Nike Lunar Racer+ 2 — ($100)

2010 Summer Shoe Guide Homepage

Fast yet soft, the improved Lunar Racer+ 2 wowed our test team with its obliging fit, flexibility and almost transparent feel. The update of this light and responsive racing shoe ups the arch height and durability of the outsole. Our test team reported a comfortable fit across a variety of foot types and had favorable comments about the Racer’s ride—describing it as almost scary at first, given the lack of weight, but the outstanding cushioning and shock absorption quickly gave them the feeling that these are more like very light training shoes instead of racing flats. That impression is due, in part, to the differential between a higher heel and lower forefoot. nike.com