Skechers Razor 5 SGD/$130 USD 

Introduction

I have fond memories of that first magical GoMeb Razor 1 in 2017. Fast forward to 2024, and the Skechers GoRun Razor 5 sees an updated midsole and a return to a more traditional mesh upper. The key features are as follows:

1)    HYPER BURST PRO midsole, utilizing spherical shaped cells compressed into the midsole using a supercritical process

2)    Patented Skechers Arch Fit insole system with podiatrist-certified arch support

3)    Carbon-infused H-plate providing a more efficient transition from mid-foot to toe off

4)    HYPER ARC adapts to your stride to provide a smoother transition (I believe this refers to the shape of the toe-spring)

5)    Goodyear rubber outsole

Pros:

• Anatomical fit, especially good for people with lower arches

• Excellent outsole traction

• Snappy natural ride

• Breathable, simple, effective upper

Cons:

• Low stack profile limits utility for longer runs.

Most comparable shoes 

• Adidas Adios 8,

• Nike Streakfly

• NB Rebel 4

Tracksmith Harbor Jacket ($255)

I grew up in Minnesota where winters were real winters.  This Fall season here in New England has been freakishly mild and summer-like, but the winter chill is sure to come!

 Last week it was finally cold enough to put the new Tracksmith Harbor Jacket to the test on a run. It did not disappoint! I initially thought it looked like a really nice lifestyle piece that would be too heavy and too constricting to actually run in, but I was quickly proven wrong. Yes, it is stylish and can be worn around town on errands and out to dinner, but it is surprisingly functional and comfortable on the run. 

By Michael Ellenberger

As any runner knows (or will soon find out!), recovery is just as critical as training. That’s why, this fall, in preparation for the Chicago Marathon, the Roll Recovery R8+ quickly became my most trusted companion. While the race didn’t totally go my way, it definitely wasn’t due to soreness - and (not to totally oversell the thing), I actually think that getting to the start line feeling better than I have in any recent build is due in large part to this little tool. 

The R8+ has a distinctive spring-loaded design, which looks elaborate (and I do worry about little one’s fingers getting trapped in the mechanism - parents, beware) - but made targeted muscle relief effortless, applying consistent pressure to often hard to reach spots. Late in the build, when my mileage was up and I was steering over every little thing, the genuine relief you feel from this thing became invaluable after pounding out miles on pavement—my quads, IT bands, and calves got the attention they desperately needed (in a way that I can’t always reach from The Stick or self-massage, or even the lower-end, “Amazon special” massage guns). 

Fresh Foam X 1080v14 (180,00 €)

Einleitung

Mit dem Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 liefert New Balance die neueste Version eines seiner beliebtesten Laufschuhe – und bleibt seinem Ruf als Hersteller von komfortablen, alltagstauglichen Schuhen treu. Der 1080 V14 richtet sich an Läufer, die auf der Suche nach einem zuverlässigen Partner für entspannte und moderate Trainingseinheiten sind. Während der Schuh mit seiner weichen Dämpfung und breiteren Plattform für maximalen Komfort sorgt, hat er auch einige interessante Neuerungen zu bieten, die ihn deutlich vom Vorgänger abheben.

Ob das Update gelungen ist, wie sich der Schuh auf der Straße schlägt und für wen er sich besonders eignet, erfährst du in diesem Testbericht.

Saucony Tempus 2 ($160)

Introduction

If “stability shoe” brings up associations of “heavy”, “clunky”, or “stiff” for you, the Tempus 1 and now Tempus 2 may change your mind. As someone with a fairly neutral gait looking for a daily road trainer, I was pleasantly surprised by the Tempus 2. Runners who like the Endorphin line for uptempo days and races may want to give the Tempus 2 a try, even if they don’t often seek out stability shoes.

Pros:

Stable without being noticeably a “stability shoe”; feels fairly neutral underfoot - Jen

Great amount of cushioning for the weight - Jen

Surprisingly comfortable, and versatile at recovery run paces but with enough spring for strides - Jen

Comparable to the Saucony Endorphin line but slightly more support as the foot rolls forward - Jen

Cons:

Took a few runs to settle into the fit, especially toward the toe - Jen

Not inexpensive for a daily trainer - Jen

Most comparable shoes 

Saucony Endorphin Shift

Asics Gel-Kayano

Brooks Launch GTS 10

Stats

Spec Weight: women's 8.2 oz / 232 g (US 8)

Prior Version Weight:  women’s 7.9 oz / 224 g (US 8)

  Sample Weight: women’s 8.46 oz / 240 g (US 8.5)

Stack Height: women’s  38 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot (8 mm  drop spec)  Platform Width: 90  mm heel / 69 mm midfoot / 115 mm forefoot 

RoadTrailRun contributors ran thousands of miles and kilometers in 2024, testing all kinds of gear and apparel and here bring you 50 Gift Ideas for the runners in your life.

Pros: 

• Easy to use

• Comfortable, even with swimming goggles

• Playlist+ feature is still unique and brilliant

• Improved battery life

Cons: 

• Best sound in the pool is achieved when using ear plugs.

• Sound is still lesser than with standard earphones.

Introduction

I’ve already reviewed a H2O Audio product, the pool-specific Sonar Pro.

This was a very well-rounded device, with a very specific and some might say limited usage.

H2O Audio has now revamped their lineup and offers the Tri 2 bone conduction headphone, as a replacement for their previous Tri sport device.

The Tri 2 is designed for multi sports enthusiasts, and as such offers a IPX8 waterproof certification (can withstand a 3.6m submersion for an unlimited time), onboard storage of 8GB for your music (MP3, FLAC, aac, m4a) without your phone, or when the Bluetooth does not work (underwater), bone conduction design so that you can stay aware of your surroundings, and an easy to use 3 buttons interface.

The “Pro” version adds the Playlist+ feature for on board, no phone listening.

The idea is simple and comes from a clear trend. These days music is listened to using streaming services, and by a large margin. But those require an Internet connection, a phone and all those things that are not really easy to bring to the pool.

Diadora Nucleo 2 ($160)

Introduction

Iconic sports brand Diadora of Italy has emerged as a top run contender in recent years with beautifully styled and super fun to run trainers and a solid carbon racer. 

Featuring their own in-house developed DD Anima foam which is light, energetic, moderately soft with a clearly felt and leg saving measured bounce, the Nucleo continues the progress. 

Ir'an “inherent stability” trainer meaning its geometry provides light stability and without overdoing the platform width or adding firmer inserts or plastic inserts. It all also works brilliantly for me, a runner who definitely typically steers clear of stability and pronation control shoes! Please read on for the details.

Article by Kurt Biesemans

Salomon Aero Glide (160€)

Introduction:

Salomon has long been a key player in the trail running world, but with this shoe, they've crafted a quality road running shoe. The Aero Glide is part of Salomon's Aero collection, which includes the Aero Glide (maximum cushioning), the Aero Blaze (lightweight for daily training), and the Aero Volt (for tempo and interval training).

The shoe is a great all-round road running shoe that is lightweight and well-cushioned with nice rolling characteristics. It is designed for the neutral runner. The Aero Glide is best-suited for low- to moderate-paced runs and long distances, such as endurance training.

Nike Zoom Fly 6 ($170)

"Testée et approuvée par Kipchoge" 

Jen : Oubliez ce que vous pensiez savoir de la Zoom Fly 5, et considérez la #6 comme une nouvelle chaussure à part entière. Nike a fait quelques mises à jour et améliorations majeures dans cette version, créant une supertrainer plus légère, plus amortie et plus rebondissante avec beaucoup des mêmes avantages, mais à un prix inférieur à celui de ses homologues  Le poids de la chaussure a diminué de manière significative tout en augmentant la hauteur de coussin de la chaussure.

S/Lab Genesis Spine (250€)

Test original en Anglais traduit avec l'aide de Deepl.com

Introduction 

Sam : La S/Lab Genesis Spine est une version haute de la chaussure ultra haut de gamme de Salomon, la S/Lab Genesis. Destinée à la course et à la randonnée rapide dans des conditions humides et froides, elle ajoute une résistance à l'eau et au froid ainsi qu'une protection contre les débris et la poussière grâce à sa tige supérieure scellée pour les conditions difficiles, à ce qui est une plate-forme exceptionnelle sous le pied. 

La tige extérieure, très similaire à celle que Salomon utilise pour ses chaussures de ski nordique classiques S/Lab, est dotée d'une membrane interne résistante à l'eau, tandis que la "chaussure" intérieure avec les lacets rapides n'est pas un matériau Matryx comme dans la Genesis classique, mais un mesh plus conventionnel et ouvert avec des superpositions étendues.

La plateforme sous le pied et la semelle extérieure sont identiques à la S/Lab Genesis "été". Bien que la  Spine n'ait pas "légère" en raison de la tige, le poids de 361 g US9 est raisonnable pour un une chaussure trail haut de gamme avec une protection contre les intempéries. Entrons dans les détails, Jeff et moi avons testé cet automne dans le Colorado et l'Utah USA, les tests hivernaux et les mises à jour sont à venir.