Topo Athletic Phantom 3 Review: Softer More Energetic Zip Foam, Elegantly Effective Roomy Upper & Big Weight Drop - 11 Comparisons

Article by Jeff Beck and Sam Winebaum

Topo Athletic Phantom 3 ($145)

Introduction

Sam: Topo has been on a tear in 2023 with multiple great shoes for road and trail including the Specter, Cyclone 2, MTN Racer 3 and Ultraventure 3. It's early in the year but Topo, comparatively a tiny brand is on my short list for brand of the year 2023.  

All feature updated geometries and foams, lighter weights, yet more elegant and excellent uppers, and super fun rides.  A key highlight has been Topo’s new Zip Foam 2 which is in the Ultraventure 3 and MTN Racer 3 and now comes to the Phantom, delivering far more energetic and lighter rides than the earlier Zip Foam which quite frankly had little zip. Now it is well named!

The Phantom 3 is a road trainer with a 33mm heel / 28 mm forefoot stack so I would say at the lower edge of what I would call max cushion. It is a neutral shoe but its broad 90mm midfoot platform and quite vertical medial side walls give it some inherent stability. In the Topo line, only the Specter with a 35mm heel / 30 mm forefoot is higher stacked with an EVA outer frame with a PEBAX insert whereas the Phantom 3 has all Zip Foam in 2 densities. 

It sees a dramatic 1.2 oz / 35g drop in weight from its predecessor to about men's 9.43 oz  / 267g (US9) mostly due to the use of Zip Foam 2 which is of course lighter but also softer and with more energy return. The midsole is dual density Zip Foam 2 with the softer foam closer to the foot.

The Phantom 3’s upper is simplified and lightened as well. It certainly retains Topo's signature natural shaped and broad toe box. 

The thin, very pliable upper upper is almost miraculous in its simplicity and smooth secure fit having no overlays or underlays and no gusset tongue (as in v2) and with only a rear TPU plastic external  clip. 

Phantom 1 was a miss for me for its ponderous, stiff ride, v2 was better but heavy and still flat feeling. Now with a much lighter Phantom I was very curious to find out how it would run.

Pros:

Versatile: most daily mileage paces to long run to recovery Sam/Jeff

Dual density Zip Foam 2 and geometry: a highly cushioned, reasonably soft, energetic, well weight balanced, quiet and never ponderous ride: Sam/Jeff

A highish 28mm forefoot stack, non plated, 5 mm drop shoe that actually flexes and works at all paces: Sam/Jeff

Big1.2 oz / 35g drop in weight to a light 9.18 oz US8.5 is for sure felt on the run: Sam

Vertical medial side walls and quite broad 80mm midfoot platform add a bit pronation support to this neutral: Sam

Yet another wonderful Topo upper: elegant in its simplicity, broad toe box, well held, and smooth fitting even on my narrower feet: Sam/Jeff

Great walking shoe to rival the Hokas: Sam

Cons:

A bit of sides heel looseness  for my narrower low volume foot Sam

Topo likely will never do it, wish it was an 8mm drop to more easily roll forward at slow paces: Sam

Pronounced arch support dug into the foot on longer efforts: Jeff

Stats

Estimated Weight: men's 9.43 oz  / 267g (US9)  /  women's oz / g (US8)

  Samples: men’s  9.18 oz  / 260g US8.5, , 10.01 oz / 284g US10.5

  (v2 10.4 oz / 295g US8.5)

Stack Height: men’s mm 33 heel / 28 mm forefoot, 5mm drop

$145 and available now at Topo HERE

Nathan VaporAir 3.0 7 Liter Hydration Pack Review

Article by Mike Postaski

Nathan VaporAir 3.0 ($160)

Features

The Nathan VaporAir 3.0 7 liter Hydration pack is a high capacity running vest, designed for long runs and adventures. First of all, I’d say that the 7L number does seem a bit under measured. It can hold just as much as other packs listed in the 8-10L range. Nathan is one of the few running vest brands that I’ve never tried before, mainly due to fit (more on that below). I’m always on the lookout for the perfect, goldilocks running vest, mainly for long distance (100M) ultras. I’ve owned or tested many of the major brands, so I have a good sense of what works and what doesn’t. Read on to find out how the Nathan VaporAir 3.0 stacks up.

🇧🇷🇵🇹Review do On CloudSurfer 2023: a tecnologia “CloudTec Phase” traz uma nova era de amortecimento para os tênis da On (Portuguese)

Artigo de Daniel da Silva 

On CloudSurfer (R$ 949,00 / $160 USD)

Introdução

O On CloudSurfer 2023 é a mais recente versão do tênis de corrida da marca suíça On Running. Projetado para oferecer uma experiência de corrida única, o CloudSurfer combina tecnologias avançadas de amortecimento com um design elegante.

Através do uso da “Análise de Elementos Finitos (FEA)”, a On desenvolve uma entressola com um formato abaulado e com tecnologia “CloudTec Phase”, que consiste em elementos “cloud” que estão estrategicamente posicionados em ângulos diferentes para colapsarem em forma de dominós. Quando o corredor pousa o pé no chão, as cápsulas de borracha absorvem o impacto e, em seguida, liberam a energia armazenada para impulsionar o movimento do corredor na fase seguinte da corrida. Essa tecnologia proporciona uma sensação de leveza e fluidez na corrida, reduzindo o estresse nas articulações e melhorando o desempenho do corredor.

A introdução dessa nova tecnologia significa uma grande melhoria em relação aos modelos anteriores, onde a presença da placa rígida chamada “Speedboard”, juntamente com uma entressola muito densa, deixava o tênis firme demais, não agradando a maioria dos corredores. A espuma da entressola “Helion” está muito mais macia agora, uma excelente resposta à grande demanda por tênis mais macios, exigidos pela maioria dos corredores hoje em dia.

Pontos positivos

Super leve (245gr), 90gr mais leve que sua versão anterior.

Nova tecnologia CloudTec Phase oferece uma aterrisagem no calcanhar macia e uma excelente transição, ajustando-se a medida que a passada transiciona para o médio e antepé.

Ausência da “Speedboard” traz uma experiência de corrida mais macia e divertida.

Espuma de entressola “Helion” agora mais macia e com bom retorno de energia.

Cabedal macio e muito confortável, com bom ajuste e suporte e ao mesmo tempo leve.

Pontos negativos

Altura da entressola no antepé poderia ser maior (21mm), pois os elementos cloud colapsam totalmente (corredores mais pesados e/ou para quem aterrisa com o antepé)

Amarração especial com “flywires” (espécie de alça/cordas usadas para segurar o cadarço, ao invés de perfuros normais) pode não ser tão durável (estimativa)

Canal longitudinal no solado pode acumular pedras (porém menos que outros modelos)

Preço um pouco alto para um treinador diário

Dynafit Sky DNA Review: 5 Comparisons

Article by Jeff Valliere

Dynafit Sky DNA ($180)

Weight: Listed as 8.4 oz / 239g (size unspecified)

Sample US Men’s Size 10 - 10.5 oz / 297g

Drop 4mm (19mm/15mm midsole stack height)

$180

Introduction

Jeff V: Designed for Sky and Vertical races the Dynafit Sky DNA, with a streamlined design, aggressive Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole, snug fitting breathable, but protective upper, dual speed laces, sporty looks and low slung nature, the Sky DNA is all business.  

Pros: traction, security, stability, durability, protection

Cons:  firm midsole leading to a harsh ride on hard surfaces, 

not particularly versatile, heavy for intent (and especially for VK)

Stats

Official Weight: men's 8.4 oz  / 239 g

Sample:  10.5 oz  /  298 g US10

Midsole Stack Height: men’s 19 mm heel / 15 mm forefoot (4mm drop spec) 

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v13 Review: 10 Comparisons

Article by Sam Winebaum

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v13 ($140)

Introduction

Sam: The 880 has long been New Balance’s “workhorse” classic high drop (10mm) daily trainer, a durable versatile shoe designed for most daily training needs with a firmer responsive ride. With the v12 (RTR Review) it saw big changes in ride and fit. It got a wider platform and a combination of Fresh Foam for the main midsole and FuelCell as a front lower layer. The upper was no longer a snug performance fit and was for me loose and not that secure and the underfoot feel was soft and almost too mushy for me. Yes, pleasant but no longer what I expected in an 880. And it gained considerable weight.

Would v13 return the 880 to its more responsive origins or stay mellow? In appearance it is for all intents identical- upper, midsole, outsole. Spoiler alert.  Firmer outsole rubber and a slightly softer main Fresh Foam midsole along with a more dialed upper move it back closer to its usual character with the weight dropping a bit to 10.25 oz  / 290g  in a US9 on the same 32mm heel / 22mm forefoot, 10mm drop. I note the 22mm forefoot is quite thin by today’s standards and for the overall weight of the shoe. Let's see how they run!

Salomon Aero Blaze Multi Tester Review: 10 Comparisons

Article by Renee Krusemark, Peter Stuart and Sam Winebaum

Salomon Aero Blaze ($140)

Introduction

The Salomon Aero Blaze is a moderately cushioned “uptempo” daily trainer. The Aero Blaze has Energy Foam midsole, a combination of EVA and Olefin copolymer block found in almost all Salomon road and trail shoes. The Aero is a straight up road shoe from one of our favorite companies best known for trail shoes and gear with its Contagrip outsole clearly coming from that heritage. So, where does the Aero Blaze fit in on the roads? Let’s find out. 

Speedland GS:TAM Review: Fun, Happy, Brimming with Character. 10 Comparisons

Article by Jeff Valliere and Dom Layfield

Speedland GS:TAM ($275 + $35 for optional Carbitex Plate)

Introduction

Jeff V:  The GS: TAM is the 3rd and latest from Speedland, designed in collaboration with Dylan Bowman and named after Dylan’s home peak, Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County, CA.  

Since Dylan is originally from Boulder, CO and is a Broncos fan, the colorway subtly pays homage with its orange color and blue accents with the outsole a sea foam green, otherwise known as Speedland green. 

The TAM is a big leap from the previous PDX and HSV models, as the TAM adds a significant amount of midsole stack height, while dropping weight.  The TAM retains the amazing dual BOA Fit System Li2 dials and a superb fitting, versatile upper.

Speedland says:"Ten percent of all GS:TAM profits are given as a direct donation to athletes' chosen outdoor organizations.At the end of its life cycle, GS:TAM owners can return their equipment to us where we'll disassemble and distribute each layer to its respective recycling facility."

Pros:

Very well cushioned: Jeff V, Dom

Comfort: Jeff V, Dom

Traction: Jeff V, Dom

Impeccable quality and craftsmanship: Jeff V

BOA Fit System: Jeff V, Dom

Price reduction: Jeff V

Cons:

Weight: Jeff V, Dom

Slightly oversized. Consider dropping down a ½ size: Dom

Heel retention could be improved: Dom

Stats

Official Approx. Weight: men's 10.9 oz  / 309g (US9) 

  Samples: men’s US 10: 11.5 oz / 326 g (12 oz  / 340 g with optional carbon plate) 

Stack Height: men’s 37 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot. 7mm drop

$275. Available from Speedland HERE

Nathan Sports Nathan VaporAiress 3.0 7 Liter Women's Hydration Pack Review

Article by Renee Krusemark

Nathan VaporAiress 3.0 ($160)

Renee: The VaporAiress 3.0 is a 7-liter capacity vest available in three sizes. Featuring an adjustable sizing system, the vest comes with a 2 liter bladder and a good amount of storage.

New Balance FuelCell Propel v4 Multi Tester Review: 5 Comparisons

Article by Renee Krusemark and Zack Dunn

New Balance FuelCell Propel v4 ($110)

Pros: 

Zack/Renee: Soft yet bouncy underfoot experience

Zack/Renee: Upper has no bells and whistles but performs well in its simplicity 

Zack/Renee: Outsole performs fine on roads

Zack/Renee: Value

Cons:

Zack/Renee: A bit heavy

Zack/Renee: Loose upper security and heel hold

Stats

Weight: men's10.7 oz 302.6g (US9.5)  /  women's 8.73oz / 247g (US8)

Samples: women’s 8.73 oz / 247g (US8)

6mm drop

$110. Available now.

Saucony Sinister Multi Tester Review-a technological masterpiece that rejuvenates the racing flat. 9 Comparisons

Article by Adam Glueck and Sam Winebaum

Saucony Sinister ($150)

Introduction

The Sinister is a super light un plated road racing flat with a single density PWRRUN PB PEBA midsole and a full coverage outsole. At about 5.45oz  / 155 g (US9), it is very light for its 25mm heel / 19mm forefoot stack and outsole. 

Saucony says: “Less weight. Extra snap. Need speed to push you past the finish line sooner? Look no further than the Sinister. A minimalist dream, it comes packed with PWRRUN PB cushioning. No plate. No excess. Just pure agility.”

That is exactly what we found in test as while “minimal” compared to today’s super stacked racers it is by no means too little shoe to be practical for running beyond short races or even just roads as we found it a wonderful short and fast trail shoe as well. 

Pros:

• Fun, state of the art race flat that can do more than short road racing: Sam, Adam
• A very natural riding,flexible, agile, lower stack  ride with road feel that is not punishing: Sam, Adam
• Versatile! Enough cushion for workouts and tempo in addition to races and light trails speed ready due to agility, upper and stability: Sam, Adam
• Great choice to work the feet in a rotation of stiffer or plated high stack trainers and racers: Sam, Adam
• Unplated PWRRUN PB foam midsole is highly responsive, dynamic and also forgiving
• Incredibly light at 5.45oz  / 155 g with plenty of cushion stack height at 25 mm heel / 19 mm forefoot : Sam, Adam
• “Strapped in” total lockdown upper that while narrow is comfortable with bonus trail worthy upper hold: Sam, Adam
• Full coverage rubber outsole for grip and notable stability for such a light shoe.
• Stable heel and mid foot, flexible toe off : Sam, Adam

Cons:

• A bit more substantial heel counter area and platform width for heel strikers : Sam
• A bit more stack height would make them yet more versatile, extending racing range to at least a half or beyond for me: Sam
• These are fantastic and the only thing I’d like to see is more variations and shoes in this genre, maybe even with Saucony’s next-generation HG  foam from the Endorphin Elite: Adam

Stats

Approx.Weight: men's 5.45oz  / 155 g (US9)  

  Samples: men’s 5.25 oz  / 149g US8.5

Stack Height: men’s 25 mm heel / 19 mm forefoot ( 6 mm drop) 

$150. Available now including at our partners Running Warehouse HERE & Saucony HERE

Hoka Tecton X 2 Multi Tester Review: 11 Comparisons

Article by Dom Layfield , Jeff Valliere, and Mike Postaski

Hoka Tecton X 2 ($225)

Introduction

Dom:  The Tecton-X exploded onto the trail running scene in June 2022 amid a slew of excitement.  Jim Walmsley had been seen running in prototypes for months ahead of launch.  Since the introduction of the Nike Vaporfly in 2017, plated road shoes have become ubiquitous at almost every level, but similar tech has been slow to translate to trail running.  There were a few pioneering attempts (notably, the 2019 Skechers Speed Trail Hyper), but in late 2021 and throughout 2022, we witnessed a surge of plated trail shoe launches (RTR Reviews at the links): (Speedland SL:PDX, SL:HSV, GS:TAM; Scott Sports Speed Carbon RC; Scarpa Golden Gate Kima; Saucony Endorphin Edge; Adidas Terrex Agravic Pro;  STR/KE MVMNT Vimana; Hoka Tecton X, TNF Flight Vectiv)

Dom:  Like everyone else at RTR, I was excited to test the original shoe.  I had assumed that the plate would make it an excellent choice for short distance (i.e. fast) races on smooth trails.  What I hadn’t anticipated was that it would also make a capable ultra distance shoe.  The combination of a thick foam stack and sandwiched plate provide tons of rock protection at a very light weight.  I wore the original Tecton-X at Angeles Crest 100, UTMB, The Bear 100 and the first 100k of Javelina Jundred.

A mere ten months later, Hoka released the Tecton X 2.  This feels like an incremental change rather than a major revision to the shoe.  There is a new Matryx upper, but little else seems to have changed.  The plate in version 2 feels stiffer than the original, but I’m not sure whether this is just a consequence of my having several hundred miles in the old shoe.

Pros:

• Very light for the amount of cushion and protection - Dom, Jeff, Mike

• Version 1 was impressively durable- Dom, Mike

• Decent traction given small lugs - Dom, Jeff, Mike

• Upper improved - more substantial w/ no weight gain - Mike P

Cons:

• Minimal ground feel - Dom, Jeff

• Shoe doesn’t feel fast  - Dom

• Oversprung heel can occasionally launch you sideways in rough terrain- Dom

• Pricey - Dom, Jeff

• Despite two independent parallel plates, shoe can feel tippy in technical terrain - Jeff

• Race-fit upper could feel snug for some- Mike P

Stats

Weight: men's oz  / g (US9) 

  Samples: men’s 9.5 oz  / 270 g (US10)

Tecton 1 weighed 9.5 oz / 268 g (US9.5)

Stack Height: (estimated) men’s 33 mm heel / 28 mm forefoot (5 mm drop)