ARC'TEYRX Norvan VT 2 Review - Supreme Wet Traction and All Mountain Performance

Article by Jeff Valliere

ARC'TEYRX Norvan VT 2 ($170)

Introduction

I have only run in one other Arc Teryx shoe, the Norvan SL, their extremely light trail runner which is exceptional for uphill use and lightweight travel.  I found quality to be exceptional and was intrigued by the other more substantial models in the Arc Teryx line, as the SL is a bit light for daily use.  After conversing with a Arc Teryx sponsored athlete early in the summer about the Norvan line, he clued me in to the upcoming VT 2 update and strongly suggested that I obtain a pair for review, given my preference for all mountain and technical terrain.

Pros 

Traction (specifically wet traction and slab traction), Protection, Quality, Durability, Comfort, Fit, Security

Cons  

Price, Ride/Cushion, require a break-in period to get a secure fit and become more flexible.

Stats

Estimated Weight 10.5 oz / 298g (US men's 9)
Sample:11 oz / 314 (US men's 10)

Stack Height: 24/16mm (8mm drop)

Available now $170

A Runner’s Review: Apple Watch Series 5 & Stryd

Article by Michael Ellenberger

It’s fall. The leaves are turning. The long-sleeve tops are coming out of storage. And, like clockwork (some pun intended), new Apple products are announced. 2019 gives us the Apple Watch Series 5 - the first with an “always-on display.” You know - like a watch. In some ways, it’s a minor upgrade: Apple’s wrist-flick detection had gotten so good that the display was almost always on when you needed it, anyway. But - especially for us runners - the always-on capabilities mean you can glance at the Watch without the flick, when you’re in traffic, crossing a street, or just sitting at your desk. 

This year is the 5th consecutive year, more or less, I’ve tried the Apple Watch. As with previous years, there are things I don’t like, and at this point are hardwired into my appreciation for it: it’s hard to use a touchscreen when it’s cold. Or wet. Or sweaty. So, pretty much all the time, for a runner. You can use auto pause, or you can click both of the only two buttons, to stop the timer. There’s no dedicated start-stop key. And there’s definitely no lap button - some apps let you touch the display, or force touch the display, but forget about getting that to work consistently when you’re running fast on a track. 

This isn’t a spec-driven review, and if it was, you might be disappointed. The Series 5, with the exception of the display, and an internal compass, and an ear-saving listening mode, is largely a Series 4. In Apple parlance, we might call it a Series 4S. The always-on display is a muted one, compared to the screen you see when you get a notification, or flick to check the time, but it’s extremely useful in day-to-day use. Like the Series 4, the S5 is quick to open onboard apps, field notifications, and queue up navigation. If you have a Series 4, and you’ve perfected the wrist flip - especially if you have a separate running watch - the Series 5 is far from a necessary upgrade. I call out those who use a Garmin or Polar device specifically because, for those who don’t, and log miles with the Apple Watch, the always-on display is a very welcome addition and one that makes me feel safer in urban running (when taking your eyes off the sidewalk to wait for the display to load can feel... long!). 

My Take and Analysis- New York Times "Those Superfast Nike Shoes are Creating a Problem"

Article by Sam Winebaum, Editor

Run shoes and Nike's Vapor/Next%/Alphafly are a hot topic at The NY Times and not for the first time as they earlier did statistical analysis from Strava data indicating yes there is close to a 4% advantage for Vaporfly across many races and runners. They cover more than politics and world affairs! 

With Kipchoge's world fastest marathon at sub 2 hours in the Alphafly and Brigid Kosgei's big world record in the Next%, Boston champion and former Runner’s World editor Amby Burfoot pens a pretty comprehensive essay including the very recent discussions about potential regulations on run shoes considered for records and championships. Geoffrey Burns the author of a recent commentary in the British Journal of Sports Medicine is quoted and proposes that regulations might simply limit overall stack height of record and championship eligible shoes. Currently regulations say "no unfair advantage" and must be "reasonably available" according to Burfoot.

It seems the key advantage of Nike Vaporfly and Next% and now the Alphafly according to the BJSM article is the combination of overall height (which essentially extends the runner's leg length reducing cost of transport), the foam characteristics, stability from the carbon plate as well as its lever characteristics reducing ankle work rate, overall geometry and of course super light weight for cushion provided, and not as much from any “spring” effect as previously thought by some. I would add that another key advantage of the high stack and Zoom X foam of the Vaporfly series is that it protects and keeps legs far fresher and for longer than any shoe I have ever run. Comfort and lessened leg damage for sure is something elites and more recreational runners need and appreciate.

According to the BJSM article authors, midsole height would be the simplest element to define and control for and I tend to agree, if new regulations are considered. They are proposing a simple max midsole and height  and mention 31mm comparing it to the Next% at 36mm. I looks like they are adding heel and forefoot stack height and dividing by 2 as Next% is 40mm heel /32mm forefoot. 

Kipchoge's Alphafly prototype is said by various sources, but unconfirmed, to have a 51mm heel/42 mm forefoot so a massive 46.5mm average.  

The original Vaporfly 4% is 39mm/29mm so divided by two equals 34mm. 

By way of comparison the adidas adizero 4, a fairly recent (before Vaporfly) world record marathon setting model comes is at 23mm/13mm so an average stack height of a minuscule 18mm and I know from running the adios and Vaporflly that the adios is considerably more punishing on the legs 

Saucony VP of Human Performance Spencer White is quoted regarding new regulations and says: "We could end up limiting creativity and losing the chance to improve running shoes for the everyday runner,” he noted. “I think the ‘must be widely available’ part of the rule is the best answer.” They have their own answer to VF on the way.. so it can be done and not just by Nike.

My proposal, if regulations are set, and that is still an if, would be to set the height limit at current state of the art Next% 36 mm, a "widely available" shoe at this point and not at the 31mm as proposed by the BJSM article as "common" says who common and why 31mm and let innovation around that parameter take flight!

I will be racing my Next% in a half marathon Sunday. Nothing better out there..yet. I look forward to racing in the competition to this amazing shoe when it emerges, as I am sure it will, and from many brands. Nike for sure lit a fire, "creating a problem" and set the bar high. Too high? We'll see as potential regulations may emerge and the competition responds!

Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is 62 with a 2018 3:40 Boston qualifier. Sam has been running for over 45 years and has a 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the 1:35-1:41 range and trains 40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah.

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Hoka ONE ONE Sky Kaha Trekking Boot Review: Long Marching Days Max Cushion and Comfort

Article by Sam Winebaum

Hoka One One Sky Kaha ($220)

Hoka One One launched a collection of two hiking boots and a hybrid approach shoe hiker in 2019. We extensively tested the Sky Kaha a trekking boot and Sky Toa (RTR Review), a mid-height fast hiker this spring and summer. Both bring Hoka's signature maximal cushion,  Vibram MegaGrip outsoles, and 4-6mm heel to toe drop  all as found in their trail runners to hiking boots.

We hiked the Toa on a 200 mile trek over moderate terrain and lots of asphalt this spring across Switzerland (Review and Trip Report) and  will make some comparisons in this review.

We took the Kaha, Marori word for strength and support on rough rocky New Hampshire White Mountains terrain for several hikes this early fall.

Kaha Stats
Weight: 18.2 oz / 518g men's
Stack Height: 33mm heel / 27 mm forefoot, 6mm drop
$220

First Impressions and Fit

Gigantic in appearance, surprisingly light in hand the Kaha fits me true to size but just and depending on terrain and sock choice. It is a high volume fit for sure. The fit is very generous with lots of toe box height and mid foot volume with that high cuff actually quite soft and not the more rigid stiff material of a backpacking or mountaineering boot.

If easier terrain with medium thickness socks the fit is spot on. In rougher more technical terrain I needed a heavier sock to fill some of the volume and fit was just right. With thinner socks I had to resort to top lace up tricks to lock the foot on rougher White Mountains terrain. If you have a low volume foot and wear thin socks as a rule and your terrain is rocky and rough one might consider sizing down half a size here.

Upper

The upper is made of a soft almost buttery, fairly thin(for a boot) and pliable leather. Other than the  laminated front toe bumper we have stitched classic construction here. Inside Kaha is "lined" with a soft eVent breathable waterproof bootie. My feet were comfortable in all more moderate early fall conditions I tested in. The eVent bootie was  excellent. My feet were never over warm or wet. 2020 Sky boots and the Speedgoat trail runner will get Gore-Tex waterproof breathable construction.

The toe bumper is high and somewhat pliable yet the front of the foot is always impeccably held and protected even on rough off camber terrain.

The high pliable rear cuff protects from debris but is not as stout as appearances may suggest. The Kaha cuff and soft pliable leather is clearly focused on long miles "marching" comfort and not as much on off angle mountaineering or backpacking with a heavy pack on highly technical terrain. The high stack of the midsole outsole and soft pliable upper together are not ideal for the roughest of terrain but with adjustment to sock thickness and the adjustable lacing system I got a good hold. On the other hand the pliability and softness of  the upper and high cuff makes fast hiking hour hour after hour supremely comfortable and I never a blister or any irritation which was not the case with the Toa.

The long lacing throat similar to an approach shoe really locks down the front of the foot in that high toe box. 

It is after all called out as a trekking boot. And it succeeds  brilliantly in upper comfort and support for that use and as a rugged terrain long miles day hiker.  I

Midsole

The midsole feel is unlike any hiking or trekking boot or shoe I have ever used. It is cushioned and soft enough to truly keep long days on the trail fatigue at bay yet stable as the foot sits down in the midsole at the rear (Hoka's bucket seat found on their trail runners). It clearly does not have a hard underfoot feel as most boots do, the feel is more like a Hoka trail shoe but slightly denser.

The stack height at 33 mm heel /27 mm is clearly higher than the typical hiking boot and is almost identical to Hoka's Stinson ATR 5 and is considerably higher than the Toa at 22mm /  26mm. As a result  of the high stack height the Kaha is a stiff but not completely rigid flexing boot whereas the Toa flexes like a running shoe,

The midsole is dual density with an EVA top layer for plush comfort (check!) with below rubberized foam for resilient durability and responsive feel (check!)

Outsole

Vibram MegaGrip is a staple of many top trail running shoes from Hoka for its all conditions grip, great durability, and podular design which reduces weight. I have had zero wear to date on the outsole after over 40 miles of often very rugged rocky New Hampshire terrain

Hiking Ride

On the summit of West Peak, Bigelow Range Maine during an 18 mile day

These boots are made for "marching" long daily miles in great comfort and that is exactly what I have experienced. While not run able due to their stiffness and weight their relatively light weight makes them move right along. My legs have been remarkably fresh at the end of every day.  They would make a great work boot if you were on your feet on hard surfaces all day, The soft relatively pliable ( or a boot) upper has more than adequate support in all terrain but combined with the high stack make the ideal terrain for Kaha of  smoother variety especially with a heavy pack.

I wore the Toa (RTR Review) for 200 miles across Switzerland on moderate trails and lots of road after I erroneously concluded the Kaha were to roomy. The Toa proved roomier yet at a half size down and stretched quite a bit with the lower stack and with  less cushion  felt.  At 15 oz the Toa was for sure lighter by 3 oz. and run able for fast packing but the Kaha would have been a better choice for his superior cushion and support.

Conclusions
Hoka's first trekking boot is supreme in max cushioning, upper and under foot comfort and is shod with confidence inspiring MegGrip. Relatively light for such a boot it is a great choice for yes "trekking" on smoother to moderate terrain. It is also a fine choice for day long day hikes on more technical terrain. At  $220 the Sky Kaha is a "premium" trekking option but one well worth it.

Tester Profile

Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is a lifelong hiker, runner, and nordic skier. Sam is 62 with a 2018 3:40 Boston qualifier. Sam has been running for over 45 years and has a 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the 1:35-1:41 range and trains 40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah. He is 5'10" tall and weighs about 165 lbs.

Read reviewers' full run bios here. 

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

Comments and Questions Welcome Below!

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Altra Running King MT 2 Multi Tester Review: A Now Lighter Specialized Trail/OCR Beast!

Article by Canice Harte, Dom Layfield, and Jeff Valliere

Altra Running King MT 2.0 ($140)

Introduction

Canice: The King MT 2 has better grip, drainage, and durability. The upper is made of a hand tailored mesh and dynamically cut eye stays for flexibility and comfort. The new Vibram® MegaGrip™ Litebase outsole has a 40%+ reduction in thickness and 25%+ reduction in weight.

Pros:

Canice, Dom: Traction, ground feel and a no slip heel.

Jeff, Dom:  Traction, durability

One ounce lighter than predecessor.

Cons:

Jeff:  Security on steep, technical terrain, lack of versatility

Canice: Limited terrain appeal/use. The shoe is great for its intended use but as an all round trail shoe, Altra has better options. So the question becomes, do I want to spend $140 for a shoe that’s really meant for running up hills?

Dom:  Velcro forefoot strap of dubious utility.

(Tester profiles at end of article)

Stats

Weight:: men's  9.9 oz / 281g (US9) women’s 8.6 oz / 244g (US8)

Samples: US Men’s 10:  10.4 oz / 295 g

US Men’s 10:  10.3 oz / 292 g

Stack Height: 17mm, zero drop

Available now.  $140

Saucony Triumph 17 Multi Tester Review: Lots of Foamy, Plush, Move Along Goodness!

Article by Jeff Beck, Canice Harte, Derek Li, Jeff Valliere, Sally Reiley, and Sam Winebaum

Saucony Triumph 17 ($150)

Introduction

Sam: The Triumph 17 is clearly a complete update. Dropping more than an ounce (over 30g)  per shoe and $10 in price with about the same very well cushioned and big stack height of 33.5mm heel / 25.54mm forefoot and the same 8mm drop, the big news is a new midsole material PWRRUN+.

The new PWRRUN+ midsole is still TPU but instead of Everun as in the ISO 5 it is a new heated and expanded TPU bead based material called PWRRUN+.

PWRRUN+ is called out by Saucony as being 25% lighter than their “previous best” (assuming Everun) with a sensation of softness and response, 3x more durable and 3x more temperature resistant than EVA foams, 2x as flexible as standard cushioning, and with 5% more impact absorption than Saucony's "previous best" foam.

We will also see PWRRUN+ in the January Freedom 3. Other updates such as Guide 13, Kinvara 11, and Peregrine 10 get PWRRUN, a TPU EVA blend (RTR Saucony 2020 Road Preview,  RTR Saucony 2020 Trail Preview)

Women's color (PC: Sally Reiley. Sally will join the review soon)

Notice no “ISO” in the naming. They didn’t skip all the versions from the Triumph ISO 5! Saucony simplified naming to actual annual version and is also doing this for all upcoming models. Well not just marketing simplification, they also did away with the ISO Fit bands replacing them in the upper here with a soft engineered mesh with bootie tongue, thin overlays towards mid foot and a stout toe bumper similar to the ISO 5's and really the only upper hold over other than bootie tongue from ISO 5. The molded rear collars are unusually plush looking and feeling, and even somewhat stretchy covering a stout heel counter. The outsole combines areas of firm rubber at the heel and toe with softer crystal rubber elsewhere. 

Clearly aimed at the heavy duty more cushioned and premium daily trainer segment, the Triumph 17 is very solidly built, copiously cushioned, with lots of durable rubber yet is reasonable in weight for its substance. It was one of the most exciting shoes I saw at the last Outdoor Retailer from a brand that clearly is shaking up all the shoes with new midsoles, uppers and streamlined naming. So let's find out what our testers thought.

Pros:

Canice: Cushion, fit and ride

Sam: Well controlled responsive bounce, plentiful cushion, easy any pace transitions, superb upper particularly the stretch soft rear collars

Jeff B: Plush upper breathes well, midsole/outsole provide lots of cushioning but still has some flex, and plenty of pop when the pace picks up

Derek: very comfortable upper, overall well balanced shoe with decent flexibility for its stack height

Jeff V:  Controlled bounce, ample cushion, upper breathability and security

Sally: superlative in comfort, well cushioned with restrained bounce, flexible and active ride

Cons:

Canice: Lots of foam in the upper

Sam: far rear of sole overhang and weight (outsole and midsole), stiffish front of mid foot flex point

Jeff B: Tube laces feel like they are coming untied, even if they aren’t

Derek: padding around the heel seems a bit excessive, even for a premium daily trainer

Jeff V:  Laces, fit is snug on met heads if not careful with lacing, a touch heavy
Sally: a bit heavy

Title Nine Woolicious Knitwear Review - the Full Zip Tunic!

Article by Dominique Winebaum

Title Nine Full Zip Woolicious™ Tunic ($149 )

A tunic that has it all and a versatile garment that is fitting for fall, winter, and spring wear.  The Woolicious full zip tunic is dislodging my own personal dress code regarding handmade versus store bought knitwear.  My drawers are full of handmade woolies as I am quite the knitter, however, several of my “masterpieces” are too bulky, showy, plainly impractical or needing constant adjusting comparatively to the Woolicious full zip tunic.  Lightweight and high performing, at once comfy and flattering, the full zip tunic is the perfect layer for a smart casual and cozy look heading out or staying in. 

Made with a wool blend that is high performing, soft, washable and with quick-wicking properties, called Woolicious ™ (60% extra fine Merino wool & 40% poly blend).  A fine-gauge sweater, this tight knit garment drapes the body with a no-nonsense flair that is at once comfortable and a “body-skimming fit.” For ease of movement, a different knit (ribbed) extends in one color tone along the sides of the body and in a stripe design along the arms.

Saucony Guide 13 Initial Run Review Video and Shoe Details

Article by Sam Winebaum

Saucony Guide 13 ($120)

Update: Read our full review here

Stats
Approx. Weight: 10.5 oz / 398g  men's size 9
Stack Height: 32.5 heel / 24.5 forefoot (including sockliner), 8mm drop  
Available 11/1/19

Highlights

• New PWRUN TPU/EVA blend midsole, stack height and drop unchanged.
• L shaped TPU guidance plate instead of a firm medial post
• Engineered mesh upper instead of ISO Fit bands.

WATCH OUR INITIAL RUN GUIDE 13 REVIEW & SHOE DETAILS VIDEO

Full Multi Tester Review soon!

Read reviewers' full run bios here. 

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

Comments and Questions Welcome Below!

Please let us know mileage, paces, race distances, and current preferred shoes

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