Competitor March 2016

Road Shoes | Trail Shoes Wearable Tech | HatsHydration Packs Sunglasses | Socks

| And More!

RUNNING GEAR GUIDE

20

16

RU

NN

ING

GE

AR

GU

IDE

competitor

competitor

| MA

RC

H 2

01

6

CLICK HERE for even more gear

that didn’t make our magazine.

Click here to learn how

to train for your fi rst half

marathon.

MARCH 2016

CM0316_FOB_COVER.indd 6 2/18/16 11:13 AM

http://running.competitor.com/GearGuide2016

http://running.competitor.com/2015/05/training/how-to-train-for-your-first-half-marathon_128475

SpreadBleed.indd 1 2/11/16 12:06 PM




4

C a p t u r e d

Colonial Craftsmanship

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. manufactur-

ing 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 crafts-

manship and quality to new generations

within our workforce.”

CM0316_FOB_CAPTURED.indd 4 2/11/16 6:25 PM

Photos: scott draPer

Click here to see

more images inside the New

Balance factory.

CM0316_FOB_CAPTURED.indd 5 2/17/16 11:40 AM

http://running.competitor.com/2015/07/photos/photos-how-new-balance-makes-running-shoes-in-america_131290

march 2016C o n t e n t s

2016 Running Gear Guide

4 Captured

10 Contributors

12 editor’s note

14 Running outfits

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

running pursuits—from the latest in high fashion

to hardcore ultrarunning equipment

22 Road Running shoes

32 trail Running shoes

38 Wearable tech

40 Hydration

42 Men’s Apparel

• Jackets

• Shirts and tops

• Shorts and pants

46 Women’s Apparel

• Jackets

• Shirts and tops

• Bras

• Shorts and pants

52 Racing Accessories

54 trail Accessories

56 night Gear

Also

• Hats

• Socks

• Music accessories

• Sunglasses

• Recovery accessories

• Nutrition

Backpage

Nike’s Innovation Kitchen director

Tobie Hatfield talks about footwear

design, people’s biggest miscon-

ceptions about running shoes, and

what the perfect shoe might be like.

pH

oTo

S:

Ma

RK

do

olI

TT

le;

JaM

eS

ca

RN

ey

click here to

read how compression socks work.

CM0316_FOB_TOC.indd 6 2/17/16 2:00 PM

http://running.competitor.com/2014/02/recovery/the-science-of-squeeze-how-compression-apparel-works_43385

© 2016 BROOKS SPORTS, INC.

A good run is good for your perspective, getting you beyond the bad, the worse

or even the downright apocalyptic.

Client: Brooks Sports IncCampaign: Brooks Print - Apparel, DNA, Big RAgency Job #: B1241.005063.00AD #/AD ID: CYBR0009000Date Modifi ed: February 9, 2016CR: AD Round:

Bleed: 9.25”x 11.875” Trim: 7.625” x 10.5” Live: 6.75” x 9.25”

Keyline Scale: 100%Output at:Page:

Region: USLanguage: EnglishNotes: None

CW: D. Loew/P. Lefebrve AD: M. Costello/J. Wyville BM: A. Paganini P: M. Petrucelly AM: H. Springer/C. Volanakis

NOT TO BE USED FOR COLOR APPROVAL

102566_DeadWalk_Single_Page_CYBR0009000_v6Leo BurnettFebruary 9, 2016jmd

Untitled-3 1 2/11/16 12:10 PM

c o m p e t i t o r . c o m

Running TechHow do running and technology

intersect? See the latest gear at Competitor.com/tech

geaR We LoveCompetitor editors regularly share the

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

Shoe of The WeekEach week we highlight a different shoe

and put it to the test at Competitor.com/shoeoftheweek

Shoe TaLkCheck out our exclusive videos that highlight some

of the most talked about shoes in running at competitor.com/shoetalk

ConneCt With Us

Join the conversation

Facebook.com/competitor.running

@runcompetitor

See what we share

@runcompetitor

Follow us

editor-in-chief Brian Metzlersenior editor Mario Fraioli

managing editor Adam Elderweb editor Ryan Wood

associate editor Emily Polachek

A R T

graphic designer Valerie Brugos contributing photography

James Carney, Mark Doolittle, Scott Draper, Nick Nacca

senior contributing editors

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

E d i T o R i A l

production manager Meghan McElravy

advertising production manager Gia Hawkins

director, pr Dan Cruz

audience development manager Kristy Buescher manager, media marketing Nicole Christenson

C i R C u l A T i o n , m A R k E T i n g & P R o d u C T i o n

director, digital media & strategy Aaron Hersh

director, web development

Scott Kirkowskidirector, seo/analytics Johnny Yeip

director, creative services Matthew McAlexander

system administrator Bruno Breve

web developers Joseph Hernandez, Miguel A. Estradaweb director James A. Longhini associate creative director Thomas Phanjunior web designers Sean Marshall, Eddie Villanuevavideo producer Steve Godwin

d i g i T A l S E R v i C E S

svp, sales Doug Kaplan • 312-441-1551, [email protected] vp media sales Jason Johnson • 858-768-6824, [email protected], media sales Ian Sinclair • 860-673-6830, [email protected], media sales Todd Wienke • 414-517-7457, [email protected] director endemic sales Justin Sands • 858-768-6747, [email protected], media sales Gordon Selkirk • 858-768-6767, [email protected], media sales Jeff McDowell • 858-768-6794, [email protected], media sales Jenn Schuette • 858-228-3761, [email protected], media sales Kelly Trimble • 858-768-6749, [email protected]

A d v E R T i S i n g

finance director Gretchen AltFinAnCE

president Josh Furlowchief administrative officer and

chief financial officer Wendy Godoy

chief marketing officer

Keith S. Kendricksenior vice president, events

Tracy Sundlunsenior vice president John Smith

senior vice president Molly Quinn

9477 Waples Street, Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92121 • 858-450-6510 For distribution inquiries: 858-768-6493Digital Issue support: [email protected] 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.

a publication of

official magazine

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

PARTnERShiP dEvEloPmEnT And ACCounT mAnAgEmEnT

digital ad operations

Carson McGrath

CM0316_F_DOTCOM/MAST.indd 8 2/11/16 6:27 PM

Untitled-3 1 2/11/16 12:25 PM

Valerie BrugosValerie 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.

adam elderA 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.

lisa JhungLisa 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.

James CarneyJames 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.

mario FraioliMario, 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.

amanda mCCraCkenAmanda, 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.

adam ChaseAdam 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 ultrarun-ning kits he reviewed for this Gear Guide.

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

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

mark doolittleMark, 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.

meghan hiCksMeghan 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.

niCk naCCaNick, 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 PattilloAllison 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.

ryan WoodRyan 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.

sCott draPerScott, 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 photo-graphs are in this month’s Captured.

marisa ditimusMarisa 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.

emily PolaChekTesting out the latest women’s tops, bottoms and bras for this year’s Gear Guide motivated Emily, Competitor’s asso-ciate 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.

sam WineBaumA 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.

1 0

C O N T R I B U T O R S

CM0316_CONTRIBS.indd 10 2/12/16 10:27 AM

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. For Runners.

FORERUNNER® 230 | 235 | 630

© 2015 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries

1When paired with compatible phone; see Garmin.com/ble

Untitled-3 1 2/11/16 12:12 PM

1 2

E D I T O R ’ S N O T E

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 avail-able. Why? Because thanks to innovations, new materials and modern design ethos, run-ning 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 run-ning 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!

BRIAN MetzleR

Editor-In-Chief

“Happiness is a new pair of running shoes.”

B r i a n M e t z l e rCompetitor’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 Cham-

onix, France, in a pair of

brand-new Hoka One One

Speedgoat trail shoes.

Gear lust

CM0316_FOB_EDNOTE.indd 12 2/12/16 10:21 AM

Job # SAUC_14_1000_Competitor_EWK_Mar SAUC-14-2001_Competitor_EWK_Mar.indd 2-3-2016 9:58 AM

ClientBleedTrimLivePrinted AtColors Spec’dBy

SAUC8.5” x 11”8” x 10.5”7” x 9.5”None4/4Thom Donahue

Job info

None

Special Instructions

Sauc_14_1000_Competitor_EWK_Mar

Job Description

Brand DirectorCreative DirectorStudio ArtistProduction Contact

JCLDtdPC

Creative Team

FontsMinion Pro (Regular), Interstate (Bold, Regular), Headline One (HPLHS)ImagesSaucony_StyleFrame_10single PG.jpg (RGB; 413 ppi; 72.53%), Kinvara6_Shoe FLAT SHADOW.psd (RGB; 950 ppi, -364 ppi; 25.25%, -65.99%), Kinvara7_Womens_US_on_toe.psd (RGB; 856 ppi; 35.02%), 3d Balls Cit-ron_Flat.psd (RGB; 452 ppi, 718 ppi, 1341 ppi, 280 ppi; 66.29%, 41.74%, 22.37%, 106.97%), print_holding_05.psd (RGB; 1484 ppi, -1485 ppi; 20.21%, -20.21%)

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black White

Fonts and Images Colors in Use

FIND YOUR STRONG

Check out the Kinvara 7 with EVERUN.

C O N T I N U O U S C U S H I O N I N G

saucony.com/EVERUN

YO U SH OULD GET YOUR FEET ON th IS STuFF.

C O N T I N U O U S C U S H I O N I N G

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

YO U SH OULD GET YOUR FEET ON th IS STuFF.

Untitled-3 1 2/11/16 12:12 PM

fashionably fastRunning 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, sweat- wicking 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.

outfit designed By emily Polachek

1 4

o u t f i t s

ph

oto

: n

ick

na

cc

a

CM0316_KITS(4).indd 14 2/11/16 6:52 PM

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

© 2

016

Sta

rwo

od

Ho

tels

& R

eso

rts

Wo

rld

wid

e, I

nc.

All

Rig

hts

Res

erv

ed

. Wes

tin

an

d it

s lo

go

are

th

e t

rad

em

arks

of

Sta

rwo

od

Ho

tels

& R

eso

rts

Wo

rld

wid

e, I

nc.

, or

its

affi

liate

s.

S AV E Y O U R A D R E N A L I N E F O R T H E R A C E

VIP MARATHON PACKAGE

Untitled-3 1 2/11/16 12:13 PM

street credWith 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 com-fortable, like the Inmotion ($85). Stance’s Fusion Run Crew Sock ($18) is beloved by nearly everyone for its cool designs and gen-uinely excellent performance. Nike’s Free RN Distance ($120) is a legit, high-mileage (more cushioned) version of the swoosh’s über- popular Free line: It’s lightweight, super- flexible and features a Lunarlon midsole.

outfit designed By AdAm elder

1 6

o u t f i t s

Ph

oto

: N

Ick

NA

cc

A

CM0316_KITS(4).indd 16 2/11/16 6:52 PM

CLIENTCREATIVE

DATEROUND

Hoka One OneTick Tock02.10.161

BLEEDTRIMLIVE

GUTTER

8.5 x 118 x 10.57 x 9.5N/A

ATHLETESHOE

INSERTIONDATE

Men’sVanquish 2CompetitorMarch 2016

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.

Time to run doubt into the ground.

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

I t ’s t ime for the VANQUISH 2 – our l ightest , max-cushioned shoe yet.

hokaoneone.com

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.

Time to run doubt into the ground.

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

I t ’s t ime for the VANQUISH 2 – our l ightest , max-cushioned shoe yet.

hokaoneone.com

Untitled-1 1 2/12/16 9:46 AM

dirt divaYou 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, light-weight 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 Bet-ter 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.

outfit designed By AdAm ChAse

1 8

o u t f i t s

ph

oto

: N

ick

Na

cc

a

CM0316_KITS(4).indd 18 2/11/16 6:53 PM

GEICO has been serving up great car insurance andfantastic 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 offi ce

Saving PeopleMoney Since 1936

GEICO has been serving up great car insurance and

... that’s before themodern treadmill.

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

Untitled-3 1 2/11/16 12:14 PM

Ultra light, Ultra toUghUltrarunning 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.

outfit designed By AdAm ChAse

2 0

o u t f i t s

ph

oto

: N

iCk

Na

CC

a

CM0316_KITS(4).indd 20 2/11/16 6:54 PM

AUGUST 7, 2016

RocknRollDublin.com

COOL DAYS AND HAPPENING NIGHTS | FRIENDLY IRISH HOSPITALITY | TOUR IRELAND & EUROPE

EXPERIENCE FAN FAVORITES - GUINESS FACTORY, TRINITY COLLEGE, RIVER LIFFEY | LIVELY ENTERTAINMENT & FINISH FESTIVAL

HALF MARATHON | 10K | FAMILY FUN RUNPLAN YOUR IRISH SUMMER RUNNING HOLIDAY!

#RNRDublin

Untitled-3 1 2/11/16 12:14 PM

ROAD WARRIORSBY BRIAN METZLER

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 fl exible, more stable, faster and ultimately better-fi tting 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 fl oat over it. Among the many highlights are new, more resilient midsole foams and fl exible, 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.

PH

OTO

: S

CO

TT

DR

AP

ER

2 2

S H O E S

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

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

Click here for more shoe

reviews.

CM0316_SHOES_ROAD.indd 22 2/17/16 2:04 PM

http://running.competitor.com/2016/02/shoes-and-gear/u-s-olympic-trials-marathon-shoe-count_145359

http://running.competitor.com/2014/07/injury-prevention/the-top-5-most-troublesome-running-injuries_11316

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 Shoe weights listed in this review are based on men’s size 9.0 and women’s size 7.0.

2 3

S H O E S

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 fl exible and offers a nice mix of soft landings and energetic toe-offs, especially at moderate to fast paces. Not only is it consider-ably 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 propriocep-tion and agility are understandably less in this shoe, but that becomes irrelevant once you fi nd 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)

CM0316_SHOES_ROAD.indd 23 2/17/16 11:48 AM

http://running.competitor.com/2013/04/shoes-and-gear/sole-man-hoka-is-in-for-the-long-haul_68788

MAXIMALLY CUSHIONED MODELS

2 4

S H O E S

Click here to read

more about maximalism.

Click here for a behind

the scenes photo tour of Nike’s HQ.

Adidas Ultra Boost ST$180, Adidas.com

Highlight: The most resilient midsole foam anywhere

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 rear-foot upon impact. The multi-density knit upper is soft and fl exible 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 effi cient and effortless it felt,” said one wear-tester.


Nike LunarTempo 2$100, Nike.com

Highlight: A amazing fast and light shoe

Fit-Feel-Ride: Much like the fi rst edition, this fl yweight 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 suffi ciently 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 fl ex 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, neu-tral runners. Believe it or not, this shoe dropped $10 in price from the fi rst version.


New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v6$150, Newbalance.com

Highlight: Soft, stable and supremely smooth

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 fl ow, 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 fl ex grooves in the midsole and outsole that help increase fl exibility and lend a smoother heel-toe transition. This edition also has a new engineered mesh upper that offers both greater fl exibility and comfort, while an interior bootie fi t system helps keep the foot in place. Our wear-tes-ters loved the comfortable interior and stable ride of this high-mileage workhorse, noting its slightly wider footprint and locked-down fi t.



http://running.competitor.com/2015/03/shoes-and-gear/will-the-maximalist-shoe-trend-endure_125364

http://running.competitor.com/2015/02/photos/behind-scenes-glimpse-inside-nikes-world-headquarters_122019

MINIMALLY CUSHIONED MODELS

2 5

S H O E S

Click here to read what we learned

from the minimalism revolution.

Under Armour SpeedForm Slingshot$140, Underarmour.com

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

Fit-Feel-Ride: Lightweight and low to the ground, this shoe fi ts 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 fl exes, releasing a burst of responsive energy as the foot lunges forward at toe-off. The combination of lightweight design, fl exibility and the perfect amount of cushioning for the road really energizes your stride. It provides enough cushioning to protect from the urban environ-ment yet not so much that you’ll feel like you’re leeching energy into the cushioning.


Topo Tribute$100, Topoathletic.com

Highlight: Everything you need, nothing you don’t

Fit-Feel-Ride: This small, upstart brand develops shoes based on three principles aimed at creating a more natural-feeling ride: a lightweight con-struction, a roomy toe box and a low heel-to-toe offset (or a fl at profi le). Specifi cally 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 reduc-ing the feel for it, plus an amazingly light and lithe upper. Needless to say, it’s amazingly fl exible and quite energetic. The wide toebox is uncanny, but it defi nitely 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.


Brooks Neuro$130, Brooksrunning.com

Highlight: Ridiculously fl exible, amazingly agile

Fit-Feel-Ride: Cushioning, energy return and ground feel come together in the one crazy-fl exi-ble 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 fi rmer, 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 fl exible than any shoe we’ve tested.



http://running.competitor.com/2013/08/shoes-and-gear/sole-man-10-things-about-the-minimalist-trend_81962

MID-RANGE NEUTRAL MODELS

2 6

S H O E S

Click here to read about the

different parts of a running shoe.

Newton Gravity V $175, Newtonrunning.com

Highlight: Key updates for an enduring fl agship shoe

Fit-Feel-Ride: Although there were some minor changes to this featherweight neutral trainer, the reliable Newtonian ride is similarly light, effi cient and energetic as the previous version—only better. The fi fth edition of the Gravity has a revamped upper made from an improved engi-neered mesh aimed at reducing friction and hot spots while still allowing for maximum breathabil-ity and durability. A new anatomically formed insole creates a more sculpted fi t 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 fi nd this to be a smartly refi ned trainer.


Zoot Solana 2$100, Zootsports.com

Highlight: More stable, more breathable, but same ride

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 fl exible upper that helps create a snazzier fi t. It retains the luxurious blend of softness, snappy responsiveness and just enough inherent stability from the injection-mold-ed 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.


Saucony Kinvara 7$110, Saucony.com

Highlight: A shoe with a feverish following gets updated

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 fl ex and a few more patches of rubber for added durability. Despite the changes, this shoe retains the consistently soft, smooth and very fl exible ride it’s always had. It’s still super light, plenty soft and extremely versatile for strong-legged, effi cient 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.

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


http://running.competitor.com/2015/04/photos/10-running-shoe-terms-you-need-to-know_125915

MID-RANGE NEUTRAL MODELS

2 7

S H O E S

Click here to read about new tech-enhanced

shoes hitting stores soon.

New Balance Fresh Foam Zante 2$100, Newbalance.com

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

Fit-Feel-Ride: The original Zante turned heads (and won awards) last year for its connective feel-ing between foot and ground. This year’s version has been improved with a better fi t 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 fi rst. (The outsole also has more fl ex grooves to aid its fl exibility.) 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.


Brooks Pure Flow 5$110, Brooksrunning.com

Highlight: A lightweight, energetic, natural-riding cruiser

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 specifi c gait pattern, while the new seamless 3D-printed upper and wrap-around collar envelopes the foot for a near-custom fi t. (It has a narrow fi t and that makes it feel even more snug, but it’s worth noting that some of our wear-tes-ters preferred running in it sockless.) It’s more fl exible 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 fi t and feel.


On Running Cloudsurfer$150, On-running.com

Highlight: Exquisite engineering, design and performance

Fit-Feel-Ride: Upstart Swiss brand On Running has been evolving its innovative and meticu-lously designed “cloud” cushioning system for several years to great acclaim. The underfoot nodules of the Cloudsurfer are tuned for neutral performance and the semi-fi rm 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 fl uid fl exibility from touchdown to toe-off. The shock absorption of the Cloudsurfer is outstanding so you won’t hesitate to use the shoe on long out-ings 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.



http://running.competitor.com/2015/08/video/first-look-altra-iq-the-high-tech-shoe_133068

MID-RANGE STABILITY MODELS

2 8

S H O E S

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

Mizuno Wave Catalyst $110, Mizuno.com

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

Fit-Feel-Ride: Sometimes a shoe falls between two traditional categories, and this one is defi -nitely 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.


Brooks Ravenna 7 $120, Brooksrunning.com

Highlight: Smartly updated version of a reliable classic

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 signifi cant changes to the chassis (a less rigid medial post and new outsole rubber confi gurations). Our wear-testers found that it runs smoother and more comfortably with an easier fl ex pattern and slightly more lively forefoot—both factors that make it a more well-rounded and versatile trainer.


ASICS GEL-Kayano 22$160, Asics.com

Highlight: 22 years in the making and better than ever

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 fi t 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.



http://running.competitor.com/2014/03/injury-prevention/footstrike-101-how-should-your-foot-hit-the-ground_63548

MID-RANGE STABILITY MODELS

2 9

S H O E S

Click here to read about how Meb

Kefl ezighi became a Skechers athlete.

Altra Provision 2.5$125, Altrarunning.com

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

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 fl ex 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 fl ex pattern and feels a bit fi rm 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.


Saucony Hurricane ISO 2$160, Saucony.com

Highlight: Luxuriously appointed, reliably stable and very resilient

Fit-Feel-Ride: A year after unveiling a dynamic new upper and fi t system, Saucony has revolution-ized the Hurricane stability shoe again with an in-novative new foam called Everun—a patent-pend-ing 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-damp-ening 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.


Skechers GoRun Forza$120, Goskechers.com

Highlight: Skechers’ fi rst high-mileage stability trainer

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. Regard-less 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.



http://running.competitor.com/2014/04/shoes-and-gear/sole-man-meb-skechers-huge-success-story_101271

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

RNR_Series_16_Competitor_spread_APR.pdf 1 2/5/16 8:42 AM


C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

RNR_Series_16_Competitor_spread_APR.pdf 1 2/5/16 8:42 AM


OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE KICKSBY LISA JHUNG

Trail running shoes are as diff erent 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 low-key situations. Other shoes have light, airy personalities and are noticeably fl exible, 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 fi nd 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.


Click here for tips about buying trail running shoes.

Click here for more trail shoe reviews.

3 2

S H O E S

PH

OTO

: T

YLE

R R

OE

ME

R

CM0316_SHOES_TRAIL.indd 32 2/17/16 2:10 PM

http://running.competitor.com/2015/03/shoes-and-gear/4-tips-for-buying-trail-running-shoes_125591


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 Shoe weights listed in this review are based on men’s size 9.0 and women’s size 7.0.

3 3

S H O E S

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 fi end make it the best all-around version yet. It still offers a sup-portive 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 confi guration and more sensi-bly placed overlays offer a better fi t 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.


CM0316_SHOES_TRAIL.indd 33 2/12/16 11:44 AM

MINIMAL MODELS

3 4

S H O E S

La Sportiva Helios 2.0$125, Sportiva.com

Highlight: Lightweight with ample protection

Fit-Feel-Ride: With the second edition of this shoe, the crew at La Sportiva took a pretty good shoe and made it infi nitely 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 fl exible 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 fi ts about a half-size small.)


ASICS GEL-FujiLyte$110, Asicsamerica.com

Highlight: A speed bandit for the trails

Fit-Feel-Ride: From the low-profi le, neutral plat-form to the thin, airy upper and lack of cushioning in the tongue as well as the narrow fi t, the GEL-FujiLyte feels like a short-distance trail racing fl at. It runs like one, too, inspiring speed and, accord-ing to one tester, allowing “great trail feel without the trail ever hurting,” the protection coming from a thin and fl exible 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 fi t encourages fast running, but it might be too snug for some. (This shoe fi ts about a half-size small.)

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

Merrell All-Out Crush$100, Merrell.com

Highlight: Super-fl exible, lightweight, low-profi le

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 profi le 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 fl exibility in the forefoot and minimal feel overall is speed-inspiring, as is the grippy traction un-derfoot. 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.



MID-RANGE MODELS

3 5

S H O E S

New Balance Leadville v3$125, Newbalance.com

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)

Montrail Caldorado$120, Montrail.com

Highlight: Moderately rigid, very supportive

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 fi rm, noticeably supportive shoe that can handle burly mountain terrain, it feels lightweight and comfortable, and fl exes 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 fi ght 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 seam-less feel of the interior.

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

The North Face Ultra Endurance$125, Thenorthface.com

Highlight: A mid-weight shoe with amazing traction

Fit-Feel-Ride: We love the runability and stealth durability of this shoe. It has a fairly low profi le 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 fi t 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.



MID-RANGE MODELS

3 6

S H O E S

Scarpa Neutron$129, Scarpa.com

Highlight: Cushion, protection and trail “feel”

Fit-Feel-Ride: This shoe seems a bit fi rm and stiff out of the box, but testers were pleasantly surprised by the responsive cushioning under-foot and smooth ride. The Vibram outsole and widely spaced lugs do a great job at grabbing everything from dirt trails to slick rocks. The trac-tion, along with the protective upper wrapping feet securely, inspired confi dence 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.

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

Saucony Peregrine 6$120, Saucony.com

Highlight: Aggressive, hard-charging and comfy

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 fl exes easily for smooth running. The upper is reinforced with heat-molded overlays for a minimalist-yet-supportive feeling. We appreci-ated 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: 9.4 oz. (men’s), 8.5 oz. (women’s) Heel-to-Toe Offset: 4mm; 21.5mm (heel), 17.5mm (forefoot)

Salomon Wings Pro 2$140, Salomon.com

Highlight: A supportive yet fl exible all-terrain fi end

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 fi t 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.



MAXIMAL MODELS

3 7

S H O E S

Altra Olympus 2.0$149, Altrarunning.com

Highlight: Thickly cushioned ultra-distance comfort

Fit-Feel-Ride: Although the fi rst 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 fl at) platform and a wide, foot-shaped toe box that leaves room for splaying during a stride.

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

Skechers GoTrail Ultra 3$120, Goskechers.com

Highlight: Mega-soft cushioning, superior traction

Fit-Feel-Ride: Like its maximalist contemporar-ies 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.


Hoka One One Challenger ATR 2$130, Hokaoneone.com

Highlight: A forgiving—but not too squishy—ride

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 pro-nounced; this shoe runs fairly smooth on pave-ment. The Challenger ATR is a more fi rm-feeling Hoka than many in the line, and has a lower-to-the-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 mon-ster 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 fi rst edition of this shoe was our top pick last year and this updated version was one of our favorites this year.



TIME IT, TRACK IT

BY SAM WINEBAUM

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.

adidas miCoach Fit Smart $150, Micoach.adidas.com

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

We liked its very accurate indoor distance accu-racy 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 heart-rate-focused run training, strength and fl exibility programs.

TomTom Spark Cardio+Music $250, Tomtom.com

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

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 notifi cations. 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.

Polar M400 $180; $230 with HR strap, Polar.com

Highlight: Stylish hardware, readable screens, fl awless synching, easy confi guration and a comprehensible platform

An outstanding watch with 24/7 activity sleep tracking, Strava integration and phone notifi ca-tions. 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, stop-watch and some of the recovery test features.


Click here to read about more wearable

tech products for 2016.

Click here to read about wearable tech trends in 2016.

3 8

W E A R A B L E T E C H

CM0316_TECH.indd 38 2/17/16 12:01 PM

http://running.competitor.com/2016/01/photos/the-best-running-tech-gear-of-2016_143049

http://running.competitor.com/2016/01/shoes-and-gear/runnings-techno-boom-is-here-to-stay_143036

Garmin Vivosmart HR $150, Garmin.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 notifi cations 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-well-advertised but simple “rebroadcasting” mode.

Stryd Powermeter $199, Stryd.com

Highlight: The fi rst-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.

FitBit Blaze $199 and up, Fitbit.com

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

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 notifi cations 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.

Recon Jet $499, Reconinstruments.com

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

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 notifi cations can discreetly fl ash by.

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

3 9

W E A R A B L E T E C H

CM0316_TECH.indd 39 2/17/16 12:03 PM

http://running.competitor.com/2016/01/video/video-what-caught-our-eye-at-the-ces-trade-show_142982

THIRST QUENCHERSBY MEGHAN 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.

Nike Trail Kiger Vest$185, Nike.com

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

Nike’s fi rst attempt at a hydration vest contains pock-ets 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 fi t—the pack rides smooth when fully loaded and running down-hill—and pockets are useful to carry multiple items.

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-suffi cient efforts in remote environ-ments. This third version is a big step up over previous editions. Changes include an overall bigger footprint on the body that improves fi t when fully loaded; trekking-pole stow straps and seven pockets in front; and a separate hydration reservoir pocket on the back.

UltrAspire Velocity $129, Ultraspire.com

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

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 fl exible 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 fi t smaller-framed runners.

Nike Trail Kiger VestUltrAspire Velocity $129, Ultraspire.com


Click here to read a story about sports

drinks vs. water.

4 0

H Y D R A T I O N

CM0316_HYDRATION.indd 40 2/17/16 12:05 PM

http://running.competitor.com/2014/06/nutrition/hydration-101-sports-drinks-vs-water_52293

UltrAspire C2 Cup$8, Ultraspire.com

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

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 every-thing else in comparison is child’s play.

Nathan QuickShot Plus$20, Nathansports.com

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

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 grip-less carrying and a zip compartment that can host four gels—this is Nathan’s nod to speed, effi ciency and minimalism.

Osprey Rev Solo Hydration Belt$40, Ospreypacks.com

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

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.

Ultimate Direction Groove Mono Belt$35, Ultimatedirection.com

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

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.

FuelBelt Wedge $12, Fuelbelt.com

Highlight: Hassle-free, hands-free running with 7 fl uid ounces

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 push-pull, silicone nozzle comfortably opens and closes with teeth or hands.

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

4 1

H Y D R A T I O N

CM0316_HYDRATION.indd 41 2/17/16 12:05 PM

http://running.competitor.com/2014/05/nutrition/the-truth-about-dehydration-and-performance_76027

The North Face Flight Series Vent Jacket$160, Thenorthface.com

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 fi t, 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.

Patagonia Houdini Jacket$99, Patagonia.com

Highlight: A classic jacket, redefi ned

The latest iteration of the Houdini achieves that elusive alchemy between protection, packability and breathabil-ity. 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 fi t make this 4-ounce jacket (which conveniently fi ts in Patagonia’s Strider Pro Shorts) a long-run essential.

Adidas Kanoi Wind Jacket$90, Adidas.com

Highlight: Budget-friendly, waterproof urban style

Adidas made a well-priced, hood-ed jacket with real style in the Kanoi. The Climaproof material is lightweight, water-resistant and windproof. Simple but smart details include a large perforated refl ective 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.

Salomon S-Lab Light Jacket$150, Salomon.com

Highlight: Your “barely there” race-day companion

Salomon’s athletes drive the design of its S-Lab products to be race effi cient. 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.

Newline Imotion Cross Jacket$100, Newlinesport.com

Highlight: Lightweight, waterproof and extremely packable

For cool, windy-morning runs, the wispy, performance-mind-ed 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.

WEATHER SHIELDSBY MATT HART

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.


4 2

M E N ’ S A P P A R E L

CM0316_M_JACKET+TOPS.indd 42 2/11/16 7:00 PM

SPEED AND STYLEBY ADAM ELDER

Let’s call it offi cial: 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 fi rmly designed with style in mind.

The North Face Flight Series Sleeveless$70, Thenorthface.com

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

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, perfor-mance-oriented cut, with a very thin but not fl imsy knit that’s great for the summer—or just the feeling of an endless summer.

Brooks Steady Long Sleeve$60, Brooksrunning.com

Highlight: A superb minimal long-sleeve shirt

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 profi le 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.

Nike Dri-FIT Aeroreact $90, Nike.com

Highlight: A near-perfect running-specifi c T-shirt

Among all the running T-shirts out there, this might be on e of the best. Flat seams, a raglan-like shoul-der design, a non-restrictive cut and refl ective details check off all the boxes. Nike claims its Aeroreact fi bers expand when hot to help keep you cool—in any case, it’s comfy in all conditions. Also available in long-sleeve and half-zip.

ICNY Marathon L/S Shirt$70, Icnysport.com

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

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 refl ective brightness for the night-time—all of which means it’s great for before, during and after your run.

Saucony Hydralite Singlet$28, Saucony.com

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

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 fi nd 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.

Click here to see a funny video about a

guy running in the rain.

4 3


CM0316_M_JACKET+TOPS.indd 43 2/17/16 2:13 PM

http://running.competitor.com/2015/12/news/too-wet-to-wear-a-shirt-runner-in-rain-soaked-chicago-goes-viral_141906

FANCY PANTSBY ADAM 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-specifi c cuts with crossover style that looks fresh on the run and during post-run beers.

The North Face Flight Series Vent Short$90, Thenorthface.com

Highlight: Lightweight and ready for the long haul

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 3.5-inch inseam, these shorts mean serious business.

Patagonia StriderPro Short 7”$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 fi nish, these shorts can handle long hours and plenty of miles out on the trails.

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.

Nike Aeroswift 2” Split Short$80, Nike.com

Highlight: The perfect racing short

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 fl at. The waistband is ultra-thin, with a fl at 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.

BLK RBN Essentials Trouser$200, Blkrbn.com

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 sports-wear. 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’.

Tracksmith Magnolia Short$80, Tracksmith.com

Highlight: Deceptively casual-looking shorts that can handle the long run

Tracksmith constantly seems to further defi ne 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 fl exes 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.


4 4


CM0316_M_BOTTOMS.indd 44 2/11/16 6:56 PM

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

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.

WORK

SITTING orSTANDING

Untitled-3 1 2/11/16 12:15 PM

STYLISH PROTECTIONBY ALLISON PATTILLO

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

Altra Packable Half Zip $130, Altrarunning.com

Highlight: Details for days

Minimally designed yet packed with runner-friendly elements, this slim-fi tting pullover—it fi ts almost like a shirt—is wind- and water-resistant for fi ckle spring weather. Welded seams with four-way stretch fabric for movement, full mesh underarms, a phone-size pocket, 360 degrees of refl ec-tivity, laser-cut back vents and thumbholes solidify this piece as a detail lover’s dream.

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 refl ectivity and a drop tail take on-the-go comfort to the next level.

Mountain Hardwear Mistrala Jacket$115, Mountainhardwear.com

Highlight: Feminine functionality

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 fl attering without being too girly.

Arc’Teryx Norvan SL Hoody$299, Arcteryx.com

Highlight: Lightweight, breathable and waterproof

Breathable, waterproof tech-nology 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.

Brooks Run-Thru Jacket $98, Brooksrunning.com

Highlight: Not your mom’s track jacket

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.


Click here to read how to cope with the weather on the run.4 6

W O M E N ’ S A P P A R E L

CM0316_W_JACKETS.indd 46 2/17/16 2:15 PM

http://running.competitor.com/2015/11/training/coach-culpepper-dont-fight-the-weather-deal-with-it_140250

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.

COLORFUL AND COOLBY EMILY POLACHEK

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.

Lululemon Swiftly Tech Short Sleeve Scoop$58, Lululemon.com

Highlight: Immune to sweat

This formfi tting 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 mul-tiple 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.

Oiselle Mie Tank $44, Oiselle.com

Highlight: A basic tank with a modern twist

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 fash-ionable 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.

The North Face Initiative Tank$50, Thenorthface.com

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.

Saucony Daybreak Long Sleeve$55, Saucony.com

Highlight: Cotton-like comfort for high performance

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

CALIA Seamless Tank $35, Caliastudio.com

Highlight: Stylish, stretchable coverage

Although this tank opts for a tighter, hug-the-body kind of fi t, its side ruching adds a fl attering feminine detail that functions as a stretching mechanism for lengthier coverage. The ruching helps keep the fabric from riding up without re-stricting body movement, and provides a nice slim-ming effect that doesn’t appear suffocating.

Click here to read about how Kara Goucher will try to make the 2016

Olympic team this summer. 4 7


CM0316_W_JACKETS.indd 47 2/17/16 2:16 PM

http://running.competitor.com/2016/02/news/kara-goucher_145266

adidas Adistar Three-Quarter Tights$90, Adidas.com

Highlight: Adjustable high-waisted comfort

These tights avoid mid-run slips due to a higher waistline com-bined with an internal drawstring for addi-tional 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.

Saucony Bullet Tight Short$50, Saucony.com

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.

Oiselle KC Knickers $68, Oiselle.com

Highlight: A wide waistband that stays put

Oiselle has designed another fl attering, 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 fi t house keys and an iPhone 6 .

Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts$65, Patagonia.com

Highlight: Sturdy yet fl exible fabric that moves with you

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) fi nish to avoid soggy bottoms—plus, an additional mesh, mois-ture-wicking liner.

Reebok One Series Icon Tight$65, Reebok.com

Highlight: Functional tights with pizazz

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.

Brooks Chaser 3” Shorts$48, Brooksrunning.com

Highlight: Lightweight shorts with a “barely there” feel

The Chaser 3” may feel short, but the hemmed side petal slits provide plenty of coverage while running (no fl ashing by-standers 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 fi t an iPhone.

BOLD BOTTOMSBY EMILY POLACHEK

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

4 8



CM0316_W_BOTTOMS.indd 48 2/11/16 6:58 PM

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

BeAlways

runner’s

run longer,injury prevention,no excuses,

The

brace system

#1 Selling Bracefor Plantar Fasciitis

®

Powered by:

#1 Selling Bracefor Plantar Fasciitis

Quadwith ITB brace

Knee

Patella

Calf

OS1st® has revolutionized light bracing with added flexibility, support and staying power that can be worn during any activity or sport. These patented performance sleeves offer medical grade, zoned compression bracing, designed to fit your body. Soft, moisture-wicking fabric keeps your joints cool in the heat and warm in the cold for year-round support and performance. OS1st® is powered by Compression Zone Technology® only found in the OS1st® Brace Layer System™.

get better,

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

INGSource_Ad_11-13-15.pdf 1 11/13/15 12:10 PM

Untitled-2 1 2/12/16 2:42 PM

A TO B BRASA proper-fi tting sports bra is the most essential item in a woman’s arsenal of running gear. The diff erence between an OK bra and a truly supportive one isn’t just comfort, it’s protection from high-impact and painful jostling. These bras specifi cally 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.

adidas Supernova Bra$40, Adidas.com

Highlight: High-impact support with a fl attering 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 fl exible cross-back straps to lift additional weight off the chest. The padding also prevents spillage over the front of the more stylish scooped neck.

Tracksmith Run Bra$55, Tracksmith.com

Highlight: A classic racerback meets effortless practicality

Tracksmith’s fi rst 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 main-tains 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.

A proper-fi tting sports bra is the most essential item in a woman’s arsenal of running gear. The diff erence between an OK bra and a truly supportive one isn’t just comfort, it’s protection from high-impact and painful jostling. These bras specifi cally 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.

Zensah Super Band Bra $40, Zensah.com

Highlight: Stretchable and seamless support

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 chafi ng and its stretchy, compres-sion-like material combined with front and back mesh details help with breathability. Thin racerback straps also put less pressure on the shoulders.


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

5 0


CM0316_W_BRAS.indd 50 2/17/16 2:20 PM

http://running.competitor.com/2014/07/training/5-exercises-to-do-before-every-run_108876

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 fi t. On top of that, it has an adjustable back hook-and-eye closure and concealed Velcro straps for an even more custom fi t 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.

Under Armour High Bra$55, Underarmour.com

Highlight: Snug, secure and super supportive

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.

CW-X VersatX Running Bra$55, Cw-x.com

Highlight: Comfortable compression

The VersatX features a fi ve-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.

Saucony Bounce Trouncer Bra $48, Saucony.com

Highlight: A natural fi t that minimizes bounce

As its name suggests, the Bounce Trouncer restricts uncomfortable jostling without suffocating the breasts. This is due to the light and fl exible 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.

C TO DD BRASSince 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.

5 1


CM0316_W_BRAS.indd 51 2/11/16 7:06 PM

Zensah Limitless Compression Arm WarmersPrice: $35, Zensah.com

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

Thumbholes and a full arm fi t 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.

RACE READYBY ALLISON PATTILLO

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 fl y to the fi nish line as

effi ciently and comfortably as possible.

Brooks Distance Headband$18, Brooksrunning.com

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

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.

Nathan The Hipster$25, Nathansports.com

Highlight: Sleek storage for race-day 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 fi t. It will even stay put for your fi nish-line sprint.

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 fl attering drape, dropped side panels help prevent it from riding up and an empire line at the bust continues the look-good, feel-good aesthetic.

SKINS DNAmic Men’s Long Tights $110, Skins.net

Highlight: Keep legs energized on cold days

Stop race day chafi ng 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 fi t and a soft microfi ber waistband that stays in place without digging.

SKINS DNAmic Men’s

5 2

A C C E S S O R I E S


CM0316_RACINGACCESSORIES.indd 52 2/12/16 11:17 AM

Available in bookstores; bike, tri, and running shops; and online. Try free recipes at www.racingweightcookbook.com.

IN RACING WEIGHT COOKBOOK, you’ll enjoy 100 flavorful breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and smoothies that fol-low the proven Racing Weight weight-management program for athletes. Get lean and get faster with the new Racing Weight Cookbook.

7 3/8" × 9", 240 pp., $24.95, 9781937715151 | 6" × 9", 288 pp., $18.95, 9781934030998

RACING WEIGHT

low the proven Racing Weight weight-management program for athletes. Get lean and get

Racing

LEANER, LIGHTER

FASTER

RWC_RW2_Competitor_QV.indd 1 12/11/13 8:52 AM

FREE SHIRT | For details visit customink.com/competitor

Custom t-shirts bring people together —and transform any group or occasion.

Create Amazing T-shirts!

The best socks you will ever wear. Guaranteed.MANAGED COMPRESSIONTM • MOISTURE WICKING • BLISTER FREE • ANTI-ODOR

Find a store near you: swiftwick.com/sw/dealer-locator

MADE IN

USA

Any shoe. One sock.Any shoe. One sock.

ad pages new.indd 73 2/11/16 12:17 PM

Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta $135, Ultimatedirection.com

Highlight: Long-haul carrying comfort with a women’s-specifi c design

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

DIRTY GEARBY ALLISON PATTILLO

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 specifi cally suited to dirt-centric adventures.

Leki Trail Stick $199, Usa.leki.com

Highlight: Sturdy yet lightweight and collapsible

Sometimes you need running poles, some-times 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 effi cient poling. Although these are not adjustable, they’re sold in fi xed lengths from 105 to 130cm.

Hydrapak Speed Cup $10, Hydrapak.com

Highlight: A lightweight, stowable cup for travel

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$70, Salomon.com

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

With a 9-inch inseam and comfortable fi t, these durable shorts are geared for perfor-mance 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.

Under Armour CoolSwitch Trail SS Tee $40, Underarmour.com

Highlight: Smart road running details in a trail T

Built with UPF 50 cooling fabric and durable, fl atlock seams, this T-shirt is constructed with full mesh side panels for maximum cooling and evaporation in hot con-ditions. If you’re running with a hydration pack, UA has thought of that too. Offset shoulder seams help to prevent chafi ng for long-running comfort no matter where the trail takes you.

Gore X-Running Windstopper Shoe Gaiter $60, Goreapparel.com

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

Getting stones in your shoes and collecting ankle scrapes while going through a scree fi eld 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!


5 4


CM0316_TRAIL.indd 54 2/12/16 11:18 AM

Get �eSTRONG, SEXY CORE

IT’S TIME TO STOP THE CRUNCHES, protein shakes, and boring cardio. Acclaimed personal trainer and exercise physiologist Allison Westfahl reveals a better way to tone and sculpt to get the strong, sexy core you want. Her Core Envy program shares a balanced approach—high-intensity cardio, functional sculpting routines, and a diet makeover—to show you real results in about three weeks.

STRONG, SEXY COREyou want!

TRY THE FIRST WEEK FREE AT COREENVYBOOK.COM. AVAILABLE IN YOUR LOCAL TARGET STORE AND ALSO IN BOOKSTORES AND ONLINE.

TWISTING SIDE PLANK SERIES

LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

1internal and

external obliques

LEVEL 3

COREFOCUS


LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

1internal and

external obliques

LEVEL 3

COREFOCUS


LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

1internal and

external obliques

LEVEL 3

COREFOCUS

HIP BRIDGES

LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

7gluteals,

hamstrings

LEVEL 3

COREFOCUS

HIP BRIDGES

LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

7gluteals,

hamstrings

LEVEL 3

COREFOCUS

HIP BRIDGES

LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

7gluteals,

hamstrings

LEVEL 3

COREFOCUS

HIP BRIDGES

LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

7gluteals,

hamstrings

LEVEL 3

COREFOCUS


LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

1internal and

external obliques

LEVEL 3

COREFOCUS


LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

1internal and

external obliques

LEVEL 3

COREFOCUS

Untitled-3 1 2/11/16 12:18 PM

ICNY Zig Zag Half Calf Sock $25, Icnysport.com

Highlight: Refl ective pops at the ankles make you easier to see

Refl ective dots around the ankle deliver a bright visibility “fl ash” when illuminated by headlights that help drivers and cyclists identify you even faster. Made of mois-ture-wicking Coolmax yarn, the socks have zon-al underfoot cushioning and an effective no-slip heel design.

LIGHT UP THE NIGHTBY ALLISON PATTILLO

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 diff erence. The latest eye-catching off erings

are all designed with your safety in mind.

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 stay-put headband that’s comfortable with or without a hat.

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 fl uorescent colors, refl ective straps and multi-colored, waterproof LED lights. Runner-specifi c comforts include soft, breath-able fabric, taped edges and quick-adjust waist straps.

Brooks Greenlight Cuff$18, Brooksrunning.com

Highlight: A handy accessory with high-visibility benefi ts

Slip this stretchy cuff on your arm for an automatic visibility boost to any running kit. Fluorescent colors and a high-contrast refl ective 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!

Pearl Izumi Pursuit LS$65, Pearlizumi.com

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

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 refl ective accents meet cooling fabric, internal mitts and a band around the shirttail to keep it from riding up as you run.

Amphipod Refl ective-Burst 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 smart phone even smarter by popping it in this refl ective armband for additional nighttime awareness. The case is sized to carry larger phones, and includes a separate internal pocket, a secure fi t and touch control.

Click here for 7 night-running

safety tips.

5 6



CM0316_NIGHTGEAR.indd 56 2/17/16 2:22 PM

http://running.competitor.com/2013/10/training/seven-safety-tips-for-running-in-the-dark_40694

Chef Biju Thomas and Dr. Allen Lim have returned to the kitchen to champion the most social meal of the day. In their new cookbook Feed Zone Table, Biju and Allen o� er 100 all-new dinner recipes to bring friends and family to the table in a way that nourishes life and sport.

Science shows that it’s not just what we eat that matters; eating together makes sports better. Bring great food and people together with Feed Zone Table and you’ll feel the di� erence.

JOIN US FOR DINNER

A VA I L A B L E I N BOOKSTORES, ENDURANCE SPORTS STORES, & ONLINE

T RY R E C I P E S A T FEEDZONECOOKBOOK.COM

For a limited time, purchase Feed Zone Table from SkratchLabs.com and get a FREE BATCH OF COOKIE MIX!

Untitled-3 1 2/11/16 12:00 PM

Our free e-newsletter, The Run Down, delivers the latest on everything running straight to your inbox!

Less Searching, More Running.

Sign up at Competitor.com/newslettersÒ

Competitor_Newsletter-Ad.indd 43 9/15/14 11:11 AM

Competitor_Newsletter-Ad.indd 44 9/15/14 11:11 AM

lite lidsBy Mario Fraioli

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.

Brooks Run-thru Hat$28, Brooksrunning.com

Highlight: Snug fit with a slim brim

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-look-ing banded brim will keep the rain (and some sun) out of your eyes.

AsiCs Mad dash Cap$20, Asicsamerica.com

Highlight: Versatile fit and effective sun blocker

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$36, Runyon.co

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

With its five-panel design, this stylish cap provides full head coverage with-out 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.

Patagonia duckbill Visor$25, Patagonia.com

Highlight: Lightweight comfort for a day on the trails

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.

the North Face Better than Naked Hat$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.


6 0

a c c e s s o r i e s

CM0316_HATS_spread.indd 60 2/12/16 11:31 AM

quick knitsBy Mario Fraioli

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 thin-ner, 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.

2. swiftwick state Pride Vision Five$18, Swiftwick.com

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

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

4. smartwool PhD Run ultra Light Low-cut$16, Smartwool.com

Highlight: Moisture-wicking warmth for a variety of conditions

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 effec-tively in all conditions.

5. Balega Blister-Resist quarter$15, Balega.com

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.

3. 2Xu Elite compression sock$65, 2xu.com

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

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.

6 1


CM0316_HATS_spread.indd 61 2/12/16 11:30 AM

6 2


Opulent pairingsBy Lisa Jhung

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.

2. asiCs Cooling single tab$14, Asicsamerica.com

Highlight: A “barely there” feel with heel protection

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. Engi-neered 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.

4. Cep run ultralight short$23, Cepcompression.com

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.

3. Feetures elite Max Cushion$16, Feeturesrunning.com

Highlight: Feels great and performs

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.

5. Wrightsock endurance$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.

1. injinji spectrum series$14–$17, Injinji.com

Highlight: Toe socks with style

These socks that encapsulate each toe individually have been solving between-the-toe 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.

6. Farm to Feet greensborough Multisport low sock$16, Farmtofeet.com

Highlight: Naturally ready to charge

Made of temperature-reg-ulating 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 low-er micron merino wool than the previous version, which means they’re softer and more durable than before.


CM0316_W_SOCKS.indd 62 2/12/16 11:35 AM

Untitled-3 1 2/11/16 12:01 PM

Red Fox Evo4$130, Redfoxwireless.com

Highlight: A luxurious and durable earbud option

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 ex-cellent sound quality. The securely fi tted 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.

AfterShokz Treks Titanium$130, Aftershokz.com

Highlight: Better awareness of your surroundings

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.

Boombotix Boombot MINI$40, Boombotix.com

Highlight: A clip-on portable speaker

This impressive speaker is touted for its power-to-size ratio. Just under 5 ounces with a waistband clip, this is a great option for an on-the-go 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.

JBL Refl ect 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.

Amphipod Music + Belt$35, Amphipod.com

Highlight: Secure storage and phone access

The Amphipod Music + Belt acts as an unob-trusive 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 fi t to your waist and a lack of irritation even as the miles add up.

I Heart Radio AppFree

Highlight: Nonstop music

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

CRANK IT UPBY RYAN 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.


6 4


CM0316_MUSIC.indd 64 2/12/16 12:06 PM

THROW SOME SHADE

BY RYAN WOOD

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 fi nding the right pair: how the shape of the frame fi ts your face, and lens clarity in various light conditions.

XX2i France2$60, Xx2i.com

Highlight: Tremendous bang for your buck

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 con-ditions and terrain. The nose bridge and temple tips are super comfortable no matter the effort.

Optic Nerve Micron$89, Opticnerve.com

Highlight: A smaller but still-protective fi t, with fast-acting photochromatic lenses

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.

Rudy Project Tralyx$250, E-rudy.com

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

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 fi t that won’t bounce even during rugged trail runs.

Maui Jim Myna$349, Mauijim.com

Highlight: A minimalist frame good for lifestyle or performance

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 remark-ably stable. It’s a pricey investment, but consider-ing their versatility, it could be a worthwhile one.

Native Eyewear Eldo$129, Nativeeyewear.com

Highlight: Interchangeable polarized lenses and a cool look

For larger faces, the Eldo is a stylish option we see fi tting 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.

Tifosi Launch HS$99, Tifosi.com

Highlight: Interchangeable frames to fi t 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.

Nike Tailwind$165, Nikevision.com

Highlight: Superb fi t and innovative design

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, fl exibile, self-adjusting frame that conforms to your face, and great ventilation that reduces fogging.

6 5


CM0316_MUSIC.indd 65 2/12/16 12:06 PM

Trigger Point Therapy MB1, MB5, MBX Massage Balls$15–$25, Tptherapy.com

Highlight: EVA foam massage balls in different sizes and densities

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 fi rm 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.

RUB, WRAP, ROLLBY AMANDA MCCRACKEN

Recovery products are trending to be more travel-friendly and versatile. And new materials allow tools to be fi rm and eff ective but with enough forgiving fl exibility 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 fl ow—which prevents healing.

Rad Roller RAD Helix$49, Radroller.com

Highlight: A travel-size roller fi rm 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 fl at 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.

S&S Worldwide Spectrum Reaction Balls$19 for set of 6, Ssww.com

Highlight: Wakes up the suppressed nervous system

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.

Trigger Point Therapy MB1, MB5, MBX Massage Balls$15–$25, Tptherapy.com

6 6

R E C O V E R Y


Click here to read how to fi x the 5 most common

running injuries.

CM0316_RECOVERY.indd 66 2/17/16 2:26 PM


Roll Recovery R8 $119, Rollrecovery.com

Highlight: The most unique recovery tool on the market

Like a giant six-fi ngered claw (without the nails), this engineering masterpiece provides smooth, fi rm, even pressure wherever it grips. The R8 takes the work out of a self-massage with its auto-adjust tension technology to fl ush 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 fl oors or muddy fi elds.

Roll Recovery R3 Orthopedic Foot Roller $27, Rollrecovery.com

Highlight: Unique design reaches multiple areas of plantar fascia

Tackle plantar fasciitis with the R3 by roll-ing 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.

Moji Foot Pro $40, Gomoji.com

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

What better way to address infl ammation and tension than to roll them away with ice that doesn’t melt? A compact surface of six indepen-dent 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.

Body Back Company AccuMassage $35, Bodyback.com

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

Need bigger hands and stronger thumbs? The fl exible 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-to-reach areas in the hips.

RAD Rounds (green, large; blue, small)$16, Radroller.comRAD Original (blue balls joined together)$25, Radroller.com

Highlight: Reach the smaller muscles that rarely get attention

Touted as “targeted release for tight spaces,” the RAD Rounds are the per-fect size and material (fi rm 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.

6 7

R E C O V E R Y

CM0316_RECOVERY.indd 67 2/12/16 12:12 PM

FAST FUELBY NICKI MILLER

Every runner needs to fi nd the right fueling, and so experimenting is essential—long before race day, of course! There are many brands off ering 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 fl avors

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 offi cial gel and gummy for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series.

Skratch Labs Fruit Drops$2.45 per packet, Skratchlabs.com

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

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 artifi -cial fl avors, colors and the like. Ten drops equal 160 calories, which you can down or dose slowly. Bottom line: Both the orange and raspberry fl avors are quite tasty (and should come with this disclaimer: Don’t open a packet at your desk).

Clif Organic Energy Food $3 per pouch, Clifbar.com

Highlight: New fl avors of the ultrarunning-friendly pouches

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 fl avors. This year, Clif released new fl avors 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.

Nuun Active and Energy $7 per 10-tablet tube, Nuun.com

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

This popular low-calorie drink tab-let 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 per-formance, and is sweetened with monk fruit and stevia. The brand has also added mango orange to the fl avor 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 continu-ally 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.


6 8

N U T R I T I O N

CM0316_NUTRITION.indd 68 2/12/16 12:15 PM

Run Gum $18 for 12-pack, Getrungum.com

Highlight: A creative variation on chews

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.

Health Warrior Chia Protein Bar $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—in-cluding gluten-free ones (three of the bars are also vegan).

VFuel Endurance Drink Mix$2.25 per packet, Vfuel.com

Highlight: Made for ultrarunners and easy to digest

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.

Honey Stinger Gluten-Free Organic Waffle and Protein Chews$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 glu-ten can enjoy them too. The company also incorporated feedback into its Energy Chews: They now deliver 5 grams of plant-based pro-tein in raspberry, juneberry and cherry-lime flavors.

Generation UCan Drink Mix and Snack Bar$3.25 per packet, $2.75 per bar, Generationucan.com

Highlight: The brand beloved by Meb Keflezighi and Dathan Ritzenhein

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.

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.

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

Highlight: A more environmentally friendly gel package

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 pomegran-ate or sea salt chocolate.

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

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 dairy-free, these bars have 55 milligrams of caffeine from yerba mate (equal to half a cup of coffee).

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.

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 neces-sary on long runs and once it added a caffeinated flavor, it quickly became a top sell-er. One 100-calorie serving has a blend of dextrose (aka glucose) and sucrose in proportions designed to maximize absorption and minimize stomach distress.

6 9

n u t r i t i o n

CM0316_NUTRITION.indd 69 2/12/16 12:15 PM

T h e I n n o vaTo rTobie 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, includ-ing 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.

ph

oto

co

ur

te

sy n

ike

; in

te

rv

iew

by

ad

am

eld

er

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.

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

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!

Click here to read an interview with marathon legend

Steve Jones.

Click here to read an interview with marathon coach

Brad Hudson.

7 0

L a s t L a p

CM0316_BOB_LASTLAP.indd 70 2/17/16 12:08 PM

http://running.competitor.com/2015/10/features/king-of-pain-interview-with-marathon-legend-steve-jones_136462

http://running.competitor.com/2015/08/interviews/last-lap-with-brad-hudson-the-marathon-whisperer_134423

Lower carbs. Fewer calories.

Exceptional taste.

Brewed for those who

go the extra mile.

Untitled-3 1 2/11/16 12:07 PM

“ I rely on Runsense everyday for the insights I need to constantly

drive improvement.”

Meb Kefl ezighiMarathon Champion, Olympic Silver Medalist

& Epson’s Running Ambassador

RUNSENSE GPS Sport WatchesAccuracy and precision are at our core.

For more information please visit www.epson.com/runsense

Featuring Wrist Based HeartRate Monitoring (SF-810 only)

#1 Battery Life*

* Compared to popular GPS running watches within the same category in GPS and GPS/Heart Rate (SF-810 only) mode.

CONGRATULATIONS MEB KEFLEZIGHI FOR YOUR PERFORMANCE IN LOS ANGELES AND ANOTHER AMAZING ACHIEVEMENT!

Untitled-3 1 2/11/16 12:08 PM

Documents

Competitor March 2016