Humble Running Newsletter #16
10 Days of Post-TRE Testing
I’m finding it a bit tedious compiling all of the pictures, details, and content Post-TRE. I know I should do some type of wrap-up, but my sense of procrastination is telling me that I’m just not feeling it. Why just do literally the same thing that everyone else is doing?
Do we really need more 2026 preview content? How about this - I’ll just let you in on all of the shoes (and some gear/tech) that I’ve been testing since I got back..
Friday - Hoka Mach X 2
Fitting to start off with an outdated model. But I haven’t been feeling the Mach X 3 - at least in the same way I was using the X 2 - for my speed workouts, especially on the treadmill.
Yes, the X 3 is a solid shoe, but the weight has increased, and it definitely leans more super trainer than speed shoe. I did a quick scan to see if I could get V2 cheap and alas, $120 all-in from Running Warehouse
I have 579(!) miles in my first pair, I know I can fix the heel with a felt pad, so it’s a no brainer at this price. I did size up to a US 10, as Hoka sent my first pair in a US 9.5. I’ll see if the heel issue is any better with the bigger size.
Saturday - Kiprun Kipsummit Max
Luckily the Kiprun test pairs showed up on Thursday, so I was able to take one of these gems home. The Kiprun shoes were probably the ones I was most excited to try out, based on first impression.
Winter has not hit yet in Idaho, so I got to enjoy some blue skies and shorts temperatures for this test run. It was so nice.. why not double up and test out another highly anticipated shoe..
Saturday #2 - La Sportiva Prodigio 2
The Prodigio lineup has been a slam dunk for La Sportiva, but the original (V1) was rightly overshadowed by the Pro and the Max. The main update here is the wider fit in the toebox and making the ankle/heel collar a no fuss area. It’s more of a mountain shoe now that slots in well alongside the other two. Check out my combo “First Runs” video below -
Sunday - Kailas FUGA EX 330
I put a good number of test miles in this shoe pre-TRE, and I was planning to do the review earlier, but I’ve been having slight issues with some arch irritation in my right foot when running in this shoe.
I picked up some insoles from FootWave at TRE, so I wanted to see if they helped, and YES! They worked like a charm - more support around the midfoot, they kind of saved the EX 330 for me as far as using them going forward. More below in my full review..
Sunday Night - Lems Radmaker
I know Lems made lifestyle models, but I never knew much about them. They are introducing their first road models in Fall 2026. Their focus is on a wide toebox and the somewhat natural running space.
This is a close-to-production model, and I’ll be giving some feedback towards the final tweaks. I did a quick treadmill run just to feel them out - I like a solid, stable shoe with a comfy toebox for non-workout runs on the treadmill (Mount to Coast R1/H1 for example).
First feedback tidbit - I like that under/over dual eyelet setup on the second row from the top. Good way to lock down the top of the midfoot and heel.
Monday - Saucony Ride 19
I actually didn’t get to check out much from Saucony (really too much for one person to see at TRE!), but they were giving these out, so I picked one up.
It’s a solid, energetic (in a cushy way), neutral daily trainer. I took them out for an hour and close to 8 miles, and they were pretty smooth and comfortable.
Even mixed in a little bit of dirt, just for kicks.
Tuesday - Kailas FUGA EX 330
Went to an area that I haven’t visited in quite a while. I knew where would be some overgrowth but I also found a fun steep climb and descent.
and Hoka Mafate 5
These are certainly two models that match up well in the heavy-ish, but ready-to-protect-the-feet-for-long-miles department. They approach the situation in different ways though, and you’ll likely prefer one or the other - my thoughts here..
Wednesday - The North Face Altamesa 500 V2
I had gotten many questions about V1, and now I know what all the fuss was about. This is a smooth cruiser, and now even lighter than V1. I wouldn’t be surprised to see some TNF Pros choosing this model for racing in 2026.
For my second run, I wanted to try them out on a flat canal path, and yep, top contender in the “gravel” segment too. Clipped along for 40 minutes at 7:30/mi easy pace.. feeling easy.. TNF! 2026!
I was also trying out my Kogalla Ra waistlamp (that I just found in) my Raide UL 1L belt. Btw, don’t rely on an 8 year old for footage.
Thursday - Kiprun Kipsummit Race
Ok time to get serious - ALERT - new trail super shoe contender on the way! Yes, Kiprun is for real with this Race model. Check out my IG grid for some quick screen grabs of shoes that I think are comparable.
This shoe feels amazing on foot - it has all the ingredients to be a top shoe in 2026. Much, much more to come with this one, watch my First Run here -
Friday - Brooks Glycerin Flex
This time I have to give credit to my daughter. I didn’t know what to expect from this one, and had them on for a quick trip to pick up some takeout. She wanted to race me down the block, and they felt really interesting in that 20 second stint! Btw, I beat her, but she did blow a tire (lost a Croc around halfway).
Next day, I’m out on the road/dirt for a quick 7 miler. Really fun shoe to run in - does anyone remember the Brooks “Pure” models???
Saturday - NNormal Kjerag 02 (x 2)
I took these out for a quick, cold hour in the morning, just with the intention of feeling them out. I honestly wasn’t crazy about the out-of-the-box step-in feel, so I wasn’t sure if I was going to keep them. But of course I had to try them on the run..
Next thing you know, my afternoon opened up, and the temps warmed up, so I decided to go out again in the afternoon for another round!
Stay tuned for my First Impressions on this one. Maybe have a last look at my deal articles here and here. I’m not sure what’s still available, but you can probably still find something good. I snagged these myself from REI.
Sunday - Mammut Aenergy Trail All Mountain
Mammut will be entering the trail running market in 2026. I’ve got a sampler of all three models they will be releasing this Spring.
The “All Mountain” model lands in the “middle” of their trio of models. The other two models are appropriately named “Speed” and “Endurance”. I knocked out 13.1M in these today - interesting setup here - lots of protection in the mid/rear and lots of ground feel up front. I think it will be fun do dissect a full three-model lineup at the same time.
More details to come on all three of these models, I’ll be mixing them into my testing over the next couple months and look out for full reviews early in the year ahead of the release. (Yes, they will have various colorways).
End of 2025, into 2026
No, it is not normal for me to be running in so many different shoes over the course of 10 days or so. Obviously, post-TRE I have a flood of new and exciting shoes and gear/tech to try out (stay tuned!), and being that I don’t have an impending race on the calendar.. why not have at it?
As we round out 2025, I have some end of year content on the way, be on the lookout for that. Also if you’re still rounding out your final holiday shopping, please consider clicking through my affiliate links if you found my content helpful. There are some main links and codes on the Support Page. You can also check the description of any video - I do try my best to keep those links current.
Thank you once again to everyone for following along in 2025 - it’s been an amazing year of growth for Humble Running. Can’t wait to keep it going in 2026!
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.