Reviews

Autumn means cooler temps, wet trails and a new harvest of running socks to choose from. Here’s a rundown of models we’ve been testing over the past several weeks.

A next-generation multisport GPS watch from Polar, which builds on the performance metrics of the Vantage watch, and adds a handful of new features that are ideal for ultrarunners and mountain runners.

As a zero-drop shoe, the Terraultra G270s fills that void for the minimalist runner who wants a lightweight and energetic shoe for aggressive running, with just enough cushion to stay comfortable.

Innovation can be an interesting process. Any creative-minded person can attest that you have to throw some ridiculous ideas into the world before you develop one that lands precisely where you’d like it. If it took working our way through the TenNine shoe to get here, the Clifton Edge certainly seems to have justified the creative process.

We’ve spent the summer testing four high-performance trekking pole options in mountain running environments and big vert days on our home trails: LEKI MCT 12 Vario, Ultimate Direction FK Ultra, Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z, and Black Diamond Distance Carbon.

This longstanding trail favorite is the most famous model in the Brooks lineup, and for good reason, as it performs well for a broad spectrum of users under a variety of conditions. The shoe dependably gives you a comfortable, stable ride with more than enough support and durability to handle ultra-distance mileage.

This spring, Topo released two road shoes that, at first glance, look remarkably similar but have significant distinctions in their midsole construction to place them in different training categories. The Ultrafly 3 is an update to a well-established everyday trainer, while the Zephyr is a new model built for moving fast with increased responsiveness.

For a company that innovates as frequently as HOKA, it’s a testament to the success of the original Torrent shoe that they left it untouched for two full years. The Torrent was often described as “The HOKA shoe for people who don’t like HOKAs.”

The UltrAspire Synaptic 2.0 and Speedgoat 3.0 Waist Belts impressed us with their comfort and efficiency. They are nearly identical in design with the only difference being fluid capacity – the Synaptic 2.0 holds a single 550mL bottle while the Speedgoat 3.0 carries two.

Lightweight, high-stretch shorts without a liner to allow versatility of use for those who prefer their own baselayer. The Talus shorts use Matrix fabric which has excellent dynamic functionality for a range of conditions.

Picking the right sunglasses can be tricky. In addition to personal preferences for frame style and lens size, sometimes the right choice depends on where and how you’re running. We’ve been testing a handful of new styles in a variety of conditions, at a variety of prices points for your budget.

Melissa takes a look at 3 relatively new headlamps. The Silva Trail Speed 4XT, Knog Bilby, and BioLite 200

This spring, there are two new models from the Merrell Test Lab, the MTL Long Sky and MTL Skyfire. These new offerings have somewhat similar function – moving fast and securely in mountain terrain – but there are enough differences between the two models to distinguish which shoe works best for its intended purpose.

Springtime is upon us, with a fresh crop of sock options at your disposal. Here are some noteworthy items we’ve been testing this spring. Can we interest you in some alpaca wool?

Brooks is making a concentrated entry into the bra category in 2020 with Dare products being introduced this spring and more models coming in the fall. With the Strappy Bra, Brooks offers a visually appealing design that proves strappy bras can be sporty, too.

The COROS APEX Pro is an upgrade from the APEX, with an even longer battery life and a more robust set of features, including a built-in pulse oximeter for monitoring oxygen saturation, and touch screen technology.

There are many reasons to invest in a treadmill other than a few weeks of miserable winter weather and a global health crisis, but for sanity and safety purposes, these reasons float treadmill ownership to the top of our list.

HOKA ONE ONE is no stranger to innovation. No matter what else you might think about this shoe, one thing is certain: you’ve never seen anything like it.

Although the Nike Pegasus 36 Trail isn’t a brand new release (it debuted in summer 2019), it’s new for our testers. The shoe also represents a new design approach for a model that has been around since before some of you were born.

There’s almost nothing that makes a long winter run more miserable than having freezing cold fingers. We’ve tested a variety of styles of mittens and gloves designed for the cold weather runner that will keep your hands comfortable so your feet can keep moving.

Spring 2020 offers a fresh take on two established road models in the HOKA ONE ONE lineup: the Elevon 2 and Mach 3. Both pairs are road and track models that have similar geometry, but otherwise are significantly different in their build and the athletes they will likely appeal to.

This product is a new take on the traditional puffy jacket, using hybrid insulating material in a body-mapped approach, with large ventilation channels in the back. It’s suitable as an outer layer for a cold winter run or hike, but equally as capable for everyday use.

Two early releases in the UltrAspire lineup for Spring 2020 are available this month: the new Basham race vest and the Spry 3.0 race vest.

Our editorial team has been busy testing a wide range of gear from Santa’s workshop to bring you these special gift ideas for your favorite ultrarunner this holiday season.

In Part 1 we showed you a lot of the shoes and apparel we’ll be testing in the year ahead. This time we’re looking at hydration vests and accessories and one emerging new category that has grown exponentially over the past year.

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.