Changes

** '''Mizuno Wave Universe'''. The [http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/search/search-celebros.jsp?isLoggedIn=&isClubMember=&from=searchBox&Query=wave+universe&x=0&y=0 Mizuno Wave Universe 5] is a significant change from previous versions. It's radically lighter and thinner, dropping its weight from 3.8 down to 2.6oz. [[Mizuno Wave Universe| Mizuno Wave Universe Review]].

** '''New Balance Minimus'''. The [http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/search/search-celebros.jsp%3Ffrom%3DsearchBox%26Query%3DMinimus Minimus] is a range of minimal shoes from New Balance that has created a lot of interest in the minimalist running community as the trail shoe was designed with the help of ultrarunner Anton Krupicka. There is a [http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/NBA1542/ Trail Minimus] and a [http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/NBA1522/ Road Minimus] which share similar names, but are rather different shoes. The Trail Minimus worked well for me on mild trails, but I prefer the [[Modified Nike Free]] to the road version.

** '''Vibram FiveFingers'''. [http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/search/search-celebros.jsp?isLoggedIn=&isClubMember=&from=searchBox&Query=FiveFingers+&x=0&y=0 Vibram FiveFingers] are popular Minimalist Running shoes. They are a thin sole combined with just enough material to hold them to your foot and a separate pocket for each toe, hence the name FiveFingers. They were originally created for boating, not running, but they have become hugely popular. The FiveFinger soles generally last a long time, but the uppers can be prone to tearing. Getting FiveFingers that fit can be tricky depending on the shape of your foot, so they don't work for everyone. The [http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/VFF116/ Bilika LS] are slightly wider and have laces, which improves the fit for some people.

* '''Not recommended'''. These are the shoes that looked promising, but failed.

** '''Asics GT 2000.''' The [http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/ASC1638/mens-asics-gt2000-2/ Asics GT 2000] has been around for many years in one form or another, a reflection of its popularity. The GT 2000 series could be considered one of the best "average" running shoes, and it is often used as the starting point when a new runner is looking for their first shoes. The original GT 2000 was introduced back in 1995 and has been updated many times. (They did add 10 to the number every year until the 2170, then reverted to 2000 and added a version number.) So I've included the GT 2000 here partly as a good starting point for those looking for a traditional running shoe and partly as the shoe that is probably closest to the average running shoe.

** '''Hoka Rapa Nui.''' The Rapa Nui 2 is lighter, thinner and a little cheaper than the other Hokas, but I found it even firmer than the Conquest. In fact, the Adidas Energy Boost feels far more cushioned to me, though it does not offer the same level of protection from stones or uneven surfaces.

** '''Newton Brand.''' Newton shoes focus on forefoot running by adding extra height to the forefoot of the shoe. The result of this high forefoot is an unstable shoe. I believe the Newton takes a bad idea (the traditional running shoe) and makes it worse. I'd highly recommend trying a zero-drop shoe as an alternative to the Newton. Another alternative for a true forefoot runner is to cut off the heel off an old pair of running shoes. (If you're a fan of the Newton that's tried a zero-drop shoe and prefer the Newton, I'd love to hear your rationale.)

=Shoe Modifications=

''Main article: [[Shoe Modifications]]''

With the exception of the FiveFingers, and the Mizuno Curoris, I find that all shoes benefit from [[Shoe Modifications| cutting open the toe box]]. This allows the toes to spread out as you toe off, creating more natural biomechanics and preventing toe blisters.

=Shoe Dissection =