Saucony Ride ISO 2 Initial Impressions Review, Comparisons to Ride ISO 1

Article by Sam Winebaum

Saucony Ride ISO 2 ($120)
Update: Full Ride ISO 2 review HERE

Stats

Weight: sample  US 9 : 9.84 oz 279 g

Stack Height: 29mm heel /21 mm forefoot, 8mm drop

Available: 5/1 run speciality stores, 6/1 general release

A full multi-tester review to follow soon. In the meantime my initial run impressions Ride ISO 1 on one foot ISO 2 on the other, shoe details, and comparison to Ride ISO 1 video is below. 

Key highlights: 

• 2mm more PWRFOAM midsole stack but same overall stack height by using a thinner durable Crystal Rubber forefoot outsole with 4 Tri Flex bands instead of 5.

• Somewhat softer riding and easier to transition. 

• Considerably more medial upper support at lace up area due to less pronounced/deeply cut ISOFit bands and a new medial overlay. 

2019 Saucony Previews article featuring Ride ISO 2, Liberty ISO 2, and Mad River TR here: 
Saucony Ride ISO 1 review here: 

Read Sam's run bio here

The product reviewed was provided at no cost. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.

Comments and Questions  

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New Balance Fresh Foam Gobi 3: A Great Road Trail Hybrid for the Right Foot

Article by Mac Jeffries

New Balance Fresh Foam Gobi 3 ($100)

Introduction:

My interest in the Gobi 3 started with a different shoe- the Zante 4. What a good-looking shoe. What a narrow, un-run-ably harsh - but good-looking - shoe. I wanted to love it, but it was just a non-starter for me; they barely even make it out of the kitchen before I was pulling out the return label. So, when I saw that the Gobi 3 was built on the same Fresh Foam  23mm/17mm platform as the Zante 4, but with a wider toe box and softer outsole tread meant for softer ground, I was intrigued. How did the lightweight road/trail hybrid perform? You’re probably gonna have to scroll past some awesome sponsors to find out!

Pros:

The Fresh Foam midsole - combined with the softer Hydrohesion outsole - is very well suited for hard trails and most any surface a little harder, or softer. They look GREAT. The full-bootie upper seems to keep out debris very well.

Cons:

Sizing: Although better than the Zante, they still fit narrow (I switched my D out for an EE, something I usually only do in dress shoes and hiking boots.) Putting them on and lacing them up takes about an hour. They will probably get stolen because they look so good.

ON Running Cloudswift Initial Impressions Video Review with Shoe Details

Article by Sam Winebaum

ON Running Cloudswift ($150)

Stats

Weight: 10.2 oz /289 g US M 9  8.5 oz / 240 g US W7

7mm drop
Available now.

Initial impressions & Details at the YouTube below.  

Our full multi-tester review is coming soon. 

Read reviewers' full run bios here

The product reviewed was provided at no cost. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.

Comments and Questions  

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Brooks Running Glycerin 17 Multi Tester Review: Plush, Flexible and Lively

Brooks Running Glycerin 17 ($150)

Introduction

Don't be fooled by the high version number here. The Glycerin has continued to evolve over the years and with the 16, and now the 17, the shoe now features Brooks' new lively DNA Loft midsole foam. The Glycerin formula has been as flexible, plush, soft heavier trainer which was good for ambling along mostly, leisurely. With DNA Loft in the mix and other changes, in the 16 and now in the 17, the Glycerin becomes a more versatile and livelier yet still super plush trainer. It has to be good as it is the trainer choice of Desi Linden, 2018 Boston Marathon winner.

PROS

Jeff :

Well cushioned with lots of traction, and a comfortable upper

Half ounce down from the Glycerin 16 (12.3 ounces for G16 and 11.7 for G17)

Didn’t make changes for the sake of making changes

Sam:

Flexible forefoot, easy transitioning at all paces

Great blend of slightly bouncy softer cushion above a solid stable responsive outsole

Runs lighter than actual weight.

Peter:

Well cushioned

Feels lighter than specs

Harmony of upper and midsole creates a nice ride.

Hope:

Comfortable, flexible, upper wraps the foot well

CONS

Jeff

It should be called the 16.5 so little has changed from the last shoe

Upper mesh is still comfortable, but just a hair tighter around the toes

Great upper but somewhat overbuilt and dense. A bit low over center front toes

Peter

Didn’t read the above until after a run...yup, a little low over the toes. Trim nails!

Sam:

Somewhat dense upper, especially at mid foot.

Bumper is a low and wide over the front of the toes, with a pronounced sole curve up.

Weight. if the Glycerin could lose half an ounce or more it would be perfect.

Hope:

Upper is overly dense; shoe is maybe so flexible that it’s unstable
I hate to be obvious, but weight

Average Testers' Score: 9.73 /10

Please read on for all the details 

Initial Run Impressions Review: Topo Athletic Phantom

Article by Sam Winebaum

Topo Athletic Phantom
Update: Read our full multi-tester review  HERE

In advance of our full multi tester review, my initial run impressions review and details for the Topo Athletic Phantom, the brand's first maximally cushioned shoe. It features a Zip Foam midsole, a lively blend of TPU and EVA.

Stats

Estimated Weight: men’s US 9: 10.7 oz. Final production may differ in weight

Sample men’s US 8.5: 10.4 oz  / 295 g

Total Stack Height: 30mm heel / 25 mm forefoot, 5mm drop (includes 5mm Ortholite footbed)

$130. Available May 2019

Read reviewers' full run bios here

The product reviewed was provided at no cost. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.

Comments and Questions  

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RaidLight REVOLUTIV Review - "Pure Alpine DNA"

RaidlLight REVOLUTIV
Estimated Weight US M9: 9.8 oz / 278 g
Sample US M10: 10.4 oz./294 grams 
23mm heel/17mm forefoot (6mm drop)
$165. Available now at RaidLight here

First Impressions/Introduction:
I am vaguely familiar with the French company RaidlLght, having checked out some of their packs and clothing in the past, but their Italian designed shoes came as a surprise to me. They are a leading Ultra focused brand in Europe and part of the Rossignol Group, well known for their ski gear and excellent nordic ski boots and we see some nordic ski boot design elements such as neoprene bootie and outer shell to really lock down the foot shared with the Revolutiv.
The looks are somewhat reminiscent of Salomon and built quality is excellent.  The outer shell of the upper around the heel connecting to the top two lace eyelets is very thick and stiff, covering an inner booty.  Initial fit feels good, with plush cushioning.

Pros: 

• Traction
• Stability
• Cushion
• Protection
• Security
• Build quality

Cons:

• Lace pressure on top of foot
• Ventilation
• Some may find the upper confining
• Price

Tester Profile

Jeff Valliere runs mostly on very steep technical terrain above Boulder often challenging well known local FKT's.

Salomon Socks Review: Introducing a wide range of technically advanced socks for running, hiking, and skiing,

Article by Sam Winebaum, Jeff Beck, Jeff Valliere, Dom Layfield and Michael Ellenberger

Introduction

Salomon launches a wide range of socks for running, hiking, and skiing (nordic and alpine) for the first time this spring in the US. Available for many years internationally, they are manufactured in Europe by Salomon licensee Intersocks, a major Italian high tech sock manufacturer which crafts socks for Icebreaker, SmartWool, X-Bionic, Burton, and others and also has the licenses for the Salomon, K2 and Nordica sock ranges.

Technologies

The line features a vast array of different fibers and technologies selected for each sport-running, (hiking, mountaineering and skiing) and purpose within the sport. The socks ,and soon gloves, use an oxide mineral embedded in the yarn called Quantum Energy that is said to self activate the body's natural energy flow and improve circulation with a warming effect when cold and a cooling effect when warm. It's also said to one of the most efficient moisture wicking fibers available. The NSO socks also use what is essentially a synthetic merino fiber (Nerinog), with the mid-range socks using a variety of other high performance fibers, with “real” Merino in some of the hiking socks.  The run socks we tested include silicone fibers or dots woven in to help secure foot to shoe, a technique which we found surprisingly effective.

Initial Runs Comparison Videos: Hoka ONE ONE Rincon to Clifton 6, Clifton 6 to Clifton 5

Article by Sam Winebaum

The RoadTrailRun team is testing the upcoming  Hoka ONE ONE Rincon (July-August) and Clifton 6 (June) with multi tester full reviews of both soon.
Update: 
Rincon Full Multi Tester Review here

Clifton 6 Multi Tester Review here

In the videos I compare the Clifton 6 to the Rincon, and Clifton 6 to Clifton 5 after initial test runs.
Key Highlights:

• Rincon based on my sample size 8.5 should come in 7.1 oz / 201 g  for a size 9, so about 1.8 oz lighter than Clifton 6 for a shoe with the identical 29 mm heel, 24 mm forefoot stack, so more than a half ounce lighter than the original Clifton 1.  It has a slightly firmer ride than Clifton 6 and a very light no overlays, no bootie tongue upper.
• Clifton 6 based on my sample 8.5 should come in at about 8.9 oz /252 g for a size 9 so a 0.7 oz weight drop compared to Clifton 5. It has a slightly softer ride and an easier toe off than 5. It has a roomier, softer engineered mesh upper than the 5.

I ran (5 miles) with a Clifton 6 on one foot, Rincon on the other and during a second run (8.8 miles) a Clifton 6 on one foot and Clifton 5 on the other at below 10 min mile pace so relatively slow.

The videos below go into more detail on how they ran and compared and details their construction. 

You Tube Comparing Rincon to Clifton 6

YouTube Comparing Clifton 5 to Clifton 6 to Rincon

YouTube of Hoka Introducing Rincon, Clifton 6, and EVO Mafate 2

Read reviewers' full run bios here

The product reviewed was provided at no cost. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.

Comments and Questions  

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La Sportiva Kaptiva Review - Light and Low, A New, Protective All Mountain Speedster

Article by Jeff Valliere

La Sportiva Kaptiva
Estimated Weight US Men's 9: 10.4 oz / 295 g
Sample Weight: 10.75 oz/305 g US Men's Size 10
22mm heel/16mm forefoot, 6mm drop
4-5mm varying height lugs
$139.00  Available now.

Pros

• Fast and Responsive
• Traction
• Versatility
• Secure upper
• Quality

Cons

• Sizing can be a bit tricky, not true to size and even runs small for a La Sportive

Tester Profile

Jeff runs mostly on very steep technical terrain above Boulder often challenging well known local FKT's.

Polar Vantage M Review: My Personal Trainer! A Sleek & Captivating Multi Sport Smartwatch

Article by Dominique Winebaum

POLAR Vantage M ($280)

When the opportunity to test the Polar Vantage M presented itself, I was ready to track my every move to help me boost my daily physical activity and fitness levels.  After 40+ years of running – marathons in my 20s (4) and half-marathons until a few years ago - I had fallen into a comfortable routine of running 20 miles per week at a relatively slow and consistent pace.

An upcoming long distance hiking trip in May through Switzerland – the Via Jacobi – also required that I geared up my training in the weeks to come.  Sporting a device that continually streams in-depth information about my daily activities, including heart rate and sleep, as I am hiking through Switzerland would be worthy of the Polar Vantage M – an all-in-one watch designed for serious athletes.  

A smartwatch with a sleek design

Until the Polar Vintage M, I was reluctant to wear a smartwatch as I was attached to my classy, 30+ year old Swiss watch.

The sleek look of the Polar Vintage M caught my eye as it was sitting on our kitchen counter to be shipped to a reviewer.  I took the offer to review it and have since embarked on a digital journey of tracking my daily activities, including sleep, renewing and diversifying my athletic goals along the way.  

adidas Terrex Speed GTX Review: Gore-Tex 3D fit and Continental Outsole the Highlights

Article by Canice Harte

Introduction

Pros:

The obvious pro here is that the shoe is completely waterproof and thanks to Gore-Tex 3D fit it’s flexible and does not bind across the top of your foot. The traction of the Continental rubber outsole is also a big plus.

Another pro which I will also list as a negative is that this shoe has a very secure fit thanks to the one piece bootie like upper. If you have a low volume foot you’ll love this.

Cons:

The fit of this shoe is snug and for someone like me that has a high arch with a medium width, as measured at shoe factories to a high level of accuracy. I find the shoe binds on the top of my foot. It’s fine for a short period of time when running but in general it can be uncomfortable. But as stated above in my “Pro’s” if you have a low volume foot you’ll love this.

The ride of this shoe is dense and lacks a pulse.

Tester Profile

Canice is a 2 x finisher of the Wasatch 100, the Bear 100, Moab 100 and Western States 100 as well as many other Ultras.He regularly competes in Expedition Length Adventure races with his longest race to date 600 miles. Beyond ultras and adventure races, Canice has competed in traditional road races and triathlons.

New Balance Fresh Foam More Review: Much More of Everything!

Article by Jeff Beck, Hope Wilkes, Peter Stuart, and Sam Winebaum

New Balance Fresh Foam More ($160)

Introduction

Sam: The New Balance Fresh Foam More is truly more of everything: cushion, stack height, and upper volume yet it comes in at an admirable weight of about 10 oz / 283 g in a size 9. To our knowledge it has the highest midsole stack and the broadest and highest volume toe box of any New Balance to date. Not enough room in this super roomy upper? New Balance will even be offering More in 2E and 4E wides for truly gigantic feet. It features a soft double Jacquard mesh upper to provide structure without overlays, a giant slab of Fresh Foam with laser engraved impact relieving holes as well as flex grooves below the sockliner, and a 5mm ground contact outsole foam outsole. Light and sitting on a broad stable platform with a snappy responsive feel, which is clearly not marshmallows, it offers a distinct new more maximal running shoe  option.

Pros:

Jeff, Sam, Peter, and Hope:

surprisingly light for amount of cushion and stack

relatively snappy and lively for a shoe with this much foam involved

Jeff, Hope and Sam:

Comfortable and breathable upper

Toe box for humans with all five toes

Semi-structured toe box allows for good height as well as sufficient width

Jeff:

Bouncy ride works at all paces

Hope:

Feels stable despite sizeable stack height

Cons:

Sam and Peter:

Ride feels a little flat--could use a little more of a rocker or more flex

Jeff and Sam:

Upper could be problematic for narrow footed runners

Jeff:

Very tall stack height could be unstable for some runners

      Laces way too long

      Cost. $160 is a lot of money, even if it is becoming a more common price point.

Peter:

HUGE irritation issue for me due to collar padding

Hope:

Upper is maybe a bit overbuilt. I really like this shoe, so I’m reaching even to nitpick it.

Average Test Score:  8.2 (9.8, 9.75, 9.3, 4)