Sole Collector Publishes First Annual Performance Running Guide

Featuring 38 shoes from across 10 different brands, the Guide arms running fanatics and neophytes alike with the knowledge necessary to find the right shoe now.

Satellite Beach, Florida (PRWEB) -- With spring in full bloom and summer fast approaching, Sole Collector magazine has released its first annual Performance Running Guide. Available as a 29-page feature within the bi-monthly issue on newsstands now (May/June 2006), the Guide was written and compiled by Sole Collector’s resident performance footwear expert, Ernest Kim, who is widely known within the sneaker industry by his pen name, Professor K.

“As an avid runner who finds most running shoe reviews bland and unhelpful, I strove to provide our readers with both my unvarnished conclusions and the context they’d need to find the right shoe for their specific needs,” noted Kim, who logged well over 500 miles in evaluating the products included in the Guide. “Of course, my experiences aren’t going to align exactly with 100% of the runners out there," he continued, "but I think our Guide empowers new and veteran runners alike with the knowledge they need to make a smart purchase."

Of the 38 shoes featured in the Performance Running Guide, offerings from Adidas, ASICS, Mizuno and Saucony are highlighted for their standout performance in the control, neutral-cushioned, performance training, stability and trail (both all-purpose and performance) categories (Bite, ECCO, New Balance, Nike, PUMA and Reebok round out the brands with shoes reviewed in the Guide).

Additionally, the recently released ASICS GEL-Kinsei is recognized for “Leading the Way,” based on the merits of its highly innovative approach to overpronation mitigation. The Guide also includes a comparison of 10 performance-focused running socks, with ASICS and SmartWool taking top honors for performance on road and trail, respectively, and upstart South African manufacturer Balega getting the Professor’s nod for best value.

“We’re really excited to be able to bring our readers a feature like this,” said Steve Mullholand, founder and editor-in-chief of Sole Collector. “It delivers the sort of depth and diversity you won’t find in any other publication, but you don’t have to be a shoehead or running fiend to appreciate it—there’s a clear focus on sneakers, but in a way that’s interesting and relevant to a broad audience.”

The Performance Running Guide will be an annually recurring feature in Sole Collector magazine, with updates and new reviews posted to SoleCollector.com between printings.

In addition to the Guide, the current issue of Sole Collector (on newsstands through July) includes an in-depth profile of superstar Yankee shortstop, Derek Jeter; a behind-the-scenes look at skateboarding footwear and apparel maker Etnies; an interview with world-renowned artist and sneaker fanatic Chris Lundy; and numerous dispatches from the ground level of the sneaker culture.

Sole Collector is available at most major booksellers, including Barnes & Noble, Borders, Tower Records and Virgin Megastore, and can also be found at leading “boutique” sneaker retailers across the country. For more information or to subscribe, please visit SoleCollector.com.