Thank goodness, Brooks has debuted Adrenaline 10. I count  on Adrenaline to fit the most narrow foot, which is why the Adrenaline 9 was such a disappointment. Prior versions were perfect, but version 9 had changed so much from prior versions that it would no longer fit the narrow foot properly. Here’s my post about it.http://drshoe.wordpress.com/2009/02/04/shoe-review-brooks-adrenaline-gts-8-vs-gts-9/.

Now however, I am happy to report that Adrenaline 10 rises to the level of fit for the narrow foot that all versions prior to 9 had. What a relief. This is a classic case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” and Brooks has been restored to their rightful first place in helping runners with narrow feet find a perfectly fitting running shoe.

As an added bonus, the overall look is much more stylish and sleek making this shoe even nicer. Thanks Brooks and thanks JY for bringing these shoes in for me to evaluate.

I have previously reviewed the Saucony Hurricane 9 and 10 http://drshoe.wordpress.com/2008/08/12/shoe-review-saucony-progrid-hurricane-9-vs-10/ and Saucony has now released version 11. Overall I like the changes to the 11, but this model has even less volume than the 10, which may be a problem if you’ve been wearing this shoe for it’s roominess.

One of the changes I especially like though  is a thicker forefoot midsole which is great for added cushioning at toe-off as seen below.

The waist of the 11 is also wider than the 10 providing much better midfoot support and help with pronation.

My only problem with this shoe is how expensive it’s become ($139). Each new version is $10 more than the prior. At this price point the shoe is OK but better designed and less expensive, similar shoes include Adrenaline GTS 9 or Asics 2140. I even prefer Saucony Guide Shoe to this shoe in terms of overall design and fit.

This is the 1st time I have seen this  shoe and I am underwhelmed.

One of the things I like most about many Asics running shoes  is that they are generally well structured and stable which makes them a perfect choice for many runners. The Gel Frantic on the other hand is anything but. It strikes me as a Nike Shox wannabee in design without any of the rigidity associated with many of the Shox shoes. This shoe rolls up like a ball with very little effort and anyone who pronates at all would be ill-served by this flexible shoe.

In summary, I would probably never recommend this shoe for a serious runner, especially one  having foot, knee or iliotibial band pain.

Brooks is staying cutting edge by not changing the shoe, but giving you more color choices instead. They just released two new colors in the Beast model and one new color in the Ariel model. I am a fan of both of these shoes and have blogged about both before: http://drshoe.wordpress.com/2008/11/05/shoe-review-brooks-ariel-old-vs-new/  http://drshoe.wordpress.com/2008/01/21/shoe-review-brooks-beast/. FYI as of today, Brooks does not have all the colors available on their site, so Zappos.com is a good place to go instead.

If you are a runner who doesn’t pronate too much and need maximum cushioning or shock absorption then Saucony Progrid Echelon may be the shoe for you.

It’s upper is similar in design to the Progrid Stabil 6 http://drshoe.wordpress.com/2009/02/04/shoe-review-saucony-grid-stabil-vs-progrid-stabil/ without the firm EVA medial midsole. It’s mesh cutouts also help if you have bunions or hammertoes.

The outsole doesn’t hourglass much which is helpful if you have a wide or high arched foot or just need extra width to keep from spilling over in this area.

Reader Ken asks “I read in one of your reviews that you don’t like the Nimbus 1o from Asics. This shoe was recommended to me as a neutral runner with high arches and problems with shin splints and IT band soreness. Can you elaborate on your problems with the Nimbus 10.

The Gel Nimbus is a very popular Asics shoe and I must admit I am much happier with Gel Nimbus 11 than I was with Gel Nimbus 10 or 9. In fact, the 11 is a great shoe for a neutral runner with high arches, shin splints and IT band soreness. As long as you don’t pronate too much you should be just fine.

Here are some of the major differences between the three versions.

• Upper (top) -Differences between the uppers may mean the difference between crowding of the toes, puckering or perfect toe box room. As many of you know, I prefer regular lacing to asymmetrical lacing with the 11’s asymmetrical version (Asics is listening) being preferred to the 10. I am also pleased that the 11 toe box has full mesh like the 9 and not with trim over the big toe which can cause tendon or toe friction if prominent.

• Outsole – Fortunately, the Nimbus 10 and 11 have a much improved outsole with a wider waist. The outsole is overall wider in the forefoot than it was in version 9 also providing more support. The sizing comes in a full range from Women’s narrow (2A) to Men’s extra wide (4E).

• Midsole (medial) – This is the biggest change and most welcome improvement to the Nimbus 11 from both prior versions. Previously the Nimbus had much less EVA in the midsole directly in the center of the arch. This made the shoe flex more in the arch than it should as well as it made the shoe much less durable and more soft. Now however, the midsole is full EVA providing extra stability as well as cushioning, which I really like.
• Trim over the big toe joint – The only downside with the 11 is trim overlying where a bunion would be. If you have a bunion then the 10 would have been a better design for you or you can try skipping the 1st set of eyelets entirely which may help.

All in all, if you have previously avoided wearing Asics Gel Nimbus – now is the time to give the 11 a try. It has a much more biomechanical design and I really like the improvements Asics has made to this light weight shoe cushioned running shoe.

Lusty Malice (http://www.bayareaderbygirls.com/) came in today with increasing outside of the foot pain. She purchased new boots in January which alleviated her ankle pain but created outside of the foot pain and swelling otherwise known as a bursae. A bursae is a fluid-filled sac which develops in areas of  pressure. In this case, a wide forefoot and a tight new boot, caused pressure and friction resulting in bursae formation.

Fortunately, since this is a new problem, the solution is easy. First the skate needs to be spot stretched. I use a ball and ring stretcher for just such cases. You can also go to your local shoe repair store and have them do this as well. Be sure to tell them that it needs to be spot stretched as opposed to forefoot stretched, otherwise you won’t get the desired result.

Next, I showed LM how to re-lace her skates skipping the eyelets that correspond to the bursae location which will reduce pressure in this area.

Finally, if there is still some residual pain and swelling then a quick trip to the podiatrist for a cortisone injection into the burse should take care of things once and for all.

Having completed the first Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day walk (1998),  I know all too well how grueling the training and walk itself can be. I am therefore always pleased when I can recommend a shoe which withstands the demands and rigors this event requires. New Balance 1123 is a running shoe which provides maximum support, stability and it even has pink trim!

This shoe is a tank and it works for wide and deep feet. It also has mesh on the inside which works if you have a bunion. It has medial and lateral midsole EVA and no hourglass in the waist which especially helps if you pronate.  Bottom line, this is a really terrific shoe but pricey, so make sure you use your 3-Day discount card when purchasing.

This is a great shoe for the narrow foot. However, if you wear this shoe, you will want to pay particular attention to forefoot wear. BT came in today with this pair which were only 6 weeks old. When placed on a flat table, the heel counter is no longer upright, tilting to the outside, indicating excessive wear.

Looking at the forefoot sole on the bottom, excessive wear is also evident. This causes the shoe to pronate causing metatarsalgia (forefoot pain) and in this case worsening plantar fasciitis.

Surprisingly the rearfoot outsole wear is unaffected and is evenly worn.

In this case, the worn shoe can cause foot pain and problems so carefully evaluate your shoes monthly for excessive wear.

It’s great when I find a store with knowledgeable staff. Fleet Feet Sports in San Francisco http://www.fleetfeetsanfrancisco.com/ is just such a store.

Owners Brett Lamb and Kim Holt are passionate about running, passionate about shoes and are passionate about making sure their customers have the best fit possible. At Fleet Feet Sports in San Francisco, you’re not just a sale, you’re part of a running community they are active participants in. Their goal is to help you achieve your running or fitness goals, which shows in the care and fitting their staff bring to helping you find just the right shoe.

If you live or are planning a visit to San Francisco and need expert advice when purchasing your next pair of athletic shoes, Fleet Feet Sports San Francisco is the place to go.