Tecnica Diablo Max–($130)
"Not a shoe for efficient forefoot strikers or faster runners looking for responsiveness, but great for runners looking for a plush ride.”
2010 Winter Running Shoe Review
Playing on the rocker ski and supersized midsole of the Black Widow and Tarantula, the Diablo Max has a more refined and better fit, albeit it is a tad tighter in the upper hold. The Diablo increases your footprint by 30 percent. The cushion was enough that one tester observed that the Diablo felt like running on a down comforter. Although the traction and protection were a bonus, the test team found the high midsole felt unstable at first. After they got more adept at using them, they were able to fly down dodgy trails but the weight and energy absorption was inefficient on ascents.
Tester’s Take: “A strange shoe—bulky and ultra-cushioned with a nice roll from heel to toe. Not a shoe for efficient forefoot strikers or faster runners looking for responsiveness, but great for runners looking for a plush ride.”