California Track & Running News July-Aug 2013, VOLUME 39 NUMBER 3 | Page 20

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Nike successfully delivers cushioning and stability with all of its lightweight Lunar running shoes; the Luna Racer is
no exception. Version 3 takes the upper in a different direction while maintaining the sole unit. The upper is now a
traditional open mesh (both earlier rounds opted for a thin, gauzy mesh) and the internal supports from Rounds 1
and 2 have been eliminated in favor of an external lattice of Flywire that hugs the foot and provides much of the actual support. The best feature of the Luna has been the midsole—the lightest of the Dynamic Support configurations—with a soft feeling that provides stability. The minimal rubber on the outersole is employed only in the areas
of highest wear, where, on contact, they deflect into the midsole like tiny trampolines. If the Lunar shoes have been
your training shoe preference or, if you like a well-cushioned racer, give the Luna Racer+ 3 serious consideration.
The combination of fit, cushioning, and innovation earned the Luna Racer+ 3 our Best Racer Award.

RACER
SPRING/SUMMER
2013

UPDATED Sizes men 6–13,14,15; women 5–12 Weight 6.9 oz. (men’s 11); 5.7 oz. (women’s 8)
Shape semi-curved Fit snug heel, roomy forefoot For medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
Range efficient runners: up to marathon or beyond; heavy strikers: up to 25K or a bit beyond

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On Running produces shoes with a unique feel and its Cloudracer is the lightest iteration of the Cloudtec technology. While not the lightest of racers available today, it’s aimed at providing protection and energy return, and it’s
best suited to longer races. The upper is a gauzy but closed mesh that’s lightweight yet tough, with a suitable fit.
On’s outersole technology needs a touch of extra cushioning so it relies on a midsole of a relatively thin, molded
EVA (sheet EVA would be too thin). This combination really allows its unique technology to shine. The outersole
is a series of lugs covering the whole sole. The lugs, which have a side profile that looks like oval loops, compress
under the force transmitted by the footstrike and provide cushioning on impact. Though the lugs add a little
weight, they greatly extend the shoe’s effective range and provide assistance in recovering from longer races. T B