There are 3 basic keys to becoming a better  athlete: proper nutrition, appropriate  shoes, and constant motivation.  Keeping your mind and body healthy  will allow you to train more consistently and effectively, which makes you  better.  These weekly reviews aim to educate readers on product available  to fulfill their key requirements.

Saucony ProGrid Guide 5

Last year Saucony looked at their overwhelming sucess with the Kinvara and decided to take a hard line on revolutionizing American running.  Perhaps it was more a return to our roots rather than a revolution, but the Guide 5 represents a major step toward more efficient and balanced running in the everyday training shoe.  A commitment was made to reduce the heel-to-toe drop from 12mm to 8mm.  The result is a shoe that encourages you to run with a mid-foot gait.

For the typical minimal running enthusiast you'll question "why should I run mid-foot?  fore-foot striking is the best method."  ...Not exactly.  The human body is ill-prepared to handle the hard shock of landing on the heel, nor is it suited to handle the elastic loading of a true fore-foot strike.  The most biomechanically efficient footstrike is mid-foot which reduces impact and protects the calves and achilles from elastic strain.  This is where the 8mm drop of the Guide excells in design.  The reduced drop makes you a little less likely to have the heel striking first, while giving you enough cushioning to protect your legs and feet.  The mid-foot balance encourages you to engage your calves and foot muscles to stabalize and rebound while the foot is on the ground.  This flexes the achilles is a pre-strained state instead of letting it snap tight like a bungie cord.

The result is more efficient running, which means faster training and reduced risk of injury from overtraining.  Another plus, the sole is lighter and the mesh on the upper is opened up meaning the shoe is lighter in wieght and feel compared to its earlier models.  A new compound in the cushioning means it won't feel pillowy soft like it used to but as you start putting weight down you feel the ProGrid engage and the cushioning is all there.

Of course the moderate medial posting has been retained so this shoe still provides the stability it always had.  85% of runners NEED some stability - maybe not a lot, but some.  This shoe is in that middle-ground and could be a great choice for you.  So go to your local specialty-running store and try it on.  Jog around in it a little, then buy it because this is going to be a great training shoe for 2012.