Spring Running Guide
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Spring is in the air! The sun is shining a little brighter, the birds are getting louder and the days a bit longer. It is the time of the year that really gets us excited to spend more time outdoors. Especially running, and what better way to start the Spring running season than with some new gear. We have tested out the latest Spring running products and have come up with a guide of some top rated products to help you kick off a successful running season.
Spring Running Shoes
Hoka One One Clifton 2
Just when you thought an award winning shoe like the Clifton couldn’t get much better, the good folks over at Hoka produce the Hoka One One Clifton 2 – an overly cushioned shoe which retains a sure footed feel for the ground, is lighter than almost all industry category offerings out there…Full Review
Available From : www.hoka.com MSRP: $130
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La Sportiva Akasha
The La Sportiva Asaska Men’s Trail Running Shoe serves up the cushioning you need to cover 50 kilometers of rugged rocks and exposed ridges. Its’ Trail Rocker Outsole Technology promotes a rolling heel-to-toe motion for smooth performance on the trail while the ProTechTion HF reinforcements provide lightweight flexible protection for your feet from the extended impacts of long races. The STB Technology provides amazing support and unencumbered underfoot flex when you’re powering up dusty trails or down loose and dusty descents. La Sportiva put plenty of cushy goodness between your soles and the trail, so your feet feel fresh from the first mile to last.
Available From: www.sportiva.com MSRP: $140
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The North Face Ultra MT Gore-Tex
When it comes to trail running performance, it’s hard to beat the features on the North Face Ultra MT Gore-Tex shoe, it is a “Megagrip” traction trail machine that will help put the miles behind you, without slowing you down…… Full Review
Available From: www.thenorthface.com MSRP: $150
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Pearl Izumi Trail N3
No matter what the terrain is, the Pearl iZumi Trail N3 Shoe delivers day-long comfort and an ultra-smooth ride. These neutral trail running shoes are equipped with an ESS Forefoot rock plate that protects your feet and aggressive mulit-directional Carbon Rubber outsoles to enhance the feeling of security when the trails get slick. The Trail N3 is great for the runner who may start on the road but finds themselves tearing up the trails.
Available From: www.pearlizumi.com MSRP: $135
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Brooks Cascadia 11
The Brooks Cascadia 11 is a quality trail running shoe meant for a range of trail runners, from beginners to experienced ultra runners. This trail running shoe can handle almost anything you throw at it including; rocks, roots, dirt, mud, hard rock, gravel trails, snow, and even pavement from time to time. Full Review
Available From: www.brooksrunning.com MSRP: $120
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Helly Hansen Terrak
If you are a fan of minimalist shoes and looking for a flexible, lightweight trail shoe that will handle almost any trail condition, the Terrak is a really solid option from Helly Hansen and one to consider……Full Review
Available From: https://www.hellyhansen.com/ MSRP: $110
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Brooks PureCadence 5
The Brooks PureCadence 5 offers a natural feeling running shoe for those minimalist fans out there with just a tad bit of cushion and support for those looking for some pronation control. Brooks update the PureCadence 5 with a firmer feel for the road and added a “lightweight Guide Rail System” to keep you running the way your body intended.
Available from www.brooksrunning.com directly. MSRP: $120
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Pearl Izumi Road M2 v3
The Pearl Izumi Road M2 v3 offers a sure footed feel for the ground, excellent shaped outsole for the smoothest heel toe transition we’ve tested, and moderate pronation correction for the runner who pronates… but not a ton.
Available directly from www.pearlizumi.com MSRP: $125
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Saucony Kinvara 7
If fast and light is your style, look no further than the Everun edition of the Saucony Kinvara 7. Everun treatment in the heel means more comfort for any stride, and the lightweight upper carries the Kinvara trademark of feeling like you’re wearing nothing at all.
Available directly from www.saucony.com MSRP: $110
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Saucony Triumph ISO 2
Looking for a cushion ride without the HUGE heel to toe offset that everyone seems to fall back on? At 8mm of heel to toe drop, the Saucony Triumph ISO 2 offers a super plush comfortable ride that’s built to go the long haul. Marathon runners – I’m looking at you. As if this wasn’t enough, Saucony included it’s revolutionary EVERUN foam in the entire midsole, meaning you get a combination of plush ride and sure footedness that’s hard to match.
Available directly from www.saucony.com MSRP: $150
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Asics GEL-Kayano 22
There’s a reason that Asics is on the astounding TWENTY SECOND version of the GEL-Kayano. People are fanatically loyal to the plush ride, pronation control, and sure footed feel for the ground. This go anywhere do anything shoe has always had something for everyone.
Available directly from www.asics.com. MSRP: $160
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Asics GEL-Quantam 360
The Asics GEL-Quantam 360 competes in the realm of over-cushioned long distance offerings without looking like an overblown marshmallow. Built to go the distance… in style. With a ton of color offerings, you’re sure to find something to match your favorite pair of running shorts – just make sure to buy a few more pair, because this shoe will outlast them all.
Available directly from www.asics.com. MSRP: $170
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Spring Running Apparel
The North Face Flight Series Vent Jacket
Be ready for your long distance runs in cooler Spring weather with the North Face Flight Series Vent Jacket, a lightweight, soft-wearing shell with wicking ventilation panels along the lower torso that prevent overheating. The wind doesn’t stand a chance with the adjustable hem and elastic-bound cuffs that seal out oncoming drafts. With the 360-degree reflectivity and the zippered chest pocket, this is the jacket to reach for to tame those chilly temperatures.
Available From: www.thenorthface.com MSRP: $160
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Patagonia Long-Sleeved Fore Runner Zip-Neck
Get the most out of your runs with the help of the Patagonia Long-Sleeved Fore Runner Zip-Neck. The lightweight and 100% recycled polyester fabric wicks away moisture and dries rapidly, so you don’t get bogged down with perspiration, and deep front zipper offers cooling airflow. Minimal flat seam construction eliminates uncomfortable chafing, set-in sleeves unlock a wide range of motion, and reflective logos help you stand out when your legs keep carrying you past sundown.
Available From: www.patagonia.com MSRP: $49
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Helly Hansen VTR SS
The X-Cool quick-dry technology in the Helly Hansen VTR Tech SS works overtime to keep you comfortable when it feels like you’re running through the Sahara Desert. The more you sweat, the cooler it feels; not to be outdone, the shirt’s open mesh structured back does its part to mitigate the summer heat so you can go longer, regardless of the sultriness.
Available From: www.hellyhansen.com MSRP: $55
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The North Face Better Than Naked Shorts
Whether you’re pounding the pavement or running the trails, slipping on the North Face Better Than Naked Shorts before heading out the door, will have you wondering if you remember to put on anything at all. Built to handle a full day of running, these ultralight shorts sport the Flashdry fabric with a quick-drying knit liner and stretch knit panels to keep you dry, cool, and comfortable throughout your journey. Perhaps the most impressive feature is the storage, pockets for gels, zippered pocket for your cell and a slide pocket at the center waistband that’s purposely built for stashing an extra layer.
Available From: www.thenorthface.com MSRP: $58
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Smith Ridgewell
The Smith Ridgewell sunglasses blend street-savvy looks with high performance optics found on sport-specific shades, making them ideal for high-octane activities and casual outings alike. These sunglasses feature a lightweight, durable 8 base wrap that utilizes Smith’s out-of-sight ChromaPop™ and Techlite glass lens technologies for unsurpassed optical clarity. The integrated narrow lightweight temples, premium spring hinges, and megol nose and temple pads provide a detailed and secure fit, even under wet and sweaty conditions. The Ridgewell represents classic styling specifically designed to a smaller fit profile.
Available from: www.smithoptics.com MSRP: $219
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Native Eyewear Bolder
Be ready for anything in the do-it-all Native Eyewear Bolder polarized sunglasses. The interchangeable lenses prepare you for any kind of lighting conditions, and they’re easily swappable so you can switch out lenses quickly in response to changing light. The lenses are also polarized to eliminate glare so you can see more clearly when you’re running in the sun. Cushinol temple boots and the Mastoid Temple Grip give the glasses a slip-free fit, and the Rhyno-Tuff air frame is lightweight so you can wear it comfortably for hours during long runs.
Available From: www.nativeyewear.com MSRP: $109
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Spring Running Accessories
Camelbak Ultra 4
The CamelBak Ultra 4 can be used for training runs where you want to go light, or loaded up to the max for a long run or race where you’re required to take a bevy of essentials with you. The Ultra 4 is exactly the kind of product that you would expect from CamelBak, well made, great fitting and thoughtfully designed……..Full Review
Available From: www.camelbak.com MSRP: $115
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Nathan Zephyr Fire 300 Hand Torch
The Nathan Zephyr Fire 300 Hand Torch is a powerful flashlight that not only allows you to see, but also allows you to be seen. With it’s integrated hand strap it offers up a totally grip-free and effortless carry. Throw in the rechargeability and what is not to like? If you are looking for a high intensity flashlight to help increase your presence and safety on the dark roads or trails, look no further than the Zephyr Fire 300 Hand Torch…Full Review
Available From: www.nathansports.com MSRP: $55
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