Sunday, November 17, 2024

Testbericht: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14

Artikel von Markus Zinkl

Fresh Foam X 1080v14 (180,00 €)


Einleitung


Mit dem Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 liefert New Balance die neueste Version eines seiner beliebtesten Laufschuhe – und bleibt seinem Ruf als Hersteller von komfortablen, alltagstauglichen Schuhen treu. Der 1080 V14 richtet sich an Läufer, die auf der Suche nach einem zuverlässigen Partner für entspannte und moderate Trainingseinheiten sind. Während der Schuh mit seiner weichen Dämpfung und breiteren Plattform für maximalen Komfort sorgt, hat er auch einige interessante Neuerungen zu bieten, die ihn deutlich vom Vorgänger abheben.

Ob das Update gelungen ist, wie sich der Schuh auf der Straße schlägt und für wen er sich besonders eignet, erfährst du in diesem Testbericht.

Passenger Clothing: Designed to Wander, Made to Roam - A Review

Article by John Tribbia

Passenger Clothing: Designed to Wander, Made to Roam

Passenger Clothing's mission statement perfectly encapsulates the feeling I chase - meaningful escapism. Whether it's a weekend backpacking trip or a day hike exploring a new trail, Passenger's commitment to creating gear with a purpose resonates with my desire to get outside and connect with nature. But beyond the inspirational messaging, how does this translate into their actual products? I recently put a selection of their recycled apparel to the test, and here's my breakdown.

Saturday, November 16, 2024

Stellar Equipment Running Apparel Round Up Review

 Article by Matt Kolat

Stellar Equipment  is a brand I’ve come across on various social media as I was on the hunt for a new winter lightweight jacket which they have an abundance to select from. While browsing their website I’ve noticed that they also have a dedicated running range and after a brief exchange of emails the kind folks at Stellar offered to send me a head to toe winter running kit which I am thrilled  to review for you below. 


With regards Stellar Equipment they hail from Sweden and have specialized in skiing and mountaineering kit and now are branching out into running.  Being a Volvo owner and a top notch flat - pack furniture assembler myself, I can assure you that Swedish design has a very special place in my heart. Not to mention the quality, which I will describe in detail as I go through the kit, but it’s there and it’s spelled with a capital Q.

Saucony Tempus 2 Review

Article by Jennifer Schmidt 


Saucony Tempus 2 ($160)

Introduction

If “stability shoe” brings up associations of “heavy”, “clunky”, or “stiff” for you, the Tempus 1 and now Tempus 2 may change your mind. As someone with a fairly neutral gait looking for a daily road trainer, I was pleasantly surprised by the Tempus 2. Runners who like the Endorphin line for uptempo days and races may want to give the Tempus 2 a try, even if they don’t often seek out stability shoes.


Pros:

Stable without being noticeably a “stability shoe”; feels fairly neutral underfoot - Jen

Great amount of cushioning for the weight - Jen

Surprisingly comfortable, and versatile at recovery run paces but with enough spring for strides - Jen

Comparable to the Saucony Endorphin line but slightly more support as the foot rolls forward - Jen


Cons:

Took a few runs to settle into the fit, especially toward the toe - Jen

Not inexpensive for a daily trainer - Jen


Most comparable shoes 

Saucony Endorphin Shift

Asics Gel-Kayano

Brooks Launch GTS 10


Stats

Spec Weight: women's 8.2 oz / 232 g (US 8)

Prior Version Weight:  women’s 7.9 oz / 224 g (US 8)

  Sample Weight: women’s 8.46 oz / 240 g (US 8.5)

Stack Height: women’s  38 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot (8 mm  drop spec)  Platform Width: 90  mm heel / 69 mm midfoot / 115 mm forefoot 

Thursday, November 14, 2024

2024 RoadTrailRun Gift Guide for Runners: 50 Great Gift Ideas!

Guide by Sam Winebaum, Mike Postaski, Sally Reiley, Renee Krusemark, Jeremy Marie, Marcel Krebs, Jeff Valliere, Dom Layfield, and Matt Kolat 

RoadTrailRun contributors ran thousands of miles and kilometers in 2024, testing all kinds of gear and apparel and here bring you 50 Gift Ideas for the runners in your life.

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

H2O Audio Tri 2 & Tri 2 Pro Reviews - waterproof, fine sounding multi-sport bone conduction headphones

 Article by Jeremy MARIE

H2O Audio Tri 2 ($179.99) and Tri 2 Pro ($199.99)

Pros: 

  • Easy to use

  • Comfortable, even with swimming goggles

  • Playlist+ feature is still unique and brilliant

  • Improved battery life

Cons: 

  • Best sound in the pool is achieved when using ear plugs.

  • Sound is still lesser than with standard earphones.

Introduction


I’ve already reviewed a H2O Audio product, the pool-specific Sonar Pro.

This was a very well-rounded device, with a very specific and some might say limited usage.


H2O Audio has now revamped their lineup and offers the Tri 2 bone conduction headphone, as a replacement for their previous Tri sport device.


The Tri 2 is designed for multi sports enthusiasts, and as such offers a IPX8 waterproof certification (can withstand a 3.6m submersion for an unlimited time), onboard storage of 8GB for your music (MP3, FLAC, aac, m4a) without your phone, or when the Bluetooth does not work (underwater), bone conduction design so that you can stay aware of your surroundings, and an easy to use 3 buttons interface.



The “Pro” version adds the Playlist+ feature for on board, no phone listening.

The idea is simple and comes from a clear trend. These days music is listened to using streaming services, and by a large margin. But those require an Internet connection, a phone and all those things that are not really easy to bring to the pool.

Monday, November 11, 2024

Beoordeling Salomon Aero Glide (Flemish/Dutch)

Article geschreven door Kurt Biesemans

Salomon Aero Glide (160€)

Introductie:

Salomon is al lang een belangrijke speler in de trailwereld, maar met deze schoen hebben ze een sterke allround wegschoen ontwikkeld. De Aero Glide maakt deel uit van Salomons Aero-collectie, die ook de Aero Glide (maximale demping), de Aero Blaze (lichtgewicht voor dagelijkse training) en de Aero Volt (voor tempo- en intervaltraining) omvat.

Deze schoen is een uitstekende allround wegschoen: lichtgewicht, goed gedempt en met een fijne, soepele afrol. Hij is ontworpen voor de neutrale loper en past goed bij trainingen op een laag tot gemiddeld tempo en lange afstanden, zoals duurtrainingen.

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Diadora Nucleo 2 Review: What a Pleasant and Effective Run Training Ride!

Article by Sam Winebaum

Diadora Nucleo 2 ($160)

Introduction

Iconic sports brand Diadora of Italy has emerged as a top run contender in recent years with beautifully styled and super fun to run trainers and a solid carbon racer. 


Featuring their own in-house developed DD Anima foam which is light, energetic, moderately soft with a clearly felt and leg saving measured bounce, the Nucleo continues the progress. 


Ir'an “inherent stability” trainer meaning its geometry provides light stability and without overdoing the platform width or adding firmer inserts or plastic inserts. It all also works brilliantly for me, a runner who definitely typically steers clear of stability and pronation control shoes! Please read on for the details.

Salomon Aero Glide Review

Article by Kurt Biesemans

Salomon Aero Glide (160€)

Introduction:

Salomon has long been a key player in the trail running world, but with this shoe, they've crafted a quality road running shoe. The Aero Glide is part of Salomon's Aero collection, which includes the Aero Glide (maximum cushioning), the Aero Blaze (lightweight for daily training), and the Aero Volt (for tempo and interval training).

The shoe is a great all-round road running shoe that is lightweight and well-cushioned with nice rolling characteristics. It is designed for the neutral runner. The Aero Glide is best-suited for low- to moderate-paced runs and long distances, such as endurance training.

Saturday, November 09, 2024

Test des Nike Zoom Fly 6 avec 6 Comparisons (Français)

 Article par Jennifer Schmidt et Sally Reiley

Nike Zoom Fly 6 ($170)


"Testée et approuvée par Kipchoge" 


Jen : Oubliez ce que vous pensiez savoir de la Zoom Fly 5, et considérez la #6 comme une nouvelle chaussure à part entière. Nike a fait quelques mises à jour et améliorations majeures dans cette version, créant une supertrainer plus légère, plus amortie et plus rebondissante avec beaucoup des mêmes avantages, mais à un prix inférieur à celui de ses homologues  Le poids de la chaussure a diminué de manière significative tout en augmentant la hauteur de coussin de la chaussure.

Tuesday, November 05, 2024

Test: Salomon S/Lab Genesis Spine (Français)

 Article par Sam Winebaum et Jeff Valliere

S/Lab Genesis Spine (250€)


Test original en Anglais traduit avec l'aide de Deepl.com


Introduction 


Sam : La S/Lab Genesis Spine est une version haute de la chaussure ultra haut de gamme de Salomon, la S/Lab Genesis. Destinée à la course et à la randonnée rapide dans des conditions humides et froides, elle ajoute une résistance à l'eau et au froid ainsi qu'une protection contre les débris et la poussière grâce à sa tige supérieure scellée pour les conditions difficiles, à ce qui est une plate-forme exceptionnelle sous le pied. 


La tige extérieure, très similaire à celle que Salomon utilise pour ses chaussures de ski nordique classiques S/Lab, est dotée d'une membrane interne résistante à l'eau, tandis que la "chaussure" intérieure avec les lacets rapides n'est pas un matériau Matryx comme dans la Genesis classique, mais un mesh plus conventionnel et ouvert avec des superpositions étendues.

La plateforme sous le pied et la semelle extérieure sont identiques à la S/Lab Genesis "été". Bien que la  Spine n'ait pas "légère" en raison de la tige, le poids de 361 g US9 est raisonnable pour un une chaussure trail haut de gamme avec une protection contre les intempéries. Entrons dans les détails, Jeff et moi avons testé cet automne dans le Colorado et l'Utah USA, les tests hivernaux et les mises à jour sont à venir.

Monday, November 04, 2024

Testbericht: MNSTRY - Fueled by Nature (German)

Artikel von Ingrid Zasa, Markus Zinkl & Nils Scharff

MNSTRY - Fueled by Nature

Einleitung

Nils: Neuer Name, gewohnt gute Produkte. So könnte man das Rebranding des deutschen Sportnahrungsherstellers beschreiben. Das noch junge Unternehmen aus dem Baden-Württembergischen Freudental ist nunmehr unter der Marke MNSTRY bekannt und konnte schon vor seiner Umbenennung deutsche Top-Athlet:innen wie Laura Philipp (Triathlon) oder den deutschen Marathon-Rekordhalter Amanal Petros für sich gewinnen. Auch wir bei RoadTrailRun durften schon einmal einen Teil der Produktpalette unter die Lupe nehmen und waren von den meisten Artikeln angetan. Vor allem das Gel-Mango ist nach wie vor mein persönliches Go-To in der Wettkampfverpflegung! Anfang des Jahres wurde dann ein Rebranding umgesetzt und aus dem zuvor etwas umständlichen Namen wurde vereinfacht MNSTRY. Dieses Update zum Anlass wurden uns erneut einige Testprodukte zur Verfügung gestellt. Neben Gels mit der neuen 1:0.8 Rezeptur (höherer Fruktoseanteil), durften wir die neuartigen ICE-Gels testen, die (halb) gefroren verzehrt werden. Außerdem waren Teil des Testpakets neuartige Riegel mit dem Namen Intensity Bar, die in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Radrennstall Bora-Hansgrohe entwickelt wurden, die Recovery Riegel Recover8 und zu guter letzt das hochdosierte Kohlenhydratgetränk Power Carb.

Test des Rossignol Vezor: bien réglé, agréable à courir et polyvalente (Français)

Article par Sam Winebaum

Rossignol Vezor ($180/ 180 €)

Article traduit de l'anglais original avec l'aide de Deepl.com


Introduction

La marque iconique de sports d'hiver Rossignol a surpris lors de l'UTMB 2024 en présentant sa première chaussure de trail haute performance, la Vezor. Lors de mon test, cette chaussure de trail conviviale, agile, rapide et bien amortie n'a pas déçu ! 


3 ans de développement avec plus de 150 testeurs, la Vezor dispose d'une semelle intermédiaire en double mousse (EVA à haut rebond sous le pied, EVA supercritique vers le sol). 

Les couches de mousse prennent en sandwich une plaque en forme de diapason flexible en composite Diapazon+ qui assure la stabilité du médio-pied et la propulsion vers l'avant. 


Au sol, nous avons le caoutchouc Michelin Formula dans un réseau multidirectionnel de crampons de 3 à 4 mm. 


 L'empeigne appelée "Dragonfly" est un mesh débris/air monocouche avec un large éventail de superpositions internes. 


Avec un poids raisonnable de 278g / 9.7 oz US9/EU42 pour une hauteur de talon de 30mm et une hauteur d'avant-pied de 24mm (un seul sockliner, un second de 2mm est également fourni), cette chaussure s'est avérée être une chaussure polyvalente et très amusante à courir lors de mes tests qui comprenaient des randonnées rapides, des sentiers, des chemins de gravier et même de la chaussée. Il est rare qu'une chaussure de trail pleinement performante ne fasse aucun compromis sur les terrains plus fermes et plus doux et sur la route, et la Vezor est aussi justement une chaussure de ce type.

Sunday, November 03, 2024

ASICS Novablast 5 Multi Tester Review: Magic Fun Refined! 8 Comparisons

Article by Sam Winebaum, Ben David, Renee Krusemark, and Peter Stuart

ASICS Novablast 5 ($140)


Introduction

The Novablast is ASICS lightest and one of its most highly cushioned daily trainers. For its 5th edition, it drops 9g to about 8.75 oz /  247g in a US9 while retaining its max cushioned 41.5mm heel 33.5 forefoot stack height. Originally positioned as a fun trainer for more casual younger runners, it rapidly became a classic for its light and lively ride while over the years gaining in stack height, platform width and dropping in weight as new foams and upper constructions evolved. 


Recent editions largely kept the momentum going. A neutral shoe for runners with decently efficient form, it is strongly differentiated from similar stack height ASICS such as more stable Nimbus (RTR Review) as the more uptempo focused rainer in the line and sits closest to the 1 oz lighter somewhat lower stack height, irmer and more stable Noosa Tri 16 (RTR Review)


A new FF Blast Max midsole foam, a lighter engineered Jacquard mesh upper, a 5mm narrower heel and forefoot platform width and a new outsole design are the key changes for the 5th edition.


I have taken them out for an initial progression run as well as an A/B comparison run with the Novablast 4 on the other foot and share my first impressions with a full multi tester review coming soon.

Friday, November 01, 2024

Nike Zoom Fly 6 Multi Tester Review: 6 Comparisons

Article by Jennifer Schmidt and Sally Reiley

Nike Zoom Fly 6 ($170)


“Kipchoge tested and approved” 

Jen: Forget what you thought you knew about the Zoom Fly from the Zoom Fly 5, and treat #6 as its own brand new shoe. Nike has made some major updates and improvements in this version, creating a lighter, cushier, and bouncier supertrainer with many of the same benefits but a lower price tag than its race-day counterparts. It drops significantly in weight while increasing in stack height.


Pros: 

  • Immediately comfortable, dialed in true to size fit: Sally, Jen

  • Noticeably lighter, softer, and snappier than the Zoom Fly 5: Jen

  • Nike did away with the unresponsive recycled zoom x foam of previous versions: Sally

  • Nice versatility, excelling at slower paces as well as uptempo faster paces: Sally, Jen

  • Good value for a plated zoom x supertrainer: Sally

  • Smooth rocker ride that trends faster than your perceived effort: Sally


Cons:

  •  Laces are too skinny; why not the fantastic serrated edge laces Nike uses on their race shoes?: Sally 

  • If you tend to lose toenails in the Alphafly, you may have the same issue with this one (runs short/shallow): Jen/Sally

  • True to Nike form, this shoe is a bit loud underfoot (although nowhere near as noisy as the Alphafly): Sally