Altra Running Lone Peak 9 Review

Article by Ernst Linder

Altra Lone Peak 9 ($140)

Introduction

Altra released the newest version of its Lone Peak, the Lone Peak 9 early this year.  It is the latest in the evolution of this model that has not changed substantially since the Lone Peak 6 from 2022, and noticeable also, the price of the shoe has not changed either.  

Rather, Altra tweaked or added small features while staying true to the main formula of a light-weight trail shoe using its Altra EGO™ midsole foam, a zero-drop modest 25 mm stack height, a soft but strong mesh upper, and a MaxTrac™ outsole. 

Nike Vaporfly 4 Multi Tester Review: A Definite (and Fast) Departure! 8 Comparisons

Article by Jen Schmidt, Courtney Kelly, Renee Krusemark, and Sally Reiley

Nike Vaporfly 4 ($260)

Introduction

Courtney:“The Original Super Shoe”, as stamped on the medial forefoot of the new Vaporfly 4 says it all. 

Although it has become well-loved by racing shoe enthusiasts everywhere, the evolution of the Vaporfly has ebbed and flowed for me. I actually skipped version 3 heeding the advice of a friend and stock piled an extra pair of V2s. When I heard about the release of V4 with its lighter weight and lower stack height, I was anxious to see changes that could really recreate that excitement! 

Pros:

• Extremely light - Jen/Sally/Courtney/Renee/Reed/Peter

• Excellent energy return - Jen/Sally/Renee/Courtney/Reed/Ryan/Peter

• Faster transition from landing to toe off. Encourages a high cadence-Courtney

• More “ground feel” than predecessors - Sally/Jen/Courtney/Ryan/Peter

• Excellent and secure hold of my narrower foot - Sally/Jen/Renee/Reed/Ryan

• Smooth transitions at slower paces as well as uptempo - Sally/Renee/Ryan

• More of a “natural” feel to the stride - Sally/Jen/Renee/Peter

• Vs V3, upper is less baggy with better containment - Ryan

Cons:

• Can feel a little more wobbly underfoot than the previous version, especially in the rear and midfoot - Jen/Sally

• Upper of toe box takes a few miles to break in - Jen

• I am personally missing the aggressive rocker of previous versions for marathon racing - Sally/Jen/Renee

• Less of a full marathon option for mid pack runners - Renee/Peter

• Question on durability for some due to thinner rubber padding in heel (but this is somewhat expected in this kind of race shoe)-Courtney

• 5mm less foam in heel means less cushioned ride, limits volume of running in the shoe, plus plate rides closer to heel -Courtney

• More narrow midfoot as Nike cut into this area by 5mm -Courtney

• Less versatility than prior Vaporflies - Reed

• Could use more heel lockdown - Ryan/Peter

Jen is a 2:41 marathoner, Courtney has PR’s of 3:04:27. 1:25, a 5 mile PR 30:17, and a 5k of 18:20, Sally has a 3:24 PR as a 60+AG, Renee has PR’s 1:30:59 for the half and 3:26:45 for the marathon. Please find the testers full run bios at the end of the article after Comparisons.

ASICS S4+ Yogiri Review

Article by Sam Winebaun

ASICS S4+ Yogiri ($200)

Introduction

The limited release S4+ Yogri is ASICS answer to the need for less prescriptive, more stable supershoes for the marathon mid pack. 

The 4 “S” stand for "speed, stability, safety, and sub4". It’s a racing (and training) option that recognizes  that not all marathoners are “fast”, have perfect form or $250 plus to spend.  And that is what ASICS delivers here. Please read on for all the details.

2025 Boston Marathon Preview

 Article by Rabbi Benjamin David

2025 Boston Marathon Preview

Following a harsh winter, amid the endless turmoil of our complex world, the Boston Marathon arrives on the third Monday of every April. 

In the immortal words of Joni Mitchell: ‘And the painted ponies go up and down; we’re captive on a carousel of time.’ Indeed, with great unrest in untold places, the Boston Marathon comes roaring round on the carousel (for the 129th time), reminding us that not all is enmity and tension. 

For many, the third Monday in April - Patriot’s Day - is a day as important as any other. It reminds us that there is still good. There are still reasons to be hopeful. There are still days that fill the spirit with awe and wonder. Let’s get to it. 

Stio Ridgecap Low Hiking Shoe Review

Article by Jeff Valliere

Stio Ridgecap Low ($159 also in a waterproof Mid)

Introduction:

Based in Jackson Hole Wyoming, at the base of the Grand Tetons, Stio makes the highest quality outdoor clothing, shoes and accessories for a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, running, lifestyle, biking, fishing, paddling, skiing and snowboarding.  

I was fortunate enough to attend the launch of the Ridgecap hiking shoes at the Stio Mountain Studio in Boulder recently, where they provided me with the Ridgecap Low, as well as samples of their clothing (review upcoming).  The Ridgecap is described as “A fast, lightweight and comfortable all terrain shoe that hits the sweet spot between stability and agility”.  

At 15.4 oz/437 g, they are not light by any means, or at least not when compared to most trail running shoes, but a reasonable weight for a hiking boot and offer the highest quality construction, comfort, protection and traction.  Stio is committed to using the finest, most sustainable materials, creating partnerships and extending the life of their products reducing waste.

Craft Nordlite Tempo Review: Tempo and Much More! 7 Comparisons

Article by Sam Winebaum

Craft Nordlite Tempo ($160)

Introduction

Craft Sportswear of Sweden, long known for great nordic ski apparel worn by many national teams, in recent years has plunged into running shoes.  They were one of the earliest brands focused on “gravel” and thus with more outsole depth and grip than typically seen in road shoes. Their shoes tended to have great midsole foams and awkward, baggy fits with their gravel outsoles not always worth their extra weight and impact on smooth surfaces performance. 

In 2025, all of their shoes including the Tempo here will be on a new last (fit). Craft is also now more clearly distinguishing its road, gravel, and trail offerings with two “pure” road models the Kype Pro (RTR Review), a state of the art marathon racer and reviewed here the Nordlite Tempo. Tempo has two foam compounds (15% PEBA plus another unnamed foam) in a supercritical processed blend. 

It is a strong tempo shoe. I have concluded that it is also a great all around daily trainer due to its substantial (but not excessive) 40mm heel, 34mm forefoot stack height and stable and smooth rocker based plateless ride.

Rabbit Marathon Majors Race Kits Review

Article by Sally Reiley

Rabbit Marathon Majors Race Kits

Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City—some of the largest and most prestigious races on the planet. One dream unites them all.

Rabbit has created a collection of race day kits for each of the six majors.  Inspired by each iconic race and crafted for ultimate speed, their highest performing apparel eliminates distractions and maximizes comfort. Each style combines ultra lightweight, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking fabric with sleek design and innovative tech.

Review: Camelbak Octane 22 Hydration Hiking Pack met Fusion 2L Reservoir Eén rugzak, eindeloze mogelijkheden (Nederlands/Dutch)

Artikel geschreven door Kurt Biesemans

Camelbak Octane 22 met Fusion reservoir (€160, $150)

🎒 Ontdek de Camelbak Octane-lijn – slimme veelzijdigheid voor elke buitenliefhebber.

De Octane-serie combineert het beste van drie werelden: het draagcomfort van een lichte rugzak, de opbergruimte van een grotere pack en de stabiliteit van een loopvest. Of je nu gaat hardlopen, hiken of een snelle bergtocht plant – er is een Octane voor jou.

Alle drie de modellen zijn uitgerust met het innovatieve Fusion-reservoir, gelanceerd in 2022 en meteen bekroond met de ISPO Design Award. Daarnaast geniet elk model van het ergonomische Command Center™-harnas voor slimme opbergoplossingen binnen handbereik.

Testbericht: Altra Running Mont Blanc Speed (German)

Artikel von Markus Zinkl

Altra Mont Blanc Speed (190,00 €)

Einleitung

Na, neugierig auf den neuesten Streich von Altra für die Trails? Ich war es definitiv! Der Name "Mont Blanc Speed" weckt ja schon gewisse Erwartungen. Nachdem der Mont Blanc Carbon mit seiner Platte für Furore gesorgt hat, kommt hier also die "Speed"-Version – quasi der kleine Bruder ohne Carbon, aber mit dem Versprechen, trotzdem flott unterwegs zu sein. Ich hab den Schuh für euch unter die Füße genommen und verrate euch, ob er seinem Namen gerecht wird und was er sonst noch so kann.

Rabbit Women's Winter Spring 2025 Apparel Round Up Reviews

 Article by Renee Krusemark and Sally Reiley

Run In Rabbit Winter 2025 Apparel

Renee: Many of The Run in Rabbit winter items are on sale as spring apparel moves into season. The items featured in our review, for me, are more useful during cool temps than during frigid winter one . If you’re looking for on sale items for cool to cold early spring runs, many of the items featured below can be purchased on sale. 

Inov-8 Roclite Pro Mid GTX Review

Article by Matt Kolat

Roclite Pro Mid GTX ($230/£200)

Introduction

Inov8 is a brand I am familiar with ever since I began running. They are one of the ‘forefather’ brands of ‘minimalism’ and for that matter trail run specific shoes which were the ‘it’ running conversation subjects about 15 years ago. 

Since then the brand has grown, becoming a global force in trail running, functional fitness, and road running. Last year I had the pleasure of testing the RoadFly, which turned out to be one of my shoes of the year. 

Needless to say that being a huge hiking enthusiast I got pretty excited to find out that Ino8 were releasing a Gore-Tex hiking boot - the Rocklite Pro Mid GTX. Let’s have a look at what Rocklite has got for us under the bonnet (hood if you’re American). 

Topo Athletic MTN Racer 4 Multi Tester 50 Mile Review

Article by Dominique Winebaum

Topo Athletic MTN Racer 4 ($150)

Introduction

The MTN Racer is positioned as Topo Athletic's performance longer technical trail run shoe. While not at a towering stack height or plated, past editions have proven a reliable versatile option for any kind of trail run and hiking.

For this 4th edition, the fit is snugger along with upgrades in the shoelace system and heel counter while retaining Topo’s signature anatomical broad but secure and comfortable toe box and overall fit.  There is  touch more rebound with the inclusion of a new TPU beads FKT insole- which is also water resistant. The stout Vibram Megagrip outsole remains unchanged.

Kane Revive Recovery Shoe Review

Article by Mike Postaski

Kane Recovery Footwear - Revive ($80)

Mike P: I have a few pairs of “Recover” footwear from OOFOS - flip-flops and sandals, but this was my first time trying the Kane brand.  I think the recovery aspect of these products can be a bit oversold, but I don’t see any issue with having a soft and super comfy something to put on your feet after a long workout or run.  

Arc’Teryx Norvan LD 4 GTX Review

Article by Jen Schmidt

Arc’Teryx Norvan LD 4 GTX ($200) 

Introduction

The Norvan LD 4 is Arc’teryx’ long-distance trail shoe, “designed to inspire confidence for mountain training and adventures.” A moderate 29 mm full stack height, moderate-to-firm ride, and adventure-ready Vibram outsole with 4mm lugs deliver on that promise with a shoe that’s most at home on technical terrain. The Gore-Tex version is fully water-resistant and ready for wet, muddy mountain trails this spring.

Altra Mont Blanc Speed Review: 6 Comparisons

Article by Dom Layfield

Altra Mont Blanc Speed ($185)

Introduction

When I reviewed the Altra Mont Blanc Carbon, I noted that it had been many years – almost a decade – since Altra had released a shoe that I wanted to race in.  The excellent Mont Blanc Carbon upended that, and I wore the MBC in several races, including a couple of hundred milers in notably challenging conditions.  From a functional perspective, the MBC has few weak points, but the one big issue is price.  The $260 MSRP is a big chunk of change, and hard to justify since the expensive carbon plate doesn’t provide any discernible propulsive benefit. 

Altra have just released the Mont Blanc Speed, which is almost the same shoe, but with a TPU layer replacing the carbon plate.  The new shoe, at $185, is much more reasonably priced and is actually very slightly lighter than the MBC (267 g vs 273 g in size US M10), although the 2% difference is too slight to be noticeable in practice.  Spoiler alert: When comparing the two shoes, I didn’t notice any loss of performance from the removal of the carbon plate.