Bit of a reset here at Humble Running post-Mammoth Trailfest. With racing off the calendar (more on that later), I had a chance to put some easy miles into some cushioned models that I have in the test queue. Btw, stay tuned for a new “More Best Cushion” video which will be releasing shortly. This newsletter may serve as something of a primer for that video.
First up, the On Cloudsurfer Trail 2 - On seems to have upped the comfort level with this model, lots of plush and durable materials throughout, perhaps dulling the ride feel a bit, but it could hit the spot if you’re looking for a smooth and stylish ride in easier terrain.
The Hoka Challenger 8 also ups the comfort level - most noticeably underfoot and specifically under the heel. 43mm in fact under the heel, super soft compression molded EVA, typical for Hoka’s base models.
Some runners have mentioned durability issues with this midsole, but it could possibly be that the initial step-in feel is oh so soft and squishy. Perhaps not a great setup here for those that tend to ground strike closer to the mid/front, but heel strikers will love this one.
Another new (or old?, or revamped?) model from Hoka here. Well actually, it’s another collaboration - the UNNA x HOKA Speedgoat 2.
I’ve been liking what Hoka has been doing with the collabs (check out my long run in the MAAP x Hoka Tecton X 2). The shoes are generally unchanged aside from styling, but it keeps solid models out on the market, and they look great too!
Keen Seek is here! This is a super exciting shoe, which I first scoped out at Trailcon. I took them out for a 12 mile first run in fading light and rainy conditions. Please don’t mind the video quality on that one - I’m bringing you REAL on-the-run content here, not scripted studio talking head material!
The Seek brings Keen’s signature natural style to the trail running market. I say there’s definitely room for three here, with Altra and Topo the leaders in this space. Definite foot-shaped comfort with the Seek here, this one should be very appealing to toeox-space afficionados. Durability is a big point of emphasis for Keen as a brand, with the outsole having a claimed durability rating of 925 miles!
I’ll be logging more miles in these on my trip - and also wearing them throughout 19 hours of airport flights/connections because they’re just that comfortable. More to come including all the comps I know you have in mind!
A couple of gear videos next, first I’ve been testing a new camera - the Insta360 GO Ultra. The audio has been giving me some trouble - it’s pretty good, but not as immersive as I’d like with my typical DJI Action 4 setup. I was filming some clips with the UNNA x Hoka Speedgoat 2 so on the fly I decided to film some audio testing.
I get questions from time to time about my filming and video creation process. This is just one small part - check it out if you have any interest in action cams or that kind of stuff.
Perhaps of more interest - I was able to get an early test pair of the new Superfeet Run Pacer Elite carbon fiber insoles.
It’s a beaded TPU insole, with an embedded Carbitex plate.
Can you make a super shoe even MORE SUPER? How about a carbon-fiber plated norda 005??? Check out my video to see what I think of this insole design, why I chose the norda 005, and of course how it performs on the run!
NEW from TheFeed.com
Pillar Performance Triple Magnesium - if you’re looking for a bit of a boost in your sleep recovery performance - this could be the ticket. I’ve noticed real improvements in overnight HRV data when taking this regularly before bed. I seem to have a deeper sleep too - and sleep is the #1 recovery tool!
NOMIO! 3 kg of broccoli in this one small glass “shot” here..
Why, you ask? It’s the isothiocyanates, duh! Nomio has been scientifically formulated to reduce lactic acid buildup, therefore reducing muscle stress and improving performance during high intensity efforts. I tried these before a marathon pace workout (see below), and noticed a smoothness and and relaxed feel on the run which was quite unexpected! This is an exciting new product to check out if bi-carb is a bit too aggressive.
In other news, I’ll be running the Munich Marathon this coming Sunday! We were planning to be in Munich for a few days anyway, and my sister-in-law brought it up, so.. Why not??
7 days notice, let’s run a marathon! Needless to say, I did a few days of crash MP (marathon pace) training - luckily I have a fresh pair of Hoka Rocket X 3’s, so I can retire my worn-out shoe-goo’ed Nike NEXT%2’s.
I’m feeling pretty fit, and didn’t take any damage after the races at Mammoth Trailfest, so who knows??? Maybe 3x up the Dragon’s Back Ascent could be the perfect marathon training?
AFFILIATE LINKS & PROMOS
On Cloudsurfer Trail 2 - REI ($170)
Hoka Challenger 8 - REI ($155)
Topo Vista - REI ($175)
Keen Seek - REI ($185)
The Courtney Crew by Injinji ($19)
Mount to Coast - Use code “HumbleRunning” for 10% off!
Craft Nordlite Ultra Pro - craftsports.us ($190)
Craft Xplor Pro - craftsports.us ($170)
Superfeet Run Pacer Elite Carbon Fiber insoles ($95)
norda 005 - REI ($325)
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Products provided at no cost for test and review by the various brands. Please see my support page for disclaimers regarding my testing and review process.