In the video below I demonstrate and describe the Singapore made Totobobo mask (also available in pink) with its replaceable filters (94 and high surface Pro sport 99) finding it extremely comfortable for daily use and suitable for running if masks are required. It is cleanable and is customizable for a good fit.
Features list HERE
Instructions for fitting and use HERE
WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW WITH MASK DETAILS
Article by Sam Winebaum
Hoka One One Clifton Edge ($160)
The Clifton Edge has a new broad midsole geometry reminding in less extreme form of the radical trailTenNine (RTR Review). It has an aggressive Early Stage Meta-Rocker, some welcome flex (for a Hoka) and a rear outrigger for stability, cushion and propulsion off the heel.
The Edge is strikingly broad on the ground compared to "normal" shoes, and even other Hoka models. yet is very light. The men's size US8.5 sample weighs 241g / 8.5 oz so a US9 should weigh about 8.68 oz / 246 g as per the spec. The Clifton 6 in US 8.5 weighed 0.1 oz more on a narrower underfoot platform. The video review below compares the Edge's underfoot width to various other shoes.
New Balance FuelCell 890v8 ($120)
Introduction
The 890 changes quite radically, yet again, getting a full Fuel Cell midsole replacing the prior RevLite. It gains 1.5 oz / 42 g coming in at 8.4 oz / 238g for its 25mm heel /19 mm forefoot, 6mm drop. The upper changes from engineered knit to engineered mesh.The outsole is a combination of Ground Contact RevLite and rubber. $120. Available now.
Watch Our First Run Review with Shoe Details and Comparisons (8:21)
Full Multi Tester Review soon!
Derek: The Endorphin Pro sits at the top of this trio of Endorphin shoes, and was seen on the feet of the top American pros like Jared Ward, Molly Seidel, and Parker Stinson at the recent Olympic Trials Marathon in Atlanta. Like all the cool kids these days, it sports a curved carbon plate, and a PEBA-based foam, coined PWRUN+ PB. Spoiler alert: of all the contenders to challenge Nike’s dominance of the marathon racer market, Saucony comes closest!
Article by Dominique Winebaum, Kathleen Valadez,and Michael Ellenberger
Deckers Labs X-Scape NBK Low ($160)
Introduction
Dominique: Walking has become one of my favorite outlets during this coronavirus pandemic while keeping up with my running. Week 6 under stay-at-home orders, I was excited to receive a pair of walking shoes from Deckers Labs -- the Labs X-Scape NBK Low.
In lieu of my running shoes, trail shoes, or hiking boots, I now lace up my X-Scape before heading for my daily walk in the neighborhood.
Until this review, I was unaware that Deckers Outdoor had bought Hoka One One in April 2013, with Jean-Luc Diard co-founder of Hoka, at the helm of Deckers Labs; an offshoot committed to deliver “best-in-class dynamic comfort, elevated performance, and better products for a better planet.” The shoes are made in a factory that supports women in the Deckers supply chain with the help of HERproject, a collaborative initiative that creates partnerships with brands to empower and educate women in the workplace.
Deckers Labs products are designed for a wide range of athletes that fall beyond the category of walkers and also includes break dancers, free runners, and gymnasts.
They come in a wide variety of colors and styles.
For me, the X-Scape is a high performance shoe with a maximalist approach to comfort that is enhancing my walking experience.
A high performance sneaker with a price point of $160, the X-Scape is designed with luxurious materials, such as nubuck leather for the exterior and looped wool for the interior, as well as high tech features to empower your workout. Underfoot dimensions (in like manner to skis) are printed on the outer midsole - W 108mm - 73mm - 92mm - respectively corresponding to the width of the heel, midfoot, and toe.
La Sportiva Jackal ($140)
Stats
Estimated Weight: 10.7 oz / 304 g men’s US9/42 Sample: 10.7 oz / 304 g men’s US9/42 (301 /309), 11oz / 312g men’s US 10
Stack Height: 25mm heel / 19mm heel
Available now. $140
Introduction
Sam: The Jackal is designed to open things up in fit and soften the ride without compromising La Sportiva’s legendary support and protection. The upper is on a slightly wider last than normal for the brand with the midsole a dual density compressed EVA with Infinitoo PU (polyurethane) inserts to provide more cushion while maintaining the stability and protection provided by the a full length hardened EVA dual density 1.5mm rock plate. The lugs are 3mm in height with an aggressive multi directional profile intended for smooth long runs on more moderate terrain while having plenty of grip for more technical terrain.
Pros:
Canice/Jeff/Ryan: Aggressive lugs and sticky rubber equal great traction and a ton of grip. I also like the cushion and protection you get from the midsole. And as you would expect from La Sportiva, they handle anything you throw at them.
Sam:
Finally a Sportiva with more forgiving cushion and more generous fit.
On smoother terrain the extended rock plate (mid foot to front) also acts as a subtle smooth flowing propulsion plate.
Great ground feel and agility with plenty of protection and cushion
John: Traction, protection, stability on unpredictable footing
Ryan: Upper provides great lockdown and lateral stability
Cons:
Canice/Jeff/Ryan: The shoe runs ridiculously short (½ size to a full size) and has a reinforced toe guard that in the sense of protection is good, but when the shoe already fits short makes for a hard edge against your toes which is not cool.
Jeff: Heel instability, thin harsh laces, lack of flexibility
Sam/Ryan: The very front and rear of the Jackal needs work: the achilles collar is too vertical and lightly padded leading to some irritation, the toe bumper is firm and rigid leading to occasional discomfort, even properly sized.
John: Stiff, feels more like a hiking shoe rather than a trail running shoe
Article by Sam Winebaum
Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 ($250)
I was fortunate to attend a virtual Brooks Press Preview yesterday. The big news was information on the Sept 1st releasing Hyperion Elite 2.
The significant change from the Elite 1 is to the nitrogen infused DNA Flash foam as in the Hyperion Tempo and 2mm more of it with the same 8mm drop and a new Rapid Roll Technology to encourage turnover. The upper and carbon fiber plate and its location as shown at the line between layers of Flash with its stabilizing spine remains the same. The outsole sees slight changes. The use of DNA Flash and 2mm more stack of it appears to increase the weight of the Elite from 6.9 oz / 196g to 7.6 oz / 215g by official specs.
DNA Flash was in the Hyperion Tempo lighter trainer (RTR Review). While the Tempo was designed with input from Brooks athletes such as Desi Linden as a light, durable, and stable trainer its extensive rubber outsole masked to a certain extent the lively light DNA Flash midsole.
While stable, very protective, and fast for some, the Elite 1 did not have much of an exciting ride (RTR Review) and quite frankly had a “duller” feel than some of its competitors. There were also concerns about the longevity of the DNA Zero midsole. The DNA Flash in the new Elite 2 is called out as maintaining its cushioning and responsiveness for 200-400 miles.
Bringing DNA Flash to the Elite 2 and the potential effect of the Rapid Roll should change the ride to a liviler picture yet still a more stable racing experience for those needing a touch more support in general and for the later miles of a marathon.
RoadTrailRun hopes to test the Elite 2 for a review prior to release.
Photo Credits: Brooks Runnng
