Apple Watch Series 10: a Runner's Review

Article by Michael Ellenberger

Apple Watch Series 10 Watch-42mm Titanium Slate (from $699)

I’ve repeatedly written about how underrated the Apple Watch is as a running watch while still admitting its many faults. I’ve owned every—or very nearly every—generation of the main “Series” Watches (I don’t have the wrists to support the Ultra, unfortunately) and reviewed Series 4 and Series 5.

Here’s the truth—or at least, the truth as I see it: while Series 10 is, once again, the most polished, enjoyable, and ultimately usable running watch from Apple that I’ve tested, it’s not that different from the Series 5, which introduced the Always-On display and (in my opinion) transformed the utility of the product. The latest additions—primarily fast charging, which completely eliminates battery concerns in my use case, but also the thinner profile and brighter display—make this an extremely good running watch. In fact, having tested AMOLED options from competitors, I think the Apple Watch’s execution is in many ways superior to the top models across the spectrum.

Atlas Helium-MTN Snowshoes Review

Article by Jeff Valliere

Atlas Helium-MTN Unisex Snowshoes

Sizes: 23”(as tested)/26”/30”

709g /1 lb 9 oz per half pair

$229.95

Introduction:  

Atlas has long been at the forefront of snowshoe technology and the Helium-MTN enhances that reputation, featuring BOA Fit System bindings, a lightweight yet durable build and superb traction, making it a very worthy top of the line choice for technical mountain adventures.

Recenzja: Adidas Adios Pro 4 (Polish)

Article by Matt Kolat

adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 (1148,35zł)

Wprowadzenie 

Jeśli śledzicie Państwo regularnie moje wpisy na RTR to dobrze wiecie, że jestem jednym z niewielu biegaczy którzy rzadko bądź prawie nigdy nie startują w wyścigach, chyba, że z samym sobą. Byłem tym bardziej podekscytowany gdy nasi przyjaciele ze sportsshoes.com zaporponowali mi testy jednych z najbardziej pożądanych butów na rynku - Adidas Adios Pro 4. Zapraszam do recenzji! 

Testbericht: Rudy Project Turbolence Impact X 2 Laser Purple Photochrome Sonnebrille (German)

Artikel von Markus Zinkl

Rudy Project Turbolence (269,90 €)

Einleitung

Als leidenschaftlicher Läufer trage ich fast ausschließlich Sonnenbrillen – schon selbst an bedeckten Tagen, wenn meine Augen zu tränen beginnen. Mit meiner relativ kleinen Nase kenne ich das ständige Verrutschen der Brille nur zu gut. Daher war ich richtig gespannt auf die Rudy Project Turbolence in der Version mit den photochromen ImpactX-Linsen – ideal für meine herbstlichen und winterlichen Läufe, bei denen ich auch Schutz vor Wind und Kälte brauche.

Nathan Sports Pinnacle Pro 6L Hydration Vest Review

Article by Jennifer Schmidt

Nathan Sports Pinnacle Pro 6L Hydration Vest ($180)

Introduction

Jen: The Pinnacle Pro updates the Pinnacle Hydration Race Vest, keeping the previous 12L capacity size while adding a 6L pack to replace the previous 4L option. Marketed as Nathan’s lightest hydration vest, the Pinnacle Pro features lightweight fabric and just 2 zippered pockets to keep weight low. The 6L includes  two 20-oz (600 mL) flasks and is compatible with a reservoir, while the 12L version (RTR Review soon) sports a 1.6L bladder.  

TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Adjust Snowshoes Review: Traction, Comfort and Performance

Article by Jeff Valliere

 TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Adjust ($320, currently on sale $272 at TSL)

Sizes S/M/L

960g/2 lbs 2 oz per half pair

Introduction:  Based in the  French Alps and founded in 1981, TSL has been an innovator creating snowshoes, poles, packs, sleds, gaiters and other accessories.  The Symbioz Hyperflex Adjust is packed with innovative features and design, is made from high quality materials and is easy to use with its BOA Fit System.  

They come in 3 different sizes depending on your weight and preferences.  They have the best traction of any snowshoe I have ever used and are notably easy to walk in, but the level of flotation (at least in the small size recommended for my weight) is minimal and they are best for already packed trails and hard packed sastrugi above treeline.

Hestra Ergo Grip Active Wool Terry Gloves Review: The Ultimate Winter Endurance Sports Glove?

Article by Sam Winebaum 

Hestra Ergo Grip Active Wool Terry ($125)

Tbe Ergo Grip Active Wool Terry Gloves are a lightly insulated, multi sport multi use glove with a soft and pliable reinforced goat skin palm, waterproof highly breathable Gore-Tex Infinium membrane and a light wool terry lining. Designed for nordic ski touring and hiking they are, as I found out in test and superb running glove. “Work styled” it has reinforcements for wear that are not in the way of dexterity.

Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB Multi Tester Review: 6 Comparisons

Article by Courtney Kelly, Peter Stuart and Ben David 

Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB ($250)

Introduction

Courtney: The Hyperion Elite 4PB is the first 2025 shoe in Brooks’ performance line, and it brings on a whole new ride. Many users of the Hyperion Elite 4 released last year were underwhelmed with its DNA Flash foam midsole, but found all the other components of the shoe well executed. In the HE4 PB we have all the successful parts of the original but with new PEBA DNA Gold PEBA foam. DNA Gold provides a softer, snappier, more  propulsive ride that far outmatches DNA Flash. The ARRIS carbon fiber plate and performance fit upper remain the same now with the new midsole making for a superior racing shoe. 

Nike Pegasus Premium Review: 5 Comparisons

Article by Sam Winebaum

Nike Pegasus Premium ($210)

Introduction

The Pegasus Premium is Nike’s most highly cushioned, highest stack trainer since the legendary 2020 Tempo Next %,  the OG in the super max cushioned road trainer category. At 45mm at the heel / 35 mm at the forefoot, the Peg Premium clearly joins the super max party along with the likes of  Hoka Skyward X and Brooks Glycerin Max. Compared to the latest Pegasus 41 with all React X, it essentially adds 8mm of stack height and about 1 oz in weight.

As it is in the Pegasus family, it has Air! But not the usual front embedded Air Zoom unit which gave traditional Pegs their firm rebounding forefoot. Here, below 20 mm of Nike race shoe grade Zoom X we have a full length 5mm thick visible Zoom Air unit with a mildly curving spoon shaped “air plate”  similar to the carbon Fly Plate in Nike’s racers such as the Vaporfly. 

Nike says: “Digital capabilities such as finite element analysis, a computerized method for predicting how a product will react to physical forces, helped Nike teams test the sculpted Air unit to predict how it would react to the repeated pounding of running” 

And to “bottom out” the layer cake of Nike tech the heel has a tapering 10mm thick layer of ReactX foam as found in the current Pegasus 41. Technologies mish mash or effective collaboration? Let’s find out!

Rudy Project Turbolence ImpactX Photochromic 2 Laser Red All-Sport Shield Sunglasses Review

Article by Jeremy Marie

Rudy Project Turbulence ImpactX Photochromic 2 LaserRed Sunglasses (269€/$285)

I rarely run with sunglasses, despite being hindered by sun (sometimes) and wind, very often, which causes me to shed tears like I’m crying. And put in some winter temperatures and it gets even worse.I’m used to wearing shades  when riding. So…why not when running ? My usual gripes about shades when running are frame movement, especially for trail running, and fogging, as I tend to heat a lot. 

When Rudy Project proposed the Turbolence for test, I was eager to see how they fare and if a modern pair of sunglasses could overcome both my usual issues when running with glasses and ... running without.

Speedland GL:SVT Review: 6 Comaprisons

Article by Jeff Valliere

Speedland GL:SVT ($299)

Introduction:  

Jeff V:  The Speedland GL:SVT and its design details pay homage to Speedland athlete Avery Collins and the San Juan Mountains/Silverton, Colorado.  

The SVT is intended for more rugged mountain terrain and all distances, featuring a Perform Fit wrap with dual BOA Fit System Li2 dials, tight ripstop mesh upper with built in mesh gaiter, beaded HTPU external carrier midsole, with removable blended SCF (supercritical foam)  internal midsole, and Michelin Fiberlite outsole with 6.5mm lugs. It is Carbitex Gearplate compatible for an additional $35..  The precision fit, cushion, protection and traction make the SVT a great all mountain, any terrain versatile workhorse.

Speedland GL:PDX Multi Tester Review: 10 Comparisons

Article by Jeff Valliere and Mike Postaski

Speedland GL:PDX ($250)

Introduction

Jeff V:  The Speedland GL:PDX is inspired by the original SL:PDX and the Forest Park Trail System in Portland, Oregon. The PDX is intended for more rugged mountain terrain and all distances. 

It features a Perform Fit wrap with a single BOA Fit System Li2 dial combined with velcro strap, tight ripstop mesh upper, beaded HTPU external midsole, blended SCF (supercritical foam)  internal midsole, Michelin Fiberlite outsole with 6.5mm lugs. It is Carbitex Gearplate removable carbon plate compatible for an additional $35..  The precision fit, cushion, protection and traction make the PDX a great all mountain, any terrain versatile workhorse.

Li Ning Feidian 5 Elite Review: 5 Comparisons

Article by Derek Li

 Li Ning Feidian 5 Elite ( MSRP SGD (S$) 275, (~US$204)

For reference

Feidian 5 Elite MSRP SGD (S$) 275

Nike Vaporfly Next% 3 MSRP S$319

Adidas Adios Pro 4 MSRP S$339

Introduction

Li Ning is the most recognized Chinese sports brand in the world. More details about the brand can be found in my previous review of the Li Ning Feidian 4 Ultra.The Li Ning Feidian 5 Elite, reviewed here, is positioned as a mid-tier racing model, designed to compete with the likes of the Nike Vaporfly.

Disclaimer: these shoes were provided free of charge for the purposes of testing and review. The opinions herein are my own.

The North Face Summit Series Vectiv Sky 2 Multi Tester Review: Ready to Rip! 10 Comparisons

Article by Reed Breuer, Sam Winebaum, Jen Schmidt, Renee Krusemark, and Mike Postaski

The North Face Vectiv Sky 2 ($200)

Introduction

Reed: The Summit Series VECTIV Sky 2, the fast and light trail runner/racer in the Vectiv series offers key updates to its predecessor.  

The lug height increases to 5mm (from 3.5 mm in the Sky 1). It drops a full ounce (28g) in weight as its midsole moves from a combination of EVA and nitrogen infused TPU to all nitrogen TPU Dream foam while the upper is also lighter. 

Designed to be the lightest race shoe in the VECTIV lineup, the Sky 2 sports a redesigned carbon plate and lightweight upper with just enough TPU foam to cover the plate. Sub-ultra trail racers, this one's for you!

Rab Xenair Alpine Flex Jacket & Cirrus Flex Insulated Hooded Jacket Reviews

 Article by Jeff and Allison Valliere

In the article, we review the Xenair Alpine Flex Jacket and Cirrus Flex Insulated Hooded Jacket with our testing this winter in the mountains above Boulder, Colorado.