NorthernRunner.com Blog

24/11/2022

Hoka Mafate Speed 4 Review

Looking for a lighter, nimbler Hoka trail shoe designed for moving quickly over mountain-like conditions? The Hoka Mafate Speed 4 review is worth a read! The Hoka Mafate Speed was designed originally as a 100-mile race shoe. The Hoka Stinson was a well cushioned 100-mile shoe but the outsole was designed more for firmer tracks and trails and the stack height made the shoe unsuitable for anything other than hard packed trails. As 100-mile races started to take place on more broken, challenging terrain, a shoe was required that would... Read More

17/11/2022

Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra G Review

Looking for a weatherproof, extreme trail shoe with a built-in gaiter to keep out the worst of the terrain for that next winter adventure? This week’s Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra G review might be for you! The Ribelle Run Kalibra G is based on the Scarpa Ribelle Run, which we reviewed earlier: https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/scarpa-ribelle-run-review/. The Ribelle Run is a shoe that I enjoyed running in very much and has become a popular shoe with customers too. It’s no surprise that Scarpa have developed a hardcore winter version of the same shoe.... Read More

Scott Pursuit Ride Review

This week we’re featuring the Scott Pursuit Ride review, the latest road running shoe from Scott Sports. Last year Scott launched the Scott Pursuit, a highly cushioned everyday training shoe with a very soft, pillow-like feel to it. To some runners this is bliss, exactly what they are looking for. To others, the lack responsiveness makes them feel like you are plodding along and lacking energy. Scott has designed the Pursuit Ride to appeal to those customers who prefer a more responsive energetic feel to their shoes. The Pursuit Ride... Read More

Brooks Caldera 6 Review

This week we have the Brooks Caldera 6 review, the lesser-known trail running shoe from the brand that brought you the Cascadia. ***LINK*** The Brooks Caldera 6 is a trail running shoe unlike no other that Brooks has made before. It is a big, purposeful step towards the higher stack height softly cushioned trail shoes that have grown in popularity more associated with brands like Hoka or Altra. When you slide your foot into the Caldera 6 it still ‘feels’ like a Brooks shoe. The shape of the upper is... Read More

Icebug Arcus RB9X GTX Review

Not discovered Icebug running shoes yet? Then this Icebug Arcus GTX review is a great start. Winter is traditionally the time of year for building up your fitness, ready for summer adventures. The nights draw in and the weather gets colder and wetter, just as you are upping your milage! When the weather turns nasty, it helps to have a pair of shoes designed to keep you warm and dry. The Icebug Arcus GTX is such a shoe. As many Northern Runner customers will know, we have a preference towards... Read More

Karhu Ikoni Trail Review

This week, a brand that continues to impress in-store at Northern Runner Newcastle and their just-launched trail shoe. It’s the Karhu Ikoni Trail review. After being very impressed with the feel of the Karhu Fusion, which served me well as an everyday training shoe (click here for the Karhu Fusion review). I was looking forward to seeing what Karhu could do with a trail shoe. And they didn’t disappoint. At first glance the Karhu Ikoni Trail looks like a rugged, durable trail shoe. When you put your foot in the... Read More

inov8_trailfly_g280_review 13/10/2022

Inov-8 TrailFly Ultra G 280 Review

Right on time for launch day, this week we have the Inov-8 TrailFly G280 review, from a pair of shoes kindly given to us long enough ago to accrue some miles by our long running friends at Inov-8, one of the most trusted brands for grip. I think it’s fair to say that the TrailFly G280 is unlike any other Inov-8 shoe and perhaps the shoe that has been missing from their range of shoes. Inov-8 shoes have always offered a good level of ground feel. They don’t describe their... Read More

Topo_Athletic_Ultrafly4_Review 07/10/2022

Topo Athletic Ultrafly 4 Review

Are you looking for a lower drop running shoe that provides some unobtrusive mild stability? Well, our Topo Athletic Ultrafly 4 review is here! Topo Athletic is one of our best selling brands in our Newcastle store and online shop. Topo Athletic running shoes like the Ultrafly 4 are designed to allow the foot to function inside the shoe. As such, all their shoes have a broad and rounded toe box so that your feet have the room to spread out on impact. This means that your feet can cushion... Read More

FuelCell RC Elite v2 Review 06/10/2022

New Balance FuelCell RC Elite v2 Review

This week, the carbon plated New Balance FuelCell RC Elite v2 gets a review. The New Balance FuelCell RC Elite v2 is a highly cushioned, carbon plated road running shoe designed for moving fast and getting PBs at the next marathon! A running shoe designed to help you run quicker, over distance. The propulsion comes from both the curved shape to the midsole, that gives the shoe a rocker profile, and the carbon plate that stiffens up the shoes and provides an extra spring. The rocker essentially reminds you to... Read More

TOPO-ATHLETIC-SPECTER-REVIEW 29/09/2022

Topo Athletic Specter Review

Can you boost propulsion with carbon-plate-like technology (a Pebax® and EVA combo) but still allow your feet to function as nature intended? We aimed to find out in our Topo Athletic Specter review. Topo Athletic’s ethos is making running shoes that allow and encourage your feet to function. For that reason, all their shoes have a broad, rounded toe box and are a low heel to forefoot drop, ranging from zero to 5mm. The cushioning has generally been firmer and responsive so that your feet get stimulated to function inside... Read More