TYR CXT-Flow and Tyr L-2 Lifters Gym and Weight Lifting Shoes Reviews

Article by Matt Kolat

TYR CXT-Flow ($120 / £104) and Tyr L-2 Lifters - $225/£196

Introduction

TYR is an American brand focusing its products on three main areas: functional fitness, running and swimming. 

At the tail end of 2024, I  had the pleasure of testing the Valkyries Speedworks (RTR Review) which are TYRs speedy, carbon plated and  neutral running shoes. It was quite a unique proposition and I encourage you to give my review a read if you are in the market for shoes of the above description.

Apart from running I am also a very keen gym goer. As we age, and I am about to commence by 5th decade on earth, retaining muscle mass becomes more and more difficult. Lifting weights, especially those big compound movements like squats, deadlifts or bench press can be very stimulating for your body. That said, I believe lifting weights can be beneficial to runners regardless of their age. 

With the above in mind I was very excited to hear that TYR has released two new shoes: the CXT-Flow which is an all-round gym shoe suitable for anything from weight lifting to more dynamic functional movements and the L-2 Lifter which is a more focused proposition perfect for the ‘leg day’. Can a runner benefit from either of those shoes? How did they perform in general? Let’s find out in the article below.

SATISFY Running Winter 2025 Apparel Reviews: GhostFleece AD Hoodie and Gloves, & CoffeeThermal 8" Shorts

Article by Jeremy MARIE

Ghost Fleece AD Light Hoodie (200€), CoffeeThermal 8” shorts (220€), GhostFleece AD Gloves (90€)

We’ve previously reviewed kit from SATISFY, as well as lucky enough to chat with the brand’s founder, Brice Partouche. I encourage you to go back to this review and read the ethos behind SATISFY, as the they clearly stray from the usual roads and trails of running brands.

The sheer quality and performance were astounding, so was the styling, which helped a lot in swallowing the high cost, but as I’ve said at the time: to each his/her own.

Under Armour UA Infinite Elite 2 Multi Tester Review: 5 Comparisons

Article by Dominique and Sam Winebaum

Under Armour UA Infinite Elite 2 ($160)

Introduction

Sam: Named the Infinite Elite 2, one might expect a snappy big stack height trainer but that is not what we have here. Rather the  Elite 2 is a soft and bouncy riding, broad fitting and friendly trainer with comfort on its mind more than high performance. And that is OK! 

It is reasonable in weight at just over 10 oz US9 and sits on a broad platform at  what is now a “mini max” stack height of 36mm heel /  28mm forefoot with a solid  8mm drop to help it move along. 

Runs on tired legs, easy pace, long distances outings, walks,  broad higher volume feet and for all-day comfort. I can well see “elites” and the rest of us reaching for it. Let’s get into the details.

Testbericht: Adidas Eyewear Dunamis Pro Sonnebrille (German)

Artikel von Markus Zinkl

Adidas Eyewear Dunamis Pro Sonnenbrille (220,00 €)

Einleitung

Sportsonnenbrillen sind ein unverzichtbarer Bestandteil der Ausrüstung für Outdoor-Aktivitäten und sportliche Herausforderungen. Die Adidas Dunamis Pro baut auf dem Erfolg der bewährten Dunamis auf und überzeugt durch minimale, aber wirkungsvolle Optimierungen. In diesem Testbericht beleuchten wir die technischen Details und die Leistung der Dunamis Pro, die mit einer angepassten Linsenhöhe für noch besseren Schutz und Sichtkomfort sorgt.

Testbericht: Tracksmith Fieldhouse Shorts and Tee (German)

Artikel von Maren Müller

Fieldhouse Shorts (71 Euro /$55) & :Fieldhouse tee (71 Euro/$55) 

Einleitung

Tracksmith ist eine Marke, die für ihre hochwertige Laufbekleidung bekannt ist und sich durch die Kombination von klassischem Design mit moderner Funktionalität auszeichnet. Die Fieldhouse-Kollektion richtet sich speziell an Athleten, die neben dem Laufen auch andere Trainingsformen wie Kraft- und Konditionseinheiten absolvieren. Sowohl die Fieldhouse Shorts als auch das Fieldhouse Tee wurden entwickelt, um den Anforderungen intensiver Workouts gerecht zu werden und dabei einen zeitlosen Stil zu bewahren. Deshalb bin ich sehr gespannt das Tshirt und die Shorts im Gym zu testen. 

Inselberg Monic Trail Running Jacket, Gauss Pant, and Infima Jacket Reviews

 Article by Sam Winebaum and Matt Kolat

Introduction:

Inselberg is a New Zealand based brand focused on function above all else. Their name derives from the Germanic and translates as “island mountain”.

“An inselberg is a mountain that stands out from a plain, eroded and shaped over time to its rugged core. An inselberg is a singular formation—one mountain rising above the plain. This idea of "one" is central to everything we do. Every product is designed with one purpose, fulfilling a single function with precision and focus. Inselberg is more than a name; it’s a philosophy of clarity, durability, and purpose.”

Inselberg products are developed and tested in New Zealand, including by mountaineering and search and rescue teams as well in other extreme environments from Everst to Antarctica. As we found out in our testing, they take detailed care of every aspect of their apparel with disassembly after use to identify potential failure points and then multiple iterations to perfect, 

Not “flashy” in looks, they are among the highest performance, most carefully crafted run and trekking apparel I have experienced with a look that also easily takes them “off trail” into town as well.

I was amazed at the comfort, details, and functionality  of the Monic Trail Running Jacket and Gauss Pants I tested in Park City, UT. I have been wearing them almost continuously for running, hiking and around town. Matt tested the Infima Jacket in the wilds of Scotland.

Norda Run 005 Multi Tester Review: A Marvel! 8 Comparisons

Article by Mike Postaski, John Tribbia and Sam Winebaum

Norda Run 005 ($325)

Introduction

Mike P: I was fortunate to pick up one of the earliest test pairs of the 005 back at TRE in November.  So I’ve had the shoe for quite a while, and trust me, it’s been quite a challenge keeping my review thoughts under wraps!  It seems like the anticipation and curiosity about this shoe has been ever-growing since last summer. I’ve been able to test them across a variety of conditions, even taking them out for a decently rugged 20 mile race here in Idaho. 

Sam: At first glance, a very stylish “sneaker” that one could easily wear out on the town. Under the hood, a combination of the highest performance materials available today: Dyneema super strong and light mesh upper, 100% Anitel TPEE foam, and a new, and exclusive to Norda, Vibram MegaGrip Elite outsole all leading to an ultra light weight trail runner and more.

I had one run, a 5 miler on a dead flat hard granite dust rail trail, in Mike’s full size up from my normal Norda size pair before handing them off to Mike, I set a Strava segment PR on a segment I had done several times including in road super shoes.

I received a true to size pair a few days ago and, due to essentially closed trails here in Park City, took them for two all uphill road runs of 6 and 8 miles. 

Wow! Such a ultra light (7.87 oz/  223g with included racing insoles),  springy,  quick rebounding and rapid turnover ride. The first truly do anything, fly across any terrain super shoe? 

2025 Run Tops & Shorts Reviews: X-Bionic, Compressport, Subi, Soar and Usual Objections

Article by Sam Winebaum and Matt Kolat

In the article, we review shorts and tops from top end boutique run brands. From Switzerland: X-Bionic and Compressport, and from the UK:  Subi, Soar and Usual Objections

Nike Vomero 18 Multi Tester Review with 8 Comparisons

Article by Peter Stuart, Ben David, Sally Reiley, Ryan Eiler Courtney Kelly and Sam Winebaum

Nike Vomero 18 ($150)

Introduction

Sam: The Vomero 18 has traditionally been Nike’s more cushioned, easier going daily trainer. With version 18, it joins the growing field of super max cushioned trainers. It grows in stack height to 46 mm at the heel and 36mm at the forefoot so 6.5 mm more at the heel and 6mm at the forefootm yet only gains 0.1 oz in weight. Still with top notch ZoomX underfoot the lower layer is now ReactX.

No sometimes rough and snug Flyknit upper here we see a new soft engineered mesh reinforcing the comfort story for the shoe. 

And at the ground the outsole is more segmented and more strategic in coverage than usual for the Vomero (or Nike), contributing to great flexibility and lighter weight. And in a nice surprise, they actually drop $10 in price to a very reasonable price of $150 for a super max shoe with at least some supercritical foam. Let’s see how they perform as Peter, Ben, Sally and Sam put them through their paces.

Nike Dragonfly Elite 2 Review

Article by Zack Dunn

Nike Dragonfly Elite 2 (190$)

Introduction

Zack: When the Nike Dragonfly spike came out, it was a game-changer in terms of innovation and led the way for brands to develop their own “super-spikes”. Therefore, the release of the Nike Dragonfly 2 was very much awaited, and especially the release of the Elite version. For me, the OG Dragonfly has been my preferred spike from the year it came out to the present day, and it was the spike I wore for most of my personal best times (at the time, 4:18 mile, 14:50 5K). So, when I saw this spike was released as “coming soon” at Nike.com, I knew my wallet was about to suffer. Happily I purchased the spikes, and once they came I ran many sessions as well as races with now 8:32 3K and  4:42 5K PR’s! 

Pros: 

• Very lightweight for it’s construction

• Midsole is soft, bouncy, and responsive

• Carbon fiber plate provides stiffness and great responsiveness 

• Upper is very lightweight, yet has great lockdown

Cons:

• $180 cost could be a turn off

• Carbon fiber plate could be too stiff for racer levels or some stride types

• Permanent pins could potentially provide long term concerns 

Tracksmith Fieldhouse Women's Shorts and Pinnie Reviews

 Article by Courtney Kelly

Tracksmith Fieldhouse Shorts (XS, Navy $55) and Fieldhouse Pinnie (XS, Navy $45)

The Tracksmith Field House Mesh Pinnie and Short are a great addition to the runner’s kit and are crafted with the durability and attention to detail Tracksmith is so well known for. 

The timeless, quality pieces in the Field House Collection make those sometimes dreaded, but super important indoor training sessions a little more fun and carefree. The pinnie and shorts I tested feature durable, yet ventilated mesh material that provides distraction free training. 

Buff Winter 2025 Headwear Round Up Review

 Article by Dominique and Sam Winebaum

Buff Thermonet® Neckwear ($27), Merino Lightweight Balaclava ($36), Merino Lightweight Beanie ($30) and Lightweight Merino Print Buff ($30)

I have been wearing Buff products for hiking, walking, and running over the years, however, when it comes to downhill skiing, I typically would wear a colorful neckwear from Skida for protection against the elements.  This February, after receiving several items from Buff to review, I made the transition of wearing two Buff products instead of my neckwear from Skida when downhill skiing.  

All Buff products are made in Barcelona, Spain.  Buff is a Certified B Corp.I tested the Balaclava and Thermonet Neckwear and Sam tested the Beanie. 

Testbericht: Tracksmith Session Jacket & Pants (German)

Artikel von Nils Scharff

Session Jacket (165€) & Session Pants (165€)

Einleitung

Tracksmith ist eine Marke, die sich durch ihre hochwertige und stilvolle Laufbekleidung einen Namen gemacht hat. Mit einem klaren Fokus auf Qualität und Funktionalität, kombiniert mit einem ebenso klassischen wie ansprechenden Design, hat sich Tracksmith eine treue Fangemeinde aufgebaut. Und auch meine bisherigen Erfahrungen mit Tracksmith-Produkten waren durchweg positiv. Die Kleidungsstücke sind nicht nur funktional und bequem, sondern auch äußerst langlebig und stilvoll, was sie sowohl für das Training als auch für den Alltag geeignet macht.

In meinem jüngsten Testbericht habe ich die Tracksmith Session Jacket und die dazu passende Session Pants unter die Lupe genommen. Beide Artikel haben mich durch ihre hervorragende Verarbeitung und den hohen Tragekomfort beeindruckt. Die Session Jacket erwies sich als perfekte äußere Schicht für kalte, aber schöne Tage, während die Session Pants durch ihre Bequemlichkeit und Wärme punkten konnte. Im Folgenden werde ich detailliert auf die Features und meine persönlichen Eindrücke dieser beiden Produkte eingehen.

Testbericht: Topo Athletic Specter 2 - Leicht, agil & stabil (German) 5 Vergleiche

Artikel von Marcel Krebs und Nils Scharff

Topo Athletic Specter 2 (190€)

Einleitung

Nils: War Topo Athletics vor ein paar Jahren noch ein Geheimtipp aus der Trail- und Ultraszene, ist die amerikanische Marke mittlerweile weiträumig für qualitativ hochwertige und bis ins letzte Detail durchdachte Laufschuhe bekannt. Neben der tollen Verarbeitung zeichnen sich Topo Schuhe vor allem durch ihre “Natural Footshape” in Kombination mit einem guten Mittelfußhalt aus. Wo andere Marken aus der Natural Running Bewegung eher etwas für die breitfüßigeren in der Laufcommunity sind, passen Topos seit jeher auch gut an meine schmalen Füße. Der Topo Specter 2 ist die neueste Version von Topos Performance Trainer, der für seine Balance aus Dämpfung und Reaktionsfähigkeit bekannt ist. Mit einigen gezielten Updates zielt der Specter 2 darauf ab, das Laufgefühl weiter zu verbessern, ohne die bewährten Eigenschaften seines Vorgängers zu verlieren. Besonders hervorzuheben ist die neue Mittelsohle, die nun vollständig aus Pebax-Schaum besteht, was eine signifikante Verbesserung in Sachen Dämpfung und Energierückgabe darstellt.

Nike Pegasus Premium to Vomero 18 Comparison Review with 7 Comparisons

Article by Sam Winebaum

Nike Vomero 18 ($150) & Nike Pegasus Premium ($210)

In the article, I test and compare two of Nike’s key 2025 road trainers. While both have essentially the same big super max 45-46 mm heel / 35-36 mm stack height and 10mm drop, they differ significantly in weight, outsole design and pricing, and to a lesser extent fit.

To keep it simple, before getting into the details, the heavier Pegasus Premium, in iconic  Pegasus fashion, adds full length and novel Air Zoom “plate” shaped similarly to their racing Flyplate while the Vomero 18 leaves out the Zoom Air plate.