Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 Multi Tester Review: A Giant and Most Pleasant Surprise! 9 Comparisons

Article by Bryan Lim, Mike Postaski, and Sam Winebaum

Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 ($170)

Introduction

Bryan: This is my second Mizuno review in as many years, of which the previous was the Wave Rider 25, which I was a massive fan of. In contrast to the sleek and versatile Wave Rider, the Horizon 6 is a maximal shoe that has ample cushioning and stability without the use of traditional posting. Similar to its predecessor, the Horizon 6 features the full length of its Mizuno Enerzy foam below the foot, but now also features a core of red. Mizuno Enerzy Core, which Mizuno claims to be 293% softer and provides 56% more rebound than their U4ic EVA foam a white layer of which is above the outsole in the picture below. 

Note, U4ic when vocalized is ‘euphoric’! Maybe euphoric isn’t an appropriate term, but I was certainly excited to put them to the test. Read on to find out more!

Sam: I have never been a fan of big pronation control shoe, those massively posted, railed, plastic bits supported titans. While some may need that kind of support, I think they are often “over prescribed” and for some lead to other issues as the human foot naturally pronates to a certain extent. 

So in a way I was dreading the Horizon 6, one of the most massive such shoes or really any shoe I have ever tested. But things evolve and my recent test of the similar class Diadora Vigore was a pleasant surprise for its clear support that wasn’t brutal in feel or overly prescriptive.  And the very light Saucony Guide 15 with its subtle plastic arc support element was another pleasant surprise.  The market for “control” shoes is clearly evolving to friendlier more adaptive approaches. 

I was intrigued when I saw the specs for the Horizon 6 with its all foams and very elaborate layering Wave construction. It appeared to be an approach more continuous and “flowing” in support and without  posts, plastic pieces or rails which are more sharply medial “point” support oriented. Of course, as always with Mizuno I expected that comfort, quality of construction and materials would be top notch.

Pros:

Surprising! Every run faster (relatively speaking), smoother, and more pleasant than weight and appearances would point to Sam/Mike P

Massively supportive and also adaptive with control not in the way for this neutral runner, a first in the category: Sam/Bryan

Ideal easy run, recovery run, long slow run option for any runner type Sam

Easy flow heel to midfoot transitions on the waves of foam, almost never the case with stability shoe for me: Sam

Smooth roll from lateral forefoot landings Mike P

Just soft enough rear cushion with no brick like feel medially or laterally: Sam/Mike P

Almost perfect true to size spacious (in a good way fit, upper security and comfort for the shoe type: Sam/Bryan/Mike P

Quality and expected long durability; Sam/Mike P

Cons:

Heavy at 11.6 oz /330g in US9 but for sure runs well, well below weight: Sam/Bryan/Mike P

Front outsole is somewhat overdone, thick, firm and slappy. Some longitudinal flex grooves?: Sam/Bryan

A touch of bunion area pressure Sam

Longish break in period Bryan/Sam

Not the most inspiring ride Bryan

Heel can feel blocky for forefoot/midfoot strikers Mike P

Stats

Estimated weight: men's oz 11.6 oz / 330g (US9)

  Samples: men’s  11.2 oz  /  317g (US8.5) 11.6 oz / 330g (US9) 11.9 oz / 336g (US10)

Stack Height: men’s 38mm heel / 30mm forefoot, 8 mm drop 

Available June 1, $170

Skechers Performance GO Run Razor Excess 2 Reseña Completa 200 KM (Spanish)

Article by Beto Hughes

Skechers Performance GO Run Razor Excess 2 ($145)

Razor Excess 2 regresa muy ligero con nuevo Carbon Infused H-Plate, un nuevo Upper con mejor ajuste y Hyperburst mas suave e igual de responsivo para esos entrenamientos uptempo y distancias largas. 

Score

Ride: 9.5(40%) 

Fit: 9.3 (30%) 

Value: 9.0 (20%) 

Style: 10 (10%)

Pros:

• Responsivo y suave Acolchonamiento al correr.

• Modelo muy ligero.

• Versátil para cualquier ritmo o distancia.

• Media suela Hyperburst es mas suave e igual de responsiva.

• Suficiente acolchonamiento para ser un entrenador diario y un entrenador uptempo.

• Plantilla ArchFit ofrece soporte en arco y talón con acolchonamiento extra.

• El H-Plate de Carbono da un gran impulso al puntear de manera fluida.

Cons:

• Puntera algo ajustada pero el Upper ofrece suficiente estiramiento.

• Cintas delgadas pero amarran bien.

Stats

Size: M12.5 US

Peso/Weight: 284 gramos / 10oz

Stack Height/Drop: 30mm - 26mm / 4mm Drop

Salomon Pulsar Trail Review: The New Salomon! Plated, Protective, Deeply Cushioned, Fun and Versatile.

Article by Sam Winebaum

Salomon Pulsar Trail ($130)

Introduction

The Pulsar Trail is Salomon’s new mid range, all around trail runner. It shares multiple new technologies with the S/Lab Pulsar and Salomon’s new road shoes, including:

• Energy Surge foam a highly responsive EVA/Olefin copolymer block foam with here in two densities with a softer foam underfoot and a firmer layer above the outsole

• Energy Blade plate with here a flexible TPU plate for protection and propulsion

• R-Camber geometry for a smooth roll from heel to toe off.

• Contagrip rubber with here a multi trail surface 3.5mm lug array.

While sharing these technologies, each 2022 Salomon shoe, through variations in all 4 of the technologies, has so far delivered very distinctively different experiences aligned with the purpose of each shoe.  To date, I have tested the Pulsar, Pulsar SG for trail and the Glide Max, Phantasm, and Phantasm CF all unique in their ride and fit characteristics. These new lines represent a complete departure from past Salomon models in each category and so far all have been excellent.

The Pulsar Trail so far feels like Salomon’s new ultra worthy option sitting between the far lighter narrower platform Pulsars and the door to trail ride focused UltraGlide. It can be thought of as a more modern, lighter, more agile and faster on the smooth Sense Ride 3 /4  with more forefoot cushion stack and a 2mm lower drop. 

Pros:

Highly cushioned, forgiving and stable ride.

Flexible, relatively agile, well protected forefoot with a long more mellow plate impulse than carbon and with more trail feel. The Energy Blade goes beyond just rock protection.

Very solid heel hold

Upper volume for sure more accommodating than older Salomon yet secure and adaptable to most foot shapes, 

Quick lace and upper wrap effectively assist in varying the fit for swelling feet, narrower feet. Easy to use Quicklace garage.

Cons:

Bottom firmer foam layer could be softer, not so much for softer cushion, there is plenty of ultra worthy cushion here, but for better terrain contouring particularly at the heel.

Stats

Weight 9.95 oz / 283g US9 sample

Stack Height:  32.6mm/26.6mm (6mm drop)

$130. Available now .

ASICS Evoride 3 Multi Tester Review

Article by Shannon Payne, Ryan Eiler and Sam Winebaum

ASICS Evoride 3 ($120)

Introduction

Sam: The Evoride is a light uptempo road trainer. It includes ASICS Guide Sole tech which seeks to improve efficiency by preventing the ankle from flexing up and the toes from flexing down, so a more “rigid” rocker type profile and here without the use of a plate. 

At about 7.6 oz  / 215g (US9), losing over 1 oz / 28g over version 2, it is commendably light and very fairly priced at $120.  With its 32mm heel / 27mm forefoot,  low weight for cushion stack, and rocker type ride put it in the lead pack in its category.

For version 3 the most notable changes called out by ASICS are softer Flytefoam foam and a new softer mesh upper. The stack height and tooling (midsole geometry) and outsole are unchanged.  The softer Flytefoam had me most interested as version 2, while it added more stack, was still a firm and very rigid shoe which restricted its range of uses for me. It just wasn't much fun to run.

The Noosa Tri 14 shares the exact same midsole and outsole but gets a tri and slightly more performance oriented upper including a gusset tongue. It is also about 0.2 oz / 10g lighter as a result. See our Evoride 3 to Noosa Tri 14 (RTR Comparison Video)

The more daily training oriented and more cushioned Glideride 3 also with Guide Sole has been a pleasant surprise as it too got softer foam and unlike its firm and rigid predecessor gaining not only a more energetic and comfortable ride but some front flex which the prior lacked and needed.  I was curious to see if the Evoride 3 got the same fundamental ride improvements. Spoiler alert. It does! Please read on as the team takes it through its paces.

Pros: 

Shannon/Sam: Lightweight, nimble, relatively flexible with a slight rocker making for an exceptionally smooth ride.

Ryan - Low inertia, quick turnover, smooth and neutral ride

Sam: Big 1.1 oz / weight drop in a US8.5 to a light for stack (32/27) 7.32 oz / 207g

Sam: Significantly smoother, softer and more pleasant fast ride than v2 and now also better suited to slower paces

Cons: 

Shannon: I’ve racked my brain and can’t come up with any nor have any presented themselves in 40+ miles of wear, I love this shoe!!!

Ryan/Sam - Low front stack with frontal rocker thin rubber and soft foam makes toe feel thin

Ryan - Not well suited for non-asphalt running thanks to thin, fairly soft forefoot

Sam: Quite low, pointy and a bit short toe box which stretched/packed in with some use. Sizing up may affect upper hold.

Sam/Ryan: Comfortable low heel collar could dial down plush cushion there for more solid hold as in Noosa Tri 14

Stats

Approx. weight: men's 7.6 oz  / 215g (US9)  /  women's oz / g (US8)

  Samples: men’s  Evoride 3  7.32 o z / 207g US8.5 

                              Evoride 2 8.22 oz / 233g (US8.5)

Stack Height: men’s 32 mm heel / 27 mm forefoot :: women’s  heel mm / mm forefoot

Available June 2022. $120 

Scott Sports SuperTrac Ultra RC Review

Article by Mike Postaski

Scott SuperTrac Ultra RC ($160)

Introduction

Mike P:  Since I received this shoe long after it had been released in the market - I’ve had this review on the backburner for quite a while.  Scott has been great about getting both existing and new models into the hands of RTR reviewers.  It helps to have some experience with current models when reviewing new releases and updated technologies from a brand.  At this point I’ve got 75 miles in my test pair and it’s definitely earned a spot in my rotation when the right conditions arise.  I find myself coming back to the Supertrac Ultra RC when I’m looking for a supportive shoe that’s comfortable in moderate to technical terrain.  

Pros:

Great traction in loose terrain - 7mm lugs!

Soft rubber grips well on rocks, yet still durable

Deep lugs & AeroFoam+ midsole - very protective in rocky/sharp (alpine) terrain

“Most Durable in Class” Schoeller upper

Secure upper lockdown without over-tensioning

Effective rocker - up front towards the toes

Cons:

A bit heavy (but it’s a tradeoff for upper protection + outsole coverage)

Upper overbuilt for non-alpine terrain (not necessarily a con)

Narrow at the front of toebox

Stats

Approx. Weight: men's 12 oz  / 340g (US9)

  Sample: men’s 12.3 oz  /  348 g (US 9.5),

Stack Height: 29mm heel / 21 mm forefoot, 8mm drop

Available now. $160

Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3 Review

Article by Michael Ellenberger & Zack Dunn

Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3 ($160)

Introduction

The React Infinity is a highly cushioned road trainer with some inherent stability provided by its dual sided heel to midfoot plastic clip with the stability approach more about stabilizing the knee than more classic foot pronation control. Version 3 gets a new Flyknit upper with Flywire and a redesign of the heel clip. It gains about 0.7 oz / 20g to come in at 10.3 oz / 292g  US8.5.

Pros: Upper, Nike React foam, durability and comfort.

Cons: That heel clip, if you mind it (it’s basically the same but reduced in height) 

Stats

Approx. Weight: men's 10.5 oz  / 298g (US9) 

Sample Weight: 10.3 oz / 292g  US8.5

               Infinity 2 : 9.6 oz. (272g) US8.5

Stack Height: men’s 34mm heel / 26mm forefoot, 8mm drop

Available now including at Running Warehouse here and at our other partners below. $160

ASICS Glideride 3 Multi Tester Review: What a Pleasant, Bouncy, Plated, Exciting Surprise! 20 Comparisons

Article by Jeff Beck and Sam Winebaum

ASICS Glideride 3 ($150)

Introduction

Sam: The third edition of ASICS guided stable maximally cushioned neutral trainer changes midsole foams to a softer and lighter combination of FlightFoam Blast+ underfoot with Flytefoam Propel below that. 

The result is a more forgiving and exciting ride and with for the first time some flexibility to the Guide Sole tech shoe. There are no changes to the midsole geometry, the hardened foam rocker plate or the outsole. 

The Glideride 3 carries forward ASICS Guide Sole technology which seeks to improve propulsion by optimizing efficiency (primarily for heel strikers such as me) by keeping the angle of ankle dorsiflexion ( flexing ankle up) and plantar flexion (flexing toes down) constant during the gait cycle using a stiff sole while using the forward rocker to propel toe off. The idea is to reduce energy loss at the ankle joint and shift the body forward. Initial studies show a reduction of ankle joint energy loss of 19% vs. conventional shoes in the category. 

All of this is good and I think effective but the Guideride 2 and to a lesser extent the lower stack v1 were rigid, quite firm and for my tastes overly prescriptive forcing a very linear almost monolithic (if effective) stride pattern lacking some soul and some get up go, change it up feel.  

While the changes to a softer foam sounded promising I was skeptical. I ended up very pleasantly surprised as the Glideride 3 while retaining stack height and geometry of the prior is a completely different riding and very exciting riding “new”  shoe.

Pros:

Big 0.9 oz drop in weight to about 9.6 oz US9- Sam/Jeff

Bouncy and fun; deep stable cushion with a top layer of soft and bouncy Blast+- Sam/Jeff

Well directed and guided smooth flow to a toe off now with some flex and lots of bouncy softness- Sam/Jeff

Discreet and unobtrusive hardened foam plate gives “light” impulse - Sam/Jeff

Comfortable, adequately roomy and secure upper- Sam/Jeff

Cons:

Rear Guide Sole ankle flex prevention is a bit too rigid, surprising at times on hard heel strikes-- Sam

Stats

 Samples: men’s 9.35 oz / 265g (US8.5) | 10.05 oz / 285g (US10.5)

   Glideride 2 10.23 oz / 290g (US8.5)

Stack Height: men’s 42 mm heel (measured)  / 37 mm forefoot (spec), 5mm drop

  Same stack height as v2

June 2022. $150

Skechers Performance GO Run Ride 10 Multi Tester Review at 50 Miles Plus: A Pleasant Light Everyday Trainer

Article by Renee Krusemark, Peter Stuart, Zack Dunn, and Michael Ellenberger

Skechers Performance GORun Ride 10 ($125)

Introduction

The GO Run Ride is Skechers neutral daily trainer. It has a 34 mm heel / 28 mm forefoot, 6mm drop geometry. The midsole is Skechers supercritical Hyperburst foam while the outsole is Goodyear rubber. 

The update from the Ride 9 according to Skechers is a new softer more foot compliant mono polyester upper as well as Skechers podiatrist certified Arch Fit EVA sockliner. ArchFit is the product of 120,000 unweighted foot scans and is designed to conform and support a wide variety of foot and arch types. 

There are no updates to the midsole or outsole with the previously expected carbon infused H-Plate not included. The weight stays nearly the same at 8.4 oz / 238g US men’s 9.

Pros:

Lightweight: Renee/Peter/Zack/Michael

Great cushion/responsiveness ratio: Renee

Fast turnover for all foot strike types: Renee

Works for various distances and paces: Renee/Peter/Zack/Michael

Comfortable fit and ride Peter/Zack

Cons:

Narrow toebox: Renee

Narrow medial/forefoot fit: Renee

Dull forefoot landing: Renee/Peter/Zack/Michael (not super dull, but not super exciting)

Overly soft/squishy: Michael

Upper requires far-too-tight lacing: Michael

Summer 2022 adidas Terrex Agravic Pro Apparel Round Up Review

Article by Renee Krusemark and Jeff Valliere

Renee and Jeff review the Terrex Agravic Pro Wind Jacket while Renee reviews the jacket and the Agravic Pro Top and Agravic Pro Skort

Salomon Running Phantasm Initial Runs Review. 9 Comparisons

Article by Sam Winebaum

Salomon Phantasm ($160)

Introduction

The Phantasm is a light weight max cushion road trainer. It features a number of technologies which will be shared by almost all 2022 Salomon road and trail shoes.

• Energy Surge midsole foams, an EVA / Olefin copolymer block mix here in a softer top layer (same as UltraGlide, Pulsar, Phantasm CF, and Glide Max) with below a firmer layer (similar to original Phantasm)  below the Energy Blade that is thicker up front and thicker at the heel. I really like the soft energetic rebound of Energy Surge, a light non supercritical foam that stays stable.

• Energy Blades. Here a 3 pronged half length polyamide fiberglass blade to deliver propulsion and stability that sits between the top softer Energy Surge foam and firmer lower layer.

Screen capture from Salomon You Tube. Actual not as “thick”.

• R-Camber geometry with rear and front rocker with the flex geometry rigid but not totally so after a few miles

• Matryx upper. While not in every 2022 model,  Matryx is a single layer, very breathable and non water absorbing, non-stretch thin durable mesh with aramid fibers in the mix. Seen in similar form in Phantasm CF and different form in Pulsar.

After having experienced Energy Surge in the Ultraglide and Pulsar for trail and Phantasm CF and Max Glide for road I was eager to test the Phantasm immediately noting it was only 0.15 oz heavier than the pinnacle racer CF and on a wider and higher platform. I was also curious how the 3 blade approach would compare to the wider single plate in the CF, adidas Energy Rods and Saucony’s Endorphin Speed plate not to speak of similar shoes in stack and weight such as Craft CTM Ultra 2 and Topo Specter which instead of plates use PEBA foam central inserts.

Pros:

Excellent longer tempo shoe, especially for mid to forefoot strikers

Strong weight to cushion (and outsole) ratio at 8.32 oz / 236g US8.5 with a max cushion grade stack of  36mm heel / 27mm forefoot

Dynamic and stable forefoot impulse with deep, moderately soft rebounding cushion.

3 pronged blades, a plus, adding spring to the foam’s clear rebound

Plate (blades) at forefoot are not harsh, moderately propulsive while also having a touch of flex and are very well integrated.

Very stable

Highly breathable, non moisture absorbing Matryx upper

Cons:

Not what one expects in fit from Salomon: far more voluminous and close to Topo and Altra..

Could use a more substantial heel counter or a narrower heel opening.

Half size large for my narrower feet and a touch long with thinner socks. OK with almost hiking weight run socks.

Quite rigid rocker geometry and fimer heel foam construction favors mid to forefoot striking and or faster paces. 

Stats

Approx. weight: men's 8.57oz  / g (US9)  

  Samples: men’s  8.32 oz / 236g US8.5

Stack Height: men’s  36mm heel / 27mm forefoot

Available now including from our partners below. $160