Those long monotonous miles on the “dreadmill” amidst the dark of winter will soon be a distant memory. As the weather warms and daylight lengthens its reach, it’s a great time to evaluate your running shoes for the miles and conditions ahead. To help you add a little spring to your running stride, we’ve selected five of our favorite new and updated roadies for Spring 2015.
Altra Instinct 3.0
The refreshed Instinct 3.0 from Altra Running is a road shoe worthy of its groundbreaking heritage. The third generation Instinct (Intuition for women) features a softer upper and a more responsive outsole designed to support your bones and tendons. The midsole benefits from the addition of InnerFlex, grid-like grooves in the midsole that allow your foot to flex where needed. As always, you get the benefit of a zero-drop build, foot shaped toebox and A-Bound midsole for increased energy return to keep all that new found energy moving in the right direction.
altrarunning.com; MSRP $110
Newton Aha
You’re working with a great coach, training regularly and nailing your form drills – but you’r estill struggling to transition to a forefoot strike. Take the next step with the Aha from Newton Running. The Aha incorporates a more subtle version of Newton’s patented P.O.P (Point of Power) Action/Reaction™ technology, which are five lugs that protrude from the outsole under your foot’s metatarsal heads. The different P.O.P numbers determine the shoes responsiveness. The P.O.P 3 Aha with its natural running 4mm drop provides the same forefoot placement and efficiency benefits as its more aggressive P.O.P siblings. Add a soft and seamless upper, and you may just be able to find your rhythm.
newtonrunning.com; MSRP $110
New Balance Fresh Foam Zante
The lightweight, low-profile runner exemplifies the benefits of state-of-the-art materials and design. Fit to be fast, the Zante’s 6mm drop offers an incredibly smooth heel to toe transition, helping your feet feel fast no matter what pace you run. An airy mesh upper coupled with a fit enhancing inner sleeve not only provides slipper-esque comfort, but keeps you light and nimble from mile 1 to 100. But the real star of this shoe is the Fresh Foam midsole, which offers a unique ride our editor’s described as the perfect blend of flexibility, firmness and forgiveness. It all adds up to a reinvigorated spring run routine.
newbalance.com; MSRP $99
Salomon X-Scream 3D
The City-to-Trail X-Scream 3D from Salomon has the soul of a trail runner, but performs like a roadie. In other words, it’s the shoe designed to reflect the realities of where and how you run. A breathable upper mesh keeps you cool on the hot pavement. SensiFit overlays coupled with the seamless EndoFit ensure a precise fit so your foot doesn’t jostle around while dodging potholes and unsuspecting pedestrians as you weave through the concrete jungle. Underfoot, X-Scream 3D utilizes a dual-density EVA midsole for soft supportive landings. Multi-directional lugs ensure that whether you’re running over stairs, dodging food carts at the farmers market, or blitzing the greenbelt, you’ll have the traction you need, when you need it.
salomon.com/usa; MSRP $125
Saucony Triumph ISO
“Speedy” may not be the middle name of the Saucony Triumph ISO, but with a reinvigorated design and a renewed sense of purpose, this well-cushioned, neutral trainer is ready to carry you over long miles in big comfort. PWRGRID+ provides Saucony’s plushest ride, while ISOFIT gives you a custom foot-hugging feel for every mile of your run. Working in harmony with POWERGRID, Saucony’s IBR+ Outsole is 33 percent lighter in weight than traditional blown rubber and absorbs twice as much energy than traditionally blown rubber. All told, the Triumph (8mm heel-toe offset) is set to be with you every step of the way.
saucony.com; MSRP $150
Topo Athletic Fli-Lyte
Made for the runner who appreciates the benefits of natural running without that unnatural price tag. The Fli-lyte from Topo Athletic offers a foot-friendly shape allowing your toes to splay naturally while the printed overlays provide enough structure to keep your feet in their place. Underfoot, your runs benefit from a 3mm heel-toe offset that keeps you in a natural running position. Meanwhile the 4mm lugged outsole keeps you flying straight and steady no matter what the concrete jungle throws your way. Whether the Fli-Lytes become your daily trainer, interval strider or race day shoe, the Fli-Lyte is designed so you can run long distances naturally and comfortably.
topoathletic.com; MSRP $100
*Gumption Gear Review received the product samples featured from the listed brands at no cost, and receives no monetary compensation for this or any related review. The items featured were provided solely in return for our honest views and opinions.