Tale of the Tape:

Provides a durable, responsive, well-balanced ride, and adds a pleasant spring to one’s step. Contains Hydroflow® heel and forefoot cushioning, with Substance 257 cushioning and a dynamic Cush-Pod configuration. A high-density carbon rubber outsole offers increased traction and durability.

Features:

• Midsole Material: Substance 257

• Cushioning Technology: Polyurethane Sockliner

• Heel Technology: HydrowFlow

Cost: $99.99

For What it’s Worth:

PRO

I have knee pains now and then. I felt no problems in these shoes. This is a comfortable running shoe, designed for high-mileage runners looking for a smooth ride.

CON

The only two minuses I felt were the lack of tread compared with other shoes - resulting in less of a grip than say those on Ascis shoes. Also, the diamond hole in the heel of the sole catches stones, thus destroying any cushion and flexibility.

Tale of the Tape:

Very similar to the 1022 model. The midsole/outsole uses the same tried-and-true material that make high-mileage runners rave. The 1023 model is another incredibly durable and well-cushioned shoe. The difference with this new model and the 1022 is a new spacey area within the upper portion of the shoe, which provides a more airy and roomy fit.

Features:

• Midsole Material: ACTEVA

• Cushioning Technology: ABZORB

• Heel Technology: ABZORB

• Outersole: Brown Rubber Outsole

Cost: $99.99

For What it’s Worth:

PRO

Not sure if it was the shoes, but I ran my best time ever in a 10K with these shoes. The 1023 has a great feel - I almost forgot they were on. They provided a wonderful cushioned extension for my feet. I felt, no blister, shin splints, or knee problems at all from this shoe.

CON

I did find this model to be a little narrow. If your foot is even the slightest bit wide, make sure you buy the wide version.

Tale of the Tape:

Provides midsole durability and stability through the Extended DuoMax Post. The full-length SpEVA midsole also increases shock attenuation and midsole durability, providing for a smooth ride. This shoe is especially durable for larger runners like myself at 6’3”, 195lb, who often wear out running shoes quickly.

Features:

• Midsole Material: SpEVA

• Cushioning Technology: Extended DuoMax Medial Post

• Lacing System: Loop Style Lacing

Cost: $89.99

For What it’s Worth:

PRO

My personal favorite!!! They are durable, comfortable, sturdy, and provide a very light, comfortable fit. With Asics, prepare to buy a ½ size larger than your normal size.

CON

The wind (on cold days) blows right through them - more so than other shoes.

Tale of the Tape:

Uses a rigid material in the midsole to keep the foot neutral in the midfoot phase of the gait cycle. The forefoot balances cushioning with durability for average impact using a responsive CRM Grid. The Grid Trigon 2 has an incredibly lightweight outsole made of a combination of blown rubber and carbon rubber, resulting in a lightweight, flexible outsole.

Features:

• Midsole Material: Midfoot Support Bridge

• Cushioning Technology: High Rebound Compound

• Outsole: b/CR

• Lacing System: Traditional Lacing System

Cost: $89.99

For What it’s Worth:

It’s hard to find anything bad to say about this shoe. Sometimes my feet feel tired after running, but that’s never the case with this model. They have great traction, and you’ll probably never find yourself with sore knees, ankles, or blisters.

These shoes also break right in - as if you’ve worn them forever. You can’t say that about many brands of shoes. Also, the shoes are made of 3M reflectivity materials, which provide visibility for when you run in low-lit areas. That’s never a bad thing.

Tale of the Tape:

Features a DMX foam for comfortable cushioning and a carbon and blown rubber outsole for extra cushioning, traction, and ride. There’s a medial post, which supports stability. Like the Saucony Grid Trigon 2, these shoes also use a 3M material to provide nighttime running safety.

Features:

• Cushioning Technology: DMX Foam

• Pronation: Medial EVA Post

• Outsole: Blown Rubber Outsole

Cost: $79.99

For What it’s Worth:

This shoe was recently Runner’s World’s Editor’s Choice. And it’s easy to see why. Your foot is sandwiched in a heel-to-toe layer of foam, with more slabs of foam designed to absorb force. There’s a lot of room in this shoe, especially the toe box. I get blisters in a lot of shoes, but not this one.

These shoes are good about wicking away moisture, and allowing your foot to breathe. I did find this model to feel heavier than others I’ve tried, but not excessively so.