Article by Jeff and Allison Valliere

Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX $180)

Introduction:

Jeff V:  The Speedgoat 6 GTX Mid builds upon the ever so popular Speedgoat by adding a waterproof Gore Tex membrane and improves upon the previous mid versions with an improved, more flexible ankle cuff (vs. a tall boot like structure). . This cuff is more flexible, lighter and more running  friendly.  As always, the Speedgoat delivers top notch traction and overall performance, making this shoe a formidable contender for cold, wet, snowy winter running.

Pros: Reasonably light and responsive (for a winter shoe), traction, cushion, protection, waterproof upper, more flexible ankle cuff. Jeff/Allison

Cons: heel lift (lacing the extra eyelet helps though), cuff does not snug well around the ankle and allows moisture in, lace bite. Jeff/Allison

Topo Cyclone 3 ($150)

Pros:

Modern “Race Flat” that can also be a trainer: Sam

Very light at 6.9 oz / 196g US9: Sam/Renee/Jeff

Super energetic low slung speed ride: Sam/Renee/Jeff

As usual with Topo, and nobody else does it better, a buttery soft upper with anatomical toe box that holds both wider and narrower feet well: Sam/Jeff

Solid short to mid distance racer for those who want to go unplated and lower stack: Sam/Renee/Jeff

Cons:

Heel can feel low unless speeding: would trade some weight for a higher heel to toe ratio : Sam/Jeff 

Might feel narrow in the midsole when not striking fast from the forefoot: Renee

Most Intriguing Trail Supershoes of TRE 2024

There was so much to see at The Running Event, so the big caveat with this list is that I didn’t get to see exactly everything on the floor including the On Cloudultra Pro RTR Video Preview, even though I was scheduled wall-to-wall for both days of the event! Here, I present a list of what I feel are the most intriguing “supershoe” models coming to the trail market in 2025. 

Some you will know and recognize. Some are brand new. Some are models that I have a personal affinity for (hey, I’m writing the article). I’ll list the specs that we’ve posted thus far in our coverage along with my personal thoughts and feelings about each shoe. Enjoy.. 2025 will be a great year on the trails!

The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro 2 (250,00 €)

Einleitung

Markus: Nachdem der The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro im letzten Jahr großes Potenzial gezeigt, uns aber mit seinem Problem der Blasenbildung enttäuscht hat, war ich umso gespannter auf die überarbeitete Version – den Summit Vectiv Pro 2. Gemeinsam mit meinem Kollegen Marcel, der den Schuh ebenfalls getestet hat, wollte ich herausfinden, ob es The North Face gelungen ist, die Schwächen des Vorgängers zu beheben und ob der Schuh nun endlich sein volles Potenzial entfalten kann. Wir haben den Schuh auf verschiedenen Trails und Untergründen ausgiebig getestet, um ein umfassendes Bild zu bekommen.

Brighton Base Layer (130€) & Turnover Tights (165€)

Einleitung

Tracksmith - Die Marke mit dem Hase aus New England steht seit jeher für ebenso hochwertige wie stylische Laufbekleidung im klassischen Look. Sortiert man das edle Produktportfolio im hauseigenen Onlineshop nach Bestsellern, steht an allererster Stelle ein auf den ersten Blick ein eher unscheinbares Produkt - der Brighton Base Layer. Entsprechend glücklich bin ich, dieses “Lieblingsteil” vieler Lauffans diesen Herbst testen zu dürfen. Passend dazu und ebenso für herbstliche Temperaturen geeignet, wird mein Test-Outfit durch die überarbeiteten Turnover Tights ergänzt. Ich bin also bestens für die Offseason gerüstet und freue mich meine Eindrücke zu den beiden schicken Kleidungsstücken zu teilen. Vielleicht sind sie ja genau das Richtige für den ein oder anderen Läufer:innen-Wunschzettel!?

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.