words // Zac Dubasik
If you're into runners, chances are you probably have your share of Air Max 95, LunarGlides, and 998. And why not? Those are all great models, worthy of any running fan's collection. But just like there's more to basketball than Air Jordans, there's more to running than a handful of classics. Today we are taking a look at a list if currently available runners, both modern and retro, that we feel deserve a closer look. Check out our picks, and let us know what guy think. Do you already have any if these? Do you have a favorite that we missed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Diadora N9000
Retro runners may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Diadora (assuming you ever think of the brand period). But while they may be best known in the tennis and soccer worlds, their recent string of collaborations using the N9000 have been strong.
adidas Climachill Rocket Boost
Despite it's use on casual-friendly silhouettes like the Pure Boost, the cushioning technology was developed with performance in mind. This model not only utilizes adidas' latest cushioning though, but adds the breathability of their Climachill line.
adidas Boston Super
Retro drops of their ZX line seem get all of the love, but they aren't the only classic adidas runners. 1984s marathon shoe deserves a closer look.
Nike Zoom Streak 5
Its prints and textures give it a casual flair, but make no mistake, the Zoom Streak 5 was made to be run in. And if you are interested in it as a casual choice, it's a nice break from the overload of Lunar-based choices that have dominated as of late.
ASICS GEL Kayano 20
Now 20 models deep, it would be easy to overlook ASICS flagship running line. Just remember though, it's made it this far for a reason.
Nike Free Run
OG Shoes like the Free Run 2, Free Flyknit and any one of about 50 models to slap a Free bottom on an existing upper get a lot of love these days, but they owe it all to the original.
Nike Lunarspider R5
We've seen the Lunarspider, unexpectedly for a performance runner, used for collaborations in the past, but the model has never looked more sleek than in its current iteration, complete with fully exposed Dynamic Flywire and a toe Swoosh.
New Balance 890v4
You may not see a new boutique collaboration on the fourth edition of the New Balance 890 like you do on their retro runners, but you also don't get the performance upgrades that led to this shoe being named "Best Update" in Runners World's 2013 Winter Show Guide.
Under Armour SpeedForm Apollo
Under Armour has built on the success of the Speedform RC, and its non-traditional construction methods, by refining the design with the Speedform Apollo. We've yet to see the model take off however, in comparison to more traditional runners.
Nike Zoom Terra Kiger
While the silhouette is relatively new, the Zoom Terra Kiger has a lineage that's tied to Nike's running history, which can be seen both in it's connection to the Terra Humara trail runner, as well as it's waffle outsole.