For reference

Feidian 5 Elite MSRP SGD (S$) 275

Nike Vaporfly Next% 3 MSRP S$319

Adidas Adios Pro 4 MSRP S$339

Introduction

Li Ning is the most recognized Chinese sports brand in the world. More details can be found in my previous review of the Li Ning Feidian 4 Ultra.

Disclaimer: these shoes were provided free of charge for the purposes of testing and review. The opinions herein are my own.

As a refresher, the Li Ning performance range comprises the Challenger, Elite and Ultra range, roughly corresponding to their performance (plated) trainer, their racer, and their premium racer, if you will. Sort of like Nike’s Zoom Fly, Vaporfly and Alphafly dichotomy. 

The North Face Vectiv Sky 2 ($200)

Introduction

Reed: The Summit Series VECTIV Sky 2, the fast and light trail runner/racer in the Vectiv series offers key updates to its predecessor.  

The lug height increases to 5mm (from 3.5 mm in the Sky 1). It drops a full ounce (28g) in weight as its midsole moves from a combination of EVA and nitrogen infused TPU to all nitrogen TPU Dream foam while the upper is also lighter. 

Designed to be the lightest race shoe in the VECTIV lineup, the Sky 2 sports a redesigned carbon plate and lightweight upper with just enough TPU foam to cover the plate. Sub-ultra trail racers, this one's for you!

The North Face Altamesa 500 (140 € / $155)

Introduction

I was looking for an alternative to the Hoka Speedgoat (mainly because of the fit and the latest changes since version 4). Some time ago, I came across the North Face Altamesa 500. According to the website, the shoe promises soft cushioning, top grip and a comfort-oriented fit for plenty of training kilometers. I have now put in more than a few kilometers and would like to share what I discovered.

Artikel von Nico Wagner

The North Face Altamesa 500 (140 €)

Einleitung

Ich war auf der Suche nach einer Alternative zum Hoka Speedgoat (hauptsächlich aufgrund der Passform und der letzten Veränderungen seit Version 4). Dabei bin ich vor einiger Zeit auf den North Face Altamesa 500 gestoßen. Laut Website verspricht der Schuh eine weiche Dämpfung, top Grip und eine komfort orientierte Passform für reichlich Trainingskilometer. Nun habe ich einige Kilometer gesammelt und möchte meine Meinung teilen.

Salomon Aero Glide 3 (160€)

Traduit de l'Anglais original avec l'aide de Deepl.com

Introduction

L'Aero Glide 3 est un entraîneur de route à coussin maximal, léger et non plaqué. Ses principales caractéristiques sont une nouvelle semelle intermédiaire Energy Foam EVO à base d'eTPU et une tige sans couture interne. Avec une hauteur de talon de 40 mm / 32 mm à l'avant-pied, c'est une chaussure très protectrice et amusante à courir tout en étant stable et avec un poids bien inférieur à 255g. Nous avons récemment assisté au Running Event au Texas et les chaussures 2025 dotées de mousses eTPU et TPEE représentent clairement l'avenir car ces mousses sont très légères par rapport à l'EVA et permettent des courses nettement plus énergiques. En fait, même les anciennes mousses de type PEBA ne sont rien en comparaison de ces nouvelles mousses, car nous avons maintenant testé plusieurs chaussures avec ces mousse telles que la prochaine Mizuno Mystery 01 ainsi que de nombreuses nouvelles chaussures de course sur sentier. Salomon étendra son utilisation à d'autres modèles, y compris ses chaussures de trail, dont la prochaine Pulsar, et nous l'attendons également dans chaussures S/Lab. L'Aero Glide est rejoint par l'Aero Blaze, avec la même mousse et avec une pile et une hauteur légèrement inférieures et par des versions « gravel » des deux avec des semelles extérieures adaptées au trail. Veuillez lire la suite pour mon avis complet

Salomon Aero Glide 3 ($160)

Introduction

The Aero Glide 3 is a very light, unplated max cushion road trainer. Its key features are a new  eTPU based Energy Foam EVO midsole and an upper with no internal stitching. At a stack height of 40mm heel / 32mm forefoot, it is a lot of protective and fun to run yet stable shoe at a weight well under 9 oz.

We recently attended The Running Event and 2025 shoes with eTPU and TPEE foams are clearly the future as these foams are very light compared to EVA and have considerably more energetic rides. In fact, even the former state of the art PEBA type foams pale in comparison to these new foams as we have now tested several such foam shoes such as the upcomingMizuno Mystery 01 as well as many new trail running shoes. 

Salomon will expand its use to other models including its trail runners including the upcoming Pulsar and we expect S/Lab shoes as well.

The Aero Glide is joined by the Aero Blaze, with the same foam and with a slightly lower stack and height and by “gravel” versions of both with trail suitable outsoles. Please read on for my full review.

Dirwin Pioneer Fat Tire eBike | 750W Motor, 60+ Miles ($1,799)

Sizes: Regular or Step-thru

Introduction

Dirwin, a relatively new player in the eBike market, is making waves with their focus on rugged, all-terrain machines. The Pioneer is a prime example of their philosophy – it's a powerful, fat-tire beast designed to conquer any terrain. Whether I’m cruising down Boulder's bike paths or tackling the challenging trails in the foothills, the Pioneer feels equally confident. It's clear that Dirwin isn't just building eBikes; they're building machines for adventure.

Mount to Coast P1 ($160)

Introduction

Mount to Coast is a relatively new brand in the very congested running marketplace. What immediately catches the eye in their products is the attention to styling - these shoes look cool, let’s be honest. 

When I first saw them I had a gentle debate with myself if I might not be too old for those bad boys but then my vanity took over and all guilt had evaporated. 

The brand itself is focused on ultra running but I feel that this shoe would function well for road runners like me (and maybe you dear reader). What is more the shoe itself is a very unique take on stability as it focuses on also stabilizing the forefoot rather just the rear of the shoe. Is that the case or maybe the P1 has more to offer - let’s find out in the review.  

New Balance 880V15 (159,95€)

Introductie

Kurt: De New Balance 880 neemt een centrale plek in binnen het assortiment van het merk als een veelzijdige, neutrale dagelijkse trainingsschoen die is ontworpen voor hardlopers die comfort en duurzaamheid zoeken voor dagelijks gebruik. De schoen maakt deel uit van de Fresh Foam-serie en bevindt zich tussen de lichtere, snellere modellen zoals de New Balance Rebel of FuelCell Propel, en de meer dempende, premium langeafstands schoenen zoals de New Balance 1080.

De 880 richt zich op het bieden van een betrouwbare, gebalanceerde loopervaring, waardoor het een uitstekende keuze is voor hardlopers die een schoen willen die goed presteert bij verschillende soorten trainingen – van rustige herstelloopjes tot middelzware lange afstanden. De combinatie van gematigde demping en stabiliteit maakt het een echt werkpaard voor wie consistentie en comfort waardeert in zijn training routine.