my legs and knees." —Megan Carnaghi, East Lansing, Michigan
"Tried and true not cutting edge but that is ideal for a good mileage trainer." —Jane Parks, Emmaus, Pennsylvania
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GearUpNike Free 5.0
$100 5 of 12
"These shoes were the perfect balance between barefoot running and large bulky shoes, or for those that want to transition to a more minimalist shoe." —Anthony Klingler, East Lansing, Michigan
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GearUpMore Gear Items
6 of 12
Brooks Defyance 6
$110 7 of 12
"I've worn every version of the Defyance, and this one did not disappoint. It's the perfect blend of stability and cushioning that my lightweight frame needs." —Lauren Garges, Emmaus, Pennsylvania
"The fit through the toe box, midfoot, and heel is perfect. The toe box allows enough space that my toenails don't rub." —Buffy Harrison, Emmaus, Pennsylvania
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GearUpNew Balance 870 v3
$110 8 of 12
"Comfortable fit with support. Feet feel good in them after a workout." —Ann Mayer, East Lansing, Michigan
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GearUpSaucony Ride 6
$110 9 of 12
"I liked the cushioning the best because I don't like a shoe where you can feel the ground." —Hillary Hartzell, Emmaus, Pennsylvania
"Overall, the fit of the shoe was excellent. I wore both thick and thin socks and just adjusted the laces a bit and was fine in both." —Julie Napotnik, Emmaus, Pennsylvania
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GearUpUnder Armour Micro G Toxic Six
$100 10 of 12
Wear-testers liked the soft upper, especially around the heel but say the elastic collar can be uncomfortably tight at the front of the ankle.
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GearUpadidas Adistar Boost
$170 11 of 12
"The midsole provides extreme cushioning. You can feel it as soon as you put the shoe on and it continues as you run in the shoe." —Michele Belisle, Emmaus, Pennsylvania
"The shoes were surprisingly lightweight and provided ample support. The bright colors made me more visible to traffic when running at dusk." —Stephen Kazmierczak, San Diego, California
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