ASICS Gel Speedstar 4 — ($85)

This neutral lightweight racing and training shoe is well-suited for higher-mileage races or speed work. With its new asymmetric lacing and the elimination of overlays, the Speedstar 4 retains its snug fit, making these a better choice for more narrow feet. ASICS lowered the midsole to make this shoe more of a racing flat, yet kept the cushioning and midfoot tooling adequate enough to keep our testers comfortable over many a rapid-paced mile. As such, the Speedstar makes an excellent half- or even full-marathon racer. asicsamerica.com