Welcome to our RU-vid Channel, where we test and review road and trail running shoes for all types of runners (new to experienced) and running (road, trail, door-to-trail hybrids).
Our reviews include everything from affordable entry-level daily trainers through to the fanciest carbon fiber plated running shoes from top brands such as Nike, Brooks, HOKA, On & more, as well as shoes from newer brands such as Topo Athletic and Mount to Coast.
As well as featuring cool new gear from the best running brands, we also create gear roundups to help you choose the best products based on our testing and reviews.
All gear is reviewed right here in Northern California, unless, of course, we’re road tripping to discover new adventure destinations, or running across mountains in the European Alps.
I loved the Caldera 6, particularly on smooth wet rocks. They gripped where no other compound, including megagrip, was able to. The only downside was the two-part upper fell apart out on the trails one day. They fixed that with stitching in the 7 which is great. But I was gutted to discover the outsole rubber has changed on the 7 and it is no longer any good on wet rocks. They're great on all other surfaces, but if you're running anywhere wet, including downhill wet grass, be very careful. Strictly summer shoes only.
Let me know if you have any questions! Oh, and if you're looking for the perfect pair of running shoes for your runs but not sure where to start, let me know your circumstances and I'll get you hooked up with the best running shoes for you! -Alastair ✌🏼
Thanks for the review! If these are for the shorter, faster events - then what would you recommend for 50k, 100k, 100mile etc? Hitting my first 100km this year and looking for an upgrade! I'm getting mixed reviews on the Speegoat 6's - saying the midsole is hard and fails relatively quickly...
Ahh the blue mountains! Gorgeous! I personally love the Speedgoat 6. Other great trail shoes in a similar class for ultras with a good amount of cushioning include the Arc’teryx Sylan, Altra Timp 5 (zero drop shoe), Nike Zegama 2. All have been reviewed on the channel if you’d like to learn more about either of those great trail running shoes
My misses has the cloud surfer trail waterproof and doesn’t get on with them. She likes the sole, but gets a mark/bruise where the lower lace stitching hits the top of her foot. She also says although these are the first waterproof running shoes she owns, it’s the first time her feet end up wet….. from sweat! She’s disappointed with them of course.
I haven’t had any experience with the waterproof version of these but any waterproof shoe being worn on a hot summers day with undoubtedly make your feet sweat. The very nature of blocking water from the outside makes them not breathable. You need an upper that is breathable to allow heat to escape the shoe, and hence reduce the chance of sweaty feet.
Damn right there are - and this is one of my favorite category of trail shoes. Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 matryx, MTL Skyfire 2 matryx, Hoka Zinal 2, Brooks catamount Agil, On cloud venture Peak 3, Arcteryx Norvan SL, All reviewed on the channel.
Hey there. This shoe is not narrow in the heel at all. There are plenty of other super shoes that are but not this one. It’s a superb race shoe for the price. More details here if you need them: www.trailandkale.com/?s=endorphin
Thanks for the review! These are on sale for $60 and the Agravic Speed for $55. Which one would you recommend for someone who never ran trails and looking for a hybrid kinda shoe for traveling and running on both roads and trails?
I haven’t tried them yet, but the Cloud X series isn’t for the trail… although I did run a 50k ultra in a pair of Cloud X a few years ago, just to see if I could lol. Are you looking for running or just everyday wear?
@@trailandkale trail hiking as well but not that often mostly pavement/everyday shoe. And from what I understand the ultras run half a size smaller ? Everyone in my family is wearing on loud and I never even tried them on. I am mostly ecco or adidas, merrel. So wanna see if I can get a do it all on loud pair since I am away from my home base.
@Iamandthatiam On’s trail/road hybrid is the cloudsurfer trail which is highly cushioned and very dreamy to step into. Depending on Your weight you may feel like they lack stability however. The cloudultra 2 is a very durable supportive trail shoe that I also like to wear for walking on the pavement. If the trails you hike are dry and very light (not technical at all), then you could go for the Cloud X. Cloudsurfer trail review here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--lx3tKBt4Xw.htmlsi=VpOnfmra-0jpIwZb
Already have 100 miles in the R1 and enjoying it, but the S1 is an even better choice for daily training. M2C tell me they are working on a trail version and will look forward to trying!
I tried these and there is no stability. I prefered the clifton 9. Just for walking though not running. I felt like my foot muscles were working just to keep my foot stable, like standing on jello or something.
@@trailandkale it was the cloud monster! You know how the soledare kind of square. Well , that squared part underneath the ball of my foot has a distinct feel when you're rolling your foot. Imagine you put your finger under your shoe under the ball of your foot when you're walking. Like walking over a stick. That's what it felt like it was very weird and uncomfortable. I tried the v13. Too much like a marshmallow. Just standing still it felt like I was trying to balance myself and my foot muscles were getting exhausted and worked. The Clifton 9 was just heaven.
A lot of hate on these shoes from youtube reviewers . I personally live saucony shoes . Been using the ride for years . Recently got clifton 9's just for walking on daily. I'll never not use a max cushion shoe for daily use again they are so plushy . Ive had a foot issue for a while and the clifton 9's and hoka ora slides are so nice on my foot.
Clifton 9’s are awesome. These Triumphs are great for heel strikers but I personally prefer running more on my forefoot so a lower drop works better for my style. But yes the cushioning is so good!
Would this still be a good option for variable terrain? Not talking crazy mountain biking but taking it off paved roads if need be and not having to worry about the wheels losing traction and falling. I like the aventure but im looking at others that are lighter mostly for my girlfriend since shes much smaller
Yeah the aventure is certainly a heavier bike. This one does really well on light trails, gravel, that sort of stuff but like you said, it’s definitely not intended to be used as a mountain bike.
Let me know if you have any questions or need help finding the right pair of shoes for your specific circumstances and I’ll get you hooked up with the best running shoes for you. -Alastair
I'm so mad that I only learned this today. I have slender feet, so I have always had problems with the heels. This is a killer for any job where you're on your feet because locking your heel in helps prevent the agitation that leads to blisters.
I had mine for 4 years would always clean it and use it for everything coffee/water/protein shakes/ice tea/soup/cereal whatever it took a beating it’s scraped up like crazy I finally got a new one but dam it was worth the $50
They’re not too dissimilar and both perform well for fast minimal mountain running. Here are my thoughts on them: www.trailandkale.com/gear/arcteryx-norvan-sl-3-review/ - Other similar shoes I’ve reviewed include the MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx, MTL Skyfire 2, Hoka Zinal 2, the Brooks Catamount Agil, and the On Cloudventure Peak 3. All of those sit in the lightweight minimal mountain running class, or skyrunning if you will ;)
Should heavy runners (107kg) pick a different shoe? I am thinking about buying this shoe but I am unsure whether it is a good choice for me or not. Btw: Thanks for the helpful review!
No I wouldn’t say avoid this one if you’re a heavier runner. It depends if you’re after very cushioned shoes though? They’re a great all round trail shoe with a nice balanced midsole
You could look at something like the Merrell Test Lab Skyfire 2 (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_FRqoLzkUP4.htmlsi=9UoATvT5jGzKm6wz) or Long Sky 2 Matryx (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-7Zzlbe4ogg0.htmlsi=V9YFmAFdIuQQ9Bb2)
I used to wear size 40 2/3 comfortably and slightly loosely. In the case of these running shoes, is it better to buy the same size or is it better to wear one size smaller to be fit? I will wear it for daily and running.
I’d recommend going with your usual size. I went with my usual US size and while there is some extra room in them, it feels like that space is intended by the designer. It feels good. Some more details on fit here: www.trailandkale.com/gear/adidas-soulstride-ultra-review/
Running in a seated position is basically a nice way of saying improper form. Its when someone doesnt have their hips pushed forward, usually due to either inexperience or overly tight hip flexors.
Thanks for the explanation - never heard that way of saying it! These shoes are designed to encourage improved running form and so should help runners that fit that profile and want to improve in that area.
It’s a pity, I have the trail 2 gortex (blue and orange) and it has been unbelievably amazing to run in on Table Mountain and adjacent Lions Head. The shoe not only felt good, it looked pretty slick aesthetically. Then came the 3 and 4 and from an aesthetics perspective, it went from bad to worse in my opinion. I like the look of the 5 but concerned that it will hold up in the mountains where the runs are very technical. Also I feel that my trail 2 provides amazing support on technical terrain but performs equally well when hitting the road surface. Also I’m wondering if the change in lugs that was introduced with the 3 (I think) is indeed better than the lugs on the 2? Coz I’m happy with my grip on the 2
The grip on the peg trail 5 is better than any previous version thanks to the new compound mentioned in the review. It handles moderate trails very well and even some technical stuff especially considering it’s a hybrid shoe. If you need a trail shoe for really technical trails, I can help you find the right shoes for that.
Which one you recommend. I work in a ferris wheel doing maintenance work, and also interacting with people, I walk like 10,000 steps at least, and I'm between this, the cloud 5, and the cloudtilt. Help 😢
The cloudsurfer trail is really nicely cushioned and has great traction - so if you’re big on cushioning underfoot then go with them. The Cloud 5 is an awesome everyday shoe as well but it’s a bit firmer - I love it because of how well they slip on but also they look quite stylish. The Cloudtilt I haven’t tested yet but on paper it should be a bit of a mix between the two in terms of feel.
As a Kenyan Runner with Narrow feet. I can confirm it's a pretty good fit! But my Gosh you do need a lot of stability/Mobility conditioning if you don't want to end up with a soleus injury. Great tempo interval running shoe for anyone wanting to get faster and run at that new pace!±
Hi, thanks for watching! I don’t know about local stores in Chicago but you can buy them with free shipping directly from On: www.trailandkale.com/go/on-cloudspark
