FITNESS 2009 Sneaker Guide: The Best Running Shoes

Winner: Best Neutral-Cushioned Running Shoes

Brooks Ghost 2

These shoes have extra cushioning where it counts -- the forefoot -- thanks to tiny fluid packs in the padding for a bouncy push off and a safe landing, plus they're contoured to cradle your midfoot.

"Heaven for women with high arches!" says one tester who wore her pair pounding the pavement in Central Park. "They have the ideal amount of support without being too cushioned or clunky."

($100, brooksrunning.com)