Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Brooks Running Hyperion Max Multi Tester Review with 8 Comparisons

Article by Renee Krusemark, Ryan Eiler, and Sam Winebaum

Brooks Hyperion Max ($170)


Introduction


Sam: The Hyperion Elite is moderately high stack height (30mm heel / 22mm forefoot) up tempo trainer and racer. It is very decently light for its stack and stout outsole at 7.5 oz / g. The weight is due in large part to its DNA Flash midsole foam, a nitrogen infused EVA also found in the Hyperion Elite and trail Catamount.  It is plateless in being a single midsole foam with the stout outsole helping to provide a moderate rocker focused on the front of the shoe.

The upper is a stretch woven mesh with minimal overlays but with a stout higher heel counter.

I was curious to see how what is essentially a plateless version of the Hyperion Elite on a 5mm lower stack height would perform. I found the Hyperion Elite 1 quite firm, very very stable to a fault and not nearly as much fun as numerous competitors then or since. 


Would making the Max lower stack and removing the carbon plate improve the ride and utility  for what is not intended to be a marathon level stack super shoe but a lower slung faster training ride and maybe a plateless racer for those seeking a more old school riding very stable and superfoam enabled light shoe. 


Or would the Max prove “dated” in performance as we first saw it at the Running Event back in early December 2021 and if memory serves expected it much sooner, with clearly, as with many 2022 introductions, supply chain issues affecting,

Sunday, November 27, 2022

2022 Super Sports Watch Comparison Review: Garmin Enduro 2, Garmin Epix Gen 2, and Apple Watch Ultra

Article by Sam Winebaum and Jeff Valliere


In the article we compare (in brief) three of 2022 super sports watches Garmin’s Enduro 2 and Epix (Gen2) the latest Apple Watch the Ultra. All three are state of the art sports time pieces with key strengths and ideal uses to consider.

361 Centauri Multi Tester Review: a traditional geometry daily road trainer with a super foam midsole 9 Comparisons

Article by Sam Winebaum and  Mike Postaski

361 Centauri ($130)


Introduction


Sam: The Centauri is a “traditional” higher drop (9mm)  flexible (not rigid rocker based) daily trainer with a supportive upper.  Most interestingly it has  a state of the art supercritical TPE foam midsole. I immediately sat up when I saw TPE in the specs as similar (and testing confirmed) lively foams are in the Xtep racers and the Craft Pro Endur, shoes among the best of 2022 for my tastes. 


Clearly designed to get a step up on other daily trainers in its category such as Saucony Ride, Mizuno Wave Rider, New Balance 880, ASICS Cumulus,  Brooks Ghost 15, and Nike Pegasus it is the first, as far as I can tell, in the category to have a truly modern supercritical foam midsole other than the Skechers Ride with its Hyperburst foam.


I was also surprised that this 36 mm heel (measured) / 27mm forefoot spec 9mm drop stack height shoe with such a stout upper and plenty of rubber came in at a reasonable 10 oz / 284g in my US9, of course helped by the lighter nature of its Engage TPE foam. 


And that they are also reasonably priced at $130 with no “super foam” mark up. I was eager to see how they rode, where they could fit in and especially if they could be a single shoe in the quiver daily trainer as most of its competitors have gone softer and less responsive. 

Friday, November 25, 2022

361° Spire Multi Tester Review with 7 Comparisons

Article by Jeff Beck and Sam Winebaum

361 USA Spire 5 ($160)


Introduction


Jeff: The Spire 5 seems like a big leap forward for the brand. Full disclosure, this is my first experience with 361, but I have paid attention to what they’ve put out and it always seemed to be a few years behind the others in technology and execution. Whether that’s fair or accurate is besides the point, here in 2022 they’ve put out a well-cushioned, if a little heavy, trainer with zero major issues. And they’ve put themselves on my radar for brands to seriously consider going forward.

Sam: The Spire is a traditional drop (9mm), very stable and substantial neutral trainer with a robust supportive upper, lots of durable rubber and a twist.. Instead of the usual EVA or EVA blends, its main midsole is state of the art expanded pellet PEBA as found, for example, in Saucony's Endorphin Speed and Pro.  


But don’t mistake this heavier 10.75 oz / 304g  US9 fairly low stack height 33 mm heel (measured)  / 24 mm forefoot (spec) for an uptempo weight or purposes shoe. I was curious to see what always energetic PEBA would do in a more classic daily trainer with a substantial outsole.   

Monday, November 21, 2022

40 Apparel, Sock, and Hat Gift Ideas & Mini Reviews for Runners: Brooks, Nike, Tracksmith, Ultimate Direction, Darn Tough, Iniji, Salomon, adidas Terrex. ON, Maloja, Oiselle, Skida, La Sportiva, Sunday Afternoons, Lume and More!

Gift Guide by the RTR Test Team


After thousands of miles in all conditions the RTR test team brings you its annual Apparel Gift Guide for Runners with ideas from Brooks, Nike, Tracksmith, Ultimate Direction, Darn Tough, Iniji, Salomon, adidas Terrex. Sunday Afternoons, Lume  and More! Many currently on sale for the Holidays.

Sunday Afternoons Hats for Winter Running and All Adventures Round Up Review

Article by Jeff Valliere with Peter Stuart

Jeff V:  First I need to say what an amazing company Sunday Afternoons is.  They offer such a wide variety of hats that suit just about any purpose, are highly functional, well designed, cleverly executed, top quality and are made from certified sustainable, socially and environmentally responsible, recycled fabrics.  

Beyond all of that, the people I have interacted with at the company are all just really nice, caring people, from the very top on down.  

Their hats for sun and summer are great! Let's take a look at their winter offerings.

Sunday, November 20, 2022

La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX Multi Tester Review: Hard to Beat for Anything Winter and Unpredictable!

Article by Jeff Valliere, John Tribbia, and Jana Herzgova

La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX ($235)

PC: Jana Herzgova

Introduction

Jeff V:  La Sportiva shoes have long been my favorite for winter running. They are known and proven for really protective, durable, waterproof Gore Tex uppers, built in gaiters and best in class traction.  

The lugs are deep with a grabby lug design and the rubber is sticky, providing great traction on just about every surface except of course hard packed ice.  For more icy conditions, you can buy the Blizzard GTX (RTR Review) with built in studs, or add La Sportiva hobnails to any of these (I added a set of hobnails to my Blizzards for even more traction on steep, icy trails).  


The Cyklon Cross GTX is the newest addition to their progression of capable winter shoes, building off of the Cyklon (RTR Review) released last year with its similar midsole, outsole and BOA Fit System but no external GTX gaiter.  The Cyklon Cross GTX features a very well refined Gore outer shell and tall gaiter.  Then of course,  there is also the easy to use and secure BOA  closure system carried over from the regular Cyklon.


Pros:

Jeff V:  Security with the easy to use BOA Fit System, waterproof upper with built in gaiter, overall protection in every way, traction, reasonable weight, quick/agile/competent on rough terrain and bad conditions, easy on/off

John: The BOA and over-foot wrap provides a great fit, feels secure, and is incredibly easy to use. Built in gaiter is waterproof and provides excellent protection and warmth for cold days. Capable shoe for technical and snowy flat runs.

Jana: Overall, well designed winter beast: outstanding traction, protection, warmth



Cons:

Jeff V:  A bit pricey at $235, but will concede that you certainly get your money’s worth in performance, quality and longevity.  The price is also not out of line when compared to comparable shoes.

John: Price. Would also love to have a better zipper cover (like a velcro strap) to prevent icing over.

Jana: I don’t find the price here too high, or on a negative side, considering how well it is designed and crafted. The only downside I found is that the gaiter may not stretch around the ankle / above ankle area well enough for women with wider ankles. I don’t have that issue, however for some it may become an irritation.


Salomon Speedcross 6 Multi Tester Review: Tuned Up Icon!

Article by Dominique and Sam Winebaum

Salomon Speedcross 6 ($140, $160 GTX)


Dominique: My first pair of Speedcross was a second hand pair given to me by a Park City friend – the Speedcross 2, which I reluctantly tossed a few years ago. I am thrilled to test the Speedcross 6, all in black/phantom, an old favorite with new upgrades.  


First released in 2006, this classic model was a trailblazer back in the day, yet has remained popular (selling 1,000,000 pairs in Europe alone) and this despite Salomon’s newer line-up of trail running shoes that have outperformed the Speedcross. 


Trail runners are still hanging on to their Speedcross for a number of reasons, Contragrip® outsole & lug profile included, but notably, it has gained relevance as the”ultimate fashion sneaker” (see this article in GQ).  In short, trail runs and hikes, catwalks, and around town latte runs are all popular platforms for the Speedcross.

Sam: Despite running in just about every Salomon over the last 15 years, I have little history in the iconic Speedcross, the prior 5 being the only one I can recall testing. I found it excellent in deep snow and quite unstable anywhere else due to its blocky heel and stiffness, with an over-precise snug fit  but was a fine shoe to walk around town in! 


On the surface before trying them on the run all I could see was a nice 0.95 oz / 27g drop in weight, a new softer soft shell type upper vs the prior debris mesh and a new lug pattern. On the run (and I ran them with 5 on one foot and 6 on the other) the changes added up and positively so. Read on to find out how.

Saturday, November 19, 2022

2022 Holiday Runners' Gift Guides and Savings!

Gift Guides
40 Apparel, Sock, and Hat Gift Ideas for Runners HERE


35 RecoveryShoes/Tools, Lighting and Run/Bike Safety, Packs and Vests, Poles, Sunglasses and Nutrition/Fueling Gift Ideas for Runners HERE

Holiday Savings
We will be frequently updating our Holiday Savings. Purchases through the links here and to stores on our side banner help support RoadTrailRun and are much appreciated! 


 Running Warehouse US
Huge Ongoing Sales
Many, many RTR 2022 Favorites
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Running Warehouse Australia 
Black Friday Deals

Running Warehouse Europe
Black Friday Deals
Europe only: use RTR code RTR5ALL for 5% off all products, even sale products 

Tracksmith 
20% off through Monday with Code: Gravy20

REI (click and save)


Backcountry  (click and save)


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Salomon US


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Tracksmith Autumn 2022 Women's Running Apparel Reviews: Downeaster Pant and Fells Henley

Article by Renee Krusemark

Tracksmith Autumn 2022 Women's Apparel

 

Downeaster Pant ($148)

The Downeaster pants are super comfortable. They are made from is made of a double knit blend of 60% Mulesing-Free Merino wool and 40% polypropylene. Tracksmith says that the natural properties of Merino offer warmth, breathability and odor-resistance, while polypropylene improves wicking and insulation. Polypropylene has the lowest thermal conductivity of any fiber, which means it holds onto heat the longest, it’s also hydrophobic, quickly pulling moisture (i.e. sweat) to the surface where it can evaporate, rather than be absorbed into the Merino.

Lume Six Cirra High Impact Sports Bra Review- A New Featherweight Light Breed of Sports Bra

Article by Dominique Winebaum

 Lume Six Cirra High Impact Sports Bra ($120) 

  

As a runner, I gravitate towards high-end and supportive bras with the tendency to hop from one brand to another in search of the perfect sports bra.  I was really excited to try a new brand - and new breed of sports bras - after Margaux Elliott, the founder of Lume Six, offered to send me a sample.  

Nike Men's Fall/Winter Run Reviews: Storm-FIT Run Division Men's Running Jacket, Nike Dri-FIT Challenger Pants, Air Zoom Pegasus 39

Article by Zack Dunn


Nike Men’s Fall Winter Outer Run Apparel and the Pegasus 39



Nike Storm-FIT Run Division Men's Running Jacket ($350 Nike Member Access)

Zack: The Nike Storm-FIT Run Division Jacket is a very high quality 100% polyester running jacket  which has very strong storm resistant features. 


Nike claims it is made to take on the elements, such as wind and water, so I decided to test that claim. I took it through runs, ranging from 6-12 miles, in temperatures ranging from 20 degrees (10 degrees real feel) to 35 degrees (25 degree real feel), with some being in 20 mph wind gusts and others in very snowy conditions. 

Friday, November 18, 2022

La Sportiva Fall/Winter 2022 Run & Mountain Endurance Apparel Collection Round Up Review

Article by John Tribbia

La Sportiva Session Tech Hoody ($139)

John: The La Sportiva Session Tech Hoody can be a mid or top-layer for active outdoor pursuits when cold weather threatens to keep you inside. This full-zip softshell fleece hoody offers a high range of motion with variable fleece fabric weights strategically placed for specific body zone heat retention and breathability. 

35 Gift Ideas for Runners and Adventurers: Recovery Shoes/Tools, Lighting and Run/Bike Safety, Packs and Vests, Poles, Sunglasses and Nutrition/Fueling

Article by the Road Trail Run Test Team

Road Trail Run contributors bring you 30 gift ideas for runners and adventurers in the categories of recovery shoes, lighting and run/bike safety, packs and vests, poles, nutrition, and sunglasses. This is the first of 3 RTR Holidays 2022 Gift Guides.

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Brooks Run Visible 2022 Men's and Women's Apparel Round Up Review

Article by Jeff Valliere, Beto Hughes, Renee Krusemark, Mike Postaski, and Sam Winebaum


With shorter days, wet and messy roads, snow banks, and really any time of year with increasing traffic and distracted drivers being seen on the roads is essential. The Brooks Run Visible apparel tested here not only make you stand out and be seen but we found is high performance running gear with no compromises for the additional safety provided. In the article we review choices for men and women.

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Review: Nike Go – Women’s Firm-Support High Waisted 7/8 Leggings with 6 Pockets

Article by Dominique Winebaum

Nike Go – Women’s Firm-Support High Waisted 7/8 Leggings with Pockets ($110) 

The Nike Go leggings are coming soon and are worth checking out.  They are available in a wide range of options, from high-rise to mid-rise, from full-length to capri, from extra small to plus sizes, and depending on the type of leggings, in at least six different colors. I received the high rise 7/8 leggings in my regular size small.  

Why are they worth checking out?   Firsthand, they are amazingly supportive thanks to the InfinaLock fabric, which provides just the right amount of stretch, support, and compression.   It is a compression fit with an uplifting feel all working to your advantage!  

Tracksmith Fall 2022 Round Up Review: Wool Hat, Brighton Base Layer, Downeaster Pants, Speed Crew Socks.

Article by Sam Winebaum

Tracksmith Fall 2022 Collection

I recently received and put items from Tracksmith Fall Collection to the test just as finally we got fall weather as it’s been summer, a really extended summer weather here in New Hampshire.  


I have lived in New England, Tracksmith’s home territory most of my life and have found, especially as the weather cools, that their fall and winter apparel protects, performs, and styles beautifully in our land of highly variable, often rough weather with classic colors and designs reflecting our landscape, schools, and colleges. 


Most all Tracksmith apparel and accessories cross over to everyday use for me and are long lasting and durable making them a very good value (even with the always steep pricing). And truthfully, I also constantly get un solicited positive comments about my Tracksmith fall and winter gear from non runners about town.

Sunday, November 13, 2022

The Kilian Shoes Compared! NNormal Kjerag vs. Salomon S/Lab Pulsar SG Video Review with A/B Test Run

Video by Sam Winebaum

NNormal Kjerag ($195) Salomon S/Lab Pulsar SG ($180)

In the video I compare the Kjerag to the S/Lab Pulsar. Both were developed and run to great success by Kilian Jornet but I think with different run type and distance focus with Kjerag leaning longer distances. Neither can be considered a max cushion type shoe.

They share identical 23mm heel heights and 6mm drop with the slightly heavier NNormal on a wider on the ground platform making them about 18g heavier than the Salomon at a mere 7.55 oz /231g in my US8.5 sample.  They also share Matryx uppers which differ in fit and construction. 
The outsoles differ in rubber type and pattern.
The Kjerag has a Vibram Megagrip rubber in Lite Base design while the Pulsar SG's Contagrip has a slightly higher lug pattern that is more dispersed for its softer ground focus. with the NNormal having 3.5mm lugs with broader contact surfaces, all of this affecting the ride. 

WATCH THE KJERAG TO S/LAB PULSAR VIDEO COMPARISON REVIEW (13:40)

RUNNING WAREHOUSE US
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RoadTrailRun receives a commission on purchases at the stores linked in this review. 
Your purchases help support RoadTrailRun. Thanks!

Samples were personal purchases. RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased via shopping links in this article. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.

Comments and Questions Welcome Below!
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