NorthernRunner.com Blog

Scott Kinabalu RC 2.0 Review — For those who have been wearing Scott running shoes for a while, they will see the new Kinabalu RC 2.0 as the return of the Scott Trail Rocket. Essentially this is a fairly minimal trail shoe designed for racing or training (for those that like a lighter shoe) on firmer trails.  Scott have taken the midsole material from their popular Supertrac RC and reduced the length of the lugs to make the shoe more responsive and nimble on firmer tracks. The heel to forefoot is 3mm... Read More

Introducing the Altra Escalante 2 — The Altra Escalante has been one of Altra’s most successful shoes since it’s launch. So, the launch of the up dated Escalante 2 is eagerly anticipated by all those runners who love these shoes. Despite being such a popular shoe there where a few issues with the Escalante. The main one being that the super soft and stretchy knitted upper didn’t hold the foot onto the shoe when cornering at speed. For some runners this isn’t an issue but, for other is was a bit... Read More

Clifton 6 Review — The Hoka Clifton is the shoe that changed Hoka from a niche Ultra Runners brand to brand for all runners. The original Clifton was a very light 220 grams with a 29mm heel and 24mm forefoot stack, had tonnes of bouncy soft energy and a fast feel due to the rocker increasing the runner’s cadence. However, is felt unstable and wore out quickly. Over the years Hoka has tweaked the shoe to get more life out of it, made it a touch more stable and last... Read More

Altra Torin 4 vs. Altra Torin 4 Plush — Intro Last season Altra launched the Torin 3.5 road running shoe in a mesh and knit version. These were essentially the same shoe, just with different fit and feel from the uppers. The Torin 4 comes in two completely different models. The ‘regular’ or ‘original’ model Torin 4 comes with a lightweight mesh upper and the sister model, Torin 4 PLSH or Plush, has an engineered knit upper. They also differ in cushioning (stack height) by 2mm. The Torin 4 stack... Read More

VJ Sports VJ Max Review I was very excited when the VJ MAXx arrived in the post because I’ve grown to really enjoy the VJ Shoe brand with the VJ Irock2 being super aggressive and great for racing fast on the Lake District fells and the VJ XTRM with a wider toe box and slightly more cushioning being a favourite for longer fell races and sky races. Slipping the VJ MAXx onto my feet, I knew they were going to be a good fit for my feet. My initial impression... Read More

New Balance 890v7 Review — When Northern Runner opened 21 years ago the hot New Balance shoe of the time for faster training sessions was the 826. It was firm, responsive and light but not cushioned enough for any easier runs. The New Balance 827 changed all that. A shoe that you could run fast in but, was also forgiving enough for some slower runs. This was a totally new type of shoe to the market. The latest New Balance 890v7 is very close to the old New Balance 827,... Read More

Topo Fli-Lyte 3 Review — The Topo Flylite 3 is Topo’s lightweight training shoe. Light enough to race in (M UK8 210g, W UK5 175g) but cushioned enough to do all your mileage in. The heel to forefoot difference is 3mm (23mm at heel and 20mm in the forefoot). So this is a shoe designed for those who already midfoot strike or those that want to run more efficiently and start to. Spacious Toe Box All Topo shoes have a broad and rounded toe box. This is more foot shaped... Read More

Altra Timp 1.5 Review by Sharon Gayter I have been using Altra shoes for around a year.  My first pair was the original Timp and it was great to try the newest version Timp 1.5.   When they arrived I compared them to the original Timp.  The lugs and outsole looked the same, but I have heard there is a new rubber coating that should improve grip.  The midsole looked the same thickness but the flexibility was definitely superior in the Timp 1.5.  The uppers were of a different material and... Read More

Topo Athletic Ultraventure Review — Topo’s latest edition to their trail running range is a highly cushioned grippy shoe. Like all Topo shoes, the Ultraventure is designed to work with your feet rather than prevent the natural movement of the foot. To do this all Topo shoes have a broad, rounded toe box that is more foot shaped than the norm. This shape and space lets your feet expand on impact to absorb shock, stabilise you and then spring you into your next stride. The fit of the heel is... Read More

New Balance Fresh Foam More Review The Fresh Foam More by New Balance is a first attempt at a maximal cushioned running shoe. Max cushioning running shoes come with very thick midsoles and have become popular over the years with newcomers looking for comfort, long distance road/hard surface runners and/or those with joint or foot problems. The most noticeable thing about these shoes is that the day after a long run, when you expect to wake up a bit stiff and achy, with a bit less bounce in your legs, you... Read More