Speedland GS:PGH Multi Tester Review: 10 Comparisons

Article by Jeff Valliere and Mike Postaski 

Speedland GS:PGH ($275 +$35 for optional carbon plates

Introduction

Jeff V:  The GS:PGH is the latest commission from Speedland, paying homage to bow hunter/ultra runner Cameron Hanes.  At first glance, the PGH looks like a GS:TAM with a color/graphics makeover, however there are some key differences that make the PGH a nice improvement over the TAM.  The key differences are as follows:  

• New HTPU midsole compound that is lighter, softer and stronger
• Weight drop

• Trim line in forefoot- meaning you can trim the front of the “midsole/insole” to make a bit more room if needed, complete with instructions how/where to cut

• Integrated plate mounting plug material vs.a separate glued in plug as in the previous 3 versions

• Lower lateral collar height (5mm lower)

• Lower heel wrap

• Updated collar lining- added foam in collar to buffer between foot and BOA dial)\

• Improved fit

  
  

Please read on to see how the changes added up in our tesingt and how the GS:PGH compares to 10 other comparable trail running shoes.

ASICS Novablast 4 Multi Tester Review: 8 Comparisons

Article by Sam Winebaum, Renee Krusemark, Sally Reiley, Peter Stuart, Jeff Beck, and Jacob Brady

ASICS Novablast 4 ($140)

Introduction

Sam: The Novablast 1 ushered in a new era for ASICS with a light, reasonably priced, very well cushioned up tempo trainer with a more “modern” design: visually, in geometry, and in foams. ASICS actually was a bit skeptical it would woo "serious" runners being a design for younger. more style conscious runners. RTR didn’t think so..

The rest is history as they say as this fast fun shoe has become a favorite uptempo to daily trainer for many of us at RTR and others worldwide. While v1 was notably quite unstable if you were not a pace and up on the midfoot to forefoot each succeeding version improved on stability while in some cases losing a bit of the original a bit wild fun.

With the Novablast 4 ASICS retains the more edgy styling, amping it further with a more prominent and angular rear outrigger with deeper angular folds. 

The platform gets wider by 5mm at the heel and forefoot as wider platforms with softer foams have become a clear trend at ASICS and at other brands. 

The stack height stays the same at 41.5mm/33.5mm with the women’s 1mm lower as before. The midsole foam moves to ASICS lightest and softest non supercritical FF Blast + ECO with 20% of its content bio based. We also get a more aggressive toe spring.  

The upper is a woven material replacing the prior engineered mesh. 

Weight does increase by about 19g to 9.1 oz  / 258g (US men’s 9).

So how does it ride and fit? Still that magic faster light daily trainer or something else with a bit more substance and versatility. Please read on to find out.

Hoka Clifton 9 GTX Multi Tester Review: 6 Comparisons

Article by Jana Herzgova, Sam and Dominique Winebaum, and Michael Ellenberger

Hoka Clifton 9 GTX ($160)

Introduction

Sam: The Clifton 9 GTX is on the surface a weatherized version of the Clifton 9 featuring an Gore-Tex Invisible Fit upper, many reflective highlights, and a somewhat fuller contact outsole. 

I personally found it significantly different from the regular Clifton 9 in both fit and ride with a more generous and roomy upper and a firmer more rocker based ride. Please read on for all the details as I join Jana, Michael, and Dominique in the review.

Pros:

Firmer midsole foam makes it more stable and responsive than the regular Clifton 9: Sam/Michael

Very decent weight for a Gore-Tex equipped shoe at approx. 9.7 oz / 275g US9 with a high 38mm heel / 33mm forefoot stack: Sam/Jana/Dominique/Michael

Many reflective elements (including entire lace eyestay) for winter/ lower light running: Sam / Jana/Dominique

Most effective rocker in a Clifton yet, far more effective than flex based Clifton 9 rocker: Sam

Cons:

Firmer foam to pressing and on the run than regular Clifton may be a negative for some: Sam/Dominique 

CMEVA foam does not deliver a particularly energetic modern ride: Sam /Jana/ Dominique/Michaek

Upper given GTX Invisible Fit is quite stiff if holding the foot well: Sam/ Dominique/Michael

More than usual weight difference (0.34 oz / 9.6g ) between right and left shoes: Sam

Please find the testers full run bios at the end of the article after Comparisons.

Stats

Approx Weight: men's 9.7 oz  / 275g (US9)  /  women's oz / g (US8)

  Samples: men’s approx. 9.51 oz  / 270g US8.5 (9.17 oz right, 9.51 oz left);

                   Clifton 9 regular upper: 8.62 oz / 244g US8.5 

                  women's approx. 10.33oz / 293g. US 10.5

  Stack Height: men’s 38mm heel / 33mm forefoot, 5mm drop

                        women’s  36mm heel / 31mm forefoot. 5mm drop

$160  Available now.

On Ultra Shorts & Ultra-T Tee Multi Tester Review: 6 Comparisons

Article by Jeff Valliere, Renee Krusemark, Jeremy Marie, Mike Postaski and Sam Winebaum

On Ultra Shorts ($120)

Sizes S-XXL

Features:  

Jeff V:  The On Ultra Shorts are a high performance, long distance race day piece, featuring ultralight technical fabrics for lightweight breathability, with a soft inner brief and an adjustable waistband to keep the shorts cinched in place.  

The highlight feature of the Ultra Shorts are the 6 built in pockets, 4 stretch pockets around the side/forward perimeter of the waist band, a rear zippered pocket, as well as an outer right side thigh pocket, plus a pass through “pocket” on the rear, possibly for poles, but more practically for a minimal windbreaker or soft flask.

Renee: The women’s version of the Ultra Shorts has the same features as the men’s (see Jeff’s notes). I found the four stretch pockets in the waistband great for fuel storage as well as for small knit gloves and arm sleeves (i.e. shedding layers in cool temperatures). 

New Balance Fresh Foam X Vongo v6 Review

Article by Zack Dunn

New Balance Fresh Foam X Vongo v6 ($165 )

Pros:

• Ride performed fine and was great for normal running

• Upper had felt good on foot and had no issues

• Fresh Foam X midsole felt good underfoot but nothing crazy

• The stability plate performed well and provided slight stiffness which made cutting down pace slightly easier

• Simple, straightforward outsole that performs well

Cons:

• The midsole felt a little sluggish

• Upper slightly retains heat

Stats

Weight: men's 10.5 oz / 297g 

6mm drop

$165  Available now including at our partner Running Warehouse HERE

Tesbericht: ASICS Fuji Trail Kollektion

Artikel von Marcel Krebs und Nils Scharff

Fuji Trail Kollektion

Passend zum neuen Fuji Speed 2 (Testbericht) hat ASICS zudem ein Update der Fuji Trail Apparel Kollektion vorgestellt. Diese umfasst zum einen die Kombination aus Top und Shorts. Zum anderen eine Regenjacke. Genau die richtige Kombination also für das wechselhafte Herbstwetter.

Testbericht: ASICS Fuji Speed 2

Artikel von Marcel Krebs und Nils Scharff

ASICS Fuji Speed 2 (180€)

Einleitung

Marcel: Auf der Straße gehören die “Superschuhe” aus dem Hause ASICS bereits zu meinen absoluten Favoriten. Dies gilt insbesondere für den Metaspeed Sky+, der genau auf meinen Laufstil abgestimmt ist (den deutschen Testbericht zum Schrittlängen-optimierten Metaspeed Sky+ findet ihr hier; jenen zum Schrittfrequenz-optimierten Edge+ hier). 

Umso erfreuter war ich, als ich hörte, dass ASICS seinen Racer für den Trails, den FUJI Speed, umfassend überarbeitet und insbesondere mit einer neuen Mittelsohlenkonstruktion versehen hat. 

Präsentiert wurde der neue FUJI Speed 2 im Rahmen der diesjährigen UTMB Woche von keinem Geringeren als Stian Angermund, jenem ASICS Athleten, der wenige Tage später den OCC in eben jenem FUJI Speed 2 äußerst überzeugend gewinnen sollte.

Inwieweit der ASICS Fuji Speed 2 nicht nur die ASCIS Profiläufer wie Stian, sondern auch ambitionierte Freizeitläufer wie Nils und mich überzeugt hat, erfahrt ihr in den nachfolgenden Abschnitten. 

FarPointe Outdoor Gear and Vado Polartec Alpha Direct Apparel Reviews:: Is This Active Insulation Fabric Worth the Hype?

Article by Markus Zinkl 

Introduction

In the world of outdoor apparel, innovation and technology continue to push the boundaries of performance and comfort. One such breakthrough that has garnered significant attention is Polartec Alpha Direct, an active insulation fabric that promises to revolutionize the way we experience outdoor activities. As outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers seek clothing that balances warmth, breathability, and versatility, Polartec Alpha Direct has emerged as a noteworthy contender. In this review, we will delve into the unique qualities and benefits of this fabric, exploring what sets it apart from traditional insulation materials and why it has become the center of a growing hype.

Saucony Ride 17 Initial Review. A/B Run Comparisons to Ride 16 and Triumph 20

Video by Sam Winebaum

Saucony Ride 17 ($140)

Update: Saucony Ride 17 Multi Tester Review

 Watch the Ride 17 Video Review (21:00)

In the video, I review the Ride 17 as well as compare on A/B runs to the Ride 16 and Triumph 20. The 17 gets a new more energetic PWRRUN+ midsole foam on the same 35mm heel 27mm forefoot stack height with a 5mm wider  platform. It is not a "mini" Triumph in ride or fit characteristics remaining a true all around daily trainer.

Full Multi Tester Review soon.

Samples were provided at no charge for review purposes. 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'.

RoadTrailRun Official Store Custom Fractel Caps and Bucket Hats

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Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Review: 4 Comparisons

Article by Allison Valliere 

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 ($140)

Introduction

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is Brooks’ long running reliable stability trainer (in its 23nd iteration). It features stability enhancing Guide Rails, maximum cushion, comfort, padding and support.  With 36 mm of cushion at the heel and 24 mm at the forefoot, the 12 mm drop is substantial, but comfortable.  The Adrenaline is best suited for those looking for added support for daily runs, walking or just long days on your feet.  

New in the Adrenaline 23 is DNA Loft v2 foam that is not only softer, but a little bit lighter and more lively.  Brooks has also updated the outsole just slightly with a few nearly imperceptible changes, adding some more flex grooves and a slight change to the rubber pattern.

Being a nurse and spending 8-10 hours on my feet each work day is what initially drew me to the Adrenaline when I first tried the Adrenaline 22 as the Danskos I have been wearing for years were taking their toll on my feet and especially my heels (I think I had a pesky case of Plantar Fasciitis).  Wearing the Adrenaline 22 at work helped to relieve my PF and the 23 is now performing that task equally well.

Pros: Cushion, comfort, stability, support for long days on your feet, low weight for a stability trainer (even lighter than last year)..

Cons: None

Stats

Weight - Official: 9.1 oz/258g US Women’s Size 8

Sample: 9.25 oz/261g US Women’s Size 9 (for comparison, the Adrenaline 22 is 9.6 oz/271g US Women’s Size 9)

Stack height: 36mm heel/24mm forefoot (12mm drop)

Available now: $140

On Cloudventure Peak 3 Review: 11 Comparisons

Article by Mike Postaski and John Tribbia

On Cloudventure Peak 3 ($160)

Introduction

Mike P: This is the second trail shoe from ON that I’ve tested having tested the Cloudvista last year. I found that shoe to be of very high quality, but in the end  it felt more trail-stylish than trail-capable. One distinguishing negative factor was the prominent-feeling Speedboard under the forefoot. I found it especially noticeable directly under the ball of the foot, which was a bit irritating. 

The Cloudventure Peak 3’s forked (up front) Speedboard has me intrigued. Will  this design have a more comfortable feel and better performance? It’s also marketed as ON’s lightest (and fastest?) trail shoe. The lack of “cloud” voids under the forefoot hints at something different from your typical ON model.

Testbericht: New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 - Weniger ist mehr!

Artikel von Nils Scharff

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 (230€)

Einleitung

Nils: Letztes Jahr brachte New Balance mit dem SC Trainer einen der ersten sog. Super-Max-Cusion Schuhe heraus. Dämpfung wird in dieser neuen Schuhkategorie nicht nur großgeschrieben, sondern auch groß gelebt! Bis zu 47mm energetischen Mittelsohlenschaum hatte der SC Trainer (1) zu bieten und hat damit nicht nur die Beine geschützt, sondern auch eine ganze Menge Spaß gemacht. Er war einer meiner Lieblingsschuhe des letzten Jahres! Im nun neu erschienenen New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2, rudern die Amerikaner tatsächlich etwas zurück: Die Stapelhöhe wird um ganze 7mm im Fersenbereich reduziert. Die daraus resultierenden 40mm Dämpfung sind immer noch sehr hoch, jetzt aber wieder mit den World Athletics Regeln (für Profis) konform und zudem für uns Normalos etwas besser zu bändigen. Auch das Obermaterial wurde grundlegend überarbeitet oder besser gesagt ersetzt. Aus Strick-Technik wurde ein klassisches Meshmaterial - in der Folge sieht der SC Trainer v2 deutlich mehr nach Trainer als nach Racer aus. Ob er sich trotzdem seinen Funken bewahren und weiterhin von der Masse der Laufschuhe abheben kann, wird dieser Test hoffentlich zeigen.

Hoka Gaviota Review

Article by Matt Kolat

Hoka Gaviota ($175)

Introduction 

Hello one and all and welcome to my first solo English language shoe review for Road Trail Run! As most of us are aware, running shoes have gone through a lot of changes in recent years through the introduction of a variety of often interesting and sometimes curious technologies. We have plated shoes, we have Pebax and other supercritical foams, we have super trainers to name a few. 

Support or stability shoes as they are often known have gone through a renaissance of their own. Long gone are the days of massive, plastic medial posts paired with external ridgid heel counters. Bar a few die-hard shoe models most of stability shoes now relay on modern foams paired with broad bases which provides enough stability for vast majority of overpronators as well as offer a more friendly product for neutral runners who might want extra stability in latter parts of their long runs when their form deteriorates and thus stability needs sky-rocket. 

Hoka is one of the few brands which never had a traditional stability shoe but always relied on semi-modern or fully modern ways of delivering support. Neither of their stability models - Arahi nor Gaviota ever had plastic medial posts of overbuilt heel counters. In recent years both went through modernization - let’s have a closer look at Gaviota 5 in the review below!

Pros

• Not a true stability shoe but more stable neutral (can be a Con!)

• Soft despite huge levels of stability

• Traditional EVA foam contributes to stability

• Feels very secure

• Modern looking and plush upper (typically not the case in stability shoes)

• Very comfortable during long runs

• Great grip

Cons

• Outsole materials are deteriorating slightly faster than expected

• Not a true stability shoe but more stable neutral (can be a Pro!)

• On the heavier side of daily trainer (not a max cush shoe)

Stats

Approx. weight: men's 10.9 oz  / 310g (US9)  

Samples: men’s 12.13 oz / 344g (UK 11.5)

Stack Height: men’s 36mm heel / 30mm forefoot , 6mm drop

Available: now ! £149.99 / $175 including at our partner in Europe SportsShoes SHOP HERE