I’m a slipper guy.. any time I go anywhere, on a trip, in the RV, hotels, staying at someone’s house, etc., you can bet I’m bringing some indoor comfort footwear!

I think it’s safe to say that ROLL Recovery has all the options covered here.

You’ve got your standard sport slide - the SUPERPLUSH S1 - seen here in their home spot next to the treadmill. Post-run, shoes off, sweaty feet straight in to the slides.

You may notice a styling change here - they’ve removed the large logo lettering from the top of the slide strap in favor of a smaller logo on the side. They look much more sleek now.

The SOLACE SLIDE takes comfort to the next level with a soft suede strap - which is adjustable!

There are two overlapping flaps which allow you to dial in your fit exactly. No more worrying about half sizes. I sized up this time to a US 10, and with those adjustable straps, the fit is superb. These have become my all day, around the house footwear.

Not to be outdone, for those who prefer a flip-flop style, the SOLACE FLIPFLOP offers the same adjustability as the SLIDE. A sculpted toe post maintains the soft, plush feel in every area.

The FLIPFLOP also adds a small, grippy traction area around the big toe. The SOLACE FLIPFLOP may turn into my backyard cruiser once the weather warms up.

Paired with some Injinji Split-Toe Mini-Crews, you’re ready to relax and recover in style!

All models use ROLL’s BLOOM foam - which is an Algae/EVA blend - just the right amount of compression/support with each step. The fit is roomy, allowing your foot muscles to spread out and relax. Support under the arch is slight, giving a well-supported and unobtrusive feel underfoot. I literally wear the SOLACE slides (the gray ones) all day around the house.

Three different styles, several color options for each - all are understated, and dare I say, elegant?? Yes, you can recover in style!

SUPERPLUSH S1 SLIDE ($69)

SOLACE SLIDE ($110)

SOLACE FLIPFLOP ($110)

Roll Recovery SOLACE, SUPERPLUSH S1 slides were provided at no cost for test and review by ROLL Recovery. Please see my support page for disclaimers regarding my testing and review process.

A couple of weeks of mixed winter sports use, and I’m totally sold.

Quick rundown of the key features:

• Fleece lined, quite warm on its own with a baselayer

• Integrated hood / vented facemask

• Thumb holes

• Watch window on both sides

• DWR coating (for light mist, very light rain maybe)

I wear a size Medium. The fit is a little bit boxy and loose around the torso for me, but I do have a thinner frame and long arms. I prefer the loose fit and my preference would be to wear this for everyday cold runs as an outer layer.

Check out my latest video - Mammut Aenergy Trail Speed vs Salomon S/LAB Pulsar 4. I wore my Rabbit kit on the way and there’s a little modeling segment in there.

I didn’t actually wear it on that run, as it was a bit too sunny and warm out (the Cocoon 2.0 is quite cozy!)

There’s a reflective strip along the back which makes it great for those cold night runs. The seams on the front shoulders are also reflective.

The vented facemask is the TOP feature for me. You can see this is the third variation here - facemask up / hood down. You can keep the entire thing down as a kind of loose buff, or use the hood with the mask down, or have both the hood and the mask up. Very versatile and great for varying conditions and levels of body warmth!

This is one of my favorite pieces of winter sports apparel right now - I’ve also used it as a ski layer, as well as casually since it looks so nice!

Cocoon 2.0 at runinrabbit.com ($125)

There’s a good deal right now at REI on the women’s version.

My favorite Rabbit pants (seen in many of my videos)

Rabbit segment at 11:44:

Rabbit Cocoon 2.0 provided at no cost for test and review by Rabbit. Please see my support page for disclaimers regarding my testing and review process.

I go through the different t-shirts I picked up (both promotional and a couple for testing), describing all the fun I had at TrailCon.

Once again, it was incredible to receive support from the Humble Running Community on this trip.. it’s really amazing to know that the work that I put into this operation is appreciated by so many.

The Keen Seek was one of the most interesting shoes I saw - completely new and unexpected. Check out a quick intro on the channel-

I also got the chance to talk with Samuel from Lowa about some upcoming models and also running in Bavaria. My first 100 mile race was Chiemgauer 100 !

A quick look through my shoe bag for a two week trip + racing the Beaverhead 100K. What’s in the back? Which shoes made the cut?

I’ve been running in the new Fractel Velocity t-shirt the past couple of days- it’s pretty sweet and the fit is working great for me.

Also a new High Performance merino blend shirt from a brand called Artilect. Merino t’s are great for travelling, wear them a few days, then maybe a run or two before washing. Helps make more room in the luggage for shoes!

I also give a quick recap of the SUPER FUN Precision Fuel & Hydration 100m dash.

A crazy time and I made the semi’s so I got to run 2 x 100m! The shortest running races of my life!

Finally to close out the event, the TrailCon x Nike ACG Hall of Fame event, and a cool Western States inspired t-shirt courtesy of Nike..

Thanks for reading, I’ll see you at TrailCon 2026!

For when you’re not trail running - the norda 008 has arrived.

Understated, yet stunning, these slides ooze comfort and well thought out design.

Just a slight, raised norda logo/lettering along the sides.

You just get the sense that every single line, layer, edge, and angle was meticulously designed and crafted.

How about Vibram ECOSTEP EVO underfoot? In a slide !?!

And a dual-density foam? Would you still call this a midsole? Actually.. I did measure (29mm at the heel)

UPDATE: just dropped -

I’ll be “racking up the recovery” in these. Keep an eye out for more thoughts. Or just more pics of me lounging around.

norda 008 is available now at nordarun.com ($145)

008 sample was provided at no cost for test and review by norda. Please see my support page for disclaimers regarding my testing and review process.

Peak Performance, based out of Sweden offers a range of high performance technical apparel which blurs the lines between performance and style. I was sent a couple of items to test, this is just a quick into here -

The first item I’ve been trying out is the Freelight Polartec Powergrid Crew. As you can see - very comfortable for casual use, which has been my main usage right now as it’s mostly been very hot recently.

Polartec fleece is very performant though, in a wide range of conditions. The fleece feels warm and comfortable, and the grid pattern on the interior allows the free flow of air all around - making it feel just that - “airy” and light.

Size small fits me perfectly (I’m 5’10”, 138 lbs, runner’s frame). I prefer a comfortable, relaxed fit around the torso and arms, and this piece hits it perfectly.

The next item is the Freelight Wind Jacket

Packable, with wind resistant front panels, and thoughtful features - chest clip, hood clip, laser-cut rear ventilation..

Again, perfect fit for me in a size small. Look out for a full review on these as I continue testing and cruising around town in these..

Freelight Polartec Powergrid Crew ($180)

Freelight Wind Jacket ($180)

Apparel samples were provided at no cost for test and review by Peak Performance. Please see my support page for disclaimers regarding my testing and review process.

For me the most important aspect of a recovery shoe, is that when I’m done with my workout - either coming from outside or off the treadmill - I don’t track my sweaty feel all over the house.

That being said, I will throw out what I feel are a few important features:

• Bloom Foam technology - sustainable, created with algae (!)

• Cradle design - wraps around the edges of your feet

• Gender-specific sizing (men’s 9.0 for me)

• Orthofit arch/midfoot support

No trouble with sizing here - full sizes only, if you’re in between, go down a half size. My running shoe true-to-size is US 9.5, and these slides in 9.0 fit perfectly - either with or without socks.

(EDIT: Check out the updated S1 Slide, and the new SOLACE models. With the adjustability of the SOLACE models, I now recommend sizing UP, if in between sizes. Even in the non-adjustable S1, I’ve gotten used to the more comfortable sizing at a half size up)

They fit securely and hold on to my foot well when walking around. The feel underfoot is not mushy soft, I’d call it “comfortably supportive”. I like the subtle arch contouring (Orthofit) which is not overdone. It gives your foot muscles some freedom to spread out and relax.

I also like the cradle design which wraps around the edges of the foot. I’m never a big fan of having my feet teetering over the edges of sandals- especially if they’re in delicate condition after a long race!

Some may prefer a squishy feel underfoot for this type of footwear, but this one hits just right for me. A supportive and sustainable level of cushioning, no fuss, let your body do its recovery thing!

(EDIT: New models have removed the Roll Recovery wording from the top strap in favor of a smaller, more inconspicuous ROLL logo on the outside)

SUPERPLUSH S1 Slide from ROLL Recovery ($69)

Roll Recovery SUPERPLUSH slides were provided at no cost for test and review by ROLL Recovery via Verde PR. Please see my support page for disclaimers regarding my testing and review process.

I’ve been testing two models from Nank (formerly Naenka) - the Runner 4 which is a bone conduction model, and the Clip Pro which is a more standard earbud, but with a unique (at least for me) attachment style.

The Runner 4 is a standard style bone-conduction headphone design, very similar to models from Shokz. It’s actually good timing to receive these as my original “Aftershokz” have started falling apart.

I typically use this style of heaphone indoors on the treadmill. I find that when running outdoors, especially if windy, I get a lot of noise interference which makes it difficult to hear. I am typically running on trails, so keep in mind one of the benefits of these headphones is actually being able to hear sounds around you, i.e. cars, traffic, people, etc.

I’m not an audiophile, but for running purposes, I find sound quality to be good - actually better than my Aftershokz model, but those are older by now. Essentially there is no difference in sound quality, and the price - listed now at $80 - is a very good value.

I like that there are physical buttons which are easy to locate and operate. There are 3 buttons - one for power, and two for volume up/down. You can operate the headphones through some combination of presses of those 3 buttons.

To be honest the Clip Pro was kind of a “throw in” for variety when I was looking around the Nank website. It looked a bit gimmicky, but I thought it might be good to compare a couple of different models.

But these have been my go-to for outdoor running since I got them. The “clip” design is something I’ve never tried before, but I’ve come to really like it. Some of the pics on the website show them oriented more horizontally, but as shown in the picture above, they work perfectly fine for me. I guess finding the right spot will depend on your ear shape.

But they do stay completely locked in during the run, which I was really surprised about. They’re great because they stay totally out of the way of your sunglasses, so you don’t have so much “hanging on” around the top of you ears. I find this very comfortable on the run.

Unlike the Runner 4, there are no physical buttons on the Clip Pro model. You have to rely on touch-tapping, which at times can be a bit finnicky. Sometimes it’s a bit tricky to go between a single tap, and a tap and hold, and also hard to remember which operation is which. I guess that comes with the territory for this style, and it’s no different than other bluetooth earbuds. You just need to get used to the “taps” and functions.

Again, sound quality is good, and as a runner, I cannot gauge any difference between these and my Shokz Openfit on the run. I actually have been using these over the Shokz because the comfort of the clip design when wearing sunglasses has been the primary factor for me.

If you’re in the market for some Bluetooth headphones for running, take a look at these models from Nank. You don’t have to break the bank since Hi-fi audio is not the objective here. These offer really good quality and form factor, so you can allocate your $$$ for other running gear!

Specs & feature list

Use the code “HumbleRunning” for 15% off-

Nank Runner 4 - Bone Conduction headphones

Nank Clip Pro - Clip-on Running earbuds

Nank Runner 4 and Clip Pro headphones were provided at no cost for test and review by Nank. Please see my support page for disclaimers regarding my testing and review process.

There are different variations of the Victus Pro model, I have the Steel Blue Metallic version. The lenses are their Phantom Clear Lava Photochromic, here are some specs -

Being photochromatic, the lenses automatically lighten or darken according to the light conditions. When I received them at first, I thought they would be too light, especially given the clear and very bright conditions I encounter on almost all of my runs.

I figured there was no way they would be protective enough on bright days. I typically go with my darkest tinted glasses for those conditions.

But I was very surprised by how well they perform in very bright light. The Cat. rating of 0-3 indicates that they are protective in all conditions, aside from extremely reflective (i.e. extreme bright snow and/or high elevation).

On bright sunny days, they don’t just rely on a dark lens to block the sun. In fact, across the spectrum from overcast days to clear sun, they brighten and enhance your view. At the same time the UV protection blocks harmful rays and reduces light glare.

Even though they don’t appear to be tinted as dark as other sunglasses, I never find myself squinting even on the brightest of days. Of course they are perfect in low light or overcast conditions. Clarity is enhanced and brightened, but I find they don’t get too “contrast-y” as with other rose tinted shades.

Perhaps the best feature for me is the FIT-TEC temple design. It has a large grip area that securely wraps along the sides - above and behind the ears. I really like this as it seems to take pressure off of the top of the ears. Often after wearing sunglasses for a while, I can often feel the arms of the glasses bothering me on the tops of my ears.

This design alleviates most of that pressure and it really does feel more comfortable and stable. It also allows the front section of the arms to be a bit wider - allowing better ventilation perhaps (there are also small vents at the top outer edges of the lenses).

Another reason I like this design is that it allows for more space above the ears if you also wear headphones while running.

The nose piece is also fully adjustable - between that and the FIT-TEC temple, these are perhaps the most stable sunglasses I’ve worn while running. The half-rim design for me is preferrable as it makes the lenses much easier to wipe and clean.

Also of note - the Victus Pro is made of 45% bio-based material. The retail price is listed at $240 on Bollé’s website, but you may be able to search for good deals. Highly recommended by Humble Running, these will be my sunglasses of choice for the 2025 season.

Bollé Victus Pro - Steel Blue Metallic

Bollé Victus Pro were provided at no cost for test and review by Bollé via True North PR. Please see my support page for disclaimers regarding my testing and review process.

I pair them with my Instinct Evolution 7L pack - which I will be using next week up at Heavens Gate in Riggins, Idaho.

I’m not sure if I’ll use these poles at that race, as I need some more time to test and get used to them.

Watch how quickly they deploy on the run!

Stowing them does take some more attention as they are under “opening tension” all the time.

Keep an eye out for more testing and the full review.

A few questions that need to be covered are: weight in comparison to other poles, length when folded, how much more difficult is it to break them down and stow them, can they be stored easily with other (non-quiver) vest attachment points, is their strap system comparable in efficiency to Leki’s?

The first thing my wife said when she saw them was - “they look like those cars, what’s the word for them in English?” I don’t think we have a specific word for those cars that are camo-wrapped in early stages of testing.

They have a specific word for them in German (of course they do) - Erlkönig. Apparently, the word comes from some famous old poem for some obscure reason. A poem which apparently everyone in Germany and Austria knows (of course they do).

Lo and behold, that’s the name of this pole - the Erlkönig FXP. Not sure about the inspiration aside from the pattern - be stealthy on the trails??? They do have other grip tape colors.

Keep an eye out for full testing and review.