Running Shoe Reviews and Information

Introduction to the Inov-8 TerraUltra 260 — The New Inov-8 TerraUltra 260 is a Zero Drop trail running shoe designed to be well cushioned but still give good ground feel.  The fit is similar to Inov-8’s standard width but with a more rounded toe box to allow the foot to spread better when it touches the floor. This gives the runner better stability, shock absorption and spring from the feet. The outsole has 4mm lugs made from Inov-8’s Endurance Rubber, which is designed to offer both durability and a good... Read More

Altra Lone Peak 4 Trail Running Shoes | REVIEW Having worn my first pair of Altras for just over a month, the Timp, I had such a good response to these shoes I was pleased to try my second pair, the Lone Peak 4.  I had around 5 weeks to prepare for the C2C from Whitehaven to Tynemouth, 140 miles non-stop ultra.  My goal for these shoes was a good cushioned pair of shoes that would give me a soft ride for the many miles of tarmac, but equally cope... Read More

Altra Torin 3.5 Review — Altra’s Torin road running shoe is their most popular road shoe to date. Lots of runners who love the Torin, in its various iterations, will be a bit worried that it might have changed considerably from the shoe they are enjoying running in. The Torin 3.5 is still Zero Drop like all Altra shoes, which promotes a more natural mid-foot landing. The stack height (mid sole thickness) is still 28mm so there is still plenty of cushioning. The trademarked Foot Shape Toe Box is also... Read More

An Introduction to the Altra Lone Peak 4 — The Altra Lone Peak is Altra’s most popular trail shoe. Not just for runners, but long-distance walkers too, who appreciate the extra space in the toe box as much as runners, from newcomers to ultra-marathon-regulars! The Lone Peak 4 features many changes designed to improve on the flagship shoe and is due to arrive in the UK in early September. Like all Altra running shoes, the Lone Peak 4 is Zero Drop and has a roomy, rounded, Foot Shape Toe Box.... Read More

Altra Timp Zero Drop Running Shoes Review — Having worn Hoka One One for several years I visited Northern Runner for a pair of Altra shoes. My goal for these shoes was a good cushioned pair of trail shoes I could use for some ultradistance races. I settled on the Altra Timp, having been told these are one of the most cushioned shoes in the range. I was aware of the Zero Drop and I was given a few words of advice to alternate shoes while adapting to these. A... Read More

How Does the Altra Escalante Compare with the Escalante Racer? — The Altra Escalante has become one of Altra’s most popular Zero Drop road running shoes. It’s a running shoe designed to look fashionable (it does look great) yet also perform when you hit the tarmac for a road run. Although the Escalante has a relatively low level of cushioning, it has a softer ride to it, which is not typically ideal for faster running and racing. To retain the aesthetic style, yet provide something for the experienced, faster runners,... Read More

Inov-8 Terraultra G260 Review | 1 – Intro – Where Does It Fit In? As Inov-8 have been telling everyone on social media for weeks now, these are the first ever running shoes with Graphene in them. The Graphene is mixed into the sticky rubber to give 50% more stretch so the studs mould to the ground better. The outsole is 50% stronger so grips won’t break and 50% more durable, so once you have got these shoes bedded in you can enjoy them for longer. Coupled with that is a... Read More

Altra Torin 3.5 – A Quick Introduction The new Torin 3.5 , Altra’s best selling road shoe, has been completely updated.  There are now two uppers available. There is a mesh upper which is the more breathable more performance orientated upper and a knit upper which has a bit more stretch and a closer feel to it similar to the Altra Escalante. Whichever version you choose the shoe offers the same high degree of cushioning. It is designed for those longer runs or runners doing lots of miles but, will... Read More

G-Series Inov-8 Footwear with Graphene Arrives at NorthernRunner.com There is a fair bit of information to digest about the new G-Series running shoes; the Mudclaw, TerraUltra and F-Lite G260. Here’s a boiled down version and relevant links to everything you will need to know. Tech Spec PDF: https://www.northernrunner.com/downloads/1529496054INOV-8_G-SERIES_TECH_SHEET.pdf TerraUltra G260 RESPONSIVE: Dynamic Fascia Band (DFB) technology. RUN NATURAL: Next-generation META-FLEX is an extra flexible midsole and outsole form. WORLD’S TOUGHEST GRIP: Using the world’s strongest material, graphene-enhanced rubber. ZERO/0mm DROP: Heel to forefoot. UNDERFOOT PERFECTION: New EXTEROFLOW midsole minimises shock impact RUN IN COMFORT:... Read More

New Balance 1080v8 Review — Overview The New Balance 1080v8 is New Balance’s most cushioned neutral running shoe. It’s designed for your everyday (perhaps higher) miles and your long runs. The midsole is made of New Balance’s Fresh Foam, which is designed to be slightly softer in the heel to cushion the initial heel impact and firmer in the forefoot to aid push-off. The ride is firmer and more responsive than other fresh foam shoes, which I much prefer. Although the NB1080 does have an Ortholite insole, which gives it... Read More