NorthernRunner.com Blog

26/01/2021

Altra Escalante 2.5 Review | Zero Drop Road Running Shoes

The Altra Escalante is designed for those that want a light, responsive, cushioned ride. This would have been referred to as a racer/trainer back in the old days. Like all Altra shoes they are designed to allow the foot to function in the shoe. So, they are zero drop and have a broad rounded toe box. The original Escalante had a very soft ride to it. This is nice for trotting a long at a nice easy pace but, makes the shoes unresponsive when it comes to picking up the... Read More

La Sportiva Mutant Review

The LA Sportiva Mutant has been on the market for a few years now. It might seem funny to be spending the time writing about an ‘old’ model of shoe. Most running brands change their shoes regularly updating and altering. La Sportiva spend their time developing their shoes so when they come to market they are already tried and tested. So, they often stay unchanged for many years. The Mutant is one of those shoes and is worth a mention because it is a good shoe that often isn’t in... Read More

Hoka One One Speedgoat EVO Review | Cushioned Trail Shoes

The Hoka Speedgoat is well established as one of the most cushioned trail running shoes on the market. Named after Karl ‘Speedgoat’ Meltzer who has won more 100 mile races than anyone else you get the idea of what this shoe is designed for. The rocker that is in all Hoka shoes is positioned to allow the runner to run with a quick cadence and midfoot strike. The cushioning isn’t as soft and pillow like or bottomless like it is in other shoes designed for running Ultra’s in. The Speedgoat... Read More

Ronhill ShakeDry Jacket Review

When I run, I generate quite a lot of heat and tend sweat a lot. For this reason and like many runners, I find that breathable waterproof jackets don’t breathe enough for me. I get hot and the sweat runs down my arms and pours out of the sleeve of the jacket. So, I am as wet on the inside as the rain is making the jacket on the outside! This makes me uncomfortable and dehydrates me, which leads to feeling fatigued on longer runs. As a result, I tend... Read More

stryde_power_meter_review 22/12/2020

Stryd Power Meter Review | Measure Wattage Whilst Running

Stryde is a footpod that clips to your shoe and measures power. Which is essentially the amount of effort you are making at anyone time. It can work independently and record your power for you to view later on your laptop or phone or you can link it to your running GPS watch (see Stryde.com for details on which watches are compatible. All the Coros watches we sell except the Pace 1 are compatible). Unlike heart rate the minute you start to run your power goes up. If you stop... Read More

Hoka One One Rincon 2 Review | Light & Cushioned Road Shoes

The Hoka Rincon 2 is a lightweight racer/trainer. As you would expect from Hoka they are a bit different to other shoes in this category. Usually the midsoles are firmer and responsive for shoes designed to run quickly in. The Rincon 2 is the exception. The ride is pillow soft just like Hoka’s everyday training shoe the Hoka Clifton. What makes it a quicker shoe than the Clifton is flexibility and the rocker. Like all Hoka shoes your foot sits inside the midsole which means that you get a very... Read More

KATADYN BeFree Water Filter | Introduction by NorthernRunner.com

Water is heavy. You need to drink but don’t want to carry too much of it! It can be tricky to find fill up locations, depending on your run/race. This however is not so much of a problem when you are high up on the fells in the UK. The mountain streams are clear and there’s lots of them. Lower down the mountain side and on runs closer to habitation it’s not the best idea to drink from streams. However, this issue has been solved by the Katadyn Befree water... Read More

Running Rewired Running Book Review/Experience

“Work on your core” sometimes seems like the answer to every running related question! Be it how do I get rid of this niggle or that injury or how do run further or faster. There are loads of YouTube clips of fit runners demonstrating exercises that most of us can’t do. The book Running Rewired aims to answer the questions around improving your core for everybody. The book explains why you should build some strength exercises into your schedule and shows you how to work out the best exercises for... Read More

07/11/2020

Altra Superior 4.5 Review | Responsive Zero Drop Trail Running Shoes

The Altra Superior 4.5 is Altra’s most minimally cushioned trail running shoe. It is designed for shorter outings than the Lone Peak 4.5 or Timp 2 and has a faster, more responsive feel. The stack height is 21mm, which is nearly the same as the Altra Escalante Racer… so a kind of Escalante Racer with grip! The Altra Superior range has been on the market for some years now and we have many customers who find them to be the perfect combination of feel for the ground, cushioning and protection.... Read More

31/10/2020

NVii Terra TT Review | High Grip Trail Running Shoes

NVii (pronounced NVee) are a Finish orienteering brand. They designed their shoes for racing through the undergrowth in Scandinavian forests. Their shoes have to be tough enough to cope with all the abrasion from thick under growth, whilst being light and flexible enough to ride over the rough ground. It goes without saying that the outsole needs to grip on a large combination of surfaces from wet rock, wood and mud to drier loose and dusty terrain. The current bout of wet weather has made the trails perfect to test... Read More