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"SELF&amp;#39;s 2012 Sneaker Awards\\nWe asked hundreds of SELF reader-testers to put 421 pairs of sneakers through their paces. Four weeks, 6,035 miles, 253 workout DVDs, 418 classes and 766 hours of strength training later, we present our first annual sneaker awards! Pinpoint your perfect pair to step up to your fitness goals.\\nSee our picks for cross-training, running and walking.\\nYou need a stable, sturdy shoe for [dumbbell workouts](/fitness/workouts/2011/07/amazing-arms-slideshow).\\n\\n__Winner:__ Blade-Max Endure, $100; [KSwiss.com](http://www.KSwiss.com). Athlete-engineered sliced soles provide traction. And who needs Louboutins? One tester loved the style as much as the function: \\\"They're sexy as hell.\\\"\\n__Runner-up:__ NB Minimus 20v2, $85; [NewBalance.com](http://www.NewBalance.com). [CrossFit](/fitness/workouts/2011/10/crossfit-slideshow) fanatics, these shoes are for you. A low heel lets you sink deeper into squats, generating explosive power. [WOD](/fitness/workouts/2011/10/crossfit-slideshow), be warned.\\n__Editor's pick:__ Free TR Fit 2, $90; [Nike.com](http://www.Nike.com). \\\"I'm Spider-Woman in my Nikes. They're so agile, my feet practically wall-walk.\\\" *\u2014Meaghan Murphy, deputy editor*\\nSidestep seamlessly in cross-trainers that help you move in any direction.\\n\\n__Winner:__ Pumagility, $90; [Puma.com](http://www.Puma.com). Flex-grooved bottoms welcome lateral moves. Foam compresses and widens to keep feet stable. Testers liked them for \\\"quick changes in direction.\\\" That means you, [Zumba](/fitness/2012/04/hottest-workout-classes-slideshow).\\n__Runner-up:__ Under Armour Strut, $87; [UA.com](http://www.UA.com). These slip-ons are great for agility exercises (think: speed ladder or carioca)\u2014the adjustable Velcro strap lets you customize your heel support.\\n__Editor's pick:__ Real Flex Transition, $100; [Reebok.com](http://www.Reebok.com). \\\"I have an old [knee injury](/fitness/workouts/2012/01/nixing-knee-pain-slideshow), and the flexible sole kept me in control\u2014even during kickboxing.\\\" *\u2014Alyssa Longobucco, editorial assistant*\\nDeconstructed sneaks force otherwise dormant foot muscles into action. Make sure your feet are ready for minimalist kicks with this [4-week strengthening plan](/fitness/workouts/2011/06/moves-to-strengthen-your-feet-slideshow).\\n\\n__Winner:__ Lithe Glove, $125; [Merrell.com](http://www.Merrell.com). Minor cushioning but major flexibility make these the ultimate minimalist multitaskers. Testers wore them to Zumba, on the elliptical and for a [run](/fitness/2010/06/running-guide), saying their feet \\\"could really grab the ground.\\\"\\n__Runner-up:__ IsoTransition, $120; [PearlIzumi.com](http://www.PearlIzumi.com). A low profile keeps you closer to the ground, so you're more fleet-footed. Tie-free laces let you pull them on (and off) fast, and the lining wicks sweat. Our testers said, \\\"Socks optional.\\\"\\n__Editor's pick:__ AdiPure, $90; [Adidas.com](http://www.Adidas.com). \\\"They're like gloves for the feet, so it's easy to grip any surface more firmly\u2014and perfect for when you want to feel the turf underfoot.\\\" *\u2014Tula Karras, contributing editor*\\nA more substantial shoe takes the pounding out of your feet and onto the pavement.\\n\\n__Winner:__ Wave Creation 13; $150; [MizunoRunning.com](http://www.MizunoRunning.com). They have a double-decker plastic midsole separated by shock absorbers, which act like a springboard. \\\"I barely felt the road,\\\" one high-miler said. Fit tip: Go up a half size.\\n__Runner-up:__ Trance 11, $140; [BrooksRunning.com](http://www.BrooksRunning.com). A dense foam midsole makes it durable. This category of so-called stability shoes is ideal for heavier gals. Plus, \\\"the arch support is great,\\\" testers agreed.\\n__Editor's pick:__ GEL-Kayano 18, $150; [Asics.com](http://www.Asics.com). \\\"If you [run for an hour or more](/fitness/2010/06/proper-running-technique-slideshow) at a pop, you'll love these. Light enough to be quick and soft enough to feel sweet to your feet, they're great training shoes for a marathon or a half.\\\" *\u2014Lucy Danziger, editor-in-chief*\\nLight-as-a-feather [minimalist shoes](/fitness/workouts/2011/06/moves-to-strengthen-your-feet-slideshow) encourage a more natural forefoot strike, which lessens the load on your joints.\\n\\n__Winner:__ GEL-Neo33, $105; [Asics.com](http://www.Asics.com). Designed to allow all 33 joints in your foot to move freely, these are minimalist without being too minimal, with a thicker sole. \\\"I felt energized. My feet weren't constricted,\\\" a tester said.\\n__Runner-up:__ Avi-Release A5305W, $60; [Avia.com](http://www.Avia.com). What this lightweight lacks in traditional cushioning, it makes up for with shock-absorbing rubber soles. It's a smart entry point to the minimal trend. \\\"My feet felt naked in a good way!\\\"\\n__Editor's pick:__ Under Armour Charge RC, $120; [UA.com](http://www.UA.com). \\\"There's hardly any padding, but the way the wide-set laces grip my foot makes me feel protected.\\\" *\u2014Jaclyn Emerick, editorial assistant*\\nNeutral runners go farther and faster in pillowlike picks that ease the impact.\\n\\n__Winner:__ ZigNano Fly 2, $100; [Reebok.com](http://www.Reebok.com). The signature zigzag sole puts bounce in your step, literally. \\\"The bottoms are like springs, easing you off the ground,\\\" a tester claimed.\\n__Runner-up:__ Wave Inspire 8, $115; [MizunoRunning.com](http://www.MizunoRunning.com). A solid rubber forefoot outsole provides cushioning and durability. \\\"They were supportive yet light.\\\"\\n__Editor's pick:__ 890v2, $110; [NewBalance.com](http://www.NewBalance.com). \\\"They're so thin, they look more like racing shoes, but the compact padding feels plush.\\\" *\u2014Nicole Catanese, fitness director*\\nSuperlight sneakers with a firm midsole can help you run faster.\\n\\n__Winner:__ LunarEclipse+ 2, $135; [Nike.com](http://www.Nike.com). A sock liner with two densities of foam cradles your midfoot. Have high arches? These will fit like a glove. And even with all of the bells and whistles, testers found the shoes surprisingly \\\"airy and flexible.\\\"\\n__Runner-up:__ Single-Track Hayasa, $110; [TheNorthFace.com](http://www.TheNorthFace.com). \\\"So light!\\\" testers agreed. Pro racer Tsuyoshi Kaburaki codeveloped this 7.2-oz featherweight (the name means \\\"speed\\\" in Japanese). The grippy sole acts like cleats\u2014but with enough padding to feel smooth.\\n__Editor's pick:__ Triumph 9, $130; [Saucony.com](http://www.Saucony.com). \\\"I trained for a 5K in these, and the springy platform helped me shave two minutes off my time.\\\" *\u2014Marissa Stephenson, fitness editor*\\nWalkers strike heel first, rolling heel to toe, so a supportive heel, flexible sole and bend in the toe box are key.\\n\\n__Winner:__ Devotion, $80; [Ryka.com](http://www.Ryka.com). Eight squishy triangles create a platform along the bottom of the shoe. One tester said, \\\"It was like walking on marshmallows.\\\"\\n__Runner-up:__ Biom Walk, $200; [EccoUSA.com](http://www.EccoUSA.com). Splurge-worthy: Buttery leather doesn't need breaking in. \\\"They fit from day one. My feet were never sore on long distances,\\\" a tester raved.\\n__Editor's pick:__ Fuse-Ion, $90; [Teva.com](http://www.Teva.com). \\\"The collapsible heel turns this walking shoe into a slip-on. Perfect for my pumps-to-flats lifestyle!\\\" *\u2014Cynthia Hall Searight, creative director*\\n\\n  \\n__[The 33 Hottest New Workout Classes](/fitness/2012/04/hottest-workout-classes-slideshow)__  \\n  \\n__[6 Secrets to Firing Up Your Metabolism](/fitness/2012/02/secrets-to-firing-up-your-metabolism-slideshow)__  \\n  \\n__[Drop 10 Pounds With SELF's Drop 10 Diet!](/drop10)__"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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