Topo Athletic Specter 2 Multi Tester Review: 6 Comparisons

Article by Renee Krusemark and Sam Winebaum

Topo Specter 2 ($165)

Pros:

• Strong weight to cushion ratio: Renee/Sam
• Cushioned yet responsive midsole: Renee/Sam
• Energetic, toes in the game toe off: PEBAX foam, broad platform, effective rocker.with flex: Sam
• More relaxed fit, softer riding,  and more cushioned than v1: Sam
• Broad, secure and comfortable upper: Sam

Cons:

• Rockered ride can impede natural foot flex: Renee
• A  yet wider toe box may challenge narrower feet in lockdown to the front of the platforma at faster paces: Sam
• Loses some of the quick stable response and snappiness of v1 as the firmer EVA carrier is eliminated. 

Introduction

Sam: The Topo Specter 2 is a daily road running trainer now entirely powered by supercritical PEBAX foam. A rocker based shoe with the same geometry as its version 1, it gains 2 mm of stack height front and back to  37mm heel / 32 mm forefoot and eliminates the prior outer EVA carrier foam and gets some flex. While it gains 5g in weight, it is still remarkably light for its stack height and broad platform checking in at 8.2 oz / 232g in my US8.5 sample.

Topo is a rapidly growing road and trail shoe brand whose motto is “Move Better”. All Topo shoes have an anatomical upper with in my view the unique characteristic of having as solid a hold (and comfort) for narrower feet (such as mine) as for broader higher volume feet, and that is the case with the Specter 2. Topo heel to toe drops range from 0mm to 5mm with a 5mm drop here.

Positioned by Topo as “a high performance, max cushioned daily trainer designed for up-tempo  long distance running”. Let’s see if that is what we found.  Please read on for all the details.

ZPacks Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles Review

Article by Markus Zinkl 

ZPacks Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles ($99.95)

Introduction

As an avid hiker always on the lookout for gear that strikes the perfect balance between weight and functionality, I recently got my hands on the ZPacks Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles. After putting them through their paces on various trails, here are my thoughts.

Testbericht: Montane Gecko VP+, Gecko Ultra V+, Trailblazer LT 28 Montanes Laufwesten im Überblick (German)

Artikel von Markus Zinkl

Montane Gecko VP+ (€145.00)

Test: La Sportiva Prodigio: la meilleure surprise en course à pieds des dernières années chez La Sportiva? (French)

Article par Alexandra Zvezdin

La Sportiva Prodigio $155 USD / 194.95$CAD

Pours: semelle intermédiaire dynamique et coussiné sans être instable, adhérence, joli design épuré avec des belles couleurs.

Contres: quelques éléments pourraient être mieux peaufinés, durabilité de l’empeigne et de l’interface semelle-empeigne incertaine, prix assez dispendieux.

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 Review: 6 Comparisons

Article by Jeff Beck

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 ($155)

Introduction

New Balance’s biggest road shoe’s fifth iteration reclaims its spot as a real max cushion shoe among a sea of max cushion shoes on the market. I personally missed out on the v4, but reviewed the v3 a few years ago, and while it was a massive 29/33 stack height in 2021, that’s borderline racing flat status now. The behemoth v5 has gained about an ounce, though it’s also substantially wider and taller (+6mm back and front), now riding a full 40mm under the forefoot and 44mm under the heel. Even if you don’t like super soft and comfortable shoes, if you’d like something that makes you almost two inches taller, look no further. 

Pros:

• This version of Fresh Foam X is incredibly soft.
• Extra wide platform keeps the shoe surprisingly stable.
• Engineered mesh upper has a relaxed fit without being sloppy.
• Rocker geometry helps the shoe from feeling too sluggish, despite its cushioning.
• Those of us 5’11” folks can legitimately hit 6’ tall.
• Outsole gives enough durability and grip.
• Toebox width is ample.

Cons:

• Not much flex or give with that thick of a midsole.
• The laws of physics exist, so a shoe with this much girth is going to tip the scales pretty hard.
• I’m a sucker for a heel pull tab, and there isn’t one.
• Makes an odd squishing noise on some harder surfaces.

New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos Multi Tester Review: 5 Comparisons

Article by Peter Stuart and Derek LI

New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos ($200)

Introduction

Peter: The Balos is a brand new shoe in the New Balance line. We got a glimpse of these at The Running Event this year, and I was very excited to get a pair. The Balos is a cushioned daily trainer with a PEBA/EVA midsole, a pronounced rocker and a fairly plush engineered mesh upper. It’s fairly light weight and has a decent amount of rubber (actually mostly rubberized Ground Contact EVA) for  its  outsole so they should last well. On paper, the Balos has everything I’d want in a modern daily trainer. There’s a big gap, though, between a recipe and the final product. So how does the Balos do? 

Pros:

• Relatively lightweight  Peter

• Comfortable Plush upper  Peter

• Good cushioning/weight ratio Derek

Cons:

• Underwhelming ride  Peter

• Forefoot feels a little dead Peter

• Rocker effect not very strong Derek

• Knitted tongue absorbs a lot of sweat in warm conditions Derek

Brooks Revel 7 Review 5 Comparisons : $100, Steady, Durable and Reliable. Exciting?

Article by Michael Ellenberger

Brooks Revel 7 ($100)

Introduction

Okay! In my annual (often solo) review, I’m back with my thoughts on this year’s Brooks Revel offering… I’ve worn versions 3, 4 (didn’t join the review), 5, 6, and now 7 - so there’s lots of shared history here. To be honest… there isn’t a ton of change, though (especially in the last couple go-rounds). My takeaway? They’re lightweight and versatile for everyday use, but aren't exactly pushing any boundaries in innovation - another solid offering from Brooks, but a shoe that has plateaued since the fifth generation. Still worth your attention? Let’s see.

Pros:

• Still just $100 - a massive win, in this day and age: Michael/Renee 

• The upper remains solid (and markedly less ugly in other colors) 

• 10mm drop at ~9 oz. - not far off a “lightweight trainer”

Cons:

• Milquetoast ride and getting duller by comparison: Michael/Renee 

• Let’s face it - if an exciting shoe is getting you out of bed in the morning, this isn’t it: Michael/Renee

New Balance FuelCell Venym Review

Article  by Jérémy Marie

New Balance Fuel Cell Venym ( €140)

Editor’s Note: the review was translated from the original French with Deepl

Introduction

The Venym is presented as a "door to trail" model, with an emphasis on dynamism. New Balance makes this clear on their website: "A model designed to be light and fast".

Equipped with FuelCell foam, the same PEBA 20%/ EVA 80%as in the Rebel v4 for road, and a fairly a lower profile trail outsole, the main question that arises before testing is the suitability of this fairly soft foam, with a fair amount of rebound, for natural non roadl terrain and trails.

In a way, it's an all-terrain version of the NB Rebel v4, which is rather promising given the success of its road-going sister. It is currently available outside the US.

Pros

• Overall comfort

• Lively, dynamic cushioning with plenty of rebound.

• Not too unstable despite the softness of the foam thanks to the wide platform.

• Very good grip, good rubber adhesion.

• Easy transition from paths to asphalt.

• Reasonably priced.

Cons

• Some runners will lack support and stability

• the midsole is quite soft and will quickly reaches its limits on technical terrain.

• How long will the foam and outsole last?

adidas Ultraboost 5X Initial Review: Finally! A Light, High Energy Performance Running Ultraboost

Article by Sam Winebaum

Adidas Ultraboost 5X ($180)

Introduction

The Ultraboost 5X is a brand new take on the UB focused first and foremost on running performance. Well known for its iconic styling, Boost midsoles, knit uppers, plastic midfoot cages and underfoot plastics this new UB loses the cage and simplifies the midfoot plastic support to a tried and true X shaped Torsion system. Adi “boosts” the Light Boost 9mm front and back and still loses about 0.5 oz / 14g in weight to come in about 9.85 oz / in a US9. 

That is light for its big 39 mm heel / 29mm forefoot stack height and full combination Continental and crystal type rubber outsole. It is about 1 oz / 30g lighter than what I see as its closest competitor the slightly lower stack height Saucony Triumph 22 while sitting on the same width 95 mm heel / 75 mm midfoot / 115 mm forefoot platform. 

The result is yet another 2024 hit from adidas in its long neglected everyday running category. It joins the lighter and livelier Adizero SL 2 (RTR Review) and slightly lower stack height and somewhat more stability focused Supernova Prima (RTR Review).

By freeing Boost Light foam from its prior cages, adding more of it while losing weight, adidas has “boosted” the energy level of the ride at any pace while increasing cushion and comfort. Please read on for my impressions after a first faster 6 mile run today.

Pros:

• Highly energetic pleasing ride- Boost Light foam shines!
• Consistent feel and cushion at all paces.
• Versatile; pretty much any pace or distance run except short tempo or intervals.
• Well held for a stretch knit upper
• Tenacious and noticeable Continental traction even on dry roads. Expect great durablity

Cons:

• Time to rethink the knit upper: stretch knit upper adds weight, requires thick overlays and underlays and a plastic clip, doesn’t quite keep up with the far higher performance platform underfoot.
• Higher end pricing for a trainer.

Testbericht: Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 (German)

Artikel von Markus Zinkl

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 (240,00 €)

Einleitung

Kürzlich hatte ich die Gelegenheit, den Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 ausgiebig zu testen. In diesem Bericht teile ich meine Erfahrungen und Eindrücke von diesem innovativen Laufschuh, der durch sein radikales Design und seine besonderen Eigenschaften auffällt.

Pro:

• Hervorragende Verarbeitung

• Leicht und atmungsaktiv

• Gute Passform und Fersenhalt

• Bouncy und dynamisches Laufgefühl bei höherem Tempo

Contra:

• Zunge nicht vernäht, was das Anziehen fummelig macht

• Zehenbox könnte für breitere Vorderfüße zu schmal sein

• Instabiles Gefühl bei langsamerem Tempo

Salomon S/Lab Speed 2024 Kit Reviews: S/Lab Speed Short Sleeve Tee, S/Lab Speed Short 3”, and S/Lab Speed Belt

Article by Sam Winebaum

Salomon S/Lab 2024 Kit: S/Lab Speed Short Sleeve Tee ($90) , S/Lab Speed Short 3” ($95), S/Lab Speed Belt ($55)’

In the article, I test Salomon's 2024 S/Lab Speed kit. Thoroughly tested and now worn by Salomon’s trail and road elites and each is packed with high effective fabric technologies and features to provide comfort and improved performance in tough conditions. The purpose of the S/Lab at Salomon is to create pinnacle products developed with close input from their elite runners. All items were personal purchases.

Brooks Hyperion Max 2 Review: 5 Comparisons

Article by Sam Winebaum

Brooks Hyperion Max 2 ($180)

Introduction

Sam: The Hyperion Max 2 is  the Brooks entry in the higher stack height, supercritical foam and flexible plate powered uptempo “super trainer horse” race, a very active category indeed we will compare options in at the end of the article.. V1 was a fairly traditional in construction and ride with a firmer DNA Flast foam and considerably lower stack height.  

Here, Brooks boosts the stack height 4mm at the heel and 6mm at the forefoot using its new DNA Flash v2 foam (as in the Hyperion Elite 4). It now comes in at  what I might call a mini max stack height of  36.25 mm heel / 30.25  mm forefoot. I see it competing with shoes such as the Endorphin Speed, Boston 12, and Mizuno Neo Vista among others, all shoes with similar stack height and a more flexible plate.

.

Pros:

Versatile uptempo longer run focused daily trainer: Sam

Responsive quick returning and forgiving cushion: Sam 

Linear, consistent directed ride: Sam

Guided rear and midfoot stability (and upper support),  without overdoing it: Sam

Rolling, moderately plunging, and lively toe off, flexible Speedvault plate & Rapid Roll: Sam

Upper built for performance and security: Sam

Cons:

Slightly heavier than expected for stack height and materials at 9.25 oz / 262g US9: Sam

Snug midfoot hold may challenge broad feet: Sam

RoadTrailRide: Garmin Edge 840 and Varia RTL515 Bike Radar Reviews

Article by Jeff Valliere

Garmin Edge 840 $449.99 ($549.99 solar) and  Varia RTL515 Bike Radar

$149.99

In the article I test and review the Edge 840 and Varia RTL515 Bike Radar  together an integrated set of cycling data, navigation, and safety tools. 

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer v2 Multi Tester Review: Less Can be More! 10 Comparisons

Article by Ben David, Jeremy Marie, Ryan Eiler, Renee Krusemark, Sally Reiley and Sam Winebaum

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer v2 ($200)

Pros:

• Light, fast, highly breathable (Ben / Jeremy / Ryan / Renee/ Sally)
• Some “classic” racing flat” vibes - in a good way (Jeremy/Sam/Renee/Sally)
• Well balanced combination of midsole softness and snappy turnover (Ryan/Sam/Renee/ Sally)
• Secure grip (Jeremy / Ryan/ Sally))
• Don’t miss a maxed out stack height: stable, agile, plenty of cushion, even some front flex: Sam/Sally/Jeremy 
• Adequate fit, nice foothold and spacious toebox (Jeremy/Sam)

• Most versatile super shoe yet? Race ready, any training pace or distance friendly: Sam/Sally
• Great looking shoe! (Sally)
• Available in 2E Wide

Cons:

• Not very adept at slower paces, lower stack may not work for everyone (Ben)
• Might feel firmish for some due to lower stack height (Jeremy)
• Achilles rubbing / heel design, Minimal heel cup could be more built up for better achilles comfort  (Ryan/Sally/Jeremy)
• Distinct heel vs forefoot ride characteristics (Ryan)
• Flat insole was totally unglued at first, wrinkles had to be smoothed out and insole pressed down in place (Sally/Jeremy)

Please see testers run bios at the end of the review. The testers range in marathon times between 2:14 and about 4 hours.

Introduction

Ben: The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer v2 is called out as a carbon-plated race-day shoe. It is a lighter, lower-stack option than the SuperComp Elite v4. This airy, snappy shoe absolutely sings at shorter distances, such as the 5K and 10K, but is up for longer distances too and was on the feet of New Balance athlete Emily Sisson when she took second place at the U.S Olympic Marathon Trials in Orlando this past February. The first version of the shoe were competitors with other 5K / 10K shoes on the market such as the adizero Takumi Sen but this latest iteration (In my opinion) puts New Balance at the head of such a group and yet can also range further. This shoe is fun and fast, truly a pleasure to run in. Let’s take a closer look. 

Test: New Balance Fuel Cell Venym: Dynamisme et Confort (French)

Article par Jérémy Marie

New Balance Fuel Cell Venym ( €140)

Introduction

Les Venym se présentent comme un modèle “Door to trail”, donc passe partout, avec un accent mis sur le dynamisme. New Balance le met d’ailleurs clairement en avant sur leur site: “Un modèle conçu pour être léger et rapide”.

Équipée de mousse FuelCell, la même que sur la série Rebel pour les modèles route, et munie d’une semelle externe assez cramponnée, la principale question qui se pose avant l’essai est l’adéquation de cette mousse assez moelleuse, avec pas mal de rebond, aux terrains nature, aux trails.

C’est en quelque sorte une version tout terrain de la NB Rebel v4, ce qui est plutôt prometteur vu le succès de la sœur routière.

Pour:

Le confort général

Amorti très vivant, dynamique, offrant beaucoup de rebond.

Pas trop instable malgré le moelleux de la mousse grâce à la large plateforme

Accroche très bonne, bonne adhérence de la gomme.

Passe sans souci des chemins au bitume.

Le prix est raisonnable.

Contre:

Certains coureurs manqueront de support et de stabilité

Revers de la médaille: la semelle est assez molle sera vite limitée en terrain technique.

Durée de vie de la mousse et des crampons ?