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.
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
Mix it up: flexible, lively supercritical foam ride that works the feet differently than plated shoes. Nike’s only performance non plated Sam
Very breathable upper Sam/Steve
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
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
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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HOKA brings a major update to their flagship racer, the Tecton X. Now featuring a full PEBA midsole along with some associated stability updates, the Tecton X 3 looks to take a big leap forward as a versatile ultra-distance racer. The Tecton X has been my top pick for 100 mile races over the past few seasons. I completed two 100 milers in V1, and another 100 in V2 - never even re-tying my laces through those 3 events.
I’ve come to appreciate the dual/parallel carbon plate design as one of the best carbon fiber setups in a trail shoe. It provides efficiency with only minimal sacrifices to ground feel and stability. HOKA tweaks the plates a little bit in this version, as well as adding an awesome integrated ankle gaiter. The outsole gets a bit of a makeover as well. With these updates - is the Tecton X 3 still the total package out on the trails?
Nachdem ich bereits den New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 testen durfte, war ich gespannt auf den neuen Fresh Foam X Balos. Beide Modelle sind sich von den technischen Daten her sehr ähnlich, aber der Balos verwendet erstmals einen PEBA-Anteil im Mittelsohlenschaum. Das versprach ein noch weicheres und bouncieres Laufgefühl. Ob der Balos diese Erwartungen erfüllen konnte, erfahrt ihr in meinem ausführlichen Testbericht.
Article by Dominique and Sam Winebaum and Rene Lorenzini
Photo credit: René Lorenzini
In June, RTR my brother René, Sam, and I, trekked the Tour du Queyras (FR), which is also referred to as the GR 58, an approximate 80 miles route with significant elevation gain (25,345 ft) and loss (25,180 ft), around the Queyras Natural Park located in the Hautes-Alpes department near the Italian border, and south of Briançon.
We tested, and cover in the article, all kinds of gear from multiple types of footwear, packs, apparel, trekking poles, and even mini crampons as we had plenty of snow.
Markus: Als begeisterter Läufer bin ich immer auf der Suche nach dem perfekten Schuh für meine Trails. Der New Balance Venym hat meine Aufmerksamkeit erregt, vor allem wegen seiner Ähnlichkeiten zum Rebel v4, den ich ebenfalls bereits testen konnte und begeistert war. Hier ist mein Erfahrungsbericht nach einigen Läufen.
Nils: Der neue New Balance Venym ist vermeintlich ein Rebel v4 mit trailtauglicher Außensohle. Das klingt nach viel Spaß und nach genau dem richtigen Schuh für meinen heimischen Road-To-Trail Einsatz. Entsprechend habe ich das Angebot, diesen neuen Schuh zu testen, dankend angenommen, könnte er für mein Anforderungsprofil doch genau den Nagel auf den Kopf treffen. Ob er meinen hohen Erwartungen gerecht werden kann, versuche ich in den folgenden Zeilen gemeinsam mit Markus herauszufinden.
Pro:
sehr leicht für einen Daily-Trainer (Markus / Nils)
