Body and sole - annual shoe guide - buyers guide

BODY and SOLE

American Fitness' annual sports shoe spectacular.

Sneakers. A generic term to describe a once generic article of clothing for your feet. Consisting of canvass upper and rubber soles, these all-terrain tennies got you through P.E. and post-graduate life in moderate comfort and style.

Today, more than merely "sneakers," they are the heart and "sole" of every athlete's wardrobe. Even those with a more casual commitment to fitness find themselves searching for a first-rate walking / running / hiking / aerobic shoe. Of course, the days when one shoe fulfilled all these needs are gone. Instead, specialized sneakers now feature hightech cushioning systems, state-of-the-art anatomical designs and serious style.

American Fitness proudly presents its 1990 shoe review. So put your best foot forward as we showcase the latest in aerobics, court, cross-training, hiking, running and walking footwear.

AEROBICS

Kaepa

The mid-cut Galaxy continues Kaepa's tradition of fit and comfort. The Galaxy, while excellent for aerobics, is functional for all women's athletics. The Endura [TM] rubber outsole tread is made to grip wood, tile and synthetic exercise floors, as well as indoor/outdoor court surfaces. The cushioning system consists of a full-length polyurethane foam midsole that bounces back to shape throughout the life of the shoe. A window of exposed midsole--the "Heel Pillow [TM]--softens the impact under the heel.

L.A. Gear

L.A. Gear, which brought fitness into fashion, offers the Brat, a shoe with stability, durable traction and plenty of pizzazz. For aerobicisers at any level, these shock absorbent shoes feature an outsole which reduces the weight of the shoe without loss of support to high stress areas. The rear foot motion control device gives added stability through the heel.

Nike

With the knowledge aerobics places a great deal of stress on the lower legs, particularly feet and ankles, Nike features the Air Conditioning Mid. Designed to absorb shock and cushion and provide stability without sacrificing performance, workouts with the A/C Mid tend to be safer whether on carpeted or hard floors--regardless of intensity level. It is also built to fit and flex with the foot through a unique anatomical design. ($60)

Reebok

Reebok has made the new Side Step, for women, able to withstand the toughest workout while appealing to an image-driven market. With a combination of bright colors, sleek styling and the latest in material technology, the Side Step offers optimum performance and support. The full-support leather shoe features Reebok's Hexalite [TM] System in the forefoot and heel for lightweight cushioning and shock absorption. It comes in a low-cut and mid-cut style. ($59.95 & 64.95)

Saucony

Saucony presents the Prestige Line for 1990 in a variety of colors, including black. Featuring all-leather uppers, Saucony adds a polyurethane sockliner with triangular studs for cushioning and comfort during strenuous workouts. A padded tongue and collar afford extra comfort. Both the mid and low-cut have a rubber outsole that is stitched at the toe for durability. ($74.95 & 67.95)

COURT

Brooks

Brooks' Match for men and women features a clean design and uncompromising quality for tennis players of all levels. The outsole is made up of a semi-cup stitched sidewall design with three-color solid rubber and non-marking all-court compound. The upper is all leather with nylon infinite speed lacing system and convenient removeable sockliner. For side-to-side shock absorption, the EVA midsole features HydroFlow [TM] custom cushioning and Kinetic Wedge [TM]

Kaepa

Kaepa's new Match Point II all-court women's shoe may not be able to guarantee you'll show grace under pressure, but the enhanced side-to-side control may let you get the upper edge over your opponent. You will also look the part with the classical styling of this low-cut court shoe. The Super Endura [TM] L.M.S. [TM] outsole provides stability, while the pivot and grip areas on the bottom offer superior traction for complete foot control. ($65)

Converse

Converse adds a high-performance shoe to the multi-court shoe scene. Featuring the style necessary to satisfy the expectations consumers demand at a more affordable price, the CZ 2200 offers the popular Converse Energy Wave in the forefoot for energy return and cushioning. It also has a multi-purpose outsole for better traction whether you're playing indoors or outdoors. In men's sizes 6 1/2 to 13. ($59.95)

L.A. Gear

L.A. Gear walks onto the court with Flame Court, a women's tennis shoe with twisted leather "flame" detailing. Not only an eye-catcher, this shoe also provides real cushioning and support with a full-length EVA midsole, full board lasting (a form shaped like a person's foot, on which shoes are made or repaired) and forefoot stability straps. And, of course, comes in rainbow colors.

Nike

Once again, Nike proves intelligent style and state-of-the-art design can go hand-in-hand with the introduction of Air Tech Challenge II 3/4 tennis shoe for men. Since quick stops, changes of direction, strong lunges and landings from overhead shots place special demands on tennis players' shoes, Nike has designed the Air Tech Challenge II 3/4 to support and enchance all these moves and more. They have been engineered to protect with features like Hytrel [R] stability straps, Air-Sole [R] cushioning and multi-surface herringbone outsole for shock absorption. ($95)

Reebok

Reebok's Court LWT for men and women incorporates revolutionary technologies that make them lighter, more durable and provide greater stability and cushioning. All important qualities for the serious, and not-so-serious, tennis player. The lightweight honeycomb design of Reebok's Hexalite [TM] cushions the rear and forefoot areas as it maximizes shock absorption and dispersion. The men's is available in a low-cut and 5/8 cut, and low-cut for women. ($79.95, $84.95 & $74.95 respectively)

CROSS-TRAINING

Asics

ASICS steps into the multi-purpose shoe market by introducing the Gel-Trainer. Technologically engineered for "the active person who is not necessarily a fanatic about any one sport." It will accommodate the fitness needs of running, jogging, walking and various court activities in style and comfort. Both the Gel-Trainer and Gel-Trainer MT feature a two-color, two-density compression molded midsole, plus the ASICS' Gel System in the forefoot for long-lasting shock absorption. The shoe is available in a low and mid-cut version in men's and women's sizes. ($74.95 & $79.95)

Brooks

Brooks brings to the cross-training market the Elan 600/650 for men. This shoe is not only highly functional, but a handsome addition to the workout wardrobe. Both the 600 and 650 have leather uppers and mid-foot support straps, reinforced eyelets, removable sockliner and dual support system. They also have in common Brooks' own HydroFlow [TM] custom cushioning. This shcok absorption system adjusts itself to different athletes through a series of chambers and channels filled with a silicone liquid that redirects the shock of a heel strike instead of sending it up the leg and into the body. ($79.99 & $84.99)

Converse

Converse comes into its own with a technical line of women's performance shoes dubbed Evolo [R], particularly the cross-training E3000 mid and E1000 oxford. Biomechanically designed for the serious female athlete, these stylish shoes feature a lateral mid-foot stabilizer bar for support and stability, a removable EVA insole and a solid rubber outsole. Technical advancements of the Evolo cross-trainer include the patent pending Dynamic Arch Support System, an anatomically correct support system. ($49.95 & $64.95)

Kaepa

Trimmed and tailored describes Kaepa's Performer [TM], bringing out the clean lines and functional design of a leading edge shoe for multi-purpose use. Kaepa's number one women's performance athletic shoe is significantly lighter than other shoes in its class because they have eliminated extraneous material in the outsole. Cushioning, however, has been enhanced with an exposed EVA midsole under the heel. The Super Endura [TM] outsole with Lateral Motion Stabilizers [TM] has special hard-wearing pivot and grip areas that maintain traction and control on all playing surfaces. ($65)

Nike

For the serious, aggressive cross-trainer who's looking for a shoe that does everything but run for you, Nike presents the men's Air Trainer [R] SC Low. This low-top cross-training shoe was specially designed to enhance an athlete's performance during court sports, weight training, running and aerobic workouts. The full-grain leather upper, Webtec lateral support straps, polyurethane footframe and Nike's Air-Sole [R] are a few of the features that makeup this solid, comfortable, cross-training shoe. ($100)

Prince

Another entry in the cross-training phenomenon is the Prince men's Cross Sport shoe offering superior conditioning, maximum support and excellent durability. Although intended for multiple sports, the Cross Sport is made from a tennis player's perspective where lateral support and durability are important. Due to extra cushioning, these shoes make an easy transition from court sports to aerobic workouts with Prince's Flow System Technology (FST), reducing impact shock by cradling the foot and adjusting as the foot changes. Available in mid and low top. ($79.95 & 69.95)

Reebok

For the male and female athlete whose exercise routine emphasizes aerobic training -- running, stationary exercise equipment, aerobic dance -- Reebok introduces the AXT Ultra. The lightest cross-training shoe on the market, the 11.2 ounce AXT Ultra is built on a running last with Reebok's Hexalite [TM] cushioning in the heel and forefoot for lightweight shock dispersal. Built with comfort in mind, this is an attractive shoe available in white with purple and turquoise trim for men, and white with turquoise and raspberry trim for women. ($79.95)

Ryka

For the health club cross-trainer looking for technology in cushioning and a supportive upper, Ryka offers the 870 low and mid-cut series shoe. Intended to stand up to any combination of workouts, the 870 series features an all leather upper and polyurethane midsole mixed with nitrogen microballoons for cushioning. ($64.95 & $69.95)

Saucony

For the person who wants to hike one day and bike the next, Saucony has developed a cross-training shoe for outdoor sports. The Crossport is a multi-sport shoe designed for running, biking, hiking, walking, biathlons, triathlons and just about any outdoor activity. Built on a semi-straight version of Saucony's standard running last, the Crossport is fully slip lasted for lightweight flexibility and comfort. The triangular design and XT-600 carbon rubber outsole have been modified to incorporate notches and easy access for bike pedals. Available in men's and women's sizes. ($79.95)

HIKING

L.A. Gear

An exciting entry in L.A. Gear's long line of fitness shoes is the Sightseer. A street hiking shoe for women with a splash of color and hiking-style sole. A full-board lasting gives a stable base of support and the abrasion-resistant rubber outsole provides durability on any surface. Long, hard walks can work up sweat and friction, so the Sightseer has a soft-brushed nylon lining that wicks away perspiration and reduces the possibility of blistering.

Nike

For lengthy treks in all kinds of terrain, Nike's three-season Baltoro high-top hiking boot provides lightweight traction and comfort. The high-top design affords greater ankle support, but won't over-restrict ankle flexion. To enhance stability and reduce roll-over, Nike added a polyurethane footframe device for surer footing on inclines and uneven terrain. With an attention to detail, the Baltoro includes reinforced eyestays, waxed leather and backed mesh. ($80)

RUNNING

Asics

Keeping their cutting-edge position among tough competition, ASICS introduces the GT-Xpress running shoe for men. Designed to accommodate high-mileage runners, the GT-Xpress utilizes ASICS' Gel System for shock absorption and cushioning. They also incorporate the best features of past models to get you off the starting mark.

Brooks

Brooks pioneered the use of the industry standard in midsole material, EVA, for absorbing the impact of a runner's heel strike. Now Brooks has developed a heel cushioning system they say surpasses EVA in heel protection. Hydro Flow [TM] is a custom cushioning system that will give the best response for different runners. Brooks' Blast incorporates the Hydro Flow [TM] system into a sleek, durable running shoe. The Blast also has a lightweight "Rubalon" outsole, molded footframe and curved last.

Converse

"Anatomically balanced." That's how Converse describes its high performance running shoe for men and women. The Wave Trainer [TM] is designed for the serious runner with an energy return system, Converse Energy Wave, in the forefoot. To get the runner around the track or down the road in comfort, the Wave Trainer has a removable inlay sole which conforms to the foot. An extended neolite heel counter provides rearfoot support and the solid carbon rubber outsole gives long lasting wear and traction. ($59.95)

L.A. Gear

L.A. Gear's unmistakable twisted leather "flame" detailing can also be seen on the Flame Runner. But L.A. Gear didn't stop at style. They designed this shoe for long runs with a full-length EVA midsole for cushioning, full-board lasting for support and polyurethane sockliner with self-adjusting arch for a personalized fit.

Nike

Nike continues to break new ground with technological developments that have allowed them to build an incredibly efficient running shoe. Air Max [R] is a high performance shoe combining elements of past models with a low-density polyurethane midsole for flexibility, durability and cushioning. The upper is constructed on the Omega last for superb fit. ($110)

Reebok

The Sole Trainer 3000 from Reebok is a lightweight running shoe designed for low to high mileage road training. This training shoe features the Hexalite [TM] lightweight cushioning system in the heel and Dupont's molded Evalite midsole for non-compression cushioning. When going the distance, comfort features such as foam collar backing, with notched back tab and nylex liner, and adjustable width lacing system are important. The Sole Trainer 3000 provides these comforts, along with a long-wearing cellular urethane outsole for additional cushioning. ($64.95)

Saucony

Saucony hopes to give runners the competitive edge with Sceptre, a feature-packed, low-weight running shoe. Built on the Azura ST last for a more comfortable fit, the Sceptre has Saucony's TRB (Torsional Rigidity Bar) in the midsole to deliver better rearfoot stability. To keep the weight down. Saucony constructed this shoe with open, unbacked mesh at the quarters, ripstop nylon in vamp and tongue and super suede trim. Available for men and women. ($69.95)

WALKING

Asics

Whether hiking through unknown terrain or walking down the street, ASICS' Gel-Urban Walker MT gets you where you're going with ease and class. The all-terrain shoe has been designed with a studded low-profile outsole that complies with recommendations from conservation groups to help reduce trail erosion. For shock absorption, the Gel-Urban Walker MT features ASICS' Gel System in the rearfoot of the midsole. ($69.95)

Brooks

Joining the ranks of walking workouts Brooks features the Horizon for women and men. Intended for long comfortable walks, it comprises a molded EVA midsole with Hydro Flow [TM] custom cushioning, two-color rubber outsole and leather upper of full board construction with fiber insole board and KP heel counter.

Converse

At the forefront of affordable footwear, Converse introduces the Wave Walker [TM]. The upper is of soft leather with a microperforated vamp for breathability and a padded tongue for comfort. A removable insole is added for durability and cushioning. The Wave Walker is available in a variety of colors. ($49.95)

Musashi

Musashi (pronounced moo-sah-shee), named after a 17th-century Japanese Samurai warrior who walked the countryside in Waraji sandals, offers high caliber footwear for serious athletes. Featuring a patented ridged inner sole, the Musashi walking shoe for men and women massages the wearer's feet with every step. The concept is based on Japanese "Shiatsu" massage therapy and acu-pressure with the belief the nerve endings in the sole of the foot are connected with every part of the body, thus reducing stress of both mind and body through exercise. Musashi makes a full-line of men's and women's sport shoes.

Nike

Nike realized when you're walking for health, it will probably be out of doors on dirt trails and dusty roads. With this in mind, Nike made its Air Healthwalker Max with a Durabuck upper, and no matter how dirty they get, one run through the washing machine will restore their clean looks. But these are more than soil resistant, they also provide cushioning, flexibility and support based on an anatomically correct last for a better performing fit. ($80)

Saucony

Before introducing the InStep PWR walking shoe for women, Saucony examined the competition, interviewed powerwalkers and clocked a few miles in them itself until it was sure the shoe was meeting the demands of walkers. Its patented Ionic Pillar Cushioning System (ICS [R]) midsole/outsole gives cushioning and rebound to the heel and forefoot, while the InStep Support Devise (ISD [R]) provides heel and midfoot arch support. ($69.95)

Kari L. Tackett is assistant editor of American Fitness.

COPYRIGHT 1990 Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group