20 M E N S F I T N E S S . C O M F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 3

A Man’s World EVERYMAN | LIFE | TRAINING | CARDIO | EATING | SPORTS | ACTION | LOOK | PURSUIT | RIDE | STRESS | KNOWLEDGE

ROAD RUNNING & PLYOMETRICS

Brooks PureConnect 2

4MM DROP

● When you’ve got a long run or an intense day of plyometrics ahead, your feet need more support— ideally lightweight, low-drop protection that won’t get in the way. This upgrade in the Brooks PureProject line is the best of both worlds. Its featherweight, springy BioMoGo cushion contours to your foot instantly but still comes in at only a 4mm drop. The combination of comfort and functionality makes these a top pick. $90, brooksrunning.com

OUTDOORS/TRAIL

New Balance Mini-mus 80 Multisport

4MM DROP

● Spatial awareness (proprioception) and the mind-muscle connection skyrocket the closer you get to barefoot. And on uneven surfaces in the outdoors you need to achieve that without the bulk. The Minumus 80 has a lightweight, grippy Vibram outsole and only a 4mm drop. It sports the same fl ex as other minimals but has a slightly sti� er suspension that better supports the lower legs and ankles around twisty terrain, says Mark Cucuzzella, M.D., of the Natural Running Center. $100, newbalance.com

WEIGHTLIFTING

Vibram EL-X

ZERO DROP

● When greats like Arnold Schwarzenegger pass up shoes for bare-foot lifting, who are we to argue? Eschewing excess simply works. Ground feel and stability are key when setting a personal best. But since shoes are mandatory in most gyms, the zero-drop Vibram EL-X is your best bet. It delivers unmatched grip and foot articulation in the brand’s lightest ver-sion yet. No frills means no setbacks. We just can’t guarantee you’ll look like the Austrian Oak. $75, vibramfi vefi ngers.com

→ Today’s sneakers are shedding the padding and allowing your feet to work the way they were designed to. Athletes like basketball legend Wilt Chamberlin (who wore zero-drop Chuck Taylors) discovered the low-drop secret early on: Your feet need feedback. Better ground contact activates more muscle � bers, increases foot ­ exion and torsion, and reins in your form. But to � nd the drop best suited to your training, you need to cut through the ­ u� .

The term drop refers to the di� erence in height between the heel and the forefoot. The 12mm drop on most kicks encourages a heel strike rather than a mid-foot strike, which in turn increases impact on your knees. Low-drop shoes (7mm and below), by contrast, create more dynamic movement with less, resulting in a more natural stride.

We’ve rounded up the best zero- and low-drop options out there so you can start gaining a lot more with a little less.

ENTER THE DROP ZONEInstantly boost your strength and watch your gains skyrocket by changing the heel on your shoe. BY CAT PERRY // PHOTOGRAPH BY CLAIRE BENOIST

BEST MULTISPORT

Adidas AdiPure Gazelle

● Elevate your form and performance with the low-fl ying AdiPure Gazelle. Perfectly engineered for running, weightlifting, or plyometrics, this 6.3-ounce minimalist shoe with a 7mm drop is the new ace in your gym bag. The sock-like uppers on the Gazelle sweep across your toes and instep for 360 degrees of support, while the ultralight midsole distributes force across the forefoot and promotes an optimal running gait. Slip these on and watch your game take o� . $100, adidas.com

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Stretch It→ Transitioning to low-drop shoes should be gradual, and static stretching after training is key. To stretch your soleus and Achilles tendon (and reduce the risk of tight plantar fascia), use the “Burrito Roll” stretch: Stagger feet about two feet from a wall; place a rolled towel under your leading big toe. Press hands against wall and hold for three minutes each foot, five days a week. Jay Dicharry, M.P.T., director of biomechanics at Rebound Physi-cal Therapy, says to allow 10–12 weeks for results.

MAD MAXYour VO2 max

can improve 1–2% for every three to four ounces you

shed in shoe weight.

PE

RFORMANCE

A W A R D S

MEN’SFITNESS

2013

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