California Track & Running News Apr-June 2013, VOLUME 39 NUMBER 2 | Page 17

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The Gravity is the original Newton shoe, now thoroughly dialed in and rolling along. Designed for neutral runners interested in
performance, its technology encourages forefoot striking via its cushioning lugs, but it benefits all neutral runners by storing
and releasing energy for toe-off. Though the upper utilizes traditional airmesh and synthetic suede overlays, they are of really
high quality. (And at this price, they better be!) The midsole is also top-grade EVA, but a secret resides here: A membrane of
Hytrel plastic absorbs energy at impact and then releases it at toe-off as the foot rolls forward, contributing an extra little “push.”
The outersole is a typical setup of carbon rubber in the heel and lower-density rubber up front to keep the weight down. Overall,
the Gravity is all about efficient running, and they’ll go as fast as you can.
“Comfortable fit and quite light. The lugs feel funny, but get better as you run on them. Surprisingly, heel strikers can actually use these
quite well. Good shoe, but $175 seems a bit expensive.”
Updates the Gravity • Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15; Women 5–12 • Weight: 10.3 oz. (men’s size 11); 8.8 oz. (women’s size 8) • Shape: semicurved to curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral
biomechanics

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The Flyknit Lunar1+ is a new shoe for Nike. Well, it is
new, though maybe a bit of a hybrid. With all of the
fanfare over the Flyknit Racer and Trainer, the Lunar1’s
upper will probably look familiar. It’s knit and shaped
in a single process without wasted material. With only
a seam at the ankle collar and the Strobel board,
there’s little to irritate; not surprisingly, it fit our testers
well. The lacing doesn’t come up as high as usual nor
does it permit you to select which eyelets to use, but it
securely wraps the foot. The midsole is Lunarlon foam
similar to other Lunar shoe configurations; it’s done
well here. It’s responsive and nicely cushioned, but the
ramp angle—though it’s a couple millimeters lower
than typical Nike shoes—feels a bit steep when
compared to many of the shoes in this review. On the
upside, it’s also better cushioned than many of them.
Ultimately, it’s a matter of whether it suits you. The
outersole is minimal but sufficient, keeping the weight
down and the foot protected.
“I was impressed with the ride more than the fit (nice
and cushy), and the performance more than the durability (really light and fast). They seem to be worth the price, but
I might not buy a second pair.”
New • Sizes: Men 5–13,14,15; Women 5–12 • Weight: 9.6
oz. (men’s size 11); 7.8 oz. (women’s size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel
board • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet
with neutral biomechanics

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The Mobium is a new shoe for Puma, and it takes its
name from the Möbius Strip. (Remember that twisted
strip of paper from your geometry class that looked
like the infinity symbol?) Mobium describes the technology used here: an elastic cord shaped like a figure8 and positioned flat in the bottom of the shoe. As the
foot flexes, the cord returns the sole to its original
position before the next step, better supporting the foot
by ensuring the foam is in the right spot at the footstrike. The closed mesh upper has well-positioned
foam in the ankle collar, and offers a snug, though not
constricting, fit. The midsole is durable injectionmolded EVA with rounded edges mimicking the
rounded shape of the heel, with a 4mm heel-to-toe
drop that’s firm but responsive. The segmented
outersole covers little more than the contacting
surfaces to save weight. This is a shoe for faster
running that gives the foot a workout as much as it
provides support in a macro sense.
“While running, the shoe works to accentuate the natural
motion of my feet. The middle of the shoe snugs up very
tightly around my foot. Responsive cushioning, and a nice
light shoe.”
New • Sizes: Men 6.5–12,13,14; Women 5.5–11,12 •
Weight: 10.0 oz. (men’s size 11); 8.3 oz. (women’s size 8) •
Shape: curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA
Strobel board • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched
feet with neutral biomechanics, for faster-paced running

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The update to the GoRun brings Skechers a bit closer to the mainstream, while retaining its unique story. The entire shoe has been
revised, and we think the revision is successful. The upper retains its stretch mesh, keeping the slipper-like feel and low-slung,
racer fit. No-sew, welded overlays support the saddle as before. The midsole geometry has been altered with slightly lowered lugs
under the arch, reducing the awkward midfoot feel of the last round. The ride is resilient and cushions the foot well, but it’s very
flexible and may require some adaptation prior to regular wear. The outersole is almost nonexistent: about a dozen carbon rubber
dots spread over a road-grade EVA sole. As a racer or a shoe reserved for faster-paced running and speedwork, it’s very good.
Super-light and efficient runners might get away with daily wear, but all runners can benefit from a shoe like this for some of their
faster runs.
“Snug, racerlike fit. I get a ‘hit the gas’ feeling when I put this on, so I use them for my fastest runs.”
Updates the GoRun • Sizes: Men 6.5–13,14; Women 5–10,11 • Weight: 7.5 oz. (men’s size 11); 6.5 oz. (women’s size 8) • Shape: semi-curved
to curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics, for faster-paced
running

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The Mirage has been a top performer for Saucony,
straddling the categories of minimal drop shoes and
supportive shoes with a generous stack height; it’s well
cushioned and efficient. The upper returns to an open
mesh with welded,