Hoka One One Carbon X Review

Hoka One One Carbon X Review

Carbon fiber plates are becoming more and more popular, particularly among road racing shoes.  The Nike Vaporfly series, the Hoka Evo Carbon Rocket, the New Balance Fuelcell 5280, the 361 Chaser 2 and unnamed Saucony and Brooks racing shoes are either on the market or have been seen on feet of elite runners.  Almost all of these shoes have been limited to marathon races and below.  Hoka One One is one of the first to market and create a carbon fiber based ultramarathon racing shoe.  The Carbon X, advertised on full blast at the Project Carbon X, was on the feet of Jim Wamsley as he broke the 50 mile road record.  This is a unique shoe and has been a blast to run in.  A shoe for both ultra distance racing and long runs, yet still fast enough for workouts and speed.

adidas Terex Swift R2 GTX Initial Review

adidas Terex Swift R2 GTX Initial Review

I was really looking forward to these shoes. They were recommended by Timothy Olson, who is a well-renowned ultra runner (sponsored by Adidas of course) and was friends with my brother-in-law back in college at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. I was intrigued because these are marketed as hiking shoes, but given his experience in ultra running and trails, I thought it was definitely worth giving them a try for some running and was really hopeful. Let me give you my thoughts on this shoe so far.

361 MERAKI 2 Multiple Tester Review

361 MERAKI 2 Multiple Tester Review

Matt: The original Meraki was an interesting shoe.  It was one of the rare trainers that I could do workouts in well while still providing enough protection for longer efforts and recovery days.  I use the phrase "do it all" shoe far too often, but the original Meraki successfully managed to live up to that.  The Meraki 2 maintains a great deal of the sole while completely updating the upper.  The fit has changed for the better while the midsole has remained similar with one of the few trainers with carbon fiber plates.  This creates an interesting ride with pluses and minuses.

Nathan: Finding a good high milage trainer can be tough. The increased cushion and materials typically added to shoes typically brings the weight a bit too high for successful tempo runs or faster performance. However, I have found the 361-MERAKI 2 to be a great balance of substance without sacrificing its ability to handle a bit of speed as well. This shoe would be a great "do-it-all" shoe for the right person. What makes it that way? Let's check it out.

Nike Vaporfly Next% Review

Nike Vaporfly Next% Review

The Nike Vaporfly Next% is the latest evolution of the Vaporfly series.  Inspired by input from Eluid Kipchoge, Mo Farah, Shalane Flanagan and other elite athletes, the Next% is a version of the Vaporfly Elite available to the masses.  Redesigned from the ground up, the Vaporfly Next% is different in almost every way from the previous version, the Vaporfly 4% Flyknit.  While the essence of the Vaporfly is obviously felt, this is a true evolution of the shoe, not just an upper date.  The sole has more ZoomX, the outsole has better traction and durability, the drop is lower (8mm)  and the upper is drastically different (and better).  Let's talk about this update.

Salomon Predict RA Review

Salomon Predict RA Review

As further research is produced and reviewed on footwear and foot mechanics, the concept of stability are constantly being redesigned.  Since the beginning of my career and schooling, I have admired Simon Bartold's work first at Asics then progressing to others including Salomon.  The Predict RA is influenced by both his work as a world renowned podiatrist and biomechanist as well as other great minds at Salomon.  The goal was to create a smooth, stable and cushioned ride that adapts to your foot (not the other way around).  Let's discuss how the Predict RA lives up to that goal.