Monday, May 31, 2021

Quick Strides #3: Hoka Zinal, Endorphin Trail, Rebel v2, adidas Terrex Apparel, Supersapiens, Craft & Brooks Tees, Mission Backpack, Classic Saucony

Article by Shannon Payne, Peter Stuart, Ivan Luca Corda, Joost de Raeymaeker, Nils Scharff, Michael Ellenberger, Renee Krusemark, Jeremy Marie, Alex Filitti, and Sam Winebaum

The RTR team all over the world is continuously testing and using dozens of run products for road and trail. Some are provided by brands, some are personal purchases, some are for upcoming reviews, others are not, and finally some are long time favorites and go to’s. 


And not just “testing” our contributors run in all kinds of interesting places and are preparing for all kinds of races and adventures from the track to the ultra.

Sunday, May 30, 2021

Brooks Cascadia 16 and 16 GTX Multi Tester Review: Reimagined & Improved in Every Way. True to its Roots.

Article by Canice Harte, Jeff Valliere, Jeff Beck, and Canice Harte

Brooks Cascadia 16 ($130, $160 GTX)

Introduction


Jeff V: I have a long history with the Cascadia, enjoying early versions, but they slowly crept up in weight, became stiff and rigid, wet traction was a little dicey and eventually got to the point where I viewed them as a good through hiker shoe, but not necessarily a good option for trail running.  The Cascadia 14 and 15 were a huge improvement, with a weight drop, slightly more flexible, better response and softer cushioning, improved outsole and a new upper.  In fact, the Cascadia 15 was one of my top shoes for 2020 for all around, day to day use.  The Cascadia 16 is yet another complete re-work from the ground  up, with a new outsole, new midsole featuring Brooks DNA Loft V2 said to be 5% softer and 20% lighter , as well as with 2 mm more stack height.  Additionally, the upper has also been completely reconstructed, with more room in the toe box and a very, very sharp and modern look (the 14 looked pretty plain and the 15 was slightly better).


Pros:


Jeff V:  Roomy and accommodating yet secure fit, comfort, soft all day cushioning, protection, traction, response

Canice: I agree with Jeff’s pro’s and will add that the styling has been greatly improved too.

Jeff B: ^^^^ Agreed - fit is great, cushioning and protection are both top notch, toebox is great, upper is Goldilocks level of hold/build up.

Jacob: Comfortable, roomy, secure, protective, performant, easygoing.


Cons:

Jeff V / Canice: maybe weight, but you are getting so much for the weight, I am stretching a bit

Jacob: Fit is a bit boxy 

Jeff B: Traction is really good, not quite great. That’s the biggest fault I can find. Seriously.

Jacob: Heavy, fit is a bit boxy, lace bite on the top lace

Saturday, May 29, 2021

Saucony Endorphin Trail Multi Tester Review: A Max Cushion, Super Foam, Supremely Protective, Smooth Rolling Trail Monster

Article by Nils Scharff, Jeremy Marie, Marcel Krebs, Renee Krusemark, Jeff Valliere, and Sam Winebaum


Saucony Endorphin Trail ($160)

Editor's Note: Saucony has paused the Endorphin Trail.

Our team has identified an inconsistency in the midsole component of a very small percentage of our Endorphin Trail shoes. While we thoroughly investigate the issue, we are pausing all marketing of the shoes." 

Our test team has not as of yet noticed any issues. The affected version is the "Reverie" color way. The Endorphin Trail is expected to re emerge Spring 2022.


Introduction


Nils: Last year’s Endorphin collection from Saucony was outstanding. Not only was the Endorphin Pro the first Non-Nike marathon super shoe which was able to challenge the omnipresent Vaporfly with its siblings the Endorphin Speed and Shift were among the best shoes of last year in their respective categories and fan favourites. While Speed and Pro were quite similar shoes, the Shift on the other hand was a bit of an outlier with another midsole foam. 


What all three had in common were different but outstanding uppers, a high stack and last but not least the Speed Roll technology - that's what Saucony calls their impressively fine-tuned rocker. 


When the first leaks of the 2021 Endorphin collection found their way onto different online platforms it looked like Saucony wanted to play it safe this year. Endorphin Pro, Speed and Shift 2 were all supposed to be upper updates. And I get it - don’t fix what ain’t broken. But it’s kind of boring for me as a shoe reviewer. 

But then - BOOM - there it is! First pictures of a massively stacked Endorphin Trail hit the internet and of course expectations went through the roof. And now it’s here in my hand - let's see if the Saucony Endorphin Trail can live up to the hype!

Thursday, May 27, 2021

Suunto 9 Peak First Look and Test Notes Initial Review : Loses weight and bulk (lots of both), adds features

Article by Sam Winebaum

Suunto 9 Peak ($699 Titanium, $569 Stainless Steel)

Update: Read our full review of the Suunto 9 Peak

Introduction:

The Suunto 9 Peak was just received for testing and this article will be frequently updated on the way to our full review. Suunto's flagship training watch it is know for high accuracy, long battery life. and... weight and buik. This new edition changes that last part of the picture, dramatically, while by spec retaining all the watch's strengths as an all endurance sports and adventure focused offering.









From my standpoint the most significant changes to the Suunto 9 are dramatic weight and thickness reductions while not changing specs for battery life or other features and in fact also adding some key features such as a pulse Ox sensor, 1 hour 100% charging, and automatic backlight intensity adjustment. The image below comparing the Suunto 9 Peak to the Suunto 9 Baro are striking.


Weight and size is felt in a watch and can also affect wrist heart rate accuracy especially on skinny runners' wrists in cold.

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Salomon Ultra-Glide Initial Video Review: Energetic & Soft, Smooth Gliding, Accommodating

Video by Sam Winebaum

Salomon UltraGlide ($140)


Update: Full Review (9 comparisons)

In the video, I take the August release Salomon Ultra-Glide for a first 8 mile run and share shoe details, ride impressions, and fit.

It has a marvelous and quite different ride for Salomon and trail in general! It features an Energy Surge midsole that is soft(er) and energetic, a rocker profile with some flex and a Salomon road shoe last for more front volume than usual in a Salomon. 

Light at about 10 oz / 283g for a US9 it has a substantial 32mm heel / 26mm forefoot stack height and a full Contragrip outsole with 4mm lugs

Bottom line so far: Ultra-Glide with Energy Surge is well named! 

Compared to the Sense Ride (also in video with comparisons to Pulsar and More Trail) it is softer and bouncier with better smoother to road terrain versatility, more upper volume and lighter weight with the Sense Ride denser and somewhat more protective but not nearly as exciting, so a somewhat more technical trails focused option.

Full review soon. 

Available now in Europe and Australia including at our partners below. August US.

Watch the Video Review (13:14)

Tested samples were provided at no charge for review purposes. No other compensation was received by RTR or the authors for this review beyond potential commissions from the shopping links in the article. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.

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Deckers Lab KO-Z Women's Sandals Review : The GLDTR- Chunky Sandals - Flip Flops Style

Article by Dominique Winebaum and Allison Valliere


Deckers Lab KO-Z GLDTR ($120)


Intro, Fit and Style


Dominique: The KO-Z series from Deckers X Lab comes in many shapes and forms – high tops and low tops lifestyle shoes, as well as sandals. The KO-Z line of sandals will cover you year-round, from mules, to slides and flip-flops, as well as strapped versions. 

The topic of this review is the KO-Z GLDTR 3, a sandal akin to a flip-flop - Y shaped strap -  but designed with a maximalist approach to comfort, support, and style.

Anmeldelse: Craft Sportswear Pro Hypervent Collection (Danish)

Article by Ivan Luca Corda


Design og Fit


De fleste af mine løbe t-shirts er enten sorte eller hvide. Selvom jeg egentlig godt kan lide de mere friske iøjnefaldende farver, ender jeg typisk med sort eller hvid, da det er det mest udbredte og kan sættes sammen på det meste. Samtidig ser man ikke svedplamagerne i samme grad. Denne løbe t-shirt i en mellemblå farve havde jeg derfor næppe ikke selv valgt, men af samme årsag er jeg glad for at teste og måske endda gøre op med mine lidt kedelige fornuftbetonet beslutninger. 


Jeg må indrømme, at jeg er ret vild med det helt enkle look og den blå farve som Craft har valgt fremstår frisk og energisk. Craft PRO Hypervent t-shirten er rimelig let (110g i min str. S) og virkelig blød og behagelig mod huden. Jeg vurdere, at T-shirten vil have et passende fit for det fleste. Hverken for tæt eller stram over skuldre og bryst og jeg anbefaler derfor, at man vælger sin sædvanlige størrelse. 

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Craft Sportswear Summer 2021 Men's Pro Hypervent Run Collection Multi Tester Review

 Article by Jeremy Marie, Alex Filitt, Canice Harte, Jeff Valliere, Nils Scharff, John Tribbia and Sam Winebaum


Craft PRO Hypervent (and CTM) Apparel Collection



Introduction:

Sam: Long a leader in nordic ski apparel and base layers, Craft as have other Northern European brands has recently dramatically upped their game in summer training gear in both performance and style with “hyper light” fabrics with moisture and heat dissipating technology and more friendly fits. After all nordic skiers do the bulk of their base training in summer’s heat! We set out to test their new Pro Hypervent, shirts, shorts, and weather gear in the US, Germany, and France. Read on to see what our fussy testers who pay as much attention to their run shoes as apparel found out.

Monday, May 24, 2021

Quick Strides #2: Team Testing Notes, Mini Reviews, Run Favorites, Races: LMNT, VJ, Brooks, Saucony, Craft, Nike, POPPocket x OtterBox, ASCIS, Tracksmith & More!


Article by Peter Stuart, Zack Dunn, Shannon Payne, Johannes Klein, Renee Krusemark, Derek Li, Jeff Beck, Jeff Valliere, Sally Reiley, Nils Scharff, Ivan Luca Corda, John Tribbia, Joost de Raeymaeker and Sam Winebaum


Introduction


The RTR team all over the world is continuously testing and using dozens of run products for road and trail. Some are provided by brands, some are personal purchases, some are for upcoming reviews, others are not, and finally some are long time favorites and go to’s. 


And not just “testing” our contributors run in all kinds of interesting places and are preparing for all kinds of races and adventures from the track to the ultra.

Sunday, May 23, 2021

Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Initial Video Review & A/B Test Close Comparison to Endorphin Speed 1

Video by Sam Winebaum

Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 ($160)

The Endorphin Speed 2 gets a new upper to go with an unchanged PEBA PWRRUN PB midsole with nylon plate. The only announced change is a new upper. Does it change the ride? 

The Endorphin Speed 2 will weigh about 8 oz (US9), a 6g increase, and has a 35.5mm heel / 27.5mm forefoot stack. $160. Mid June 2021 release.

Full written multi tester reviews in English, French, German, and Danish soon.

WATCH THE VIDEO REVIEW (10:42)

Tested samples were provided at no charge for review purposes. No other compensation was received by RTR or the authors for this review beyond potential commissions from the shopping links in the article. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by Following RoadTrailRun News Feed

Comments and Questions Welcome Below!
Please let us know mileage, paces, race distances, and currently preferred shoes

RoadTrailRun receives a commission on purchases at the stores below.
Your purchases help support RoadTrailRun. Thanks!

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USA  Men's & Women's SHOP HERE
FREE 2 Day Shipping EASY No Sweat Returns
EUROPE Men's & Women's SHOP HERE
AUSTRALIA Men's & Women's SHOP HERE
 
ROADRUNNER SPORTS
Men's & Women's SHOP HERE
Join VIP Family, Get Free Shipping and 15% in VIP Benefits on every order, Details here

FLEET FEET
Men's & Women's SHOP HERE

HOLABIRD SPORTS
Men's & Women's SHOP HERE
FREE Shipping on most orders over $40

REI 
Men's & Women's  SHOP HERE

AMAZON  
Men's & Women's SHOP HERE

WATCH OUR YOUTUBE REVIEWS ON THE ROADTRAILRUN CHANNEL


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Saturday, May 22, 2021

Anmeldelse: Craft CTM Ultra (Danish)

 Article by Ivan Luca Corda


Craft CTM Ultra

 Testperson: Ivan Luca Corda

 

Efter små 10 år med løb som min helt store passion, har jeg nu fået den udsøgte fornøjelse at tilhøre 45+ aldersgruppen. Jeg hører nok efterhånden til den stigende gruppe af “super-motionister” og har en marathon PR på 2t:39m i Valencia 2019. Min ugentlige træningsmængde ligger det meste af året på mellem 100-150 km. Størstedelen af disse løber jeg alene, men jeg nyder også at deltage i diverse løbe fællesskaber i Københavnsområdet, hvor jeg er bosiddende. 

 

Introduktion 

Jeg kender primært svenske Craft for deres lækre sportstøj af høj kvalitet, men dette er mit første bekendtskab med deres løbesko. Jeg var derfor spændt på at finde ud af, om Craft var i stand til at levere et gennemført produkt, der kunne konkurrence med de mere etablerede mærker på markedet for løbesko. Som langdistance løber med planer om at deltage i et snarligt 100 km løb, var det også spændende at erfare, om skoen er lige så velegnet til ultra distancer, som skoens navn antyder. Min første tur i skoen blev derfor på hele 60 km og jeg kan godt allerede nu afsløre, at det blev et behageligt bekendtskab.

ASICS GEL-Kayano 28 Multi Tester Review: Softer, Lively and Smooth Support

Article by Sam Winebaum, Michael Ellenberger, and Jeff Beck

ASICS GEL-Kayano 28 ($160)


Introduction

Sam: When a shoe gets to 28 editions, the 2nd longest “run” of any current run shoe. And it  is ASICS best selling shoe at running stores, something must be up. Yet I  had never run it, even been tempted by it until we tested last year’s 27 (RTR Review). I was pleasantly surprised (as mostly a neutral shoe runner) by its refined, smooth if complex approach to adaptive motion control. 

I felt the rear massive exoskeleton and prominent midfoot Trusstic stability plate were overdone visually and somewhat excessive in their rear clutch and plate feel, comforting I guess but a touch too much for me and for sure adding to weight as it checked in at 11 oz and a bit. 


Hey but that is the Kayano’s key legacy going back to the original seen above. 

Women's color. PC: Sally Reiley


With Kayano 28 ASICS  refines the formula with some quite significant changes. It tones down the “control” not only the visuals but also mellows the sometimes overly “secure and stable” feel while retaining all the adaptive goodness of the 27  through some key changes:

  • Softens and makes more lively the directly underfoot ride more lively with bouncy, softer Flight Foam Blast, a foam found in the definitely neutral high stack Novablast 2 (RTR Review) extending it to the forefoot for a comfortable. soft,  easy and flexible toe off

  • Reduces the size of the rear TPU plastic to more of a clip than previous exoskeletons which, while retaining a great heel hold and stability, isn’t as overwhelming in feel as before and for sure helps reduce weight.

  • Redesigns the mid foot with a flatter Trusstic plate which instead of wrapping up the sides is now embedded above what is now a filled in (Flyte Foam) flatter mid foot area so in the direction of but not all the way (see Kayano Lite for that) to a more inherent stability by contact approach than prescriptive by an arched plate at midfoot with no foam below.  

  • Updates the upper with a soft very comfortable new engineered mesh upper. 


Seeing a trend here… GEL-Kayano softens its image and ride, ups the plush all around to help justify its premium $160 pricing, and relaxes by toning down the visual and actual impact of previous plastic elements. GEL remains front and back with the rear unit streamlined and segmented.  And good news we lose 0.35 oz /10g to come in at about 10.75 oz / 305g. A lot of promising updates. So how did they perform? Read on to find out.