Diadora Equipe Atomo Multi Tester Review: Azzurri! High Performance, Durable, Made in Italy, Artisanal Excellence

Article by Derek Li, Beto Hughes, Michael Ellenberger, Dominique and Sam Winebaum

Diadora Equipe Atomo ($195)

Introduction

Sam: The Equipe Atomo is a  light 8.7 oz / 246g US9  daily miles to uptempo trainer with a  maximal class full stack of 36mm heel / 31mm forefoot.

Atomo was entirely designed, developed, and manufactured in Diadora’s Italian factory. Unusual to say the least in this day and age. And on top of that, Gelindo Bordin, 1988 Olympic Marathon champion and 1989 Boston winner, and long-time Diadora employee helped lead its development. 

Diadora quite frankly has been better known for its beautiful lifestyle, tennis, soccer, track spikes (Edwin Moses wore them),  and “near” but closer to lifestyle running shoes in recent years. But the light weight, in house developed foam, and sleek Italian looks sure had me sit up and eager to test and evaluate this $195 beauty.

Quick Strides 26: Renee races ASICS Metaspeed Sky and Fuji Lite 2, Jeremy "experiences" Nike Tempo Next %, Peter 1st Ultra Topo MTN Racer 2, Sam tests Tracksmith Off Roads, Hoka Mach Supersonic, Scott Kinabalu 2

Article by Peter Stuart, Renee Krusemark, Jeremy Marie and Sam Winebaum

Quick Strides 26: Renee races ASICS Metaspeed Sky and Fuji Lite 2, Jeremy "Experiences" Nike Tempo Next %, Peter Ultras Topo MTN Racer 2, Sam tests Tracksmith Off Roads, Hoka Mach Supersonic, & Scott Kinabalu 2

Scott Kinabalu Ultra RC 2.0 Multi Tester Review. 9 Comparisons

Article by Mike Postaski, Renee Krusemark, Jeff Valliere, and Alex Tilsley

Scott Kinabalu Ultra RC 2 ($160)

Introduction

Mike P: The Ultra RC is my first running shoe of any kind from Scott - so I have no idea what to expect.  I’ve seen some of their burlier trail shoes at long, mountainous ultras in the past.  The radial lug pattern was noticeable so I figure that traction must be a selling point. The Kinabalu Ultra RC’s that I’m testing now are explicitly designed for “man-made” trails - I do run ultras on all types of terrain, so let’s see if they can go the distance. 

Alex: After being pleasantly surprised by the Scott Pursuit, I was excited to test the Kinabalu Ultra RC. Billed as Scott’s shoe for ultras and long training miles on man-made trails, I thought they might be perfect for ramping up my trail mileage around our local parks. 

Pros:

Refined upper, good forefoot volume, secure from midfoot through toebox Mike P/Renee/Alex

Easy toe-flex when running/hiking uphill Mike P/Renee/Jeff

Decent lateral flexibility for such a stiff shoe Mike P

Very secure foothold:  Jeff V

Light and responsive feel:  Jeff V

Excellent traction given size of lugs:  Jeff V

Cons:

Firm midsole can feel a bit harsh Mike P/Renee/Alex

Heel/Achilles collar seems overbuilt, mismatched to rest of the upper Mike P

Somewhat stiff - comes with the rockered territory Mike P/Alex

Outsole peeling off at only 21 miles Mike P

The rocker can get in the way if you get thrown off of  straight-line motion Alex

I found forefoot width to be a bit narrow, even for my narrow foot.  Not a problem for me, but those with wider feet take note:  Jeff V

Stats

Approx. Weight: men's 9.7 oz/ 275g (US9)  ::  women's 8.71 oz  / 247g  (US8)

  Samples: men’s  9.45 oz / 268g US8.5, 10.4 oz / 294g (US10.0)  

women’s  L: 8.89 oz / 252g R: 8.54 oz / 242g (US8)

Stack Height: 29mm heel / 21mm forefoot

$160

Topo Athletic MT-4 Multi Tester Review

Article by Peter Stuart, Canice Harte, Jeff Valliere, and Jana Herzgova

Topo Athletic MT-4 ($120 at launch, $125 Jan. 2022)

Introduction

Peter: The MT-4 is a 10.7 oz /  303g men’s US9 that Topo suggests is a good road/trail hybrid that’s also good for light hiking and trail running. I haven’t run the previous versions, but the MT-4 is a really nice shoe that took to the trails from the jump. 

Pros:

Breathable, Peter, Jeff V, Jana

Very comfortable, Peter, Jeff V

Good traction, Peter, Jeff V, Jana

Well padded tongue, Peter, Jeff V, , Jana

Roomy, yet secure fit:  Jeff V

Great mid foot hold and very breathable while not letting trail debris in: Canice 

Cons:

A tiny bit firm:  Peter

Flat dense feel: Canice

Protection in rocky, technical terrain:  Jeff V

A bit too much of a wide/floppy feel when running: Jana 

Stats

Official Weight: men's 10.7 oz  / 303g (US9) 8.6 oz / 244g women's / (US7)

  Samples: men’s: 11oz  / 311 grams US10, 11.05 oz /312g US10

Stack Height: 25mm heel /22mm forefoot, 3mm drop

Available Dec. 2021 $120, Jan. 2022 $125

Puma Running Voyage Nitro GTX Multi Tester Review. 8 Comparisons

Article by Jacob Brady, Jeremy Marie, Mike Potaski and Sam Winebaum

Puma Running Voyage GTX ($150)

Introduction

Jacob:  have been following along with Puma’s recent excellence in the road running shoe realm (such as the Deviate Nitro Elite), but had not tried any Puma Nitro shoe myself. The Voyage Nitro GTX is a Gore-Tex waterproof high-cushion trail shoe which uses Puma’s modern, low density, high-rebound Nitro midsole foam which is cradled by a firmer material called PFlite. It is rare that the first shoe I run in from a brand is a heavy waterproof trail shoe. However, due to where I live in Maine, I have been using a Gore-Tex waterproof shoe for daily wear for the past few weeks and from this time of year (mid fall) all through winter every year. Through fall, winter, and spring, I wear a waterproof trail shoe while out of the house for walking my dog, going to the store, exploring, and other similar things to keep my feet warmer and dry. Thus the Voyage Nitro GTX came in for testing at a great time.

Scarpa Spin Infinity Multi Tester Review. 12 Comparisons

Article by Jeff Valliere and Sam Winebaum

Scarpa Spin Infinity ($149)

Introduction

Sam: The Infinity is Scarpa’s most cushioned current trail and ultra shoe and the shoe that was  on the feet of Aurélien Dunand-Pallaz for 2nd at the 2021 UTMB. This fact had me sit up right away and wanting to test as a UTMB podium shoe has to be capable of tackling any surface, tremendous vertical and many hours of running. 

Scarpa, an Italian brand is well known for its climbing, hiking and ski mountaineering shoes and boots and with the Spin line has created trail running shoes that are not clearly not “variants” of footwear for those other activities in any way but are pure trail runners top to bottom.

It has a 35mm heel (measured), 31mm forefoot (spec 4mm drop) and weighs 10.9 oz / 309g in our US9/EU 42 sample so it is on the heavier side but this said only 0.2 oz more than a Speedgoat 4.

The midsole is a dual density compression molded EVA with a firmer outer perimeter and arch and a lower density softer center core, an approach in trail and road shoes we see in 2021  becoming more common. 

It has a full coverage 4mm lug Vibram MegaGrip compound outsole in a Velox Cross pattern. There is no rock plate and we’ll say it right up front none is needed and the omission helps lead to a nicely agile “big” shoe with some front flex. 

Nike Zoom Fly 4 Review

Article by Michael Ellenberger

Nike Zoom Fly 4 ($160)

Introduction

Michael: Is it a racer? Is it a trainer? Nike’s high-end Zoom Fly 4 is back in 2021 after the ZF3 released way back in summer 2019. Nike’s almost-racer lineup is a little more crowded now, with the mouthful-of-a-shoe Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% blending the line nicely, but I think the Zoom Fly 4 still has a place in 2021… but it’s not a perfect offering! We’ll break down all the good and the bad (and why I, acknowledging its imperfections, will keep it in my stable of trainers for a while!).

Testbericht Asics Fuji Lite 2 & Fuji Trail Kollektion

Artikel von Marcel Krebs & Nils Scharff

Link zum englischen RTR-Test des Asics Fuji Lite 2: HIER

Link zu allen RTR-Testberichten: HIER

Asics Fuji Lite 2 (130€)

Einleitung

Marcel: Nachdem ich im Sommer mit dem Novablast 2 bereits einen sehr lauffreudigen Straßenschuh von ASiCS testen durfte (RTR-Review auf Deutsch, hier entlang), war ich natürlich sehr gespannt, als mich mit dem ASICS Fuji Lite 2 der erste Trailschuh aus dem Hause ASICS erreichte. Dies galt um so mehr, als dass dieser nicht alleine kam, sondern zusammen mit der brandneuen Trail Bekleidungskollektion von ASICS. Diese ist sogar farblich auf den neuen Fuji Lite 2 abgestimmt und vor allem der leichte Windbreaker, der auch leichteren Regenschauern sehr gut standhält, konnte mich nachhaltig begeistern. Details zu den Bekleidungsstücken findet ihr weiter unten in diesem Artikel.

Aber zurück zum Fuji Lite 2: Dieser bringt für einen leichten, aber vergleichsweise sehr komfortabel gedämpften Trailschuh ein sehr geringes Gewicht von gerade einmal 274g Gramm für Größe EU 44 auf die Waage. Wie er sich im Praxistest im nasskalten deutschen Herbst und tropischer Hitze geschlagen hat, lest ihr in den nächsten Abschnitten.

RoadTrailRun's Holiday Gift Guides for Runners

RoadTrailRun brings you RTR team tested multiple Gift Guides with mini reviews and frequently updated savings and deals at our Gift Guides for Runners and Savings page. 

Please check out our Holiday Gift Guides for Runners and Savings Page HERE

2021 Holiday Gift Guide and Mini Reviews: GPS Watches from Garmin, Polar, Suunto and COROS. Lighting from Petzl and Kogalla

Article by Sam Winebaum, Jeff Valliere, and Peter Stuart

2021 Holiday Gift Guide & Mini Reviews: GPS Watches from Garmin, Polar, Suunto and COROS. Lighting from Petzl and Kogalla.

2021 Gift Guide for Runners & Mini Reviews: Books, Recovery and Compression, Sunglasses, Recovery Shoes and Sandals, Hats.

Article by Sally Reiley, Peter Stuart, Cheng Chen, Jeremy Marie, Marcel Krebs, Sam and Dominique Winebaum 

2021 Gift Guide for Runners: Books, Recovery and Compression, Sunglasses, Recovery Shoes and Sandals.

Please help support RTR this holiday season. RoadTrailRun may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article.  

Hoka Spring 2022 Previews: Tecton X, Speedgoat 5, Mach Supersonic, Carbon X 3, Kawana

Article by Sam Winebaum

I recently attended a media preview of key early Hoka 2022 releases

• Tecton X, a very light carbon plated trail racer with the same stack height as Speedgoat, 

• a lighter Speedgoat 5, 

• Mach Supersonic a “bouncy” non plated trainer, 

• Kawana a new swallow tail soft and friendly road trainer

• updated and lighter Carbon X with a performance knit upper. 

All the new Hoka have new foams in the mix which promise not only lighter weights but more energetic rides. These foams appear to be compression molded EVA. In 2020 I tested a shoe with what likely was one of these foams and it was very light, very well cushioned and very dynamic.

Update: Hoka Speedgoat 5 Review (11 comparisons) Video Review

Update: Hoka Carbon X 3, Mach Supersonic and Kawana Initial Runs Impressions,Shoe Details

Update: Kawana Multi Tester Review

Update: Mach Supersonic Multi Tester Review (10 comparisons)

Update

Watch the Speedgoat 5 to Tecton X to EVO Speegoat Video Comparison Review

Racer Story: Age Group Podium and PR! Sally Reiley Doubles the Boston & New York City Marathons

Article by Sally Reiley

The entire NYC Marathon experience was magical. This was a race that I didn't even know that I was going to run until 17 days prior (yes, I know that sounds crazy, but it’s the truth), and yet everything fell into place and worked out better than I could have dreamed. I am still on a high 5 days later…

Running (solo) kept me sane during the pandemic while working full-time from home, but I did not do the smart or expected thing and ease back into racing gradually; instead, I started off with a bang and ran the Boston Marathon on October 11. Quite an abrupt return to racing after a long 19 month pandemic hiatus! This was my 8th straight Boston, and it went surprisingly well for me as I finished in 3:32: placing 5th in my F60-64 age group, and feeling great. I am most proud of the fact that despite the pandemic challenges, I raised over $25,500 for Mass Eye and Ear. Several fellow masters runner friends mentioned that I had a good shot at doing well in the WMM Wanda Age Group World rankings if I ran another marathon in 2021 with reasonably good results, and since my recovery was going so well, I started to look into other qualifying marathons. CIM was reportedly awesome, NYC was a blast 2 years ago, Philly could be fun… But any race within reason was already sold out.

Be careful what you wish for! I mentioned to a college friend that I wish I could run NYC again, knowing full well that entry at this point was impossible, and lo and behold, he reached out the next day and said that he got me a bib! My response was woah, let me think about it, and this was his response one second later: 

So I am suddenly running the 50th NYC Marathon on Nov. 7! 17 days away. My Boston recovery runs are somehow now New York taper runs? Feeling strong, I ramped up my training runs a little and did a 14 mile run that weekend, now two weeks out (meanwhile, I was out visiting my parents in Minnesota for one week). That felt okay, so then I just kept to some consistent daily runs with a little speed mixed with easier miles. For once I really wished I had a coach to tell me what to do! 

Avis et Impressions: Scott Supertrac RC 2 (French)

Scott Supertrac RC 2 (160€)

Introduction

Il a fallu près de trois à Scott pour dévoiler une successeur à la Supertrac RC, une pure chaussure de Skyrunning qui offrait à la fois de la protection, du grip, et la précision nécessaire à cette pratique engagée. Le test de Jeff V. à l’époque était d’ailleurs élogieux, hissant la suissesse dans le haut du panier de ses chaussures de trail favorites.

En dépit de son intervalle, la RC2 ne semble, de prime abord, que peu différente de sa grande sœur. Les changement mis en avant par Scott concernent la semelle, au motif légèrement retravaillé, ainsi que la tige, qui utilise maintenant un tissu de chez Schoeller muni des technologies Coldblack et 3XDRY afin d’assurer une bonne régulation thermique et de l’humidité

Pour:

Empeigne solide, durable, protectrice

Chaussant confortable assurant un excellent maintien et du confort

De la place pour les orteils

Amorti réactif, protecteur, suffisant pour des sorties jusque 5h

Stabilité

Laçage efficace, sans fioritures

Accroche excellente sur (presque) toutes les surfaces.

Contre:

Légers frottements autour de la cheville

La languette légèrement rigide demandera un peu d’attention pour ajuster les lacets et éviter des points de pression/

Une vraie savonnette sur des roches lisses et mouillées.

Altra Running Provision 6 Initial Video Review

Video by Sam Winebaum

Altra Running Provision 6 ($140)

In the video, I test and review the Altra Provision 6, a mild pronation control shoe with a 28mm stack height and zero heel to toe drop. The midsole foam returns to Altra's EGO. It has a very roomy toe box in a soft well held upper.

Provision 6 has a new, highly segmented outsole (and underfoot midsole geometry) which maps to the bones of the foot in motion, and effectively so on the run, with great ground feel with lots of front cushion.

It drops a considerable amount of weight from its predecessors to come in at about 9.1 oz / 257g in a US9. Available now including from our affiliate partner Running Warehouse US here

Watch the Provision 6 Video Review (13:15)

Tested samples were provided at no charge for review purposes others. RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased through affiliate links in this article. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content

The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.

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Scarpa Spin 2.0 Review: PEBA and MegaGrip in the Mix!

Article by Renee Krusemark and John Tribbia

Scarpa Spin 2.0 ($159)

Introduction

Renee: Scarpa might not be a household brand name in the US for trail running, but the Spin 2.0 is comparable to some of the best trail shoes in its class. This Italian brand is well known in Europe for trail running shoes and everywhere for state of the art climbing,  and mountaineering shoes and boots. The heavier duty Spin Infinity (RTR Initial Video Review) was worn to 2nd place at the 2021 UTMB by Aurélien Dunand-Pallaz.

The Spin  has a PEBA/EVA blend midsole with light and flexible hardened ESS rock plate and a Vibram Megagrip outsole. With a 20mm heel /16 forefoot stack height (without sockliner) it weighs a commendable women's 236g/8.32oz (US8.5) and men’s  8.75 oz / 248g (US9).

Fans of lightweight, versatile trail shoes: please read on!