The abundance of Super Shoes has created a logjam of performance products. The longterm effects of running high mileage in a shoe designed to improve efficiency, while altering the mechanics of the running foot raises a question: Are my feet losing muscle tone with the shoe’s rocker assisting the motion? Enter the Saucony Endorphin Trainer, a high mileage plated shoe with a top layer of soft foam over the firm 3/4 plate and a tough “road grade” foam. In my experience, the soft top layer cushions but engages the foot muscles to stabilize the cush, while the plate aligns and rolls the foot to toe-off. The effect is a cushy high mileage shoe. Need to put in the miles for marathon season? Take advantage of the plated feel, while building foot strength and endurance.
Testers: “Comfortably smooth interior that breathes well. Well cushioned, comfortable for long runs, but fine for faster days, too.”
New Shoe • Price: $200 • Sizes: Men 7-13, 14, 15 ; Women – 5-12 • Weight: 11.5 oz. (men’s 12); 7 oz. (women’s 9) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, fabric Strobel board • Drop: 10mm • Recommended for: medium low- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild pronation.