Topo Athletic Atmos Multi Tester Review: Smooth! Ride is always king–and the Atmos is royalty for sure. 14 Comparisons

Article by Peter Stuart, Jeff Beck, Sally Reiley and Sam Winebaum

Topo Athletic Atmos ($160)

Introduction

Peter:  Topo seems to be having a nice run of surprisingly excellent shoes. The Topo Athletic Atmos continues this trend. The Atmos is a max-cushioned daily trainer that weighs in at less than 10 oz and is a joy to run in. 

Jeff: Topo is one of two brands that prioritizes natural foot health/shape with every single shoe they make, but while many brands have had a number of maximum cushioning offerings, the tallest Topos have always been…close to max cushion, but not really there. That changes with the Atmos, a massively stacked 38mm heel / 33mm forefoot shoe that is going to put Topo on a lot of runners’ respective radars for all the right reasons. Am I foreshadowing too much? Spoiler alert: this shoe is nothing shy of incredible.

Pros: 

Balanced cushioning:  Peter/Jeff/Sam/Sally

Comfortable upper:  Peter/Jeff/Sally

Rolls through stride very easily:  Peter/Sam/Jeff

Feels light on the run:  Peter/Sam/Jeff/Sally

Low drop but not low heel at any pace: Sam/Jeff

Very smooth plateless rocker ride: Sam/Jeff/Sally

Light and dynamic enough for daily training, cushioned and forgiving enough for easy miles: Jeff/Sam/Sally

Super stable platform: Jeff

Top notch midfoot/forefoot cushioning: Jeff/Sam

Cons:

The tongue is a bit short:   Peter/Sally

Volpi Outdoor Gear Fastpack 30 Review

Article by Markus Zinkl

Fastpack 30 ($235.00)

Introduction

Volpi Outdoor Gear, a company located in Guadalajara, Mexico, has been producing backpacks and outdoor gear since 2020. Despite its relatively recent establishment, the company is committed to ensuring the quality of its materials and designs. In this review, we will take an impartial look at the Fastpack 30, assessing its features, functionality, and overall performance to provide you with an unbiased perspective on this product.

Marcel Krebs UTMB OCC 2023 Race Report and why Chamonix is such a magic place!

Article by Marcel Krebs 

picture by Sportograf

Introduction

Having watched the UTMB 2022 first hand, I was immediately struck and decided that I had to do whatever it took to participate in one of these epic races in 2023. Following the event on the live stream during prior years was awesome, but being there live in Chamonix was an experience on another level.

It turned out that it would become an exciting journey which culminated in an unforgettable finish in Chamonix. Read on to learn more about the UTMB finals in Chamonix and the pros and cons of the UTMB World Series around the globe with their finals taking place in Chamonix. Find out if I would do it again and would recommend that you participate too, even though there is some debate about the UTMB company itself.

Topo Athletic Fli-Lyte 5 Multi Tester Review: 6 Comparisons

Article by Joost De Raeymaeker and Mike Postaski

Topo Fli-Lyte 5 ($125)

Introduction

Joost: The Topo Fli-Lyte 5 is Topo Athletic’s do it all shoe. I tested version 4 in 2021 and found it to be a great shoe for the gym and maybe to get in a run while I’m at it, but it was not a shoe I would pick up just to go running. I also thought it was a great looking shoe for everyday casual use. 

So what’s changed in version 5? From looking at it, basically everything, except for the stack height and drop, which stay at 23mm heel /20mm forefoot. Topo were also able to shed 0.8 oz with this new version. So let’s check what makes the Fli-Lyte 5 tick and dive into the changes.

Mike P: I haven't run in the Fli-Lyte since way back at V2. The shoe is completely different now, so there's not too much to specifically compare. But it does still slot into Topo's road line as a neutral, low-drop, versatile shoe. I do remember getting a lot of mileage out of my V2’s, specifically using them a lot on the treadmill since they offered a simple, solid & neutral ride. 

I've tested some of Topo's recent road offerings ST-4, Magnify 4, and ST-5 (now in test). so I'll focus on comparing  them to these.

Antepes Muscle Runner Reseña Completa (Spanish)

Article by Beto Hughes

Antepes Muscle Runner ($225)

Antepes Muscle Runner más que un entrenador diario es una herramienta de entrenamiento efectiva.

Pros:

• Estable y bastante cómodo.

• Excelente ajuste y espacio delantero.

• Talonera con corte bajo bastante segura y cómoda.

• Funciona bien en ritmos medios y ya impuesto en trotes suaves.

• Ayuda a mejorar la forma de correr.

• Trabaja músculos y áreas más enfocadas especialmente tobillos y chamorros.

Cons:

• Toma tiempo adaptarse al no tener talon.

• Se tiene que usar de poco a poco.

• Se siente firme a pesar de ser pebax.

• Si no te adaptas aun al tenis puede generar algunos dolores en ciertas áreas ya que se enfoca mucho en trabajar las piernas.

adidas Adizero Pro Evo 1 Preview: At 138g, by far the Lightest Marathon Super Shoe yet!

Article by Nils Scharff and Sam Winebaum

adidas Adizero Pro Evo 1 ($500)

Nils: Adidas has been teasing us for over a week now! They were brewing something new over in Bavaria - and word was it is going to be lighter than anything we’ve seen before from the brand with the three stripes and their Adizero line. That alone is a very promising statement, but together with a line from the press invitation we got from the German marketing team, it was straight up exciting: The invitation teased that adidas elite athletes  are going to wear Pro EVO during the upcoming Berlin Marathon! 

So adidas was actually claiming that they have a (high stacked) marathon racer in their sleeves which is lighter than a Takumi Sen? I was pretty sure that this couldn’t be true. On the other hand adidas also claimed, that the new shoe would be groundbreaking - so could it be true? Yesterday adidas showed their hand and introduced the all new adidas Adizero Adios Pro EVO.

Sam: As much secrecy as I can recall around a shoe and no leaks beyond their appearance this past weekend and the bold and veiled claims ahead of the initial unveiling. 

And here it is! The Pro Evolution 1 with its marathon super shoe  39mm heel / 33mm forefoot stack heights comes in at an incredible 138g / 4.87 oz US 9 spec weight.

The Adios Pro 3 checked in at about 223 grams at the same stack height.  We are talking about a 40% reduction in weight from their previous lightest super shoe which we can assume is the Takumi Sen! For comparison, the Nike Vaporfly 3, what I would call the previous lightweight super shoe champ, and at about the same stack height checked in at.. 6.56 oz  / 186g! How did adidas pull off such a revolutionary and “impossible” feat?  Read on please to learn how.

Testbericht: Saucony Kinvara Pro (German)

Artikel von Marcel Krebs 

Saucony Kinvara Pro (220€)

Einleitung

Als die ersten Fotos vom neuen Saucony Kinvara Pro (bzw. dem Prototypen) auftauchten, habe ich ihn vor allem aufgrund der mächtigen Mittelsohle gedanklich als potentiellen Wettbewerber zu Modellen wie dem Superblast von ASICS oder dem SC Trainer von New Balance eingruppiert. Dies galt umso mehr, als der Name bekannt gegeben wurde und der Name Kinvara zwangsläufig Assoziationen zu einem leichten und vielseitigen Schuh weckte.

Saucony selbst spricht von einem “facettenreichen Schuh für jeden Tag für “99 Prozent deiner Läufe”. Inwieweit sich diese ersten Eindrücke bzw. Versprechungen bestätigt haben, erfahrt ihr in den nachstehenden Abschnitten.  

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 Multi Tester Review: Bigger, Softer, and Lighter! 9 Comparisons

Article by Dominique Winebaum, Sam Winebaum. Jeff Beck and Sally Reiley

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 ($165)

Introduction

The Fresh Foam X 1080, New Balance’s max cushion daily trainer, sees big changes for its 13th edition. It sees more stack height (+4mm at the heel and +6mm at the forefoot) of a new lighter Fresh Foam X foam while at the same time losing a significant approximate 1 oz /28g in weight which comes from less dense Fresh Foam and slightly thinner outsole rubber. Topped with a plush engineered knit upper,  it for sure signals comfort top to bottom on the run but does it lose some performance edge? Please read on to find out what our testers discovered.

Puma FastTrac Apex Nitro Review: 4 Comparisons

Article by Markus Zinkl

Puma FastTrac Apex Nitro ($150 )

Introduction

Markus: After being somewhat underwhelmed by the Puma FastTrac Nitro, I must admit I didn't have the highest hopes for its successor. But when I laid eyes on the Puma FastTrac Apex Nitro, my optimism started to spark once again.

The FastTrac Apex Nitro claims to be a lightweight trail running shoe tailored for a wide range of challenging surfaces. Whether it's loose gravel paths, mucky trails, or technical mountain ascents, this shoe promises to conquer them all. 

With its potent combination of supercritical NITRO and PROFOAMLITE EVA midsole cushioning, a ripstop mesh upper, reinforced with PWRTAPE, and a grippy PUMAGRIP ATR outsole, the FastTrac Apex Nitro certainly seems to have the right attributes. 

Super (Critical) Race "Flats" Comparison Review: Saucony Sinister, Nike ZoomX Streakfly , Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8/9, Topo Cyclone 2, Hoka Cielo Road

 Article by Sam Winebaum

Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8/9 ($180),Topo Cyclone 2 ($150), Nike Streakfly ($160), 

Hoka Cielo Road ($160), Saucony Sinister ($150)

In the article, I take a look at what in 2023 can be considered “race flats” those light agile shoes designed for short distance and even if one goes prior to the Vaporfly for all distances including the marathon including legendary shoes such as Zoom Streak, earlier Adios, various ASICS and Mizuno flats, etc…  

With the advent of lighter more energetic super critical foams even very light racing shoes such as these can now provide higher cushion stacks.  In fact, only one shoe here, the very lightest the  5.45oz  / 155 g  Saucony Sinister can be considered to have a more “classic” race flat stack height of 25mm heel / 19mm forefoot. All of these shoes are lower stack and lower weight than most marathon super shoes.

Only one of the shoes, the Adizero Takumi Sen with its full Energy Rods is plated with the Nike Streakfly have a modest midfoot plastic shank, in itself a key feature of the old school flat.

All share supercritical foam, none weighs more than 7 oz / 198g  with each very distinct in its strengths, best uses, ride characteristics and upper.  All are super “fun” to run at pretty much any pace from all out to more mellow with the exception of the super “serious” Takumi Sen which is the purest racer, and fastet of the bunch but warning.. on the right fast feet.

The North Face Summit VECTIV Sky Initial Review

Article by Sam Winebaum

The North Face Summit VECTIV Sky ($199)

Introduction

The Summit Vectiv Sky joins the Vectiv Pro as the North Face’s carbon plated trail racing duo. At a touch under 9 oz / 255g in a US9 with a 26mm heel / 22 mm forefoot stack height and a forked front and back (and yeah flexible!) carbon plate, a PEBA foam insert at the forefoot and a TPU and ripstop upper,  it is intended as the shorter distance shoe in the collection. Our German team reviewed both Sky and Pro earlier with our US team now testing the Sky. 

After a very solid first run on one of my test routes with a mix of pavement, dirt, and technical rooty and rocky single track, collecting 4 Strava personal “podiums” the picture is clear for to me.

The North Face nails it!  Fast, very stable, well cushioned for its stack and highly propulsive, Sky for sure a top top shorter distance racer but I think much more too!

Tracksmith announces Tracksmith Varsity Club, a US collegiate track and field NIL support program for American athletes.

Article by Sam Winebaum

Tracksmith announces the Tracksmith Varsity Club, a US collegiate track and field NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) support program for American athletes with applications open today and through September 20, 2023. The goal is to help talented college athletes transition to post-collegiate high level competition.  

Tracksmith origins are in the collegiate track experience and with the style of 1960's and 1970's college uniforms, so this initiative makes total sense.

Skechers GORun Max Road 6 Reseña Completa (Spanish)

Artículo de Beto Hughes

Skechers GO Run Max Road 6 ($145)

Un Maximalista lleno de mucho retorno de energía!!!

Pros:

• Bastante amortiguamiento.

• Gran protección del asfalto.

• No se siente que te hundes en la media suela.

• Buen retorno de energía.

• Respuesta y estabilidad por parte del H-Plate delantero.

• Suela muy duradera y excelente agarre.

• Upper muy cómodo y con gran sujeción del pie.

Cons:

• El upper le hace falta ser un poco más transpirable.

• La lengüeta es algo gruesa pero protege bien si amarras muy justas las agujetas.

• El tenis se siente alto ya puestos.

Atreyu Running Race Model Video Review: $120 for State of the Art Super Foam, a Great Upper & a Smooth Fast Ride

Video by Sam Winebaum

Atreyu Race Model ($120)

In the video, I review the October Atreyu Race Model and compare to Atreyu's Artist (RTR Review) and others. 

Stack Height: 30mm heel, 25 mm forefoot stack height, 6mm drop
Weight: 8.05 oz / 229 g US9

Watch the Ateryu Race Model Video Review (15:38)

At the same stack height, almost the same weight and with the same midsole geometry as the Artist it is a significantly upgraded racer/trainer that at $120 competes extremely well with shoe costing far far more.

ZPacks 20 °F Solo Quilt Review

Article by Markus Zinkl 

Solo Quilt ($429.00)

Introduction

Introducing the ZPacks 20F Solo Backpacking Quilt is a versatile companion for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a balance between warmth, weight, and flexibility. In this review, we'll delve into the features that distinguish the ZPacks quilt, its performance across different conditions, and the advantages it offers to ultralight enthusiasts looking for a lighter sleep system. I tested in on a 13 day trek on the Via Alpina in Switzerland in varied conditions including colder weather near freezing. Please join me as we take a closer look at how 20F Solo quilt performed, its features and how it is constructed.

Brooks Ghost Max Multi Tester Review: 12 Comparisons

Article by Michael Ellenberger, Jana Herzgova, and Jeff Beck

Brooks Ghost Max ($150)

Introduction

The Max is no surprise.. the max cushion flavor of the Ghost with the same DNA Loft v2 foam but with a much higher 39mm heel / 33mm forefoot stack height and thus at 6mm also half the heel to toe drop of the regular Ghost. To move the big soft stack along, it features Brooks new GlideRoll technology of carve outs into the midsole and decoupling of the outsole. Weight is approx.10.25 oz /290g US men's 9 with pricing at $150. The Ghost Max will be released in early October 2023

Pros:

At long last from Brooks, a modern lower drop all around max cushion trainer: Sam/Jeff

Deep, well balanced max cushion midsole: Sam/Michael/Jana/Jeff

Smooth any pace toe off from very effective front rocker geometry/outsole for such a big forefoot stack shoe : Sam/Jeff

Runs lighter than its weight : Sam/Michael/Jana/Jeff

Inherently stable without resorting to GTS GuideRails and other add ons : Sam/Michael/Jana/Jeff

Impeccable, true to size, comfortable fit. Not a surprise from Brooks: Sam/Jana/Jeff

Cons:

Wish it had Brooks’s supercritical, lighter more energy returning DNA Loft v3 foam Sam/Michael/Jeff

Heel counter (and whole back of the shoe!) is stiff and overdone. Michael

6mm drop on a shoe of this bulk is slightly too low: Michael/Jeff

Stats

Estimated Weight: men's 10.25 oz  / 290g (US9 based on US8.5 sample)

 Samples: men’s 10.02 oz  /  284g US8.5, 10.65 oz / 302g US10.5

      women’s  9.60 oz  /  272g US10.5

Full Stack Height: men’s 39 mm heel / 33 mm forefoot, 6mm drop 

 Ghost 15: 35 mm heel / 23 mm forefoot, 12 mm drop 9.88 oz  / 280g (US9) $140

$150. Available October 1, 2023

Sam’s Ghost Max Video Review 

adidas Adizero Prime X 2 Strung Multi Tester Review: 6 Comparisons

Article by Joost De Raaymaeker, Sam Winebaum, and Sally Reiley

adidas Adizero Prime X 2 Strung  ($300)

Introduction

Sam: The Adizero Prime X 2 Strung, adi’s beyond max cushion 50mm heel trainer racer, sees an all midsole geometry with a broader platform at the rear and midfoot (and no longer with a giant notch), a lower drop (more front cushion) along with an all new dual carbon infused non Energy Rods plating system. Lightstrike Pro supercritical foam continues but is now in two densities as we have a softer core between the plates up front. The Strung upper is tuned with more heel and midfoot fibers and a new stretch knit tongue. 

We do see a substantial gain in weight as a result of the new more substantial geometry. Is it still fast and race worthy if “illegal”  for elite marathoners due to its giant 50mm heel and 43.5mm forefoot? Does it still have that unique wild and hard to control sensation of flight? Well, Patrick Lange ran a triathlon marathon segment world record of 2:30:32 (2022) in the Prime X 2 Strung in a prototype where the height limits of World Athletics do not apply.  Let's find out whatJoost (a multiple World Marathon Majors winner in his AG including a 2:26 at Berlin in 2019, Sally 2x on the podium at NYC in her AG, and RTR Editor Sam who moves along at slower paces discovered.

Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2 Review: 7 Comparisons

Article by Sam Winebaum

Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2 ($275)

Introduction

The S/Lab Phantasm 2 is Salomon’s first true road racing super shoe. It has a dual density PEBA foam midsole, full length rigid spoon shaped carbon plate and a single layer mono mesh upper. At 7.4 oz / 210g with a 37.5mm heel and 28.5 mm its weight is competitive with others in its class.

It differs considerably from the original S/Lab Phantasm CF (RTR Review) which had 3mm less stack height, a somewhat flexible carbon plate, more conventional Energy Surge foam and an assistive R-Camber geometry. It weighed about 0.7 oz more than the new Phantasm here. Despite not having supercritical foam or super light weight,  it is a shoe that I liked a lot for its easy to find rocker and snappy if firmer than many super shoes.

I was for sure curious to see how the state of the art S/Lab Phantasm 2 compared to its predecessor and of course other super marathon shoes.