The new Air Cesium is the result of four separate Nike studies over the course of 7 years. Their research suggests that proactively slowing pronation on impact was not only effective, it also required less material (and, therefore, less weight) than the more traditional approach of multiple densities in the midsole. The Air Cesium is a light-weight shoe that sports a peppy feel with noticeable, but not intrusive, medial support. Its “point of origin” crash pad effectively minimizes overpronation while offering a comfortable, cushioned ride. This is a substantial training shoe that weighs in at just 10 ounces—much lighter than any comparable shoe. Though the sensation of the fit and the asymmetrical heel take some getting used to, our weartester was enthusiastic: “Good cushion without feeling mushy or losing [the] feel of the road; stable for such a light shoe and has excellent traction on a variety of surfaces.” It’s not hard to see why the Air Cesium earned our gold medal for this category.
Price: $120 • Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15; Women 5–12 • Weight: Men 10.0 oz. (size 9); Women 8.0 oz. (size 7) • Upper: mesh with syn- thetic overlays, TPU medial support, reflective trim • Upper: molded Phylon, PU lateral crash pad, Zoom Air heel and fore- foot • Shank: TPU • Outersole: BRS 1000 heel, Duralon forefoot • Innersole: CM-EVA • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip lasted • Recommended for: low- to medium-high–arched feet with mild to moderate over- pronation