Runners know that they’ve got it good. Unlike most other sports, no special skills or talents are required to be a runner-just the ol’ left-right-left-right you’ve been doing since you were two. No need to reserve a tee time or court; the roads and trails are open 24-7. Best of all, no boat racks, bike pumps, climbing harnesses, or other expensive equipment is necessary. All you need is a pair of shoes.

Running might be simple, but finding the right pair of running shoes is a bit more complex. These days, runners are bombarded with swooshes, spirals, and sticker-shock. And even the speediest runners can’t keep up with shoe companies’ rapidly changing names and models.

We at BRO want to keep your running simple and stress-free. So we’ve waded through the alphabet soup of abbreviations, acronyms, and shoe-speak to bring you the top road and trail shoes of 2004. Some are new models being released this spring; others are proven favorites that have been on the market for years. All of the featured shoes were wear-tested by an assortment of Blue Ridge runners, from plodding penguins to front-running gazelles. Whether you’re looking for a heavy-duty trail shoe or a lightweight road runner, our guide will help you find the perfect shoe for you.

ROADRAGE

ASICS DSGEL TRAINER

It’s the classic lightweight training shoe, perfect for long-distance training or racing. Now in its ninth incarnation, the Asics DS Gel Trainer has undergone several tweaks over the years, but the 2004 model remains essentially the same. It offers a firm, stable ride with enough cush to carry you across the finish line. Its low-profile and smooth ride were especially popular with our wear-testers. The standard-bearer for lightweight trainers has once again delivered a top performance in 2004.

NIKE AIRZOOM ELITE

If you’re looking to train fast and race even faster, Nike’s new Air Zoom Elite will more than quench your need fer’ speed. It’s an ideal marathon shoe and the ultimate lightweight trainer-similar in many ways to the Asics DS Trainer. Unlike most other Nike shoes, the Elite comes with a lowered heel, which provides stability and a lower-profile for quicker leg turnover. Wear-testers also praised the Elite’s glove-like fit, solid support, and flexibility.

NEW BALANCE833

There’s a reason that New Balance has earned the moniker, “The King of Consistency.” Their top performance training shoe-the New Balance 833-continues to rank among runners’ favorite trainers. Exceptional cushioning, lightweight support, and a snug fit keep runners coming back to the reliable 833. This shoe was designed specifically for fast training and even racing. Hungry for a personal-best this spring? The 833s will help satisfy your craving.

BROOKSRADIUS

They’re baaaackkk….The completely revamped Radius is a dramatic improvement from the older models and one of the best cushioned shoes on the market in 2004. It provides a soft yet balanced ride-supportive but not too bouncy. Ample cushioning and lightweight stability make it a great shoe for marathon training-and even racing. Stable, durable, and efficient, the Radius was a favorite with our reviewers.

MIZUNOWAVE RIDER

If you still haven’t tried running in Mizunos yet, the Wave Rider offers the perfect opportunity. Already popular for its lightweight, cushioned simplicity, the Wave Rider is slightly more supportive and more snug in 2004. I know, I know…if it ain’t broke, why fix it? In this case, the modifications make the 2004 Rider an even more durable, long-lasting trainer with an even smoother ride.

ADIDAS SUPERNOVACUSHION

Looking for the ultimate all-around training shoe? Look no further than the Supernova Cushion. Our wear testers liked the forefoot cushioning and the comfort of the Cushion’s upper. Adidas’ trademark adiPRENE has long been popular with distance runners. In this shoe, the adiPRENE and the forefoot cushion provide top-notch support and stability. Built to last, the Supernova Cushion is ideal for logging miles and training for a spring marathon PR.

TRAILBLAZERS

MONTRAILMASAI

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better than the Montrail Melee, along comes the Masai. The Masai-new in 2004-evolved from the popular Melee, which was worn by everyone from 65-year-old ultra veteran Lloyd Basten to five-time Western States 100-Mile champ Scott Jurek. Like the Melee, the Masai is super-lightweight and breathable, with outstanding support on a variety of surfaces. Even better, the versatile Masai also provides a smooth and cushioned ride on the roads. And its dual-layered upper construction provides a more snug, supple fit. Wear-testers picked the Masai as their favorite for ultra trail racing and multi-surface training.

NIKE ACG AIRZOOM STEENS

Wear-testers found the Air Zoom Steens one of the most versatile trail running shoes on the market. It’s a supportive, cushioned shoe that provides a remarkably smooth, fast ride. The Steens floated through long training runs as well as shorter trail races. Nike’s trademark waffle-sole construction was super-grippy, allowing our testers to run confidently down slippery slopes and muddy singletrack. If you’re looking for a supportive trail shoe that still provides some giddy-up, you’ll be singing zippidee-doo-dah in the Steens.

SAUCONY GRIDADVANCE TR

The Saucony Grid Advance TR shocked our test-wearers with its versatility and stability on the trails. It’s one of the most solid and durable trail runners out there, claimed one reviewer. The Advance’s sole is somewhat stiff, and it’s a bit clunky for any kind of super-fast, short-distance trail running. But our test-wearers highly recommended the Advance TR for those long, slow runs out on the trails.

TEVACITRAL

Teva makes running shoes? That was our wear testers’ first response when hearing about the Citral. Could Teva could make the jump from sandals to trail running shoes? One small step for Teva; one giant leap for running-kind. With the Citral, Teva sucessfully applied the comfort and durability of its sandal to off-road running. Citra’s grip stood up to slippery ice and snow, and proved worthy of the messiest, muddiest trails. Wear-testers enjoyed blister-free, bombproof tread, thanks to its non-slip technology. Overall, the Citral is surprisingly comfortable and lightweight for a heavy-duty trail shoe.

VASQUEVELOCITY

Vasque has been tip-toeing into the trail running market over the past few years. With the Velocity, they finally dove all the way in…and made a big splash. Our wear-testers were initially skeptical of a trail running shoe from a company that primarily makes hiking boots, but they found the Velocity surprisingly smooth and sturdy on the trails. Weighing in at a whopping 16.9 oz, it’s a bit heavy for any kind of racing. But wear-testers were impressed by the Velocity’s comfy ride and snug fit from heel to toe.