Thursday, January 30, 2025

The North Face Summit Series Vectiv Sky 2 Multi Tester Review: Ready to Rip! 10 Comparisons

Article by Reed Breuer, Sam Winebaum, Jen Schmidt, Renee Krusemark, and Mike Postaski

The North Face Vectiv Sky 2 ($200)


Introduction

Reed: The Summit Series VECTIV Sky 2, the fast and light trail runner/racer in the Vectiv series offers key updates to its predecessor.  


The lug height increases to 5mm (from 3.5 mm in the Sky 1). It drops a full ounce (28g) in weight as its midsole moves from a combination of EVA and nitrogen infused TPU to all nitrogen TPU Dream foam while the upper is also lighter. 


Designed to be the lightest race shoe in the VECTIV lineup, the Sky 2 sports a redesigned carbon plate and lightweight upper with just enough TPU foam to cover the plate. Sub-ultra trail racers, this one's for you!

Rab Xenair Alpine Flex Jacket & Cirrus Flex Insulated Hooded Jacket Reviews

 Article by Jeff and Allison Valliere

In the article, we review the Xenair Alpine Flex Jacket and Cirrus Flex Insulated Hooded Jacket with our testing this winter in the mountains above Boulder, Colorado.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

The North Face Altamesa 500 Review: 3 Comparisons

 Article by Nico Wagner

The North Face Altamesa 500 (140 € / $155)

Introduction

I was looking for an alternative to the Hoka Speedgoat (mainly because of the fit and the latest changes since version 4). Some time ago, I came across the North Face Altamesa 500. According to the website, the shoe promises soft cushioning, top grip and a comfort-oriented fit for plenty of training kilometers. I have now put in more than a few kilometers and would like to share what I discovered.

Testbericht: The North Face Altamesa 500 3 Vergleiche (German)

Artikel von Nico Wagner

The North Face Altamesa 500 (140 €)

Einleitung

Ich war auf der Suche nach einer Alternative zum Hoka Speedgoat (hauptsächlich aufgrund der Passform und der letzten Veränderungen seit Version 4). Dabei bin ich vor einiger Zeit auf den North Face Altamesa 500 gestoßen. Laut Website verspricht der Schuh eine weiche Dämpfung, top Grip und eine komfort orientierte Passform für reichlich Trainingskilometer. Nun habe ich einige Kilometer gesammelt und möchte meine Meinung teilen.

Test de la Salomon Aero Glide 3 (Français)

Article par Sam Winebaum

Salomon Aero Glide 3 (160€)

Traduit de l'Anglais original avec l'aide de Deepl.com

Introduction

L'Aero Glide 3 est un entraîneur de route à coussin maximal, léger et non plaqué. Ses principales caractéristiques sont une nouvelle semelle intermédiaire Energy Foam EVO à base d'eTPU et une tige sans couture interne. Avec une hauteur de talon de 40 mm / 32 mm à l'avant-pied, c'est une chaussure très protectrice et amusante à courir tout en étant stable et avec un poids bien inférieur à 255g. Nous avons récemment assisté au Running Event au Texas et les chaussures 2025 dotées de mousses eTPU et TPEE représentent clairement l'avenir car ces mousses sont très légères par rapport à l'EVA et permettent des courses nettement plus énergiques. En fait, même les anciennes mousses de type PEBA ne sont rien en comparaison de ces nouvelles mousses, car nous avons maintenant testé plusieurs chaussures avec ces mousse telles que la prochaine Mizuno Mystery 01 ainsi que de nombreuses nouvelles chaussures de course sur sentier. Salomon étendra son utilisation à d'autres modèles, y compris ses chaussures de trail, dont la prochaine Pulsar, et nous l'attendons également dans chaussures S/Lab. L'Aero Glide est rejoint par l'Aero Blaze, avec la même mousse et avec une pile et une hauteur légèrement inférieures et par des versions « gravel » des deux avec des semelles extérieures adaptées au trail. Veuillez lire la suite pour mon avis complet

Salomon Aero Glide 3 Review: A Modern, Light and Energetic Daily Trainer: 3 Comparisons

Article by Sam Winebaum

Salomon Aero Glide 3 ($160)

Introduction

The Aero Glide 3 is a very light, unplated max cushion road trainer. Its key features are a new  eTPU based Energy Foam EVO midsole and an upper with no internal stitching. At a stack height of 40mm heel / 32mm forefoot, it is a lot of protective and fun to run yet stable shoe at a weight well under 9 oz.


We recently attended The Running Event and 2025 shoes with eTPU and TPEE foams are clearly the future as these foams are very light compared to EVA and have considerably more energetic rides. In fact, even the former state of the art PEBA type foams pale in comparison to these new foams as we have now tested several such foam shoes such as the upcomingMizuno Mystery 01 as well as many new trail running shoes. 


Salomon will expand its use to other models including its trail runners including the upcoming Pulsar and we expect S/Lab shoes as well.


The Aero Glide is joined by the Aero Blaze, with the same foam and with a slightly lower stack and height and by “gravel” versions of both with trail suitable outsoles. Please read on for my full review.

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 Review: 3 Comparisons

Article by Markus Zinkl

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 ($155)

Introduction 

The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 is the latest version of a popular trail running shoe that has been delivering both comfort and performance for years. With some noticeable updates including a Vibram MegaGrip Traction Lugoutsole and more stack height, it has a clear focus on comfort and cushioning, the Hierro v9 promises to be an ideal companion for longer and less technical trail runs. I have tested the shoe extensively and would like to share my experiences and impressions with you.

Testbericht: New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 3 Vergleiche (German)

Artikel von Markus Zinkl

New Balance - Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 ($155)

Einleitung


Der New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 ist die neueste Version eines beliebten Trailrunning-Schuhs, der seit Jahren sowohl Komfort als auch Leistung bietet. Mit einigen spürbaren Updates und einer klaren Ausrichtung auf Komfort und Dämpfung verspricht der Hierro v9 ein idealer Begleiter für längere und weniger technische Trailruns zu sein. Ich habe den Schuh ausführlich getestet und möchte meine Erfahrungen und Eindrücke mit euch teilen.

Monday, January 27, 2025

Tracksmith Winter 2025 No Days Off Collection Reviews: NDO Harbor Jacket, NDO Fells Turtleneck, NDO Bib

Article by Dominique and Sam Winebaum

Dominique: For my first Tracksmith running gear eview, I did not get a famous Tracksmith sash singlet, but a three-piece matching outfit from their No Days Off Winter Collection: the NDO Fells Turtleneck ($140); NDO Harbor Jacket ($255); and the NDO Bib ($225).  

Recenzja: Air Zoom Nike Pegasus 41 (Polish)

Article by Matt Kolat

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 41 (678,55 zł)


Wprowadzenie 

Minęło już 4 lata odkąd zacząłem pisać recenzje dla RTR, szczerze powiedziawszy nie jestem pewien ile par butów zrecenzowałem w tym czasie, ale zgaduje, że około 50. Jeśli pamięć mnie nie myli to dotychczas nie miałem przyjemności recenzować ani jednej pary Nike. Jest to z jednej strony dosyć zaskakujące dlatego, że Nike to największy gracz na rynku producentów sprzętu sportowego. Z drugiej strony jednak większość obuwia biegowego Nike jest wybitnie neutralna - zbyt neutralna dla mnie. Większość modeli Nike zwykle ma bardzo wąskie śródstopie i bardzo miękką piankę w podeszwie środkowej. Ci z Państwa którzy czytają moje recenzje od czasu do czasu pewnie zauważyli, że moim butem idealnym jest but o szerokim śródstopiu i sztywniejszej piance. Kiedy jednak nasi przyjaciele ze sportsshoes.com zaproponowali mi parę Pegasus 41 (rzadko modele są starsze ode mnie) ciekawość zwyciężyła nad obawami. Zapraszam do recenzji. 

Sunday, January 26, 2025

RoadTrailRide: Dirwin Pioneer Fat Tire eBike Review

  Article by John Tribbia

Dirwin Pioneer Fat Tire eBike | 750W Motor, 60+ Miles ($1,799)



Sizes: Regular or Step-thru


Introduction

Dirwin, a relatively new player in the eBike market, is making waves with their focus on rugged, all-terrain machines. The Pioneer is a prime example of their philosophy – it's a powerful, fat-tire beast designed to conquer any terrain. Whether I’m cruising down Boulder's bike paths or tackling the challenging trails in the foothills, the Pioneer feels equally confident. It's clear that Dirwin isn't just building eBikes; they're building machines for adventure.

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Reviews: Deuter Traick 9L Trail Running Vest & ShortTail III Running Belt

 Article by Mike Postaski and Renee Krusemark


Mike reviews the Deuter Traick 9L trail running vest while Renee reviews the ShortTail III running hip belt.

Mount to Coast P1 Review

Article by Matt Kolat

Mount to Coast P1 ($160)

Introduction

Mount to Coast is a relatively new brand in the very congested running marketplace. What immediately catches the eye in their products is the attention to styling - these shoes look cool, let’s be honest. 


When I first saw them I had a gentle debate with myself if I might not be too old for those bad boys but then my vanity took over and all guilt had evaporated. 


The brand itself is focused on ultra running but I feel that this shoe would function well for road runners like me (and maybe you dear reader). What is more the shoe itself is a very unique take on stability as it focuses on also stabilizing the forefoot rather just the rear of the shoe. Is that the case or maybe the P1 has more to offer - let’s find out in the review.  

Beoordeling: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880V15 7 Vergelijkingen (Flemish/Dutch)

Artikel door Kurt Biesemans, Jen Schmidt and Sam Winebaum

New Balance 880V15 (159,95€)

Introductie

Kurt: De New Balance 880 neemt een centrale plek in binnen het assortiment van het merk als een veelzijdige, neutrale dagelijkse trainingsschoen die is ontworpen voor hardlopers die comfort en duurzaamheid zoeken voor dagelijks gebruik. De schoen maakt deel uit van de Fresh Foam-serie en bevindt zich tussen de lichtere, snellere modellen zoals de New Balance Rebel of FuelCell Propel, en de meer dempende, premium langeafstands schoenen zoals de New Balance 1080.

De 880 richt zich op het bieden van een betrouwbare, gebalanceerde loopervaring, waardoor het een uitstekende keuze is voor hardlopers die een schoen willen die goed presteert bij verschillende soorten trainingen – van rustige herstelloopjes tot middelzware lange afstanden. De combinatie van gematigde demping en stabiliteit maakt het een echt werkpaard voor wie consistentie en comfort waardeert in zijn training routine.

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Merrell Antora Review: 4 Comparisons

 Article by Renee Krusemark

Merrell Antora ($130) 

Introduction

The Antora and the men’s Nova are Merrell’s best selling trail shoes, marketed towards trail running, walking, and lifestyle wear. I first saw the Antora v4 at TRE 2024, where the shoe was not featured as much as the upcoming 2025 Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx (RTR Review)  and Morph Pro (Video Preview). As compared to  Merrell’s more performance-focused trail shoes, the Antora clearly leans much more to what Merrell calls “functional running comfort to support an array of end-use capabilities.” 

Pros:

  • Women-specific fit

  • Lightweight

  • Doubles as a casual/lifestyle shoe 

Cons:

  • Narrow platform is not stable on some terrain

  • More casual leaning than running performance


Stats

Sample Weight: women’s 8.14 oz / 232 g US8

Stack Height: 23.5mm heel / 16mm forefoot (7.5/8mm drop spec) 

Platform Width: 65mm heel / 62mm midfoot / 96mm forefoot 

Monday, January 20, 2025

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 Multi Tester Review:7 Comparisons

Article by Kurt Biesemans, Jen Schmidt, Courtney Kelly, and Sam Winebaum

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 ($140/159,95€)

Introduction

Kurt: The New Balance 880 occupies a central position in the brand's lineup as a versatile neutral daily trainer designed for runners seeking comfort and durability for everyday use. It’s part of the Fresh Foam family and sits between the lightweight, faster models like the New Balance Rebel or FuelCell Propel, and the more cushioned, premium long-distance shoes like the New Balance 1080.

The 880 focuses on providing a reliable, balanced ride, making it an excellent choice for runners who want a shoe that performs well for a variety of runs—from easy recovery jogs to moderate long distances. Its combination of moderate cushioning and stability makes it a workhorse shoe for those who value consistency and comfort in their training routine.

Sam: The 880 v15 has long been New Balance’s middle of the road all around daily trainer. With the v15, it follows recent trends towards higher stack heights and broader platforms, so more cushioning and more stability. Fresh Foam X, a non supercritical foam continues as the midsole, even as many shoes in its price category have gone with supercritical foams for their lighter weight and more energetic rides. Did New Balance thread the needle and deliver both a more cushioned ride and some of the agile, any pace spunk of prior 880’s. Please read on to find out!


Courtney: New Balance Fresh Foam v15 is a versatile daily trainer that offers you a cushioned, yet firm and responsive ride. Users of Fresh Foam Version 14 will still enjoy the ride of the tried and true trainer, but with some noticeable enhancements. NB added 3mm more foam to the heel and 5mm more foam to the forefoot, lowering the drop 2mm from its predecessor to 6mm. There is a versatility and approachability that sets the 880 apart from other max stack trainers

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Under Armour UA x Speedland Infinite Mega: The Ultimate in Run Comfort ? 3 Comparisons

Article by Jennifer Schmidt, John Tribbia and Courtney Kelly

Under Armour UA x Speedland Infinite Mega ($250)


Introduction

Courtney: Under Armour has partnered with trail world innovator Speedland and BOA Fit System to bring us the highly cushioned yet responsive Infinite Mega. 

This shoe delivers ultimate comfort and a super secure lockdown using its multi directional, micro adjustable BOA dial system. 

The Infinite Mega just might have nailed what many max stack trainers have been trying to accomplish, which is ultimate comfort without that mushy sinking in feeling. Please read on as I join John and Jen in testing and reviewing this innovative and intriguing new trainer.

Hoka Clifton 10 Multi Tester Review- Big Changes! 10 Comparisons

Article by Reed Breuer, Sam Winebaum, and Ben David

Hoka Clifton 10 ($150)

Editor’s Note: We are thrilled to welcome Reed Breuer to the RTR team. Reed is a running shore manager in the mountains of California and thus can help provide the perspective of having fitted thousands of runners.. He is a former college runner and is now  an avid trail and road runner: any distance, any terrain He has PR’s of 15:28 5K and 2:28 for the marathon


Introduction

Reed: As a running store manager, popular shoe updates elicit both fear and excitement. Will they ruin one of our best-selling models? Will it be even better? And the answer always lies somewhere between with the Clifton 10. Some will like the improved fit, others will scoff at the new higher stack height and new 8mm drop. Were a change like this to have occurred several years ago, we’d only be complaining about the weight gain. But in today’s era, those looking for a protective lightweight trainer that can handle different paces may have already moved on from the Clifton to other light trainers like the Mach and Novablast or even to plated super-trainers. 

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Testbericht: Nike Zoom Fly 6 - Der perfekte Trainingspartner zum Alphafly 6 Vergleiche

Article by Nils Scharff

Nike Zoom Fly 6 (170€)

Einleitung


Vor mittlerweile fast 5 Jahren hat Nike mit dem Tempo Next% einen der ersten Supertrainer im heutigen Sinne veröffentlicht und war damit seiner Zeit weit voraus. Der Next% war als Trainingspartner zum damals ebenfalls neu erschienenen Alphafly gedacht und teilte sich mit ihm die AirZoom Einheiten unterm Vorfuß und in der Folge das typische, fast schon mechanische Laufgefühl. Der Alphafly hat sich unterdessen weiterentwickelt und die aktuelle, dritte Generation ist schnell zum Publikumsliebling geworden und auch für mich derzeit der Marathonracer der Wahl. Doch der Tempo Next% wurde nie fortgeführt. Stattdessen hat Nike versucht den Zoom Fly als Trainingsschuh mit Karbonfaserplatte entsprechend zu platzieren und von Generation zu Generation mit teils drastischen Änderungen experimentiert. Bis dato war dies nicht von Erfolg gekrönt, die letzten Zoom Fly Generationen haben sich keiner großen Beliebtheit erfreut. Doch mit dem nun erschienenen Zoom Fly 6 soll sich dies ändern. Erneut hat der Zoom Fly eine komplette Überarbeitung erfahren. Eine Durchgängige ZoomX Mittelsohle wird von einer Karbonfaserplatte unterstützt und durch eine Schicht EVA-Schaum stabilisiert und geschützt. Die Stapelhöhe hat sich leicht erhöht und die Silhouette des Zoom Fly hat sich komplett geändert. Nun ist eindeutig eine Ähnlichkeit zum aktuellen Alphafly 3 zu erkennen. Ob damit auch ein ähnlich phänomenales Laufgefühl einhergeht, bleibt abzuwarten und wird mein Test hoffentlich zeigen. Ich freue mich jedenfalls drauf den Zoom Fly 6 auf Herz und Nieren zu testen!

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Hoka Bondi 9: The OG of Max Cushion Roars Back! 7 Comparisons

Article by Sam Winebaum

Hoka Bondi 9 ($170)


Introduction

The Bondi was the OG max cushion road trainer, sporting for years a big stable stack height of cushion few other trainers matched or even got close to. Over time, it got bigger yet.  As running shoe foams evolved it became relatively heavy, lumbering and best used for walking, and innumerable pairs have been sold for that as it is a superb walking and standing on your feet all day shoe. Yes, many trained in it as well but other max cushion options emerged in the last few years and started to eat into its franchise as the big shoe.


The Bondi 9 totally revives the model into a truly fine max cushion daily to recovery run trainer with a weight below several of its direct competitors such as the Brooks Glycerin Max and Ghost Max 2, and Hoka's plated Skyward X. 


Most significantly, it is now 0.9 oz / 26g  lighter as  it swaps old school compression molded EVA for modern supercritical EVA. This new foam is more energetic and lighter than the prior foam.


Even while losing weight it goes up 2mm in stack height to about 43 heel / 38 forefoot so is now is in the emerging super max category, 


Promising stats and tech aside it is a super fun big shoe to run, and yes still use for walking. Please read on for all the details my test results.

Brooks Caldera 8 Multi Tester Review: 11 Comparisons!

Article by Jeff Valliere, Allison Valliere and Mike Postaski


Brooks Caldera 8 ($150)

Introduction:

Jeff V:  The Caldera 8 is Brooks’s most highly cushioned, long distance shoe, made for full days on your feet, be it racking up the training miles, or for all but the front of the pack for ultra distance races.  


The Caldera 8 runs lighter than its weight might imply, has a lively feel and a quick, smooth transition.  


The only change to the Caldera 8 over the previous version is the upper which has been slightly retooled, while the DNA Loft v3 midsole and TrailTack Green outsole remain the same.


Mike P: I’ll just be chiming in here with comps for now, but please check out my early video review HERE where I talk quite a bit about the ride while out on the run and also discuss some more specifics about the fit. I also have an extended cut video HERE with some longer clips from one of my test runs.

Icebug Arcus 2 GTX Review

Article by Renee Krusemark

Icebug Arcus 2 GTX ($220)

Introduction

Need a winter shoe? The Arcus 2 features a GORE-TEX ePE (PFAS free ) Invisible fit upper with 14 carbide steel studs, meant for long runs on gravel and road during winter conditions. The need for a waterproof upper and a studded outsole is very specific, making the Arcus 2 a very niche shoe. Of course, for runners who loath the treadmill, the Arcus 2 is an option to keep logging miles during winter months. 

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Janji Women's Winter Running Apparel Reviews: Thermalrunner Jacket , Repeat Merino Long Sleeve, and Aurora Fleece Tights

 Article by Sally Reiley

In the article I test and review Janji’s Thermalrunner Jacket   ($198), Aurora Fleece Tights ($118), Repeat Merino Long Sleeve  ($88), all winter focused high performance apparel over the last several weeks in definitely cold Marblehead, MA.


A bit more about Janji.


Janji  evaluates the design of its apparel and gear following three D’s — Durable, Dependable & Deployable.


They are a mission-driven brand and have supported water causes since day one by giving a percentage (2%) back from every single purchase to sustainable water projects in the places that inspire each of its collections.

Monday, January 13, 2025

adidas Adistar BYD Review

Article by Matt Kolat

adidas Adistar BYD (£164.99, 204,59 €, $226.04)

Introduction

I don’t get to test Adidas shoes very often so when our friends at Sportsshoes.com offered a chance to test a brand new Adidas model the Adistar BYD I got pretty excited. Most plated shoes these days cost an arm and a leg. It's good to see that big brands like Adidas are introducing models which are slightly more budget (and legs) friendly. Does that mean that with the lower price we are to expect an inferior product? Or maybe simply something less aggressive with slightly less quality materials? Let’s dive into the review to see what we are dealing with!

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Very stable 

  • Fun and bouncy

  • Introductory shoe if you never tried plated shoes before

  • Should last above average 

  • Feel faster than the weight would suggest

 

Cons:

  • Tongue too short and too thin

  • Lacing system needs re-design (too many holes)

  • Heavy for a racing shoe (not too heavy for a daily trainer)

  • Midfoot upper a little too constrictive (can be a pro if you have low volume feet, I don’t)