If you’re used to Asics road shoes then these trail offerings will feel familiar. Sadly, like several of their higher-end road shoes, we can’t help conclude that they’re over-engineered. The 396g weight is at the heavier end, and do you really need gel cushioning on the rear and forefoot and a ‘Rock Protection Plate’ in […]
The urban-sounding Pro Combat Hypercool utilises Nike’s Dri-Fit technology to create a multi-use and versatile addition to your training wardrobe. The top is ultra comfortable as the compression makes for a snug fit that leaves no baggy material to chafe or collect moisture as you train. But it’s the ventilated panels that ensure the Hypercool […]
Nike need little introduction, and you can rest assured that a lot of time and research has gone into creating this compression base layer. The top fits closely to the size advertised and features flatlock stitching on the seams, which are positioned away from areas liable to chafe. The fabric is capable of four-way stretch […]
Brooks is a latecomer to the minimalist barefoot run brigade. However, its new PureProject range proves it hasn’t been sitting around idly. This set of lightweight and high-feel shoes aims to inspire a more natural run gait. Dip into the PureConnect and, we hate to say it, the moulded fit really does make you feel […]
Surely with running shorts, a bargain bin pair will serve you as well as a pair costing £45? Maybe for a few kms, but as runs get longer and especially if you’re targeting long-course races, for guaranteed comfort, zero chaffing and good fit, that extra spend is a prudent move. These shorts from Pearl Izumi […]
New Balance began their business in the early 20th century manufacturing arch supports for police officers and waiters. Their history of podiatry continues to be seen in their shoes, with the useful feature of different width shoes as well as standard sizes. The New Balance 1080 running shoe is designed for neutral runners with plenty […]
This aesthetically strong, if not traditional looking shoe, gives a highly pleasant run experience. As soon as you put it on your foot, you’re aware of how good a fit it is: well-considered, snug and tight enough around the midsole, without causing discomfort. Wider feet might find the toe box a little restrictive but it […]
I’m sure we’ve all owned a set of Asics at some point in our lives and I’d hedge a bet that most of us have owned a pair of Gel-Nimbus shoes. The Gel-Nimbus 13 is, as the name suggests, the 13th style in a pedigree line of award-winning trainers. It’s a neutral high miler with […]
Here we have a shoe that’s trying to break down the paradigms of performance running footwear… and has failed. Or at least it has when you compare it to, say, the subtlety of Newton’s energy return system. Rather, the One One Bondi B (seriously?) will have you leaving the house looking like a Tweenie. Name […]
There’s always something a bit special about putting on a brand-new pair of Brooks run shoes (plus they’re Chrissie Wellington’s brand of choice – T7’s in her case). And although you can always rely on a relatively standard, classic look from this brand, their shoes are more than happy to help you clock up the […]
As you’d expect given the brand name and the top-end price, Saucony’s ProGrid Cortana delivers on many fronts: supreme fit, light weight and vibrant styling. There’s good support from the upper on first wear – in particular at the ankle – which provides great reassurance and an excellent ride. And it’s not at the expense […]
This fantastically stylish, stand out shoe harps back to the classic Puma RS1. Thankfully it backs up the style with plenty of substance; there’s no real performance compromise, as both the comfort and speed boxes have been ticked. Faas actually means ‘fast’ in Jamaican – a country that knows a thing or two about fast […]
Zoot entered the tri market in the mid-Eighties with a host of innovative products. And judging by its latest Energy 3.0, it won’t be long until it makes its mark in the running market, too. The Energy is a cushioned, neutral, high miler and although Zoot offers lighter shoes, these are still very light. The […]
Here’s a collection of ground-breaking technologies packaged in a strong, attractive design. The Syncro Fuels benefit from several own-brand features, such as a new 1:1 Energy Foam, which cushions the foot on impact before returning the energy to the runner for a snug, confidence-inspiring ride. A further stand-out aspect is the wide lacing configuration – […]
Here we have a more stripped-out option to stop your toes from overheating in hotter climes. The Blade-Light Run comes with plenty of ventilation thanks to its mesh upper and drainage holes, but this dark heat-absorbing colourway does seem to contradict that ambition somewhat. (Thankfully it comes in a variety of light colour options.) The […]
As part of the celebrated Lunar range, the Lunarglide bridges the gap brilliantly between lightweight racer and high miler. This is down to its Lunarlite (30% lighter than standard Phylon) cushioning material and its Dynamic Support system. This system sits in the shoe’s midsole and features more soft foam on the lateral side for cushioning […]
Combining an ultra-lightweight upper (with more than a hint of Crocs about it), removable neoprene sock liner, minimal midsole and a quick-pull lacing system, the Ultra is seemingly perfect for the triathlete who wants a speedy T2 and a barefoot feel to their run. Slipping them on, they feel super comfortable without socks and the […]
Catlike is most synonymous with stylish helmets but their performance eyewear also graces the faces of the pro peloton, including the Movistar team. The D’Lux is the top model in the range and they’re a lightweight but durable plastic-framed affair with interchangeable lenses and an adjustable nose bridge. They’re free from innovation or anything that […]
Normally the M-Dot endorsement means an exorbitant price tag, but with these glasses from Foster Grant coming in as the cheapest on test, do they buck the trend and deliver a must-have bargain? For £26, they’re not at all bad. The dark polarised lenses do a good job of reducing glare and provide a high […]
Jetblack declare that they’re “proudly an Australian company” on their packaging. And, as the second Aussie offering on test and at the highly competitive budget end of the market, they’ve nailed it. The opaque plastic frames won’t win any fashion awards but they’re far from ugly and have a certain retro cool factor about them. […]
A respected cycling brand, smoked and clear lenses, hard carrying case and soft pouch, all for well under £40? There has to be a catch. Well, even if the bright blue colour we had on test isn’t to your taste, there are more understated white and black frame options available, so you should be able […]
Brand-conscious posers should look away now. Like the Bloc Stealths, you’re not going to don the Madison D’Arcs as a fashion statement. But the fashionistas would be missing out as you can’t fault what Madison has thrown into the package. To kick things off you get four lenses: clear, dark, rose-coloured and a persimmon light-enhancing […]
If you can overlook the slightly clumsy 1980s feel to their styling, the Blocs offer great value for money (our tester owned a pair at the beginning of his triathlon career and they served him well). For £45 you get the three must-have lenses and a soft carrying pouch-come-lens cleaner. The only thing that’s missing […]
Rather than the Trevisos having changeable lenses, Ryders have opted for photochromatic lenses. These become darker as the sunlight gets brighter and then, as if by magic, lighten up as the sky clouds over. In all conditions, the lenses provide 100% UV protection. The system worked reasonably well, but in lower light conditions we’d still […]
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