Canadian Running – September-October 2019

Nike’s iconic Pegasus is back again,

featuring increased perforation and

a modified, breathable upper that

promotes air flow internally on those

muggy summer runs. The 36 also

includes a slimmer heel collar and smaller

tongue to give the shoe a slightly more

streamlined look. Nike’s exposed “flywire”

cables help make sure your foot stays

secure at high speeds and its cushioned

foam in the midsole is firm yet reason-

ably comfortable. Further, the 36’s sock

liner adapts to the contour of your foot

for added support and comfort.

Nike’s had plenty of time to innovate

upon this popular running shoe, first

introduced in 1983, so these new tweaks

to one of the company’s best selling

offerings come as welcome flourishes.

Released this summer, the Cumulus 21

still serves as one of the most reliable

shoes for any runner with a neutral

gait. While similar to the Kayano 26,

Asics focuses more on comfort and

support in the 21. The shoe’s midsole

elevates across the toe box and the

ball of the foot, helping to blunt

the impact of the foot landing and

taking off. Asics has also adjusted

the grooves in the sole just under the

heel for a softer landing and added

more foam in the ankle wrap for addi-

tional support. During testing, we also

appreciated the 21’s comfy jacquard

mesh upper and breathable sock liner

on our muggy late-June run.

With the Ghost 12, Brooks continues to

cultivate its decades-long reputation

as one of the most reliable and comfort-

able offerings in the running-shoe

industry. That reputation is particularly

warranted when it comes to the 12’s

superior cushioning through the midsole,

and the shoe’s supportive fit.

Brooks’ proprietary BioMoGo DNA

and DNA Loft material in the midsole

provide the shoe’s exceptional cushioning,

while the 12’s outsole features shock-

absorbing segmented lugs for solid

traction, and for a more comfortable

landing. The 12’s snug-yet-malleable

one-piece upper keeps your foot securely

in place, with no overlays that can cause

discomfort from rubbing against your skin.

All in all: a very well-designed and

comfortable trainer that we’ve come to

expect from Brooks over the years.

Men’s: 295 g (10.4 oz.)

Women’s: 264 g (9.3 oz.)

Drop ratio: 12 mm

$160

Men’s: 323 g (11.4 oz.)

Women’s: 266 g (9.4 oz.)

Drop ratio: 10 mm

$160

Men’s: 283 g (10 oz.)

Women’s: 227 g (8 oz.)

Drop ratio: 10 mm

$155

Released as of summer 2019, this second iteration of
New Balance’s Fresh Foam Beacon provides an evenly
cushioned, lightweight ride that should hold up over
high mileage. The v2 comes with reconstructed
knitted upper that moulds more comfortably to your
feet and comes with a pronounced heel construction,
giving the shoe an attractive rear-foot-focused look,
with an elevated heel collar and counter for increased
support and stability.
If you have a particularly wide foot, the Beacon
v2 might feel somewhat constraining as you break it
in. All told, the Beacon v2, is one of the best distance
shoes we tested in 2019 when it comes to comfort and
support, and it works as both a training and race-day
shoe, ideal for half-marathon distances and beyond.

Men’s: 218 g (7.7 oz.)

Women’s: 184 g (6.5 oz.)

Drop ratio: 6 mm

$160

EDITOR’S PICK

Best Stability Shoe

Nike

Air Zoom

Pegasus 36

ASICS

Gel-Cumulus 21

Brooks

Ghost 12

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FALL 2019
STABILITY
New Balance
Fresh Foam Beacon v2
64 Canadian Running September & October 2019, Volume 12, Issue 6
Hie
p^ V
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gear
fall shoe guide