ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27 Multi Tester Review: 6 Comparisons

Article by Courtney Kelly and Sam Winebaum

ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27 Review ($165)

Introduction

Courtney: The popular Asics Gel-Nimbus daily trainer gets some solid updates in version 27. The Nimbus 27 promises more cushioning and ventilation in the upper changing from a knit to an engineered Jacquard. 

The FF Blast Plus ECO foam remains the same but Asics added more, increasing the stack height by 2mm while simultaneously lowering the shoe’s weight 5g. Asics pledge to sustainability remains as the upper is constructed of 50%-75% recycled polyester with the midsole 20% bio based material.

Sam: Starting the Nimbus 25 the model saw radical change, dramatically increasing in stack height and platform width while losing its plastic midfoot stability shank and increasing in overall purposeful plushness top to bottom.

While visually very different than the 24 and a big risk, the Nimbus 25 and 26 were successful updates delivering in different form the same neutral ride with inherent stability of prior versions. 

I did not personally test the Nimbus 26 (RTR Review), a relatively minor update focused on a knit upper and a new flavor of FF Blast Plus ECO. Here we get 2mm more stack height, aJacquard upper and some geometry tuning. I was eager to see how it ran, and if it now came off the heel more easily than the lumpy blocky 25’s rear platform, and especially at slower paces a key focus for the shoe's uses.

Best Trail Running Shoes of 2024-Annual Survey and Awards

 Article by RoadTrailRun Team:Markus Zinkl, Renee Krusemark, Mike Postaski, John Tribbia, Jeremy Marie, Adam Glueck, Dom Layfield, Jeff Valliere, Sam Winebaum and Marcel Krebs

Best Trail Running Shoes of 2024

Our annual survey of the year’s best road and trail running shoes, apparel and gear is compiled via survey of our contributors. 10 contributors participated in this year's trail running shoes survey. They covered thousands of miles/kilometers on all sorts of terrain in the US, Germany, and France to bring you their top picks.

Multiple categories were surveyed:  

• Daily All Around, 

• Technical Big Mountain, 

• Short and Fast Speed\

• Door to Trail, 

• Carbon/Plastic Plated,  

• Easy Cruising, 

• Absolute Favorite Shoe of the Year

The categories were scored on the basis of 3 points for a #1 pick, 2 points for a #2 pick and 1 point for a #3 pick.

At the end of the article we also tabulate: 

• Most first places for across all categories

• Most mentions across all categories

The results clearly indicate that as in road shoes that supercritical foams are sweeping higher performance trail shoes for their lighter (than EVA) weights and more energetic rides. 

All of our top picks across multiple categories have supercritical foam midsoles of some kind

And as in road running,  carbon (and plastic) plating has evolved to become more forgiving and terrain adaptable, essential in trail running with its varying terrain. 

Not all contributors received every product and for each shoe tested differing quantities were provided by brands. 

Most shoes discussed here were no charge review samples although a considerable number of personal purchases are included.RoadTrailRun contributors and RoadTrailRun were not compensated by brands beyond free samples. RoadTrailRun does not engage in sponsored content articles, brand compensated activations or other such events, nor did we engage in any paid consulting with brands.

Pull up a chair, beer or coffee and dig in to what the team enjoyed running  in 2024.

RoadTrailRide: Garmin Edge 1050 Bike Computer and Varia UT800 Smart Headlight Reviews

 Article by Jeff Valliere

Garmin Edge 1050 ($699.99) and Varia UT800 Smart Headlight ($99.99)

Pros and Cons

Pros: 

• Incredibly bright AMOLED screen
• Accuracy
• Improved user interface (intuitive and FAST)
• Bell/Speaker
• Navigation features and ease
• Electronic groupset integration
• Sensor compatibility
• Safety features (including Varia radar/light integrated ecosystem)
• Battery life (considering the brightness level of the screen)
• Price ($699 is a lot, but when considering the price of Fenix/Epix and even Enduro watches, can be considered a really good value).

Cons:

• No operational buttons (like on the 840)
• Battery life (which I also listed as a pro for most users, multi day long distance riders will see this as a con)

Introduction:  

The 1050 is Garmin’s latest flagship GPS cycling computer, featuring an all new bright and vivid 3.5” AMOLED display with 480x800 pixel resolution, a built in speaker, bike bell and a host of other software updates over the Edge 1040/840/540. 

 Having very recently reviewed the Edge 840, I can say that the 1050 is a HUGE upgrade and advantage over any of their transflective display models, not just the bump in screen size from the 840 (2.6” to 3.5”), which IS a big difference, but the AMOLED display makes a night and day difference in my ability to easily read in all light conditions.  

The bell is also a super nifty feature, where you can activate by touching a button on the screen, or, even better yet, can be triggered by remote shifter buttons).  

Of course, like the other Edge units, the 1050 has every training, fitness, navigation and modern bike sports tech feature that you can imagine, as well as the very best GPS accuracy, Smart features and Sensor compatibility.  

While battery life takes a significant hit compared to the Edge 1040/1040 Solar (less than half), I personally find that to be a fair trade for my day to day riding (though it could be a concern for those who ride multi day bikepacking tours or the like). I am easily able to get about a week of riding (4 rides per week of 2-3 hours) without having to charge and even then it is still not much less than 50%. 

Best Road Running Shoes of 2024: 55 Shoes in the Mix! Multiple Categories including Brand and Shoe of the Year!

Article by Peter Stuart, Ben David, Markus Zinkl, Renee Krusemark, Ryan Eiler, , Nils Scharff, Jeremy Marie, Adam Glueck, Michael Ellenberger, Sally Reiley, Sam Winebaum, Marcel Krebs

Best Road Running Shoes of 2024

Our annual survey of the year’s best road and trail running shoes, apparel and gear is compiled via survey of our contributors.12 contributors participated in this year's road running shoes survey. Over 50 models were scored either first, second or third in their respective categories 

Multiple categories were surveyed,  including: Daily Trainer, Workouts/Short Races, “Fun Runner”, Max Cushion Plated and Max Cushion Unplated, Easy Days, Half and Full Marathon Racer, Biggest Surprises: Good and Bad, Overall Shoe of the Year, and Brand of the Year. 

Some clear trends emerged:

• The overall shoe of the year and brand of the year were essentially won with 2 uptempo trainer to racer shoes from the same brand.

• With very few exceptions all midsoles were either entirely or mostly supercritical foams. EVA is gone!

• Stack heights increased due to lighter weight and more energetic supercritical foams as super max cushion trainers increasingly were favored for non speed days

• Nike’s dominance in the super marathon/ half marathon racer category came to an end.

  
  

Pull up a chair, beer or coffee and dig in to what the team enjoyed running  in 2024.

Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 Multi Tester Review: IncrediRUN Indeed! 8 Comparisons

Article by Sally Reiley and Sam Winebaum

Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 ($275)

Introduction

Sam: The Endorphin Elite 2 is unlike any of Saucony’s previous supershoes, or for that matter any of the many carbon supershoes we have tested. 

Why? It features the softest foam we have ever experienced in a racer or for that matter any run shoe with incredibly quick rebound. Saucony calls this TPEE foam IncrediRun and while the naming is a bit “goofy” it is, I think, perfectly named. Its carbon plate plays well with the foam delivering enough stability and notably smooth propulsion without ever over prescribing a particular strike type. 

It remains to be seen if “elites” will like it, and I bet they will, but for me, a slower and older road racer  the shoe delivers a uniquely exciting, fun, effective and very fast experience.

This is not an “overweight” marathon shoe as some of the more forgiving shoes targeted at runners with less than elites times ar It weighs 7.16 oz / 203g in my US8.5 sample. It has the full maximum heel stack height of 39.5 mm with an 8mm drop to 31.5mm up front. Please read on as Sally, 3x 2nd in her age group at the NYC Marathon in recent years and I put it through its paces.

Smith Shift MAG, Smith Arvo, and Smith Seeker Sport Sunglasses Reviews

 Article by Jeff Valliere and John Tribbia

Smith Shift MAG, Smith Arvo, and Smith Seeker Sport Sunglasses Reviews

Testbericht: COROS PACE Pro GPS Sports Watch (German)

Artikel von Markus Zinkl

COROS PACE Pro (€399,00/$349,00)

Einleitung

Die COROS Pace Pro ist ein bedeutender Schritt in der Weiterentwicklung der COROS-Produktlinie. Mit der Einführung eines hochauflösenden AMOLED-Displays und einer Vielzahl von Verbesserungen in Hard- und Software positioniert sie sich als starker Konkurrent zu Premium-Modellen wie der Garmin Forerunner-Serie oder der Polar Vantage-Serie. Hier ein detaillierter Einblick in die Funktionen, Stärken und Schwächen der COROS Pace Pro.

COROS Pace Pro GPS Sports Watch Review

Article by Markus Zinkl

COROS PACE Pro Review (€399.00/$349.00)

49g with Silicone Strap, 37g wit Nylon Strap

Introduction

The COROS Pace Pro is a significant step in the further development of the COROS product line. With the introduction of a high-resolution AMOLED display and a variety of hardware and software improvements, it positions itself as a strong competitor to premium models such as the Garmin Forerunner series, Polar Vantage series, and Suunto Race. Here is a detailed insight into the functions, strengths and weaknesses of the COROS Pace Pro.

Gorewear Deep of 2025 Winter Outerwear Reviews: Windstopper Hybrid Lightweight Puffy & Berber Windstopper Fleece

Article by Sam Winebaum

Gorewear Deep of 2025 Winter Outerwear Reviews

Gorewear Windstopper Hybrid Lightweight Puffy  ($230) & Berber Windstopper Fleece ($170)

Introduction

Gorewear has traditionally been associated with sleek design highly functional cycling and running apparel within outwear shells and pants of course using waterproof breathable Gore-Tex, more breathable yet still very water resistant Gore-Tex Active, and more wind stopping and yet less but still adequately water resistant Windstopper fabrics.

In recent years Gore has gone yet lighter, far less membrane plasticky in feel yet still using Gore. Here we have two highly insulated jackets with Windstopper by Gore-Labs technology incorporated with their key characteristic their total wind proofing.

I tested both jackets this late fall and early winter in conditions ranging from the mid 40’s to below freezing for runs and walks about town. In almost all situations there was strong wind blowing at least part of the time.

Testbericht: Brooks Glycerin Max 3 Vergleiche (German)

Artikel von Markus Zinkl

Brooks Glycerin Max (200,00 €)

Einleitung

Gute Laufschuhe, die Komfort und Performance gleichermaßen bieten, sind selten – doch genau hier setzt der Brooks Glycerin Max an. Als Modell, das maximale Dämpfung mit einem überraschend lebendigen Laufgefühl kombiniert, richtet er sich an alle, die sowohl bei entspannten als auch bei schnelleren Einheiten auf nichts verzichten wollen. Mit durchdachten technischen Features und einem bequemen Sitz macht der Glycerin Max schon auf den ersten Blick Lust auf die nächste Runde. Aber hält er auch, was er verspricht? Ich habe den Schuh auf Herz und Nieren getestet – hier sind meine Eindrücke.

Pro & Contra

Pro:

• Sehr komfortable Passform mit großzügigem Platz im Vorderfuß

• Hervorragender Halt im Mittelfuß und an der Ferse, auch ohne besondere Schnürtechniken

• Weiches, atmungsaktives Mesh-Obermaterial

• Maximale Dämpfung dank DNA-Zwischensohle mit abgestimmter Struktur

• Dynamisches Laufgefühl trotz der Dämpfung – auch für schnellere Einheiten geeignet

• Gutes Abrollverhalten durch den Vorderfuß-Rocker

• Stabilität bleibt trotz weicher Dämpfung erhalten

• Leichte Außensohle mit guter Traktion

Contra:

• Schnürung und Zunge wirken etwas klobig

• Gummi-Brooks-Logo wirkt deplatziert und stört den hochwertigen Gesamteindruck

• Für Minimalisten möglicherweise etwas schwer (326g in EU 44,5)

Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx Multi Tester Review: 9 Comparisons

Article by Mike Postask and  Renee Krusemark

Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx ($180)

Introduction

Mike P: Merrell follows up their highly rated Matryx models (Long Sky 2 and Skyfire 2) with a new MTL (Merrell Test Labs) labeled model - the MTL Adapt Matryx. Not as racy as the aforementioned lightweight speedsters, the Adapt focuses on longer distances and smoother cruising. Top features including the Matryx upper and Vibram Megagrip are maintained to match the MTL lineup. I’ve tested this shoe in the dry conditions close to home as well as out in the wet and mud of forested Oregon. Does the Adapt keep pace with the rest of the MTL lineup?

Gorewear Winter 2025: ConcurveThermo Tights, Thermo ¼ Zip and R3 Gloves Reviews

Article by Jennifer Schmidt, Ben David, and Jana Herzgova

Gorewear Winter 2025 Reviews: Concurve Thermo Tights, Thermo ¼ Zip and R3 Gloves

It’s finally winter and Jen, Ben and Jana got in solid cold weather testing of Gorewear’s Concurve Thermo Tights ($120), Thermo ¼ Zip ($100) and R3 Gloves ($45) for their reviews below.

Winter 2025 Oiselle Run Jacket Reviews: Firecracker Insulated Full Zip & Say Anything Jackets

Article by Renee Krusemark, Sally Reiley and Jamie Hershfang

Firecracker Insulated Full Zip Jacket  ($178) and Say Anything Jacket ($148)

Sally; Oiselle was founded in 2007 in Seattle by Sally Bergeson when she wanted a decent pair of non-poofy running shorts. Oiselle (French for Bird) is a BY WOMEN, FOR WOMEN performance-oriented running and athletic apparel brand that makes premium clothing for women who prefer quality, seek styles that endure, and fabrics that go the distance. 

They were the first women-only brand to sponsor female college athletes and the first brand to sponsor a pregnant athlete in 2013. Oiselle not only designs and makes great running tops and bottoms and jackets and accessories for women, but they aim to make more women confident in sport and they support women of “all faces, all places, and all paces.”  

Review: adidas Adizero EVO SL - A lot of light, but also shadows? 6 Comparisons

Article by Nils Scharff

adidas Adizero EVO SL ($150/150€)

Introduction 

The time has finally come: the Adizero EVO SL has arrived! I've been waiting a long time for this shoe, which adidas announced at the Berlin Marathon in September. It could also be that I have annoyed my dear contacts at Herzogenaurach more than once about this - sorry! But the Adizero EVO SL is just such an exciting shoe. adidas themselves have fueled the hype even further with the early announcement, coupled with extremely limited, small releases. Extended availability is not expected until March. It remains to be seen whether they are doing themselves a favor. On the one hand, the EVO SL is being talked about everywhere - on the other hand, the voices are not always positive, especially regarding the release strategy.

 

But back to the shoe itself: It is being touted as the supposed little brother of the Adizero Pro Evo 1, which set the women's marathon world record just over a year ago and made headlines: Extremely light, extremely fast but also extremely expensive. Fortunately, the Evo SL does not share the high price tag with its big brother, but it does share the successful design. The classic three stripes not only look stylish, but also convey speed. In addition, the geometry of the midsole is based on that of the Evo 1. The forefoot rocker sits at 60%, i.e. in exactly the same place as the 500-euro competition shoe. In the course of this test, I will find out what this means for propulsion and running feel in the EVO SL.

Testbericht: adidas Adizero EVO SL - Sehr viel Licht, aber auch Schatten? 6 Vergleiche (German)

Article by Nils Scharff

adidas Adizero EVO SL (150€)

Einleitung

Endlich ist es soweit: Der Adizero EVO SL ist bei mir angekommen! Lange habe ich auf diesen Schuh gewartet, den adidas bereits im Rahmen des Berlin-Marathons im September angekündigt hat. Es könnte auch sein, dass ich meine lieben Ansprechpartnerinnen aus Herzogenaurach mehr als einmal diesbezüglich genervt habe - sorry! Aber der Adizero EVO SL ist einfach so ein spannender Schuh. adidas selbst hat durch die frühe Ankündigung, gepaart mit extrem limitierten, kleinen Releases, den Hype noch weiter geschürt. Eine erweiterte Verfügbarkeit wird erst ab März erwartet. Ob man sich damit einen gefallen tut sei dahingestellt. Zum einen wird allgegenwärtig über den EVO SL gesprochen - zum anderen sind die Stimmen vor allem zur Release-Strategie nicht immer positiv.

 

Doch zurück zum Schuh selbst: Er wird als der vermeintliche kleine Bruder des Adizero Pro Evo 1 gehandelt, der vor gut einem Jahr den Marathon-Weltrekord der Frauen aufgestellt und für Schlagzeilen gesorgt hat: Extrem leicht, extrem schnell aber auch extrem teuer. Zum Glück teilt der Evo SL nicht das hohe Preisschild mit seinem großen Bruder, wohl aber das gelungene Design. Die klassischen drei Streifen sehen nicht nur schick aus, sondern vermitteln auch Schnelligkeit. Darüber hinaus ist die Geometrie der Mittelsohle an die des Evo 1 angelehnt. Der Vorfuß-Rocker sitzt bei 60%, also genau an der selben Stelle wie beim 500-Euro-Wettkampfschuh. Was dies für den Vortrieb und das Laufgefühl im EVO SL bedeutet, werde ich im Laufe dieses Tests herausfinden.