Written by: T.J. Murphy
Posted: Sunday, 04 May 2008
Page 2 of 2
Teva Pro Wraptor Stability $110
When trail running takes on the
dimension of scrambling, the Teva Pro Wraptor is the sort of shoe you want on
your feet. Thanks to the 360-degree support system, literally wrapping your
foot like a football player getting his cleats taped on, the upper and midsole
of the Wraptor give the feeling of being one. Cushioning is provided by a
two-density midsole and shock-absorbing insert in the rear foot. Despite all of
the hardware, the Wraptor still comes in at a relatively lightweight 12 ounces.
Teva.com
Saucony Progrid Xodus $100
The
Xodus represents an aggressive new trail design for Saucony. The upper is made
of a durable rip-stop textile material, with a breathable sock liner and
gusseted tongue. The EVA midsole is enhanced by materials that increase shock
absorption in the fore and rear foot, along with a layer of rock-buffering EBO.
An exclusive Vibram 8 compound rounds out the shoe with a durable outsole. Saucony.com
GoLite Shadow Dragon $130
The Shadow Dragon weighs in at a
paltry 12.3 ounces, defying the goods it delivers: a debris shield, a scree
collar safeguard, self-adjusting laces, a protective softshell upper and a
wider trail strike last. The super-luggy sole features “Interlocking Trail
Claws” for improved grip on any obstacles from rocks to roots. Good for trail
running, trail racing and the intrepid adventure racer. Golite.com
Merrell Overdrive II $90
A TPU support and cushioning
system—Merrell calls it TrailSpring—gives the sturdy Overdrive II a running
shoe feel with the substantial protection normally afforded only in hardcore
trail running shoes. This shoe is great for straight-on trail running or
adventure racing with an easy-to-secure lacing system and a venting and
drainage in the forefoot when you’re stepping in to wet and muddy terrain. Merrell.com
JUST FOR TRIATHLETES
Zoot Ultra Tempo+ $130
If
you jump in the occasional triathlon or are a hardened tri geek, you may
already own a Zoot wetsuit and a drawer full of Zoot apparel. Now there’s more:
Zoot is introducing running shoes to the endurance market, and you’ll like them
for their technical savvy and original thinking. Think of the Zoot Ultra Tempo+
as a triathlon shoe with several technical enhancements to increase support.
Designed for drainage (Zoot thought about how much liquid is spilled over your
head at aid stations) and to be worn barefoot, the shoe also has a carbon-fiber
plate to reduce the twisting forces of over pronation. For fast transitioning,
the lace system is super quick, and the tongue and upper around the heel
provide a built-in shoehorn. Zootsports.com
K-Swiss Ultra-Natural Run $80
This shoe was born after
series of prototype and testing sessions with American triathlon star Chris
Lieto. While some sponsored athletes make mild efforts in contributing to the
production of new products, Lieto, a precisionist, reportedly went full
throttle. The Ultra-Natural Run is a lightweight, fast performance shoe that
functions both as a racer and lightweight trainer, with micro detailing inspired
by the picky Lieto. Designed with a triathlete in mind, this shoe has been
engineered to drain its way through wet conditions and aid station chaos. K-swiss.com
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The road race season in Michigan kicked off in April with Spring Training Series Races in Ann Arbor and Waterford and the Ciociaro Can Am Challenge Series in Windsor. Now that roadies are all warmed up, it's time to stretch their legs in some good old-fashioned road and criterium racing. In the coming weeks road cyclists can look forward to the Grattan Race Series kick-off, the Cone Azalia Classic road race, the Tour of Kensington Valley, the Priority Health Tour De Leelanau, the Tour De Gaslight Criterium and in June, a race that is quickly becoming a favorite among all racers, citizen and professional alike - The Superior Bike Fest in Marquette.
I just received a grim e-mail to end an otherwise unremarkable day. The subject line read "Ryan Shay Autopsy Released." 
