Our URM team was on the scene at The Running Event, an industry showcase in Austin, TX. Here is a preview of the items that caught our eye which you’ll be reading more about in 2020. This installment is focused on shoes and apparel, and our next one will be hydration vests and accessories.

Petzl’s new compact, reactive lighting headlamp features improved lighting technology, easier operation and increased comfort compared to previous models.

The Italian company founded in the Dolomites has historically been known for its climbing shoes, but recently they have entered the trail running shoe market. The Spin Ultra is designed for moderate- to ultra-distance running, with more cushioning than previous SCARPA models, but without a significant tradeoff in weight.

Salomon’s new X Alpine Pro shoe is made with high mountain environments in mind, specifically the hard rocks or loose scree of being above the tree line.

Last year, Topo Athletic filled out the max-cushioned end of their trail shoe lineup with the Ultraventure. This fall, they fill the same slot in their road lineup with the Phantom, a new maximum-cushion shoe that has the same stack heights and geometry as the Ultraventure, with a lighter and more breathable upper that is well-suited for road running.

An update to Garmin’s premium multisport GPS watch that features enhanced battery life as well as extensive new training and physiological metrics, safety features, and music playback.

The key design difference of the EVO Speedgoat is the new upper, using the Kevlar-infused Matryx textile and lightweight stretch vamp, which is flexible, drains well and is much better at accommodating your foot when moving on technical terrain.

As the intensity of training peaks and races conclude for the season, the allure of sitting down with a good book can’t be denied. Fortunately, there are a number of new ultrarunning-inspired books that will keep even the most exhausted runners entertained and dreaming about a future race. Here are a few of our staff picks from this summer.

We tested UltrAspire’s new Lumen 650 Oculus Headlamp along with an update to a popular favorite, the Lumen 600 Waist Light, which has been streamlined with an improved fit.

A lightweight, fully waterproof and windproof shell that stuffs into its chest pocket for easy storage. Fit is slim through the torso, and well-proportioned at the waist and arms. The incorporated hood is especially useful for versatile protection without getting in the way.

If you’ve enjoyed Trail Glove shoes in the past, you’ll love the Trail Glove 5. It provides the same sock-like fit and excellent ground feel, but has some key construction updates that improve its comfort and performance.

Built in collaboration with Rob Krar and Stephanie Howe Violett, Nathan’s VaporKrar and VaporHowe pack lineup offers a minimalist 4L option for traveling light, and a larger 12L pack for longer durations or conditions that require a greater assortment of clothing and gear.

The second member of the COROS global watch family (along with the Pace), the Apex is best known for its hefty battery life. Compared to the Pace, the Apex has been given a facelift sporting a sleek new design in addition to new features such as navigation, fitness tracking, and sleep tracking.

In the past, the MT has been equally comfortable on the road or trail, but updates to the new version shift it more squarely into the trail category. Two key trail-specific updates are additional cushioning in the midsole, and a redesigned upper with increased durability and drainage capacity.

A frameless, large capacity pack designed for fast packing or light overnight excursions, the Flight 30 has a great deal of adjustability and customization of fit, and excellent cargo available within arm’s reach during activity.

As days get longer and brighter, it’s important to protect your eyes from harmful glare and other elements. This spring we’ve been using three models that combine classic styling with the necessary protection you need.

Like bunnies and wildflowers, spring brings a fresh crop of socks each year. We’ve spent the past several weeks testing this season’s batch in a mixture of muddy, cool and hot conditions.

Raidlight, a French based-company that has recently started to expand its US presence, makes several products that support the trail running experience, including apparel, hydration packs and shoes. Among their shoes, the Responsiv line is geared to tackle a variety of terrain types.

The EVO Rehi is an outstanding shoe that tweaks the HOKA model to provide one of the fastest road or track shoes you’ll find on the shelf.

Two gender-specific, generously cut shorts to help you transition from legging weather to warm, summer days.

This season’s batch were tested in extremely wet and muddy winter conditions throughout California and the Pacific Northwest, as well as the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and high desert terrain in Arizona.

A great all-purpose trail shoe for moving fast and light on all manner of trails. Their spec weight is among the lowest you’ll find in trail shoes, but there’s enough traction, comfort, and durability to use as a minimalist trainer or an outstanding race shoe for distances up to about 50k.

A multi-purpose hydration pack designed for adventure running, mountain biking or moving fast through mountain terrain. It combines excellent cargo capacity with comfortable, durable construction and expansive front cargo access.

These women’s running tights from rabbit include a little compression and a lot of comfort. Perfect for mild winter weather or a chilly spring day, these tights will wick away moisture but aren’t insulated for sub-freezing temperatures.

A rigid yet mobile and adjustable contraption that can be used for stretching most of the major muscle groups in your body, with primary effectiveness in the core muscles of your trunk, spine and hamstrings.

Two thin but exceptionally warm gloves with high merino content designed for aerobic activity.

The Suunto 9 is the next generation in GPS watches geared towards endurance athletes who need extended duration battery life without sacrificing GPS accuracy.

Modifications to the Timp 1.5 include a softer and more flexible midsole EVA compound, the inclusion of 4-Point Gaiter Trap attachments, and a slightly adjusted heel fit for increased snugness. The mesh uppers have also been upgraded and are supposedly more durable than the previous edition.

Our gear team spent the last three days of November in Austin, Texas exploring The Running Event (TRE). Our favorite part is getting a sneak peek at all the cool gear we’ll be checking out next year. This second installment is specific to gear, apparel and nutrition.

Our gear team spent the last three days of November in Austin, Texas exploring The Running Event (TRE). Our favorite part is getting a sneak peek at all the cool gear we’ll be checking out next year. This first installment is specific to shoes, and Part 2 will cover gear, apparel and nutrition.