Thursday, April 27, 2017

New Balance RC1400 v5 Review: Zoom!

Article by Peter Stuart with Sam Winebaum, Editor Road Trail Run

The New Balance  RC 1400 V5 ($99.95)  is a 7.4  oz/210 gram race day shoe with a 25 mm heel and a 15mm forefoot. It actually loses 0.3 oz/8.5 g from v4 according to Running Warehouse's stats. It’s a light, fast, flexible racer with enough cushion to use for uptempo and daily workouts. I think I’ve run in every version of this shoe and was able to go out for side-by side comparisons with V3, V4 and V5.


Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Inov-8 TrailTalon 250: Excellent Shorter Distance Trail Racer but No Western States Soup for You!

Article by Dominick Layfield

Inov-8 TrailTalon 250
Manufacturer specifications:
23.5 mm heel, 19.5 mm forefoot, 4mm drop (insole included)
7.9 oz/224 grams US Men's Size 9 (per Running Warehouse)
$110. Available now.
Light, lean, functional.  Ready to race.

After years of trying to get an entry, I finally got into Western States this year, and I've been searching for the perfect shoe to race in.  Looking at the Inov-8 catalog of trail running shoes, the obvious choice appeared to be the TrailTalon 250.  Inov-8 tout this shoe for "Racing" and "Hard-packed trails" and "Ultra Marathons".  Sounds like Western States perfection, right?

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Hoka One One Speedgoat 2 Review - Completely Revamped, Hoka Nailed It!

by Jeff Valliere

Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
9.8 oz./278 g US Mens Size 9/8.2 oz./232 g US Womens Size 8
(my US Size 10 pair weighs 10 3/8 oz. or 295 grams)
32mm heel/27.5mm forefoot/4.5mm drop
MSRP $140, Available June, 2017

In all of my time reviewing and testing shoes, there were few shoes where I was as excited as I was for the original Speedgoat 1.  Super light, lots of cushion and great traction!  I patiently waited and I was eventually able to snag a pair from the test shelf that was a size too small and then went to great lengths to find the correct size at a running shop an hour away who would trade me out.  I was sure that this was going to be my magic bullet shoe for the Pikes Peak Marathon and had very high expectations.
Unfortunately, I was quite let down, as not only did the Speedgoat 1 give me amazing blisters on my pinky toes, I found them to be incredibly unstable, to the point where I actually fell several times during the course of my (short) test period, as the last narrowed such at the forefoot and combined with the high stack, my foot just had trouble staying on top of the shoe in technical terrain. (Editor's Note: I concur with Jeff. The Speedgoat 1 was unstable towards the front of the shoe on technical terrain due to a poor mid foot wrap and thin sock liner. Substituting a more substantial sock liner helped). I am a big fan of Hoka, but the first version of this shoe just did not work for me and was a disappointment.

The Speedgoat 2 however has been completely redesigned from the ground up.  From the best I can tell, the only thing in common with the first version is the name and super cool Speedgoat logo.  Is version 2 an improvement? (OK, my title might give a hint).

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Nike Zoom Vaporfly 4% First Impressions... On My Foot! Action Shots of the Boston Winners Wearing Them.

Update: See our detailed first impressions review of  the Vapor Fly 4% Here

I was fortunate to spend some time with Nike at the Boston Marathon where they let me try on a single Zoom Vaporfly 4% ($250, Available July) I trotted around a hotel lobby to get some first on the foot impressions of this exciting new road racing shoe, worn by the men's and women's winners of the 2017 Boston Marathon a day later.
The Zoom Vaporfly 4% was designed to optimize running economy and reduce fatigue over the marathon distance as part of Nike's Breaking2 project.

Taking a completely different direction from the usual firm, minimally cushioned elite racing shoe such as the Zoom Streak 6,  the Vaporfly has 30mm of heel and 21 mm forefoot stack, taking the stack realm of well cushioned daily trainers and in fact within a millimeter or so of Nike's Pegasus and Vomero trainers. Yet... they will weigh only 6.5 oz in a men's US 10 according to Competitor.

Sunday, April 16, 2017

New Balance Leadville v3 - Accommodating Cushion and Comfort for Ultra Distance

by Jeff Valliere

New Balance Leadville 1210 v3
10.4 oz./295 g US Mens Size 9  8.7 oz./247 g US Womens Size 8-NB site, some sites have it 10.8 oz
29mm heel/21mm forefoot
$124.99 See sensational discount pricing at the end of the review

In it's 2nd year of production unchanged, New Balance is sticking with a great formula for Leadville v3.  The v3 is in my opinion, one of the most reliably comfortable, cushioned, stable, protective distance shoes on the market.

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

DryGuy Shoe Dryers - Quick and Effective Drying at Home or On the Go

by Jeff Valliere

DryGuy Force Dry - $50
DryGuy Travel Dry DX - $40

Though the air is dry here in Colorado, I sometimes struggle to dry out my shoes, especially in the winter.  When the weather is nice, I'll set them out in the sun, but often forget my shoes outside, allowing them to freeze, get more wet or warp in the hot sun.  On winter evenings, I would previously bring my wet shoes inside and set them on the air vent or use a hair dryer if I am desperate and have not remembered to dry my shoes out in time.  The air vent in the house works OK, but it can be messy, unsightly, the kids trip over them and the wife is not so keen on the idea. To add to the fray, my 6 year old daughters love to play in the snow and puddles, so we often compete for vent space in order to have dry shoes/boots for the next day.

If you live in a damp climate, shoes can stay wet for many days at a time if not actively cared for and can get quite moldy and stinky.  DryGuy boot dryers solve this issue with a variety of products aimed at drying wet shoes, boots and gloves.

The DryGuy Force Dry is able to dry one pair of shoes at a time and has a timer which will allow it to run for up to 3 hours.  It runs on a standard 120v AC household outlet and folds compact for easy transport or storage.

Monday, April 10, 2017

Salomon Sense Pro Max Review: Versatile & Actually Fun to Run Super Cushioned Long Hauler for Trail and Road. Comparisons to S-Lab Sense Ultra

Article by Jeff Valliere and Sam Winebaum
Jeff and I tested the Salomon Sense Pro Max on a wide variety of terrain from technical rocky trails, smoother Moab single track, dirt roads, and pavement.

The Salomon Sense Pro Max ($150) is Salomon's first maxi cushioned shoe with a 31mm heel/24mm forefoot stack, 6 mm drop. 
It is available now here from Running Warehouse, Amazon Salomon Storeand other retailers.

My size 8.5 US weighed 10.4oz/295g so a size 9 should weigh about 10.8 oz/306 g.  

The Pro Max is targeted at ultra and long run comfort. They have been very good on trails of all sorts as well as on the road.  This is one incredibly versatile maxi cushioned hybrid shoe with no real compromises for road and any trail runs, at moderate paces.
Salomon Sense Pro Max
Pro Max features Salomon's new EnergyCell+ midsole with effective Vibe Opal vibration attenuation inserts front and back (see description of Vibe technology here) Despite the big stack and being quite stiff, they are decently responsive and easy on the legs no matter the terrain or distance. Construction features Salomon's signature EndoFit inner bootie, SensiFit overlays, and an all purpose high traction Wet Traction Contragrip outsole with a low (3-4mm) lug height fitting the all terrains purpose.

Saturday, April 08, 2017

Hoka One One Clayton 2 Review: Tuning a Super Light & Super Cushioned Speedster

Article by Sam Winebaum, Editor Road Trail Run

Hoka One One Clayton 2
Weight: My pair of US size 9 7.75 oz/220 grams
Stack Height: 28mm heel/24mm forefoot, 4mm drop
$150. Available from Running Warehouse and Amazon and other retailers

The Clayton 2 is Hoka One One's versatile long race and performance trainer suitable and is suitable for many as a daily trainer as well due to its outstanding cushion stack at a very light weight.
Hoka One One Clayton 2
The  Hoka One One Clayton 2 updates last year's popular speedy, responsive, cushioned version 1 with targeted changes:
  • a new Ortholite insole which for me eliminated the arch friction of v1, with some caveats on how to handle the first miles in the Clayton which comes out of the box very stiff.
  • a new upper on the same last using a consistent pattern of narrow TPU lattice overlays from mid foot to toe for a secure, pressure free fit along with a modified tongue construction with more mesh and fewer overlays
  • a more substantial heel counter area, still quite unstructured with a slightly more forward canted achilles collar to better lock in the heel area. 
Underfoot the midsole and outsole is unchanged. The ride is ever so slightly softer due to the new more substantial sock liner.
Hoka One One Clayton 2
For those not familiar with the Clayton it is a fabulous choice for those seeking a highly if firmly cushioned shoe at the lowest possible weight. It is a great potential marathon shoe and I enjoy training in them as they literally disappear on the foot, their light weight when combined with cushion provided, makes them a uniquely pleasurable ride. Hoka places them in their Speed category.

Thursday, April 06, 2017

Yaktrax Summit Review - Supreme Traction and Rugged Durability

By Jeff Valliere

Yaktrax Summit
$90.00
Sizes Small-XL
18.5 oz. per pair (size medium)
Ideal use: Steep, rugged trails and off trail with packed snow and ice.


Yaktrax is one of the earlier pioneers in the traction game with models for walking and running (like the Yaktrax Pro) that feature a coil over thin rubber bands criss crossing underneath the outsole, providing moderate traction on moderate to mellow terrain.  I have used some of these earlier versions (though still available) and found them to be OK for casual use, jogging on snowy streets/sidewalks, walking the dog, etc... and they are really popular with mail carriers.

When used on steeper, more mountainous terrain however, the Walk and Pro versions flounder and are especially delicate.  Any use on varied terrain and your days are numbered.

Enter the Yaktrax Summit, a huge step up for Yaktrax, as the Summit offers top notch traction and durability for steep, icy, technical all mountain terrain and is in direct competition with the Kahtoola Microspikes.

The Summit is unique in that the 12 x 3/8" carbon steel points are positioned upon flexible plates in the heel and forefoot (4 in the heel and 8 in the forefoot) and secure with an adjustable Boa cable system.  The plates on which the points are attached offer greater ease in positioning, stability and double for anti balling when the snow gets wet and compacted.

The toe piece does a great job holding the toe of the shoe in place and I like that it distributes pressure, as I do not feel any discomfort no matter which shoe I am wearing.

The inside of the plates are ridged to reduce shifting and sliding.  The chains are attached to the rubber with very secure and durable rivets.

The points are extremely sharp and the front 6 are curved slightly for maximum grip at toe off.

It took me a few times to perfect my technique, but with a bit of practice, putting on the Summit is quite easy.  First position the toe of your shoe inside the toe cup.

Then pull the rubber over the heel and make sure the rubber strap is aligned around the perimeter of the shoe, as well as the plates are centered under the shoe.

Then simply ratchet the Boa knob on the heel to secure the cable.  Pressure and tension is snug and very evenly distributed.

Performance:

The Yaktrax Summit performs extremely well on steep packed snow and ice when running or hiking, are stable, secure, comfortable and versatile.  They are very easy to put on and take off and though I have not used them long enough to speak to their durability and longevity, they are very high quality and well constructed, so I anticipate years of use.  The anti balling plates work in colder conditions, but when the temperatures warm and the snow gets tacky, snow does ball up under the plates.  When conditions like this occur, I'll usually just remove them in favor of just a heavily lugged outsole anyways, so I find it to not really be an issue.


The inevitable comparison with Kahtoola Microspikes:

They each have their pros and cons.  Traction and durability are comparable, stability, ease of use, 3/8" x 12 points.

The first major difference is the toe piece, which is a bit more comfortable on the Summit than the Microspikes.  Though I rarely have an issue with the Microspikes (I transferred the toe wire from an old pair, as it is no longer available on the newer models), I have felt pressure in the toe depending on the shoes I wear and just a slight bit of pressure there can reduce circulation to the toes.  I find this to be most noticeable on cold days, when my toes go numb, but this is rare and again depends on the shoes.

With the points being connected to the plates on the Summit, positioning is a bit easier and they stay aligned a little better, but again, I never really have an issue with the Microspikes.

Size:

This is a big one for me.  Snow surfaces can vary wildly and often I'll carry my traction to use on the upper half of the mountain.  I can easily tuck a rolled up pair of Microspikes in a pocket of a running vest or tuck them into the hem of my pants or shorts.  They are quite compact and tidy.  The Summits however are much larger.  The size difference is obvious in the photo below.

Even more obvious when tucked into their storage bags.  To carry the Summit, I need to stuff them in the large main rear compartment of a running vest, which takes up a lot of room and feel significantly weighty.

Which leads me to weight.  The Summits weigh in at 9 1/4 oz. each, which is the same weight as many of my shoes.  Doubling or nearly doubling the weight of your shoe feels significant, especially when mountain running.

The Microspikes however are only 6 oz. per foot, which feel significantly lighter.

Which to choose?  I don't think you can go wrong with either.  They are both very effective at their purpose of providing great traction on steep, snowy, icy terrain, are easy to put on and take off, are high quality and durable.
For runners looking to save weight and easily stow them in a pocket when necessary, I would recommend the Microspikes for their smaller size and lighter weight.
For hiking, all day use in the mountains and for those less concerned with weight (or price, as the Summits cost $20 more than the Microspikes), then the Yaktrax Summit is an excellent choice.

The YakTrax was provided at no charge. The opinions herein are entirely the author's. 

Jeff Valliere's Run Bio
Jeff is a former pro cyclist who now runs and climbs the mountains of Colorado. He has been top 5 Masters, top 25 overall, at the Pike's Peak Marathon several times, finishing 3d Masters this year. Jeff loves vertical accumulating more than 500,000 vertical feet per year, has climbed all the 14's and 200 of the 13's and has held FKT on several.  He often runs and climbs at night. Passionate about the sport but also the gear he has reviewed hundred of shoes for various magazines and sites and participated in product testing for many brands.  Formerly a bike mechanic he has recently worked in Satellite Imagery. He has twin 6 year old daughters who keep him ever busier yet.

Click Here for Latest Running Shoe and Gear Reviews, over 65 in 2016, 25 in 2017 so far!
Click Here for  2017 Run Shoe Previews, 14 brands so far!
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Wednesday, April 05, 2017

Garmin Fenix 5X, Forerunner 935, Running Dynamics Pod-Reviews and Comparisons. In Action! Which to Choose and Why.

As is their practice, and like clockwork, Garmin has begun releasing their 2017 fleet of new marvels.
First to launch and starting to deliver in April the Fenix 5 in 3 "flavors". 

Intended to be a do it all sports with over 200 easily configurable data fields and a multitude of training features for all sports,  they are wear all the time watches with a rugged lifestyle look and with a touch of elegance for the ladies smaller size 5S model. All models set the bar very high as connected multi sport training watches. We have had the opportunity to test the Fenix 5X extensively
Left to Right: Garmin Fenix 5S, 5, and 5X
In a nutshell here is how they compare
  • Fenix 5S ($600)-A smaller diameter lighter model at 67 grams targeted at women in elegant colors providing a full featured option that it isn't massive. Available now.
  • Fenix 5 ($600)- a direct replacement for the Fenix 3 HR at about the same weight at 86 grams with the longest battery life of the series and 8 hours more battery life than the Fenix 3 HR at 24 hours in full tracking mode and up to 75 hours with 1 minute GPS sampling and with a higher resolution screen than the 3 HR. Available now.
  • Fenix 5X ($700)- all the features of the other two with full on board road and topo maps, turn by turn directions on roads, and route following over the top maps. The heaviest of the three at 98 grams the 5X has up to 20 hour full tracking mode battery life, up to 60 hours in UltraTrac 1 minute GPS sampling. It has the highest resoluton screen of the three Fenix matching the new Forerunner 935 at 240 x 240 pixels. Available May 2017.
Note: November 2017 Fenix 5 series are $100 off retail prices above.
But there is more on the way from Garmin...

Forerunner 935 Multi Sport Watch 
Limited availability starting April 2017
Garmin Forerunner 935

Monday, April 03, 2017

Columbia/Montrail Fluidflex F.K.T Review. - Fast, Responsive Race Machine

by Jeff Valliere

Columbia/Montrail Fluidflex F.K.T.
22mm heel/18mm forefoot with sock liner - 4mm drop
9.5 oz/ US Mens size 9/7.6 oz. US Womens size 7
$110 available now

I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the Fluidflex FKT.  After reviewing the heavier Caldorado and the (even heavier) Trans Alps last year (RTR review here), the Fluidflex FKT is a much faster, lighter, more responsive race ready shoe.  Out of the box, this shoe feels quite light and even lighter on the foot.  My US men's size 10 comes in at about 9.6 oz/273 g on my scale, so this shoe is even lighter than the advertised weight which for a size 9 men's is 9.7 oz  Does the FKT live up to it's name?


Upper:

The upper comprises of a very lightweight, breathable mesh with six sturdy and secure overlays that originate at the lace holes and run vertically/diagonally toward the midsole, providing excellent security in the midfoot, while allowing a bit of forgiveness and room in the forefoot, allowing for swell and splay, without compromising handling in technical terrain.


The synthetic toe bumper is moderately thick, sturdy and should withstand all but the worst rock stubs.

The Fluidflex FKT is low profile and has a minimal race look to it.

From above, this looks like a pretty straight shoe, but has a very accommodating last that should satisfy most feet.

The tongue is gusseted, which in my opinion, helps much more with fit, security and ease of entry (not having to align the tongue is a very welcome convenience).

The tongue is moderately padded and with the sewn leather patch on the front (see above photo), it does a great job protecting the foot from the laces no matter how cinched down they are.  The insole is supportive, well cushioned and structured.

The heel collar has a very nice shape to it, with good padding and excellent heel hold.  Height is just right, offering good stability and protection, without feeling overbuilt or too high.

The heel counter is semi flexible, with a thin plastic heel cup, with added reinforcements sewn to the outside rear of the heel.

Fit is true to size and as mentioned above, has a very secure midfoot and heel.  The toe box is more roomy than I expected, no overly so, but enough for some swell and splay.  I did find myself snugging the laces a bit extra to compensate, but not overly so.  Ventilation is very good, as the mesh feels quite airy.

Out of the box, the upper creased in an awkward way across the forefoot as shown in the photo below, but after a handful of runs and getting them wet once, it became no longer noticeable.

Midsole:

The Fluidfoam midsole has a firm, but very well cushioned and extremely responsive feel to it.  At 15 mm in the heel and 11mm in the forefoot (Editor's Note: without insole which should add about 7mm making it per Running Warehouse here 22mm heel/18mm forefoot), the Fluidflex FKT is typically less cushioned than I will regularly run in, but cushion and protection is much better than I would expect from such a light and somewhat minimal shoe.  I feel comfortable running in this shoe for several hours without feeling beat up.
Edtior's Note
The special sauce in the FluidFlex FKT is the Fluid Guide/Fluid Frame midsole.
Essentially Montrail  uses a patented process to layer in raw materials that when heated and compressed will produce different densities and thus firmnesses in a smoother gradient than the typical glued in posts and firmer mid foot stability foams. The result is superb torsional rigidity, great stability on rough terrain, a decently cushioned heel, and flexible protected forefoot if a bit awkwardly flexible so due to the forefoot rock plate.

Montrail Fluid Frame
"Small pellets of varied density foam are hand poured into a mold in a layering process that creates the density/durometer gradient. That mold is heated and expands into one large contiguous pieces of foam. Which ultimately is put into the final compression mold to become the midsole."

The midsole is thus all of the same material blending and quite seamless feeling in terms of ride. No posts, no adhesives, not sensation of dramatic differences between segments of the midsole. Others may take this approach or something similar but I haven't seen it.
The result is a relatively soft heel, firm supportive mid foot then softer under the forefoot protected by the rock plate. 
Editor's Note: I also tested the FKT and prior Fluid Flex ST (RTR review here) and agree with Jeff 

Outsole:

The outsole is a combination of Gryptonite rubber in the critical, high wear landing/impact zones and foam in the center of the shoe for lighter weight where traction and durability are less of a concern.  5 flex grooves across the shoe help make the shoe adequately flexible and a forefoot Trailshield plate adds great rock protection without compromising trail feel and flexibility.

The diamond shaped lugs are numerous and low profile, seemingly randomly scattered, but effective for the majority of dry trails.  Traction in snow, mud, steep and loose terrain is not so great and I would recommend the FKT for dryer conditions.  Wet traction is average if you are able to land on the Gryptonite rubber, but in rocky technical terrain, this is not a given and landing on the foam under the middle of the shoe will be less than secure in the wet.


The ridged rubber lugs in the heel do a great job with downhill braking.

Outsole durability is average, with about the wear I would expect for the rocky trails that I run.  The foam in the middle degrades a bit faster, so perhaps not ideal if you primarily run on rocky, technical trails.

Performance/Recommendations:

The Fluidflex FKT is fast, responsive and race ready out of the box.  It is quite stable and precise, with excellent trail feel and flexibility, but simultaneously with better than expected cushioning and protection.  The FKT makes for a worthy lightweight race shoe for shorter to mid distances on dryer, less technical trails, a great up tempo training shoe or a shoe that is also very competent on the road, making it a nice door to trail shoe.

Comparisons:

Columbia/Montrail Fluidflex FKT vs. Brooks Mazama (RTR review here):  Both are very fast, light and responsive.  The FKT is $30 less expensive and cushioning is slightly better.  Both make very good door to trail shoes as well.  The Brooks upper seems to be a little more compliant and comfortable to me.

Columbia/Montrail Fluidflex FKT vs. Hoka One One Speed Instinct (RTR review here):  Both are very quick shoes, with the FKT having a bit better response and better protection.  The Speed Instinct has a bit softer cushion and a more durable outsole and better traction.

Columbia/Montrail Fluidflex FKT vs. adidas Adizero XT 5 Boost (RTR review here):  The XT5 has much better traction and outsole durability, but they both are quite responsive, fast and run well on the roads.  Protection is similar.

Columbia/Montrail Fluidflex FKT vs. Saucony Peregrine 7 (RTR review here):  The Peregrine 7 is much more of an all mountain shoe, though both shoes are very quick, responsive, protective and race ready.  Depends on the terrain.

Columbia/Montrail Fluidflex FKT vs. New Balance Vazee Summit (RTR review here):  both are fast and light, fit is similar, durability is comparable and are within $10 of one another (the Vazee is $10 less).  The Vazee has better traction for more varied conditions, but does not run as well on the roads as the FKT.

Editor's Note: Columbia/Montrail Fluidflex FKT vs, Montrail Fluidflex ST ( my RTR review here); The FKT essentially updates the upper of the prior ST, in a good way, as the ST had a comfortable but snug, almost suffocating feel, especially in the forefoot. Support from the upper in the FKT remains excellent. FKT gains $15 in price over the ST.

Jeff's Score: 9.5/10

-.2 for initial upper stiffness/creasing across forefoot
-.1 for outsole durability
-.2 for looks/lack of color choices.  I can't seem to get used to the grey camo look.

Jeff Valliere's Run Bio
Jeff is a former pro cyclist who now runs and climbs the mountains of Colorado. He has been top 5 Masters, top 25 overall, at the Pike's Peak Marathon several times, finishing 3d Masters this year. Jeff loves vertical accumulating more than 500,000 vertical feet per year, has climbed all the 14's and 200 of the 13's and has held FKT on several.  He often runs and climbs at night. Passionate about the sport but also the gear he has reviewed hundred of shoes for various magazines and sites and participated in product testing for many brands.  Formerly a bike mechanic he has recently worked in Satellite Imagery. He has twin 6 year old daughters who keep him ever busier yet.

The FluidFlex FKT was provided at no charge. The opinions herein are entirely the author's.
Photo Credit: Jeff Valliere

Click Here for Latest Running Shoe and Gear Reviews, over 65 in 2016, 20 in 2017 so far!
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Purchases through the links below help support Road Trail Run. Thanks!
The Montrail/Columbia FluidFlex FKT is available from Running Warehouse 
Men's here
Women's here

La Sportiva Akyra Review - A Trail Running/Hiking Hybrid

by Jeff Valliere

La Sportiva Akyra
25mm heel/16mm forefoot 9mm drop
11.35* oz. US Mens size 9
$140 available now

I was a bit surprised when I received the Akyra, as they were a good bit heavier than I expected when I lifted the box.  I pulled them out, still hoping they would lighten after removing the packaging, but it was not to be.  I think I had very high hopes going in, thinking that this would be a more treaded version of the Akasha (my top shoe of 2016) and the specs indicate similar weight, but these are very different shoes.  Once I adjusted my expectations, it turns out that the Akyra fills a niche and does it very well.

Saturday, April 01, 2017

Naked Running Band Review: Versatile, Secure, High Capacity Run and Cycle Essentials Belt for Road and Trail

Article by Peter Stuart, Jeff Valliere, and Sam Winebaum

“The Details are not the Details. They Make the Design.” Eames

Naked Running Band ($45.99)
Sam" The entire Road Trail Run crew tested the Naked and absolutely loved it for urban, trail, and everything in between running. Everyone wanted to chime in, in detail, about this fantastic product.
It is a stretch mesh band with drop in pockets all around which is a  simple and effective method of carrying a variety run or cycle essentials from water to phones to even jackets, all secure and very easily accessible at any pace. It is also a great option for travel to hide passports, cash, etc..under a shirt.
Far and away the best running belt any of us have tried and we have tried just about everything over the years. It is far easier to quickly retrieve and return items with the Naked than with FlipBelt type fabric belts or bottle belts and compared to those other options there is less, or in fact almost never any bounce, no matter the load.
Jeff, Peter and I highly recommend it!
Naked Running Band-A 500ml flask in back, iPhone 7 in front