Peter Stuart's 8 Running Things I Loved in 2018!

Article by Peter Stuart

Best Overall All Purpose Running  Shoes

Road Trail Run Year in Review & Sam's Running Shoes and Gear of the Year

Article by Sam Winebaum, Editor and Founder

RoadTrailRun had quite a year. Our able and dedicated team (reviewer bios) wrote over 180 articles including reviews of run shoes, apparel, run tech and more along with preview reports from CES., The Running Event, Boston and New York Marathons expos, and two Outdoor Retailer shows. 

Our readership grew rapidly in 2018 and will pass 7,000,000 page views just after the first of the new year. We also have a rapidly growing audience of 3200 followers on Instagram, 2400 on Facebook, and 1275 on our YouTube channel which we invite you to follow.  We very much appreciate our loyal worldwide readers' and viewers' interest in our independent, often first to publish, in depth, comparative content. In 2019, we plan to modernize the navigation and access to information on the site, increase our YouTube channel content, and continue to seek out the latest and greatest in running gear and try to get you the details first! 

Sam's Running

Barely could stand but could still smile after my BQ

I will end up running about the same 1750 miles as in recent years mostly at moderate paces with about one race per month of varying distances from 5K to marathon. I ran two 25K trail races this year: Speedgoat and the UA Mountain Series at Killington, VT.  I met my annual goal of a sub 1:40 half with a 1:38.40 early in March and then on a cold windy day in April on the flattest marathon course I have ever run managed a 3:40:52 Boston qualifier  at age 61. The rest of the year of racing was so so but I remained healthy, consistent, and injury free for which I am very thankful.

Needless to say, I ran and tested many shoes, much apparel, and tons of other run tech in 2018. I did not do an exact count but I likely ran in close to 80 different running shoes this year and tested many other run products . Needless to say it's all a bit of a blur but certain products stood out. I will say no shoes were "game changers" as the 2017 original Vaporfly 4% were, not even in comparison the later Obsidian color or the Flyknit version. But there was a game changing non shoe product. Please read on. After careful thought and some re testing here are my 2018 picks. My shoe of the year is at end..

adidas Solar Drive Review: Durable, Soft and Easy Trainer with a Cage Free Upper Gets the Job Done

Article by Sam Winebaum and Dave Ames
adidas Solar Drive ($120

Sam: The original adidas Boost shoe, the Energy Boost 1 was a sensational trainer and also marathon racer for me ,and this for several years after its initial launch. Then Adi drifted away into Ultra Boost and Supernova with excessively soft midsoles and outsoles, heavy off balance heel areas, uppers with awkward plastic cages (2018 Energy Boost and many others) and painfully dense stitched saddles with non stretch toe boxes (Solar Boost).

While resolutely a softer and heavier shoe at 11.1 oz in my US men's 8.5 sample, the Solar Drive has that Boost bounce and plenty of underfoot stability from its unobtrusive midsole/upper Solar Propulsion Rails. The top to bottom feel from upper to midsole/outsole is very well balanced, smooth and polished providing a leisurely, comfortable highly protective ride with no rough edges

Dave:  I’ve been impressed with Adi as of late.  The special edition B.A.A. colorway of last year’s Boston is an amazing shoe.  In fact, one of the Top 5 shoes of 2018 for me. It’s smooth, can be used on a variety of days and quite honestly, is just a joy to run in!  The BOOST midsole compound has come a long way since the original Energy Boost from some years ago, and I’m leaving runs feeling a heck of a lot fresher than I used to! BOOST used to do a number on me, I sank far too much in it.

Pros

Very well cushioned, bouncy and smooth transitioning Boost based midsole

Workhorse trainer with very good expected mileage longevity.

Fairly priced at $120 for a top to bottom fully modern design, Boost powered, heavy duty trainer

Cons

The upper is hot!  Needs more breathability.

Upper may be overly voluminous for low volume feet

Heavy at over 11 oz.

Please read on for all the details

Jeff Valliere's Best Running Shoes and Gear of 2018

by Jeff Valliere

2018 was yet another great year of reviewing with eye opening innovations, improvements over prior generation products or entirely new products that hit us unexpectedly. What follows is a random round up of the running shoes and gear that stood out as my favorites for the year in no particular order.

Oofos recovery footwear (full review):  Unparalleled comfort and adequate style even for the office.  In the summer, I wear the Ooahh Sport Slide Sandal around the house and in winter, the Ooahh OoCloog around the house and at the office.  If I am not wearing a running shoe, I am wearing something from Oofos.

Julbo Aerospeed/Aero/Aerolite with Zebra Light lens:  As part of our run glasses roundup, we reviewed the Julbo Aerospeed  n depth, a larger version of the Aerolite.  I ended up trading the Aerospeed for the Aerolite with Sam, as they work better fitting over his glasses and I prefer smaller glasses for my smaller face.  No matter, any of these 3 models, whichever you may choose, are light, fit well with no bounce, have a wide field of vision, take a lot to fog and with the Zebra Light (or Zebra Light Fire) are extremely versatile for a wide range of light conditions and transition quickly from dark to light.  Julbo is always my first pick.

ON Running Performance T, Lightweight Short and Weather Jacket (RTR review):  Unparalleled quality, materials, comfort, performance and style all wrapped into one.  The shorts and T are super light and breathable, while the Weather Jacket is light, yet very protective and fits well.  It is ALWAYS in my gear bag.

Best Trail Shoe Max Cushion - Hoka One One EVO Mafate (RTR review):  The EVO Mafate was intriguing from the start, but I was slow to warm up to it.  Over time, once the upper softened and conformed to my feet and the tall lugs wore down a bit, the EVO Mafate skyrocketed to the top of my list.  Fast, light, responsive, durable with excellent traction, this is the perfect shoe for ripping fast all day long over just about any terrain.

Best Mid Cushion Trail Shoe - Hoka One One Torrent (RTR Review):  Hoka is absolutely just killing it, with the one two punch of the EVO Mafate and Torrent.  The Torrent has less cushion, but better ground feel, foothold and stability. It is ideal for pushing hard no matter how technical the trail.  Cushion and protection is excellent, without the tall maximal feel of most traditional Hokas.

Best Short Distance Trail Race Shoe - Salomon S/Lab Sense 7 SG (RTR review):  For short, fast and technical PR attempts or as a race day rocket, the S/Lab Sense 7 is a top pick as it is light and agile with surprising protection, response and superb traction.  It just looks fast too!

Garmin Fenix 5 Plus (RTR review):  Reviewing the Fenix 5 Plus was without a doubt my review highlight of the year.  I can't think of an overall better watch on the market for my purposes, pulling double duty as a precise any sport GPS sport watch with on board maps, music and all the bells and whistles you could imagine, yet also performs double duty as a stylish all day smartwatch.  The 5 Plus has essentially become an appendage of my wrist.

Garmin inReach Mini (RTR review):  Made to communicate with the outside world while out of cell phone range in the backcountry and to notify search and rescue in case of emergency, the inReach Mini is a must for trail runners who like to get off the beaten track.  Light and compact with flexible subscription plans, the inReach Mini wraps up all the goodness of the full size version (well, without the mapping screen) and integrates with the Fenix series and 935 for easy operation.  Small enough to fit in just about any pocket, there is really no good excuse not to bring it along on any outdoor adventure or run.

Best Light and Innovative Product of 2018?  Kogalla RA Adventure Light (RTR review):  Either way, if you run or adventure at night, take a time out and read our linked full review, then order one for yourself.  Now that you are back, you will have a lot to look forward to.  Even with good lights, I was previously just so/so on running at night on the rocky trails above Boulder.  I was often off balance and a bit stumbly.  With the Kogalla however, with it's broad swath of light, 800 lumen brightness, warm light hue and zero bouncy jitteriness, my night runs have been transformed into a pleasurable experience instead of a reluctant necessity.

Best Running Vest - Ultimate Direction Mountain Vest 4.0 (RTR review):  Lightweight, soft materials, improved soft flasks, high capacity without feeling bulky and stable ride with excellent access to well thought out pockets, the UD Mountain Vest 4.0 is my first pick for long runs in the mountains where I need to carry more than the very basics.

Jeff Valliere is a former pro cyclist who now runs and climbs the mountains of Colorado. He has been top 5 Masters, top 25 overall, at the Pike's Peak Marathon several times, finishing 3d Masters this year. Jeff loves vertical accumulating more than 500,000 vertical feet per year, has climbed all the 14's and 200 of the 13's and has held FKT on several.  He often runs and climbs at night. Passionate about the sport but also the gear he has reviewed hundred of shoes for various magazines and sites and participated in product testing for many brands.  Formerly a bike mechanic he has recently worked in Satellite Imagery. He has twin 6 year old daughters who keep him ever busier yet.

More Best of 2018 Articles

Sam Winebaum  (Editor and Founder) Road, Trail, and Tech 

HERE

Peter Stuart Road 

HERE

Michael Ellenberger Road

HERE

Dave Ames Road and Trail

HERE

Hope Wilkes Road

HERE

Jeff Beck's Road and Trail

HERE

Dominick Layfield Ultras

HERE

Thanks for Reading Road Trail Run in 2018!

What were your Running Favorites of 2018?

Comments Questions Welcome Below!

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Your purchases help support RoadTrailRun's work. Thanks!

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adidas adizero adios 4 Review: Fast Classic, Carefully Refined

Article by Michael Ellenberger, Hope Wilkes, Dave Ames, and Sam Winebaum

adizero adios 4 ($140)

Introduction

Michael: The adizero adios Boost line (“Adios”) has never been one touting the lightest or flashiest racing flats. Adidas even went outside the Adios moniker to try and compete with the Nike Vaporfly 4%, in the mixed-reviewed Adidas Sub2. But in the Adios line, Adidas has promised a responsive, reasonably lightweight flat, capable of the marathon but nimble enough for the road 5K. You can find lighter racing flats, but you may not find a more multipurpose series of shoes than this. And finally, with the adizero adios 4, Adidas has cleaned up the Adios 3, removed some of the unnecessary dressing and stuck true to its line - a durable, comfortable, energy-returning flat with bounce to take some through a marathon, and weight to drive home that track session.

Sam: The Adios 4 comes from a long lineage of distinguished race shoes of the name. The first Boost version came in 2013 (RTR review) and was one of my favorite race shoes of all time. The addition of Boost bounce and energy “return” took racing shoes out of the realm of firm and harsh. Much racing success followed including the world marathon record held until this past September by the adios.  Other than a more (too) relaxed upper and a slightly softer forefoot feel subsequent editions over the years were essentially unchanged. The adios 4 essentially doesn’t mess with the formula beyond a new upper. The question to be answered is how does it measure up to the newer competition with their lighter energetic foams (Zoom X, Floatride Foam, etc…) and innovative constructions (Vaporfly).

adios 4 Pros:   

Dave:  Lightweight, snappy BOOST midsole, a speed demon!

Michael: Improved fit over predecessor, BOOST provides a responsive, fun ride

Hope: Snappy yet soft BOOST midsole, fun ride, great traction and durability

Sam: More racing worthy upper, lighter by 0.4 oz.

adios 4 Cons:

Dave: Could use a tad more tongue.  Other than that, wow!

Michael: Compared to the competition, it’s a bit chunky for shorter races.

Hope: The upper materials are too scratchy still

Sam: Heavy for a racer, somewhat dated firm ride and low forefoot stack that has not evolved

Salomon XA Elevate GTX Review - All of the Rugged, Versatile Greatness of the XA Elevate with Added Waterproof Protection

Salomon XA Elevate GTX

When I have to choose from my selection of running shoes, unless I am testing something new, I’ll more often than not pick the Salomon XA Elevate, my favorite shoe from 2017 and certainly one of my favorites to date.  As the seasons shift to Winter, I have found the XA Elevate to be a bit too breathable, dealing with cold and wet feet when it snows and looking for something a bit more waterproof, though I still gravitate toward it due to its excellent traction, versatility, fit and protection.
Enter the XA Elevate GTX with Gore Tex waterproof membrane to keep out the cold drafts and dampness.  Though a low cut shoe, the XA Elevate GTX when paired with a set of low gaiters (or without on packed snowy trails or just when cold) is a fine choice for most winter days.

Pros:
Protection. Durability and Stability
Fit and Waterproofing
Traction on all surfaces
Versatility
Cons
Tongue
Heel Padding
Shoe Weight
Specs Weight: 10.9 oz/310g (US 9M) Test sample in US M10: 12.13 oz/344g Stack Height: 26mm/18mm (8mm drop) Lug Height: 5mm MSRP: $160 Available now
Tester Profile: Jeff Valliere runs mostly on very steep technical terrain above Boulder often challenging well known local FKT's. 

Upper:  

This is the most significant change over the regular XA Elevate, with a full Gore Tex bootie integration, which does an excellent job at keeping out water, snow, slush and also helps retain warmth, without feeling overly warm or clammy, even in temps up to ~70 degrees.

As is the case with the majority of Salomon shoes, the upper is about as good as it gets for me. Salomon, as always, really does a great job with the upper, striking a combination of confidence inspiring foothold, comfort, fit and quality/durability.  The XA Elevate GTX is a shoe where I never really think about foothold, since the upper does its job so well, no matter how steep the terrain, the speed, side hilling or rock hopping.

Fit is true to size and though the XA Elevate GTX has somewhat of a performance fit suited generally toward the lower volume foot, the ability to adjust the laces to accommodate a wider range of feet is only rivaled by the Sense Pro Max and Ultra Pro within the Salomon lineup.  Fit is true to size, forefoot room is enough for splay and swell without feeling insecure or sloppy in technical terrain.

The internal Sensi Fit overlays (“innerlays” in the case of the Elevate) are very comfortable with no pressure points and I am able to achieve proper snugness on the first pull of the quick laces and not have to adjust them again no matter the speed or terrain.

The upper on the XA Elevate GTX is excellent, however with a few very minor, but notable exceptions.  First, the tongue is reworked to accommodate the Gore Tex liner, as to keep water out of the shoe. This causes the tongue to jut upwards instead of nicely contouring over the top of the foot as is the case with the non GTX version.

In the photo below, you can see how the tongue is naturally positioned, protruding upward on the GTX (left), yet laying low and flat on the normal version. This is not significantly problematic, however it does somewhat impact fit and security.

Additionally, where the Gore Tex liner wraps around the back inside of the heel counter, there is a distinct seam, above which the padding juts outward and is somewhat thick.  I don’t find it to be uncomfortable, but I do find heel hold to be compromised ever so slightly.

Compared to the non GTX

Combined with the different tongue, I find overall fit and security to be slightly different in comparison to the non Gore Tex version of the XA Elevate.  If I were not comparing to the non GTX version, this would essentially go unnoticed, but the non GTX Elevate is absolutely perfect for me and thus sets a very high standard.

Midsole:

The dual density Energy Cell+ EVA midsole is identical in both shoes, though with an extra millimeter of advertised stack.  Not sure if that is a result of the Gore Tex liner or not and comparing side by side with the non GTX version, there is a difference, but much of that could be compaction after 140 miles of hard use.

The Profeel film in the forefoot offers incredible protection, to the point where in both versions of the XA Elevate to be unrivaled for a trail running shoe, guarding against any sort of sharp obstacles underfoot while offering adequate contouring underfoot.  Perfect for rock hopping and off trail use.

Cushioning is on the firm side, definitely not plush, but not overly harsh or slappy either and has never been a problem for me no matter the run.

Outsole:

The outsole of the XA Elevate/GTX has been one of the best for me, supremely grippy and versatile, providing positive and secure traction on just about any surface, no matter the season. The 5mm lugs are significant and prominent, providing excellent bite into soft dirt, off trail scruff, snow, yet are numerous and arranged such that they are never noticeable or a hindrance when running on harder surfaces. Wet traction, particularly on wet rock is unparalleled, as the composition of the Premium Wet Traction Contagrip sticks predictably always.

As if the supreme traction on such a wide variety of conditions and surfaces were not enough, durability is also impressive. In the photo below, you can compare the non GTX XA Elevate (top) with over 140 miles of very hard use with the GTX (bottom) with about 30 miles of use. Though the lugs are slightly rounded compared to new with slightly more wear in the toe, I have not found traction to be compromised in the least.

Conclusions/Recommendations:

Overall I find the XA Elevate GTX to be a great all around winter/wet/bad weather trail running shoe for a wide variety of conditions and surfaces. Sharing nearly all the positive attributes of the non GTX version, the XA Elevate GTX is a top pick when the trails or even roads are sloppy with snow, water and mud, providing positive traction, a waterproof upper and great performance. The gain of over an ounce over the non GTX version is noticeable, though the weight of the shoe is in line with (or lighter than) many competing Gore Tex heavier duty trail running shoes.

The Gore Tex liner adds more structure to the upper, making it feel a bit more protective and durable (which it is), but it does also add a bit of stiffness. Combined with the tongue that does not wrap as well and the change to the interior of the heel counter, foothold and fit is just a notch below the non GTX version, though still excellent.

I typically lean toward Gore Tex shoes with a built in gaiter, however it is easy enough to add a set of lightweight gaiters (like the fine Kahtoola Instagaiters we reviewed here). I also appreciate having a lower cut GTX shoe for days that I do not need full over the ankle coverage. And they slip on easier.

Room for improvement?
It is hard for me to knock the XA Elevate GTX, being the Gore Tex version of one of my favorite shoes of all time. However, I think that the tongue is a bit floppy and the inner heel counter could be re-worked to provide better heel hold. Admittedly, I am splitting hairs here, but this is about all I can come up with that would make better fit/performance.

Comparisons:
Salomon XA Elevate GTX vs. Salomon XA Elevate (RTR review here): The non GTX version is lighter, has better foothold and security, resulting in more agile and fast performance. Adding the GTX liner adds weight and stiffness and compromises foothold/fit somewhat, but is worth it for the supreme weatherproofing. Midsole and outsole are identical.

Salomon XA Elevate GTX vs. La Sportiva Uragano/Tempesta GTX (RTR review here): The XA Elevate GTX is probably closer to the Tempesta, as they are both low top, though the collar is a touch lower on the Elevate. Both are equally waterproof and both have excellent traction. I would say the Elevate has better all around versatility and traction on a wider variety of surfaces than the Tempesta. For deeper snow and harsher conditions, I would pick the Uragano out of the 3 given the built in gaiter and deeper tread (sharing outsole with Tempesta). For La Sportiva, I size up 1/2 size with their winter shoes as they seem to fit a bit more snug and I prefer to wear a thicker wool sock when cold (not really necessary with the Elevate however).

Salomon XA Elevate GTX vs. Salomon Speedspike CS (RTR review here): As the name implies, the Speedspike CS has carbide studs for traction on hard frozen snow and ice. The Speedspike is waterproof as well and fit is at least as good, if not better than the Elevate, as I feel it is a bit more secure. The lugs are more pronounced on the Speedspike CS not even considering the studs, but overall the Elevate is more versatile. Both shoes are winter staples for me, just depends on the trail/conditions.

Reviewer Bio Jeff Valliere is a former pro cyclist who now runs and climbs the mountains of Colorado. He has been top 5 Masters, top 25 overall, at the Pike's Peak Marathon several times, finishing 2d Masters in 2015. Jeff loves vertical accumulating more than 500,000 vertical feet per year, has climbed all the Colorado 14's and 200 of the 13's and has held FKT on several.   

The Ride GTX was provided at no charge. The opinions herein are entirely the author's.

Comments Questions Welcome Below!

2018 Holiday Gift Guide and Mini Reviews: 

Jackets, Run Pants, Base Layers, Socks, and Recovery CLICK HERE

GPS, Trackers, Earbuds, Run Lighting, and Sunglasses  CLICK HERE

RoadTrailRun receives a commission for purchases through the stores below. 

Your purchases help support RoadTrailRun's work. Thanks!

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Hoka One One Mach 2 Review: Bouncier Responsive Up Tempo and Race Shoe for Road and Some Trails

Article by Derek Li, Dom Layfield, and Sam Winebaum

Hoka One One Mach 2 ($140)

Introduction

The Mach 2 arrives with a completely new softer, engineered mesh upper on a new last focused on opening the arch profile to eliminate the infamous Mach and Clayton bite there.  While as before a dual density ProFly midsole (softer heel, firmer responsive forefoot) ,we now have rubberized foam, similar to what was used in the former outsole layer in the Mach 1, as the entire midsole and outsole in a single slab. The two densities are co-molded to eliminate the glue layer and its effect on transition feel. The weight remains essentially unchanged.

Pros:

Roomy, soft, secure fitting upper

Great wet pavement traction

Substantial cushion, light weight, upper security, stability, and underfoot protection as a non technical trail run shoe,

Cons

Slightly overweight given recent competition in its class 

Raised midsole walls may not be ideal for flat wide feet.

Road runner testers would prefer a slightly higher drop here

John Shaw's Racer Story: The Unexpected Journey from Couch Potato to World Records!

Article by John Shaw

Editor's Note: We are thrilled to bring you John's story. Six years ago, John took up running in a Couch to 5K program after leading a pretty darn sedentary life. In October 2018 he smashed the 20 year old 50K World Record for a 65 year old with a time of 3:34.18, passing the marathon in 2:54. He also holds the world marathon record for a 63 year old with his personal best 2:45.13. He shares his remarkable life story, motivation, training and racing methods, and his secrets, "the nitty gritty of an ancient marathoner" on how to really run fast, at any age, with RoadTrailRun.

John before taking up running and on the podium after his world record 50K PC: Jasmine Scholtz and Raine Shaw

On any given weekend up to June 2012 you would have found me lazing on the couch watching sport; munching my way through yet another pack of chips (crisps) while guzzling down a rum n coke.

Fast forward to October 2018 and at age 65 I’m standing atop the podium after winning a 50km event and smashing my age group World Record by 6 minutes. A record that had stood for 20 years!

Hold on! What the heck happened to that couch potato? To find out let’s go back to the very beginning of an amazing and unlikely journey.