California Track & Running News Sept–Oct 2013, Volume 39 NUMBER 3 | Page 16

CTRN-SeptOCT2013__Layout 1 9/18/13 7:51 AM Page 16

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The Ghost has been redesigned to reflect current market demands. The upper is a similar open mesh, with a combination of
synthetic overlays with fused layers where the upper meets the midsole, nicely addressing what can be an irritation trouble spot.
The barely there saddle provides some support but relies on the laces to secure the foot, and the heel counter keeps the
rearfoot aligned. The smooth interior features new moisture-wicking linings that comfortably wrap the foot. The perforated foam
tongue prevents the laces from squeezing the foot too much. The midsole gets the work done with BioMogo and DNA, but the
meat-and-potatoes here is its geometry, where the lateral sidewall has been re-sculpted to allow better foot flexion and the
stability has been increased by lowering the midfoot area to make full ground contact. This also eliminates the need for a shank
support. Another improvement is the longitudinal groove, now called the Omega Groove, which allows better mobility for the
foot to supinate before toe-off. Several midfoot lugs maximize traction and round out a successful update.
“A really good shoe. I hadn’t tried Brooks before. Fit me well, seemed to cradle my heel. Just right on the cushion. Feels good when I run.”
Updates the Ghost 5 • Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15 (B,D,2E widths); Women 5–12,13 (2A,B,D widths) • Weight: Men 12.1 oz. (size 11);
Women 9.9 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • Recommended for: medium- to
high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation

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Version 11 pushes the envelope a bit without
compromising its plush cushioning and dependable
performance. The upper features new 3D Fit Print, a
technique that prints the supporting materials directly
onto soft, flexible synthetic suede. Reduced seaming
adds comfort. The moisture-wicking linings are even
smoother and the gusseted tongue adequately shrouds
the foot. The midsole has been lowered in the midfoot
to make full ground contact, increasing stability and
allowing the elimination of the DRB Accel TPU support
in the shank. The flexibility of the midsole and outersole is enhanced by the Omni Groove, a figure
8–shaped series of grooves. A Y-shaped strip of
rubber connects the forefoot and rearfoot lugs, while
the remaining keyhole-shaped lugs flex with the
vertical siping in the sidewalls. The sum is a plushly
cushioned shoe with dependable performance.
“It was a very dependable shoe for pounding out the
miles over a variety of surfaces and terrains. It also has
been a good and supportive shoe for my recovery runs. I’ve
liked the Glycerin, but the weight seems really noticeable now.
Comfort-wise it’s great, very plush, but it isn’t very versatile.”
Updates the Glycerin 10 • Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15 (B,D,2E
widths); Women 5–12,13 • Weight: Men 13.5 oz. (size 11);
Women 10.2 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semicurved •
Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board •
Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral
biomechanics to very mild overpronation

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Wave Enigma marks its most dramatic update yet with
a new upper, midsole, and waveplate. The midsole
features Mizuno’s new foam formulation U4ic (say
euphoric), in place of the older AP+ foam. Though they
are chemical siblings, U4ic weighs less and boasts
both better durability and a more elastic, responsive
ride. The revamped parallel waveplate flexes better
while contributing to the snappy ride, thanks to cut-out
separations in the plate’s forefoot. The upper is a
closed mesh with an almost quilted quality to the
stretch mesh in the forefoot and ankle collar. A stiffer
mini-mesh adds structure to the rearfoot and
combines with traditional overlays in the midfoot to
lock down the foot onto the midsole. The tongue is a
stretchy, open mesh, and the lining is a smooth
polyester that wicks moisture well. The variety of little
improvements in feel, responsiveness, and performance
makes this a successful upgrade.
“Good room up front, well designed. Rolls through the
stride and cushions nicely. It is better than the last pair,
and I really liked it.”
Updates Wave Enigma 2 • Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women
6–11 • Weight: Men 12.7 oz. (size 11); Women 10.5 oz.
(size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel
slip-lasted • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched
feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation

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Round 30 introduces some new tech features in the upper and minor tweaks to Round 29’s excellent midsole design. The
nice-fitting upper uses a similar engineered mesh, but the midfoot is now supported by a thin saddle of no-sew overlays and
small, cut-out panels covered with a mini-mesh. Along with the plush interior, these are marks of a quality running shoe. The
midsole is the same Cushlon foam, decoupled to allow the foot freedom to flex in multiple directions. A longitudinal flex groove
runs down the center of the sole, with lateral flex grooves under the entire forefoot and a cleft in the heel for the crashpad. The
outersole features modified waffles, and the lateral side featu