NorthernRunner.com Blog

Topo ST-2 Review — The Topo Blueprint Topo have successfully designed shoes that work with your feet, as opposed to simply keep them feeling comfortable. There are no gimmicks. Topo shoes are simply made in a shape that allows the foot to function and has a cushioning level that is firm enough for your foot to get the feedback it needs to work correctly, yet comfortable for longer distances. If you’re used to an extreme level of cushioning it might take a few shorter runs to strengthen up. The Topo... Read More

On Cloudflow Review — The On Cloudflow is the shoe used by British Triathlete Tim Don to run the fastest ever Ironman Triathlon, which includes a marathon as the final discipline that Tim completed in 2 hours 44 minutes and 23 seconds. This gave him a total time of 7 hours 40 minutes and 23 seconds for the swim, bike, run event back in May 2017.  However, the On Cloudflow is not just a shoe for breaking Triathlete world records and brings some unique tech and subsequent benefits to casual... Read More

(For Men) Altra Instinct 4.5 Review (For Women) Altra Intuition 4.5 Review As you probably know already, Altra’s shoes are Zero Drop to promote a more natural midfoot landing. They also have a wider, rounded toe box that Altra call Foot Shaped,  as feet aren’t pointy like many modern running shoes seem to suggest.  Altra shoes also differ in shape from men’s to women’s as our feet are different anatomically. That is, the women’s range is not just a tad smaller and a different colour. Most Women have a narrower... Read More

On Cloud X Running Shoes Review — It’s obvious when you look at an On shoe that they are a bit different to other brands. They are constructed to work with your feet and not replace them. The cushioning is separated out into ‘clouds’ on the bottom of the shoe to encourage your feet to function inside it! That is rather than curl up in a ball and rely on the shoes’ cushioning. On shoes also have speed boards inside, which are effectively hidden plastic insoles that are designed to... Read More

Altra Duo — High cushioned or maximal cushioned running shoes are usually designed for the long slow ‘plods’. The easy Sunday runs. The cushioning is soft with little energy return and the shoes are all about comfort & protection. Altra’s new maximum cushioning shoe, the Duo, is different. This is a maximum cushioning shoe built for speed. As you would expect, the Duo is incredibly light at 224g (for a UK8). This is even more amazing when you consider that the midsole is 30mm thick. This weight is achieved by... Read More