Where To Buy Reebok Court Victory Pump “Championship Polo”
Championed by tennis legend Michael Chang and first unleashed in 1990, the Reebok Court Victory Pump stands tall as a timeless symbol of the game. Now, it’s back in the limelight, commemorating the 35th anniversary of Chang’s epic triumph on the red clay of Paris, just in time for the 2024 edition of the prestigious tennis tournament. Sporting a crisp white leather base, vibrant hits of purple, pink, and neon green stand out. The latest Pump technology ensures a snug, personalized fit, while Hexalite cushioning promises featherweight comfort with every stride. The Reebok Court Victory Pump “Championship Polo” hits shelves on May 10, 2024 for $160 via Reebok.com and select retailers. Reebok Court Victory Pump “Championship Polo” Colorway: Footwear White/Night Black-Ultra PurpleStyle #: 100203236Release Date: May 10, 2024Price: $160
More Pharrell Williams x adidas Samba Humanrace Arrive This Summer
The omnipresent Pharrell Williams continues his partnership with adidas under the Humanrace line. As the adidas Samba hype carries on, another Pharrell Williams x adidas Samba Humanrace collection is on the way. Executed in a two-tone fashion, the latest Samba Humanrace capsule sports a primarily aluminum grey hue on the upper with various flavors such as white, black, yellow, blue, green, and red accenting the Samba’s midfoot Three Stripes branding, collar, and inner lining. The Pharrell Williams x adidas Samba Humanrace collection releases on May 15, 2024, for $180 via adidas CONFIRMED and select retailers. Pharrell Williams x adidas Samba Humanrace Release Date: May 15, 2024Price: $180 Pharrell Williams x adidas Samba Humanrace
Best Running Shoes of 2024 (So Far)
We said it last year and we’ll say it again: running shoes have gotten really good. So good, in fact, that it’s hard to find a bad one (don’t worry, there’s still a few out there). Midsole foams are getting bouncier and more durable thanks to the widespread adoption of supercritical foams and Pebax (as well as its knockoffs), which were once reserved for race day shoes in Nike’s iron grip. Thanks to the rise of the super trainer (a designation we coined upon the arrival of the original New Balance SC Trainer), plates– whether carbon fiber, fiberglass, or TPU– are almost a given now for anything in the performance category. The result is a propulsive ride that isn’t relegated to race day. Shoes like the Hoka Skyward X, Hoka Cielo X1, and Mizuno Neo Vista are giving runners that exciting feel in everyday training shoes, without sacrificing comfort. All of these advancements are finally trickling down to daily trainers and even trail shoes as well, where we’re seeing premium technologies utilized in hyper-specific shoes. You may have also noticed that prices are going nowhere but up. Inflation, shipping, and material costs have all played a role in sticker shock. We’re hoping things level off, but we’re not counting on it anytime soon. As such, you may be trimming back on the kids college fund to get the latest and greatest on your feet. Hey, we’re not judging– kids are resilient, right? We’ve run plenty of miles in all of these shoes and all of these opinions are ours and ours alone. Which means, it may be different for you, because we all have different tastes and preferences. But we’ve found that our overall picks generally align with most runners. At the very least, it’ll give you a look into what’s happening with each shoe and help you separate the various purposes, which can sometimes get confusing. Just a note, this is a list of shoes from 2024, so it’s not an exhaustive list of our favorite overall shoes at the moment, which still includes 2023 shoes like the Nike Vaporfly, Asics Superblast, On Cloudeclipse, New Balance 1080v13. Hopefully this guide gives you some direction, but whether you go with something on this list, or go with your gut on something else, we hope you find a shoe to keep you running through this year. Questions or comments? Leave them at the end and we’ll do out best to get back to you. Best Race Day Shoes Nike Alphafly 3 $285 BEST FOR Race day magic WEIGHT 7.8 oz. (221 g) for a US M10.5, 5.8 oz. (164 g) for a US W7.5 STACK HEIGHT/DROP 40 mm in heel, 32 mm in forefoot (8 mm drop) After a sophomore slump, the Alphafly returns to the glory of the original. The Atomknit 3.0 wraps the foot snugly while providing superior ventilation. It’s the lightest Alphafly ever and it feels like it. Because when it’s on, it’s a rocket headed for the moon, thanks to all the parts coming together. Those parts include the continuous ZoomX midsole, which allows for a smoother transition than the decoupled heel and forefoot segments of the first two models. The combination of the carbon fiber plate and the dual Air Zoom units form a pop hit that even Taylor Swift would be envious of. It’s a can’t-miss shoe on race day, and with the new volt colorway, it’ll be hard not to. Asics Metaspeed Edge/Sky Paris $250 KEY FEATURES Flytefoam Turbo Plus midsole (Asics’ version of PEBA), Motionwrap 2.0 upper, ASICSGRIP outsole, different design for different runners WEIGHT 6.4 oz. (183 g) for a US M9 (unisex), both shoes STACK HEIGHT/DROP 39.5 mm in heel, 34.5 mm in forefoot (5 mm drop), both shoes The past versions of the Metaspeed Sky/Edge were quick and snappy, but left a little bit to be desired in the comfort department. Asics listened and delivered with the Metaspeed Sky and Edge Paris, both named after the upcoming Olympics location.The Edge Paris in particular gets an extra 3.5 mm of foam in the midfoot, providing a softer landing than even the Sky Paris provides. Both shoes feature FlyteFoam Turbo+, a Peba-style midsole material that is both super lightweight and ultra bouncy. While we think Asics should streamline the Metaspeed models into one shoe to eliminate any confusion, there is a difference between the two. While the Sky Paris features a flatter carbon-fiber plate and is aimed towards stride-based runners, we’ve found that it’s actually a bit more of a responsive shoe compared to the softer Edge Paris, which has that extra forefoot foam sitting above a levered, scoop-style plate. It’s gonna come down to personal preference, but whatever you choose, you can know that you’re getting an incredibly lightweight race day shoe that feels fantastic underfoot. Best Super Trainers Hoka Cielo X1 $275 KEY FEATURES Two layers of Peba foam, smooth midsole rocker, winged carbon fiber plate, snug upper WEIGHT 9.3 oz. (264 g) for a US M10, 7.4 oz. (210 g) for a US W8 STACK HEIGHT/DROP 39 mm in heel, 32 mm in forefoot (7 mm drop) The Cielo X1 has all the bells and whistles you could ask for in a run shoe– full-length, winged carbon fiber plate, Peba midsole, rocker geometry, and form-fitting upper. The end result is the most fun shoe in running right now. It honestly feels different than anything on the market. And while we’re not sure if it’s supposed to be a race day shoe, a long run shoe, or something in between, we’ve noticed that people kind of figure out how it suits them, and wherever it lands for them is the perfect sweet spot. Let me repeat: this is the most fun that money can buy. That said, this ain’t a trip to the penny arcade– the shoe will set you back a cool $275. Just depends on how much you love that dopamine. Salomon S/Lab Spectur $220 KEY FEATURES Dual-density midsole (Peba Energy Foam+ on top, EVA
Fractel Drops All-New Run Caps for Summer 2024
FRACTEL RELEASES SUMMER 2024 COLLECTION It’s almost been an entire trip around the sun since we deemed the Legionnaire as the hat that’s so uncool, it’s cool (the sentiment still holds true, by the way). As we arrive at the gates of summer here in the northern hemisphere, that sun is warming things up again, which means you’re probably in the market for a cap from the land down under. The Aussie brand Fractel has just dropped a slew of new caps and models in a variety of colorways and designs, from Legionnaires to standard caps to truckers. We love Fractel for a variety of reasons. First and foremost– performance. Fractel utilizes the best performance fabrics out there, like Polartec PowerDry and WindPro, which both optimize temperature regulation and are made of recycled yarns. Their hats are specially designed for different use cases, from sun protection (Legionnaire) to race day (R-Series) to a mix of fashion and performance (M-Series). Fractel M-Series (photo courtesy of Fractel) They’re also committed to sustainability, partnering with REPREVE, which is the world’s leading brand of recycled performance fiber, using recycled PET fabrics instead of first-use polyester. Lastly, Fractel gives back 1% of its gross sales back to organizations that protect the environment Oh, also– they look pretty great, with colors and designs for any taste. Check out our favorites for Spring/Summer 2024. OUR PICKS FROM FRACTEL SUN PROTECTION L-Series Shield Legionnaire ($60) If you ain’t cool, you’re hot, and if you’re hot, you ain’t cool. That’s why the L-Series is the perfect hat for summer running when there’s nowhere to hide. The drape for your nape will keep you from turning into burn toast, and the snap will keep it secure under your chin. Plus, you’ll have a runner’s mullet and they’re all the rage right now. PERFORMANCE & FASHION M-Series Vulcan Edition Cap ($45) For those looking for a cap to wear both on and off the run, look no further than the M-Series. The Vulcan is our favorite, but there’s about 20 different variations of this cap, so you’re sure to find on that’ll suit your preference. It’s a foldable hat with a darker underbrim to reduce glare, and is made from PolarTec Dry fabric for moisture management. It looks good and fits perfectly thanks to the adjustable closure fit. ALL-AROUND SHADE B-Series Mountain Disco Bucket Hat ($60) The bucket bois are back in town, a song that Thin Lizzy wish they wrote, is now copyrighted by Fractel. These bucket hats rule because they’re not too big and the brim isn’t too wide. Meaning– you’re not gonna look like you’re about to head out for a metal detecting session on the beach. They’re just the right amount of hat to keep cool and look cooler. RACE DAY R-Series Revolve Cap ($45) With a shallower race fit, the R-Series offers aerodynamic design and is made from Italian-milled Aero3D fabric. Light and breathable and ready for fast miles from now until fall. UNISEX T-Series Patagon Trucker ($45) A classic trucker aesthetic in a running cap, built with performance and sustainability in mind. Obviously, it has a mesh back, so you can rest assured you’ll keep cool while giving off early aughts vibes thanks to the high peak front.
Suunto Sonic Headphones Review: Ear We Go
INTRODUCTION TO THE SUUNTO SONIC HEADPHONES RYAN: I’m a big believer in bone-conduction headphones. I made the switch from traditional earbuds to the Shokz OpenRun Pro a few years ago and haven’t looked back. Like many runners who pick up a pair of open-ear headphones, I did so for safety. At the time, I was living in a small town and running largely on open farm roads. It sounds like a perfectly safe place to be, with few turns and even fewer chances to accidentally run into someone. However, drivers saw it the same way. Cars would fly past me, going well over the speed limit, and in comfortable, noise canceling earbuds, I wouldn’t always hear them coming. One near miss too many, and I decided it was time to try something different. Well, now Suunto has decided it’s time for something different, too. The company is primarily known for its line of GPS watches that challenge offerings from both Garmin and Coros, but now it’s trying to encroach on Shokz’s territory. It just launched the Suunto Sonic and Suunto Wing, and I’m here to check out the former. I’ll save most of my comparisons to the Shokz OpenRun Pro for later in the review, but it’s impossible to ignore the similarities. I guess when a design works, it works. The Suunto Sonic uses a very similar wraparound design to the OpenRun Pro, with two main “earbuds” that loop over the top of your ears. They have a multifunction button on the left and volume controls on the right, with a charging connector tucked right behind. Oh, and the silicone and titanium alloy headset is one size fits all, so don’t worry about the sizing. I haven’t had any issues with the fit of the Sonic, though the band is a little more generous than that of the OpenRun Pro, so you might have to fiddle with it to get just the right positioning. Suunto’s color options are different, too, with either Black or Lime to choose from. Anyway, let’s get to some of the more important details. HOW DO THE SUUNTO SONIC HEADPHONES WORK? HOW DO THEY SOUND? RYAN: Alright, so the first thing you probably noticed is that the Suunto Sonic aren’t like other headphones. They don’t have soft tips that go into your ear in order to block out external sounds, nor do they have a small charging case that you return them to in between listening sessions. Instead, Suunto’s wraparound Sonic headphones use something called bone-conduction technology to play your music and podcasts while keeping your ears open to the world around you. If you’re not familiar with how bone conduction works, let’s just say that it’s a little bit different from your traditional earbud. Whereas something like Apple’s AirPods uses air conduction to send sound waves through the air and into your eardrum, the Suunto Sonic (and others) use a wide, flat pad that sits on your cheekbone. Then, the sound waves vibrate directly into the bone they’re in contact with to skip the eardrum entirely and instead flow right into your inner ear. Fun fact — bone conduction is actually how Beethoven kept composing music after he lost his hearing. He clenched his conducting baton between his teeth and set it to his piano to feel the notes as he played them. Anyway, your brain still processes the soundwaves the same way through the cochlea, completely ignoring the fact that they never passed through your eardrum and leaving it open to process other sounds. With our little anatomy lesson out of the way, you’re probably wondering how well the Suunto Sonic headphones actually sound. Well, let’s start with a reminder that the open-ear design doesn’t isolate your eardrum from ambient sounds, so you can’t expect the same audio quality that you might with a pair of noise canceling earbuds. But, again, this is by design so that you can both hear your music and hear the world around you. Safety first. Anyway, I think the sound quality on the Suunto Sonic is actually pretty good compared to other bone-conduction headphones in its price range. You’ll probably have to fiddle with the pads a little bit to get them properly positioned next to your ear, but once you do, you should have no problems keeping them in place. I typically kept mine at around 50% of my iPhone’s maximum Bluetooth volume and found that I could hear both lyrics and instruments clearly while streaming Spotify. That said, I’ve found that most bone-conduction headphones fare just a bit better with spoken voices and podcasts than they do with music, at least when listening outdoors. There’s something about the sharpness of the human voice that comes across much cleaner than pianos or guitars. Oh, and you can also pair the Suunto Sonic to Suunto’s official app, which gives you just a little bit more control over your playback. Specifically, it allows you to pair to two devices at one via Bluetooth Multipoint and switch between Normal and Outdoors sound profiles. HOW DURABLE ARE THE SUUNTO SONIC HEADPHONES? CAN YOU SWIM WITH THEM? RYAN: Another very important feature on any pair of headphones that you plan to run or work out in is how durable they are. After all, sweat is pretty gross and tends to gunk up any old pair of headphones (or hats, or running shirts, or, well, anything else) it comes in contact with. You may or may not be familiar with the IP scale for water and dust resistance, but it’s important when it comes to understanding just how tough the Suunto Sonic headphones are. Put simply, products are given a rating for water and dust resistance on a two-digit scale, with the first representing dust ingress on a scale from 0-6 and the second covering water on a scale from 0-9. Suunto’s Sonic headphones come with an IP55 rating, which means that it’s almost fully sealed from dust and protected from jets of water at
Hoka Skyward X Review: Stepping Through the Stratosphere
INTRODUCTION TO THE HOKA SKYWARD X THOMAS: It’s 2011 and my throat is dry. The landscape is dust and rocks; if it weren’t for the cactus and scrub brush, you could mistake the place for Mars. Two local Arizona runners invited my Ragnar team for a post-flight jog through the desert. Those same runners were wearing the most enormous shoes I had ever seen. “What are those??” I asked. “Hoka One One Mafate.” Was that Italian? Nothing that came out of the man’s mouth made sense to me. At that time, 20 mm of stack was the norm, if not high. The shoes looked ridiculous to me and I had no interest in them at the time. It took me nearly three more years before I would try a Hoka. What seemed ginormous at the time is now the standard stack height when it comes to running shoes. Ironically enough, we’ve seen those lower stack brands transcend Hoka when it comes to platform-style trainers– shoes like the Adidas Prime X 2 Strung, Asics Superblast, New Balance SC Trainer, Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro, and more. So it was high time for Hoka to throw their weight around with a shoe whose stack height matched the history of the brand. Enter the Hoka Skyward X, a true embodiment of Hoka big. MEAGHAN: “When are we getting those?” That was my first question when I saw the Skyward X leaked on Instagram. I’m a sucker for high stack and a good time, which is exactly what the Hoka Skyward X screams. How can you not be intrigued? Built on over 45 mm of stack, a suspension system with a carbon fiber plate, and a mix of Peba and supercritical EVA foam in the midsole, this shoe has everything interesting in running right now. Finished off with a flat knit upper, traditional Hoka rocker shape and a rubber outsole, this trainer looks like a Hoka, but feels like an upgrade. Does all this fun tech justify the $225 price tag? Let’s talk about it. CHAD: After years of slipping behind the big players like Nike, Adidas, Saucony, etc., Hoka has stepped up its game as of late and dropped some incredibly solid shoes in every category. The Clifton 9 was a big hit as a daily trainer (as usual), the Rocket X 2 was one of the crew’s favorite race day shoes of 2023, and recently the Cielo X1 staked its claim as one of the most fun shoes we’ve ever worn. Other than the widely maligned Arahi 7 (quite possibly the worst shoe of 2024), Hoka is close to entering “they can’t miss” status with every release. I almost expect to hear “HE’S ON FIRE” when I open the box and lace up a new pair of Hokas, like I’m in the OG NBA Jam arcade game. What shoe is “heating up” now? The Skyward X, the max to the max cushioned super trainer. I, like Meg, saw this popping up on Instagram and Reddit before its release and my interest was piqued immediately. The look reminded me of the New Balance SC Trainer v1 in terms of stack height, which I’ll admit was a shoe I never ran in because I was terrified of the height. Since then I have run in other high stack shoes (Adidas Prime X Strung 2 and the Asics Superblast), so I’ve sort of put those fears to rest. Meg hit on the specs of the Skyward X, so let’s get to the good stuff. WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT THE HOKA SKYWARD X THOMAS: The cushioning in the Skyward X is otherworldly. Upon landing, you feel the Peba give and soften the effects of gravity. The plate stabilizes the impact and is paired perfectly with the firmer carrier foam. Here comes the magic. Like a trampoline, the Peba expands and returns the energy to your stride. It is a near-perfect blend of soft and responsive cushioning. There is plenty of rubber on the outsole, and it is holding up as well as you would expect. The upper construction is nothing special until you realize it cradles your foot securely over the massive midsole. The laces loop through a system like a sling that goes down both sides of the upper, creating a hammock for your midfoot. You are locked in very comfortably between that and a reinforced heel counter. Breathability is moderate to warm. My size 10.5 fits true to size. Between the sturdy upper, two performance foams, the carbon plate, and a fair amount of rubber on the outsole, the Skyward X should last well over the 300-500 mile mark, which is good considering the price tag. MEAGHAN: As you probably guessed from my intro, I couldn’t wait to lace this one up. Between a layer of Peba beneath the foot, a carbon fiber plate and 46 mm of stack, it felt like this shoe was built for me. The step-in feel is plush and comfortable and the shoes fit true to size. There is ample room in the forefoot and toe box and the simple, stretchy laces keep the foot locked down well. I never had any issues with rubbing or hot spots and shoes are just generally very comfortable. Out on the roads, this shoe comes to life. The best way to describe the sensation is: fun. It feels like running on mini trampolines; there is absolutely no ground feel (here for it), just a fun, springy sensation underfoot. And while you get the benefit of being a few inches taller with all that stack, because of its wide build and deep foot frame, the shoes feel quite stable. CHAD: Where do I even start? This shoe is an engineering marvel, like the Eiffel Tower or the Hoover Dam. The Skyward X has 48 mm of soft and bouncy foam with a “suspension midsole plate” sandwiched in the middle. The rebound from the Peba based foam underfoot, the stabilization from the plate, and the intense rocker provide for a smooth ride that can best be described as fun. Meg’s analogies to mini-trampolines is
Anthony Edwards’ adidas AE 1 Sports a Vibrant “MX Fuchsia” Colorway
adidas Basketball continues to roll out new colorway options for Anthony Edwards’ first signature shoe, the adidas AE 1. Having already released in a “With Love” colorway shouting out to Atlanta, the adidas AE 1 will now drop in a vibrant “MX Fuchia” color scheme boasting aura black, lucid pink, and lucid lemo hues. The pair is crafted from a black knit textile upper boasting a multi-colored TPU support cage with breathable perforation and a unique honeycomb pattern. Edwards’ inaugural silhouette is then finished with his initials in fushia pink on the woven tongue and matching Three Stripes branding on the back heel. Below is a Jet Boost and Lightstrike-equipped midsole for a feather-like feel and responsive energy return. Fans can purchase the adidas AE 1 “MX Fushia” when the pair releases in August 2024 via adidas.com and select retailers for $120. For more drops, check out our Sneaker Release Dates Calendar. adidas AE 1 “MX Fuchsia” Colorway: Aura Black/Lucid Pink-Lucid LemoStyle #: IG6610Release Date: August 2024Price: $120
Rabbit Spring 2024 Trail Apparel Review: Pockets Galore
INTRODUCTION TO THE RABBIT SPRING 2024 TRAIL COLLECTION JOHN: My running clothes stink. They literally smell from years of abuse and torture. I’m absolutely grateful to be on this review because I need to toss out all my clothes that have been on too many adventures. Also, I’ve never reviewed high-end trail running clothes, so this is very exciting! Like many confused, lost, and poor souls out there, I don’t prioritize new running clothes. I just hope my girlfriend, Mom, or the Easter Bunny gets me some, and I use all my resources on bibs, tech, and shoes. I want to change, but I can’t beat it! I’m trying! So, for people like me holding on to gear out of love, saving cash, or memories, the question is why? Why would we get rid of our beloved, precious, but disgusting running gear? Well, let me tell you that since I received this fresh Rabbit Trail gear, I’ve been pretty much living in it exclusively (to test it out, of course). For me, to fully embrace new running gear is like what Garth said in Wayne’s World: “It’s like a new pair of underwear; at first, they’re restrictive, but then after a while, they become a part of you.” I feel like rabbits don’t get enough love in the animal kingdom. They’re ferocious in Monty Python; Roger Rabbit somehow married Jessica, and they can be super diabolical, like in Donnie Darko and Silent Hill. I’ve been lucky enough to get Rabbit clothes here and there over the years, and I know they’re good, but I really had no idea what the newer gear brought to the table in terms of functionality. The gear also looks really cool, so like after the race or social run you won’t feel like a total dork in your 2017 5k shirt that’s permanently stained and stanky. Can Rabbit help me change my dirtbag ways? Let’s find out. MELISSA: Local brand? Check. Woman founded and owned? Check. Quality product? Check! Not only is Rabbit a brand that I know well as a Santa Barbara local, but it’s one that has never disappointed me. I mean, I have tops and shorts that are still going strong nearly 10 years after purchasing them. I’ve mentioned in other reviews how much of a fan of their EZ apparel I am. There’s rarely a day that you’ll not see me wearing at least one item from that line. Well, in more recent years, Rabbit has expanded its focus and thrown its hat in the trail ring, and the result has been pretty impressive. Let’s explore why. RABBIT UPF DEFLECTOR 2.0 JOHN: This lightweight UPF Deflector is packed with goodies, almost to the point that it spoils you. It’s vented and has thumb holes and an opening to see your watch… on both sides! No pulling up your sleeve to see you drifted to a 13-minute pace! I know it’s simple but mind-blowingly awesome to me. The hoody has a UPF Rating of 50, and the hood itself has a brim and design that gives you additional protection from the sun for your face, neck, and ears. The cuffs cover your hands, giving you additional protection from the sun. There’s also a zippered pocket in the back of the hoody to stash stuff. This hoody actually may be too good to be true because its features already have my girlfriend eying it for a quick snack and grab… beware the snatchers on this one, folks! MELISSA: The UPF Deflector holds some sentimental value for me. I wore the original version of this long-sleeve top to Javelina 100 in 2021, my first 100 miler post-hip surgery. So this race and this top give me all the warm and fuzzy feels. For those not familiar with Javelina, it takes place in the Arizona desert. It’s completely exposed and has the potential to heat up. I had originally planned to wear the top only through the hotter, sunny parts of the day but ultimately ended up keeping it on for the entirety of the race because it transitioned easily from sun protection to an extra layer for warmth for the evening. Version 2.0 has some pretty major updates. The UPF 50 material has shifted to something that is softer and stretchier. The watch openings in both sleeves, perforations around the armpit for ventilation, and zippered side pocket are also an addition to version 2.0. Finally, the top is offered in a Fiery Coral for women and Woodland Gray for men. I can really appreciate the added stretchiness to this top. It makes it easier for it to be worn over something else. It also makes for easier movement and less rubbing, and we all know that rubbing eventually leads to chafing. Based on a couple of wears, I feel pretty confident in its ability to breathe and ventilate. Like version one, this top has sleeve extensions to help protect the hands and a generously sized hood that protects your neck and ears and sits well over a hat. Overall, I think this is a wonderfully designed sun top that will come in handy as I train through the summer. It’s perfect for summiting peaks and for running in the desert, both of which I’m planning on doing this year, so don’t be surprised when you see me rocking bright coral out there. PRICE: $70 RABBIT SHREDDERS AND SMASHEMS 5-INCH SHORTS JOHN: The Shedders 5-inch shorts basically have a built-in running belt that stashes lots of stuff with four pockets. Another amazingly cool feature is that there are two elastic loops to hold trekking poles. I can’t stress how much I love this and I truly feel like this right here is why you need to ditch old gear and utilize the new gear Rabbit is dropping. Pretty much every aspect of these shorts delivers. The drawstring is tough and won’t budge, and they’re made from recycled materials. The nylon in the liner and waistband keeps you cool and controls
adidas Celebrates the “USC Trojans” With Special Samba
The adidas Samba “USC Trojans” celebrates the storied legacy of the University of Southern California’s athletic program. This special edition of the classic Samba silhouette pays homage to the school’s iconic colors and rich history in collegiate sports. The pair’s suede construction features a predominantly cardinal red upper with gold accents, representing USC’s official colors, on the signature Three Stripe branding. Built with premium materials and craftsmanship, the adidas Samba “USC Trojans” offers both style and performance. Whether worn on game days to support the Trojans or as a stylish statement off the field, this sneaker combines heritage design with modern flair. With its timeless silhouette and distinctive USC branding, the Samba “USC Trojans” pays tribute to the university’s athletic tradition while providing fans and sneaker enthusiasts with a standout addition to their collection. So far no release notes for the adidas Samba “USC Trojans” have been released, but the pair will drop sometime in 2024 via adidas.com. adidas Samba “USC Trojans” Style #: IG1825Release Date: 2024
Camelbak Apex Pro Vest Review: I’m Mary Poppins, Y’all
INTRODUCTION TO THE CAMELBAK APEX PRO VEST TAYLOR: It’s that time of year when the warmer temps and bustling birds get you daydreaming about long days in the woods. You know, the runs when your body and mind ebb and flow with the trail. When putting one foot in front of the other is your only aim, and stopping is on the other end of your cerebral spectrum. Peace of mind goes a long way when you’re deep into such days. Having the right gear can be what separates your tranquil trodding from questioning your desires. Camelbak hopes to keep runners in nirvana with the Apex Pro Run vest. It’s more than the run-of-the-mill hydration pack — this particular pack has had some serious amounts of testing and tech put into it. Besides the well-thought-out pockets and fit, two key components separate the Apex Pro Run Vest from others on the market. One of those is the recently popular pole quiver. As of late, they’re hotter than Uncle Jim’s flapjacks — everyone wants one and this pack has it. What I was actually more curious about was the use of RECCO technology in a pack. Excuse me for getting morbid, but I happen to live in an area where far too many accidents happen, and death is often the result. As much as you tell yourself, “That won’t be me,” I’d be remiss to think that I’m immune. RECCO is that if-and-when measure that can be a life-saving difference. Read on for all the deets. REESE: The Apex Pro Run Vest was crafted by athletes, for athletes, drawing on insights and enduring miles of testing to ensure it can withstand the toughest races and conditions. I’m not talking about your average ultra or even modestly hard 100-mile race. I’m talking Hardrock 100, UTMB, Cocodona 250, etc. Offered in four sizes, its apparel-like fit and four-way stretch materials deliver an optimized feel for a wide range of runners. The Apex Pro Run Vest features RECCO technology for searchability by rescue professionals. It’s also practically limitless when it comes to storage. On top of the many pockets, the tiny whistle, and the numerous bungy cords for external gear storage, the vest also has a deployable, removable trekking pole quiver. It keeps essentials secure and dry with a water-resistant zippered pocket and stretch overflow pockets while also providing ample space for refueling and hydration needs. The Apex Pro comes equipped with two 17 oz. Quick Stow Flasks, but you’ll have to provide your own hydration reservoir (up to 2L capacity). HOW WE TESTED TAYLOR: I almost never bring more than a waist belt and phone on a run under two hours. To put the Camelbak Apex Pro Vest to the test, I brought it out on wintery peak bagging missions and long runs when I needed more than the typical load. We’re talking jackets, nutrition, full bottles, crampons, and the like. REESE: I tested the Apex Pro Run Vest on a few runs, ranging from nine to 13 miles. I carried a jacket in the pack and stowed my keys, snacks, and cell phone. I alternated between using both flasks and just one. However, before I could test out the pole quiver, a front buckle fell off, making it impossible to run with anymore. I wish I had tested that feature out, as well as tested out if it was a heat sink in hot temps or chafed while just wearing a sports bra as a top. Alas. FIT AND COMFORT TAYLOR: Sizing was a little bit of a concern for me. According to my chest size, I fell into a small, even though I am a true medium in just about every piece of clothing and gear across other brands. I went with it, though. Initially, I thought I made a mistake as the vest is more compact, but it turns out Camelbak’s sizing is pretty accurate. I could have gone with a medium and had a bit of extra material to work with or gone with the small and fine-tuned the fit at the ends of the rope. If you happen to fall between a couple of sizes, either has the adjustability to satisfy your needs. The Apex Pro Vest made it simple to adjust across the chest. A hook and loop system along the shoulder straps allowed for moving buckles up and down as needed. What I liked best about this system is that it was simple and it stayed put, unlike the rail system that many other vests rely on. After that, the four-way stretch airy mesh and broader pocketed straps did their job of settling in around my body. I didn’t feel any constriction after adjusting to my liking, nor was there any bagginess. A hug is a very appropriate descriptor. This vest rides on the upper back, giving a true zero-bounce feeling, even with a fully loaded pack. There are very few vests on the market that have found that seemingly magical balance of being able to carry a lot without hindering performance, and the Camelbak Apex Pro Vest is one of them. REESE: Clocking in at five-foot-two, I’m not a tall person. I’ve always struggled to find a pack that fits me well. To set the scene, an XS in The North Face’s Summit Series Race Day Vest 8 and an XS in the Arc’teryx Norvan 7 vest mostly fit, but as soon as the bottles get low, the packs bounce around a lot. The Apex Pro pack isn’t as minimal as those vests, covering much of my torso, which is good and bad. Due to the size of the pack, it says in place. But it also comes down to the middle of my lower back and the width of the shoulder straps is a bit oversized. However, while testing, I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it felt. I had to cinch down the chest straps to the absolute max for it to work for me. It’s a relatively