It’s now been just over a year since our launch but in a short space of time we have become widely regarded as a “sole saving” website (excuse the pun) for great prices, reviews and trivia on the latest running shoes.
Over the last 12 months we have racked up the miles, burst the blisters and smelt the insoles of 100’s of running shoes. Rather than just testing the latest running shoes we have lived in them. We have fought through the myriad of manufacturing terms to delver you honest findings and the best prices.
So it is with great pleasure and no small amount of head-scratching, that Ransacker presents its 2008 Running Shoes of the Year Awards. Remember, unlike some other online reviewers and magazines, we have no allegiances to manufacturers – we’re 100% independent, dedicated, and more than a little bit crazy.
Best New Shoe of 2008
2008 has been a barnstorming year for new releases and three shoes instantly topped the pile. The adidas Kanadia, Salomon XT Wings and the Nike Lunar Trainer. However, all three are vastly different and this makes direct comparisons difficult. On price and value for money the adidas Kanadia would win hands-down with a RRP of just £39.99.
Rather than being revolutionary the adidas Kanadia and the Salomon XT Wings have been evolutionary improvements. So consider the Nike Lunar Trainer the freak of nature that defies evolution; a NASA enabled mutation that has revolutionized, pound for pound cushioning in running shoes. The Nike Lunar Trainer is by no means a perfect running shoe, it lacks support and guidance. However the spring produced on toe off and the smooth stride that it provides are unrivaled in its weight category and looks set to change our expectations of lightweight running shoes.
Special Recommendations:
adidas Kanadia
Salomon XT Wings
adidas Supernova Sequence
Nike Zoom Victory
Best Looking Shoe of 2008
As you well know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, which made this a difficult category to judge and the cause of several arguments in the office.
The makeover of the year should definitely go to the Asics Nimbus 10. Not known for their styling Asics introduced a Jackson Pollockesque styling and metallic colors to make this model look 10 years younger. The Nike Air Zoom Victory will have tickled your fancy and if you liked conventional styling with a flash of color and the sleek new Nike Air Equalon + 3 would have impressed.
However we prefer rugged good looks. We want our running shoes to say “I don’t care what you throw at me I will still looks good afterwards”. And for that reason our award of the best looking shoe of the year undoubtedly goes to the Puma Trail Fox III. The low profile, and edgy looking styling make this a no nonsense kind of shoe that performs as well as it looks.
Special Recommendations:
Asics Nimbus 10
Nike Air Zoom Victory
Nike Air Equalon + 3
Salomon XT Wings
Best Neutral Running Shoe of 2008
This is the most fiercely fought category of them all and there are some big name contenders; Asics Nimbus 10, Nike Air Pegasus+ 25, Mizuno Wave Rider 11, adidas Supernova Cushion 7 and the Brooks Ghost.
The Nike Air Pegasus+ 25 raised its game for its 25th anniversary whilst the other manufacturers closed the gap. In particular the adidas Supernova Cushion 7 is worthy of a special mention due to its vast improvement. The new last, widened mid foot and plate technology created an outstanding fit and ride.
Despite the best efforts of the other manufacturers our award for the Best Neutral Running Shoe of 2008 must go to our defending champion; Asics Nimbus 10.
For it’s 10th birthday Asics gave the Nimbus 10 an overhaul yet they managed to do something that very few manufacturers manage to achieve; they improved on an already brilliant running shoe whilst keeping its best time honored attributes. On the upper, the most obvious innovation was the Asymmetrical Lacing System that follows the curve of the foot and new GEL elements in the forefoot and rearfoot provided technical support resulting in a perfectly smooth ride.
Special Recommendations:
Nike Air Pegasus+ 25
Mizuno Wave Rider 11
adidas Supernova Cushion 7
Brooks Ghost
Best Support Running Shoe of 2008
Last year our award went to the Saucony ProGrid Paramount, a revolutionary running shoe that shifted the boundaries and made us think differently about Support running shoes. That is why we are surprised that this years nominations have been relatively conventional; good cushioning, firm-to-springy ride and plenty of support. And to be perfectly honest with you there is not much to choose between the them. As expected the Asics Kayano 14 was the shoe to beat and a few shoes came close, in particular the Nike Air Equalon + 3 and the Brooks Adrenaline 8. However non could rival the Asics Kayano 14 ’s stable comfortable ride that was improved by a newly designed upper, a more responsive midsole and an enlarged heel gel unit.
Special Recommendations:
New Balance 1224
Nike Air Equalon + 3
Brooks Adrenaline 8
Saucony ProGrid Guide
Best Motion Control Running Shoe 2008
At last the running shoe industry discovered how to design Motion Control running shoes so that they do not feel like Motion Control running shoes. For instance you no longer feel that your foot is being forced to do anything unnatural and that you are free to continue running how you run. Asics must be commended for their superb updates; Foundation 8 and the Evolution 4. The ride of the Asics Foundation 8 was softened and the last on the Asics Evolution 4 was enhanced allowing greater security around the heel. As usually the Mizuno Wave Alchemy faired up well with its 8th incarnation but this year’s winner had just a bit more class. The Brooks Beast provided a really natural toe-off, was extremely smooth underfoot but also had enough bulk to keep your foot tracking in the right direction.
Special Recommendations:
Asics Evolution 4
Asics Foundation 8
Mizuno Wave Alchemy 8
Brooks Addiction 8
Best Trail Running Shoe 2008
We nearly came to blows over this award. Our main reason for conflict was trying to identify what you want from Trail running shoes. Our ultimate decision was, a bit of everything. A good trail running shoe has to be flexible, cushioned and protective enough to cope with hard ground, whilst grippy and waterproof (to a certain degree) to cope in the wet
For these reasons, although in contention, the following shoes came up a little short; Saucony ProGrid Guide Trail, Puma Trailfox III, Brooks Cascadia and the adidas Kanadia. Our eventual winner just had a bit more in every department; the Salomon XT Wings. A fantastic new shoe, the XT Wings offered light weight protection and great grip that can handle a combination of pavement and paths.
Special Recommendations:
Saucony ProGrid Guide Trail
Puma Trailfox III
Brooks Cascadia
adidas Kanadia
What do you think about our choices? Whether you agree or disagree we would love to hear from you!
The majority of your choices I agree with. However I wasnt a big fan of this years asics kayano 14. I prefered the Saucony Harricane 10’s