Category Archives: Orthotic Friendly Shoes

Nike is not generally known for width or durability. Zoom Nucleus MC+ however, gets an A in both of these categories. Although Zoom Nucleus MC+ only comes in a medium width it runs wide and is comparable to many other shoes that do come in wide widths (New Balance, Asics, Saucony). I also like that it flares on the outside forefoot of the outsole, which is something that many running shoes don’t have and need.

The upper of this shoe also has a generous amount of mesh in the places you need it most if you have bunions or hammertoes.

Finally, this shoe is extremely stable with not only firm medial EVA but a non-collapsible heel counter. These two features really help prevent excessive pronation and give Brooks Beast and Asics Gel Evolution a run for their money in the motion control department.

If you didn’t think you would ever be able to find a Nike+ shoe in a wider last with  more stability, then your answer may have arrived. Nike Zoom Nucleus MC+ is a great shoe.

Progrid Omni 8 is a departure from the 7 version in that the 7 had both moderate and ultimate styles depending on how much stability you wanted. The Progrid Omni 8 is closer to the 7 moderate version in medial EVA firmness as shown below.

The other big difference is sizing. Progrid Omni 8 runs 1/2 size shorter than Progrid Omni 7. Therefore, if you’re used to wearing a size  10 in the Omni 7 then you will want to size up to a 10 1/2 in the Omni 8.  Below is a comparison length between Progrid Omni 8 W and Asics GT-2140, both in women’s size 8. The 2140 is true to size whereas the Omni 8 is not.

I have previously reviewed the Saucony Hurricane 9 and 10 https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2008/08/12/shoe-review-saucony-progrid-hurricane-9-vs-10/ and Saucony has now released version 11. Overall I like the changes to the 11, but this model has even less volume than the 10, which may be a problem if you’ve been wearing this shoe for it’s roominess.

One of the changes I especially like though  is a thicker forefoot midsole which is great for added cushioning at toe-off as seen below.

The waist of the 11 is also wider than the 10 providing much better midfoot support and help with pronation.

My only problem with this shoe is how expensive it’s become ($139). Each new version is $10 more than the prior. At this price point the shoe is OK but better designed and less expensive, similar shoes include Adrenaline GTS 9 or Asics 2140. I even prefer Saucony Guide Shoe to this shoe in terms of overall design and fit.

If you are a runner who doesn’t pronate too much and need maximum cushioning or shock absorption then Saucony Progrid Echelon may be the shoe for you.

It’s upper is similar in design to the Progrid Stabil 6 https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2009/02/04/shoe-review-saucony-grid-stabil-vs-progrid-stabil/ without the firm EVA medial midsole. It’s mesh cutouts also help if you have bunions or hammertoes.

The outsole doesn’t hourglass much which is helpful if you have a wide or high arched foot or just need extra width to keep from spilling over in this area.

Having completed the first Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day walk (1998),  I know all too well how grueling the training and walk itself can be. I am therefore always pleased when I can recommend a shoe which withstands the demands and rigors this event requires. New Balance 1123 is a running shoe which provides maximum support, stability and it even has pink trim!

This shoe is a tank and it works for wide and deep feet. It also has mesh on the inside which works if you have a bunion. It has medial and lateral midsole EVA and no hourglass in the waist which especially helps if you pronate.  Bottom line, this is a really terrific shoe but pricey, so make sure you use your 3-Day discount card when purchasing.

Here is my other New Balance 1123 Post https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2009/11/11/shoe-review-new-balance-1123-excessive-forefoot-wear/