Competitor March 2016

competitor

competitor

MARCH 2016

| MARCH 2 016

RUNNING GEAR GUIDE Road Shoes | Trail Shoes Wearable Tech | Hats Hydration Packs Sunglasses | Socks

2016 RUNNING GEAR GUIDE

| And More!

CLICK HERE for even more gear that didn’t make our magazine.

Click here to learn how to train for your first half marathon.

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Captured 4

Co lon i al Cr a ft s ma n ship New Balance was founded in Boston in 1906 and has been making athletic footwear for the past 75 years. It’s the only athletic shoe manufacturer that makes a portion of its products in the U.S. As of 2016, it employs a workforce of about 1,300 people who produce 4 million pairs of shoes annually at five New England manufacturing facilities.

Inside the company’s historic factory along the Merrimack River in Lawrence, Mass., American workers produce New Balance 990 running shoes, as well as custom online orders of the brand’s 998 and 574 models.

“It’s the biggest it’s ever been, and I think that says a lot about what we’re doing,” says Brendan Melly, director of U.S. operations for New Balance, of the brand’s domestic production. “When most companies are offshoring their work, we’re actually investing and growing our domestic production. We take pride in our American operations and workforce.”

Melly says having U.S. manufacturing facilities allows New Balance to innovate faster. The company can also build and ship custom products in less than 48 hours.

“One of the interesting things is that we continue to pass down these skills from generation to generation,” Melly says.

“We have associates that have been with us for 37 years and some have brought their sisters, brothers, sons or daughters into the organization, which says a lot about the culture and environment. But also it’s about passing down the craftsmanship and quality to new generations within our workforce.”

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Photos: scott draper

Click here to see more images inside the New Balance factory.

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Contents

march 2016

2016 Running Gear Guide 4 Captured

42 Men’s Apparel

Also

• Jackets

10 Contributors

• Shorts and pants

12 Editor’s Note 46 Women’s Apparel 14 Running Outfits

• Hats

• Shirts and tops

• Jackets

Our head-to-toe gear picks for a variety of

• Shirts and tops

running pursuits—from the latest in high fashion

• Bras

to hardcore ultrarunning equipment

• Shorts and pants

• Socks Click here to read how compression socks work.

• Music accessories • Sunglasses • Recovery accessories • Nutrition

Backpage 22 Road Running Shoes

52 Racing Accessories

32 Trail Running Shoes

54 Trail Accessories

38 Wearable Tech

56 Night Gear

Nike’s Innovation Kitchen director Tobie Hatfield talks about footwear design, people’s biggest misconceptions about running shoes, and what the perfect shoe might be like.

photos: mark doolittle; james carney

40 Hydration

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A good run is good for your perspective, getting you beyond the bad, the worse or even the downright apocalyptic.

Š2

016 BRO OKS SPORTS, INC.

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competitor.com

Editorial

Brian Metzler senior editor Mario Fraioli managing editor Adam Elder web editor Ryan Wood associate editor Emily Polachek

senior contributing editors

editor-in-chief

Alan Culpepper, Meb Keflezighi, Jason Devaney, Allison Pattillo contributing writers

Adam Chase, Matt Hart, Meghan M. Hicks, Lisa Jhung, Amanda McCracken, Nicki Miller, Sam Winebaum

ART graphic designer

Valerie Brugos

contributing photography

James Carney, Mark Doolittle, Scott Draper, Nick Nacca C i rc u l at i o n , m ar k et i n g & P r o d u ct i o n production manager

S h o e Talk

audience development manager

Meghan McElravy

Check out our exclusive videos that highlight some of the most talked about shoes in running at Competitor.com/shoetalk

Kristy Buescher

advertising production manager

manager, media marketing

Gia Hawkins Dan Cruz

Nicole Christenson

director, pr

d i g i ta l ser v i ces web developers Joseph Hernandez, Miguel A. Estrada web director James A. Longhini

director, digital media & strategy

Connect With Us

Aaron Hersh director, web development

Scott Kirkowski Johnny Yeip

associate creative director

Thomas Phan

director, seo/analytics

junior web designers Sean Marshall,

director, creative services

Join the conversation

Eddie Villanueva video producer Steve Godwin

Matthew McAlexander Bruno Breve

system administrator

A d v ert i s i n g

Doug Kaplan 312-441-1551, dkaplan@competitorgroup.com vp media sales Jason Johnson 858-768-6824, jjohnson@competitorgroup.com vp, media sales Ian Sinclair 860-673-6830, isinclair@competitorgroup.com vp, media sales Todd Wienke 414-517-7457, tawienke@competitorgroup.com senior director endemic sales Justin Sands 858-768-6747, jsands@competitorgroup.com vp, media sales Gordon Selkirk 858-768-6767, gselkirk@competitorgroup.com manager, media sales Jeff McDowell 858-768-6794, jmcdowell@competitorgroup.com manager, media sales Jenn Schuette 858-228-3761, jschuette@competitorgroup.com manager, media sales Kelly Trimble 858-768-6749, ktrimble@competitorgroup.com svp, sales

•

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Gear We Love

•

•

Competitor editors regularly share the

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gear and apparel they’re using at Competitor.com/gearwelove

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Facebook.com/ competitor.running

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part n ers h i p d e v e lo p m e n t a n d A cc o u n t m a n a g e m e n t

Follow us

director Erin Ream Liz Centeno-Vera, Renee Kerouac, Kat Keivens

managers

digital ad operations

Carson McGrath

F i n a n ce

Running Tech

finance director

Gretchen Alt

How do running and technology intersect? See the latest gear at Competitor.com/tech

@runcompetitor

a publication of president

Josh Furlow

chief administrative officer and chief financial officer

See what we share

Wendy Godoy chief marketing officer

Keith S. Kendrick senior vice president, events

Tracy Sundlun John Smith senior vice president Molly Quinn

Shoe of the Week Each week we highlight a different shoe and put it to the test at Competitor.com/shoeoftheweek

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senior vice president

9477 Waples Street, Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92121 • 858-450-6510 For distribution inquiries: 858-768-6493 Digital Issue support: support@zinio.com Distribution management: TGS Media Inc. • tgsmedia.com, 877-847-4621 No part of this issue may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.

Competitor is a registered trademark of Competitor Group Inc.

@runcompetitor official magazine

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CONTRIBUToRS 10

Valerie Brugos

James Carney

Adam Chase

Marisa Ditimus

scott draper

Mark Doolittle

Valerie is Competitor’s graphic designer. She led the planning, design and production of this year’s Gear Guide. Her favorite part was how the outfits turned out. When she’s not laying out magazine pages you can find her exploring San Diego’s beaches, parks and cafes.

James is a freelance photographer in Boulder, Colo., and a former elite runner who won national road racing titles. James enjoys traveling and, yes, running when he’s not behind the camera. He photographed all the trail running shoes in this year’s Gear Guide.

Adam likes to run. And run. As president of the American Trail Running Association and co-author of “The Ultimate Guide to Trail Running,” and resident of Boulder, Colo., Adam was the right guy to test the trail and ultrarunning kits he reviewed for this Gear Guide.

Marisa is a commercial and editorial fashion stylist who has worked on campaigns for Disney, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Petco and Life Proof. She styled all four outfits on location in this year’s Gear Guide.

She’s also a professional deejay who enjoys surfing and riding her road bike.

Scott, a San Diego-based freelance photographer and former photo editor of Competitor, traveled to Lawrence, Mass., last year to get an exclusive look at one of New Balance’s five American factories.

A selection of his photographs are in this month’s Captured.

Mark, who shot most of the gear in this issue, is a Colorado-based photographer, father and farmer. When he’s not shooting food, fashion or anything else for clients, you can find him with his kids, pigs, or enjoying the view from his Tennessee Walking Horse.

Adam Elder

Mario Fraioli

Matt Hart

Meghan Hicks

A bizarre El Niño winter— with heat, cold, wind and rain sometimes all in the same week—was the perfect season for Adam, Competitor’s managing editor, to wear-test men’s apparel on the roads, trails and beaches of San Diego.

Mario, Competitor’s senior editor, tested men’s running shoes, socks and hats during a wet winter in the San Francisco Bay Area. When he’s not seeking out new trails or frequenting coffee shops, he’s coaching runners to new personal bests.

Matt is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in Outside and Men’s Journal. The former professional ultrarunner is also head coach and owner of Coaching Endurance LLC. He put a handful of men’s jackets to the test for this issue.

Meghan is the senior editor of iRunFar.com.

She’s been a runner for 20 years, and has focused on trail and ultrarunning for the past 10. Meghan reviewed the latest and greatest in running hydration for this year’s Gear Guide.

Lisa Jhung Lisa has reviewed gear for for Competitor, Runner’s World, Men’s Journal and Men’s Health. Her book, “Trailhead: The Dirt on All Things Trail Running” was published last spring. She headed up this issue’s trail shoe testing and also reviewed women’s socks.

Amanda McCracken Amanda, a coach and massage therapist, reviewed recovery tools in this issue. After a hard trail run in her home of Boulder, Colo., she prefers to help her body recover using versatile tools that feel therapeutic rather than punishing.

Nicki Miller

Nick Nacca

Allison Pattillo

Emily Polachek

Sam Winebaum

Ryan Wood

Nicki is the managing editor of Women’s Running and spearheads that magazine’s nutrition coverage. Her desk is usually full of samples. For our sports nutrition roundup, she investigated all kinds of new products to please different runners’ palates.

Nick, a San Diego-based commercial photographer, creates stills and video for Ford, Hot Spring Spas and SOAS Racing. Creatively blending, shaping and sculpting with light is at the heart of his vision. He photographed the four outfits in this issue.

Allison tested women’s jackets as well as trail, racing and night running gear during a mild fall in Colorado of snow-free trails and yellow aspen trees. She’ll be sporting some of her favorite new race gear at Big Sur Marathon in April.

Testing out the latest women’s tops, bottoms and bras for this year’s Gear Guide motivated Emily, Competitor’s associate editor, to stick to her New Year’s goal of waking up every morning (except for Sundays) at 5 a.m. for a daily 3-mile run.

A blogger at Roadtrailrun. com, Sam authored the Gear Guide’s wearable tech section. He pours over the data in his pursuit of breaking 1:40 for the half and logging 2,000 miles per year on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah.

Ryan Wood is the web editor at Competitor.com who reviewed sunglasses and music tech for this issue. He’s an avid runner and occasional open-water swimmer who feels that happiness is a beautiful trail ready to be explored.

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Some watches are made for everything.

Forerunner was made for your thing.

Your thing makes a 4:30 a.m. alarm seem normal.

Your thing turns your insides into a knot as you wait for the gun to go off. We get it. So we make Forerunner watches with smart technology1 designed for runners.

Not watches designed for, well, everybody.

Find yours at Garmin.com/forerunner

FORERUNNER 230 | 235 | 630

ÂŽ

Forerunner. For Runners.

1

When paired with compatible phone; see Garmin.com/ble

Š 2015 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries

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EDITOR’S NOTE 12

Gear Lust

“Happiness is a new pair of running shoes.”

Brian Metzler Competitor’s editor-in-chief coordinated the road running shoe reviews with 16 wear-testers in Boulder, Colo. He is the author of “Running Colorado’s Front Range,” co-wrote Alan Culpepper’s book “Run Like a Champion” and proudly struggled to the finish line of the CCC 100K race last August in Chamonix, France, in a pair of brand-new Hoka One One Speedgoat trail shoes.

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Adidas Oregon, Nike Air Edge, ASICS Tiger X-Caliber, Nike Air Tupu, Brooks Ghost 1, Saucony Kinvara 2, Hoka One One Challenger, New Balance 1500v2.

From past to present, those are some of my favorite running shoes ever.

Each one of those models evokes a fond memory, either from a period in my running life, a specific race or, in some cases, from a great solitary run I did last week. Why do I remember them? The bottom line is that every one of those shoes fit my feet well and allowed me to run footloose and fancy free (on some occasions, notably faster than others) without any inhibitions. Selecting that handful of shoes is a difficult task, considering I’ve run in more than 1,000 different pairs in the past 20 years alone.

Still, I wouldn’t necessarily buy most of those same shoes again if they were still available. Why? Because thanks to innovations, new materials and modern design ethos, running shoes have continued improving through the years. (OK, there was a dead period in shoe design from the late 1990s to about 2005. But, fortunately, we’re beyond that.)

Truth be told, there are probably a dozen more shoes every year that I could add to my “short list” of all-time favorites, including

several in this gear guide. And that’s because shoes are designed and manufactured better now than in any time in history.

In fact, same goes for every category of gear in this issue. Want a great pair of shoes to train for your next half marathon? See page 22. Need a more functional trail running pack? See page 40. Want a super-light waterproof jacket? See page 42 or 46. Training for your first ultra race?

See page 20.

Remember, it’s not about the gear—it’s about running. But the essence of great running gear is that it helps you do your thing without getting in the way. The right gear can help you run better, keep you more in sync with your body, feel more comfortable during the grind of training, help you push your limits during a race and even take you to new places.

Check out the drool-worthy gear on the pages of this issue and even more at Competitor.com. Get your gear, get stoked and get running!

BR I A N M e tz le r

Editor-In-Chief

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YO U SH OULD GET YOUR FEET ON thIS STuFF.

CONTINUOUS CUSHIONING A breakthrough in cushioning • smoother landings • stronger takeoffs • livelier sensation • more responsive • helps you run stronger longer

Check out the Kinvara 7 with EVERUN.

saucony.com/EVERUN

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FIND YOUR STRONG

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outfits 14

Running gear isn’t just about feeling good anymore; it’s about looking good too. And popular brands such as Lululemon and Athleta are taking the season’s most fashionable trends in patterns, colors and design aesthetics and translating them into functional athletic wear. For spring, heading into summer, it’s all about bright colors that pop—and the Smith Optics Ramona Sunglasses ($89) in a translucent lemon with a rounded, feminine frame not only accent an outfit, the no-slip rubber nose pads and wraparound arms also secure them in place during a run. Lululemon’s In Flux Jacket ($128) comes in a variety of bold hues, including a deep berry red, and is constructed of light, stretchy, sweatwicking Luon fiber. A high-necked, striped Tracksmith Grayboy Tank ($52) echoes a classic cotton/rayon blend, featuring a more modern cut. Underneath it all, the Oiselle Hi Low Bra ($54) showcases a unique open back design that doubles as a useful way to tuck in a heart rate monitor above the chest.

Athleta’s Tropical Sonar Capri ($74) gives off a laid-back island vibe, hugging the body in all the right places. At the foundation of it all, the New Balance Vazee Coast ($80) performs like a lightweight speed trainer but can be worn as a casual, everyday sneaker. ou t fi t d esi g n ed By E m i ly P o l ache k

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photo: Nick Nacca

fashionably fast

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S AV E YO U R A D R E N A L I N E FOR THE RACE

Š 2016 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Westin and its logo are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.

VIP MARATHON PACK AG E

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From pre-race meals, to post-race ice bags and VIP area access, the Westin VIP Marathon Package helps you get to the start line stress free.

We also offer late checkout so you can relax after your big day.

Book a VIP Marathon Package at westin.com/runwestin

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outfits 16

With the rise of New York City’s many run crews and groups like BlacklistLA on the West Coast, running in the big city now means wearing functional clothing that looks fresh not only on the run, but also wherever the after-party is. Ciele Athletics, founded by a couple of former skateboarders in Montreal, combines a classic hat silhouette with technical fabrics in its TRLCap Stamped Indigo Edition ($38). Sweat wicking doesn’t get much cooler than the OV Logo Tee by Outdoor Voices ($60) of Brooklyn and Austin, Texas—which looks like cotton but dries quickly like a running shirt should. The Epson Run Sense SF 810 ($300) has wrist-based heart rate—and best of all, stride length takes over from GPS in blind spots like under bridges and overpasses.

Adidas’ ultra-light Aktiv Printed Short ($45) has a long 9-inch inseam, two hip pockets and a discreet zippered key pocket. Tights are back—and Denmark’s Newline Sport makes some of the softest and most comfortable, like the Inmotion ($85). Stance’s Fusion Run Crew Sock ($18) is beloved by nearly everyone for its cool designs and genuinely excellent performance. Nike’s Free RN Distance ($120) is a legit, high-mileage (more cushioned) version of the Swoosh’s überpopular Free line: It’s lightweight, superflexible and features a Lunarlon midsole. ou t fi t d esi g n ed By Ada m E l d e r

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photo: Nick Nacca

street cred

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T ICK TOCK I T ’S T I M E .

It’s time to put races on the calendar.

Time to tear down your ego and build up your base.

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Time to run doubt into the ground.

Time to go because one second standing still is a second you’re behind.

It ’s time for the VANQUISH 2 – our lightest, max-cushioned shoe yet. hokaoneone.com

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outfits 18

You can wear anything off-road, but gear built specifically for the demands of running on trails is tougher, sturdier and more capable of handling just about anything you or Mother Nature throws at it. BOCO Gear’s Women’s Technical Trucker Hat ($25) offers flair and function, and won’t hold sweat like any old hat. For those times when you don’t need a full jacket but want to cut the wind or a mild rain, Patagonia’s Houdini Vest ($79) offers just the right protection. Ibex’s Racerback Tank ($50) is made of ribbed, lightweight merino wool. Brooks’ Moving Comfort Uplift Crossback Bra ($48) offers support, shape, breathability and modesty. For all the metrics you need without data overload or complex operation, the Soleus Kara Goucher GPS One ($89) is technical yet simple and affordable. The North Face’s Better Than Naked Split Short ($55) is airy and uninhibitive. Balega’s Enduro No-Show Sock ($12) remains soft and cushioned, mile after mile. And for comfort, flexibility and protection, the Saucony Peregrine 6 ($120) is low-profile enough to allow trail feel but is bolstered by a flexible rock plate. ou t fi t d esi g n ed By Ada m Cha s e

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photo: Nick Nacca

dirt diva

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Saving People Money Since 1936 ... that’s before the modern treadmill.

GEICO has been serving up great car insurance and fantastic customer service for more than 75 years. Get a quote and see how much you could save today. geico.com | 1-800-947-AUTO | local office

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2015 GEICO

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outfits 20

Ultrarunning demands cutting-edge, ultralight gear that can go the distance—and the latest gear offers top performance, often without looking overly techy. At only 4 ounces, the Petzl Tikka RXP ($100) features reactive LED lighting and one red light. Salomon’s S-Lab Advanced Skin 5 set ($160) is a pack that feels more like a vest—but it holds all of the hydration and accessories you’ll need in a lightweight, form-fitting, non-chafing, multi-pocketed package. The North Face’s HyperAir GTX Jacket ($249) is thin, lightweight and, thanks to Gore-Tex, completely waterproof.

The Aero Crewe from Icebreaker ($65) has a 90 percent merino wool blend for excellent moisture, odor and temperature management. With 16 hours of battery life, Garmin’s 630 ($400) tracks all the basics, plus ground contact time, stride length and vertical ratio. The strong yet featherweight Distance Carbon Z Poles from Black Diamond ($160) collapse when you don’t need them and snap together in a hurry when you do. Brooks’ Sherpa 5-inch 2-in-1 Shorts ($60) have built-in boxer briefs for comfort and a bit of chafing protection.

Vermont’s Darn Tough makes comfy wool socks, like the Vertex Quarter Ultra-Light ($18) that come with an ironclad guarantee.

The Contagrip outsole on Salomon’s S-Lab Wings ($180) sticks to wet surfaces—part of a lightweight trail shoe that offers a protective midsole along with a secure, breathable, comfortable upper. ou t fi t d esi g n ed By Ada m Cha s e

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photo: Nick Nacca

Ultra light, ultra tough

2/11/16 6:54 PM

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SHOES 22

Click here to see which shoes top runners are at the U.S. Olympic Trials.

Click here for more shoe reviews.

ROAD WARRIORS Road running shoes have gone through a revolutionary storm in the past few years, as new materials, designs and construction techniques changed everything for the better. Now that the tempest has passed, lighter, more flexible, more stable, faster and ultimately better-fitting and more comfortable models have emerged. Instead of prescriptive categories, new models are blurring the lines as runners can choose to feel the ground or float over it. Among the many highlights are new, more resilient midsole foams and flexible, dynamic uppers. While these advancements may compel you to expand your quiver of shoes, the good news is that there are more quality options for every runner.

PHOTO: SCOTT DRAPER

B Y B R I A N M ETZL ER

For more gear reviews, go to Competitor.com/GearGuide2016

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SHOES 23

Click here to read the story behind the Hoka One One brand.

HOKA One One Vanquish 2 $170, Hokaoneone.com

Highlight: Thickly cushioned and amazingly light

Fit-Feel-Ride: Impossibly light for a shoe with as thick of a midsole as it has, the Vanquish 2 is remarkably flexible and offers a nice mix of soft landings and energetic toe-offs, especially at moderate to fast paces. Not only is it considerably lighter than the previous edition (almost 2 full ounces lighter per shoe), it also rides more smoothly and is more responsive than the original. It still features a cradle design in which the foot and interior structure of the shoe are encased on the sides and bottom by a durable two-layer foam shell. Given the thickly cushioned chassis, a sense of ground-contact proprioception and agility are understandably less in this shoe, but that becomes irrelevant once you find your groove out on the run. Our testers found it best for long runs, progression runs and tempo runs, although it is still more than adequate for slower recovery runs—even though it doesn’t feel quite as smooth or responsive. “This shoe was a blast,” said one wear-tester. “It is one of the most responsive shoes I’ve ever run in. It sets the standard for energy return in a running shoe.”

Weights: 9.8 oz. (men’s), 8.3 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 5mm; 32mm (heel), 27mm (forefoot) Shoe weights listed in this review are based on men’s size 9.0 and women’s size 7.0.

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Thank you to the Competitor road running test team: Deanna Ardrey, Denise Benjes, Casey Blaine, Samantha Bruce, Alan Culpepper, Mark Eller, Jennifer Fawcett, Mario Fraioli, Adam Heaney, Steve Hughes, Amanda McCracken, Elizabeth Sasseman, Kevin Reinsch, Michelle Stoll, Todd Straka

2/17/16 11:48 AM

SHOES 24

Click here to read more about maximalism.

M A X I MA L LY CUSH IO NED MO DEL S

Click here for a behind the scenes photo tour of Nike’s HQ.

Adidas Ultra Boost ST

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v6

Nike LunarTempo 2

$180, Adidas.com

$150, Newbalance.com

$100, Nike.com

Highlight: The most resilient midsole foam anywhere

Highlight: Soft, stable and supremely smooth

Highlight: A amazing fast and light shoe

Fit-Feel-Ride: This shoe will certainly put a spring in your step. Adidas’ super-resilient Boost midsole foam continues to draw rave reviews, even in a maximally cushioned stability shoe.

Although not a lightweight shoe, the Ultra Boost ST serves up an incredibly energetic ride—it’s very responsive, but not uncontrollably bouncy—and ideal for long training runs. The stability comes from a thermoplastic medial side support and an external heel counter that help secure the rearfoot upon impact. The multi-density knit upper is soft and flexible against the foot, offering a blend of dynamic support, comfort and breathability. “I felt like I was running in a cartoon in these shoes, and I’m talking about how efficient and effortless it felt,” said one wear-tester.

Fit-Feel-Ride: New Balance continues to evolve its Fresh Foam neutral shoes using data derived from a wide range of runners. (That data helps create a stride with more flow, smoothing the foot’s transition between touchdown and takeoff.)

Our wear-testers loved the thick, soft cushioning of this edition and the extra-wide footprint. One of the biggest changes to this shoe is the addition of flex grooves in the midsole and outsole that help increase flexibility and lend a smoother heel-toe transition. This edition also has a new engineered mesh upper that offers both greater flexibility and comfort, while an interior bootie fit system helps keep the foot in place. Our wear-testers loved the comfortable interior and stable ride of this high-mileage workhorse, noting its slightly wider footprint and locked-down fit.

Fit-Feel-Ride: Much like the first edition, this flyweight trainer offers an amazing mix of lightweight performance and resilient cushioning.

The full-length Lunarlon foam midsole/outsole chassis offers enough softness and protection for marathon-length runs in a svelte package that’s sufficiently agile and responsive for interval workouts and short races. The engineered mesh upper has been tweaked slightly, offering more structure/support (in conjunction with the arch-wrapping internal bootie), while still offering optimal forefoot flex and comfort. It’s light, it’s fast and the dynamic cushioning makes it very versatile. The one knock against it is that lacks any inherent stability, so it’s only for strong, neutral runners. Believe it or not, this shoe dropped $10 in price from the first version.

Weights: 11.1 oz. (men’s), 9.8 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 8mm; 28mm (heel), 20mm (forefoot)

Weights: 10.3 oz. (men’s), 8.5 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 8mm; 29mm (heel), 21mm (forefoot)

Weights: 7.5 oz. (men’s), 6.0 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 8mm; 22mm (heel), 14mm (forefoot)

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SHOES 25

Click here to read what we learned from the minimalism revolution.

M I NIMA L LY CUSH IO NED MO DEL S

Under Armour SpeedForm Slingshot

Brooks Neuro

Topo Tribute

$140, Underarmour.com

$130, Brooksrunning.com

$100, Topoathletic.com

Highlight: A low, lean and “barely there” machine

Highlight: Ridiculously flexible, amazingly agile

Highlight: Everything you need, nothing you don’t

Fit-Feel-Ride: Lightweight and low to the ground, this shoe fits like a sock and serves up a “barefoot” type of feel and ride. The unique, integrated insole is both soft to the touch and provides a modicum of a pillow-top quality, while the cutting-edge multi-zone compression engineered knit upper offers comfort and support where it’s needed. Inside the midsole, a Y-shaped plate between two different types of foam recoils as the shoe flexes, releasing a burst of responsive energy as the foot lunges forward at toe-off. The combination of lightweight design, flexibility and the perfect amount of cushioning for the road really energizes your stride. It provides enough cushioning to protect from the urban environment yet not so much that you’ll feel like you’re leeching energy into the cushioning.

Fit-Feel-Ride: Cushioning, energy return and ground feel come together in the one crazy-flexible shoe. With a completely decoupled midsole/ outsole undercarriage, the Neuro can respond to both strike force and external forces—think uneven ground—for smooth running. Its unique undercarriage design features a perimeter of pods with soft centers and firmer, more supportive frames, allowing this neutral shoe to offer shock-absorbing comfort with a touch of stability. A unique interior “hammock” supports the foot from below while a pliable upper wraps the foot from above. It feels like a modern version of a “barely there” minimalist shoe that offers a touch more cushioned, supportive and energetic responsiveness. It’s hard to categorize this shoe, but it’s more flexible than any shoe we’ve tested.

Fit-Feel-Ride: This small, upstart brand develops shoes based on three principles aimed at creating a more natural-feeling ride: a lightweight construction, a roomy toe box and a low heel-to-toe offset (or a flat profile). Specifically made for faster workouts and racing, the Tribute is one of its most minimally designed shoes yet; it feels super light, but it doesn’t feel like a fragile, “barely there” shoe. That is achieved through a sleek design that has just enough foam and rubber underfoot to offer protection from the ground without reducing the feel for it, plus an amazingly light and lithe upper. Needless to say, it’s amazingly flexible and quite energetic. The wide toebox is uncanny, but it definitely gives room for the toes to splay. “It’s not a shoe I’d run a lot of miles in, but I had fun doing a fartlek workout in it,” said one tester.

Weights: 7.5 oz. (men’s), 5.9 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 7mm; 21mm (heel), 14mm (forefoot)

Weights: 9.6 oz. (men’s), 7.8 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 8mm; 25mm (heel), 17mm (forefoot)

Weights: 7.2 oz. (men’s), 6.1 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 0mm; 16mm (heel), 16mm (forefoot)

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2/17/16 11:53 AM

SHOES 26

Click here to read about the different parts of a running shoe.

M I D -R A NG E NEUT R A L MO DEL S

Newton Gravity V

Saucony Kinvara 7

Zoot Solana 2

$175, Newtonrunning.com

$110, Saucony.com

$100, Zootsports.com

Highlight: Key updates for an enduring flagship shoe

Highlight: A shoe with a feverish following gets updated

Highlight: More stable, more breathable, but same ride

Fit-Feel-Ride: Although there were some minor changes to this featherweight neutral trainer, the reliable Newtonian ride is similarly light, efficient and energetic as the previous version—only better. The fifth edition of the Gravity has a revamped upper made from an improved engineered mesh aimed at reducing friction and hot spots while still allowing for maximum breathability and durability. A new anatomically formed insole creates a more sculpted fit in the forefoot, enhancing the cushioning and ride as the foot travels through the gait cycle. A new, pre-molded heel counter, anatomically formed midsole and a stay-in-place tongue design are other key updates. If you like running in Newtons—or even if you never have—you’ll find this to be a smartly refined trainer.

Fit-Feel-Ride: Don’t worry, Kinvara lovers, Saucony has only subtly tweaked this lightweight neutral trainer, and the changes are all for the better. Most notably, the new Kinvara has an additional layer of next-generation Everrun foam in the heel that helps absorb impact and, our testers thought, adds a touch of rearfoot stability. There’s a new outsole pattern aimed at a smoother, forward-focused flex and a few more patches of rubber for added durability. Despite the changes, this shoe retains the consistently soft, smooth and very flexible ride it’s always had.

It’s still super light, plenty soft and extremely versatile for strong-legged, efficient runners. Use it for short, fast speed sessions or take it for the long run. Some wear-testers thought it was too soft, but those who liked it generally loved it.

Fit-Feel-Ride: The brand known for triathlon gear and its surf-oriented Southern California style continues to make a shoe for the heartland.

The second edition of this easy-riding neutral trainer is even better than the award-winning original. The biggest changes are its updated heel construction that secures the foot better and a new, more breathable and flexible upper that helps create a snazzier fit. It retains the luxurious blend of softness, snappy responsiveness and just enough inherent stability from the injection-molded midsole, making it a versatile, smooth-running everyday trainer with a little bit of kick to it. It has a plus, seamless interior that will tempt you to wear it barefoot—and then you might never wear socks again! This is a solid trainer at any price, but at $100 it’s an amazing bargain.

Weights: 8.1 oz. (men’s), 6.7 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 3mm; 28mm (heel), 25mm (forefoot)

Weights: 7.7oz. (men’s), 6.6 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 4mm; 22mm (heel), 18mm (forefoot)

Weights: 9.5 oz. (men’s), 8.5 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 8mm; 28mm (heel), 20mm (forefoot)

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SHOES 27

MID-R A NG E NEUT R A L MO DEL S

Click here to read about new tech-enhanced shoes hitting stores soon.

New Balance Fresh Foam Zante 2

On Running Cloudsurfer

Brooks Pure Flow 5

$100, Newbalance.com

$150, On-running.com

$110, Brooksrunning.com

Highlight: It feels low to the ground, but it’s really not

Highlight: Exquisite engineering, design and performance

Highlight: A lightweight, energetic, natural-riding cruiser

Fit-Feel-Ride: The original Zante turned heads (and won awards) last year for its connective feeling between foot and ground. This year’s version has been improved with a better fit around the arch. Although it remains a lightweight, nimble trainer, the second iteration of the Zante is slightly more cushioned with a slightly thicker outsole than the first. (The outsole also has more flex grooves to aid its flexibility.) The changes add to the shoe’s functional versatility and mileage range without losing any of its hi-rev performance attributes. Our wear-testers reported that it had a somewhat narrow and very athletic demeanor, but liked it because it wasn’t merely a speed shoe. “It’s not a shoe I’d take out on a 20-miler, but it certainly has the cushion and the energy for workouts and longer tempos,” one tester said.

Fit-Feel-Ride: Upstart Swiss brand On Running has been evolving its innovative and meticulously designed “cloud” cushioning system for several years to great acclaim. The underfoot nodules of the Cloudsurfer are tuned for neutral performance and the semi-firm feeling gives it a penchant for quick-cadence running. The upper is made from an intricate combination of materials engineered to provide comfort, support and fluid flexibility from touchdown to toe-off. The shock absorption of the Cloudsurfer is outstanding so you won’t hesitate to use the shoe on long outings or on days when your legs feel trashed but you still want to eke out another training run. Our wear-testers loved the ride of this shoe, especially those who had never worn ON Running shoes before.

Fit-Feel-Ride: Brooks updated the midsole and upper of this lightweight neutral cruiser but it retained the uninhibited, natural ride of previous editions. The new midsole compound is lighter, very energetic and engineered to adapt to your specific gait pattern, while the new seamless 3D-printed upper and wrap-around collar envelopes the foot for a near-custom fit. (It has a narrow fit and that makes it feel even more snug, but it’s worth noting that some of our wear-testers preferred running in it sockless.) It’s more flexible than the previous version (a feature that only adds to the unencumbered sensation and proprioceptive “feel” for the ground), but it does have a more substantial feel in the forefoot too.

It’s not the shoe for everybody—partially because it has a decidely narrow fit and feel.

Weights: 8.6 oz. (men’s), 7.1 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 6mm; 23mm (heel), 17mm (forefoot)

Weights: 10.1 oz. (men’s), 8.4 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 7mm; 27mm (heel), 20mm (forefoot)

Weights: 9.2 oz. (men’s), 7.8 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 4mm; 24mm (heel), 20mm (forefoot)

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SHOES 28

Click here to read about how your foot should hit the ground while running.

M I D -R A NG E STA BIL ITY MO DEL S

Mizuno Wave Catalyst

ASICS GEL-Kayano 22

Brooks Ravenna 7

$110, Mizuno.com

$160, Asics.com

$120, Brooksrunning.com

Highlight: Low to the ground and stable, yet light and fast

Highlight: 22 years in the making and better than ever

Highlight: Smartly updated version of a reliable classic

Fit-Feel-Ride: Sometimes a shoe falls between two traditional categories, and this one is definitely an interesting ’tweener. Mizuno serves up a nice mix of stability and lightweight performance in this versatile, new everyday trainer. It’s lighter and faster than most high-mileage trainers, but it’s also more durable and stable than most performance trainers. (It’s somewhat of a blend of Mizuno’s Sayonara and Elixir shoes.) The key element of this shoe is the plastic Wave plate in the midsole that is tuned to offer a little bit of structure. It has a fairly low-to-the-ground design, but it’s still a well-balanced trainer with just enough cushioning and protection for long road runs. The bottom line is that it offers a touch of responsiveness with enough cushioning. “This is a great do-everything shoe,” said one wear-tester.

Fit-Feel-Ride: As cliché as it sounds, like a good bottle of wine, this shoe keeps getting better with age. As with previous versions, the Kayano is a plushly appointed and robustly structured stability shoe. Known for its comfortable fit and amazing step-in feel, this version continues that trend—enhanced this year by a multi-layer engineered mesh upper and a cushier footbed— while also offering relentless medial-side support from an updated external heel counter and the three-layer foam and GEL midsole package. The Kayano isn’t going to be the lightest or fastest shoe in your quiver, but it does offer a bit of responsive bounce-back in every stride. The bottom line is that it’s a comfortable and reliably stable workhorse that can help you through the long miles of training with comfort and ease.

Fit-Feel-Ride: A workhorse of a training shoe for marathoners and half marathoners, the Ravenna offers a great blend of soft cushioning and subtle (but effective) stability—something most runners need during the second half of a long training run or race. The latest incarnation has been smartly upgraded with a better upper (thin TPU bands welded to the mesh have been adjusted slightly and the midfoot saddle strapping is more connected to the rear of the foot) and slight but significant changes to the chassis (a less rigid medial post and new outsole rubber configurations). Our wear-testers found that it runs smoother and more comfortably with an easier flex pattern and slightly more lively forefoot—both factors that make it a more well-rounded and versatile trainer.

Weights: 9.4 oz. (men’s), 8.0 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 10mm; 26mm (heel), 16mm (forefoot)

Weights: 11.2 oz. (men’s), 9.7 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 10mm; 28mm (heel), 18mm (forefoot)

Weights: 10.9 oz. (men’s), 8.7 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 10mm; 26mm (heel), 16mm (forefoot)

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SHOES 29

M ID-R A NG E STA BIL ITY MO DEL S

Click here to read about how Meb Keflezighi became a Skechers athlete.

Altra Provision 2.5

Skechers GoRun Forza

Saucony Hurricane ISO 2

$125, Altrarunning.com

$120, Goskechers.com

$160, Saucony.com

Highlight: Stability via innovative pronation control with more cushioning than before

Highlight: Skechers’ first high-mileage stability trainer

Highlight: Luxuriously appointed, reliably stable and very resilient

Fit-Feel-Ride: Although Skechers entered the performance running category with lightweight, low-to-the-ground models, it’s now venturing into shoes with more structure. The Forza is a well-balanced, high-mileage stability trainer with a modern rendition of a medial post that’s integrated into the softer layer of foam from the heel to the forefoot, a sleek, seamless upper and a slightly wider footprint. It’s a super-sturdy shoe, but all of that stability and support is hidden in a comfortable, smooth-riding cruiser that even has a touch of responsiveness. It’s the shoe Kara Goucher has been training in, which makes sense since she played a role in developing it. Regardless of the weight, it’s a shoe that runs a lot lighter than it feels out of the box. “The best Skechers has ever made,” one wear-tester gushed.

Fit-Feel-Ride: A year after unveiling a dynamic new upper and fit system, Saucony has revolutionized the Hurricane stability shoe again with an innovative new foam called Everun—a patent-pending material that distributes impact energy over a larger area than EVA-based foams and, as a result, offers both reliable cushioning and amazing resiliency. The foam has been inserted into the lateral part of the heel and the topsole (essentially the top of the strobel board under the sockliner), and the combination makes for an opulent step-in feel and crazy good ride that’s part impact-dampening smoothness and part energetic awesome sauce. It’s a reliable stability shoe, but it feels like a foot massage when you lace it up. “I did a long run in these and I didn’t want to take them off when I was done,” said one wear-tester.

Weights: 10.8 oz. (men’s), 8.2 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 8mm; 30mm (heel), 22mm (forefoot)

Weights: 10.7 oz. (men’s), 9.2 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 8mm; 30mm (heel), 22mm (forefoot)

Fit-Feel-Ride: Altra continues to make waves with its zero-drop (level platform) shoes that feature a more roomy toe box with the reasoning that they let the foot move and flex naturally and uninhibited inside the shoe. Other innovative features of this moderate stability shoe are the canted geometry of the midsole—a built-in wedge makes it slightly higher on the medial side of the foot—and three-pod balancing system aimed at offsetting overpronation and providing the most stable ride possible. Our testers appreciated that the latest version is a bit more supportive and has a tad more cushioning than the previous one. This shoe has a stiffer flex pattern and feels a bit firm in the heel, but it is luxuriously soft in the forefoot.

“It’s a very stable shoe but doesn’t get in the way of my feet,” said one wear-tester.

Weights: 9.8 oz. (men’s), 8.3 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 0mm; 25mm (heel), 25mm (forefoot)

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2/17/16 11:56 AM

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2/11/16 12:15 PM

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SHOES 32

Click here for tips about buying trail running shoes.

Click here for more trail shoe reviews.

OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE KICKS Trail running shoes are as different from one another as runners.

Some have rugged, tough exteriors, up to the task of charging whatever comes their way, but are sometimes overkill in lowkey situations. Other shoes have light, airy personalities and are noticeably flexible, but might not be protective enough when the going gets rough. And some shoes have extreme amounts of cushioning, padding the blow from whatever’s in their path.

How do you find your perfect partner? Know yourself: your foot type, the kinds of trails you run the most, and what you’re hoping to add to your running with your new partner.

PHOTO: TYLER ROEMER

B Y L I SA J H U N G

For more gear reviews, go to Competitor.com/GearGuide2016

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SHOES 33

Brooks Cascadia 11 $120, Brooksrunning.com

Highlight: Protective, stable and versatile

Fit-Feel-Ride: If you want a trail shoe that tackles most types of terrain pretty well, this is the shoe for you. You can run on technical routes with sharp, jagged rocks in the Cascadia (it has a forefoot rock plate) or you can run smooth dirt trails to your heart’s content, and anything in between. The slight tweaks to the latest edition of this tried-and-true trail fiend make it the best all-around version yet. It still offers a supportive ride, thanks to four pivot point posts throughout the midsole—they work like a medial post on a stability-oriented road shoe, but are less rigid and controlling. The posts do a good job at providing support over changing terrain without overcorrecting stride. Ample cushioning and a comfortable upper make this shoe feel good from the get-go, and the array of small knobby outsole lugs underfoot grips even slick dirt and rock. The updated, more rugged toe box is durable and protective, while a new saddle configuration and more sensibly placed overlays offer a better fit with less material. Some of our wear-testers found this shoe a little bit stiff, but we loved that it’s versatile enough to run on all types of trails (and even roads when necessary). Rare is the trail shoe that can conquer so much ground, which is why like this one so darn much.

Weights: 11.8 oz. (men’s), 10.1 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 10mm; 27mm (heel), 17mm (forefoot) Shoe weights listed in this review are based on men’s size 9.0 and women’s size 7.0.

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Thank you to the Competitor trail running test team: Amy Allison, Denise Benjes, Casey Blaine, Adam W. Chase, Jim Conaghan, Wendy Drake, Mark Eller, Jennifer Fawcett, Mario Fraioli, Adam Heaney, Steve Hughes, Louisa Jenkins, Jorge Latre, Debra Luther, Brian Metzler, Elizabeth Sasseman, Chris Smith, Michelle Stoll and Dave Trendler

2/12/16 11:44 AM

SHOES 34

MINIMA L MO DEL S

ASICS GEL-FujiLyte

Merrell All-Out Crush

La Sportiva Helios 2.0

$110, Asicsamerica.com

$100, Merrell.com

$125, Sportiva.com

Highlight: A speed bandit for the trails

Highlight: Super-flexible, lightweight, low-profile

Highlight: Lightweight with ample protection

Fit-Feel-Ride: From the low-profile, neutral platform to the thin, airy upper and lack of cushioning in the tongue as well as the narrow fit, the GELFujiLyte feels like a short-distance trail racing flat.

It runs like one, too, inspiring speed and, according to one tester, allowing “great trail feel without the trail ever hurting,” the protection coming from a thin and flexible rock plate and a touch of GEL cushioning in the heel. Traction ranked high on this shoe, especially in sticky situations, and the perforated sockliner and water drainage system make this both a good off-road triathlon shoe and a speedy trail racer. The lace garage that conceals tucked laces is a great feature. The narrow fit encourages fast running, but it might be too snug for some. (This shoe fits about a half-size small.)

Fit-Feel-Ride: The All-Out Crush is a shoe that gives you a tactile running experience—its slight cushioning and low-to-the-ground profile forces you (in a good way) to feel your way along the trail, picking your way through rocks and roots like a ninja. Its featherweight construction, major flexibility in the forefoot and minimal feel overall is speed-inspiring, as is the grippy traction underfoot. The mesh upper breathes well, and drain holes at the bottom of the arch make this a good choice for wet climes. We also liked that the insole is connected to the shoe, which seemed to add to the proprioceptive feet-to-trail feel of this shoe. Although a few testers thought this shoe had too spacious of an interior, we liked how the thermoplastic polyurethane overlays add a bit of structure to the upper without adding weight.

Fit-Feel-Ride: With the second edition of this shoe, the crew at La Sportiva took a pretty good shoe and made it infinitely better. It retains the lightweight, well-cushioned midsole chassis that allows the shoe to be agile and responsive enough for fast racing but padded enough for multi-hour runs. Otherwise, the shoe is chock-full of revamped features—a sticky rubber compound in the rear part of the outsole; a new quick-pull lacing system that snugs the foot equally all at once; a lighter, more breathable upper that offers support and sidewall protection; and a new flexible EVA rock plate in the forefoot. Our testers praised it for its technical details and smart upgrades, but loved it for its completely uninhibited, smooth-rolling ride. (We found this shoe fits about a half-size small.)

Weights: 8.0 oz. (men’s), 7.0 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 7mm; 21mm (heel), 14mm (forefoot)

Weights: 8.4 oz. (men’s), 6.5 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 4mm; 19mm (heel), 15mm (forefoot)

Weights: 8.0 oz. (men’s), 6.5 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 4mm; 22mm (heel), 18mm (forefoot) for men; 10mm; 26mm (heel), 16mm (forefoot) for women

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SHOES 35

MID-R A NG E MO DEL S

The North Face Ultra Endurance

Montrail Caldorado

New Balance Leadville v3

$125, Thenorthface.com

$120, Montrail.com

$125, Newbalance.com

Highlight: A mid-weight shoe with amazing traction

Highlight: Moderately rigid, very supportive

Fit-Feel-Ride: We love the runability and stealth durability of this shoe. It has a fairly low profile overall, with a modest amonut of cushioning that dampens impacts without taking away from the amazing “feel” for the trail. A gusseted tongue help create a locked-down fit and feel, while the reinforced toe cap and welded overlays offer abbrasion resistance. The knobby-lugged Vibram outsole offers superior traciton and durability while an embedded rock plate keeps sharp rocks and “stingers” at bay. The result is a shoe that feels freeing but makes you mindful of foot placement—a good exercise in being nimble. Our testers noted that the closed-mesh upper doesn’t let any kind of debris through. It’s a versatile shoe that excels on moderate trails but can hold its own on rugged terrain or cruisey dirt roads too.

Fit-Feel-Ride: Montrail, one of the original trail running shoe brands, is back in a big way this year, starting with the Caldorado. For a firm, noticeably supportive shoe that can handle burly mountain terrain, it feels lightweight and comfortable, and flexes well at the forefoot for a smooth ride. The mid-foot stability was appreciated by those who tend to pronate on smooth terrain, and helped neutral runners fight foot fatigue on long runs. The midsole/outsole blends responsive cushioning with solid traction and a jab-blocking, hard plastic protective rock plate under the forefoot. The seamless upper is comfortable and breathable, while overlays and a toe bumper provide structure and abraision protection. The insole wraps high around the sides of the foot, adding to the seamless feel of the interior.

Weights: 11.4 oz. (men’s), 9.2 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 8mm; 26mm (heel), 18mm (forefoot)

Weights: 11 oz. (men’s), 9.1 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 8mm; 19mm (heel), 11mm (forefoot)

CM0316_SHOES_TRAIL.indd 35

Highlight: Long-wearing comfort on rugged terrain

Fit-Feel-Ride: With a wide toe box, medial post and asymmetrical heel counter combating pronation, and lightweight cushioning easing pounding steps, this shoe is built for long, burly mountain runs. Testers noted that they felt “stable and protected,” although “not particularly agile” in this shoe. The Leadville v3 runs a tad stiff, likely due to the sticky Vibram outsole and composition of the midsole material that both cushions and protects. Our wear-testers found this shoe to be “hearty” and “a solid, sturdy platform.” We liked how the Leadville v3 felt lighter on the foot than it initially did out of the box, and appreciated the gusseted tongue keeping out trail gunk. We also liked the way the lacing system adapts to narrow feet despite the slightly wider platform. It’s ideal for rugged routes in the mountains.

Weights: 10.4 oz. (men’s), 8.7 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 8mm; 25.5mm (heel), 17.5mm (forefoot)

2/12/16 11:45 AM

SHOES 36

MID-R A NG E MO DEL S

Scarpa Neutron

Salomon Wings Pro 2

Saucony Peregrine 6

$129, Scarpa.com

$140, Salomon.com

$120, Saucony.com

Highlight: Cushion, protection and trail “feel”

Highlight: A supportive yet flexible all-terrain fiend

Highlight: Aggressive, hard-charging and comfy

Fit-Feel-Ride: This shoe seems a bit firm and stiff out of the box, but testers were pleasantly surprised by the responsive cushioning underfoot and smooth ride. The Vibram outsole and widely spaced lugs do a great job at grabbing everything from dirt trails to slick rocks. The traction, along with the protective upper wrapping feet securely, inspired confidence going both uphill and down. Overall, the Neutron made testers feel notably nimble. It’s a full-volume shoe that might feel too roomy to some, but many of our testers appreciated the breathing room. The smartly designed “lace pocket” lets you tuck in laces to avoid getting tripped up by a snagging branch. If your aim is to run fast or maintain the same consistent gait you might on the roads, the Neutron will be right up your alley.

Fit-Feel-Ride: This is a classic, supportive Salomon shoe, ready for technical terrain. Also true to Salomon are the one-pull Kevlar laces, which uniformly pull snug around the foot and tuck away in the lace garage. We liked how the Wings Pro 2 feels rugged and protective—with a burly toe bumper, solid heel counter and ample overlays on the sidewalls—while still allowing good feel-the-ground agility. And the traction— and updated Contagrip outsole—does a great job on all terrain, especially wet ground. Some wear-testers complained of the upper buckling awkwardly across the forefoot when the fit length wasn’t perfect. Overall, it’s a good shoe that received high marks from our wear-test team for durability, stability and versatility to ramble on all sorts of trails.

Fit-Feel-Ride: The Peregrine 6 is noticeably comfortable the moment it’s slipped on, the cushioning underfoot and around the heel and ankle collar welcoming feet. On the trail, the cush proved “just right.” It’s comfortable but not so soft that you lose connection with the ground. Our wear-testers said this shoe has “aggressive bite” and said it runs well in sloppy terrain: “The worse the conditions, the better,” one tester gushed. For such a rugged shoe, the Peregrine is fairly light and flexes easily for smooth running. The upper is reinforced with heat-molded overlays for a minimalist-yet-supportive feeling. We appreciated how the slightly wider forefoot platform contributes to a stable ride, and we loved the toothy outsole on more rugged terrain, even if it was overkill on smooth trails and dirt roads.

Weights: 9.7 oz. (men’s), 8.2 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 6mm; 25mm (heel), 19mm (forefoot)

Weights: 11.9 oz. (men’s), 10.1 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 10mm; 27mm (heel), 17mm (forefoot)

Weights: 9.4 oz. (men’s), 8.5 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 4mm; 21.5mm (heel), 17.5mm (forefoot)

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SHOES 37

MA XIMA L MO DEL S

Altra Olympus 2.0

Hoka One One Challenger ATR 2

Skechers GoTrail Ultra 3

$149, Altrarunning.com

$130, Hokaoneone.com

$120, Goskechers.com

Highlight: Thickly cushioned ultra-distance comfort

Highlight: A forgiving—but not too squishy—ride

Fit-Feel-Ride: Although the first version of the high-off-the-ground Olympus felt a bit bulky and heavy, the new version of this long-wearing, maximally cushioned cruiser is very stable—and relatively light and lithe for the copious amount of midsole material underfoot. (It’s one of the most thickly cushioned shoes available, but also one of the most stable.) With a new upper and outsole, the second edition is an ounce lighter, more breathable and offers better traction than the original. The Olympus 2.0 now has a Vibram MegaGrip outsole, giving it superior traction on just about any wet or dry surface you’ll encounter out on the trails. Of course, as with all Altra shoes, it has a zero-drop (or flat) platform and a wide, foot-shaped toe box that leaves room for splaying during a stride.

Fit-Feel-Ride: The updated Challenger ATR has a more secure upper for less foot movement within the shoe on technical terrain. And the 4mm lugs on the outsole grab the trail, but aren’t too pronounced; this shoe runs fairly smooth on pavement. The Challenger ATR is a more firm-feeling Hoka than many in the line, and has a lower-tothe-ground ride while still serving up plush Hoka cush. The result is a forgiving yet somewhat agile shoe. One tester likened its capabilities to “a monster truck,” rolling over terrain while protecting the driver; yet on off-camber trails, the ATR 2 can still feel a bit wobbly. The toe box is a tad narrow and shallow; some complained of pressure on toes after many miles. The first edition of this shoe was our top pick last year and this updated version was one of our favorites this year.

Weights: 10.8 oz. (men’s), 9.5 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 0mm; 36mm (heel), 36mm (forefoot)

Weights: 9.5 oz. (men’s), 7.8 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 5mm; 31mm (heel), 26mm (forefoot)

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Highlight: Mega-soft cushioning, superior traction

Fit-Feel-Ride: Like its maximalist contemporaries in this review, the GoTrail Ultra 3 also rides high off the ground with a major midsole. The cushioning is extremely soft and squishy, which results in joint-saving comfort, noticeably on hard-packed terrain. The shoe has a distinctive “rockered” shape in the midsole/outsole, creating a unique rolling sensation from heel strike to toe-off. (Several of our testers found it a touch too squishy for full control on technical trails and downhill sections, but loved it on smooth trails and semi-technical routes at moderate paces.)

The outsole grips well, and drain holes allow water to escape. The rocker made us mindful of striking mid-foot instead of on our heels. And the super-pliable upper conforms around narrow feet to create a comfortable, locked-down feeling.

Weights: 10.8 oz. (men’s), 8.8 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 4mm; 36mm (heel), 32mm (forefoot)

2/12/16 11:45 AM

WEARABLE TECH 38

Click here to read about more wearable tech products for 2016.

TIME IT, TRACK IT

BY SAM W IN EBAUM

Tech-enhanced running gear is going to the next level this year, with more sophisticated tracking devices, more versatile watches and some stuff you’ve never seen before.

Suunto Ambit3 Multisport Vertical $469; $519 with HR strap, Suunto.com

Highlight: Everything but the kitchen sink for the vertically minded runner

Load and then follow a route, and the Vertical will display real-time ascent, descent and vertical speed, and show what’s next.

Afterward, create and share a 3D topo map movie of your Move, complete with data and pictures taken along the way. “Power” metrics can be displayed on the watch using the optional, new Stryd Powermeter chest strap.

Click here to read about wearable tech trends in 2016.

TomTom Spark Cardio+Music

Polar M400

adidas miCoach Fit Smart

$250, Tomtom.com

$180; $230 with HR strap, Polar.com

$150, Micoach.adidas.com

Highlight: Thin, easy-to-read GPS and wrist HR with tunes so you can leave your phone behind

Highlight: Stylish hardware, readable screens, flawless synching, easy configuration and a comprehensible platform

Highlight: A reliable, heart-rate-focused activity band that can also be paired to run apps and Bluetooth GPS watches

An outstanding watch with 24/7 activity sleep tracking, Strava integration and phone notifications. For $270 to $280 less than Polar’s V800, the lighter plastic M400 gets you much of the V800’s best features like the visible screen, leaving out multisport features, barometric altimeter, stopwatch and some of the recovery test features.

We liked its very accurate indoor distance accuracy calibrated via the Train and Run app’s GPS. More than just an HR/activity/distance monitor, on its own—or serving as a second screen for the app—it can also coach you through free heartrate-focused run training, strength and flexibility programs.

Ditch the phone and the chest HR strap for this all-in-one watch with GPS, wrist HR, activity tracking and 500-song Bluetooth music player.

There are no call or text phone notifications. It’s a great value, with a clear, sunlight-readable screen, an easy-to-navigate joystick interface as well as zone-based heart- or pace-based training features.

For more gear reviews, go to Competitor.com/GearGuide2016

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2/17/16 12:01 PM

WEARABLE TECH 39

Click here for a video report from the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show.

Garmin Vivosmart HR

Stryd Powermeter

$150, Garmin.com

$199, Stryd.com

Highlight: Reliable, no-chest-strap heart-rate monitor and activity tracker add-on for Garmin watches

This is a wrist HR monitor, text, call and other phone notifications activity band for Garmin fans. It seamlessly sends HR to your workout on Garmin watches with no chest strap or setup required—just turn on the not-welladvertised but simple “rebroadcasting” mode.

Highlight: The first-ever meter to measure running power

Stryd is a chest-based strap unit packed with sensors: HR, accelerometers, barometric altimeter and more. Training based on power is claimed to be a more accurate measure of true effort than heart rate (e.g., in warm temps when heart rate rises). Stryd’s power, cadence and HR metrics can be displayed on ANT+ or Bluetooth watches that support these data.

Recon Jet

FitBit Blaze

$499, Reconinstruments.com

$199 and up, Fitbit.com

Highlight: Built-in GPS, camera, maps, 3D accelerometer, gyroscope and altimeter with Bluetooth and ANT+ sensor capability

Highlight: Fashion meets all-day, any-activity utility, including sleep tracking and animated on-screen workouts

Imagine not having to glance at HR, pace, cadence or time while doing intervals—or shooting pictures or video by simply tapping on the frame.

The heads-up display in the glasses keeps eyes on the road and data in view without being overly distracting. Control music and answer calls via Bluetooth headphones while texts and other notifications can discreetly flash by.

The hi-res color screen tracker unit comes with a silicone band and can be personalized with watch faces, frames and straps. Blaze connects to your phone for GPS-based distance and pace along with text, call notifications and music control. SmartTrack detects activity type and, through algorithms and heart-rate monitoring, claims to give a more precise overall picture of exertion and movement intensity.

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2/17/16 12:03 PM

H Y D R AT I O N 40

THIRST QUENCHERS

BY MEGHA N M. HICKS

Today’s hydration accessories are lighter, smarter, tougher and more customized than ever. No matter how much water you need or where you’re taking it, there’s a pack, belt, bottle or cup that’s perfect for the run.

Ultimate Direction PB Adventure Vest 3.0 $160, Ultimatedirection.com

Highlight: An adventure-ready vest with a 16.5-liter carrying capacity

The PB Adventure Vest line was designed for all-day, self-sufficient efforts in remote environments. This third version is a big step up over previous editions. Changes include an overall bigger footprint on the body that improves fit when fully loaded; trekking-pole stow straps and seven pockets in front; and a separate hydration reservoir pocket on the back.

Click here to read a story about sports drinks vs. water.

Nike Trail Kiger Vest

UltrAspire Velocity $129, Ultraspire.com

$185, Nike.com

Highlight: 7-liter pack with significant front capacity—and great bottles

Highlight: A fun, useful tool for longer trail runs and races

The Velocity allows you to carry food, liquids, a map, and your phone up front. The volume in the back is generous, with two zippered and two open mesh pockets as well as an independent hydration sleeve.

The two 18.5-ounce UltraFlask bottles are sturdy and yet flexible when they ride against your rib cage—a superb compromise between hard-sided and collapsible water bottles. The only real drawback is that the universal sizing won’t fit smaller-framed runners.

Nike’s first attempt at a hydration vest contains pockets for reservoir storage at the back and two big front pockets for both collapsible and hard-sided water bottles up to 22 ounces. The pack does have its quirks, but Nike really nailed the fit—the pack rides smooth when fully loaded and running downhill—and pockets are useful to carry multiple items.

For more gear reviews, go to Competitor.com/GearGuide2016

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2/17/16 12:05 PM

H Y D R AT I O N 41

Click here for a story about the simple truths about hydration.

Osprey Rev Solo Hydration Belt

Ultimate Direction Groove Mono Belt

$40, Ospreypacks.com

$35, Ultimatedirection.com

Highlight: A tech-friendly means of carrying 20 ounces on your waist

Highlight: A low-profile, super-stretchy way to carry collapsible water bottles

Osprey brings some sophistication to this 20-ounce bottle carrier.

You can fully operate your phone from the tech pocket: answer it, talk on it (on speaker or hold the whole thing up to your ear), take a photo (if you don’t mind the extra plastic layer) and send text messages. The side pocket has a key holder and room for bars, or a wind jacket and pair of gloves, with a weather-resistant smartphone pocket. It rides without bounce when fully loaded, and accessing the bottle on the go is slick and smooth.

Sometimes you don’t need—or want—to carry a huge pack out on the trails. The main feature of the Mono Belt is a stretchy sleeve with room for a 500ml collapsible bottle (sold separately), plus a couple gels or a smartphone and some keys. Two additional lashing cords can be used to carry an extra layer. Even with a 12-ounce hard-sided bottle—which this belt wasn’t necessarily designed to carry—the ride was still smooth.

For such a small, innocuous belt, it can be a pack mule for your necessities.

Nathan QuickShot Plus

FuelBelt Wedge

UltrAspire C2 Cup

$20, Nathansports.com

$12, Fuelbelt.com

$8, Ultraspire.com

Highlight: A leaner, meaner version of Nathan’s flagship handheld

Highlight: Hassle-free, hands-free running with 7 fluid ounces

Highlight: A collapsible, freestanding, reusable cup for cupless aid stations

For those who would never carry a traditional-size handheld water bottle, this 10-ouncer is for you. With a race cap that offers water in burst mode and a dialed-down carrying case—providing gripless carrying and a zip compartment that can host four gels—this is Nathan’s nod to speed, efficiency and minimalism.

There’s a tool for every job, and the FuelBelt Wedge offers minimalistic means for carrying water. The Wedge’s only accessory is an aluminum clip that slides over the waistline of your running bottoms to hold it in place. The upgraded pushpull, silicone nozzle comfortably opens and closes with teeth or hands.

A cupless-race revolution is occurring, and its goal is to decrease waste production at races.

The C2 pops perfectly into shape after being crushed or folded, and it’ll hold both hot and cold liquids without a temperature shock to your hands. Other hydration companies have previously offered reusable cups—but everything else in comparison is child’s play.

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2/17/16 12:05 PM

M E N ’ S A P PA R E L 42

WEATHER SHIELDS

BY MAT T HA RT

Year after year, jackets somehow get lighter, more durable and more comfortable. As materials improve, new jackets can be used for a wider range of conditions. Here are some of the most versatile jackets.

Patagonia Houdini Jacket $99, Patagonia.com

Highlight: A classic jacket, redefined

The latest iteration of the Houdini achieves that elusive alchemy between protection, packability and breathability. The 10 denier, ripstop nylon won’t be stopped by a tree branch, and the one-pull hood is the best in class. A classic since spring 1998, the stripped-down design and athletic fit make this 4-ounce jacket (which conveniently fits in Patagonia’s Strider Pro Shorts) a long-run essential.

Adidas Kanoi Wind Jacket $90, Adidas.com

The North Face Flight Series Vent Jacket

Salomon S-Lab Light Jacket

Newline Imotion Cross Jacket

$150, Salomon.com

$100, Newlinesport.com

Highlight: Your “barely there” race-day companion

Highlight: Lightweight, waterproof and extremely packable

$160, Thenorthface.com

Highlight: Budget-friendly, waterproof urban style

Adidas made a well-priced, hooded jacket with real style in the Kanoi. The Climaproof material is lightweight, water-resistant and windproof. Simple but smart details include a large perforated reflective stripe across the back at the shoulders, a small split on the left wrist to check your watch, and thumbholes. And it’s one of the better-looking jackets we’ve come across this year.

Highlight: Aesthetically designed and astonishingly comfortable

As the name suggests, this jacket vents extremely well, but it’s the next-to-skin feel that sets this one apart. With a simple athletic fit, the soft polyester material is also extremely light and packable. This is a comfortable speedster’s jacket that you’ll barely know you’re wearing, making it the one to reach for when every second matters.

Salomon’s athletes drive the design of its S-Lab products to be race efficient. The new, 3-ounce S-Lab Light, built with AdvancedSkin Shield, is just enough jacket to fend off the cold wind at race pace.

Strategically placed mesh allows for true breathability, and a quick snap magnetic collar is among the most ingenious new tech this year.

For cool, windy-morning runs, the wispy, performance-minded Imotion beautifully blends fashion with running utility.

The 100 percent polyester fabric provides superior wind protection, while also featuring ventilation punch panels, a small zip pocket and drawstring waist. This is a go-to jacket for autumn and spring running.

For more gear reviews, go to Competitor.com/GearGuide2016

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2/11/16 7:00 PM

M E N ’ S A P PA R E L 43

Click here to see a funny video about a guy running in the rain.

SPEED AND STYLE B Y A DA M EL D ER

Let’s call it official: The ugly, shiny, perma-smelly “tech shirt” of the past decade is dead. The latest shirts, T’s and singlets have better materials and cuts than ever, with natural-feeling knits, and are now firmly designed with style in mind.

Zoot Surfside Tee $35, Zootsports.com

Highlight: Beachy style in a performance running shirt

This San Diego brand likes to embrace its Southern California roots—and so a retro surf-style striped T with technical material was an inspired design. It’s got a narrow, performance-oriented cut, with a very thin but not flimsy knit that’s great for the summer—or just the feeling of an endless summer.

Saucony Hydralite Singlet $28, Saucony.com

The North Face Flight Series Sleeveless

Nike Dri-FIT Aeroreact

Brooks Steady Long Sleeve

ICNY Marathon L/S Shirt

$90, Nike.com

$60, Brooksrunning.com

$70, Icnysport.com

Highlight: A near-perfect running-specific T-shirt

Highlight: A superb minimal long-sleeve shirt

Highlight: Homage to the sport and can’t-miss reflectivity

Among all the running T-shirts out there, this might be one of the best. Flat seams, a raglan-like shoulder design, a non-restrictive cut and reflective details check off all the boxes. Nike claims its Aeroreact fibers expand when hot to help keep you cool—in any case, it’s comfy in all conditions.

Also available in longsleeve and half-zip.

As simple, base-layer long-sleeve shirts go, this is about as good as it gets.

The Steady has the standard long wrists and thumb holes, a slim profile that allows for easy layering, and a thin weave with a silky-smooth texture that feels great and doesn’t chafe. There’s not much more to it—and nothing else needed. Also available with short sleeves.

Leave it to ICNY to come up with a cool, casual running shirt with performance features and high visibility.

The polyester blend won’t soak up sweat, and the ancient-Greece-inspired runners graphic gives off 360 degrees of reflective brightness for the nighttime—all of which means it’s great for before, during and after your run.

$70, Thenorthface.com

Highlight: One of the lightest and softest singlets you’ll find

Perfect for training or racing at the peak of summer. It’s hard to state how wispy the Hydralite material is, yet it has a plushness that you don’t often find in the sea of shiny and scratchy singlets.

Go ahead and pour an extra cup of water on your head at the aid station: This thing also dries fast.

CM0316_M_JACKET+TOPS.indd 43

Highlight: Start the gun show in lightweight, comfortable, breathable materials

Perfect for hot days, the sleeveless shirt from The North Face’s Flight Series line of lightweight apparel has a soft, stretchy knit and plenty of reflective details.

The lower back is thinner and designed to be more breathable to help prevent the dreaded swamp-back sensation at the waist.

2/17/16 2:13 PM

M E N ’ S A P PA R E L 44

FANCY PANTS

BY A DA M ELDER

The classic split short will never go out of style—but nowadays, there are more options than ever. With lighter, softer, stretchier, stay-drier fabrics and more storage, many of the latest bottoms combine running-specific cuts with crossover style that looks fresh on the run and during post-run beers.

Newline Iconic Power Tights $110, Newlinesport.com

Highlight: A serious tight that’s also seriously soft and stretchy

The Danes deal with the cold constantly, so it’s no surprise that Newline produces some of the best tights around. They’re smooth. They’re impossibly soft. There’s ample storage. And unlike nearly every other men’s tight, they’re blue, not black. In other words, they’re different in all the right ways.

The North Face Flight Series Vent Short

Nike Aeroswift 2” Split Short

$90, Thenorthface.com

$80, Nike.com

Tracksmith Magnolia Short $80, Tracksmith.com

Highlight: Lightweight and ready for the long haul

Highlight: The perfect racing short

Highlight: Deceptively casuallooking shorts that can handle the long run

The Flight Series line aims to keep apparel as light as possible, and these shorts are a great example. The material is thin yet still substantial, with a comfortable waist.

Nine gel pockets line the waistband, and there’s a large zippered one in the back for keys, a phone, etc. Combined with a 3.5inch inseam, these shorts mean serious business.

Nike always turns out a reliable split short. The split here is modest—only halfway up the outseam.

And nearly every seam is taped totally flat. The waistband is ultra-thin, with a flat drawstring. There’s a surprising amount of storage with two small liner pockets on each hip and a sweat-resistant one in front.

They’re comfortable and feel stripped-down fast.

Tracksmith constantly seems to further define what running apparel can be. This is the company’s effort at an everyday short for before, during and after training: Its shape resembles swim trunks, but the four-way stretch material flexes easily and doesn’t stick. There’s a pocket in the back large enough for an iPhone, along with a comfortable liner and stylish exterior drawstring.

Patagonia Strider Pro Short 7”

BLK RBN Essentials Trouser $200, Blkrbn.com

$69, Patagonia.com

Highlight: Equipped for trail runs with built-in compression and lots of pockets

The jersey-knit-like fabric on these shorts feels substantial but wears much lighter. The spandex liner extends down the thighs to provide comfort and chafe resistance, and pockets all around the waist hold your essentials. With all that plus a water-repellent finish, these shorts can handle long hours and plenty of miles out on the trails.

Highlight: Luxurious track pants with subtle bling

Started by an ex-University of Portland runner, BLK RBN is part of a new wave of small companies aiming for high fashion in sportswear. With luxuriously thick, stretchy polyester, a low crotch and rose gold zippers snaking up the Achilles, this pant (made in Los Angeles, not on the other side of the world) turns heads and looks cool almost anywhere. Perfect for post-run chillin’.

For more gear reviews, go to Competitor.com/GearGuide2016

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2/11/16 6:56 PM

WORK

SITTING or STANDING

VARIDESK® sits on top of your existing desk and lets you switch easily between sitting and standing whenever you like. It ships fully assembled and sets up in minutes with no tools required. Models start at just $175. Shop and order online at VARIDESK.com or call 800-933-4798.

For Patent and Trademark information, visit VARIDESK.com/virtual-patent-marking ©2016 VARIDESK®. All Rights Reserved.

Untitled-3 1

2/11/16 12:15 PM

W O M E N ’ S A P PA R E L 46

Click here to read how to cope with the weather on the run.

STYLISH PROTECTION

BY A LLIS ON PAT T ILLO

Spring jackets have a big bill to fill—not too warm, not too thin, not too heavy. We tested more than a dozen to find just the right jackets for spring running needs. Which means any weather is perfect for running—no excuses!

Saucony Speed of Lite Jacket $98, Saucony.com

Highlight: Elevated essentials

The DWR-coated front panel and sleeves (for water resistance) and a breathable mesh back panel with laser-cut ventilation holes makes this full-zip jacket an ideal high-performance running partner. A soft collar lining, thumbholes, 360 degrees of reflectivity and a drop tail take on-the-go comfort to the next level.

Arc’Teryx Norvan SL Hoody

Altra Packable Half Zip

$299, Arcteryx.com

$130, Altrarunning.com

Highlight: Lightweight, breathable and waterproof

Highlight: Details for days

Mountain Hardwear Mistrala Jacket

Brooks Run-Thru Jacket $98, Brooksrunning.com

$115, Mountainhardwear.com

Breathable, waterproof technology is now possible with two layers of fabric instead of three, making for a super-light and decidedly badass jacket.

Just under 4 ounces (the lightest Gore-Tex jacket ever), the Norvan packs smaller than an apple yet has thoughtful details like elastic at the wrist to hold pushed-up sleeves in place and a reinforced brim to keep the hood off your face.

Minimally designed yet packed with runner-friendly elements, this slim-fitting pullover—it fits almost like a shirt—is wind- and waterresistant for fickle spring weather. Welded seams with four-way stretch fabric for movement, full mesh underarms, a phone-size pocket, 360 degrees of reflectivity, laser-cut back vents and thumbholes solidify this piece as a detail lover’s dream.

Highlight: Feminine functionality

Highlight: Not your mom’s track jacket

Utility and style merge in a cozy jacket equally appropriate for sipping an espresso and piling on miles. Wicking and stretchable knit fabric at the back and shoulders boosts softness and mobility, while highly breathable body panels allow moisture to evaporate.

Feminine additions, like ruching at the neck and back pin tucks, are flattering without being too girly.

A track jacket aesthetic with “barely there” mesh material gives this whisper-weight layer an urban edge. Windproof and water-resistant fabric on the back and shoulders provides just enough protection from the elements, and mesh throughout the body wicks away the sweat. It even has two zip pockets, plus retro wide stretch bands at the waist, wrists and neck.

For more gear reviews, go to Competitor.com/GearGuide2016

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2/17/16 2:15 PM

Click here to read about how Kara Goucher will try to make the 2016 Olympic team this summer.

W O M E N ’ S A P PA R E L 47

COLORFUL AND COOL B Y EM I LY POL AC H EK

This season’s running tops serve up both smart, multipurpose utility and on-the-move comfort.

Each shirt here was selected for its various implementations of the two—so you can achieve maximum performance with ultimate ease.

Saucony Daybreak Long Sleeve $55, Saucony.com

Highlight: Cotton-like comfort for high performance

Soft as well-worn cotton but with the sweat-wicking powers of technical nylon, this long-sleeve shirt is the perfect go-between item for fickle spring days with a touch of winter crispness leftover in the air. Its lightweight looseness can also be thrown over a tank top, making it a versatile piece. Another perk: It has thumbholes!

New Balance Seamless Short Sleeve $55, Newbalance.com

Highlight: Seamless softness that enhances movement

A part of New Balance’s Made for Movement (M4M) Collection, this short-sleeve’s seam-free design contours the body without restricting movement. The added NB Ice technology also helps keep you cool on hot runs and its super-soft material prevents the fabric from irritating or sticking to your skin.

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Lululemon Swiftly Tech Short Sleeve Scoop

Oiselle Mie Tank $44, Oiselle.com

$58, Lululemon.com

The North Face Initiative Tank

CALIA Seamless Tank $35, Caliastudio.com

$50, Thenorthface.com

Highlight: Immune to sweat

Highlight: A basic tank with a modern twist

This formfitting T has been a Lululemon staple not only because of its incredible sweat-wicking quality, but also due to its patented Silverescent technology that prevents odor-causing bacteria to stick after multiple wears. Plus, tiny mesh vents that blend into the fabric down the back, under the armpits and along the neckline assist with quick drying and cooling.

The high neckline paired with a boxy drape is a modern take on the typical tank that usually has a scooped neck and pinches in at the waist. Both fashionable and functional, this design relieves pressure off the thin straps, allowing the rest of the material to hang straight, loose and light for faster and more dynamic, streamlined movement.

Highlight: Breezy breathability

Warmer weather calls for lightweight tanks with plenty of ventilation. The Initiative Tank not only feels weightless, but also has a mesh back panel with a unique keyhole opening for optimum cooling and just the right amount of coverage. Made of recycled polyester, it dries on the run—ideal for long-lasting wear post-workout.

Highlight: Stylish, stretchable coverage

Although this tank opts for a tighter, hug-thebody kind of fit, its side ruching adds a flattering feminine detail that functions as a stretching mechanism for lengthier coverage. The ruching helps keep the fabric from riding up without restricting body movement, and provides a nice slimming effect that doesn’t appear suffocating.

2/17/16 2:16 PM

W O M E N ’ S A P PA R E L 48

BOLD BOTTOMS

BY EMILY P OLACHEK

Finding the perfect pair of running bottoms is like scoring a favorite pair of jeans: Everything from color to stretchiness and fit must be flattering, but more importantly, functional. These boldly patterned tights, capris and shorts all bring adjustable comfort to the forefront without sacrificing style or speed.

Oiselle KC Knickers $68, Oiselle.com

Highlight: A wide waistband that stays put

Oiselle has designed another flattering, functional and, most importantly, comfortable pair of capris with unique geometric prints that won’t budge during a long run. The sleek yet wide waistband sits just below the navel and wraps the body evenly like a second skin. It also leaves room for a rear zip pocket that’s big enough to fit house keys and an iPhone 6.

adidas Adistar ThreeQuarter Tights

Reebok One Series Icon Tight

$90, Adidas.com

$65, Reebok.com

Saucony Bullet Tight Short $50, Saucony.com

Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts

Brooks Chaser 3” Shorts $48, Brooksrunning.com

$65, Patagonia.com

Highlight: Adjustable high-waisted comfort

Highlight: Functional tights with pizazz

These tights avoid mid-run slips due to a higher waistline combined with an internal drawstring for additional stability. Perhaps the most unique feature, though, is the sweat-proof back pocket that keeps items dry—especially useful during long runs and for storing electronics.

A fun, urban print isn’t the only cool feature of these tights. The fabric is lighter than most running tights—which make them a good option for cool early morning or evening runs—and its silky nylon material doesn’t hug the body too tight, but doesn’t slip either. Wide ankle cuffs secure them in place too.

Highlight: Not so short on storage

These 4-inch shorts provide plenty of coverage without riding up. An internal drawstring within the wide waistband also provides adjustable comfort (useful for bloated days). But unlike most tight shorts, the Bullet Tight Short has three unobtrusive pockets—a small zippered back and two side mesh pockets—for storing cards, cash, keys, earbuds and phones.

Highlight: Sturdy yet flexible fabric that moves with you

Highlight: Lightweight shorts with a “barely there” feel

The combination of 91 percent recycled polyester and 9 percent spandex means these durable shorts can withstand rough weather, tough scrapes and long wears. Like most Patagonia products, the fabric is treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to avoid soggy bottoms—plus, an additional mesh, moisture-wicking liner.

The Chaser 3” may feel short, but the hemmed side petal slits provide plenty of coverage while running (no flashing bystanders on a windy day).

They’re also a solid option when traveling to races because of their packable lightweight material with two pockets built into the thicker waistband; one of which is large enough to fit an iPhone.

For more gear reviews, go to Competitor.com/GearGuide2016

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2/11/16 6:58 PM

The get better, run longer, injury prevention, no excuses, runner’s brace system Quad with ITB brace

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Now found in running stores everywhere: OS1st.com/dealer-locator Untitled-2 1

2/12/16 2:42 PM

W O M E N ’ S A P PA R E L 50

Click here to see the 5 exercises you should do before every run.

A TO B BRAS A proper-fitting sports bra is the most essential item in a woman’s arsenal of running gear. The difference between an OK bra and a truly supportive one isn’t just comfort, it’s protection from high-impact and painful jostling.

These bras specifically selected for A and B cups represent a variety of fabrics, strap design and coverage, but all meet a criteria of strong, secure and reliable performance.

The North Face Stow-N-Go III Bra $45, Thenorthface.com

Highlight: A staple that gets better with each upgrade

The third version of the Stow-N-Go bra is not only lighter than its predecessors, it also better incorporates its key feature—the center chest pocket—into its overall function as a bra. The cups are simultaneously connected and separated by the center pocket by a double layer of fabric increasing individual support. Plus, the main compartment has an even smaller pouch within it for organizing a number of items.

Zensah Super Band Bra

Tracksmith Run Bra

$40, Zensah.com

$55, Tracksmith.com

Highlight: Stretchable and seamless support

Highlight: A classic racerback meets effortless practicality

The Super Band bra has a thicker under-band that provides ample support in addition to zoned ribbing in key areas that shape a more natural cup. Its seamless design eliminates underarm chafing and its stretchy, compression-like material combined with front and back mesh details help with breathability.

Thin racerback straps also put less pressure on the shoulders.

Tracksmith’s first running bra, a part of its relatively new women’s line, has an Ivy League-inspired look that’s simple in appearance but built for high performance. Made of a nylon/spandex blend and constructed with twin layers of fabric, this bra maintains modest coverage that can be worn by itself as a racing top. Runners who opt for light compression over support will especially appreciate this bra for its smooth, non-constricting material.

adidas Supernova Bra $40, Adidas.com

Highlight: High-impact support with a flattering cut

Most heavy-duty bras for A and B cup sizes feel bulky and unnecessarily padded.

However, the Supernova Bra, an adidas favorite, has sewn-in padding to add light structure and flexible cross-back straps to lift additional weight off the chest. The padding also prevents spillage over the front of the more stylish scooped neck.

For more gear reviews, go to Competitor.com/GearGuide2016

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C TO DD BRAS Since the running bra’s invention 40 years ago, brands are recognizing the needs of larger-busted women for both more supportive and attractive bras. Substantial coverage and adjustable tightness are crucial to the design of C cups and above, and our testers selected the top four models that’ll get the job done.

Brooks Moving Comfort Fiona Bra $29, Brooksrunning.com

Highlight: Cozy adjustability

Instead of a generic sizing scale, the Fiona Bra uses your exact band and cup size to determine the best fit. On top of that, it has an adjustable back hook-and-eye closure and concealed Velcro straps for an even more custom fit for B up to DD sizes. Loose cup molds are an alternative to padding for those who prefer a more natural shape, and the soft, sweat-wicking material feels luxurious against skin.

Saucony Bounce Trouncer Bra

Under Armour High Bra

CW-X VersatX Running Bra

$48, Saucony.com

$55, Underarmour.com

$55, Cw-x.com

Highlight: A natural fit that minimizes bounce

Highlight: Snug, secure and super supportive

Highlight: Comfortable compression

As its name suggests, the Bounce Trouncer restricts uncomfortable jostling without suffocating the breasts. This is due to the light and flexible fabric pads sewn into the cups and the mesh side and cleavage panels for optimum cooling. The convertible and adjustable straps can be worn in either a straight or crisscross fashion.

Unlike most compression bras, Under Armour’s High Bra won’t mash against the chest due to the molded cups, which give some shape. And despite the deep V plunge (good for wearing underneath tanks) it kept spillage to a minimum and remained secure during high-intensity workouts.

The VersatX features a five-point support web built into each cup. Hence, support felt balanced and secure throughout the bra’s structure without a need for molded or padded cups. Although designed for a wide range of A to DD cups, our testers felt the traditional compression aspect of the bra was most ideal for C-cup wearers.

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ACCESSORIES 52

RACE READY

BY A LLIS ON PAT T ILLO

Racing accessories are highly personal and generally come with no small degree of superstition about their “luck” factor, usually based upon past results. This gear has what it takes to help you fly to the finish line as efficiently and comfortably as possible.

Zensah Limitless Compression Arm Warmers Price: $35, Zensah.com

Highlight: Pull them up, push them down for ultimate adjustability and race-day comfort

Thumbholes and a full arm fit mean you won’t have to waste energy shivering while waiting for the starting gun to go off. Plus these sleeves have compression to help improve circulation. The pair also has a handy mesh stash pocket that’s just right for a race day gel or two.

Nathan The Hipster $25, Nathansports.com

Highlight: Sleek storage for raceday necessities

Yes, you can carry it with you—phone, inhaler, room key, ID, credit card, cash, a gel—without odd lumps and bumps. Four generous and stretchy envelope pockets give lots of storage room in a breathable band that’s sized to fit. It will even stay put for your finish-line sprint.

Brooks Distance Headband

SKINS DNAmic Men’s Long Tights

$18, Brooksrunning.com

$110, Skins.net

Highlight: Don’t let a messy bun or ponytail slow down your stride

Highlight: Keep legs energized on cold days

Three thin straps of fabric contain even the wispiest bangs, and layers merge into one soft stay-put strap in the back for no-fuss racing. You’ll look hip, you’ll feel good and you’ll race faster.

Stop race day chafing before it begins with 9.5-inch inseam, gradient compression tights that feel as fast as they look.

Comfort continues with an anatomically shaped crotch for a comfortable fit and a soft microfiber waistband that stays in place without digging.

Arc’teryx Tolu Sleeveless $49, Arcteryx.com

Highlight: Breezy, lightweight comfort

Dreamy lightweight, stretch jersey fabric feels soft against the skin and breathes as you crank up the heat.

The styling on this tank elevates it way beyond a basic singlet: Pin tucks at the back give a flattering drape, dropped side panels help prevent it from riding up and an empire line at the bust continues the look-good, feel-good aesthetic.

For more gear reviews, go to Competitor.com/GearGuide2016

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ACCESSORIES 54

DIRTY GEAR B Y A LLIS ON PAT T ILLO

Hitting the trail is as simple as being open to new adventures. Road running gear will certainly work to carry you where you want to go, but trail gear is more durable and specifically suited to dirt-centric adventures.

Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta $135, Ultimatedirection.com

Highlight: Long-haul carrying comfort with a women’sspecific design

Part of the Jenny Collection, this vest is designed by women, for women, to ergonomically carry the essentials for a day trip into the wilderness. You choose whether you carry water flasks in the front pockets or drop a hydration sleeve in the pack, with additional pockets for extra layers, food, your phone and more.

Leki Trail Stick

Hydrapak Speed Cup

$199, Usa.leki.com

$10, Hydrapak.com

Highlight: Sturdy yet lightweight and collapsible

Highlight: A lightweight, stowable cup for travel

Sometimes you need running poles, sometimes you don’t, making collapsibility one of our top requirements. These carbon poles break down quickly to latch onto your pack. Leki uses its Nordic pole grips for less stress on hands and arms and more efficient poling.

Although these are not adjustable, they’re sold in fixed lengths from 105 to 130cm.

Given their stunning and remote locations, many trail races are becoming low- or zero-waste events. Made of thin thermoplastic polyurethane, this collapsible cup holds 5 ounces of water and can easily stash in a pocket between aid stations. Use it over and over, and even pop it in the dishwasher if you wish—just don’t ditch it at an aid station!

Salomon Intensity Short Tight

Under Armour CoolSwitch Trail SS Tee

Gore X-Running Windstopper Shoe Gaiter

$70, Salomon.com

$40, Underarmour.com

$60, Goreapparel.com

Highlight: Sweaty palms and slick shorts won’t derail your uphill mojo

Highlight: Smart road running details in a trail T

Highlight: Keep trail grit outside your shoes for friction-free striding

With a 9-inch inseam and comfortable fit, these durable shorts are geared for performance and on-the-go style. What really makes them shine out on the trails are the grip print pads, perfect for resting your hands on your thighs during long, lung-busting ascents— even if you’re dripping with sweat.

Built with UPF 50 cooling fabric and durable, flatlock seams, this T-shirt is constructed with full mesh side panels for maximum cooling and evaporation in hot conditions. If you’re running with a hydration pack, UA has thought of that too.

Offset shoulder seams help to prevent chafing for long-running comfort no matter where the trail takes you.

Getting stones in your shoes and collecting ankle scrapes while going through a scree field is no fun. Burly Windstopper fabric keeps the grit out while inner and outer padding at the ankle minimizes scrapes. A strap, front hook and silicone grip holds them tight. You’ll still get a dirt ring, it will just be a little higher!

For more gear reviews, go to Competitor.com/GearGuide2016

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ACCESSORIES 56

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

BY A LLIS ON PAT T ILLO

Running in the dark is all about seeing, being seen and having a blast logging stealth miles at night. But the right gear makes all the difference. The latest eye-catching offerings are all designed with your safety in mind.

You Saw Me Prizm Vest $60, Yousawme.com

Highlight: Visible from a mile away

Not only does this vest keep you visible, all you have to do is add music (a front pocket holds your phone) for your very own on-the-go “disco.” The one-mile visibility comes from high-contrast fluorescent colors, reflective straps and multi-colored, waterproof LED lights. Runner-specific comforts include soft, breathable fabric, taped edges and quick-adjust waist straps.

ICNY Zig Zag Half Calf Sock

Click here for 7 night-running safety tips.

Pearl Izumi Pursuit LS

Brooks Greenlight Cuff

$65, Pearlizumi.com

$18, Brooksrunning.com

Highlight: A great running shirt whether you wear it for visibility or not

Highlight: A handy accessory with highvisibility benefits

As a cool-weather layering piece or on its own for a sunny day, this buttery-soft zip-T guarantees you’ll stand out from the crowd.

High-visibility colors and plenty of reflective accents meet cooling fabric, internal mitts and a band around the shirttail to keep it from riding up as you run.

Slip this stretchy cuff on your arm for an automatic visibility boost to any running kit. Fluorescent colors and a high-contrast reflective print make it easy to see you. Plus, the breathable band has a zip pocket perfect for a snack, house key and post-run beer money!

$25, Icnysport.com

Highlight: Reflective pops at the ankles make you easier to see

Reflective dots around the ankle deliver a bright visibility “flash” when illuminated by headlights that help drivers and cyclists identify you even faster. Made of moisture-wicking Coolmax yarn, the socks have zonal underfoot cushioning and an effective no-slip heel design.

Amphipod ReflectiveBurst ArmPod SmartView Sumo $40, Amphipod.com

Highlight: Helps keep you and your phone safe

You know you’re going to take it with you, so make your smartphone even smarter by popping it in this reflective armband for additional nighttime awareness. The case is sized to carry larger phones, and includes a separate internal pocket, a secure fit and touch control.

LED Lenser SEO 7R $90, Ledlenserusa.com

Highlight: Reliable and bright

You won’t miss a step or turn with 220 lumens of light leading the way. The swiveling head is updated with a silver ring to ensure all available candlepower goes exactly where you need it. Powered by three AAA batteries, the SEO 7R has a stayput headband that’s comfortable with or without a hat.

For more gear reviews, go to Competitor.com/GearGuide2016

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accessories 60

lite lids B y M a r i o Fr ai o l i

The North Face Better Than Naked Hat

More and more runners are realizing the benefit of having their heads covered while out on the trails or roads. Lightweight breathability is key to choosing a lid, but a variety of colors, materials and brims help add some variety.

$26, Thenorthface.com

Highlight: Breathable comfort and lightweight construction

The Better Than Naked hat lives up to its name with a “barely there” feel. It’s the lightest hat we tested—and among the most breathable as well, with mesh venting on both sides. Its brim almost feels oversized, but came in handy during a wet Bay Area winter.

Brooks Run-Thru Hat

ASICS Mad Dash Cap

$28, Brooksrunning.com

$20, Asicsamerica.com

Highlight: Snug fit with a slim brim

Highlight: Versatile fit and effective sun blocker

The Run-Thru hat is made of light, moisture-wicking materials and is extremely breathable. It fits very close to the head without feeling too tight— so well that you might even forget you’re wearing a hat. Its short, hip-looking banded brim will keep the rain (and some sun) out of your eyes.

This form-fitting hat is constructed of technical, moisture wicking fabrics and materials, but it felt slightly heavier than some of the others we tested.

Its mid-length brim does a good job of keeping the sun out of your eyes. A reflective Velcro back strap provides comfort—and visibility from behind.

Runyon Canyon Rad Reflective Burnt Woods Camp Hat

Patagonia Duckbill Visor

$36, Runyon.co

$25, Patagonia.com

Highlight: Stylish and functional with some reflectivity for low-light situations

Highlight: Lightweight comfort for a day on the trails

With its five-panel design, this stylish cap provides full head coverage without sacrificing breathability or function. The edge of the brim and logo on the front are both reflective, providing some valuable visibility in low light.

An adjustable back strap allows it to fit virtually any head size.

A spin-off—or top-off, rather—of Patagonia’s popular Duckbill cap and trucker hat, this lightweight visor boasts similar aesthetics and the same awesome comfort. It protects your eyes from the sun and sweat while letting your head ventilate in the open air. It’s ideal for warm-weather running.

For more gear reviews, go to Competitor.com/GearGuide2016

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quick knits B y M a r i o Fr a i ol i

Bright colors, wild patterns and fun designs are finding their way to runners’ feet. Expect more runners to be making fashion statements below the knee with the increasing variety of stylish running socks available this year.

1. Stance Fusion Run Lightweight No-Show $15, Stance.com

Highlight: Fashion-forward mixed with performance-minded comfort

A year after launching its fashion-forward Fusion Run line, Stance is introducing thinner, lightweight versions of performance running socks available in no-show, quarter, crew and over-the-calf. Not only do these look cool, they boast an incredible fit and long-lasting comfort for short and long runs.

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2. Swiftwick State Pride Vision Five

3. 2XU Elite Compression Sock

4. Smartwool PhD Run Ultra Light Low-Cut

5. Balega BlisterResist Quarter

$18, Swiftwick.com

$65, 2xu.com

$16, Smartwool.com

$15, Balega.com

Highlight: A snug fit and stylish coverage that will go the distance

Highlight: A snug-fitting package geared toward performance and recovery

Highlight: Moisturewicking warmth for a variety of conditions

Want to show off your state pride? These fun 5-inch socks boast the state logos for California, Colorado, Tennessee and Texas (plus a patriotic stars-and-stripes version). Made of midweight, moisture-wicking compression material, they fit snug to the foot, provide plenty of ankle coverage and won’t slip down in the back of your shoe.

These super-tight, full-length socks from 2XU feel great once you get them on your legs.

Featuring graduated compression that’s most prominent in the feet, these compression socks are comfortable and breathable enough to wear for long runs or races, or to throw on afterward to help kick-start the recovery process on the drive or flight home.

These wool blend socks are thicker than the others we tested— with reinforcement in the heel and forefoot—but they were also among the most soft and comfortable.

Despite their low-cut design, they won’t slip into your shoe. They’re great for cold-weather runs but breathe and wick moisture effectively in all conditions.

Highlight: Targeted cushioning and a great fit for all-day comfort

Balega is known for making great-fitting socks, which helps this particular model live up to its name.

These midweight socks are snug around the mid-foot with a padded heel and forefoot for added cushion and comfort. A tighter fit in the collar prevents slippage.

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accessories 62

Opulent Pairings B y L i sa J h u n g

This season’s running socks battle hot, tired, swelling and even bored feet, but they also add a touch of style and flair too.

Here are several styles that offer a mix of fashion and function.

1. Injinji Spectrum Series $14–$17, Injinji.com

Highlight: Toe socks with style

These socks that encapsulate each toe individually have been solving between-thetoe blister issues for years. Made with a new print and ink process, these new Injinjis are blasted with stripes, palm-tree-lined sunsets and more. On trail runs and cold road runs the over-the-ankle cuff and separate sleeves keep toes happy.

2. ASICS Cooling Single Tab

3. Feetures Elite Max Cushion

$14, Asicsamerica.com

$16, Feeturesrunning.com

Highlight: A “barely there” feel with heel protection

Highlight: Feels great and performs

This thin, lightweight sock is constructed with yarn that actually feels cool to the touch and works to keep feet from overheating on the run. Engineered mesh aids in breathability, and the single tab in the back keeps shoe heels from rubbing (though this is a very low-riding sock). A mid-summer, road running staple.

This new, no-show style combines two of the brand’s earlier styles: targeted compression through the arch with a secure, Y-shaped heel cup and a seamless toe from the Elite model; plus the thickness in cushioning of the High Performance sock. We appreciated the secure fit, feel and cushy comfort on long road runs in particular.

4. CEP Run Ultralight Short $23, Cepcompression. com

5. Wrightsock Endurance Highlight: Snug fit, slight foot support

This snug-fitting sock provides compression around the foot and ankle for improved blood flow and a touch of muscle support. It’s a sleek sock that feels great on, creating a thin, smooth layer between foot and shoe. It’s cut just above the ankle, working well on road or trail.

$15, Wrightsock.com

Highlight: Blister-guard over the long haul

The double-layer design does a great job at keeping blisters at bay.

What’s added to the Endurance sock is a layer of cushioning for added comfort. A small tab at the heel guards against rubbing from the heel collar, and the tab at the top of the foot protects irritation from shoe tongues.

6. Farm to Feet Greensborough Multisport Low Sock $16, Farmtofeet.com

Highlight: Naturally ready to charge

Made of temperature-regulating wool, these socks feel soft and cozy as soon as you step into them, and do a great job regulating temperature on the run. This year’s model features a lower micron merino wool than the previous version, which means they’re softer and more durable than before.

For more gear reviews, go to Competitor.com/GearGuide2016

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ACCESSORIES 64

CRANK IT UP

BY RYA N WOOD

As music technology continues to advance, so too does its integration with running. For those who like to combine music with their miles, there are endless choices of high-quality products that make the two go together better than ever.

JBL Reflect Mini BT $100, Jbl.com

Highlight: Good sound, lightweight and sturdy

A super simple setup (though that’s common with the latest wireless headphones) and a strong sound make these a great option on the market. They stand out because they’re feather-light, and the patented ear tips never budged, even during sweaty, long-distance runs.

Plug them in and don’t worry about them again.

AfterShokz Treks Titanium

Red Fox Evo4

$130, Aftershokz.com

Amphipod Music + Belt

I Heart Radio App

$130, Redfoxwireless.com

$35, Amphipod.com

Free

Highlight: Better awareness of your surroundings

Highlight: A luxurious and durable earbud option

Highlight: Nonstop music

These innovative new headphones transport the sound of your music via bone conduction.

Worn just in front of the ears, they deliver sound without blocking your ear canal, thus increasing your ability to hear the outside world while also listening to music and running.

That could lead to better situational awareness. Plus, they stay in place nicely.

Wireless headphones continue to get better, and the Evo4 is one of the best we have come across.

They are lightweight and durable and serve up excellent sound quality. The securely fitted hooks keep the buds in place. And like most wireless earbuds, they are simple to pair with a smartphone, making high-quality music an easy addition to your run.

Highlight: Secure storage and phone access

Boombotix Boombot MINI $40, Boombotix.com

The Amphipod Music + Belt acts as an unobtrusive waist strap with a two-compartment pocket that can store most smartphones and other essentials like ID, keys and a gel. The elastic material assures both a snug fit to your waist and a lack of irritation even as the miles add up.

From terrestrial radio stations to digitally created ones, this app offers a virtually endless supply of music for even your longest runs. We recommend the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon station, which has a huge variety of uptempo songs dating back to the ’70s and minimal interruption.

Highlight: A clip-on portable speaker

This impressive speaker is touted for its powerto-size ratio. Just under 5 ounces with a waistband clip, this is a great option for an on-thego Bluetooth speaker.

Useful for long-distance trail runs or on group runs with friends where headphones are less ideal. Great for ultra race aid station crewing too.

For more gear reviews, go to Competitor.com/GearGuide2016

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ACCESSORIES 65

THROW SOME SHADE

Nike Tailwind $165, Nikevision.com

B Y RYA N WO O D

Highlight: Superb fit and innovative design

A highly competitive market for performance sunglasses is a win for runners, who have many options at a wide range of prices. The keys to finding the right pair: how the shape of the frame fits your face, and lens clarity in various light conditions.

Nike has revamped its eyewear line and the Tailwind is a new make that’s great for endurance athletes.

Two things stood out: A lightweight, flexibile, self-adjusting frame that conforms to your face, and great ventilation that reduces fogging.

XX2i France2

Optic Nerve Micron

$60, Xx2i.com

$89, Opticnerve.com

Highlight: Tremendous bang for your buck

Highlight: A smaller but still-protective fit, with fastacting photochromatic lenses

These performance sunglasses are great for runners looking for a lower-priced option. The France2s are lightweight and stylish, with no bouncing or fogging after efforts in various conditions and terrain. The nose bridge and temple tips are super comfortable no matter the effort.

We enjoyed the half-frame style that minimized facial coverage while also getting the job done of protecting the eyes. The photochromatic lenses quickly adjust to light, transitioning from rose to smoke in a matter of seconds.

Tifosi Launch HS $99, Tifosi.com

Highlight: Interchangeable frames to fit your activity

To better adapt to the wide uses of sunglasses, Tifosi has launched a Pro series that features multiple frames and interchangeable arms. We like the look and performance of the Launch HS—and its two very affordable frames for the price of one.

Maui Jim Myna

Native Eyewear Eldo

Rudy Project Tralyx

$349, Mauijim.com

$129, Nativeeyewear.com

$250, E-rudy.com

Highlight: A minimalist frame good for lifestyle or performance

Highlight: Interchangeable polarized lenses and a cool look

Highlight: A high-end product that looks and feels luxurious

While these shades look more like a lifestyle product, they work surprisingly well for runners, in part because the beta-titanium frame makes them unbelievably light while remaining remarkably stable. It’s a pricey investment, but considering their versatility, it could be a worthwhile one.

For larger faces, the Eldo is a stylish option we see fitting in on the trails or as a lifestyle pair.

Interchangeable lenses (using N3 polarized lens technology for peak protection and clarity) give you options for whatever look you’re seeking.

Truly a luxurious wear, particularly with the perfect tint of its photochromatic lenses. Two things we loved about these: An extremely lightweight and high-quality frame, and adjustable temples and nosepiece that allow for a secure fit that won’t bounce even during rugged trail runs.

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RECOVERY 66

RUB, WRAP, ROLL

BY A MA NDA MCCRACKEN

Recovery products are trending to be more travel-friendly and versatile. And new materials allow tools to be firm and effective but with enough forgiving flexibility to help the body bounce back on its own. Remember to roll and only rest pressure in one area for seven to 10 seconds; any longer restricts blood flow—which prevents healing.

Click here to read how to fix the 5 most common running injuries.

Rad Roller RAD Helix $49, Radroller.com

Highlight: A travel-size roller firm enough to be effective without wrecking muscles

The compact size, dynamically curved design and ridges of the Helix offer more possibilities for relief than traditional flat foam rollers. Designed to open up the natural curves in the lower back to allow proper extension and alignment, it’s also great on quads, calves, glutes and hamstrings. The angular ridges in its biology-inspired double helix form help release toxins and stiffness on two planes.

Trigger Point Therapy MB1, MB5, MBX Massage Balls

S&S Worldwide Spectrum Reaction Balls

$15–$25, Tptherapy.com

$19 for set of 6, Ssww.com

Highlight: EVA foam massage balls in different sizes and densities

Highlight: Wakes up the suppressed nervous system

If you are missing your therapist’s elbow, these massage balls offered in 2.6-inch and 5-inch diameter sizes with varying densities can do the trick.

The MBX, a red 2.6-inch-diameter ball that’s extra firm but light (1.4 oz.), packs a mighty punch. It’s great to use on areas of pain in isolated areas like the pecs, piriformis and calves. The 2.6-inch MB1 (not pictured) and 5-inch MB5 are slightly softer and offer varying levels of pressure.

These are great for runners who don’t play other reaction-heavy sports (like tennis, basketball or soccer). When the six-sided ball is thrown it bounces unpredictably, causing the athlete to make quick directional movements to get the ball. With the six little protrusions on each ball, it also functions as a great self-massage tool. A variety of drills are viewable on Youtube.

For more gear reviews, go to Competitor.com/GearGuide2016

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RECOVERY 67

Roll Recovery R8 $119, Rollrecovery.com

Moji Foot Pro

Roll Recovery R3 Orthopedic Foot Roller

$40, Gomoji.com

$27, Rollrecovery.com

Highlight: The most unique recovery tool on the market

Highlight: Freezable for an ice-massage of six pseudo-thumbs

Highlight: Unique design reaches multiple areas of plantar fascia

What better way to address inflammation and tension than to roll them away with ice that doesn’t melt? A compact surface of six independent stainless steel spheres help relieve tired feet and plantar fasciitis pain. The nonslip base means no chasing these massage balls. It’s also great for upper trap and neck massages.

Tackle plantar fasciitis with the R3 by rolling both the origin and insertion of culprit muscles. The uneven barbell shape allows the user to reach multiple areas of the foot and calf. Compact and lightweight, this roller travels easily and is versatile to use on other parts of the body.

Like a giant six-fingered claw (without the nails), this engineering masterpiece provides smooth, firm, even pressure wherever it grips. The R8 takes the work out of a self-massage with its auto-adjust tension technology to flush out different sized areas: quads, IT bands, hamstrings, calves and shins.

It can be used sitting or standing: No more rolling on dirty hotel room floors or muddy fields.

Body Back Company AccuMassage

RAD Rounds (green, large; blue, small)

$35, Bodyback.com

$16, Radroller.com

Highlight: Highly versatile for major muscle groups—and disassembles for travel

$25, Radroller.com

RAD Original (blue balls joined together)

Need bigger hands and stronger thumbs? The flexible center and long handles of this tool give you leverage and pressure. The two adjustable balls (3 positions) grip trouble areas to simulate trigger point therapy. Great for neck, shoulder, back, upper and lower legs, and even hard-toreach areas in the hips.

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Highlight: Reach the smaller muscles that rarely get attention

Touted as “targeted release for tight spaces,” the RAD Rounds are the perfect size and material (firm with some give) to offer relief anywhere. Provide acute massages to the smaller muscles and spaces (between bones) in the shoulder blade, hip/IT band, neck, foot, hand and even your jaw. These come in three different densities.

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NUTRITION 68

FAST F UEL

BY NICKI MILLER

Every runner needs to find the right fueling, and so experimenting is essential—long before race day, of course! There are many brands offering many options; we’ve narrowed it down to the latest and greatest in running nutrition.

Glukos Gel and Gummies $2 per packet, Glukosenergy.com

Highlight: Glukos expands its offerings to gels and gummies in new flavors

The products are all made with glucose, the most readily usable energy source, so the theory is when your gut has less work to do to turn food into fuel, your body can give more elsewhere (hello, leg muscles), with less GI distress. It’s also the new official gel and gummy for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series.

Skratch Labs Fruit Drops

Clif Organic Energy Food

Nuun Active and Energy

$2.45 per packet, Skratchlabs.com

$3 per pouch, Clifbar.com

$7 per 10-tablet tube, Nuun.com

Highlight: Inspired by actual candy, with an equally great taste

Highlight: New flavors of the ultrarunning-friendly pouches

These new chews were inspired by gumdrops. The more natural variations designed for athletes have less sugar and more water, they are made from real fruit with extra salt and they don’t have artificial flavors, colors and the like. Ten drops equal 160 calories, which you can down or dose slowly. Bottom line: Both the orange and raspberry flavors are quite tasty (and should come with this disclaimer: Don’t open a packet at your desk).

This legacy brand has made a commitment to increasing its organic and real-food options, a current trend in sports nutrition.

Last year these pouches debuted in sweet and savory flavors. This year, Clif released new flavors in apple cinnamon and banana maple for its oatmeal pouches. For pre-run oatmeal lovers, this makes it easy when traveling. You can eat straight from the pouch or put it in a bowl and nuke it.

Highlight: A new formula with non-GMO dextrose and natural sweeteners

This popular low-calorie drink tablet for electrolytes and hydration (the No. 1 sports drink sold by specialty sports retailers) has been reformulated for 2016. The new recipe includes non-GMO dextrose for better absorption and performance, and is sweetened with monk fruit and stevia. The brand has also added mango orange to the flavor options in the caffeinated Energy line.

PowerBar Protein Shake and Simple Fruit Energy Food $3.55 per shake, $2 per fruit packet, Powerbar.com

Highlight: New non-bar products from an original sports-nutrition companies

This 30-year-old brand continually comes up with new products other than bars. Earlier this year it released ready-to-drink Protein Shakes, and this month you’ll start seeing Simple Fruit Energy Food— basically a kind of jam/smoothie in a gel-size packet. In terms of bar innovation, 2016 sees Reduced Sugar ProteinPlus Bars ($1.25 per bar) hitting shelves.

For more gear reviews, go to Competitor.com/GearGuide2016

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nutrition 69

Run Gum

VFuel Endurance Drink Mix

$18 for 12-pack, Getrungum.com

$2.25 per packet, Vfuel.com

Highlight: A creative variation on chews

Highlight: Made for ultrarunners and easy to digest

Chews aren’t a new running fuel, but caffeinated gum is definitely a creative variation. Developed by Olympian Nick Symmonds, the sugar-free, zero-calorie gum originally came in mint and fruit flavors, but now cinnamon has hit the market for a quick delivery of legal stimulants including caffeine, taurine and B vitamins.

This brand was founded to design an easily digestible gel for ultrarunners. Now it’s released a drink mix in cool lime, black cherry cola, ginger twist and tangerine cream. Creative and tasty-sounding flavors aside, this new formulation is made from dextrose and electrolytes to deliver 200 calories of tummy-pleasing, energizing hydration.

Health Warrior Chia Protein Bar

Honey Stinger GlutenFree Organic Waffle and Protein Chews

$2.29 per bar, Healthwarrior.com

Highlight: 10 grams of protein in this low-sugar bar

Chia, with its little bursts of omega-3 that are a high source of fiber and help with hydration, has gained popularity since appearing in Christopher McDougall’s bestseller “Born to Run.” These low-sugar bars are perfect post-run snacks and please various palates—including gluten-free ones (three of the bars are also vegan).

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$1.49 per waffle, $2.49 per chews package, Honeystinger.com

Highlight: More options for honey lovers

Two thin waffles making a honey sandwich is go-to pre-run fuel for many, and now those who eschew gluten can enjoy them too. The company also incorporated feedback into its Energy Chews: They now deliver 5 grams of plant-based protein in raspberry, juneberry and cherry-lime flavors.

Generation UCan Drink Mix and Snack Bar

GU Energy Gel

ProBar Base Protein Bar $2.79 per bar, Theprobar.com

$3.25 per packet, $2.75 per bar, Generationucan.com

$15 per bulk regular gel, $25 per bulk Roctane gel, Guenergy.com

Highlight: The brand beloved

by Meb Keflezighi and Dathan Ritzenhein

Highlight: A more environmentally friendly gel package

This is pre-run fuel designed to keep energy levels steady for 90 minutes to two hours. The “SuperStarch” carb base now comes in two new products: Cinnamon Delite Drink and Cinnamon Swirl Bar. Gluten-free and low in sugar, flavors are sweetened with stevia, monk fruit or sucralose.

For those annoyed by the environmentally unfriendly nature of used gel packets, Gu has come out with 15-serving bulk packaging and a refillable five-serving flask ($12.99). Regular gel comes in salted caramel or strawberry banana; Roctane gel in blueberry pomegranate or sea salt chocolate.

Gatorade Recover Single Serve Protein Powder, Protein Shake and Whey Protein Bar $2 per powder packet, $3 per shake, $2.49 per bar, Gatorade.com

Highlight: Gatorade steps up its recovery offerings

A DIY version of the protein shake that launched in 2014, the powder delivers 20 grams of milk-based protein in chocolate or vanilla. The shake is available in cookies and crème or chocolate peanut butter, and bars in chocolate pretzel and chocolate peanut butter.

Huma+ Chia Energy Gel $2.50 per pouch, Humagel.com

Highlight: Now with added electrolytes from sea salt and coconut water

Huma originally came out with gels in eight different flavors that are a combo of real fruit and chia seeds.

Now the second generation of gels comes with added electrolytes from sea salt and coconut water. Choose between berries and pomegranate or strawberry lemonade, which have 25 milligrams of caffeine per 100-calorie packet.

Highlight: Contains chocolate and caffeine for a post-run pick-me-up

You’ve heard that protein bars are ideal for after a hard run. If you also grab an iced coffee to get you through the rest of the day, the new caffeinated flavors Chocolate Bliss and Coffee Crunch are designed for you. Gluten- and dairyfree, these bars have 55 milligrams of caffeine from yerba mate (equal to half a cup of coffee).

Tailwind Nutrition Caffeinated Endurance Fuel $27 for 30 servings, Tailwindnutrition.com

Highlight: A top-selling caffeinated fuel for long runs

The philosophy behind this brand is to provide all the fuel and hydration necessary on long runs and once it added a caffeinated flavor, it quickly became a top seller. One 100-calorie serving has a blend of dextrose (aka glucose) and sucrose in proportions designed to maximize absorption and minimize stomach distress.

2/12/16 12:15 PM

Last Lap 70

T h e I n n o v at o r Tobie Hatfield, 55, Beaverton, Ore.

As the head of Nike’s fabled Innovation Kitchen, which he helped launch in 2000, Tobie Hatfield has been responsible for introducing some of the most iconic running shoes of this century, including the Free and the Presto. Before that, he designed Michael Johnson’s golden track spikes worn in the 1996 and 2000 Olympics, as well as some of Nike’s most popular models of ACG trail running shoes. An All-American pole vaulter in college, he got his taste of innovation early, wear-testing track and field shoes made by former University of Oregon coach and Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman while still in high school in Eugene, Ore.

Click here to read an interview with marathon legend Steve Jones.

Click here to read an interview with marathon coach Brad Hudson.

What has it been like to see running shoes evolve so much since the ’70s?

I was fortunate to know Mr. Bowerman. It was his passion to innovate for athletes in order to provide the best training tools to help them achieve their goals. I think he would be proud of the advancements we have made today, but also that we didn’t forget about the athlete in the midst of those advancements, which is the legacy he left us.

What are the challenges of designing shoes that need to appeal to both speedy elites and back-of-the-pack joggers?

This goes back to Bowerman and Mr. [Phil] Knight, who believed that if you have a body, you’re an athlete. This applies to all of us, from the elite athletes of the world to the back-of-the-pack joggers. This top-down

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approach still applies today. It’s really in our nature, and thus maybe not as much of a challenge as you would think. It’s simply the best way to do it.

What is the biggest misconception that runners have about the shoes on their feet?

A lot of runners still believe they need more shoe than they really do. There is still a pervading thought that the foot needs to be overprotected. What we have learned over the past 15-plus years is that the body needs to sense, needs to feel, needs to move through its natural range of motion.

How important is it to have input from athletes in the development of a shoe?

Listening to the voice of the athlete is the core of what we do and how this company was founded. Pretty important!

How does marketing influence the development of a running shoe?

In Nike’s Innovation Kitchen, marketing doesn’t really come in to play much. It’s all about listening to the voice of the athlete because they are our living, breathing design briefs. And when we do that, everybody wins.

How do you drive innovation?

I’m not so worried about creating future innovation as much as building up great people who do great things.

Is it possible to create a “perfect” shoe?

It might be possible, and I say “might” strongly: perfect for an individual, but not for the masses. We have a saying here at Nike that “there is no finish line.” I believe that’s true because we all can be better in our lives, and that goes for shoes too!

photo courtesy nike; interview by adam elder

What’s the most significant innovation you’ve seen in running shoes?

Since I got started there have been two that have been really significant: Nike Free and Nike Flyknit. Free changed the way we wear shoes by bringing back natural motion and talking about the health of each athlete’s feet.

Flyknit changed how we make the shoes: from cut-and-sew to one-piece construction.

2/17/16 12:08 PM

Lower carbs. Fewer calories.

Exceptional taste.

Brewed for those who go the extra mile.

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2/11/16 12:07 PM

CONGRATULATIONS MEB KEFLEZIGHI

FOR YOUR PERFORMANCE IN LOS ANGELES AND ANOTHER AMAZING ACHIEVEMENT!

“ I rely on Runsense everyday for the insights I need to constantly drive improvement.”

#1 Battery Life* Featuring Wrist Based Heart Rate Monitoring (SF-810 only)

Meb Keflezighi Marathon Champion, Olympic Silver Medalist & Epson’s Running Ambassador

RUNSENSE GPS Sport Watches

Accuracy and precision are at our core.

For more information please visit www.epson.com/runsense * Compared to popular GPS running watches within the same category in GPS and GPS/Heart Rate (SF-810 only) mode.

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