Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Brooks Launch 7 Initial Run Video, Shoe Details, and Comparison to Launch 6 and Revel 3


Article by Sam Winebaum

Brooks Launch 7 ($100)
Estimated Weight: 9.8 oz / 278 g US9
(based on sample US 8.5 at 9.55 oz /271 g) 
Offset, 10mm
Releases Jan. 2020

WATCH MY INITIAL RUN IMPRESSIONS AND SHOE DETAILS YOUTUBE
A new single layer mesh upper clearly improves the fit over the Launch 6 but appears to contribute to a   heavier (+0.4 oz) Launch  7.  I ran a Launch 6 on one foot and Launch 7 on the other during this first run. The ride is ever so slightly softer, particularly in the forefoot, and smoother in transition likely due to the upper at mid foot being noticeably better connected to the platform without being constraining in the arch area.
Full multi tester review soon!
Read reviewers' full run bios here. 
The product reviewed was provided at no cost. The opinions herein are the authors'.
Comments and Questions Welcome Below!
Please let us know mileage, paces, race distances, and current preferred shoes


SHOP FOR BROOKS LAUNCH
Great Deals on Launch 6!
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Your purchases help support RoadTrailRun. Thanks!

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USA  Men's & Women's HERE
FREE 2 Day Shipping EASY No Sweat Returns


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Men's & Women's HERE Pre-Order Launch 7 Now!
Join VIP Family, Get Free Shipping and 15% in VIP Benefits on every order, Details here

AMAZON Men's & Women's HERE

RTR YouTube 2020 Run Previews Playlist from The Running Event!
Latest Review Below


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Monday, December 09, 2019

Skechers Performance 2020 Introductions: Max Trail 6, Max Road 4+, Razor 3+, Razor 3 TR Flow, Ride 8, Flow, Run 7+, GO Meb Speed 6 Flow, Forza 4

Article by Sam Winebaum

 With incredible riding Hyper Burst midsoles, but some fit issues in the current models such as the Run 7 and Max Road 4,  Skechers went to work improving the overall experience of their base line with a "+" revisions of the Run, Razor and Max Road, broadened the base models with a new Flow series with more relaxed training focus versions of the Razor, Ride, and Speed, and introduced new models of Max Road and Forza with Hyper Burst midsoles.  All of the new shoes will be available Fall 2020 (June-August) except the Forza which is Spring 2020 (March). 

CLICK to Read more »
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ON Cloudventure Peak - Unique Swiss Style, Light, Precision Cushioned, Fast Race Shoe

Article by Jeff Valliere

ON Cloudventure Peak ($150)

Introduction


My experience with Swiss brand On is limited to the 2016 version of the Cloudventure.  While I was impressed with the quality upper, fit, protection and style, the trademark pods however were not durable enough for technical trails and quickly tore apart.  While racing the Pikes Peak Marathon over the summer, I happened to notice one of the other racers wearing a pair of the Cloudventure Peak and noted how sleek and sharp they looked and that the trademark pods went through a significant redesign that hinted that they would be more durable.  The look is very unique with the stark contrast of white and black upper. Overall feel and design seems reminiscent of Salomon S/Lab and is clear the Cloudventure Peak is designed for racing and fast training runs.


Pros  

Light, Fast, Responsive, Agile, Trail Feel, Protection Underfoot, Fit, Style, Cushion

Cons  

Upper protection, Rocks getting stuck in outsole grooves, Plastic heel structure can be bothersome, Foothold in steep off camber terrain, pods underfoot can feel awkward.

CLICK to Read more »
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Sunday, December 08, 2019

Saucony Fall 2020 Previews: Endorphin Pro, Speed, and Shift, Ride 13, Triumph 18, Switchback 2, New Canyon TR, Mad River TR 2

Article by Sam Winebaum and Peter Stuart

 Saucony pretty much stole the show at The Running Event in Austin, Texas this past December. Not only were they the only brand to very publicly introduce two super foam racers the Endorphin Pro and Speed but top to bottom pretty much every shoe in their road and trail lines this year is significantly and we expect very effectively updated.  And not only in style but functionality with ISO Fit and crystal rubber going away and new PWRUN, PWRUN +, and in Endorphin PWRUN PB going into midsoles. 

 Endorphin Pro ($200), Endorphin Speed ($160), Endorphin Shift ($140)
Saucony's new Endorphin shoes clearly attracted the most attention at The Running Event.
Top: Endorphin Pro Bottom Left: Endorphin Speed Bottom Right: Endorphin Shift

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New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v5 Multi Tester Review: Unique in Style and Design with a Lot to Unpack!


Article by Jacob Brady, Jeff Beck, and Canice Harte

New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v5 


Introduction

Jeff: The Hierro is New Balance’s most cushioned trail shoe, and the v5 is an interesting step forward for the company. The latest version made subtle changes to the midsole and outsole, and completely redesigned the upper from the v3 & v4. As a result, the Hierro is one of the most polarizing looking shoes out there, with a love-it-or-hate-it look that doesn’t blend in with any crowd. But is it a big step forward in performance? Read on.
CLICK to Read more »
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Thursday, December 05, 2019

2020 Introductions from The Running Event!

Article by Sam Winebaum

Hundreds of running focused companies were in Austin Texas for The Running Event.

Visit our 2020 Run Introductions Page HERE
or
Go to our YouTube Channel HERE where we have 28 2020 Run intro videos and counting!

 See all our coverage below and on our social media channels. Full written previews soon!
Please Like and Follow RoadTrailRun
Facebook: RoadTrailRun.com  Instagram: @roadtrailrun
Twitter: @RoadTrailRun You Tube: @RoadTrailRun
More coverage to come!
RTR YouTube Shoe Reviews Playlist
Latest Review Below

Please Like and Follow RoadTrailRun
Facebook: RoadTrailRun.com  Instagram: @roadtrailrun
Twitter: @RoadTrailRun You Tube: @RoadTrailRun
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Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Runners Holiday Savings Guide

Thank you very much for considering shopping these great deals from our partner sites below during the holidays. Shopping here helps support RoadTrailRun and is much appreciated!

 The Savings Guide will be frequently updated. 

 RUNNING WAREHOUSE USA
Up to 25% off Footwear, Up to 30% Apparel,  Up to 25% off Select Salomon, Up to 50% off Altra, 25% off Illumination and Accessories
Bargain Bins. Pick your Price! HERE Garmin Savings (limited time) HERE
Suunto Savings (limited time) HERE
Clearance Savings HERE


Running Warehouse Europe Black Friday Week Deals HERE
Up to 60% off Saucony and adidas, 30% off select Compressport, up to 45% off select Petzl

ROADRUNNER SPORTS




REI
Through 11/25 
Save up to 30% off at the Gear Up Get Out Sale at REI.
Members save 20% on one full-priced item and an extra 20% on one REI Outlet item. Use CODE: GEARUP2019

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BACKCOUNTRY
Fresh Deals Daily! 50% of Cyber Sale. 
Deepest discounts of the year on Patagonia, The Northface, Arc'Teryx, and Black Diamond


ALWAYS GREAT BLACK FRIDAY DEALS AT AMAZON
CAMPSAVER 12 DAYS OF DEALS


HOLABIRD SPORTS

GARMIN SAVINGS (limited time)
inReach Mini Save $75  A 2 way satellite locator, communicator and navigator.  (RTR Review)
Instinct Save $100 A rugged light outdoor and run focused GPS/HR watch (RTR Review) 
Forerunner 935  Save $100. Predecessor to the 945. Key missing feature: topo maps and turn by turn directions  (RTR Review)
Forerunner 945  Save $100. Garmin top of the line multi sport watch. All of the features of the Fenix 6 Pro including new Pace Pro in a lighter package. My personal fav. (RTR Review soon)
Fenix 5 Plus  Save $150.  Predecessor to the Fenix 6 and 6 Pro. (RTR Review)
SHOP GARMIN SAVINGS
Running Warehouse HERE
REI HERE
Amazon HERE
Backcountry HERE

SUUNTO SAVINGS (limited time)
Suunto 9 Baro and 9 GPS Save $179 on 9 Baro. Long battery life, high accuracy (RTR Review)
SHOP SUUNTO SAVINGS
Running Warehouse HERE
REI HERE
Amazon HERE
Backcountry HERE

Thank you very much for considering shopping these great deals from our partner sites below during the holidays. Shopping here helps support RoadTrailRun and is much appreciated!


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La Sportiva Blizzard GTX Multi Tester Review: Winter Warrior!

Article by Allison and Jeff Valliere, and Canice Harte

La Sportiva Blizzard GTX ($199)
Introduction  
Jeff: A new entry from La Sportiva, the Blizzard features a Gore-Tex upper, built in gaiter and most notably, an aggressive outsole with 7 mm lugs topped off with 9 carbide studs to add traction on icy surfaces.  All of the other lugs are designed to accommodate La Sportiva hobnails (sold separately) to improve traction. I have very much enjoyed La Sportiva’s previous winter shoes, particularly the ones with a built in gaiter, such as the similar looking Uragano and Crossover GTX 2 (discontinued).  The Blizzard is designed to provide grip and protection on cold, wet, snowy, icy winter runs.
Pros  
Jeff:  Traction, Security, Stability, Quick and Agile, Waterproof
Allison:  Traction, Waterproof, Warm, Stable
Canice: Traction, traction, traction.. and waterproof
Cons  
Jeff:  Needs more studs, heel blistering during initial break in
Allison:  Could use more spikes
Canice: Stiff toe box, until broken in. No insulation

CLICK to Read more »
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Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Hoka ONE ONE Mach 3 Multi Tester Review: Sleek and Versatile with a Consistent, Firmer yet still Friendly Ride

Article by Jacob Brady, Hope Wilkes, Peter Stuart, and Jeff Valliere

Hoka One One Mach 3 ($140)

 Introduction
Jacob: The Mach 3 is the third iteration of the Mach, Hoka’s lightweight and responsive, but still “maximum cushion,” uptempo trainer/racer. The Mach series is less squishy and lower stack than a “classic” Hoka shoe, but still well-cushioned. This model features a totally revamped, streamlined upper along with the same midsole/outsole as the previous generation. 
Hope: I missed out on the Mach 2, but quite enjoyed the OG version: tall stack height, relatively low weight, and cushioning that was both forgiving and responsive. This update is vastly slimmed down. Not quite as slim as the Tracer of a few years ago, but a far cry from the Bondi or the Clifton.
Pros
Jacob/Hope: Very lightweight; minimal upper
Jacob/Hope: Great balance of ground-feel/stiffness and cushion/comfort
Jacob: Unique midsole feel; fun to run
Jeff:  Lightweight, responsive, secure but minimal upper, well cushioned
Peter: Light upper, good looking shoe. Firmer than your average Hoka

Cons
Jacob: Slightly narrow in the forefoot
Jeff:  Laces, outsole traction, durability concerns
Hope: Cushioning bottomed out for me once I hit double digit mileage during a run
Peter: Stiff. A little punishing.
Stats
Weight: men's 8.6 oz / 245g (US9) 7.1 oz /  204g women's / (US8)
  Samples: 9.9oz / 281g (US M12), 9 oz/255g (US M10)
Stack Height: men’s 24mm heel, 19mm forefoot :: women’s 22mm heel, 17mm forefoot
Available Feb. 2020. $140

CLICK to Read more »
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Monday, November 25, 2019

Saucony Kinvara 11 Multi Tester Review

Article by Hope Wilkes, Sally Reiley, Peter Stuart, and Sam Winebaum

Saucony Kinvara 11 $110
Introduction
Peter: Kinvara, Kinvara, Kinvara. The Kinvara, in many ways, started it all in terms of lightweight, highly cushioned trainers. It has gone from the originator to one of many. For a while it felt like the Kinvara lost its way and by last year’s Kinvara 10 it felt like it found its way back to its roots as a fun, light daily trainer. So how does the 11 compare? Well, let’s see how everybody here feels. For me, it’s a meh. 
Hope: The Kinvara keeps changing slightly. If you’re a fan of innovation for innovation’s sake, that’s a good thing. If you fell in love with any one Kinvara, it means you can’t rely on the newest model living up to your expectations. The Kinvara 11 is edging ever closer into full-on trainer from the trainer-racer space where it’s been top of the heap for years.


Sally: I really enjoyed the Kinvara 10 and have kept it in my rotation. The K11 has many similarities, but notable differences: it is still a great one shoe quiver kind of shoe, good for easy training miles or faster tempo workouts, but is now softer, bouncier, and more cushioned. I might consider wearing the K10 as a low-key race shoe, but the K11 is definitely more of a reliable trainer. Thumbs up in my book!
Sam: I was most interested to see what the new PWRUN EVA/TPU midsole felt like. The Guide 13, a light stability shoe also sports this new midsole foam and felt great as it was  bouncier than EVA, and more stable than say Boost. I was eager to see how it performed in a lighter more neutral shoe. I liked the K10 and agree with Sally it is more a race shoe feel on the firm side and responsive. Would the K11 move towards one shoe in the quiver for both training and racing status for me?
Pros
Peter: surprisingly good grip for as little rubber on the outsole, good fit.
Hope: Less rubber, softer underfoot feel, even more pliable upper
Sally: well-cushioned with an easy comfortable fit; soft, bouncy, flexible, smooth, classic look
Sam: 
Great looking and fitting upper with an easy lace up  ,that big not overly soft tongue is a great platform to snug with no bite
Bouncier more forgiving and fun all around (train and race) ride than K10
4mm drop? Really? No bottoming out on heel strike makes it an honest 4mm and feels higher
Cons
Peter: Thickest tongue ever. Ride feels a little harsh (especially compared to some other foams).
Hope: Maybe not the thickest tongue ever (Kinvara 5 probably has it beat), but thicker than necessary
Sally: Missing the quick push forward that I was hoping for, despite the flexibility and foam
Sam: PWRUN foam is a big improvement but not a zingy, springy super foam
CLICK to Read more »
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Skechers Performance GOMeb Speed 6 Hyper Race Report Review- Lincolnwood Turkey Trot 10K


By Michael Ellenberger

After some sizing confusion and a dearth of racing (first time since February!) I was finally able to test out the new Skechers Performance GoMeb Speed 6 Hyper (SPGMS6H… eesh!) at the 2019 Lincolnwood Turkey Trot in titular Lincolnwood, IL. 



My training had been consistently inconsistent, between beginning a new job and some early winter weather, but I had at least managed to put in a solid couple weeks leading up, averaging only about 35 miles per week across 6 runs. Hardly stellar numbers, but I had tried to do at least a tempo or interval workout each week, and take my recovery days easy (something I’ve always struggled with). 


Fortunately, I was able to pull out the 10K win in 32:45 (stopped my watch a few seconds too late) and managed some substantial negative splits, despite some hurdles (described below).
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All In to Marathon Majors Age Group Gold!

Article by Joost De Raeymaeker
Editor’s Note: We are thrilled to bring you Joost’s recounting of his fall marathon campaign, the preparation in Angola and his races which led him to two Major Marathon victories in his M50 age group at Berlin and New York along with a new all time PR of 2:26:10.

My Fall Campaign

Convinced by a running friend I was good enough, I set out to run the six marathon majors, two every year, for a podium finish in the 50-54 age group. I would do one of them as a “warm up” before hitting 50. The project was good enough on paper to convince a small Angolan bank, Banco Valor, to sponsor me for the expenses. 
CLICK to Read more »
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