Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 Review - Same Great Ride and Traction, Improved Upper

Article by Jeff Valliere, Dom Layfield, Dave Ames, and Cheyne Inman

Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 ($140)

Editor’s Note: Our reviewers include Jeff Valliere who is daily and fast on the steeps of the Flatirons above Boulder, Colorado, Dom Layfield an accomplished and speedy ultra runner based in Southern California, Dave Ames a run coach in SoCal who stays in sub 3 shape and who is training for his first Ultras, and Cheyne Inman also in SoCal who is a 1:07 half marathoner mainly focused on the roads. Their full run bios can be found here.

Introduction:

Jeff:  The Speedgoat 2 (RTR review) was one of my top 2 shoes of 2017, top pick if I wanted max cushion and my choice for all of the trail races I ran, including the Pikes Peak Marathon.  The light weight, max cushion, good traction and good response was a winning combination and a marked improvement over the first version of the Speedgoat.  The Speedgoat 3 retains all of the good qualities and improves upon what were really my only minor concerns, the fit and durability of the upper. These two concerns came to the fore long after my SpeedGoat 2 review was published and I will elaborate further on them below.

Dom:  I was never as enthusiastic as Jeff about the Speedgoat 2, but nevertheless selected it several times to run 100-milers (including twice for UTMB).  The forefoot was too narrow for my taste, and the sole stack was so thick and stiff that I could barely feel the ground underfoot. For daily running, it was the antithesis of what I was looking for.  However, for epic race efforts like UTMB, this was an absolutely bulletproof and extremely competent shoe at a really competitive weight.

Hoka One One Challenger ATR 5 Review: An intriguing contrast of maximal cushioning and minimal everything else

Article by Dominick Layfield, Jeff Valliere, and Dave Ames

Hoka One One Challenger ATR 5 ($130)

Editor’s Note: Our reviewers include Jeff Valliere who is daily and fast on the steeps of the Flatirons above Boulder, Colorado, Dom Layfield an accomplished and speedy ultra runner based in Southern California, and Dave Ames, also in SoCal, is a running coach who stays in sub 3 shape and who is training for his first Ultras. Their full run bios can be found here.

Note that none of our reviewers ran in the ATR 4 but Jeff ran in 1-3.

Stats

Official Weight: 9.4 oz / 266 g US M9,  7.7 oz / 218 g US W7

Dave’s Size US M9:  9.7 oz / 275 g / / / 9.1 oz / 259 g (without sockliner)

Dom’s Size US M10:  10.3 oz / 293 g

Official Stack Height: 29 mm / 24 mm, 5 mm drop;  (27 mm / 22 mm for Women’s version)

$130. Available Nov 2018 at REI. and Hoka  January 2019 general release. Available in Wide.

First Impressions and Fit

Dave:  I haven’t been the biggest fan of Hoka’s road shoes over the years (just way too soft and beat my legs up), but man, whatever is coming out of the trail department is really, really nice. It’s almost like the trail team is on another planet.  Or at least another level! They came strong earlier this year with the Torrent, which I absolutely love for trail racing, and then backed that up with the EVO Mafate, which is a solid go to trainer / racer for those long days in the dirt!

Dave: Why do I like Hoka trail shoes?  They don’t feel like a Hoka. So...say hello to the Challenger ATR 5 (All Terrain). Note: I did not run in previous versions, but when you take a look at the ATR 5, there is really nothing special about it in terms of looks. It supposedly was softened up a tad from versions 3 and 4 and gained just a tad over 0.5 oz from the 4.  However, It’s plain and simple, rides well on road and trails, and honestly, without a Hoka label slapped on it, one would think it may be a knockoff. But step in is real nice and my size 9 is spot on for my narrower foot, with some width in the toe box and plenty of room for cruising downhills without toe jamming.  It laces up quite nicely and through the use of the last eyelet, I am locked and loaded with no slippage. For those with wider feet it is available in wide.

Dom: Like Dave, I haven’t run in previous iterations of the Challenger ATR.  Long ago, I briefly wore a pair of an early version (1st or 2nd gen) at a Hoka shoe demo.  Then I tried on v. 3 in a running store. Both times, I came away disappointed. Plenty of people were excited and positive about the shoes, but to me they seemed narrow and just not foot-shaped.  Certainly not shaped anything like my feet, anyway! From what I can gather, the ATR got wider with version 4. Or maybe my feet just got used to the Hoka last, as I started running regularly in the Clayton 2 and then the Mach, Speedgoat 2 and EVO Mafate.

Dom: Whatever happened, putting on the ATR 5 was a very happy surprise.  Although far from an Altra/Topo wide forefoot, the shoe now feels much more comfortable and less restricting.  I’ve always preferred my shoes soft and neutral-feeling. In this regard, the ATR is a delight. The sole is full-on Hoka maximalism, with bottomless marshmallow cushioning.  The upper is uncomplicated and functional.

Jeff:  I have a long history with the Challenger ATR having run in versions 1-3.  I have always appreciated the lighter weight of the shoe, given how well cushioned, responsive and reasonably secure the upper has been.  My number one complaint however was with outsole durability issues, where the rubber sections of outsole would peel off from the shoe. This would begin for me after about 15 miles and continue to steadily degrade.  This only seemed to be a serious concern for those who run steep and rocky trails, given the rough surfaces and shear forces associated with running fast on such terrain. I know others who use the Challenger ATR and experienced the same issues on mountainous terrain, but I think was less of a problem for those who run on more moderate trails.  Given the issues I have had with outsole durability in prior versions, I was most excited to test the new revised outsole, the first improvement of it thus far in the Challenger lineage.

Salomon Running Winter 2019 Preview: X Alpine Pro, Supercross, Spikecross 5 GTX, Snowspike CS WP, Advanced Skin Set Vests

Article by Jeff Valliere

X Alpine Pro ($160)

Weight:  10.6 oz //300 g (US M9), 9.5 oz // 270 g (US W7)

Stack: 24mm/18mm, 6 mm drop

Having had a deep love affair with my now well abused (but still hanging tough) and 2017 trail shoe of the year, the Salomon XA Elevate (RTR review here), I nearly blew a gasket when introduced to the upcoming Salomon Alpine Pro. The X Alpine Pro is a hybrid of the waterproof winter shoe, the S/Lab XA Alpine (RTR review here) and the XA Elevate.  The X Alpine Pro at first glance looks like the XA Elevate in a new colorway, with very similar styling and outsole, but dig deeper and there are a few differences.

Styling is similar with the internal Sensi Fit underlays remain for clean lines and what I expect will be an impeccably secure and precise fit for pushing hard in mountainous terrain.  The toe bumper had been expanded and beefed up a bit, though I never had protection issues with the Elevate. The quicklace is similar, however the XA Alpine has none of the hard plastic lace grommets that can be found in other models and sometimes create a pressure point.  

Garmin Fenix 5 Plus and Fenix 5 Sale Sale at Running Warehouse USA: $150-$200 Off!

Running Warehouse USA is having a big Garmin Fenix sale right now, while supplies last. 

Deals include the new Fenix 5 Plus series watches $150 off and Fenix 5 series $200 off!

Review of the Fenix 5 Plus is HERE

Reviews of the Fenix 5X are HERE and HERE

Shopping via the link below to Running Warehouse also helps support RoadTrailRun!  Thanks!

SHOP HERE

Jaybird Sport Ear Buds Review: New Run Focused Tarah, X4, and Tarah Pro

Article by Sam Winebaum

Over the last few years in a crowded market for earbuds Jaybird Sport, a Park City, UT company owned by electronics accessories giant Logitech has staked out a focus in running and endurance sports for its line of earbuds, sponsoring athletes such as Tim Olson and Rory Bosio and creating the wonderfully inspiring Run Wild series of short films exploring the future of global running culture through people places and music. 

Quite frankly while the marketing and sound quality have been excellent, run specific functionality especially secure easy to tune fit, adequate but not ultra worthy battery life, and water resistance for all run conditions and over time were somewhat lacking in prior seasons.

Not so in 2019 as Jaybird introduced its spot on new wireless buds X4 ($130), Tarah ($100), and Tarah Pro ($160)  at a wonderful event in Brooklyn complete with night run with the famous Black Roses run crew, a panel discussion led by Scott Jurek and screening of new Run Wild films. In our initial testing we have been delighted with the new line and its attention to what runners need.

The 2019 line includes left to right below:  X4, Tarah, and Tarah Pro.

Reebok Sweet Road 2 Multi-Tester Review: A Simply Delightful & Well Executed Daily Trainer, Fairly Priced

Article by Sam Winebaum, Derek Li, Peter Stuart, and Dave Ames

Reebok Sweet Road 2 ($100)

Reebok is on a focused tear in 2018. The race Floatride Run Fast (RTR review) and Floatride Run Fast Pro (RTR review) are superb racing shoes among the very best and most innovative of 2018 with their Floatride Foam PEBA midsoles, minimal uppers, and new approaches to integration of midsole materials and outsole.

Left to Right: Sweet Road 2, Floatride Run Fast, Floatride Run Fast Pro

What then is the fast training partner for these more race oriented shoes? Not the Grasse Road a fine somewhat more stability oriented and heavily cushioned shoe we recently tested (RTR review) or due to its 10.8 oz weight not the similar but more cushioned neutral oriented Harmony Road 2. Enter the Sweet Road 2.

At a very fair price of $100, this approx. 9.5 oz // 269 g US men's 9, 8 mm drop trainer seems to us the product of very, very careful consideration of and laser focused improvements, area by area, over competitors in its class.

To sum it up, and upfront, the Sweet Road 2 is flexible and transitions very easily and smoothly, has a relatively soft forefoot to go with a stable heel shock reduced with a KooshRide TPU insert, has plenty of durable rubber well matched in firmness to the midsole, and is topped off with an unstructured buttery soft engineered mesh upper with only one strategically placed medial overlay/insert, an upper that is most comfortable and decently supportive at the same time. Read on for the details.

Topo Ultraventure Multi Tester Review: Accommodating, Softly Cushioned & Versatile Trail Cruiser

Article by Dominck Layfield, Jeff Beck, David Henry, and Sam Winebaum

Topo Athletic Ultraventure ($130)

Introduction

The Ultraventure represents Topo's first trail oriented more maximally and softly cushioned shoe. It adds 2mm front and back stack to the road focused Ultrafly 1 (RTR review) and like the Ultrafly features a tri density midsole. The midsole of the Ultraventure combines higher rebound injected EVA for the main body of the shoe with a softer compression molded heel insert to ease transitions and a firmer medial side compression molded area for a touch of guidance.  The Ultrafly 1 was all compression molded foam.

The upper is a simple, fairly dense and thin engineered mesh with a multitude of pliable overlays. The outsole is Vibram XS Trek rubber, a tacky, fairly soft all terrain outsole material. And of course we have Topo's roomy yet secure wider toe box.

The (Made-in-Kenya) Enda Sportswear Iten Review: The Anti-Pegasus Turbo

By Michael Ellenberger

Author's Note: I spoke with Enda, and received some updates. First and foremost, new colors (potentially those from the Kickstarter, below) are on the way. Presumably they're a variation on the Kenyan green, red, and black - but we'll wait and see! Second, I have received some questions about the materials and production of the Iten. The Enda team directed me towards a video, showcasing some of the production, and noted that they're moving towards an all-Kenyan production, inclusive of materials and labor. Just another step towards delivering Kenyan running to runners around the world, while driving development in Kenya!

Finally, next in the pipeline is a more cushioned trainer - undoubtedly RoadTrailRun will have it covered once we know more!

* * * * *

The Enda Iten in green. My kind of shoe.

Enda Sportswear is a company based in Nairobi, Kenya. Besides making some kick-ass running shoes (more on that below), Enda promotes a strong social program: furthering economic development by creating manufacturing and marketing jobs in Kenya, supporting local communities through the Enda Community Foundation (Enda commits 2% of each purchase to "social good initiatives" in Kenya), and "changing the way the world sees Kenya."

"Proudly Made in Kenya" - and worn worldwide.

This third point is particularly interesting - any reader of Road Trail Run knows that some of the world's greatest runners are Kenyans, and for many, the extent of what we know about Kenya at all is that it's home to runners - but there's more, of course. Enda wants to highlight the creativity and skill of Kenyans, saying that when you see that 'Made in Kenya' tag, "it should automatically mean quality and contemporary style." Looking at the Enda Iten sitting on my desk, I think they're off to a good start.

Enda started on Kickstarter, where they raised $128,187, more than $50,000 above the set goal. One of the things promised in the Kickstarter campaign was an alternate, "special edition" colorway if the project reached $150,000. Unfortunately it finished short, but I hope we see the special edition colors in the future, because they do look sharp (see below). Even so, I'm a fan of the solid, simple look they went with. Hard to go wrong. The colors offered used even have special meaning: "black represents the indigenous people of Kenya, Red for the blood that was shed fighting for Kenyan independence and green for the rich agricultural landscape of Kenya. The white on the sole is for peace."

Special edition shoes from Enda's Kickstarter campaign.

Enda didn't tell me this, directly, but it almost feels like an anti-Nike. There's no hype here, no flashy technology or carbon fiber plates - just a straightforward, lightweight trainer. Three colors. A simple outsole design. Something about that simplicity, in the era of 4%, Boost, and DNA AMP, really appeals to me. Of course, what really matters is how it runs, not what it proposes to do....

Notice all the little details and patterns on the upper and midsole - really slick. The logo mimics the arrow from the Kenyan flag.

Ultimate Direction Mountain Vest 4.0 Review: More Versatility, Comfort, and Capacity. Lighter Too!

by Jeff Valliere

Ultimate Direction Mountain Vest 4.0

Capacity: 810ci or 13.27 liters

12.7 oz. with included body bottles

9.24 oz. without bottles

Sizing - Sm/Md/Lg

$154.95

Introduction/What's New

The Ultimate Direction AK Mountain Vest 3.0 (RTR review) has been my go to running vest for long days in the high mountains, or for the local peaks during the colder months when I need to carry more warm clothes, lighting and other gear.  Not only does it carry a lot of gear, it carries it securely and firmly, without excess bounce or worry that items are going to fall out, as almost all of the pockets are zippered or at least have cinch straps.  Front and side pockets are cleverly arranged and it is easy to access essentials needed while running such as water, food, phone, gloves, beanies, tablets, chap stick, headlamp or any other small to mid sized essentials, while there is ample room in the back for larger items.

Improvements to the Mountain Vest 4.0 include:

•  Added nearly 2 liters of capacity
•  Dropped nearly 2 ounces in weight
•  Added comfort cinch technology for easy on the fly adjustments
•  Improved trekking pole straps
•  Higher quality soft flasks
•  A much softer, lighter, more breathable mesh material that feels more like clothing than a   backpack.

Saucony Kinvara 10 Review: It's a TKO! The real OG is back!

Article by Peter Stuart, Sally Reiley, Hope Wilkes, Shannon Payne, Cheyne Inman and Sam Winebaum

Introduction

The original KInvara was the first low drop light trainer racer from a major company. Always at a 4mm drop and light with a well cushioned 19mm forefoot, over the versions the Kinvara went from being a flexible, fairly easy and fitting shoe to a stiffer more supportive one, top to bottom and as such a good option for runners seeking a long race shoe with a touch of stability. The upper became more structured at mid foot with for the 7, 8, 9 a new more stability oriented midsole geometry and for some controversial a Pro-Lock strap which really locked down the midfoot. The KInvara 9 toned down the increasingly race fit type upper somewhat and included a softer stretchier forefoot upper and got closer to the originals,

With the Kinvara 10, in its first release in the original color of the first K shoe, Saucony brings the shoe back further towards its origins as a do it all light trainer racer with more flexibility, a smoother ride and a less constrained upper. Weighing in at 8.1 oz or so so a few tenths of an ounce more than the K9, it remains a fast, responsive low drop option for training and longer racing with more under foot support than the very first K shoe and many others in its category. It retains a more “traditional” EVA+ midsole in an age of exotic new bouncy and springy foams for a distinctively well cushioned, responsive and somewhat firm ride.

Saucony Triumph ISO 5 Review: Heavy on Comfort, Cushion and Durability and with some Zing!

Article by Jeff Beck, Sam Winebaum, Hope Wilkes, Dave Ames, and Shannon Payne

Saucony Triumph ISO 5 ($160)

Introduction

The Saucony Triumph ISO 5 is a premium daily neutral trainer featuring a full Everun TPU midsole and an ISOFit upper.

This update ups the comfort and cushion game with 2mm more Everun underfoot, a very soft and roomy new Jacquard mesh ISOFit upper, and a redesigned TriFlex outsole of mostly Crystal Rubber. The last is the new broader forefoot grippier heel flavor first found in the Ride ISO. The result is a softer very forgiving shoe top to bottom with a truly commodious upper and which despite its considerable weight is also easier to transition, even at slow paces, and easier on the legs than its predecessor and other plush heavy weights. The ISO 5 maxes out comfort, and yes weight at well over 11 ounces, but can still move along.

2018-2019 Winter Run and Nordic Ski Pants Round Up: Nike, On Running, Craft, Daehlie

Article by Sam Winebaum
I prefer run pants to tights for winter running. With a background in Nordic skiing, I have always felt the classic nordic ski pant, with its windproof front, very breathable back and looser fit than tights kept me warmer, cooler, and less bound up. All the selections below are run pants, two from primarily run brands (Nike and ON) and two from brands with origins in nordic skiing (Dahlie and Craft). All are superb with differing ideal temperature ranges and uses. I  typically wear a size medium, have a 32"/ 83 cm waist and am 5'10"/ 177 cm tall.

The Warmer Weather Speedster and Race Pant 
Nike Swift Run Pant ($120)

Salomon Running Predict RA Review: Top to Bottom Designed for the Foot in Motion and Comfort

Article by Sam Winebaum

Salomon Predict RA ($160)

Introduction

The Predict RA is brand new, light approximately 9.4oz/266 g well cushioned trainer incorporating, top to bottom, upper to outsole, a carefully considered biomechanical design which allows the foot to follow its natural movements and this for a variety of foot shapes, strike types and paces. We think its best use is as a moderate pace daily trainer.

The upper, midsole, and outsole are designed to follow those foot movements even incorporating flex grooves mirroring the outsole’s just under foot in the midsole. There are ten platforms of support corresponding to the bones in the foot, all decoupled by the grooves on both sides of the sole so the shoe can adapt to the runner's foot strike type and motion.  

Heather Pieraldi of Salomon presents the design and construction of the Predict

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The ride is on the soft, flexible and easy side and is softer than any prior Salomon, yet with very adequate stability from the full coverage outsole. There is a distinct sense of a smooth transition and a particularly proprioceptive yet well cushioned but softer forefoot feel. You can really feel those individual pads and sections upfront working with the foot in motion. The fit is also a departure for Salomon, no trail shoe straight jacket here. The upper is very roomy toe to heel yet is adequately secure if not a “performance fit”. They are so comfortable that I have literally not had them off my feet since Salomon sent them.

The low rear heel counter and soft, lightly padded and slightly stretchy single piece molded rear area and plentiful room make them among the most comfortable of any shoes I have ever worn running or otherwise. Not to worry while this shoe can join you 24/7. I think its subtle classy looks “dress up” well although they are first and foremost a serious running shoe.

The Predict RA was designed from the ground up as a road shoe. Salomon’s earlier Sonic shoes were really adapted trail shoes and even the more road focused 2017-2018 Running Avenue Sonic RA models, while incorporating road focused features and some of the biomechanical principles seen here were firmer and very supportive, reminding of more “traditional” run shoes. They were a jumping off point on the way to Predict RA.

Women's Color Way

The Predict RA does draw on Salomon’s expertise in materials and manufacturing (Contagrip outsole rubbers, Energy Cell+ midsole foams, and Sensi Fit type upper design) but was designed from the ground up as a road running shoe. The team includes Simon Bartold, a world renowned sports podiatrist long involved in road running shoe design, Heather Pieraldi Salomon Director of Road Running with long experience in upper design and manufacturing, Brent James, Product Manager Road Running, and Marlene Giandolini Salomon’s Biomechanics Product Manager Road Running and lab director.

During two initial seasons where some of Simon’s bio mechanical design concepts were tested in Running Avenue, in particular decoupling of the geometry to ease transitions and toe offs via outsole design, and the introduction of Vibe Opal tibial vibration reduction inserts which came from Marlene’s work, development proceeded towards the Predict, a completely clean slate to bring to life the most recent research and Simon and Salomon’s decades of bio mechanical and shoe design knowhow into a shoe that can adapt to the runner. The concept according to Salomon is to try to reduce stress on the hips and knees by recognizing and designing to anatomy, foot function, and gait biomechanics, breaking away from traditional design and the trap of focusing on “cushion and control”. 

Simon Bartold and Marlene Giandolini present the science behind the Predict

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Five rounds of testing in Salomon's internal lab to measure the effects of the shoe on joint load were conducted. The testing showed an average reduction of frontal plane knee torque of 12% in the 24 subjects, such torque can be a cause of knee pain and injuries, and a reduction of 4% in sub talar knee joint eversion, so less pronation when compared to non Salomon neutral shoes measured in the testing (see Salomon Soorts Science video here). And this despite the Predict being a quite flexible more neutral oriented shoe.  

For our part we tested the Predict on the road and came away very satisfied, Read on for the details.

Janji Compass Singlet & Bolivia Short Review: The Coolest Patterns You've Ever Seen - For a Cause!

Article by Michael Ellenberger. 

Disclosure: I ran with Mike and Dave, the co-founders of Janji, at Wash U., but I purchased this kit with my own money. I hadn’t planned on a review, but I’ve gotten several compliments on the singlet-short combo already, and decided to write it up and spread the word.

The universal faces of running.

Introduction

Janji is a running apparel company based in Boston, Massachusetts. While they make the usual gauntlet of running gear – shorts, shirts, jackets, hats, etc. – they do so with a twist: 5% of the sale of each piece goes to help fund clean water projects in various countries. Many of their products or designs are country-specific, such that the design is taken from or inspired by the country, and the proceeds in turn go back to an effort in that specific nation. The fit and finish of each product is top-notch (no different from your average Nike or LuLu Lemon apparel), but the designs tend to be more inspired – and more fun.

Guaranteed to stand out at races.

New Balance Rubix v1 Preview: Guidance Ramp Support without Posts! Ground Contact Midsole as Outsole.

New Balance Rubix v1
10.7 oz M / 8.9 oz W
8 mm drop
(Stats per Running Warehouse here)
$165. Available from Road Runner Sports now here

New Balance joins the post less support category with the new Rubix. I was at my local running store buying gels for a half the next day and so was one of New Balance's run category sales directors. We chatted and of course I noticed his shoes, the new Rubix support shoe,  a shoe I had never heard of before.

New Balance Rubix Lateral Side

The Rubix instead of firm posts to "control" pronation opts for Guidance Ramps with differing angles informed by pressure plate data. In the photo above of the lateral side the gray foam is softer than the white foam.

New Balance Rubix Medial Side

In the photo above the medial side has firmer white Ground Contact foam to provides more support but pressing the foam it did not feel incredibly firm as posted EVA often is, making me think that this neutral runner who sometimes likes non posted support shoes may dig the Rubix.  Note also the deep grooves in the midsole sidewalls to aid in transition and keep the shoe flexible. I was very impressed how flexible this "stability" shoe was. No clunky stiff rigid midsole here and at 10.7 oz no real penalty over a premium neutral shoe such as the  New Balance 1080 v8  at 10.6 oz. In fact the Rubix looks way more fun to run than the sometimes clunky stiff 1080!

The outsole is mostly Ground Contact foam as in the fun to run new and popular Fresh Foam Beacon (RTR review). While difficult to see there is firmer rubber at the heel and toe but other wise you run on the midsole. Beacon's Ground Contact midsole/outsole has proved surprisingly durable. I note the deep grooves and extensive decoupling making me think this will be one smooth transitioning shoe and as New Balance puts it a stable, responsive and light feeling shoe. What a contrast with the firm, extensive, largely un segmented outsoles of Fresh Foam shoes such as the 1080. More good news!

The upper is a double Jacquard mesh designed by New Balance with different strengths and structures to support with a mid foot TPU overlays to support the foot.

The Rubix is intended as a performance ride which is not clunky and with no apologies for needing some support. It is a premium  alternative to the 1260.
More to follow when RoadTrailRun tests the Rubix.

See Running Warehouse's First Impressions Review and New Balance video here

(The Rubix will be available at Running Warehouse late November.)

Rubis is available now at Road Runner Sports here and below as well as from New Balance's Amazon store. 

Sales through these stores help support Road Trail Run's work. 

Thanks for considering purchases from our partners!