The running season is near; but before you go on a triathlon training frenzy or pound that pavement after a too-long hiatus, look to the feet first. Resident sneaker pimp Zaki Jufri checks out which cool soles do the best job.

Considered one of the best cardio workout that burns serious calories—around 500 calories in 30 minutes depending on the intensity of your pace—running is one of the best and easiest forms of workouts there is, with minimum gear required. Lace up a pair of shoes, and you’re good to go. But choosing that pair of shoes is all-important.
Dr. Kevin Yip of Singapore Sports and Orthopaedic Clinic tells us: “Always choose the shoe that fits the type of activity and terrain. Safety is very important and the correct type of shoes will reduce accidents during these activities. For running, the shoes are generally soft (usually a cloth upper rather than leather) and the tip is pointed and has a reflecting material at the back of the shoes.” With that in mind, I-S goes out on a limb and checks out what’s in for some cool running.

For Gym Rats
1. Puma L.I.F.T Racer
Why it’s Hot: The name actually stands for “Lite Injected Foam Technology” and it is the latest range of sneaks that Puma recently launched. Weighing a mere 173 grams, this lighter-than-light pair is great for those who are looking to integrate short distances into their workout.
$109 from Puma

2. Asics GEL-Nimbus 10
Why it’s Hot: Like its name, running in a pair of these feels like floating on the clouds. One of Asics’ flagship runners, the new Nimbus 10 is definitely one of the most comfortable shoes we’ve tried, with its ankle-hugging collar and asymmetrical lacing which follows the natural shape of your foot, resulting in a snug fit. $243.90 from Asics

3. Mizuno Wave Precision 9
Why it’s Hot: Remember when Dorothy clicks her ruby red slippers three times and poof, she’s back in Kansas? Well, it certainly feels like that when you’re running with Mizuno’s Wave Precision 9, sans the clicking part of course. Getting from point A to B (even if technically, points A and B are the same on the treadmill) seems like a breeze.
$159 from World of Sports

For The Great Outdoors

4. Salomon XT Wings
Why it’s Hot: With its red hot color blocks with hints of black, one could have mistaken Salomon’s best-selling trail shoe as part of some web-slinger’s get up. As its name suggests, this pair of runners will definitely give you wings as you glide effortlessly through any terrain. With its incredible fit and innovative cushioning system, it provides the necessary padding to adapt to running on or off the road. $229 from World of Sports

For Some Serious Mileage
5. Asics GEL-Noosa Tri
Why it’s Hot: For those of you who want to be noticed while you pound the pavement, look no further than GEL-Noosa Tri by Asics. At first glance, the shoes look like someone gave the designer (probably a former comic artist) a little too much slack on the design front, but despite its funky looks, this shoe is packed with triathlon-specific technologies to help you perform on race day. $219 from Asics

6.Adidas Adizero Rocket Kizuna
Why it’s Hot: Ideal for distance runs, the Adidas Adizero Rocket Kizuna is the latest offering from Adidas’ running shoe range. With its cool asymmetrical design with hints of red, black, white and silver, and lightweight feel, this is great for racing and the snug sock-like fit provides for great responsiveness from the shoe. $152 from Adidas

7. Mizuno Wave Creation 10
Why it’s Hot: Once you put on a pair of Creations and start running, you could just go on and on and on and never want to stop. Mizuno’s Wave Creation series has been consistently getting high marks from runners—serious and recreational—alike. The most striking detail about this pair is the “Infinity Wave” plate that runs from the heel and into the front of the shoe.
$249 from World of Sports

Pound the Pavement
Race dates to remember.
The Brooks Republic Run (5km)
When: Jun 28, 6:30am
Where: Republic Polytechnic
www.republicrun.sg
Mizuno Wave Run (10km)
When: Sep 13, 7:30am
Where: Nanyang Polytechnic
OSIM International Triathlon (12.2km upwards)
When: Aug 1-2, 8am
Where: East Coast Park, www.triathlon.sg
Singapore Bay Run (6km, 10km and 21km)
When: Aug 16, 5:30am
Where: Esplanade Bridge
www.safra.sg/sbr

Shop Savvy, Run Smart
Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Tan Jee Lin of JL Sports Medicine & Surgery (#05-08 Gleneagles Medical Centre, 5 Napier Rd., 6476-8998) shares some tips on athletic shoe shopping.
  •Buy shoes at the end of the day. Your feet expand as the day draws on and it’s better to get shoes that are a tad bigger as your feet also expands while you run.
  •Bring your running socks when you go shoe-shopping.
  •Although the design of some shoes may catch your attention, resist insisting on it if it’s not a fit for your running style and feet type. Always buy shoes that best fit your body’s needs.
  •Buy within your budget. Shoes don’t last forever and like cars, they have a lifespan or mileage of about 500km or six months to a year depending on how regular you run. Buy shoes that don’t burn a hole in your wallet as you might have to replace them at least once a year.
 
Adidas, #01-165/171 Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Blvd., 6334-3107 Asics, #04-44A Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd., 6836-6627
Puma, #01-65 VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, 6376-8090  World of Sports, 4/F Isetan Orchard, Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Rd., 6738-2451