[pct-l] New Balance 1100, Is it just me?

[kenmarlow at earthlink.net (Ken Marlow)]

After reading a brief review in Trail Runner magazine, saying that the New
Balance 1100 was the ultimate stability shoe for a trail runner, with the
added benefit of a rock plate underfoot, I thought I'd slip a pair on.

It has denser EVA or Absorb, or whatever, incorporated on the
medial(?)/inside side of each midsole. Looking directly at the rear of the
shoe, the upper also distinctly is angled laterally ( to the outside). So,
this might be OK for runners who supinate/pronate/watever, but while walking
around in them, it seemed that these two features combined, make it easy to
twist and ankle to the outside (sole lifting medially). And didn't nearly
have the larger platform 'feel' that might prevent twisting an ankle.
Slipping in a pair of Superfeet didn't seem to solve the problem either. The
uppers seemed tough as nails though.

Anyone else tried a pair on? Can anyone recommend a good lightweight low top
or trail runner with plenty of cushioning, stability, possibly some
underfoot protection from rocks, without stability enhancements on the
medial side of each midsole? What made the New Balance 801s so popular?

The "Other" Ken