The Dynafit Alpine DNA 2 is a lightweight mountain running/race shoe for mid to shorter distance mountain outings and technical trail running races. It eaturies a responsive, lightweight midsole, a full length X shaped Pebax plate, Vibram Megagrip outsole with Litebase (4mm lugs) and a race fit snug upper.
Nils: Im letzten Jahr hat ASICS dem Kayano zu seinem dreißigsten Geburtstag eine Rundumerneuerung verpasst. Verschwunden waren jegliche klassischen Stabilitätselemente - hartes Plastik suchte man vergebens. Stattdessen hat das 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM™ Einzug gehalten, dass mithilfe eines eher gummiartigen Schaums auf der medialen Seite des Mittelsohle sowie ganz viel inhärenter Stabilität ein sehr viel unaufdringlicheres Lauferlebnis bietet, als man das bisher von sog. Motion-Control-Schuhen wie dem Kayano gewöhnt war.
In diesem Jahr steht daher ein eher überschaubares Update an, das vor allem die kleinen Schwächen des Vorgängers ausbügeln soll. ASICS verspricht bessere Traktion und ein luftigeres Obermaterial. Gleichzeitig scheint der Kayano etwas an Gewicht verloren zu haben. Inwiefern sich diese Veränderungen bemerkbar machen oder ob man guten Gewissens auch zum Vorgängermodell greifen kann, versuchen Marcel und ich in den folgenden Zeilen darzustellen.
Compression apparel specialist 2XU joined cutting edge sunglasses/apparel brand District Vision to create a collection of apparel focus on running in the heat, big time heat as the collection launched and was worn by Harvey Lewis at the 2025 Badwater 135, likely the hottest course on the planet starting in the hottest place on the planet, Death Valley.
Using cutting edge ultra light breathable fabrics and 2XU’s compression technologies this kit is all about comfort and performance in extreme conditions.
I tested the Lightweight Desert Compression Shorts and Ultralight Desert Singlet on multiple runs in this summer’s New England high heat and high humidity for the review
Nachdem ich sowohl den Saucony Xodus 1 als auch den Xodus 2 gelaufen habe, war ich besonders gespannt darauf, den neuen Saucony Xodus 3 unter die Lupe zu nehmen. Die ersten beiden Versionen haben in puncto Leistung überzeugt: Der Xodus 1 bot bereits eine solide Performance, hatte jedoch einige Schwächen in der Langlebigkeit der Außensohle. Saucony gelang es jedoch, mit dem Xodus 2 nahezu alle Kinderkrankheiten auszumerzen und einen nahezu perfekten Trailschuh zu liefern. Mit diesen Erfahrungen im Hinterkopf war meine Erwartungshaltung an den Xodus 3 entsprechend hoch. In diesem Testbericht werde ich untersuchen, ob die neueste Version die Messlatte erneut höher legen kann.
Julbo Destiny Reactiv 0-3 High Contrast, Smith Shift Split MAG ChomaPop Photochromic, Rudy Project Rydon Photocrhomic with prescription Insert
In the article I test and review 3 performance photochromic (light adapting) sunglasses suitable for running, cycling, skiing, hiking and everyday wear.
All three feature photochromic lenses which means their Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage changes as light changes, letting through more or less light depending on conditions.
At their “darkest”, most sun in the mix, all three are quite close with 9% VLT for the Rydon, 12% for the Shift Split Mag and 15% for the Destiny. Their “low light” VLTs varies more with 67% for the Smith, 74% for the Rydon and a big 87% for the Julbo with higher numbers clearer in dimmer light.
I always choose photochromic lenses to maximize the utility of the sunglasses from full on sun to in and out of trees on trail runs, to dawn to dusk.
And there is a twist.. as I have always worn such glasses with typically big lens surfaces over my 25g Oakley carbon frame prescription eyeglasses (non sun) to be able to easily put them up on my head when need be and for just plain convenience.
As a New Englander who grew up in Minnesota and loves all things outdoor, I am unabashedly a huge fan of Skida winter hats for running, nordic skiing, alpine skiing (under helmet), and all winter activities. I was gifted my first Skida alpine hat before others had even heard of it; I still have this hat with its large yellow, blue, purple and green polka dots. Here I test their Running Cap.
Quite natural feeling, not overly directed: Jeremy/Derek
Still has of the best outsole grips and durability:Jeremy/Derek
Lower price point than competition:Jeremy/Derek
Cons:
slight lack of stability at the heel: Jeremy
Most comparable shoes
Salomon SLab Phantasm 2
Nike Vaporfly Next% 2
Hoka Rocket X 2
Stats
Spec Weight: men's 6.84oz / 194g (US9/EU42)
Sample Weight: men’s 7.65oz / 217g US10.5/EU44
Prior Version Weight: 9.91 oz / 281g (US10.5/EU44)
Stack Height: men’s 40 mm heel / 32 mm forefoot ( 8mm drop)
Prior Version Stack Height: 38 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot ( 8mm drop)
Platform Width: 104 forefoot /52 midfoot /79 heel
Measurements won’t be as accurate here as the main external edge is exposed midsole, and the edges are curved at the heel and midfoot. Forefoot number is fine.
Available now at our partner Top4 Running Europe HERE (some colors on sale)
Sam:The Skyflow is Hoka’s first max cushion road trainer entirely powered by supercritical foam, no plates on board. Sitting at 40mm at the heel and 35mm at the forefoot, it weighs a commendable light 9.14 oz /259 g in my US8.5 sample. Copiously shod in rubber for durability (and some at the ground stability and response) it features a soft and supportive Creel Jacquard upper.
Ingrid: Der Nike Pegasus ist ein Klassiker unter den Laufschuhen und begeistert seit Jahrzehnten Läufer auf der ganzen Welt. Die neueste Version, der Nike Pegasus 41, verspricht, die bewährten Stärken seiner Vorgänger mit modernen Innovationen zu verbinden.
Dass ich zum letzten Mal einen Nike Schuh gelaufen bin, ist schon einige Jahre her – damals war es der Nike Zoom Pegasus 33, der allerdings gar nicht zu meinem Laufstil und Laufanforderungen gepasst hat. Etwas enttäuscht bin ich damals von der Marke abgekommen, weshalb ich jetzt vor meinem ersten Lauf in diesem Nachfolgemodell umso neugieriger und gespannter war.
Als leidenschaftliche Läuferin habe ich den Pegasus 41 auf verschiedenen Strecken und unter unterschiedlichen Bedingungen getestet, um herauszufinden, ob er den hohen Erwartungen gerecht wird.
Article by Steve Gedwill, Zack Dunn and Sam Winebaum
Nike ZoomX Pegasus Plus ($180)
Pros:
Versatile: enough springy ZoomX cushion for daily training, light and responsive enough for tempo runs, well shod with durable gripping rubber for road and dirt. Sam/Steve/Zack
Mix it up: flexible, lively supercritical foam ride that works the feet differently than plated shoes. Nike’s only performance non plated Sam/Zack
Very breathable upper Sam/Steve/Zack
Cons:
Famous v1 center of toes pink webbing strap returns and as before can press on the big toe, especially when new Paint it! Sam
Forefoot could use more stack/snap. Steve/Sam/Zack
Price: Yes, ZoomX midsole, durable outsole, versatility and decently light weight but at $180 for a non plated shoe pricing is up there and above competitive shoes. Sam/Steve/Zack
Introduction
Sam: The Pegasus Plus is a flexible, moderately stacked uptempo road trainer powered by Nike’s supercritical ZoomX foam. It stands out as a higher drop (10mm), non plated training option In a market increasingly dominated by plated high stack trainers and racers. It competes with the few remaining (and all excellent) shoes in its category such as the Adizero SL2 and ASICS Noosa Tri 16. It provides an option for the “traditionalists” and for all runners to vary their rides and give the feet a different more engaged workout.
The model first emerged in 2018 on the heels of the Vaporfly (RTR Review), had a second version in 2019 (RTR Review) then the heavier Nature version in 2022 (RTR Review). So essentially except for the lighter Streakfly Nike had no light uptempo non plated trainer in their line up in recent years.
The Pegasus (Turbo) now called Plus returns with a slightly higher stack height (and weight), ZoomX magic and a stout upper in a visual design essentially identical to the original from 2018.
We set out to test the Plus. Where does it fit in a rotation? Is such a shoe still relevant? And how does it compare?
Article by Peter Stuart, Ben David, Ryan Eiler. Sally Reiley and Sam Winebaum
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 ($180)
Introduction
Sam: The SuperComp Trainer is New Balance’s entry in the growing highly cushioned, super critical foam and plated trainer category. Designed to not only provide a massively cushioned ride but a dynamic one, the Trainer is intended for long hard runs (and daily training) and can be a racing alternative for those seeking a friendlier and more stable ride than a full on race shoes.
The additional comfort and stability does come at a penalty compared to race shoes as here we come in at about 9.55 oz / 270g compared to its identically stacked (40/34) and same PEBA foam sibling the SC Elite v4 which tips the scale at 8.15 oz / 231g (US9).
The SC Trainer v1 (RTR Review) was a giant of a shoe with a massive stack height (41mm officially at the heel with its high point 47mm) and a pronounced drop to toe off. Its big 10.45 oz / 296g US9 weight was not really an issue due to its dynamic and protective ride. It was a big favorite of RTR’s hard mileage marathoners.
The SC Trainer v2 (RTR Review) reduced stack height to 40/34 (same as V3) and had a softer, more mellow ride.
The SC Trainer v3 changes significantly yet again, despite weighing the same as the V2 and sharing the same stack height. It gets the new angular geometry of its race siblings the Pacer v2 and Elite v4, same new PEBA midsole foam and a redesigned Energy Arc system.
One thing hasn’t changed. The price remains at $180.
How does it perform for our 4 testers, all long time fans of the first 2 versions? Let’s find out!
In 2024, Tailwind brought back their Courtney-inspired “Dauwaltermelon” fuel as a full-time flavor. Also in 2024, Courtney brought back record-breaking wins. She bested her own Hardrock 100 record with a 26:11:49 after winning Transgrancanaria 126k and Mount Fuji 100 earlier in the year.
Dauwaltermelon with lime was a primary fuel for her Triple Crown wins in 2023 (Western States 100, Hardrock 100, and UTMB 100).
Of course, ultra running wouldn’t be ultra running if it didn’t present challenges.
RoadTrailRun was fortunate to recently interview Courtney about her race fueling and 2024 plans.
“When my stomach turned during the last 50k [of Hardrock 100] and I was having trouble keeping calories in, I have found it works best to keep trying small sips [of Tailwind], keep trying little bits of food, and keep moving forward,” Dauwalter said. “At Hardrock [2024] I also did gels, chews, Coke, and some broth.”
Working with a nutritionist has also aided Courtney’s fueling approach, which she stated is a “piece of the ultrarunning puzzle.” Meredith Terranova has helped Courtney and Kevin (Courtney’s husband) consider alternative options when the first plan isn’t working.
Candy and nutrition might not sound like partners in health, but for many ultra runners, candy is a needed item. Courtney isn’t shy about her love for candy, so I had to ask her what candy pairs best with Tailwind’s Dauwaltermelon with lime flavor.
“Any (and every!) fruity candy would pair perfectly . . . Skittles and Dauwaltermelon is a really great combo.”
Next up for Courtney is crewing her husband, Kevin, at Leadville 100 on August 17, 2024. While fueling needs might be different for crew, go-to fun foods help keep everyone ready and in good spirits.
“I’m really excited to crew Kevin [for Leadville 100]!” And [the] crew definitely need to eat, too! Leftover pizza is always a delicious, easy food to keep in the crew cooler. I’ll probably be stocked up with all sorts of sweet and salty snacks, though. You never know what craving might hit while eagerly waiting for your runner to get there.”
While Skittles and Tailwind might not turn any runner into the absolute GOAT of ultra running, they might help the process.
For runners who already use Tailwind Endurance Fuel, you’ll find the same components as the other flavor options. A benefit of the Dauwaltermelon with lime, in my opinion, is the mellowness of the watermelon flavor for hot weather running. The taste is not overwhelming when mixed at the recommended amount and the hint of lime adds a citrusy aspect. There’s a reason aid stations often have watermelon slices and some type of citrus fruit: they are refreshing in the the heat.
For training, Tailwind works great for me. For racing during the hot months, I usually need so much plain water that I elect to use gels so I can carry around 1,000ml of plain water, which is what I did for the Bighorn 52.
Fueling is very individual, but I recommend Tailwind for anyone who hasn’t found gels useful or for anyone who finds solid foods difficult to consume, especially during the hot summer months.
The number of fuel options available is becoming overwhelming, and there’s some confidence to be had in a product that has been used by many top level runners for several years. Tailwind sells single servings of their Endurance Fuel flavors for $2.50 if you don’t want to commit to a bigger size (although with shipping costs).
Much thanks to Tailwind and Verde Brand Communications for providing samples of the new flavor and to Courtney for answering these “hard-hitting” questions about food and ultra running.
Dauwaltermelon with Lime is available now atTailwind
Dauwaltermelon with Lime is available now atTailwind
Renee is a former U.S. Marine journalist, which is when her enjoyment of running and writing started. She isn’t that awesome of a runner, but she tries really hard. Most of her weekly 50-60 miles take place on rural country roads in Nebraska, meaning mud, gravel, dirt, hills, and the occasional field. She has PR’s of 1:30:59 for the half marathon and 3:26:45 for the marathon.
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RoadTrailRun Official Store Custom Fractel Caps and Bucket Hats
