Testbericht: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2 (German)

Artikel von Marcel Krebs 

Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2 (250€)

Einleitung

Eines muss ich zugeben: Meine Erwartungen an den Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2 waren nicht wirklich hoch - zu frisch waren noch die Erinnerungen an die Testläufe im S/Lab Phantasm Cf, einem eher klassischen “Racing Flat”, der mit den heutigen “Superschuhen” nicht wirklich mithalten konnte. 

Dies änderte sich jedoch beim Anblick der ersten Bilder vom neuen Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, die schnell deutlich machten, dass es sich hier um ein gänzliches neues Modell handelte. Dieser Eindruck verfestigte sich beim Auspacken dieses nicht nur wunderschönen, sondern auch herrlich leichten “Superschuhs”, der diesen Namen dank zeitgemäßer PEBA-Mittelsohle auch voll und ganz verdient. Alle Details zum Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2 sowie die Antwort auf die Frage, wie er sich im Vergleich zu den mittlerweile sehr zahlreichen Wettbewerbern in diesem Bereich schlägt, erfahrt ihr in den nächsten Abschnitten.

361 Degrees Furious Future Review: Exotic, Fast Only and a Great Value! 4 Comparisons

Article by Ryan Eiler, 

361 Degrees Furious Future ($180)

Introduction

The Furious Future from 361 Degrees is a state of the art super road race shoe with an exotic design, state of the art materials and low weight at approximately 7.3 oz / 208g. And on top of that, it is priced most reasonably at $180 compared to other super shoes in its class. Let's see how it performed for Ryan in our round 1 review. 

Recenzja: Brooks Ghost Max (Polish)

Article by Matt Kolat 

Brooks Ghost Max (160€)

Wprowadzenie

Witam Państwa w kolejnej polskiej recenzji obuwia na Road Trail Run. Tym razem przyglądamy się bliżej obuwiu Brooks Ghost Max. Obuwie zostało przesłane do recenzji przez producenta ale nie ma to zadnego wplywu na moja ocene obuwia. Brooks, jesli sie nie myle, to największy na świecie producent produktów do biegania.  Marka ta kojarzy mi się przede wszystkim z jednym - niezawodnością. Po ich butach prawie zawsze wiemy czego się spodziewać, prawie zawsze wytrzyma dłużej niż konkurencja ale czasem odbywa się to kosztem podejmowania ryzyka i adoptowania najnowszych technologii. W przeszłości biegałem w kilku wersjach modelu Adrenaline oraz jednej parze Beast (bestie pomogły mi pozbyć się przebiegłej kontuzji kostki).

New Balance 2024 Previews: SC Elite v4, SC Trainer v3, SC Pacer v2, Balos, and Hierro v8

Article by Peter Stuart, Sally Reiley and Renee Krusemark

New Balance presented a completely updated Super Comp line. The SC Elite v4, SC Pacer v2 and SC Trainer v3 all get a similar new angular geometry, new PEBA based foams and for the intro versions one of our favorite color ways of The Running Event 2023. New Balance also delighted with an unplated big trainer the Balos featuring PEBA blend foam.

Road Trail Run's The Running Event Awards: Best Road & Trail Shoes, Top Brands, Visual Design, Trends and Innovations

Article by Renee Krusemark, Sally Reiley and Peter Stuart

Road Trail Run’s team of Peter Stuart, Renee Krusemark, and Sally Reiley spent 2 fast and furious days at the recent The Running Event discovering and reporting on all the great run shoes and gear coming for 2024. 

The Running Event is the biggest trade show in running with over 310 brands(and growing every year) exhibiting to retailers and media from all over the world in Austin, Texas a fabulous run city.  

Below are their top picks in multiple categories. At the end of the article you will find our videos and articles covering the event and most of the shoes shown in the awards with more to come.

Merrell Morphlite Review: Super Light Weight Door to Trail Fast Fun for $100 - 4 Comparisons

Article by Renee Krusemark

Merrell Morphlite ($100)

Pros:

Great value at $100: Renee

Extremely lightweight: Renee

Cons:

Not the best for anything other than very light trail or gravel/dirt roads: Renee

Stats

Sample Weight: women’s 6.56oz / 186g US8

Stack Height:  26.5mm heel / 20mm forefoot, 6.5 mm drop

Platform Width: 90mm heel / 75mm midfoot / 110mm forefoot

$100  Available Jan/Feb 2024

Hoka 2024 Previews: Tecton X 3, Speedgoat 6, Mach 6, Mach X 2, Skyflow

 Reporting and photos by Peter Stuart, Sally Reiley, and Renee Krusemark

Hoka for 2024 moves the Tecton X 3 to all supercritical PEBA foam, lightens the Speedgoat 6, gives the Mach 6 a supercritical foam midsole at the same $140 pricing as the 5 and introduces the Skyflow a new daily trainer to sit between Bondi and Clifton. Our team reporting from The Running Event in Austin, Texas.

Testbericht: WINQS Zerofly - Nachhaltigkeit einen Schritt weiter gedacht (German)

Artikel von Markus Zinkl, Maren Müller und Nils Scharff

WINQS Zerofly (160€)

Einleitung

Maren: Die Sportschuhindustrie produziert jedes Jahr etwa 20 Milliarden Sportschuhe, die größtenteils aus erdöl-basierten Kunststoffen bestehen und massive CO2-Emissionen verursachen. Deshalb hat sich die Sportmarke WINQS vorgenommen, diesen Status quo zu ändern und eine nachhaltigere Zukunft für Sport- und Umweltbegeisterte zu schaffen. Mit dem Zerofly™ setzen sie auf biobasierte, erneuerbare und recycelte Materialien wie Holzfasern, Rizinusöl und Algenschaum. Darüber hinaus wird großer Wert auf Fairness und soziale Verantwortung in der gesamten Produktionskette gelegt. Jeder Schritt bei der Herstellung der Produkte läuft ethisch und transparent ab. Ich bin gespannt, wie sich der Zerofly™ als hybrider Performance-Laufschuh schlägt! 

On Ultra 10L Vest Review

Article by Jeff Valliere

On Ultra Vest 10L $179 (tested) and 5L $149

Sizes XXS - XL

Introduction:  

Jeff V:  The On Ultra Vests in both 5L and 10L are legit, high quality entries into the performance ultra run/race vest market. They feature a lightweight design, well thought out pocket configurations, high quality build, secure fit and a water resistant detachable 5L dry pack on the 10L version. As far as  I can tell, the 5L and 10L vests are essentially the same aside from the 5L detachable dry pack.

Salomon S/Lab Spectur Introduction and Analysis: A Super Shoe for the Rest of Us?

Article by Sam Winebaum

Salomon S/Lab Spectur ($250)

Releasing May 2024, the Salomon S/Lab Spectur is positioned as a marathon racer (and trainer) for “the rest of us”; namely,3 hour and up marathoners seeking a stable and less prescriptive ride from their super shoe.

Salomon’s theme for the S/Lab Spectiur is the “Democratizing Speed” for the everyday runner and racer. 

Brooks Cascadia 17 GTX Review

Article by Alexandra Zvezdin

Brooks Cascadia 17 GTX ($170)

Pros:

• Protective ride even when sharp, random rocks pop out. 

• Solid and stable, even on rugged trails. 

• Wide toe box is comfortable right out of the box. 

• Good traction on mud and wet rocks. 

• Gore-Tex bootie keeps the splashes out for a bit longer than the regular version. 

Cons:

• Cascadia 17 fell a bit flat for me on hard surfaces perhaps due to the stiffer upper GTX fabric and increased stack height m usually a fan of shoes that don’t have a big stack height and are on the stiffer side. I never like the feeling of cushioning if I feel my stride being absorbed by the shoe instead of propelling me forward. 

• There was an initial break-in period after which this improved, but I wish this shoe was just a bit more springy and the ride more progressive. 

Stats

Sample Weight: women's 11.05 oz /  314g (US10)

Stack Height: 36mm heel (measured) / 28 mm forefoot ( 8mm drop spec) 

$170.  Available now.

ASICS GEL-Nimbus 26 Multi Tester Review: Subtle Changes Gets it Just Right! 8 Comparisons

 Article by Jeff Beck and Michael Ellenberger

GEL-Nimbus 26 ($160)

Introduction

Jeff: The Nimbus has been ASICS’ most cushioned trainer for more than a quarter of a decade. Last year’s Nimbus 25 was a big step forward for the shoe, taking it from one of the less remarkable of the big cushioned trainers to one of the biggest and instantly, one of the most popular among runners. A year later, what’s ASICS done for an encore? Subtle changes across the boards, with the sum of those changes being a solid improvement. Please read on for details.

Kahtoola NANOspikes Review: Icy Winter Roads No Match!

Article by Jeff Valliere

Kahtoola NANOspikes

Sizes XS - XL (US W 5 - US M 13+)

$54.95

Introduction:  Kahtoola is hands down the best traction company out there with a variety of traction devices to suit your specific needs.  While visiting Flagstaff this year over Spring Break, I (along with my family) was invited for a tour of their headquarters.  We were able to get a close behind the scenes look at their design lab and were really impressed with their practical and forward looking ideas on how to create the most effective traction solutions.  

The newly improved generation 2 Kahtoola NANOspikes are a prime example of that forward thinking innovation, designed for running or walking on more moderate terrain such as icy roads, paths,  and sidewalks.  They have been completely redesigned from the ground up to significantly improve comfort, fit and traction over the previous model.

Suunto Race GPS Sports Watch Review: Brilliant AMOLED Display, Leading GPS Accuracy, Maps, Highly Competitive Pricing

 Article by Jeff Valliere

Suunto Race

$549 Sapphire Titanium (32gb)

$449 Stainless Steel (16gb)

Introduction:  

Finnish brand Suunto drops a surprise on the GPS sports watch market with the release of the all new AMOLED Suunto Race.  I was invited to attend a very small release event back in October, where I was fortunate enough to be provided with the sapphire titanium version for review.  

After running with the Race every day for about a month and wearing it 24/7 alongside my Epix Gen 2 Pro 51mm, I have to say that I am quite impressed with the overall performance of the Race.  Simply put (and despite a few limitations) the Race is the best GPS sports watch Suunto has produced to date with a lot to be excited about.  Read on!

Ben David's Philadelphia Marathon Racer Story

Article by Ben David

This would be my fifth time running the Philadelphia Marathon and my twenty-second marathon in total. At forty-six years old, I would be taking some twenty years of marathon running into this build-up and race experience and - of course - twenty years of accumulated wear and tear. While I was once a runner in my mid-twenties in graduate school, spry and eager, just married with no kids, life has gotten much more full and eventful. 

As a devoted husband to Lisa, the senior rabbi of Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel and father to three, my days are certainly packed. For so many of us, the world is certainly a stressful place at present. To me, running has become more imperative of late, a needed release from the realities and complexities of life today.

A few hundred meters to go

Testbericht: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13

Article by Markus Zinkl

New Balance FreshFoam X 1080v13 (190 €)

Einleitung

Der New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 präsentiert sich als Maximal-Dämpfungsschuh, der im Vergleich zum Vorgänger mit einer verbesserten Dämpfung aufwartet. Mit 4mm mehr in der Ferse und 6mm mehr im Vorfuß bietet er deutlich mehr Dämpfung. Der Einsatz des leichteren Fresh Foam X Schaums und einer etwas dünneren Außensohle hat zu einer Gewichtsreduktion von 28g im Vergleich zum Vorgänger geführt. Der Fokus geht also deutlich mehr in Richtung Komfort. Mal sehen wie sich der 1080v13 hier schlägt.

NNormal Kboix Details & Initial Analysis: Modular/Interchangeable 3 Super Foams Midsole Trail Shoe. 150 Invited to Test!

Article by Sam Winebaum

NNormal Kboix (Pricing TBD)

The Kboix is the third model from NNormal, Kilian Jornet's company. It is a modular midsole shoe with three CO2 infused supercritical processed EXXpure midsole options. We don't have all the details yet and will update the article as we do but here is what we know so far. The shoe combines easy to swap in and out versatility for terrain, type of run, and distance by swapping midsoles in and out and expected very long durability as midsole and upper can be changed out when you wish. Let's find out more.

Testbericht: Reboots Go Lite & Reboots One - Beinmassagegeräte für effektive Regeneration (German)

Artikel von Marcel Krebs 

Reboots Go Lite & Reboots One (jeweils 799 EUR)

links: Reboots Go Lite (mit Boots), rechts Reboots One (ebenfalls mit Boots); Fotos by Reebots

Einleitung

Sogenannte „Recovery Boots“ habe ich das erste Mal im Rahmen des letztjährigen UTMB Rennens in Nizza gesehen. Diese musste ich natürlich auch gleich persönlich ausprobieren, nachdem ich am Stand eines anderen Herstellers bei den anderen Testern in viele zufriedene und entspannte Gesichter schauen konnte. 

Der Test verlief vielversprechend und die Druckkammern übten eine wohltuende Massage auf die geschundenen Beine aus. Lediglich der sogenannte Anpressdruck, also die Stärke der Massage, wenn man so will, war mir insbesondere an meinen teilweise stark verhärteten Oberschenkeln ein wenig gering. Mein Interesse an dieser Art an Recovery-Tools war jedoch auf jeden Fall geweckt. 

Road Trail Run Holiday Savings Guide

Purchases through the links in this article help support Road Trail Run and are much appreciated!

Salomon 

SHOP HERE

Running Warehouse US Savings

Garmin Forerunner 265 , 965, Fenix and Epix Pro up to $200 off SHOP HERE

25% off Select Nike clothing SHOP HERE

Extra 25% Select Shoes & Apparel SHOP HERE

25% off select Saucony including Endoprhin  Speed and Pro 3 SHOP HERE

RUNNING WAREHOUSE AUSTRALIA

BLACK FRIDAY SALE SHOP HERE

30% Off all Brooks and ASICS. Many other Savings!

TOP4 RUNNING EUROPE

BLACK FRIDAY & OTHER HOLIDAYS SAVINGS

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Use RTR code RTRTOP4 for 5% off all products, even sale products

SPORTS SHOES

SPORTSSHOES UK/EU

SHOP HERE

Use our code RTR235 for 5% off all products

FLEET FEET

SHOP HERE

REI 

 SHOP HERE

Including great Garmin deals through 11/27 SHOP HERE

BACKCOUNTRY

BACKCOUNTRY

Men's & Women's  SHOP HERE

Shop Ultimate Direction HERE

Starting today, get 25% Off all full priced items through.Cyber Monday using code: HOLIDAYSALE at checkout.

AMAZON  

Men's & Women's SHOP HERE

The shopping guide will be frequently updated. 

Please check out our 2023 Holiday Gift Guides for Runners 60 Great Gift Ideas 

CLICK HERE

RoadTrailRun Official Store Custom Fractel Caps and Bucket Hats

Limited Release! SHOP HERE

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Thanks for considering shopping at our partners!

Your purchases help auppor our site and are much appreciated!

Happy Holidays from the RTR Team

Soar Running X Trail Round Up Review: Trail Rain Jacket, Trail Top, Trail Shorts

Article by Sam Winebaum

SOAR Trail Top ($200), Trail Shorts ($185), Trail Rain Jacket ($330)

SOAR is a London based run brand whose singlets were the goto for several of RoadTrailRun’s marathoners this year for their supreme comfort. The care Soar takes in selecting the very best technical textiles, meticulous design and subtle classy colors has the brand standing out at the high end of run apparel so I was eager to put three pieces from their Trail collection to the test while Matt in Scotland tested road focused apparel (RTR Review)

And it is no accident as the founder Tim Soar is also the designer of every piece and personally tests multiple iterations starting with fit designs then moving to the fabrics (see his video presentations below).  

Focused on fit, comfort, temperature and moisture regulation in all conditions, I can say the three products they sent us for review do just that. While at the very high end of run apparel pricing and beautifully crafted, two out of three clearly are worth their price of admission while the  third, the Trail Shorts  in my view need some storage tuning to make them more trail appropriate.

Komperdell Carbon Cloud Vario Team Green Trail Running Poles Review

Article by Markus Zinkl

Komperdell Carbon Cloud Vario Team Green ($180)

Introduction

Markus: Introducing the Carbon Cloud Vario Team Green Trail Running Poles by Komperdell, a harmonious blend of innovation and functionality for trail enthusiasts seeking reliability and adaptability. These poles have been carefully engineered to redefine the trail running experience, offering a range of features designed to meet the demands of varied terrains.

The soft and lightweight Cork Grip provides a comfortable and secure hold, featuring an extended grip zone tailored for navigating steep slopes. The Click-In Trail Running Strap ensures a safe and hassle-free fit, thanks to the user-friendly click-in system.

In terms of construction, the 4-section design incorporates ultralight carbon with a 16mm diameter, striking a balance between strength and maneuverability. The Powerlock 3.0, a sturdy lock forged from aluminum, ensures stability during challenging trail conditions.

What sets the Carbon Cloud Vario Team Green poles apart is the FXP folding mechanism, an innovative self-deploying system. 

This mechanism establishes a solid connection between individual segments through a mechanical link, enhancing overall reliability. 

Additionally, the design achieves a 30% reduction in weight, reflecting Komperdell's commitment to advancing trail running gear.

Join us as we delve into the distinctive features of the Carbon Cloud Vario Team Green Trail Running Poles, exploring how Komperdell's thoughtful design enhances your trail running experience.