Merrell CT Converge, CT StaminaPrice: $105Merrell has been good trail running shoes for years. And at first impression, the companys foray into the road running world seems to have produced a line of pretty good trainers. I got the neutrallight stability shoe (CT Converge) out for a nine mile run the other day, and the true stability replica Corum 60120.035008 watch (CT Stamina) and while I found both a touch stiff in the forefoot and heel, and not without their quirks, they passed the first level of testing: I could forget I was wearing them and just enjoy my run. In both shoes, the toebox is nicely high-volume, the upper is well padded and comfortable, and the last seems pretty close to whats already out there; most feet will be happy in these shoes.
The outsole has two different compounds of blown rubber (lighter and softer than traditional rubber), tuned to smooth out the ride. Theres also a large, thick midfoot shank -- which is great for runners like me who seem always on the verge of plantar fasciitis. Many neutral shoes have a thin, flexible midfoot shank to save weight and reduce clunk, but I appreciated the extra support here. The Converge is still nice and light -- my mens 9.5 was 10.8 ounces; not bad at all. Merrells stated weight is 11.3 ounces. (Theres also a true neutral shoe, a replica Corum 80040.415510 watch hybrid trailroad shoe, and a control shoe.These shoes have their quirks. Some runners will certainly find the ride too firm. Take a few laps around the running store parking lot to make sure you like that feel. But bottom line: This is a line of road shoes to keep an eye on. Well be working them into our road tests, and keep you posted after we log a few more miles. Stay tuned. --JUSTIN NYBERG
Shaun Whites third place finish at Sundays superpipe competition was enough for him to claim the Dew Cup season title. The 22-year-old Olympic gold-medal winner finished behind Mason Aguirre of Minnesota and Steve Fisher of Colorado. replica Corum 02320.ro2011 watch The event was held at Californias Northstar-at-Tahoe resort. “Mason landed such a solid, insane run,” White said after the event. “It was super progressive; I’m stoked to see him win.”Aguirres winning run combined a Cab 1080 nose grab with a backside rodeo 720 (and a few other moves).
