The MJ Rating System Excellent: Great: Good: Fair: Junk:

EDITORS' PICK New Balance | M766NY Like all New Balance running shoes, there's nothing fancy about the M766NY -- not even its name. It's simply made for the hardcore runner who needs moderate pronation control and trains in dismal weather. The upper is made from a water-resistant mesh that turns slush puddles from hazards into afterthoughts. [$90; newbalance.com] RATING:
SNOW Icebug | MR4 Dry One of few true snow-running shoes, the MR4 Dry redefines the term "snow treads." Its tiny carbide-tipped studs in the outsole dig into snow or ice, but retract on pavement. A warm, waterproof upper protects the foot, and soft cushioning feels nice on distance workouts. Hey, beats putting chains on your shoes. [$135; garmontusa.com] RATING:
SLUSH Montrail | Susitna II XCR Anyone from an ultramarathoner to a two-mile-a-day jogger will appreciate the Susitna II XCR's comfort and protection. The lugged bottom clings to nearly any surface, the Gore-Tex XCR shell deflects slush like a pair of galoshes, and the polyurethane plate in the arch adds to the overall long- distance support. [$130; montrail.com] RATING:
TRAIL Asics | gel-eagle Trail V The Gel-Eagle's traction and protection best suit the diehards who hit the roads even before the snowplows. The lacing system has ring eyelets that make the water-resistant mesh upper cinch around the foot for better control, and the arch-side cushioning has a touch of extra support for the common overpronater. [$100; asicsamerica.com] RATING:
MOTION CONTROL Brooks | Addiction ASR 3 Brooks has tricked out its popular Addiction motion-control road trainer by adding a water-resistant mesh upper, a moisture-transferring lining, and chunky treads down below. Like its predecessor, the shoe's fluid-filled midsole pads absorb shock and the arch side's thick posting compensates for excessive overpronation. [$90; brooksrunning.com] RATING:
CUSHIONING Nike | AIR Max Moto N2 Most running jackets aren't completely waterproof, or else you'd cook inside when you sweat. Same thing goes for the Air Max Moto N2, with a lining that's highly water-resistant but not waterproof, so your feet can breathe. Its treads are slightly stouter than normal but thin enough that the shoe won't feel clunky on long road runs. [$100; nike.com] RATING:

Photographs by: Robert Buckley (New Balance, Asics, Brooks); Michael Pirrocco (Icebug, Montrail, Nike)
(March 2006)