Ibex Women's Springbok Shorts and Short Sleeve Tee Reviews: Merino Wool & Tencel – Ultimate Natural Summer Performance

Article by Dominique Winebaum

Springbok Short ($100) Springbok Short Sleeve Tee ($95)

Ibex has entered a new “woolies”  territory with the Springbok Collection by blending two natural fibers – Merino wool & Tencel™ – to produce a wool-based fabric with 45% Merino, 45% Tencel™ and 10% nylon. The high percentage of Tencel™ significantly improves thermoregulation by increasing wicking and cooling properties.  

 

Tencel is an environmentally friendly fabric derived from sustainably grown eucalyptus, with excellent breathability and moisture wicking properties.  As featured in the Springbok Collection, the fabric is described as “Merino Tencel™ with additionally a Merino Edge cool finish which enhances the cooling feel and the versatility of the fabric in various climates.  

 

I tested the women’s Springbok Short ($100) and Springbok Short Sleeve T-shirt ($95), both a cut above my regular running apparel.  The style is classy and highly functional, but what truly stands out, is the fabric, which feels so soft to the touch and next to skin, and which is designed to keep you cool and dry in hot and humid conditions.  Thermoregulation at its natural best!  The Springbok apparel collection combines the excellent qualities of merino wool - moisture wicking, breathable, lightweight, soft and comfortable, odor resistant, and holds its shape - with an equal percentage of Tencel™ for an enhanced cooling experience. 

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 Multi Tester Review: True to its Ride Tradition, Modern in Looks and Fit

Article by Michael Ellenberger, Steve Gedwill, Zack Dunn and Beto Hughes

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 ($130)

Introduction

Michael: You know it by now - the Nike Pegasus is a classic running shoe that's been around for ages (well, 40 iterations, at least). It's known for being durable, comfy, and versatile, making it a favorite among runners of all levels, from pros to amateurs. As we’ve covered here on RTR, the Pegasus has gone through a bunch of updates over the years, with each new version (mostly) improving on the last. 

The 40 brings a sleek new look, but maintains the dual Zoom Air units (one in the forefoot and one in the heel) for cushioning - most of the improvements are to the upper, which is snug and comfortable and undoubtedly more race- or workout-ready than we’ve seen before. But we’ll cover all of that in this review, so please read on!

Pros:

Michael/Zack/Beto: Best Pegasus upper ever.

Michael/Zack/Steve/Beto: Still some of the best outsole traction you can find on a trainer.

Michael/Zack/Steve/Beto: Same firm ride as always! 

Michael/Zack: Best looking Pegasus ever, to boot,

Beto: Midfoot band works so much better than flywire on this Pegasus and feels more comfortable and secure.

Cons:

Michael/Zack/Steve/Beto: Same firm ride as always…

Michael: Heel collar was a bit stiff, and gave my Achilles trouble.

Michael: ZoomX foam instead of React would transform this shoe.

Stats

Weight: 9.4 oz / 266g (US9)

Sample: 9.2 oz / 261 g (US8.5)

Stack Height: men’s 33 mm heel / 23 mm forefoot, 10mm drop

$130. Available now in many colors including at our partner Running Warehouse HERE

Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro 2 Review: 9 Comparisons

Article by Mike Postaski and Jeff Valliere

Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro 2 ($160)

Introduction

Mike P: Aside from the original Pulsar, I haven’t really run in Salomon trail shoes for some time. I received the Sense Ride 5, Ultra Glide 2, and the Pulsar Trail Pro 2 at the same time for testing. Slipping each of them on for the first time, I could immediately tell that the Pulsar Trail Pro 2 was the most interesting to me. The fit and feel was quite different from the others - noticeably roomy in the forefoot, more streamlined, and race-ready elsewhere. It’s positioned as the “fast” shoe in Salomon’s non S/Lab trail lineup and is designed for faster runners. 

I really liked the original S/Lab Pulsar, but that’s such a unique shoe that it’s hard to really draw comparisons to other trail shoes, from Salomon or even other brands so I was curious to find out how the “Pulsar” lineage manifests itself in the Pulsar Trail Pro 2. 

Pros:

Great, wide, yet secure forefoot Mike P/Jeff V

Impeccable fit through out Mike P/Jeff V

Bootie style upper with integrated gaiter fits and works well Mike P/Jeff V

Fast feeling, stiff and efficient ride Mike P/Jeff V

Cons:

Some rigidness at the midfoot from the Energy Blade plate Mike P/Jeff V

Not much lateral flex to the shoe - can be unstable Mike P/Jeff V

Firm midsole/narrow rear platform can feel unforgiving on hard surfaces, particularly if you heel strike Jeff V

Stats

Approx. weight: men's 9.07 oz  / 256g (US9)

  Samples: men’s 9.07 oz  / 256g (US9), 9.6 oz  / 272 g (US 9.5), 9.9 oz  / 280 g (US 10)

Stack Height: men’s 33 mm heel / 27 mm forefoot (6 drop spec) 

$160 Available now.

TSL Highlander Instinct Snowshoe Review

Article by Jeff Valliere

TSL Highlander Instinct Snowshoe

2lb/2oz / 959 grams (half pair)

Sizes S, M, L 

$300 (now on sale $209.93) at our partner REI HERE

Introduction: Have you ever heard of TSL?  Somehow, I had not until recently.  Based in the French Alps and founded in 1981, TSL has been an innovator creating snowshoes, poles, packs, sleds, gaiters and other accessories.  

I have been testing an increasing number of shoes and ski boots this year featuring the BOA Fit System and after a number of mountain outings using my older snowshoes, I determined that they are A). too heavy and B). too difficult and time consuming to put on/take off.  Not that it is really THAT difficult, but it takes enough time and involves me taking off my mittens, so I either find myself postholing or walking my snowshoes across bare ground not wanting to mess with the process and/or get cold hands.  

Enter the TSL Highlander Instinct.  At a very reasonable 34 oz / 959g per shoe in a size medium and featuring the BOA Fit System, they appeared to be a great solution to my problems.

New Balance Fresh Foam X Trail More v3 Review: A Very Run Able Behemoth! 7 Comparisons

Article by Jeff Beck and Jeff Valliere

New Balance Fresh Foam X Trail More v3 ($160)

Introduction

A few years ago New Balance introduced the Fresh Foam More Trail and out of the gate it seemed like a solid fairly technical trail shoe, reminding several of us a lot of Hoka’s fabled Speed Goat line. Now on the third iteration (I didn’t test v2), the FFMT still reminds me of a Hoka - but now it's their massively cushioned trail crusher Stinson instead of the Speedgoat. And as a bigger runner who almost always prefers more cushioning to less, it seems like a massive step forward, if not also in stack height.

Pros:

-Top of the class in cushioning, measured 44mm heel stack- Jeff B/Jeff V

-Outsole has solid traction and good durability - Jeff B/Jeff V

-High volume feet will have no problems, plenty of room for long run swelling- Jeff B/Jeff V

-Midsole is soft, but has enough width to keep it stable

-It’s like a Hoka Stinson, but with more traction, cushioning, and much more toe box room- Jeff B/Jeff V

-Ideal road-to-trail or 25+ mile trail shoe - Jeff B

Cons:

-Low volume feet might have trouble getting good lock down  - Jeff B/Jeff V

-Because physics exists, a very wide and tall midsole is also quite heavy- Jeff B/Jeff V

Stats

Approx. Weight: men's 10.75 oz  / 305g (US9)   

Samples: men’s  11.25oz / 319g (US10), 12.3oz/ 349g (US 10.5 2E)

Measured Stack Height: men’s mm 44 heel / 40 mm forefoot ( 4 drop spec) 

Puma Fast-FWD NITRO Elite Multi Tester Review: Wild, Wild Short and Fast Fun!

Article by Jeremy Marie and Nils Scharff

Puma Fast-FWD NITRO Elite ($220/ 200€)

Introduction

Jeremy: After the Puma Fast-R (RTR Review), which was easily one the wildest looking shoe of ‘22, Puma strikes again with something even more disruptive with the long shown but just emerging Fast FWD, a specialized weapon to crack your PBs at 5k and 10k races, and burn your legs on the track during interval sessions.

Nils: Unlike most runners out there I had the pleasure to get my hands on the Puma Fast-R quite early last year. And while it wasn’t the pinnacle of performance for my running style it still has been a very solid option in the super shoe game. It especially stood out with one of the most comfortable uppers of all the carbon plated marathon racers and therefore became my go-to-shoe for long and hard efforts during my last two marathon blocks. Mileage wise it actually ranked No. 2 of all the shoes I’ve worn last year with 225 km. So the bar is set pretty high for its supposedly faster brother the FAST-FWD. Let's find out if Puma’s 5k/10k racer can keep up with its long distance sibling.

Pros:

Incredibly dynamic ride, propulsive - Jeremy, Nils

Still well cushioned - Jeremy, Nils

Not so strange running during easy jogs between reps and Wup/Cdown - Jeremy

Outsole grip - Jeremy, Nils

Flexible for a carbon plated shoe - Jeremy

Comfy, feet hugging upper - Nils

Sings to me - Nils

Cons:

Forces you to a specified stride to get all the benefits - midfoot strike best  - Jeremy, Nils

Very pointy toebox - Jeremy

Loose foothold especially at the heel - Jeremy

A very specialized shoe - is it worth it? - Jeremy

Missing an extra eyelet for a proper marathon knot - Nils

Not the most stable shoe due to imperfect heel lockdown - Nils

Topo Athletic MTN Racer 3 Multi Tester Review: A Joyful, Comfortable and Most Versatile Ride! 9 Comparisons

Article by Dominique Winebaum, Jeff Valliere, Renee Krusemark, Mike Postaski, Alex Tilsley, and Allison Vallliere

Topo MTN Racer 3 ($150)

Introduction

Jeff V:  The 3rd iteration of the Topo Mountain Racer features a new Zip Foam 2 midsole foam that is lighter, softer, better cushioned (adding 3 more mm of stack), more protective and more responsive.  The upper has also been retooled and the outsole remains the same featuring the super sticky Vibram Megagrip.

Pros:

Comfort, cushion: Jeff V/Dominique Renee/Alex/Mike P/Allison

Traction Jeff V /Dominique/Renee/Alex/Mike P/Allison

Balance of trail feel and protection Jeff V/Jeff V/Alex/Mike P/Allison

Versatility, durability make it a and good value Jeff V /Dominique/Mike P/Allison

Lightweight for all that it offers Jeff V /Dominique/Mike P/Allison

Added 3mm of stack while losing 2 grams Jeff V /Dominique/Mike P/Allison

Roomy toe box yet with good security Jeff V / Dominique/Mike P

Cons: 

Foothold is not quite as good as previous Jeff V/Renee

My ice/blue color is pretty but not a great color for...dirt paint Dominique/Allison

Trouble getting the lacing to feel secure around the ankle: Alex

ASICS GEL-Cumulus 25 Review: 9 Comparisons

Article by Sam Winebaum

ASICS GEL-Cumulus 25 ($140)

Introduction

Sam: The Cumulus has traditonally been ASICS middle of the range neutral daily trainer. For the 25th edition it gets 2.5 mm more stack height front and back of a now single density Flyte Foam Blast Plus taking it to a max cushion 37.5 mm heel 29.5 mm forefoot stack while actually losing 7g. 

The GEL is now embedded with a lighter and softer rear Pure Gel unit with the geometry of the midsole and outsole all reimagined. And we get a plush new upper.  

Many changes. Still a Cumulus? We’ll get into it in the review but in context of the other 2023 ASICS trainers the Superblast super max, Nimbus inherently stable neutral and more up tempo Novablast 3 it appears to fit in as the more flexible “traditional riding” daily training option 

Testbericht: Saucony Kinvara 14 - Ein fast perfektes Leichtgewicht (German)

Article by Nils Scharff

Saucony Kinvara 14 (140€)

Einleitung

Für den Saucony Kinvara habe ich schon seit jeher eine gewisse Schwäche. Die Kombination aus Leichtigkeit, “Groundfeel” und Flexibilität - das Vereinen eines natürlichen Laufgefühls mit Performance - sprechen mich total an. So habe ich mittlerweile 6 verschiedene Kinvaras am Fuß gehabt - den neuesten Saucony Kinvara 14 erst jüngst für diesen Testbericht. In der neuesten Version 14 ist der Kinvara nochmal leichter als sein Vorgänger, verfügt nun über eine Innensohle aus PWRRUN PB und durchgängig 3mm mehr Dämpfung. Es wird spannend sein, wie sich das auf das Laufgefühl auswirkt und ob der Kinvara 14 trotz höherer Stapelhöhe nach wie vor mit Flexibilität und Gefühl für die Laufstrecke punkten kann.

Zpacks Hexamid Pocket Tarp Review - the perfect minimalist shelter?

Article by Markus Zinkl

Zpacks Hexamid Pocket Tarp w/ Doors ($349.00)

Introduction

Zpacks is one of the OG “cottage” ultralight backpacking companies. The company was started in 2004 by Joe Valesko with only a sewing machine in his apartment. Today, Zpacks is one of the biggest players in the ultralight backpacking world. All their gear is sewn in their own facility in West Melbourne, FL. 

The Hexamid Pocket Tarp piqued my interest due to minimalist design, extremely light weight and its blend between a classic tarp and trekking pole tent. Let’s see what it is all about.

ASICS Max Cushion Trainers Video Comparison Review! GEL-Cumulus 25, GEL-Nimbus 25, Superblast, and Novablast 3

 Article by Sam Winebaum

GEL-Cumulus 25 ($140), GEL-Nimbus 25 ($160), Superblast ($200), and Novablast 3 ($140)

In the video ,I compare ASICS 2023 max cushion trainers covering all the stats, upper, fit and comparative rides. All have modern geometries and foam with greatly increased stack heights over prior versions (Nimbus and Cumulus) at comparatively light weights. Each while similar in many ways each is distinctly different in ride characteristic and potential run training uses.

Watch the ASICS Trainers Video Comparison Review (15:54)

Reviews:

GEL-Cumulus 25 HERE

GEL-Nimbus 25 HERE

Superblast HERE

Novablast 3 HERE

2023 Run Shorts Round Up Review: Ultimate Direction Velum, Dynafit DNA 2-1, Ibex Springbok, and BN3TH Runner’s High 2-1

Article by Sam Winebaum

In the article I review four 2023 multi purpose run shorts: Ultimate Direction’s Velum, Dynafit’s DNA 2-1, Ibex’s Springbok, and BN3TH Runner’s High 2-1. All are excellent, differing in length, types of liner and storage. More than "basic" run shorts, all feature state of the art fabrics and top notch construction.

Testbericht: Ministry of Nutrition // MoN-Sports - Fueled by Nature (German)

Artikel von Nils Scharff

Ministry of Nutrition // MoN-Sports 

Einleitung

Nils: Du bist, was du isst! Frei nach diesem Motto wird das Thema Ernährung während Training und Wettkampf in allen Ausdauersportarten immer wichtiger. Tatsächlich hat sich die Sporternährung zu einem eigenen Wissenschaftsfeld gemausert und vor allem Athleten im Triathlon- und Radsportbereich, bei denen es auf Ausdauerleistungen über mehrere Stunden ankommt - und das ggfs. mehrere Tage oder Wochen hintereinander -  wissen schon lange um die Priorität der Nährstoffzufuhr während ihrer sportlichen Belastungen.

Im Laufsport hatte das ganze im Verhältnis dazu bisher eher eine untergeordnete Relevanz. Ja, wer in den letzten 10 Jahren einen Marathon oder noch weiter gelaufen ist, weiß wahrscheinlich, dass man währenddessen irgendeine Art von Gels zu sich nehmen sollte. Doch dass man z.B. auch die für den Wettkampf geplante Kohlenhydrataufnahme trainieren und maximieren und so die eigene Leistung optimieren kann, hatte ich z.B. bis vor nicht allzu langer Zeit überhaupt nicht auf dem Schirm.

Das gleiche gilt fürs Training! Die Triathleten unter euch werden wahrscheinlich schonmal davon gehört haben, dass LIT-Einheiten (Low-Intensity-Training) am besten morgens nüchtern absolviert werden, da so der Fettstoffwechsel am effektivsten trainiert wird. Anders sieht es bei intensiven Einheiten, wie bspw. Intervallen im VO2max-Bereich aus. Für diese braucht der Körper Energie, weshalb vor oder während solcher Trainingseinheiten am besten ähnlich wie beim Wettkampf mit Gels oder kohlenhydratreichen Getränken verpflegt wird.

Ebenso ist es wichtig, insbesondere in Phasen hoher Trainingsbelastung den Körper stets mit genügend guter Nährstoffe zu versorgen. Wer im Marathontraining Kilometer um Kilometer abreißt, muss seinem Körper die Chance geben, sich vernünftig zu erholen, um die Trainingsreize auch zu verarbeiten. Und die beiden wichtigsten Faktoren dafür sind genügend Schlaf und eine gute Ernährung. Und dabei sollte man sich nicht unbedingt der landläufigen Meinung zu einer gesunden Ernährung hingeben. Denn wer im Ausdauertraining viel Energie verbrennt, braucht vor allem eines: Kohlenhydrate! Nach dem 30km Longrun am Sonntag sollte deshalb nicht unbedingt der leichte Salat mit Putenbrust auf dem Speiseplan stehen, sondern vielleicht lieber Pasta mit frischem Gemüse und vielleicht Obst zum Nachtisch. Den Salat darf es dann gern auch noch vorweg geben.

Da es im Alltag zwischen all den Terminen, Familie, Freunden, Arbeit etc. aber nicht immer einfach ist, das Augenmerk auf eine perfekte Ernährung zu legen, versuchen uns Firmen wie Ministry of Nutrition dabei zu helfen. Die auch als MoN-Sports bekannte Marke mit Sitz im baden-württembergischen Freudental hat sich einen Namen mit hochkomplexen Sporternährungsprodukten auf Basis natürlicher Zutaten gemacht. Der Slogan “Fueled by Nature” wird dabei stets hochgehalten und hat mich genauso sehr angesprochen, wie die sehr wissenschaftliche Herangehensweise der Schwaben. Deshalb habe ich mich sehr gefreut, dass MoN-Sports fünf von unseren RTR-Testern ein entsprechendes Probierpaket zur Verfügung gestellt hat. Wie die Erfahrungen bei uns im deutschsprachigen Testerteam ausgefallen sind, könnt ihr in der Folge lesen.