Page 49 of the August 2009 issue of "Consumer Reports Magazine" summarizes their review of the best athletic shoes.  Ratings include scores for weight, cushioning, stability, fit, flexibility and breathability.   Two of ten athletic shoes for men were ranked "CR Recommended" with one shoe model from Champion sold at Payless getting a coveted "CR Best Buy" check mark.  Another shoe model from Asics got the "CR Recommended" check mark, meaning it was a good combination of rating and price. 

The top two shoes for men were:

1. Asics GEL-150TR - men (CR Recommended @ $65)
   
2. Champion Amp 2 (CR Best Buy @ 45)
   

For women, three of the top ten shoes rated in their survey got the "CR Recommended" check mark including one shoe model from Asics scoring well.

The top three shoes for women were:

1. Asics GEL-150TR - Women (CR Recommended @ $65)
2. Ryka Core Strength XT $70 (CR Recommended @ $70)
3. Nike Zoom Quick Sister+ @ $85
   #5 Avia A104W (CR Recommended @ $45)

We found it interesting that no other manufactures' highly advertised shoe (such as shoes from Adidas, Ecco, Northface, Nike, Merrel, Reebok, New Balance, Sketchers, or Under Armour) got the "CR Recommended" or "CR Best Buy" check marks.