Road Trail Run: Peter Stuart's 2016 Running Shoes and Gear of the Year

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Peter Stuart's 2016 Running Shoes and Gear of the Year

Article by Peter Stuart

Editor's Note: Peter is Road Trail Run's fast shoe reviewer. He tested and reviewed dozens of shoes this year Here are his picks for 2016

It’s been a great year for road shoes! I’ve put in over 2000 miles this year in tons of different shoes. There are a few that really stood out.

SHOE OF THE YEAR
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 33

Photo: Nike.com

The Pegasus 33, which I never actually reviewed, is the shoe I reached for more than any other this year. If I wasn’t testing a shoe -- I was most likely putting miles on the Pegasus. It’s a great long run shoe that also picks up nicely for intervals. I wouldn’t necessarily race in it, but it’s a comfortable go-to shoe for anything else. It’s a 9.9 ounce trainer with a 10mm drop and it just eats up the miles. I’m over 370 miles on my current pair and am just thinking about getting a new pair.

RACER
1st Place
Nike Zoom Streak 6, Flymesh

Nothing was even close to the Nike Zoom Streak 6 for me this year. From the first run, the Zoom Streak 6 was light, fast and fun. I’ve raced 5k to half marathon in them this year as well as done a bunch of speed work. They are light (6.4 Ounces) with an 8mm drop. They completely disappear on the run but wind up being really supportive in the later miles. The Pebax shank gives stiffness and support in later miles. I haven’t done a full marathon in them yet, but I have no doubt they’d provide enough support and cushion to get me through the distance. My RTR review here

2. Asics Hyperspeed 7.
This used to be my go to race shoe, but the Nike has a better fit and a smoother transition. These have a bit more padding. Overall a really good speed shoe. My RTR review here

3. Brooks Hyperion.

I loved the ride of these, but the upper didn’t agree with my foot at all. I got all sorts of blisters. My RTR review here

LIGHT PERFORMANCE TRAINER
1st Place:
New Balance Zante v2/v3

The Zante remains a terrific light trainer. They’re great for long miles, snappy and energetic on the faster stuff and good for a marathon too. They’ve gotten a bit stiffer and a little less fun to run in (for me the Zante V1 was a WOW shoe, and the next two really good but not WOW inducing).
My RTR v3 review here

2. adidas adizero Adios Boost 3

Finally an Adios that fits me. These are snappy and light. They’re a bit on the firm side and the materials are a bit scratchy, but still a fun shoe. See RTR's review here.

3. Skechers GOrun 4 2016

Great, flexible and lots of cushioning for such a light shoe.
My RTR review here

TRAINER
1st Place
Nike Pegasus 33. See shoe of the year.
Great all-around trainer. Durable and smooth.

2. Altra Torin 2.5.

Nice cushy step in, fairly light and great amount of cushion for the weight. This is a great daily trainer.

3. Saucony Freedom ISO

A late addition to the stable, and really a 2017 shoe. This is what the Kinvara should have become. I get a little beat up in these over 10 miles, but they are a super solid debut. RTR review here

APPAREL
Nike AeroSwift shorts: On days when I want to carry a phone, these shorts come through with a dry guard pocket with enough room for an iphone. Comfortable and easy to run in.

Tracksmith Van Cortlandt shorts and singlets. These are pricey but excellent pieces of gear. The shorts do really well in heat and rain, are super simple and haven’t chafed a bit.

PACKS
Orange Mud Gear Quiver. I use this almost every day. It’s big enough to stash a phone, a couple of gels and a small amount of water. I also use the Hydra Quiver from Orange Mud and they both disappear on the run and have yet to cause any serious chafing.

Runner up: Nike Terra Kiger vest. This is a great vest that stays put. My only quibbles with it are that it heats up on the back and it’s pretty expensive. I’ve had some moderate chafing issues on the shoulder with this vest, but it’s pretty good.

Peter Stuart's Running Bio

My running career got off to a slow start…in high school I was told I ran like a race walker and was thus relegated to race walking on the track team. I got back into running about 15 years ago and then into triathlon. Triathlon really rekindled my love for running, so about two years ago I hired a coach and really focused on the half and full marathons. I broke a bad habit of putting in tons of moderately hard miles (and no easy or hard ones) and after plateauing at 3:25 (with some disastrous marathons in there), this past year I brought my marathon under 3:00 and my half under 1:25. Along the way I’ve developed a bit of a shoe problem.