Best Women’s Athletic Shoes 2012

Best Women’s Athletic Shoes 2012

1. ASICS Women’s GEL-Nimbus 12 6. ASICS Women’s GEL-Noosa Tri 6
2. Mizuno Women’s Wave Creation 12 7. Brooks Women’s Glycerin 8
3. Brooks Women’s Adrenaline Gts 11 8. New Balance Women’s WT20 Trail
4. ASICS Women’s GEL-Kayano 17 9. Saucony Women’s ProGrid Guide 4
5. Zumba Women’s Z1 Dance Shoe 10. Puma Women’s Complete Trailfox 4


1. ASICS Women’s GEL-Nimbus 12 Running Shoe

Price: $74.99

  • Synthetic and mesh
  • Rubber sole
  • Impact Guidance System enhances the foot’s natural gait from heel strike to toe-off
  • Guidance line provides gait efficiency
  • Space Trusstic System creates a pocket between the Trusstic System, device and the midsole, allowing for controlled midsole deformation and more efficient foot function
  • Asymmetrical lacing design is an anatomically correct environment that reduces potential for irritation and provides improved comfort and fit
  • Discrete Eyelets are independently placed to disburse lace tension, creating a customized fitting environment and enhanced upper comfort

Now in its 12th incarnation, this venerable trainer offers top-of-the line cushioning and a stable ride. Loaded with new features including Guidance Line for gait efficiency and Discrete Eye-stay construction, along with ASICS Impact Guidance System (I.G.S), Space Trusstic System, Biomorphic Fit Upper, and a ComforDry Sockliner.

2. Mizuno Women’s Wave Creation 12 Running Shoe

Price: $89.25 

  • synthetic
  • Rubber sole
  • SmoothRide Engineering utilizes the maximum energy efficiency properties of both flexibile and stiff footwear
  • Dynamotion Fit design technology relieves the stress the foot naturally places on footwear, eliminating distortion for the perfect fit
  • Mizuno Intercool is a full-length midsole ventilation system that reduces heat and humidity build-up inside the shoe
  • Gender Engineering philosophy maximizes performance by tailoring footwear to the separate needs of men and women
  • Mizuno Wave technology combines cushioning and stability, two distinctly different elements that are both inherently necessary in great running shoes

 The lightweight dynamotion stretch air mesh and synthetic upper of the Wave Creation 12 running shoe from Mizuno helps you accomplish your long-distance running goals. Larger flex grooves maximize energy efficiency during the initial toe-off stages, whereas flex controllers maximize efficiency. Featuring Mizuno Intercool, a full-length midsole ventilation system that reduces heat and humidity build-up inside the shoe, this shoe remains comfortable no matter how long your route is. Plus, Mizuno Wave technology combines cushioning and stability, two distinctly different elements that are both inherently necessary in great running shoes.

3. Brooks Women’s Adrenaline Gts 11 Running Shoe

Price: $72.37

  • Mesh and synthetic
  • Rubber sole
  • Brooks’ best selling stability/support shoe provides excellent performance for slight-to-moderate overpronators. A powerful combination of cushioning and overpronation control
  • Brooks DNA Cushioning Technology – this ground breaking cushioning technology automatically and physically adapts with each foot strike to provide the optimal balance of cushioning and stability personalized for each runner and each step
  • Named Runner’s World’s “Best Update” winner in their Winter 2010 Shoe Guide in their December 2010 issue
  • Brooks BioMogo – the first-ever biodegradeable running shoe midsole; our non-toxic, natural additive to the midsole enables it to biodegrade 50x faster than other midsoles without changing the performance or useful life of the shoe. This eco-friendly technology won Runner’s World International “Best Innovation” Award in 2006
  • Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB) is a biomechanically engineered midsole that allows for progressive pronation control to create smoother mid-foot to forefoot transition

Recognized as the “best update” by Runner’s World, you know the Adrenaline GTS 11 by Brooks brings the best in both cutting-edge technology and performance-enhancing design to your training. In fact, you feel it in every step with this shoe’s dynamic arch saddle plus the unique and innovative DNA cushioning system that adapts precisely to your own physiology and running style. The result is a running shoe that feels like it was custom made just for you.

4. ASICS Women’s GEL-Kayano 17 Running Shoe

Price: $69.00

  • Synthetic and mesh
  • Rubber sole
  • Platform

Cutting-edge technology and high-end components combine as this venerated trainer returns in a bold new edition. Features ASICS new Guidance Line for optimal gait, DuoMax Support System, a re-designed asymmetrical lacing system, and the shock-attenuating Discrete Heel Unit.

Packed with performance technology, the ASICS® Gel Kayano 17 women’s running shoe promises incredible comfort, mile after mile. Its Guidance Line™ system enhances gait efficiency, while Plus 3™ – 3mm of extra height on women’s models – helps relieve achilles tendon pressure. GEL® cushioning technology provides exceptional shock absorption on impact.

5. Zumba Women’s Z1 Dance Shoe

Price: $74.95

  • Manmade
  • Rubber sole

Get moving with the Zumba Z1 fitness sneaker. Lightweight and built to shake it up, the outsole features two pivot points that let you slide and grip with ease. Throw in support and cushion and you’re ready to rock.

The Zumba® program is an exhilarating, easy-to-follow, calorie-burning dance-fitness party set to red-hot Latin and world rhythms. Since its inception in 2001, the Zumba lifestyle experience has become a global phenomenon, with 110,000 class locations in more than 125 countries. The best complement to this fast-action exercise is supportive, shock-absorbing footwear specifically designed enhance your Zumba experience.

6. ASICS Women’s GEL-Noosa Tri 6 Running Shoe

Price: $119.95

  • Synthetic and mesh
  • Rubber sole
  • UPPER: Ventilated mesh with synthetic.
  • IGS (Impact Guidance System) enhances the foot’s natural gait from heel strike to toe off. 
  • Propulsion Trusstic mimics the connective tissue in the foot and Space Trusstic System for foot stability.
  • Dual Density Solyte Last for comfort.
  • Perforated sockliner and GEL cushioning system.
  • OUTSOLE: Durable rubber.

Definitely not for the faint of foot, display your colorful wild side and stay in stride wearing the fast and fabulous Gel-Noosa Tri 6 from ASICS. Please don’t let the riotous upper fool you this innovative and enlightened running shoe is designed to naturally compliment your own stride plus exclusive biomorphic fit technology creates a more comfortable foot environment and reduces the potential for irritation. A reinforced toe cap ensures enhanced durability, an exclusive GEL cushioning system throughout the insole delivers smooth support and distinctive treading on the outsole delivers traction even on less than ideal surfaces.

7. Brooks Women’s Glycerin 8 Running Shoe

Price: $64.38

  • Mesh and synthetic
  • Rubber sole
  • Long lasting cushioning BioMoGo while being enviromentally friendly
  • DRB Accel enhances midfoot support
  • Forefoot Cush Pod allows for maximum flexibility and cushion
  • Profile Sockliner gives a great first feel
  • Moisture-managing Element Mesh provides excellent breathability

Winner of the Runners World Editors Choice award! Cushioning gets cushier in the new Glycerin 8. Brooks DNA makes its debut and raises the neutral bar by delivering a customized ride for runners of all sizes and speeds. Working with BioMogo, Brooks DNA responds to your every step, dispersing impact and providing ideal comfort and protection as the pace changes. If asked for the secret to your improved endurance, just tell ‘em it’s genetic.

8. New Balance Women’s WT20 Trail Minimus Shoe

Price: $74.99

  • Synthetic and mesh
  • Rubber sole
  • Shaft measures approximately Ankle” from arch
  • ACTEVA midsole
  • VIBRAM outsole
  • Antimicrobial treatment on footbed

Taking care of your body and running with a more natural gait means you have to change more than just your shoes. If you’re ready to learn better form, take the New Balance Women’s WT20 Minimus Trail Running Shoes for a little spin on your local dirt path. Designed to be worn with or without socks, these barefoot running shoes have a super breathable mesh upper lined with moisture wicking textile that has odor-reducing properties. The traditional lacing system provides a flexible, glove-like fit with a contoured heel cup to reduce irritations and lock in your foot. The ACTEVA midsole gives you just enough cushion and protection to prevent injuries from rocks, sticks and other trail debris and a 4mm drop from heel to toe encourages Good Form Running. Vibram designed a minimalist outsole for lightweight traction and durability with a fun, gecko-like design inspired by nature for running in a natural environment. You’ll be one with the trail like never before when you’re wearing the New Balance WT20 Minimus Trail Running Shoes for women.

9. Saucony Women’s ProGrid Guide 4 Running Shoe

Price: $47.68 

  • Synthetic and mesh
  • Rubber sole
  • Dual density Impulse EVA midsole for great cushioning, support and responsiveness
  • SRC Impact Zone for a smoother transition
  • Heel ProGrid Technology for maximum comfort and performance

You’re already running the road less traveled—you might as well do it in comfort and amazing style. The ProGrid Guide 4 by Saucony delivers with a flexible synthetic upper with mesh panels for greater breathability and comfort. This is one running shoe that will support your needs on or off the track.

The Saucony® ProGrid™ Guide 4 women’s running shoe offers gentle motion control for the mild overpronator. It’s crafted using breathable air mesh, with a dual-density EVA midsole in place for responsive rebound. The ProGrid™ cushioning system protects the heel by minimizing shock on impact.

10. Puma Women’s Complete Trailfox 4 Trail Running Shoe

Price: $100.00 

  • Rubber sole

PUMA is the global athletic brand that successfully fuses influences from sport, lifestyle and fashion. PUMA’s unique industry perspective delivers the unexpected in sport-lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories, through technical innovation and revolutionary design.

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Copyright 2012 David Masters