NIKE

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NIKE

1 Bowerman Dr.
Beaverton, OR 97005
800/344-6453
www.nike.com

All the shoes are available as of December 15, 1998, unless otherwise noted. The new early winter, '98 shoes--evaluated in our December '98 issue--are also noted by an asterisk. But not every shoe is available at every store. When weights are mentioned, they are for men's size 9. When two prices are listed, the first is the men's price. The less expensive of the prices listed is always for the women's model. Sizes listed are for men's and women's models, when applicable. When it's not, the shoe is a men's models and the sizes listed are for men.

* Signifies new early winter, '98 shoes (or updated model) that has been evaluated in the Shoe Buyer's Guide in the December, '98 issue of Runner's World.

** Signifies one of the very best shoes in a particular category.

Shoe Categories

cushioning stability trail motion control racing lightweight trainer

Shoe Categories
cushioning	stability	trail	motion control	racing	lightweight trainer

Air Arma/Imara: $75/$70 stability Both of these shoes (which are almost technically the same) could just as easily have been called the new Pegasus. But Nike's venerable Pegasus--the biggest selling running in history--has been temporarily shelved. At least the name has been. If you loved the Pegasus, you'll be on solid ground with the new Arma (the men's model) or Imara (the women's.) Both shoes have the same polyurethane/Phylon interlocking midsoloe and blown-rubber forefoot as the Pegasus and are also built on the same last as the Pegasus was. The big difference between these two shoes and the Pegasus is the Arma/Imara have better midsole cushioning due to a larger rearfoot air unit and thicker forefoot foam. Bottom line: If you loved the Pegasus will you also love the Arma or Imara? Probably. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12. Offered in narrow, normal and wide widths.

Air Max Triax: $85 cushioning One of five Nike "Max" shoes, the Max Triax is the most versatile of the bunch. Unlike the others, the Max Triax has a polyurethane and Phylon (Nike's EVA), interlocking midsole with the firmer polyurethane in the rearfoot, just like the Pegasus. The Max Triax does have a more cushioned, flexible feel in the forefoot and offers a nicer ride than the Pegasus. The Max Triax for '98 has an even more cushioned feel in the rearfoot as additional Phylon has been added. Also the outsole pattern has been switched to a smaller waffle pattern for better traction. Will be updated in January, '99 with a full polyurethane midsole. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12. Offered in normal and wide widths.

Air Structure Triax: $85 stability The Structure Triax has been one of Nike's best shoes for several years and has undergone many modifications for 1998. It's a moderately light (12.5 oz.) stability trainer, designed for runners who need some degree of stability but don't want an overpronation shoe. The Structure Triax derives some of its stable ride from a thermoplastic footbridge on the medial side which reduces pronation. The Structure Triax has a mesh and synthetic leather upper and a lacing system which pulls the entire upper to give a more supportive feel. The '98 model has improved forefoot flexibility, softer upper materials and a new two-piece footbridge for better stability. Will be dramatically updated in January, '99. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12. Offered in narrow, normal and wide widths.

Air Zela: $80 lightweight trainer The Zela is Nike's entry into the stable lightweight training category. The Zela has a firm, two-density midsole and a midfoot shank to ensure proper flexibility and yet weighs in at 10.8 oz for men and 8 oz. for women. Good racing shoe. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15

Air Swift Triax: $85 lightweight trainer The latest addition to the Triax series is something of a cross between the socklike stretch of the old Huarache shoes and the responsiveness of the Skylon. It has the feel and smoothness of a daily trainer with the snug fit of a racing flat. It weighs 11 oz. for men and 9.3 oz. for women. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12

**Air Equilibrium: $125 motion control Motion-control shoes don't get any better than the Equilibrium. It is extremely stable (with a huge footbridge device on the medial side to limit overpronation) and yet has a great ride due to its well-cushioned midsole (made of Phylon--EVA--rather than the more traditional polyurethane) and flexible forefoot. The Equilibrium may look strange and lopsided, but most of the cushioning is on the medial side--right where overpronators need it. Fits wider in the forefoot than most Nike control shoes. An excellent shoe for overpronators, runners who need moderate stability and even for some biomechanically efficient runners who just want a smooth, cushioned ride. Can be difficult to find, but worth the search. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12.

Nike Air Talaria: $100 lightweight trainer Think of a track spike for the roads (without the spikes) and that's essentially what the Talaria is. It has a minimalist upper, good toe spring and excellent flexibility. Good shoe for road-racing or high-school cross-country racing. Sizes (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12.

**Air Terra Kimbia: $70 trail Trail shoes don't get a whole lot better than the Kimbia. It is versatile enough for the trails or roads. The Kimbia has a snug-fitting upper, good traction and a two-density midsole. A very good shoe if you run on trails and the roads. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12.

Air Terra Humara: $90 trail An update for '98 of Nike's most popular trail shoe. If you need a stable, well-cushioned shoe for the trails, this is the Nike for you. The Terra Humara is essentially an off-road Air Max Triax with a more aggressive outsole and a protective fabric web. Sizes (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12.

*Air Terra Ketchikan: $100 trail If the Terra Humara is essentially an off-road Air Max Triax, the Ketchikan is simply the Humara for the cold, wet slop of winter running. The Ketchikan has a Gore-Tex lined upper to help keep the feet warm and dry. But other than the upper, it's the same exact shoe as the Humara. Sizes (m) 6 1/2-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12.

**Air Terra Albis: $100 trail An Editor's Choice selection for June, Nike practically reinvented the Terra Albis. Nike created a terrific shoe with great utility for the roads or trail. It's stable (two-density midsole), durable and has excellent traction. The snug upper also offers support. A high-top version of the Albis--the Air Terra Sertig ($110) is also available. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12.

Air Minot: $120 trail Mark the Minot down as a winter trail shoe because that's precisely what it is. It has a Gore-Tex inner bootie to keep the feet dry during wet winter weather and the upper itself is high enough to cover the ankle. The midsole is a single-density Phylon, but it's made of a softer density than Nike normally uses so when it gets very cold (below freezing) the midsole won't get as hard. If you live in the snow-belt states and run in winter, this could be the shoe for you. Sizes: 6-13, 14, 15.

Air Max Tailwind II: $115 cushioning There are five Max shoes in the Nike line and the Max Tailwind is the mid-priced (though at $115 it's still expensive) of the group. It's actually pretty much the same shoe as the more pricier Max. The Tailwind has the huge rearfoot air cushioning unit for excellent cushioning. (It has a slightly smaller forefoot air unit than the Max.) Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12.

Air Max Light : $110 cushioning This is one of the best updates Nike has performed on a shoe in years. Previous Lights were neither light nor flexed properly. The Max Light for '98 is substantially lighter (weighing in at 11 oz.) and with flex grooves to the forefoot and a new midfoot support device, flexes properly in the forefoot. Another change: less, bulky Zoom air has been added to the forefoot. One other positive: the price has been dropped $15. The Light is still a 'fast' shoe for runners who don't need a lot of control and just want lightweight cushioning. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12.

Air Zoom Ultra: $110 motion control The Zoom Ultra is lighter, softer and more flexible than most overpronation shoes and yet's it is very stable. It certainly isn't suitable for a severe overpronators or bigger runners because of the softness of the midsole. But if you're a middleweight, moderate overpronator who doesn't want a rigid, bulky shoe, the Zoom Ultra is worth a look. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12.

*Air Zoom Citizen: $110 stability The Citizen is something of a cross between the Talaria and the Zoom Ultra. It has the Talaria's minimal upper, but has the stability of the Zoom Ultra. Unlike either shoe, the Citizen has a support saddle for a snug fit. It's something of a hybrid: it has the cushioning of a daily trainer and the swift of a lightweight trainer. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12.

Air Max: $140 cushioning Cushioning has always been what the Max series of shoes has been about. But the Max midsole has always been made of heavy, firm polyurethane. This Max marks a radical departure as it's the first one to have a midsole made of Phylon (Nike's brand of EVA). This results in a lighter, cushier and more responsive Max. There's a huge full-length air unit visible in the midsole, but it's a less stable Max because the midfoot and forefoot are narrower. Is it the same good old Max runners have come to love? Not really. If you're a light, efficient runner looking for tons of cushioning, it might be what you're looking for. If, on the other hand, you're a bigger runner who appreciated that firm, durable and supportive ride of previous Max shoes, you may be disappointed by the changes to the Max. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12.

Air Myriad: $85 racing A racing shoe built with stability in mind. The Myriad has a footbridge stability device for added stability. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 7-10, 11, 12.

Air Zoom Mariah: $90 racing The Mariah is the racing shoe which has been around forever in one form or another. And for good reason. The Mariah has changed over the years and the current one has a soft Phylon (Nike's EVA) midsole with Zoom air cushioning units in the rear and forefoot, rather than a one-piece air unit. It's still well-cushioned so your body won't suffer from a lack of cushioning, even in a marathon. Sizes: 3-13, 14, 15.

Air Pegasus Racer: $65 racing Although it has the Pegasus named, the Peg Racer has little resemblance to the discontinued trainer. Instead, the Peg Racer resembles the old Skylon T/C: streamlined, cushioned and responsive. Sizes: 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 7-10, 11, 12.

Air Skylon Light: $80 racing The Skylon Light is also a well-cushioned trainer, but there are two differences between it and the Zoom Mariah. The Skylon Light only has rearfoot air (not Zoom air) and it's forefoot outsole is a softer Duralon. Not to to be confused with the Skylon Triax. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12.

**Air Zoom Streak: $90 racing An exceptional racer/lightweight trainer, the Streak is sleek and well-cushioned and provides a great ride. It's relatively light, but entirely suitable for distances up to the marathon. The Zoom Streak is different than its predecessor, the Streak. The new one has Zoom air in the heel and forefoot and it has a two-piece outsole. There is also an Air Streak Light II ($85), a scaled down version of the Streak, for shorter road distances. Sizes: 3-13, 14, 15.

Air Streak Vengeance: $90 racing A very low profile, very light racing flat. Made with a full Phylon midsole and forefoot and rearfoot air units. Sizes: (unisex) 3-13, 14, 15.

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Air Arma/Imara: $75/$70	stability	Both of these shoes (which are almost technically the same) could just as easily have been called the new Pegasus. But Nike's venerable Pegasus--the biggest selling running in history--has been temporarily shelved. At least the name has been. If you loved the Pegasus, you'll be on solid ground with the new Arma (the men's model) or Imara (the women's.) Both shoes have the same polyurethane/Phylon interlocking midsoloe and blown-rubber forefoot as the Pegasus and are also built on the same last as the Pegasus was. The big difference between these two shoes and the Pegasus is the Arma/Imara have better midsole cushioning due to a larger rearfoot air unit and thicker forefoot foam. Bottom line: If you loved the Pegasus will you also love the Arma or Imara? Probably. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12. Offered in narrow, normal and wide widths.
Air Max Triax: $85	cushioning	One of five Nike "Max" shoes, the Max Triax is the most versatile of the bunch. Unlike the others, the Max Triax has a polyurethane and Phylon (Nike's EVA), interlocking midsole with the firmer polyurethane in the rearfoot, just like the Pegasus. The Max Triax does have a more cushioned, flexible feel in the forefoot and offers a nicer ride than the Pegasus. The Max Triax for '98 has an even more cushioned feel in the rearfoot as additional Phylon has been added. Also the outsole pattern has been switched to a smaller waffle pattern for better traction. Will be updated in January, '99 with a full polyurethane midsole. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12. Offered in normal and wide widths.
Air Structure Triax: $85	stability	The Structure Triax has been one of Nike's best shoes for several years and has undergone many modifications for 1998. It's a moderately light (12.5 oz.) stability trainer, designed for runners who need some degree of stability but don't want an overpronation shoe. The Structure Triax derives some of its stable ride from a thermoplastic footbridge on the medial side which reduces pronation. The Structure Triax has a mesh and synthetic leather upper and a lacing system which pulls the entire upper to give a more supportive feel. The '98 model has improved forefoot flexibility, softer upper materials and a new two-piece footbridge for better stability. Will be dramatically updated in January, '99. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12. Offered in narrow, normal and wide widths.
Air Zela: $80	lightweight trainer	The Zela is Nike's entry into the stable lightweight training category. The Zela has a firm, two-density midsole and a midfoot shank to ensure proper flexibility and yet weighs in at 10.8 oz for men and 8 oz. for women. Good racing shoe. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15
Air Swift Triax: $85	lightweight trainer	The latest addition to the Triax series is something of a cross between the socklike stretch of the old Huarache shoes and the responsiveness of the Skylon. It has the feel and smoothness of a daily trainer with the snug fit of a racing flat. It weighs 11 oz. for men and 9.3 oz. for women. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12
**Air Equilibrium: $125	motion control	Motion-control shoes don't get any better than the Equilibrium. It is extremely stable (with a huge footbridge device on the medial side to limit overpronation) and yet has a great ride due to its well-cushioned midsole (made of Phylon--EVA--rather than the more traditional polyurethane) and flexible forefoot. The Equilibrium may look strange and lopsided, but most of the cushioning is on the medial side--right where overpronators need it. Fits wider in the forefoot than most Nike control shoes. An excellent shoe for overpronators, runners who need moderate stability and even for some biomechanically efficient runners who just want a smooth, cushioned ride. Can be difficult to find, but worth the search. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12.
Nike Air Talaria: $100	lightweight trainer	Think of a track spike for the roads (without the spikes) and that's essentially what the Talaria is. It has a minimalist upper, good toe spring and excellent flexibility. Good shoe for road-racing or high-school cross-country racing. Sizes (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12.
**Air Terra Kimbia: $70	trail	Trail shoes don't get a whole lot better than the Kimbia. It is versatile enough for the trails or roads. The Kimbia has a snug-fitting upper, good traction and a two-density midsole. A very good shoe if you run on trails and the roads. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12.
Air Terra Humara: $90	trail	An update for '98 of Nike's most popular trail shoe. If you need a stable, well-cushioned shoe for the trails, this is the Nike for you. The Terra Humara is essentially an off-road Air Max Triax with a more aggressive outsole and a protective fabric web. Sizes (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12.
*Air Terra Ketchikan: $100	trail	If the Terra Humara is essentially an off-road Air Max Triax, the Ketchikan is simply the Humara for the cold, wet slop of winter running. The Ketchikan has a Gore-Tex lined upper to help keep the feet warm and dry. But other than the upper, it's the same exact shoe as the Humara. Sizes (m) 6 1/2-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12.
**Air Terra Albis: $100	trail	An Editor's Choice selection for June, Nike practically reinvented the Terra Albis. Nike created a terrific shoe with great utility for the roads or trail. It's stable (two-density midsole), durable and has excellent traction. The snug upper also offers support. A high-top version of the Albis--the Air Terra Sertig ($110) is also available. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12.
Air Minot: $120	trail	Mark the Minot down as a winter trail shoe because that's precisely what it is. It has a Gore-Tex inner bootie to keep the feet dry during wet winter weather and the upper itself is high enough to cover the ankle. The midsole is a single-density Phylon, but it's made of a softer density than Nike normally uses so when it gets very cold (below freezing) the midsole won't get as hard. If you live in the snow-belt states and run in winter, this could be the shoe for you. Sizes: 6-13, 14, 15.
Air Max Tailwind II: $115	cushioning	There are five Max shoes in the Nike line and the Max Tailwind is the mid-priced (though at $115 it's still expensive) of the group. It's actually pretty much the same shoe as the more pricier Max. The Tailwind has the huge rearfoot air cushioning unit for excellent cushioning. (It has a slightly smaller forefoot air unit than the Max.) Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12.
Air Max Light : $110	cushioning	This is one of the best updates Nike has performed on a shoe in years. Previous Lights were neither light nor flexed properly. The Max Light for '98 is substantially lighter (weighing in at 11 oz.) and with flex grooves to the forefoot and a new midfoot support device, flexes properly in the forefoot. Another change: less, bulky Zoom air has been added to the forefoot. One other positive: the price has been dropped $15. The Light is still a 'fast' shoe for runners who don't need a lot of control and just want lightweight cushioning. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12.
Air Zoom Ultra: $110	motion control	The Zoom Ultra is lighter, softer and more flexible than most overpronation shoes and yet's it is very stable. It certainly isn't suitable for a severe overpronators or bigger runners because of the softness of the midsole. But if you're a middleweight, moderate overpronator who doesn't want a rigid, bulky shoe, the Zoom Ultra is worth a look. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12.
*Air Zoom Citizen: $110	stability	The Citizen is something of a cross between the Talaria and the Zoom Ultra. It has the Talaria's minimal upper, but has the stability of the Zoom Ultra. Unlike either shoe, the Citizen has a support saddle for a snug fit. It's something of a hybrid: it has the cushioning of a daily trainer and the swift of a lightweight trainer. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12.
Air Max: $140	cushioning	Cushioning has always been what the Max series of shoes has been about. But the Max midsole has always been made of heavy, firm polyurethane. This Max marks a radical departure as it's the first one to have a midsole made of Phylon (Nike's brand of EVA). This results in a lighter, cushier and more responsive Max. There's a huge full-length air unit visible in the midsole, but it's a less stable Max because the midfoot and forefoot are narrower. Is it the same good old Max runners have come to love? Not really. If you're a light, efficient runner looking for tons of cushioning, it might be what you're looking for. If, on the other hand, you're a bigger runner who appreciated that firm, durable and supportive ride of previous Max shoes, you may be disappointed by the changes to the Max. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12.
Air Myriad: $85	racing	A racing shoe built with stability in mind. The Myriad has a footbridge stability device for added stability. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 7-10, 11, 12.
Air Zoom Mariah: $90	racing	The Mariah is the racing shoe which has been around forever in one form or another. And for good reason. The Mariah has changed over the years and the current one has a soft Phylon (Nike's EVA) midsole with Zoom air cushioning units in the rear and forefoot, rather than a one-piece air unit. It's still well-cushioned so your body won't suffer from a lack of cushioning, even in a marathon. Sizes: 3-13, 14, 15.
Air Pegasus Racer: $65	racing	Although it has the Pegasus named, the Peg Racer has little resemblance to the discontinued trainer. Instead, the Peg Racer resembles the old Skylon T/C: streamlined, cushioned and responsive. Sizes: 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 7-10, 11, 12.
Air Skylon Light: $80	racing	The Skylon Light is also a well-cushioned trainer, but there are two differences between it and the Zoom Mariah. The Skylon Light only has rearfoot air (not Zoom air) and it's forefoot outsole is a softer Duralon. Not to to be confused with the Skylon Triax. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11, 12.
**Air Zoom Streak: $90	racing	An exceptional racer/lightweight trainer, the Streak is sleek and well-cushioned and provides a great ride. It's relatively light, but entirely suitable for distances up to the marathon. The Zoom Streak is different than its predecessor, the Streak. The new one has Zoom air in the heel and forefoot and it has a two-piece outsole. There is also an Air Streak Light II ($85), a scaled down version of the Streak, for shorter road distances. Sizes: 3-13, 14, 15.
Air Streak Vengeance: $90	racing	A very low profile, very light racing flat. Made with a full Phylon midsole and forefoot and rearfoot air units. Sizes: (unisex) 3-13, 14, 15.