The North Face Chilkat V & V 400 Waterproof Winter Boots Review

Article by Jeff and Allison Valliere

The North Face Chilkat V ($135) & V 400 Waterproof Boots ($159)

Introduction:  

The North Face Chilkat comes in 2 different options, the Chilkat V, featuring 200 G Heatseeker™ Eco Synthetic Insulation, where the V 400 features 400 G Heatseeker™ Eco Synthetic Insulation which is a warmer insulation.  Otherwise, the boots are essentially the same aside from some variations in the upper, so we will review as one and note any differences as necessary along the way.  With warm insulation, a waterproof design, excellent traction, well cushioned comfort and snowshoe compatibility, the Chilkat is a fine choice for cold, snowy winter adventures.

Reseña 500 Kilómetros: Hoka Bondi 9 (Spanish)

Artículo de Beto Hughes

Hoka Bondi 9 ($170 USD, €180,00)

El pionero de los entrenadores de máximo acolchonamiento regresa rediseñado y mejorado para bien.

Pros:

• Más ligero y más energético que las versiones anteriores.

• Es flexible a pesar de estar grueso.

• Un rocker muy eficiente y balanceado con el retorno de energía que ofrece.

• Es suave y energético a pesar de tanta mediasuela.

• Un Knit Upper que es amplio y demasiado cómodo.

Cons:

• Ligeramente inestable si lo comparamos con las media suelas de versiones anteriores.

Stats

Size: US 12.5M 

Peso/Weight: 363 gramos / 12.8 oz

Stack Height/Drop: 43mm-38mm / 5mm drop

Altra Timp 5 BOA Review: 3 Comparisons

Article by Sam Winebaum

Altra Timp 5 BOA ($175)

Introduction

The Altra Timp 5 BOA is Altra’s entry in the trails speedster category with a moderate 29mm heel stack height, dense yet bouncy EGO Max midsole, and a new to the Timp aggressive Vibram MegaGrip outsole. Of course, but not always these days at Altra, the Timp is a zero drop shoe so its forefoot has a substantial 29mm stack height while its heel is relatively speaking for 2025 on the low side at 29mm.

What catches the eye here is the upper. What striking colors with an all black version also already available. It is made of a tightly woven relatively stiff mesh with, instead of laces, a single dial BOA System closure. Altra’s Foot Shape toe box is of course also at the party here in the regular mid volume fit.

Nathan Handheld Pinnacle 14 oz Soft Flask Review

Article by Courtney Kelly

Nathan Handheld Pinnacle 14 oz Soft Flask ($35-$55 for 18 oz version)

             

Hydrate easily and often with the Nathan Pinnacle Soft Flask 14 oz. For me, this is the perfect running handheld. The 14 oz size is the perfect hydration amount for a 90 minute or less long run (weather dependent). 

Altra Torin 8 Review

Article by Kurt Biesemans

Altra Torin 8 ($150/149,95€)

Introduction

The Altra Torin 8 is positioned in Altra’s lineup as a well-cushioned, everyday road running shoe. The Torin features a zero-drop platform, meaning the heel and forefoot are at the same height, promoting a more natural running form and better alignment. 

It sits within Altra’s range as a neutral long-distance trainer, offering a balance of comfort and responsiveness. Ideal for runners seeking a versatile shoe for daily running. 

It may not be the lightest shoe in Altra’s lineup, but it delivers a smooth, comfortable, and stable ride for a wide range of runs. The Torin 8 is my first Altra and I was eager to test and see how a zero drop daily trainer performed.

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 Multi Tester Review: 6 Comparisons

Article by Sam Winebaum and Michael Ellenberger

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.