With spring comes great running weather in Pittsburgh. Look at your soles: It might be time for a new pair of shoes. If it is, you can look over the results of Shape magazine's road-testing of hundreds of shoes for women, on trails and road across the country. Here's the report:

The good news is that sneaker prices are dropping. Last spring shoes in the Shape review averaged $93, and there was only one bargain pair (costing $60 or less) to be found. This year the average cost decreased by $5, and most models came in below $100. In addition to the lower prices, shoes are also available in more sizes. The best shoes in each category is listed, along with other shoes of note.

BEST OVERALL: Saucony Grid Instep RT

($60; saucony.com)

Who needs it: Walkers of all speeds

What it offers: These "lightweight" kickers "don't feel clunky like many other walking shoes." They're so comfortable; several walkers "forgot" they were wearing them. The forefoot cushioning bounces back quickly after impact "just like a pricey foam mattress," allowing one walker to "skip the padded insoles" she usually wears. Still, they're "stable enough for long distances." Two deep grooves in the outsole-- at the forefoot and the heel--made one tester's stride "feel smoother." And the "well-ventilated" uppers "keep feet cool" when the temps rise.

AND KUDOS TO: Reebok RW Cushion KFS ($75; reebok.com)

This "great-looking" sneaker is "as light and flexible as a running shoe, but has the stability of a walking model," making it ideal for women who mix jogging intervals in with their walking.

BEST FOR DISTANCE: Saucony ProGrid Guide

($90; saucony.com)

Who needs it: Runners training for a 10K or longer race

What it offers: High-milers appreciated the "fabulous fit" of this shoe. With a waffle-cut rubber heel insert and dual-density midsole, it feels "supportive but doesn't weigh you down." The soles "move with you," so no matter how fast one marathoner ran, her feet "didn't slip."

BEST FOR CUSHIONING: Adidas Supernova Cushion 7

($90; shopadidas.com)

Who needs it: Runners with a neutral stride

What it offers: A foam-and-silicone insert in the mid-foot compresses to disperse shock, then springs back. "The shoe felt like it was propelling me forward," said one tester, and was "just as cushy after 14 runs as it was during the first," according to another. A seamless mesh lining "prevents chafing."

BEST FOR STABILITY: Asics GT-2130

($95; asicsamerica.com)

Who needs it: Runners whose feet roll in too much and any runner who likes extra support

What it offers: A plastic insert and two layers of foam under the arch help reduce motion, allowing one runner to "focus on speed instead of my stride." Thanks to gel inserts under the heel and forefoot, one tester's "knees and hips didn't ache like they usually do."

BEST FOR SPEED: Mizuno Wave Elixir 3

($100; mizunousa.com)

Who needs it: Mild overpronators or runners with a neutral stride

What it offers: This "stellar" shoe "seems to mold to feet," creating a feeling that's "like running barefoot." Weighing 2 ounces less than most other running shoes and packing plenty of grooves in its outsole, the Elixir feels "weightless" and "flexible," making it easier for runners to improve their pace.

AND KUDOS TO:

New Balance 1062 ($120; newbalance.com)

Neutral runners appreciated the "comfy" cushioning of this shoe, while long-distance racers loved the "ridged" laces that "stay tied no matter what."

BEST FOR DISTANCE: Montrail Streak ($90; montrail.com)

Who needs it: Runners who cover at least five miles on a trail at a time

What it offers: The Streak has a plastic insert in the midsole that makes it "sturdy without feeling like a cement block." A more flexible platein the outsole creates a stiffness that's "just right" and "feels well-cushioned, even on hard-packed trails."

BEST FOR SPEED: Adidas Fast

AS Low

($95; shopadidas.com)

Who needs it: Quick runners who put in their paces on dirt

What it offers: Deep ridges in the outsole improve flexibility, which helped one tester "get up on my toes so I could move faster." Shock-absorbing inserts under the heel and forefoot offer "more comfort" than one runner has ever found in a trail shoe.

AND KUDOS TO: Brooks Cascadia 3 ($95; brooksrunning.com)

This "funky" green shoe has a rugged outsole that provides "fabulous traction on rain-soaked trails" and "protects feet on rocky paths."

BEST FOR FITNESS CLASSES: Nike Shox Electro ($105; nikestore.com)

Who needs it: Fans of highly choreographed workouts

What it offers: The "veryflexible" outsoles have "excellent traction on studio floors" and provide a "stable base for lunging" in sculpting class. One stepper appreciated the "reliable ankle support," while another found the leather uppers "surprisingly breathable."

BEST FOR MULTITASKING: Asics Gel-Kayano Trainer

($80; asicsamerica.com)

Who needs it: Women who lift weights and use cardio machines

What it offers: Gel in the heel makes this "lightweight" shoe feel "soft enough to cushion knees and hips" during high-impact activities like jumping rope. Plus, the "sturdy outsoles" helped one group cyclist "apply more power on bike pedals."

AND KUDOS TO: Avia A149W ($60; avia.com)

One tester raved that this was "the most stable cross trainer" she'd ever worn. Another woman said it helped her feet feel "secure" when she lifted weights.