Merrell Agility Peak 5 X Janji ($150)

Introduction

I received the “Janji” version of the Agility Peak 5 in early August, a limited edition and colorful collaboration between Merrell and Janji highlighting a top seller trail shoe with an artful print from the Mongolian artist, Gawaa.  This was my first introduction to Janji, a running apparel brand based in Boston, whose mission is to design responsibly, inspire people to run, and to support global water access.  This collaborative effort was part of the Janji “artist series” featuring a print designed by an artist from a diverse region with 2% of sales supporting clean water in that place of the world.  

Pros:

Comfortable, well cushioned with great rebound, fit true to size/ Dominique

Does double duty as a comfortable and sturdy hiker in the low top category Dominique

Vibram® Megagrip® 0utsole with great traction Dominique

All day comfort when walking and hiking Dominique

Roomy toebox though not a wide toebox Dominique

Well priced Dominique

“Janji” limited edition is a wonderful collaboration with Merrell Dominique

Special Edition features an original print that  is dirt resistant to boot Dominique

Cons:

Heelhold is not super secure Dominique

Hoka Speedgoat 6 (160,00 €)

Einleitung

Die Hoka Speedgoat-Serie hat sich in der Trailrunning-Community einen Namen gemacht, und die neueste Version, der Speedgoat 6, verspricht, die Messlatte noch höher zu legen. Mit einigen bemerkenswerten Updates und Verbesserungen zielt dieser Schuh darauf ab, sowohl Komfort als auch Leistung auf verschiedenen Terrains zu bieten. 

Der Speedgoat 6 verfügt über ein überarbeitetes Fußbett, das ein reaktionsfähiges Laufgefühl bei geringerem Gewicht bieten soll. Zu den weiteren Updates gehören ein atmungsaktives, gewebtes Obermaterial, eine leichtere und noch reaktionsfähigere Zwischensohle, ein integriertes „Chassis-System“, überarbeiteter Stretch Einsatz im Vorderfuß und eine weichere und an den Seiten vernähte Zunge. In diesem Testbericht teile ich meine persönlichen Eindrücke und Erfahrungen mit dem Hoka Speedgoat 6, basierend auf mehreren Läufen in unterschiedlichen Umgebungen.

Pearlizumi Cycling Clothing

In the article, Jeff and John review an assortment of Pearl Izumi cycling apparel for road, mountain bike and gravel riding.

Hoka Torrent 4 ($130)

Introduction

The Torrent is, or was, Hoka’s non-rockered, lightweight trail shoe with decent ground feel. While the updates from version 2 to version 3 were minor, version 4 is a top to bottom update. 

The updates to the Torrent 4 are a bit of a deviation from previous models. Hoka stated that the Torrent had become a bit lost in their line-up, and in a world of plated shoes and super midsoles, the Torrent might have lacked excitement. In a nutshell, the likeability of the Torrent 4 will depend on if you like a rocker geometry. The shoe feels like a Challenger-Torrent combination. 

Pros:

Light weight: Renee, John 

Good toe flex: Renee, John

Comfortable upper: Renee, John

Protection: John

Cons:

Might be narrow for some runners: Renee

Rocker can be uncomfortable on some terrain: Renee 

Saucony Ride TR2 ($140)

Introduction

Sam: The Ride TR2 is Saucony’s entry in the “door to trail” category of running shoes. It is derived, as road to trail shoes often are, from the road version Ride 17 For 2024 as with the road Ride, the major change to the TR is to midsole foam from PWRRUN EVA blend to PWRRUN+ an expanded TPU beads foam.

The shoes in this category are designed to transition from road to trails. They generally differ from road shoes in construction with more deeply lugged outsoles and a somewhat ruggedized upper. 

Some lean more road in focus and others more trail. The Ride TR2 leans more road with a high stack of 35 mm heel /  27 mm forefoot and the soft and energetic PWRRUN+ foam.  Let's see how it performed.

adidas Ultraboost 5 (180 €)

Einleitung

Nachdem der ikonische adidas Ultraboost im letzten Jahr zum zehnjährigen Jubiläum eine Rundumerneuerung erfahren hat, legt adidas in diesem Jahr noch einen drauf! Headliner ist nach wie vor das neue Lightboost-Dämpfungsmaterial - bzw. vor allem, dass der Ultraboost jetzt über sehr viel mehr davon verfügt. Satte 9mm stehen im neuen Ultraboost 5 zusätzlich zur Verfügung, woraus eine Stapelhöhe von 29mm im Vorfuß und 39mm im Fersenbereich resultieren. Die entsprechenden 10mm Sprengung sind typisch für den Ultraboost und bleiben uns auch in diesem Jahr erhalten. 

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 ($140)

Introduction

The Adrenaline 24 has been completely overhauled and improved, with a revamped upper, outsole and the addition of DNA Loft v3, replacing the v2 of version 23, while retaining the Guide Rails and stability that defines the Adrenaline GTS.

Being a nurse (as well as a runner) spending 8-10 hours on my feet each work day is what initially drew me to the Adrenaline when I first tried the Adrenaline 22, as the Danskos I have been wearing for years were taking their toll on my feet and especially my heels (I think I had a pesky case of Plantar Fasciitis).  Wearing the Adrenaline 22 and 23 at work helped to relieve my PF and the 24 is now performing that task equally well, if not better.

Pros: 

Comfort, cushion, stability, durability, support for long days on my feet.

Cons: 

None

Brooks Divide 5 ($110)

Pros: 

Fit, Versatility, Comfort :John T 

Value, comfort, fit, cushioning, versatility, refined upper, traction: Jeff V

4mm more stack height of cushion with only a minor 0.2 oz increase in weight due to new foam 

Cons: 

All black colorway is hot in the summer sun: John 

Hard to nitpick this shoe at the price, but a slight bump in price is the only drawback I can come up with.Jeff: 

Introduction

John: The Brooks Divide 5 marks the latest iteration for the brand's road-to-trail crossover model. Building on the success of its predecessors, the Divide 5 boasts a refined design and upgraded cushioning.

Central to the shoe's appeal is the revamped DNA LOFT v2 midsole. This updated cushioning system provides a softer, more responsive feel compared to its predecessor, making it a comfortable choice for both road and trail running. The Divide 5 also maintains the series' signature road-shoe inspired fit, offering a wider toe box and accommodating midfoot for a comfortable and familiar experience.

With a focus on sustainability, Brooks has incorporated recycled materials into the outsole, demonstrating a commitment to eco-friendly practices.

S/Lab Ultra Glide ($250)

Introduction

Salomon introduced the  2025 S/Lab Ultra Glide at UTMB positioning their most max cushion (41mm heel / 35mm forefoot) to date trail runner as a shoe for long hours on the trail at more moderate paces. Salomon’s goal was to create “run in comfort from mile 1”. 

It is not so much an elite ultra racer, as S/Lab shoes traditionally have been often specifically inspired by the needs of certain athletes, but is intended as a shoe for those out for 30 to 40 hours during a hundred miler. It follows the similar mid pack focused S/Lab Spectur 2 for road as a state of the art racer/trainer for the not so fast, although some Salomon elites raced it a UTMB. Please read on for the shoe details (many!) and the results of our testing.