Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB Multi Tester Review: 6 Comparisons

Article by Courtney Kelly, Peter Stuart and Ben David 

Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB ($250)

Introduction

Courtney: The Hyperion Elite 4PB is the first 2025 shoe in Brooks’ performance line, and it brings on a whole new ride. Many users of the Hyperion Elite 4 released last year were underwhelmed with its DNA Flash foam midsole, but found all the other components of the shoe well executed. In the HE4 PB we have all the successful parts of the original but with new PEBA DNA Gold PEBA foam. DNA Gold provides a softer, snappier, more  propulsive ride that far outmatches DNA Flash. The ARRIS carbon fiber plate and performance fit upper remain the same now with the new midsole making for a superior racing shoe. 

Nike Pegasus Premium Review: 5 Comparisons

Article by Sam Winebaum

Nike Pegasus Premium ($210)

Introduction

The Pegasus Premium is Nike’s most highly cushioned, highest stack trainer since the legendary 2020 Tempo Next %,  the OG in the super max cushioned road trainer category. At 45mm at the heel / 35 mm at the forefoot, the Peg Premium clearly joins the super max party along with the likes of  Hoka Skyward X and Brooks Glycerin Max. Compared to the latest Pegasus 41 with all React X, it essentially adds 8mm of stack height and about 1 oz in weight.

As it is in the Pegasus family, it has Air! But not the usual front embedded Air Zoom unit which gave traditional Pegs their firm rebounding forefoot. Here, below 20 mm of Nike race shoe grade Zoom X we have a full length 5mm thick visible Zoom Air unit with a mildly curving spoon shaped “air plate”  similar to the carbon Fly Plate in Nike’s racers such as the Vaporfly. 

Nike says: “Digital capabilities such as finite element analysis, a computerized method for predicting how a product will react to physical forces, helped Nike teams test the sculpted Air unit to predict how it would react to the repeated pounding of running” 

And to “bottom out” the layer cake of Nike tech the heel has a tapering 10mm thick layer of ReactX foam as found in the current Pegasus 41. Technologies mish mash or effective collaboration? Let’s find out!

Rudy Project Turbolence ImpactX Photochromic 2 Laser Red All-Sport Shield Sunglasses Review

Article by Jeremy Marie

Rudy Project Turbulence ImpactX Photochromic 2 LaserRed Sunglasses (269€/$285)

I rarely run with sunglasses, despite being hindered by sun (sometimes) and wind, very often, which causes me to shed tears like I’m crying. And put in some winter temperatures and it gets even worse.I’m used to wearing shades  when riding. So…why not when running ? My usual gripes about shades when running are frame movement, especially for trail running, and fogging, as I tend to heat a lot. 

When Rudy Project proposed the Turbolence for test, I was eager to see how they fare and if a modern pair of sunglasses could overcome both my usual issues when running with glasses and ... running without.

Speedland GL:SVT Review: 6 Comaprisons

Article by Jeff Valliere

Speedland GL:SVT ($299)

Introduction:  

Jeff V:  The Speedland GL:SVT and its design details pay homage to Speedland athlete Avery Collins and the San Juan Mountains/Silverton, Colorado.  

The SVT is intended for more rugged mountain terrain and all distances, featuring a Perform Fit wrap with dual BOA Fit System Li2 dials, tight ripstop mesh upper with built in mesh gaiter, beaded HTPU external carrier midsole, with removable blended SCF (supercritical foam)  internal midsole, and Michelin Fiberlite outsole with 6.5mm lugs. It is Carbitex Gearplate compatible for an additional $35..  The precision fit, cushion, protection and traction make the SVT a great all mountain, any terrain versatile workhorse.

Speedland GL:PDX Multi Tester Review: 10 Comparisons

Article by Jeff Valliere and Mike Postaski

Speedland GL:PDX ($250)

Introduction

Jeff V:  The Speedland GL:PDX is inspired by the original SL:PDX and the Forest Park Trail System in Portland, Oregon. The PDX is intended for more rugged mountain terrain and all distances. 

It features a Perform Fit wrap with a single BOA Fit System Li2 dial combined with velcro strap, tight ripstop mesh upper, beaded HTPU external midsole, blended SCF (supercritical foam)  internal midsole, Michelin Fiberlite outsole with 6.5mm lugs. It is Carbitex Gearplate removable carbon plate compatible for an additional $35..  The precision fit, cushion, protection and traction make the PDX a great all mountain, any terrain versatile workhorse.

Li Ning Feidian 5 Elite Review: 5 Comparisons

Article by Derek Li

 Li Ning Feidian 5 Elite ( MSRP SGD (S$) 275, (~US$204)

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 about the brand can be found in my previous review of the Li Ning Feidian 4 Ultra.The Li Ning Feidian 5 Elite, reviewed here, is positioned as a mid-tier racing model, designed to compete with the likes of the Nike Vaporfly.

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

The North Face Summit Series Vectiv Sky 2 Multi Tester Review: Ready to Rip! 10 Comparisons

Article by Reed Breuer, Sam Winebaum, Jen Schmidt, Renee Krusemark, and Mike Postaski

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!

Rab Xenair Alpine Flex Jacket & Cirrus Flex Insulated Hooded Jacket Reviews

 Article by Jeff and Allison Valliere

In the article, we review the Xenair Alpine Flex Jacket and Cirrus Flex Insulated Hooded Jacket with our testing this winter in the mountains above Boulder, Colorado.

The North Face Altamesa 500 Review: 3 Comparisons

 Article by Nico Wagner

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.

Testbericht: The North Face Altamesa 500 3 Vergleiche (German)

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.

Test de la Salomon Aero Glide 3 (Français)

Article par Sam Winebaum

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 Review: A Modern, Light and Energetic Daily Trainer: 3 Comparisons

Article by Sam Winebaum

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.

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 Review: 3 Comparisons

Article by Markus Zinkl

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 ($155)

Introduction 

The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 is the latest version of a popular trail running shoe that has been delivering both comfort and performance for years. With some noticeable updates including a Vibram MegaGrip Traction Lugoutsole and more stack height, it has a clear focus on comfort and cushioning, the Hierro v9 promises to be an ideal companion for longer and less technical trail runs. I have tested the shoe extensively and would like to share my experiences and impressions with you.

Testbericht: New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 3 Vergleiche (German)

Artikel von Markus Zinkl

New Balance - Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 ($155)

Einleitung

Der New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 ist die neueste Version eines beliebten Trailrunning-Schuhs, der seit Jahren sowohl Komfort als auch Leistung bietet. Mit einigen spürbaren Updates und einer klaren Ausrichtung auf Komfort und Dämpfung verspricht der Hierro v9 ein idealer Begleiter für längere und weniger technische Trailruns zu sein. Ich habe den Schuh ausführlich getestet und möchte meine Erfahrungen und Eindrücke mit euch teilen.

Tracksmith Winter 2025 No Days Off Collection Reviews: NDO Harbor Jacket, NDO Fells Turtleneck, NDO Bib

Article by Dominique and Sam Winebaum

Dominique: For my first Tracksmith running gear eview, I did not get a famous Tracksmith sash singlet, but a three-piece matching outfit from their No Days Off Winter Collection: the NDO Fells Turtleneck ($140); NDO Harbor Jacket ($255); and the NDO Bib ($225).