Diadora Mythos Blueshield Vigore Review

Article by Jeff  Beck and Sam Winebaum

Diadora Mythos Blueshield Vigore ($170)

Introduction

Jeff: The Diadora Blushield Vigore, which has a name that could be for just about any consumer product, is the Italian company’s moderate stability/neutral big mileage daily trainer. And they didn’t pull out the stops, making each component of the shoe feel akin to a luxury brand output, with a truly unique asymmetrical design. 

We’ve seen a number of other shoe designers create “stability” shoes that see their stability aspects disappear when they aren’t needed by the runner - would Diadora succeed?

Sam: Complex for sure with multiple midsole and upper elements in the mix including a prominent lateral carve out, a plastic Blueshield unit under foot, a main midsole of Diadora’s DD Anima foam I liked so much for its lively response in the Equipe Atomo (RTR Review), a heavily supportive yet at the same time plush upper with a thick cage of straps under the thin pliable outer mesh, a super plush tongue and even thick flat and plush laces there is alot going on here including weight at 10.88 oz /308g in my US8 which as they run long is the equivalent of my usual US8.5. 

Skeptical but curious as the Equipe Atomo was so fine and one of my 2021 favorite shoes. I usually don’t run in stability type shoes and particularly those with posts, plastic pieces and rails and the Vigore sure was leaning that way. But as I discovered I was pleasantly surprised by this giant which while making no pretensions of being a fast or light ride is quite special when you need to go smooth, slow and mellow.   

Pros:

-Incredibly engineered (perhaps overengineered) upper-Jeff/Sam

-Stability elements caused no issues for supinating runner-Jeff/Sam

-Outsole provides lots of grip and durability while not overly firm and rigid -Jeff/Sam

-Upper has such incredible hold on foot could be an effective trail upper -Jeff/Sam

-Plenty of ground protection -Jeff/Sam

-Pleasant, if unremarkable ride -Jeff

-Deep, lively cushion with a touch of bounce-Sam

-Ideal stable, easy, long slow run ride where a shoe’s weight not a big consideration - Sam

Cons:

-Ride is very unremarkable as many daily trainers are getting more exciting to run in -Jeff

- Heavy at over 11 oz in a US9, Inconsistent shoe weights as well -Sam

-Plastic outsole elements are a little awkward, possible condensation issues --Jeff

-Sized long in the first TTS pair. Second half size down perfect.-Sam

Testbericht: ASICS Gel-Nimbus 24 – Generalüberholung eines Luxus-Liners (German)

Artikel von Johannes Klein and Nils Scharff

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 24 (180 €)

Link zum original RTR-Test des ASICS Gel-Nimbus 24: HIER

Link zu allen RTR-Testberichten: HIER

Einleitung:

Johannes: Als ich noch nicht der Schuh-Geek war, der ich heute bin, gab es genau einen Namen, den ich mit Laufsport gleichsetzte: ASICS. Das lag wohl daran, dass die Marke in jedem größeren Kaufhaus, das eine Sportabteilung hatte, vertreten war.
So kam es, dass mir auf der Suche nach meinem ersten Paar Laufschuhe der Gel-Cumulus empfohlen wurde – Einer der Klassiker aus dem Hause ASICS. Der Schuh stellte mich vor einige Herausforderungen. Mit der Zeit stellte sich heraus, dass andere Hersteller Schuhe produzierten, die meine Bedürfnisse schlichtweg besser abdeckten. Damit geriet ASICS für mich in Vergessenheit.
Zumindest, bis ich zum RTR-Team stieß und die Gelegenheit bekam, die neuesten Innovationen zu testen, die das Unternehmen heute auf den (wesentlich härter umkämpften) europäischen Markt bringt. 

Nach einigen Tests, die mein Interesse an der Marke wiederbelebt haben, wie dem Metaracer und dem Noosa Tri 13, haben Nils und ich momentan die Gelegenheit, einen absoluten Klassiker auszuprobieren: Den Gel-Nimbus in seiner mittlerweile 24ten Generation.

Seit ich mich mit Laufschuhen auseinandersetze, ist der Nimbus eines der Aushängeschilder von ASICS. Mit seinen Gel-Pads im Fersen- und Vorfußbereich verspricht er bodenlose Dämpfung. Was mich schon immer von diesem Kreuzfahrtschiff unter den Straßenschuhen fernhielt, war sein hohes Gewicht und die mit 10 Millimetern recht hohe Sprengung. 

Es scheint so, als ob die Schuhdesigner bei ASICS mich mit der diesjährigen Version des Nimbus umstimmen wollen. Mit der erstmaligen Verwendung des neuen Flytefoam Blast+ in der Mittelsohle ist der neueste Nimbus satte 17 Gramm (pro Schuh) leichter. Das sind jedoch nicht die einzigen Änderungen, die vorgenommen wurden. Alles in allem gab es eine Vielzahl an Updates, auf deren Wirkung ich sehr gespannt war.

Under Armour UA Flow Velociti Wind 2 Multi Tester Review

Article by Mike Postaski, Peter Stuart, Beto Hughes and Sam Winebaum

Under Armour UA Flow Velociti Wind 2 ($160)

Introduction

Sam: The UA Flow Velociti Wind 2 is a moderately cushioned 26mm heel /18 mm forefoot stack stable neutral trainer with an outsole grade midsole and no rubber outsole. Its underfoot geometry was designed via force data and remains unchanged from v1. The upper features UA Wrap which Under Armour describes as “supporting tapes that act like seatbelts on the foot, placed precisely where our biomechanists found them to be most helpful for a runner. The tapes are in tension when you need them and relax when you don’t — eliminating any buckling and pinch points from traditional uppers built with continuous materials.”

The upper is not different in construction from v1’s (RTR Review) beyond a new (and we found effective) Tatami Stitch heel construction which secures the achilles and heel marvelously.

AKU Outdoor Ultra Light Original GTX, Rocket DFS GTX, & Selvatica Mid GTX Reviews. Seriously Evolved Italian Hiking Boots

Article by Dominique and Sam Winebaum

Ultra Light Original GTX  ($190), Rocket DFS GTX ($190), Selvatica Mid GTX ($190)

Introduction

Avid hikers Sam and Dominique just put the AKU Ultra Light Original GTX, Rocket DFS GTX, and Selvatica Mid GTX through their paces in Utah on snow, dirt trails, and pavement. AKU of Italy is known for their superb craftsmanship, anatomical ELICA underfoot and last construction, and rugged uppers.  All boots reviewed feature the ELICA Natural Stride System, , Gore-Tex Extended Comfort and Air8000 mesh uppers, and very different purpose focused Vibram MegaGrip outsoles. 

Recently launched in North America, the brand is well known in Europe for hiking, trekking, and mountaineering footwear. So well respected in fact that they are the official mountain boot of the Swiss alpine troops, are the Danish Army cold weather boot, and also extensively equip the UK Army, and various special forces and police.. 

We mostly review “boots” derived from running shoes from running shoe brands with essentially modified running tech onboard  so we were curious to see how highly technologically evolved footwear from a company with no compromises “boot” DNA performed. 

Testbericht: adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8 (German)

Article by Marcel Krebs & Nils Scharff

adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8 (200€)

Link zum englischsprachigen Testbericht des adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8: HIER

Link zu allen RTR-Testberichten: HIER

Einleitung

Nils: Es ist gar nicht lange her, dass Marcel und ich gemeinsam den adidas Takumi Sen 7 getestet haben. Nachdem Laufschuhe in den letzten Jahren zu immer mehr Dämpfung tendieren, war dieser moderne, minimalistische Wettkampfschuh fast schon eine Revolution. Oder ein Relikt aus der Vergangenheit - das kommt wohl aufs Auge des Betrachters an. adidas hat den Takumi Sen mit der neuen, achten Version auf jeden Fall von grund auf neu gestaltet. Der Einsatzzweck ist gleich und wird auch entsprechend beworben: Kurze bis mittellange Wettkämpfe im Bereich 5 - 10km und ggfs. schnelle Trainingseinheiten. Doch der Schuh selbst hat mit seinem Vorgänger kaum noch etwas gemein. Die Stapelhöhe der Mittelsohle hat sich beinahe verdoppelt, mit Lightstrike Pro hat ein neues, modernes Dämpfungsmaterial einzug gehalten. Auch die aggressive Außensohle des “7ers” wurde komplett überarbeitet. Einzig der schmale Leisten, die minimalistische Bauart des Obermaterials und der Name erinnern noch an das Vorgängermodell. Und natürlich, dass der ganze Schuh dem Läufer suggeriert: “Laufe schnell!” - Wie sich dieser komplett neue Schuh also schlägt, wie der Vergleich zum Vorgänger ausfällt und wie er sich in die adidas Produktpalette einordnet, werden Marcel und ich in der Folge herausfinden.

Marcel: Nils hat unsere Ausgangssituation ja bereits sehr treffend zusammengefasst. Nachdem mich der Takumi Sen 7 in vielerlei Hinsicht positiv überrascht hatte, war ich umso mehr gespannt auf den Nachfolger, den uns Running Warehouse EU freundlicherweise kostenfrei zum Testen zur Verfügung gestellt hat. Die optischen Unterschiede springen einem beim Auspacken der Schuhe förmlich ins Auge; dies gilt natürlich zuallererst für die Mittelsohle. Diese ist gegenüber dem Vorgänger nicht nur deutlich dicker geworden, sondern auch aus einem gänzlich neuen (für den Takumi) Mittelsohlenmaterial, nämlich Lightstrike Pro. Die Außensohle besteht zwar weiterhin aus einer Gummimischung von Continental. Damit hat es sich jedoch schon mit den Gemeinsamkeiten mit der Außensohle des Takumi Sen 7. Doch dazu später mehr. 

Saucony Kinvara 13 Multi Tester Review: a totally state of the art, refined, effective, high performance "retro" ride!

Article by Sam Winebaum, Zack Dunn, Beto Hughes, Sally Reiley, Michael Ellenberger, Shannon Payne, and Derek Li

Saucony Kinvara 13 ($120)

Introduction

Sam: Launched in the middle of the minimal running boom, the Kinvara was light, much lower drop than most light performance trainers at 4mm and flexible. It was a blast to run even if as I recall a bit shaky in the upper department.

Over time the nameplate got heavier, more stability focused, stiffer, and duller. Then the last 2 editions gradually shifted the Kinvara back towards its original ride and fit. 

On the surface, the Kinvara 13 clearly is the flexible, more “natural” complement to the fan fave plated Endorphin Speed 2 for faster shorter runs with here the feet in the game and also as the lighter tempo compliment to the daily trainer Ride and Shift with their PWRRUN midsoles as here but of course with much more rubber and weight. 

With the 13, Saucony delivers its lightest K shoe yet at a mere 7.2 oz / 204 g so 0.5 oz or less on the scale than the 12. The upper is a mono mesh as with the 12 but now softer and well supported by varying densities in the engineered mesh, subtle overlays and the gusset tongue. Saucony also calls out “a more beveled midsole and streamlined contouring” promising a smoother ride and also along with the upper likely the fairly significant weight drop on the same 28.5 mm heel  / 24.5 mm forefoot, 4mm drop basic platform. The midsole foam remains PWRRUN an EVA/TPU blend with the outsole minimal in coverage and appearing identical.

Women’s Colorway

And in something the original Kinvara did not offer, 100% of the upper mesh is recycled and over 90% of the rest of the upper materials as well.

So nothing on the surface was radically different beyond the weight drop it seemed.. I hoped the midsole would capture more of the original's bouncy flexible magic while staying decently stable. Time to test!

Nike ZoomX Streakfly Review: buttery smooth from heel to toe — a monolith of pleasant and inspiring support but is it a 5K Race Flat?

Article by Ryan Eiler

Nike ZoomX Streakfly ($160)

Introduction

Ryan: If this isn’t Nike engaging in one-upmanship with Adidas, I don’t know what is. The Adidas Takumi Sen 8 was released only two months ago, and uses a lower stack of Lightstrike Pro midsole foam to create a shoe specifically geared to 5k/10k efforts. Now, Nike comes out with the ZoomX Streakfly, using a lower stack of their infamous ZoomX superfoam to create a shoe for 5k/10k efforts, at a price point about $20 less than the Adidas. Coincidence? Absolutely not.

We clearly have a battle of the titans here, duking it out for supremacy at the hyper-popular 5k-10k distance that almost any runner can relate to. There are huge profits on the line, world records to be had, and massive reputations at stake here, so let’s see how the Streakfly stacks up.

Pros: Cushion/weight ratio; Value; Low inertia; ZoomX efficiency and pleasant ride

Cons: Excessive forefoot flexibility; Upper’s mediocre containment ability in mid/forefoot

Stats

Approx. Weight: men's 6.0 oz  / 170g (US9)

  Samples: men’s US9.5  6.1 oz / 174g

Stack Height: men’s 32mm heel / 26mm forefoot 

Available now. $160 

Altra Running Rivera 2 Review

Article by Sam Winebaum

Altra Running Rivera 2 ($130)

Introduction

The Rivera is a neutral daily trainer with a 26mm stack height front and rear so as all Altra are is zero drop.  Sitting between the higher stack (28mm) Torin and lower (24 mm) Escalante, at an approximate weight of 8.46 oz / 240g in a US9, it slots in as the light well cushioned all arounder in the Altra lineup.

The update is to the upper with a now very pliable, very soft mesh (among the softest and most pliable I can recall) with support provided by a very stout heel counter, embroidered stitching, the logos and a low toe bumper overlay. 

Of course we have Altra’s anatomical Foot Shape toe box in what Altra calls a “refined and tailored” shape. This means not the widest chez Altra but given the very soft mesh certainly promising a wider foot friendly fit and more so than the Rivera 1’s was for me.

As previously we have Altra’s EGO midsole foam, a very nicely rebounding with a touch of rubbery bounce to it , Inner Flex grooves to give the big front stack flex and a well segmented outsole.

Pros:

Great introductioin shoe to zero drop 

EGO foam is energetic and responsive

As promised, platform weight and geometry is “balanced” with a true zero drop feel, and a not negative drop feel at beyond slow jog paces and off the heels

Upper is surprisingly supportive and for sure comfortable for such as light extremely pliable and soft mesh

Wide toe box with comfortable solid hold 

Also supremely comfortable as a casual everyday shoe

Cons:

To pull off the foot hold in such as soft pliable upper and with a wide toe box the length is on the short side and the front height low, but unless you are on the high side of a half size up I would not consider sizing up

Firm and low heel at slow paces. Low 26mm heel stack and zero drop are not as pleasant as at faster paces.

Stats

Approx. Weight: men's 8.46 oz  / 240g (US9) 

 Samples: men’s (US8.5) 8.21 oz / 233g (230g left shoe, 236g right shoe)

Stack Height: men’s 26mm  heel / 26mm forefoot

$130. Available March 2022 

Salomon S/Lab Pulsar SG Multi Tester Review: A Marvel of Ultra Lightweight Trail Performance

Article by John Tribbia, Jeff Valliere and Sam Winebaum

Salomon S/Lab Pulsar SG ($180)

Introduction

Sam: RoadTrailRun is fortunate to have an early pair of the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar SG which three of us are sharing.  The original 2021 Pulsar is Salomon’s pinnacle trail racing shoe combining incredibly lightweight,at 6.2 oz /195g, a super secure upper, lively and more than adequately cushioned Energy Surge foam,  a rockered ride and even some rock protection.  To achieve the low weight and performance something has to give and for me that was the very narrow rear landing platform, a platform that while stable was not for heel striking or going other than all out for me. This said one of our testers Mike Postaski raced his to victory in a 50 miler in Idaho with no issues. 

The SG takes our trail shoe of the year, the original Pulsar  (RTR Review),increases the lug depth to 4.5mm from 2.5mm and makes subtle but significant changes to the Matryx upper to increase durability and comfort. There is no question that either Pulsar is a marvel of super light weight, high performance trail running. 

At 7.13 oz / 202g  in the US9.5 test pair SG, or about 6.9 oz / 195g in a US9,  it remains super light while far more substantial increasing 1.2 oz / 34g over the original at  6.2 oz/ 195g (US9) 

I have run the SG on hard frozen ground, through shallow snow on bumpy terrain, and on the road. Part of my testing included an A/B test run with the original Pulsar on road and hard frozen trails where the differences in ride and fit became apparent ( RTR Video Comparison Review) A caveat for me but not my fellow testers Jeff and John . Our pair is a US9.5 EU 43 ⅔ which is a whole size to half size larger than my true to size and my original Pulsar. But, beyond being a bit too long, in no way did they feel too big or the size affect performance. 

With the larger size an opportunity as I have sent them on to our ace Boulder testers Jeff Valiiere and John Tribbia, both highly decorated fast trail runners closer to the size of the pair who join in the review. I was very sad..

With its additional stack height from the increased rubber and reinforced upper I was curious to see if the SG’s range, ride, and comfort would be extended for me. I found the original a rocket but for me only a shorter distance shoe for me (maybe 10K)  with a real requirement to be off the heels and moving super fast for them to sing for me. 

QS 29: Joost in the Boston Elite field! 500 mile Nike Invincible Run Update, Topo Magnifly 4 117 mile update. AKU boots, Altra Rivera 2, Hoka Tecton X, Salomon Nordic, Training Peaks Pace app, ON Weather Vest

Article by Joost de Raeymaeker, Cheng Chen, Johannes Klein, Jeremy Marie and Sam Winebaum

Joost in the Boston Elite field! 500 mile Nike Invincible Run Update, Topo Magnifly 4 117 mile update. AKU boots, Altra Rivera 2, Hoka Tecton X, Salomon Nordic, Training Peaks Pace app, ON Weather Vest

Topo Athletic Trailventure WP 2 Multi Tester Review: now more boot than trail runner and that is a good thing!

Article by Dominique Winebaum and Alex Tilsley

Topo Trailventure 2 WP ($180)

Introduction

Dominique: Familiar with the Topo brand, mainly for trail running and hiking, I am excited to test the Trailventure 2 WP as this latest iteration comes with welcome updates. My prior testing reviews include the MTN Racer 1 (RTR Review), which I ran into the ground, and the Trailventure’s first edition – Topo’s first lightweight trail boot (RTR Review).  Rye, New Hampshire, might not offer the best terrain for testing hiking/trail boots, yet winter weather provided plenty of opportunities to wear my Trailventure 2 WP prior to hitting the trails in Utah.

Puma Running Velocity NITRO 2 Multi Tester Review

Article by Renee Krusemark, Sam Winebaum, Beto Hughes, and Derek Li

Puma Running Velocity NITRO 2 ($120)

Introduction

Sam: Puma stunned the running world in the last year with a completely new line of models ranging from max cushion to its elite marathon racer the Deviate Nitro Elite (RTR Review), which out of the gate, helped Molly Seidel win bronze at the Olympics. 

All featured soft and energetic NITRO, a nitrogen infused foam that in addition to delivering pleasing and strong performance was also very light.

The Velocity NITRO 1 (RTR Review) was slotted in the line up as the classic “daily trainer” with a 10mm drop and moderate but more than adequate stack height of 33.5mm heel, 23.5mm forefoot. It featured NITRO as the main midsole with at the heel a plug of firmer EVA and a stabilizing plastic clip which made for a relatively firm landing while upfront, despite the copious PumaGrip outsole the toe off was somewhere between easy going and snappy due to the full soft layer of Nitro. 

With Velocity 2 Puma in many ways reverses that feel by making the rear (white) EVA thinner and thus with more NITRO softer and extending the EVA all the way to the front of the shoe, eliminating the heel plastic clip while making the front rubber more continuous. The stack height remains the same and the weight even drops a bit to 9.07 oz / 257g in a US9 .  

All of this hinted at a softer landing and a snappier toe off, more comfortable fit and at $120 for a light supercritical foam powered trainer with plenty of rubber a great value.

Derek: Puma has gone on record with the differences between v1 and v2 for the Velocity Nitro, since this review was first published so I have the benefit of hindsight here. In essence, both Velocity 1 and Velocity 2 have full length nitro foam and EVA foam. The difference is while it was more EVA wrapping Nitro in version 1, it is now more evidently Nitro sitting on top of EVA in version 2. The other big difference is the removal of the plastic heel clip for version 2, which from what I gather softens the heel landing quite significantly. There are some minor updates to the upper material too but the big changes seem to be in the midsole. The Velocity Nitro was the sleeper hit of the 2021 Nitro range for Puma, and while I didn't get to test v1, I'm glad I got to test it in version 2.

Testbericht: Puma Voyage Nitro GTX – Warme und trockene Füße sind was schönes! (German)

Article by Nils Scharff

Link zum original RTR-Test des Puma Voyage Nitro GTX: HIER

Link zu allen RTR-Testberichten: HIER

Puma Voyage Nitro GTX (150€)

Einleitung

Dieser Testbericht wird gleich in zweierlei Hinsicht eine Premiere: Zum einen ist der Puma Voyage Nitro GTX der erste Gore-Tex Trailrunningschuh, den ich am Fuß habe. Ich bin also sehr gespannt, ob die Füße wirklich trocken bleiben und ob höhere Preise und Gewichte solcher GTX Modelle durch warme und trockene Füße aufgewogen werden. Zum anderen ist es für mich der erste Trailschuh von Puma. Nachdem die Marke mit der Raubkatze letztes Jahr mit ihrer Nitro Familie und einiges an Marketingbudget für Furore in der Laufszene gesorgt haben, bin ich jetzt gespannt ob der damals gewonnene, positive Eindruck auf den Trails bestätigt werden kann. Die namensgebende, mit Stickstoff angereicherte Mittelsohle verspricht jedenfalls die gleichen, tollen Laufeigenschaften. Auch das in den Straßenmodellen verwendete Sohlengummi namens PumaGrip, konnte mich bisher restlos überzeugen und lässt auf beste Traktion auf den Trails hoffen. Während Puma letztes Jahr also für eine Überraschung sorgen konnte, sind die Erwartungen jetzt schon etwas höher geschraubt. Lasst uns gemeinsam herausfinden, ob der Voyage Nitro GTX diesen gerecht werden kann.

Pro:

• Super bequem!

• Die Füße bleiben warm und trocken!

• PumaGrip ist eins der besten Außensohlenmaterialien überhaupt!

• Nicht nur die Traktion ist super, gleichzeitig läuft sich der Schuh flüsterleise!

• Auch die Mittelsohle ist weich und bequem!

• Super Stabilität dank dem äußeren EVA Ring und einer breiten Basis!

Contra:

• Auch wenn das Gewicht für einen GTX Schuh im Rahmen ist, ist mir der Schuh für die allermeisten Läufe einfach zu schwer!

• Atmungsaktivität sucht man hier vergebens - das ist ein Winter- und Schlechtwetterschuh und nichts anderes!

• Sehr spitz zulaufende Zehenbox!

• Der Halt im Schuh ist für technisches Gelände nicht gut genug!