Topo Magnifly 4 Review: A Tremendous Zero Drop Trainer

Topo Magnifly 4 Review: A Tremendous Zero Drop Trainer
By Senior Contributors David Salas, Nathan Brown, and Contributor Andrea Myers

Usually when people look at the 0mm drop category most of the shoes tend to lean more on the minimalist end of the spectrum. For a while it seemed like the Altra Paradigm was the only option in the maximum cushion category for the 0mm drop lovers. The Magnifly from Topo however provides a pseudo maximalist-like ride with a little bit less stack and weight than other maximum cushioning competitors. The shoe runs a normal width last through the heel and midfoot with a wider toe box, a normal design for Topo. The Magnifly 4 is a very well balanced 0mm drop daily training option with ample cushioning and responsiveness through toe off. 

Men's pair of the Topo Magnify 4

Best Daily Trainers of 2021, DPT Approved

 

It's that time of year! Our team has tested over 110 shoes and ran over 14,500 miles in 2021 (so far) and we are ready to dish out our awards. Up first is the Best Daily Trainer Award. We define daily trainer as "a shoe that can eat up a lot of your training miles, is reliable and consistent, has mild versatility, and can function as a workhorse shoe." In other words, which shoe do you just keep reaching for day after day? Our team gives each of our individual picks, what we like about them, and then finish with our team's consensus pick for the year.

Topo Athletic Ultrafly 3 Review

Topo Athletic Ultrafly 3 Review
By Chief Editor/Founder Matthew Klein

People looking for shoes with wide, anatomic toe boxes are often limited to a few options. Most out there are zero drop, given that anatomic shoe design is often associated with more minimal or natural minded footwear companies. While that may work well for some people, others may need something a bit more traditional for a variety of reasons. Add looking for more traditional stability methods like posting and things get tougher. Enter the Top Athletic Ultrafly 3, a meeting point between natural and more traditional shoe design. A mild stability shoe with an anatomic toe box with a 5mm drop is a uniquely balanced shoe, particularly among today's extremes in footwear. 

adidas Terrex Agravic Ultra Review

 adidas Terrex Agravic Ultra Review
By Chief Editor / Founder Matthew Klein & David Salas

Trail shoes, particularly those for technical terrain, are usually different beasts than road shoes. While road shoes can be streamlined for speed by using lighter materials, trails shoes need to balance that with protection. When it comes to technical terrain, that protection needs to occur on another level to protect from aggressive rocks, roots, steep terrain and many other potential hazards. Adidas has attempted to combine some of the lessons learned from road racing shoes into the latest Terrex Agravic Ultra: A shoe meant for long technical mountain runs. While it may not be as light as a road racing shoe, there are several elements that are well executed, making this an excellent choice for those needing a protective  and supportive shoe over tough terrain. 

Discussing Running Supply Chain Issues, and Mizuno in 2021, 2022 | EP 64

 

In this week's podcast episode we had the privilege of sitting down with Tina Danforth, Product Manager of Running Footwear and Apparel for Mizuno USA, to talk in depth about the supply chain issues within the running industry. We talk about how the supply chain works, what areas have been affected, what consumers can expect (in terms of availability and price), and some tips for shopping in the future. Then Tina pulls back the curtain for the future of Mizuno and also we take a closer look at design elements of the Rebellion.

ASICS DS Trainer 26 Review

ASICS DS Trainer 26 Review
By Chief Editor/Founder Matt Klein

Certain shoes seem to fly under the radar despite being staple trainers for both recreational and elite athlete. The ASICS DS trainer series is one of them. A rare lightweight light stability shoe that has served as a racing/workout shoe for some and a daily trainer for others. The Asics DS Trainer returns for its 26th iteration, outlasting any other light stability lightweight trainer. At this point this shoe is carrying this category almost solo and deserves some attention doing this for so long.

Best Cold Weather Running Gear, Saucony Runshield, and Adidas Solar Glide 4 Series | EP 63

 

Today Matt and Nathan sit down to break down the changes that happen to a crowd favorite (Endorphin Speed 2) when you slap a RunShield upper onto it. They then discuss two shoes within the Solar Glide series and certain design patterns that muddy clean transitions and mechanics. Finally they dive into staying safe in darker and colder weather, while pointing out some of their own favorite gear.

PS: It was Matt's birthday last week! Happy birthday Chief!

Adidas Solar Glide 4 and Solar Glide 4 ST Review

Adidas Solar Glide 4 and Solar Glide 4 ST Review
By Senior Contributor Nathan Brown and Founder/Chief Editor Matthew Klein

Adidas has been re-imagining much of their lines throughout 2020/2021, including the all new Adizero Line including the Boston 10, Adios 6, and Adios Pro 2. However, some of the other lines have retained some classic Adidas elements for those afraid to make the jump, incluidng the Solar Glide and Solar Glide ST. The Solar Glide 4 maintains a Boost midsole with a rim of firmer EVA, a Torsion system, and an overall traditional trainer construction. The Solar Glide 4 ST is similar with a stable frame in the midsole that provides full length stability.

On Cloudace 2.0 Shoe Review (2021 Release)

On Cloudace 2.0 Review: Maximum Modern Stability
By Chief Editor / Founder Matthew Klein and Social Media Wizard Bach Pham

Stability in footwear has evolved a great deal over the last several years. While using a medial post (ie firmer section of the midsole, usually dual density foam) was the standard for a long time, many companies have begun to experiment with other methods. Geometry, plates, guidance lines, sidewalls and more have become far more prevalent. This has provided a larger number of options for runners seeking stability shoes. This is an important evolution given that different people will need different stability designs depending on comfort, tolerance and their own unique mechanics. The On Cloudace 2.0 is the evolution of On's attempt to make the ultimate stability shoe featuring as many of these mechanisms as possible without sacrificing cushioning or speed. While it manages to create a unique ride that is smooth, albeit a bit heavy, whether it is the ultimate stability shoe will depend on whether it matches the mechanics of the runner using them.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 RUNSHIELD Review

Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 RUNSHIELD Review
By Chief Editor Matt Klein and Contributor Megan Flynn

Saucony has continued to see success with their Endorphin series which have proven to be versatile for a variety of needs. The exception being a variety of extreme weather conditions. That problem has now been addressed as the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 is the first to get the Runshield treatment. While this was supposed to be mostly an upper update, the changes up top influence the rest of the shoe for a slightly different ride.

The Benefits of Zero Drop | EP 62

 

In today's episode we dive into the knowledge base surrounding 0 drop shoes and what demands they place on the body. We also discuss transitioning to a 0mm drop platform and considerations of how to do it safely. We then discuss in depth the Altra Paradigm 6, all while trying to bring David along, who was deep into character throughout the review (see YouTube to visualize costumes).

Altra Paradigm 6 Multiple Tester Review

Altra Paradigm 6 Multiple Tester Review
By Chief Editor Matt Klein and Senior Contributors David Salas and Nathan Brown

The Altra Paradigm 6 has become a shoe with serious consideration in the maximum cushioning category for a lot of people. The shoe does feature a zero drop and level platform throughout with a relatively high platform and wide toe box. The shoe has a wide platform underneath as well a nearly full contact outsole that also helps with stabilizing the shoe a little bit throughout. The Altra Paradigm 6 continues the Paradigm lineage with an updated upper and midsole named EGO MAX.