Which Sneakers Are Best?

By any name, there's nothing like the right pair of sneakers to help as you walk, jog or run.

Whether they're called athletic shoes, exercise shoes, fitness shoes or — yes — sneakers, they can make a big difference when you wear them.

But which are tops?

To find out, Self magazine (www.self.com) put dozens to the test, and the results are in its August issue.

Editor-in-Chief Lucy Danziger stopped by The Early Show Monday to give viewers insight into the ones Self chose.

Which have the hottest styles and colors? Which perform best?

The ones Self picked are clearly designed with comfort and performance in mind, for fitness-minded walkers to competitive joggers. They have, in Self's view, the very best technology and research in them, at very affordable prices.

Editor's note: Half of the shoes featured in the Early Show segment come in men's sizes, but the segment was targeted toward women.

JOGGING SHOES

Danziger says the shoe is the most important thing a runner can have to enhance his or her performance.

ASICS - Gel-Nimbus 9 $120
-The ninth edition from their popular Gel-Nimbus line.
-Ubercushioned (meaning extra cushion)
-Good for someone with a high arch. The cushion gives extra protection against pounding on the pavement.
-Most cushioned shoe they've made yet.
-Has a heel "crash pad" with extra cushioning where a runner's heel strikes first.

SAUCONY - Grid Sinister $90
-Has a "flex plate," which helps propel you forward. Thus, go faster.
-Flexible sole and cushioning adds spring to your step.
-Super lightweight.
-A "neutral" shoe for those with no ankle or foot pronation issues.

REEKBOK - Premier Hatana $85
-Designated with women in mind.
-Women tend to have smaller heels than men, so this shoe mimics that.
-Narrower heel and collar (the mouth of the shoe).
-When a shoe is too big, you create friction, and therefore blisters.
-The snug fit reduces chafing and the slippage.

NEW BALANCE - 858 $100
-Super stable for those with low arches.
-Stability is key for flat-footed people. It gives you an arch where no arch exists.
-The grey dual-density foam is a sign of support. (You should look for this in any brand.) The large amount means lots of stability!
-Has an "extended web" along the TK for even more support.
-This is like wearing training wheels.

CROSS-TRAINER

ADIDAS - Twentyfour7 Daya $65
-Great for the gym-goer; this is a multipurpose shoe.
-Has excellent side-to-side support
-Easy on/off Velcro
-Perfect for taking classes, elliptical or weight training.
-It's not meant for serious running.
-And also cute for running errands around town!

WALKERS

RYKA - MC2 - $80
-83 percent of Self readers are walkers.
-Ultra-shock absorbing heel.
-More flection in the fore-front and mid-sole to support the walking movements.
-Considered a "stability shoe," which prevents the foot from rolling side to side
-Unlike many walking shoes, this is streamlined and cute.

OUTDOORS

PUMA - Complete Trailfox II $100
-A perfect lightweight trail runner.
-Has solid treads and traction for bumpy terrain.
-Water-repellant fabric.
-Not heavy like a traditional hiking boot.

DANCE

NIKE - Zoom MC Lea $90
-Great for taking a cardio hip-hop class, salsa lesson or other dance-inspired workout.
-Has a "split sole" — two separate sections to help you pivot easily.
-Design creates a high arch position in your foot which is good for dance form.
-Lots of bounce and spring.
-Treads are circular to support multi-directional movements.