ASICS Noosa Tri 16 Review- The Perfect Middle Ground: 4 Comparisons

Article by Ben David and Sam Winebaum

ASICS Noosa Tri 16 ($135)

Introduction

Ben: In a run shoe era of carbon-plated super foam trainers and racers sometimes it is a good idea to go back to the future, to those uptempo do-it-all all simple construction trainers, a category I really enjoy to run. The Noosa Tri 16 is such a shoe!

The colorful Noosa Tri 16 is just such a shoe. No plate, no super foam but a very light weight of 7.5 oz / 213g  (US9) with a very decent stack height of 34.5mm heel / 29.5 mm forefoot of Flytefoam Blast +, ASICS GuideSole rocker geometry and some snappy flex to help propel and a reasonable $135 price.

The Noosa Tri 16 is bright and bold as were many of its predecessors. No plate. No mega stack. Just a light, peppy daily trainer with wild colorways and lots of energy return. Everything about this shoe is refreshing and easy, from the loud laces to the crayon-like colorway to the smooth and simple ride. Let’s dive in.

Testbericht: HOKA Skyward X - Laufen wie auf Wolken (German)

Artikel von Marcel Krebs 

HOKA Skyward X (225 EUR)

Einleitung

Nachdem ich Anfang des Jahres mit dem Cielo X1 bereits einen hervorragenden Wettkampfschuh aus dem Hause HOKA testen konnte (Testbericht hier), habe ich den letzten Wochen mit dem Skyward X ein Modell testen dürfen, das den Cielo X 1 auf dem Papier perfekt als dazugehörigen Trainingsschuh ergänzt. Inwieweit sich dieser Eindruck im Praxistest auch tatsächlich bestätigt hat und bei welchen Einheiten der HOKA Skyward X seine Stärken am besten ausspielen kann, erfahrt ihr in den nachfolgenden Abschnitten.

Ultraleicht Isomatten Vergleich: Therm-A-Rest, Nemo, Flextail Gear und Rab (German)

Artikel von Markus Zinkl

Einführung

Bei ultraleichten Isomatten ist das Gleichgewicht zwischen Gewicht, Wärme, Komfort und Packbarkeit entscheidend. Hier ist ein detaillierter Vergleich von fünf beliebten Modellen: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT, Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT, Nemo Tensor Insulated, Flextail Gear Zero Mattress R05 und Rab Ultrasphere 1.5.

adidas Supernova Prima Multi Tester Review: 7 Comparisons

Article by Matt Kolat and Sam Winebaum

 

adidas Supernova Prima ($170, !70EUR)

Pros:

• Deep, dense yet very forgiving and reactive supercritical foam cushioning (Sam)

• Pace and run type versatile daily miles near max cushion trainer (Sam)

• Easy rebounding toe off due to full Dreamstrike Plus at flex point (Sam)

• Stable for a neutral shoe without overdoing stability elements (Matt/Sam)

• Beautiful styling (Matt)

• Feels fast for a daily trainer (Matt/Sam)

• Very comfortable, secure and padded upper (Matt/Sam)

Cons:

• Hot upper (Matt)

• Longevity might be limited for heel strikers (Matt)

• Relatively heavy for a mostly supercritical foam shoe: due to upper? (Matt/Sam)

Nike Pegasus 41 Review: 6 Comparisons

Article by Michael Ellenberger

Nike Pegasus 41 ($140)

Introduction

Michael: A few years ago, I compared the annual Pegasus launch to Nike’s iPhone unveiling - largely because it’s inevitable, but also because it’s a chance for each brand to showcase its latest tech in its long-running product. If that holds true, then this year’s Pegasus 41 may well be the iPhone X review - a significant break in past design (which had held largely constant for the past few generations) and a look into the direction the Pegasus line is going moving forward.

And, well… it’s good. Speaking as a non-tech-reviewer (but stubbornly insistent Apple user), the iPhone X was probably a more foundational change, but the Pegasus’s change over to ReactX (hooray!) paired with dual Air Zoom units is undoubtedly a new and enjoyable ride. I was also pleased to see a 4mm increase in stack height, which functions to add a little more cushion and help eliminate the shoe from bottoming out. 

But, with so many good trainers on the market (seriously - after many years focusing on racing shoes, I think this is the year of the trainer!), how does Nike’s classic Pegasus stack up?

Testbericht: Rab Veil 2 Laufweste (German)

Artikel von Marcel Krebs und Markus Zinkl

Veil 2 Laufweste (€139.95)

Einleitung

Die Rab Veil 2 Trailrunning Rucksackweste verspricht ein Höchstmaß an Leichtigkeit, Atmungsaktivität und Bewegungsfreiheit für Trailrunner, die kurze Distanzen bevorzugen. Als Teil der neuen Veil Serie von Rab bietet sie eine innovative Kombination aus strapazierfähigem Ripstop-Material, multidirektionalem Mono Mesh und praktischen Aufbewahrungsmöglichkeiten. Dieser Testbericht wirft einen genauen Blick darauf, wie sich die Veil 2 in den Bereichen Ausstattung, Passform und Performance schlägt, und gibt eine Einschätzung darüber, ob sie den hohen Erwartungen gerecht wird. Die Veil Serie von Laufwesten markiert  Rab's Einstieg in das Trailrunning-Segment, und die Veil 2 ist das kleinste Modell dieser neuen Linie. Wir möchten in diesem Test herausfinden, wie sich diese Neuentwicklung im Vergleich zu etablierten Konkurrenten schlägt und ob sie bereits nach dem ersten Versuch von Rab überzeugen kann.

Testbericht: Puma Velocity Nitro 3 - Hier gibt es nur einen einzigen Nachteil! 5 Vergleiche

Nils Scarff

Puma Velocity Nitro 3 (130€)

Einleitung

Seit Puma in 2021 seine Nitro-Laufschuhfamilie initiert hat, spielen die Bayern auf einmal ganz oben mit in der Laufschuhwelt. Die Produkte waren von Anfang an gut durchdacht, das Portfolio aufeinander abgestimmt. Und nicht zuletzt das Nitro-Mittelsohlenmaterial sowie die herausragenden Außensohlen aus dem eigens entwickelten Pumagrip Material machten sich sehr schnell sehr viele Freunde unter den Läufer:innnen. 

Der Velocity war dabei von Anfang an der typische Dailytrainer und im Vergleich zu seinen Geschwistern fast schon langweilig: Eine klassische Geometrie mit Flex und ohne großen Rocker, 10mm Sprengung, mittelstark gedämpft. Doch auch ohne große Standout-Features konnte der Velocity schon von der ersten Minute an überzeugen und war von jetzt auf gleich ein ernstzunehmender Konkurrent für die Pegasus dieser Welt. 

Saucony Peregrine 14 Multi Tester Review: 4 Comparisons

Article by Renee Krusemark, Jeff Valliere, Allison Valliere

Saucony Peregrine 14 ($140)

Renee: The Peregrine is a staple in the Saucony trail shoe lineup. The newest version launched in early 2024 with a somewhat quiet release. We didn’t receive review samples until June. Saucony focused on other trail shoes during our visit with them during 2023’s The Running Event (namely the new Xodus Ultra and Ride TR). The updates to the Peregrine 14 from v13 sound minimal and cosmetic, but after some miles I found to have a clear preference for one version over the other. 

Pros:

Versatile use/terrain and distance: Renee/Jeff/Allison

Well priced: Renee/Jeff/Allison

Secure fit: Renee/Jeff/Allison

Comfort/cushion: Jeff/Allison

Traction: Jeff/Allison/Renee

Cons:

“Softer” midsole feels less cushioned/protective than v13: Renee

Would be nice to have a more sticky rubber:  Jeff/Allison

2024 Ultralight Sleeping Pad Comparison Reviews: Therm-A-Rest, Nemo, Flextail Gear and Rab

Article by Markus Zinkl

Introduction

When it comes to ultralight sleeping pads, the balance between weight, warmth, comfort, and packability is critical. Here's a detailed comparison of five popular models: the Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT, Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT, Nemo Tensor Insulated, Flextail Gear Zero Mattress R05, and Rab Ultrasphere 1.5.

Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Review: 4 Comparisons

Article by Ryan Eiler

Puma Deviate Nitro 3 ($160)

Pros: 

Comfortable yet high performance engineered mesh

Responsive, energetic midsole capable of a wide range of paces

Top-notch durability and traction from Pumagrip outsole

Cons: 

Lateral midfoot feels too firm, especially as compared to V2

Heel lockdown could be better for a high performance trainer

Introduction

Ryan:  The previous (V2) of the Deviate Nitro made it blatantly clear that Puma is capable of delivering a versatile, high-performance plated trainer. The standout features were its delightful engineered mesh upper, a moderate but soft midsole to inject some excitement, and a Pumagrip rubber outsole that is still holding up after 300 miles of running. A tough act to follow for V3. 

It slots into Puma’s lineup as a jack-of-many-trades type of shoe, with a plate that adds performance but isn’t stiff enough to scare anyone off.

361° Eleos Multi Tester Review:What the Eleos? Primo Fun! 8 Comparisons

Article by Renee Krusemark, Sam Winebaum, Peter Stuart, and Jeff Beck

361° Eleos ($145)

Pros: 

• Comfortable, rebounding and responsive PEBA/EVA midsole: Renee/Sam/Peter/Jeff
• Geometry: smooth transitions, broad and stable for such a soft foam: Renee/Sam/Peter/Jeff
• Broad, soft well fitting upper: Sam/Peter/Jeff
• Fun!  Peter/Sam/Jeff
• Surprisingly wide toebox: Jeff

Cons:

• Wide platform affects use for speed: Renee/Sam

Introduction

Sam:  The Eleos is a broad platform, relatively low stack height (36mn heel / 30mm forefoot) daily trainer. 361, with the Eleos, is following up on its Centauri (RTR Review) trainer which had an energetic and pleasing TPE midsole which surprised and delighted us. Here they emerge with yet another training focused super foam shoe, this time with an EVA/PEBA blend midsole foam called Primo and at a very fair price of $145  And the ride here matches the marketing as it is Primo and big smiles indeed! Please read on for all the details.

adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra Review: The First Trail Super Shoe? 7 Comparisons

Article by Mike Postaski

adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra ($220)

Pros:

Forefoot-oriented ride - big cushion and big platform under there

Dynamic Lightstrike Pro foam, not too unstable

Energy Rods - efficient yet unnoticeable (in a good way)

Efficient rocker

Cons:

Heel a bit rigid, could have a softer, more secure fit there

Short tongue

Firm heel landings - could be softened up for descents

Introduction

Mike P: The Adidas TERREX Agravic Speed Ultra is Adidas' first true entry into the "super shoe for the trails" category. To be honest, the majority of Adidas recent trail offerings have been, let's just say, less than exciting. Pretty much anything with "Agravic" in the name has been somewhat of a disappointment. They've varied from being heavy to stiff to clunky to ill-fitting, or some combination of those. 

I've been anxiously awaiting for a true, performant, successor to the great Speed Ultra (RTR Review) which is now several years old. That shoe was one of my all time favs, but as the years have passed, it's been surpassed by more modern options.

Enter the new, similarly named Speed Ultra. Note on naming here - the successor to the original Speed Ultra is now named simply Adidas Terrex Agravic "Speed". The "Ultra" connotation has been passed on to this shoe which I am reviewing here - Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra.

Smith 2024 Cycling Reviews: Payroll MIPS Bike Helmet with Aleck Crash Sensor. Trace MIPS Bike Helmet, Motive Sunglasses with ChromaPop Bronze Mirror Lens

Article by Jeff Valliere

In the article I review Smith  2024 cycling helmet and sunglasses:  Payroll MIPS Bike Helmet with Aleck Crash Sensor. Trace MIPS Bike Helmet, and Motive Sunglasses with ChromaPop Bronze Mirror Lenses.

RoadTrailRide: 2024 GoreWear Performance Cycling Apparel Round Up Reviews

By Jeff Valliere and John Tribbia

In this round up review Jeff and John test and review 2024 Gorewear cycling apparel including: the GoreWear Distance Jersey, Distance Bib Shorts+2.0, Spinshift Cargo Bib Shorts, Spinshift GORE-TEX Jacket, and the Spinshift Short Sleeve Jersey

GoreWear Distance Jersey $150

XS-XL

Test: Nike Pegasus Trail 5: Le confort passe-partout! 3 Comparisons (Franch)

Article par Jeremy Marie

Nike Pegasus Trail 5  €140

Pour:

Le confort (de la tige, du fit), la respirabilité

L’amorti React X est excellent, stable et avec du rebond.

L’accroche est enfin bonne !

Modèle très polyvalent.

Le style

Le prix

Contre:

Le poids, en hausse.

A limiter aux terrains “faciles”

Introduction

J’avais beaucoup apprécié la version GoreTex de la Pegasus Trail 4, qui est rapidement devenue ma chaussure d’hiver préférée - surtout pour l’apport de chaleur. Elle était de plus très confortable, assez légère, et passait vraiment bien sur la plupart des terrains autour de chez moi (route, forêt, sentiers roulants), et surtout une nouvelle gomme pour la semelle qui évitait enfin l’effet savonnette trop bien connu sur les modèles trail de Nike.

Cette nouvelle version remplace la couche d’amorti par de la mousse ReactX, une évolution de la précédente React et met en avant un retour d’énergie 13% supérieur et une empreinte carbone diminuée de 43% grâce à un processus de fabrication simplifié. La semelle utlise quant à elle leur nouveau composant ATC (“All Terrain Compound”) censé apporter une accroche enfin correcte.