fbpx

The Best Shoe For Elite Swimrun Athletes: The Hydra ESC

The Vivobarefoot Hydra ESC shoe is a true game-changer in the world of swimrun footwear.

The New Vivobarefoot Hydra ESC Swimrun Shoe

Designed with the input of elite trail and swimrun athletes, this shoe offers unparalleled performance and comfort in both wet and dry environments.

The quick lacing system is a standout feature, allowing for hydrodynamic performance and easy on-the-go adjustments. And the lace pocket keeps your laces secure and out of the way, ensuring maximum efficiency during races.

The New Vivobarefoot Hydra ESC Swimrun Shoe

But what really sets the Hydra ESC apart is the Bloom Performance Insole. This innovative insole is made from algae biomass, a sustainable alternative to traditional EVA foam that is damaging our oceans. Not only does this make the Hydra ESC environmentally friendly, but the closed-cell foam absorbs minimal water, reducing wet weight and increasing your speed in the water.

The Hydra ESC is also built with the Michelin ESC outsole, offering extreme traction and grip in the most challenging environments. The aggressive off-trail lug design and textured arch provide zonal grip for technical off-trail movement, while the articulated toe lugs act like claws for ascent and the essential heel lug provides critical braking for steep descents.

The New Vivobarefoot Hydra ESC Swimrun Shoe

So how does the Hydra ESC perform in different scenarios?

To get my feet used to them, I started with some hiking in Boulder.

The wide, thin, and flexible design of the shoe allows for natural foot movement, and the Michelin ESC outsole provides excellent traction on uneven terrain. And thanks to the quick lacing system, adjusting the fit is easy and quick, even on the go.

The New Vivobarefoot Hydra ESC Swimrun Shoe

When I took them for a long trail-run along the foothills, I enjoyed how lightweight and flexible the shoe was. The Hydra ESC provides excellent ground feel, allowing for skillful movement on technical trails. The Michelin ESC outsole once again shines, providing extreme traction and grip, even in wet or slippery conditions.

While it’s winter and open water isn’t ideal this time of year, I took the Hydra ESC to an indoor pool for training.

The materials drain and dry quickly, and the closed-cell foam insole ensures minimal water absorption, reducing wet weight and increasing speed in the water. And the hydrodynamic lacing system ensures maximum efficiency during swim workouts.

The New Vivobarefoot Hydra ESC Swimrun Shoe

The Vivobarefoot Hydra ESC is a top-of-the-line swimrun shoe, designed for elite athletes who demand the best in performance and sustainability.

And with its innovative features, unmatched grip, and comfortable design, it’s a shoe that is sure to elevate your swimrun game.

Plus, it’s vegan and animal-free, making it an ethical choice for those who prioritize sustainability in their purchases.

If you’re a serious swimrun athlete looking for a shoe that can handle anything you throw at it, the Hydra ESC is definitely worth checking out.

Showers Pass Track Pants Review

The Showers Pass Track Pants are a versatile and high-quality piece of outdoor apparel designed for those who love to run, cycle or hike in cold weather conditions.

Showers Pass Track Pants

Made with a non-waterproof stretch softshell material, these pants are ideal for outdoor activities where flexibility and breathability are key. The softshell material is both durable and comfortable, with a light brushed fleeced lining that provides an extra layer of warmth against the cold.

One of the standout features of the Showers Pass Track Pants is the 360 degrees of reflective material that is visible from all angles. This reflective material is especially eye-catching when in motion, making these pants an excellent choice for early morning or evening workouts. The added visibility also makes these pants a great option for those who like to run or cycle in low light conditions.

Showers Pass Track Pants

The Showers Pass Track Pants come equipped with 2 zippered hip pockets that provide ample room for essentials like keys, phones or energy gels.

The contoured waistband with draw cord ensures a comfortable and secure fit, keeping the pants in place during even the most intense workouts.

Additionally, the scuff guard at the inner ankle protects against wear from chain and crank or trail running shoes, adding an extra layer of durability to these already rugged pants.

Articulated knees and a longer inseam allow for better coverage and flexibility during motion, making the Showers Pass Track Pants an ideal choice for trail running. These pants are designed to move with you, providing maximum comfort and performance.

While cycling, the Showers Pass Track Pants made an excellent choice for cold mornings rides. The softshell material provides insulation against the cold, while the 13” ankle zippers make it easy to roll up if I got too warm.

Showers Pass Track Pants

The pants fit snugly over cycling shoes and remain in place, preventing the cold from seeping in.

Additionally, the contoured waistband with draw cord ensures a secure fit, preventing the pants from sliding down during intense cycling sessions.

The Showers Pass Track Pants are a high-quality and versatile piece of outdoor apparel that are perfect for those who love to run, cycle, or hike in cold weather.

Showers Pass Track Pants

The reflective material, contoured waistband, and scuff guards at the inner ankle make these pants a great choice for a variety of outdoor activities, while the softshell material and brushed fleeced lining provide warmth and comfort.

Whether you’re running on the trails or cycling through the city, the Showers Pass Track Pants are an excellent choice for any cold-weather workout.

GoRuck Training Weight Vest Review

The GoRuck Training Weight Vest is an excellent product that can help you to achieve your fitness goals, whether you are looking to prepare for a challenging event like the Murph Challenge or simply want to improve your overall physical condition. This vest is designed to provide the right level of resistance and weight, allowing you to engage in a variety of different exercises and activities.

GoRuck Training Weight Vest

One of the key benefits of the GoRuck Training Weight Vest is its versatility. Whether you are walking, running, performing bodyweight exercises, or participating in a weightlifting class, the vest can be adjusted to suit your needs. The weights can be added or removed as needed, and the vest is comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time.

The design of the GoRuck Training Weight Vest is also noteworthy, as it provides excellent balance and stability. This is particularly important when performing exercises that involve a lot of movement, such as running or participating in a weightlifting class. The weights are evenly distributed across the front and back of the vest, helping to prevent any discomfort or injury.

GoRuck Training Weight Vest

Another important factor to consider when choosing a weight vest is comfort, and the GoRuck Training Weight Vest does not disappoint in this regard. The vest is made from high-quality materials and is designed to fit snugly to your body, providing a secure and comfortable fit. The vest is also adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your body type.

I have been using the vest with two 20 pound weight plates (one on the front and one on the back). The weight plates slide in easily and held into place with strong velcro. Even while running or doing high-impact cardio, the weights stayed in place.

GoRuck Training Weight Vest

In my experience, the GoRuck Training Weight Vest has been an excellent tool for helping me to prepare for the Murph Challenge on Memorial Day.

I have been using it for both walking and running, as well as for other body-weight exercises, and have found that it has helped me to increase my endurance and strength. The added resistance has challenged me to work harder and has helped me to achieve my goals more quickly.

GoRuck Training Weight Vest

When running in it, I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of bounce. It stayed secure, but didn’t feel tight. I could still breath deeply, even when I was completely gassed. While I ran slower at first, after a couple of weeks, I was able to run comfortably at my normal pace.

I have also found that the GoRuck Training Weight Vest is an excellent addition to my weightlifting routine. I wear it while I stream weightlifting classes on the LifeTime Digital app, and I have found that the added resistance has helped me to increase the intensity of my workout and to get better results.

GoRuck Training Weight Vest

If you are looking for a high-quality weight vest that can help you to achieve your fitness goals, I would highly recommend the GoRuck Training Weight Vest. This vest is versatile, comfortable, and well-designed, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to get in shape. Whether you are preparing for a challenging event or simply looking to improve your overall physical condition, the GoRuck Training Weight Vest is an excellent investment.

Lift Heavier With The Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer Shoe

The Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoe is a versatile shoe that is designed for weightlifting, walking, and running.

Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoe

This shoe has a minimalist design, with a 0mm drop and a 10mm AdaptCushion foam underfoot making it a true minimalist shoe. The wide toebox allows the toes to spread, giving the user more grip and stability when lifting weights. The sleek, modern design of this shoe makes it a great choice for those who are looking for a minimalist shoe that is both comfortable and stylish.

Features

The Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoe features the innovative ADAPTSOL™ TECHNOLOGY, which allows the shoe to adapt to the shape of the user’s foot, providing a comfortable and customized fit. The wider toe box, ultra-flexible sole, and just the right amount of stretch throughout the shoe gives the feet the freedom they need.

Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoe

The ADAPTSOL CUSHION is designed with enhanced biofeedback in mind, featuring over 100 individual massaging cushions that mimic barefoot proprioception. The cushioning is optimized for any activity, providing just the right amount of cushioning to keep the feet comfortable and protected.

The ADAPTSOL TREAD offers flexible traction, utilizing a uniquely articulated, dual-injection rubber. The tread is designed to provide supreme flexibility while still offering unmatched traction, allowing the user to move with confidence and stability, no matter the activity.

The Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoe is designed with the user’s comfort and performance in mind. The ADAPTSOL TECHNOLOGY, ADAPTSOL CUSHION, and ADAPTSOL TREAD all work together to provide a customized and comfortable fit, flexible traction, and optimal cushioning for any activity. Whether you’re weightlifting, walking, or running, the Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoe will provide you with the support and performance you need.

Testing

Weightlifting in the Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoes was a pleasant experience. The wide toebox allowed my toes to spread, which helped me maintain a solid grip on the ground.

Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoe

The 10mm insole provided a level of comfort that I didn’t expect in this shoe, allowing me to lift heavier weights without feeling discomfort. The 0mm drop and minimalist design of the shoe gave me a feeling of stability, which is important when lifting heavy weights.

Running in the Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoes was also a great experience. The 10mm insole provided enough cushioning to protect my feet from the impact of running, and the minimalist design allowed me to feel connected to the ground. With the minimalist design, I was able to maintain good form and reduced the risk of injury. The 0mm drop and minimalist design of the shoe allowed me to run with good form, and the shoe felt comfortable and lightweight during my runs.

The Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoes are not just a great choice for your workouts, they are also stylish enough to wear out on the town or to business meetings. The minimalist design of the shoe, combined with its sleek and modern look, makes it a stylish addition to any outfit. Whether you’re dressed up for a meeting or just running errands, these shoes will complement your look.

The versatile design allows for seamless transitions from the gym to the office, making them a perfect choice for the stylish, on-the-go individual. With the Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoes, you can have the best of both worlds – style and comfort.

Overall, the Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoe is a versatile, minimalist shoe that is great for any activity. The 10mm foam provides a level of comfort that is unexpected in a minimalist shoe, and the wide toebox allows the toes to spread, giving the user more grip and stability when lifting weights. The minimalist design of this shoe makes it a great choice for those who are looking for a minimalist shoe that is both comfortable and stylish.

The Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoe comes in both Men’s and Women’s sizes in a variety of stylish colors.

Ibex Woolies 2 Reversable Beanies Review

Ibex’s Merino Wool Beanies are a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a warm and comfortable winter hat. Made from 100% Merino wool, these beanies are designed to keep your head and ears warm in even the coldest temperatures.

Ibex Woolies 2 Reversable Beanie
Ibex Woolies 2 Reversable Beanie

Merino wool is a type of wool that is derived from the Merino sheep. It is known for its softness, warmth, and moisture-wicking properties. Unlike traditional wool, which can be itchy and scratchy, Merino wool is extremely soft and comfortable against the skin. It is also naturally insulating, making it an excellent choice for cold weather gear.

One of the key benefits of wearing Merino wool in the winter is its ability to regulate body temperature. Merino wool fibers are naturally porous, which allows them to absorb and release moisture. This means that the wool can absorb sweat from the skin, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable. At the same time, the wool fibers can also trap warm air close to the skin, helping to keep the wearer warm.

Ibex Woolies 2 Merino Beanie

Another benefit of Merino wool is its natural resistance to odors. Unlike synthetic fabrics, which can retain odors after just a few wears, Merino wool fibers have a natural ability to resist odors. This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts who may be participating in winter activities for extended periods of time.

I tested the Ibex Woolies 2 Beanies in a variety of winter activities, including hiking, trail running, and skiing. These activities can be tough on traditional winter hats, but the Merino wool construction of the beanies helps to keep them in great shape. They are also extremely comfortable to wear, making them a great choice for extended periods of activity.

Even after building up a significant sweat in these beanies, I am still comfortable in them. And it is really only when I sweat in them that I have really bad hat hair.

In conclusion, the Ibex Woolies 2 Beanies are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a warm and comfortable winter hat.

The natural properties of Merino wool make it an ideal choice for cold weather gear, and its ability to regulate temperature and resist odors make it perfect for outdoor activities.

Whether you’re hitting the trails for a hike or hitting the slopes for some skiing, the Ibex Merino Wool Beanie is a must-have for anyone who wants to stay warm and comfortable this winter.

Show Off Your National Park Pride With Swiftwick’s New Sock Designs

Swiftwick National Park-Themed Socks

Swiftwick recently expanded its collection of national park-themed socks, adding several new designs inspired by North America’s most popular parks.

Beginning August 1, you can buy socks for your favorite destinations, including Acadia, Banff, Bryce Canyon, Death Valley, Glacier, Jasper, and Mt. Rainer National Parks.

Swiftwick National Park-Themed Socks

This is added to an all-ready terrific lineup of national park-themed designs. They include Arches, Denali, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Great Smoky Mountains, Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion.

These socks are part of Swiftwick’s VISION Six Collection and are designed in partnership with the Anderson Design Group.

The VISION is made of moisture-wicking materials and are made to function in any activity. They have a medium amount of cushion, a contoured fit, and ventilation through a thin channeled upper.

Swiftwick National Park-Themed Socks

The National Park collection comes with a 6-inch cuff with the park design printed above the ankle.

Each pair of socks retails for $20.

Vivobarefoot PRIMUS TRAIL KNIT Shoe Review

The Vivobarefoot PRIMUS TRAIL KNIT trail-running shoes exceeded all my expectations!

Vivobarefoot PRIMUS TRAIL KNIT

I recently took them on a run on the breathtaking beaches of Costa Rica and was blown away by their performance. I was running during low tide when the sand was hard and compact, and I was pleasantly surprised by the firm grip these shoes provided.

The knitted upper allowed for optimal flexibility and breathability, making the run not only comfortable but also enjoyable. I didn’t have to worry about my feet overheating or feeling restricted, which made for a truly memorable experience.

When I returned home, I put these shoes to the test on the rocky trails of the Colorado Mountains.

These trails can be a real challenge for any runner, with jagged rocks and uneven terrain that can be hard on the feet. But with the Vivobarefoot PRIMUS TRAIL KNIT, I felt confident and protected. The firm ground sole did an excellent job of keeping my feet safe while still allowing me to feel connected to the ground. I appreciated how the knitted upper provided a snug fit and excellent breathability, even when I was pushing myself to the limit.

Vivobarefoot PRIMUS TRAIL KNIT

In terms of comfort, these shoes are fantastic. They felt great on my feet, even after hours of running on the trails. I was pleased with the lack of any hot spots or blisters, and the shoes hugged my feet in all the right places. The Vivobarefoot PRIMUS TRAIL KNIT shoes have truly changed the way I run. They have rewilded my body, brain, and feet, and I feel more connected to nature than ever before.

In conclusion, I highly recommend the Vivobarefoot PRIMUS TRAIL KNIT trail-running shoes for anyone looking for a comfortable and high-performance shoe.

Showers Pass Apex Merino Tech T-Shirt Review

The Showers Pass Apex Merino Wool Tech is an extremely comfortable performance t-shirt. They sent us one to test and it’s been the perfect companion on many rides and hikes.

Showers Pass Apex Merino Tech T-Shirt
Showers Pass Apex Merino Tech T-Shirt

The Apex Merino Tech is made with 87% Merino Wool and 13% Nylon blend.

Merino Wool is a powerhouse of a fabric. It provides antimicrobial protection from odors and natural breathability. This makes the Apex Merino Tech the perfect shirt for long activities. When testing Merino Wool products, I always like to see how long I can go between washes before the stink sets in. I did a nice sweaty five-mile run, two 15 mile bike rides, and a four hour hike before I felt that I needed to put it in the wash. Given this performance, I am planning to take this on an overnight backpacking trip.

Showers Pass Apex Merino Tech T-Shirt

The Apex Merino Tech is also designed to reduce chafing. The sleeves and side panels have flatlocked stitching to reduce chafing. During testing with backpacks or hydration packs, I found that the shirt moved less than other performance fabrics, reducing the movement that my packs typically did.

I also appreciate that Showers Pass shirts have a longer back to keep the shirt from riding up. This is a great feature while cycling, reducing back exposure as you’re bent over the handlebars.

Unpacking the shipping box, I was immediately impressed by how light and soft this shirt was. You can tell how much thought and care Showers Pass put into this shirt.

Showers Pass Apex Merino Tech T-Shirt
Showers Pass Apex Merino Tech T-Shirt

The fit is on the slimmer side, but is perfect for the types of activities I’ve taken it on.

It was also comfortable when paired with their Cloudburst Jacket.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a performance t-shirt this summer, Merino Wool and this shirt from Shower Pass is a must buy.

I am 5’11” and 185 pounds and wear a size large.

You can purchase the Apex Merino Tech T-Shirt on their website for $75. Well worth it and it will last for several seasons.

COROS VERTIX 2 – Full Review

When COROS debuted several years ago, it was a disrupter in the field of GPS watch categories. It’s impressive out-of-the-box features and battery life threatened to push Garmin and Suunto off their pedestals.

Three years ago, when I was researching the best GPS running watch I stumbled upon COROS on Instagram and decided to purchase their Apex watch.

This was after using the Apple Watch for a majority of my training. My biggest frustration with the Apple Watch was that I would have to charge it every night and for longer GPS excursions, it would die halfway through.

What made COROS stand out more than anything else was their battery life. And the Apex delivered. Even on heavy training weeks for ultramarathons, I could still go 15 days before I needed to recharge it.

And while it lacked some features that I missed with the Apple Watch (like being able to track non-GPS workouts), COROS’ team of developers started to deliver on those features with firmware updates.

COROS VERTIX 2
COROS VERTIX 2

The new VERTIX 2 landed last summer with a ton of new features, including music playback, dual GNSS functionality, full-color topographic mapping, ECG functionality, WIFI connectivity for updates, amazing battery life, and Insta360action cam controls. Externally it boasts a larger screen and titanium alloy bezels and case to survive any adventure.

I’ve been using the watch all day, every day for the past three months. It has been with me on trail runs, bike rides, ice climbs, gym rock climbing, road runs, backcountry skiing, indoor cardio workouts and indoor bike rides.

So, let’s dive in on why this watch is the best gps watch on the market.

VERTIX 2 Overview

The VERTIX 2 is a massive watch. I have skinny wrists and was a bit uncertain wearing this monstrosity 24/7 over the course of our testing period. And it did take some getting used to: both size and weight. But after the first week, it was as comfortable as the APEX.

On the right side of the watch (if you’re wearing it on your left wrist) there are two buttons and a separate digital crown (which rotates and can be pressed in).

The top button is used to turn the backlight on or off.

The bottom button has a number of functionalities. On the main screen, outside of a tracked activity, it can be tapped to cycle through metrics on the home screen or held to jump to the settings folder.

COROS VERTIX 2
COROS VERTIX 2

With the digital crown, if you press and hold, it will unlock the screen. This is much better than the unlocking function on the APEX. With the APEX, I had to turn the dial to unlock which was especially frustrating when in the middle of an activity, especially in the wintertime when I was wearing gloves.

With the VERTIX 2, I found the crown easy to use, even when wearing gloves. When I was skiing in the backcountry, it was easy to shift between uphill and downhill tracking, as well as pausing for a snack break.

While in the middle of an activity, the digital crown can be used to cycle through your activity metrics. This is great for some activities (like indoor cycling or GPS cardio) when I am focused on duration and heart rate (trying to keep it in the fat burning zone).

While the touchscreen isn’t a new feature for COROS or GPS watches in general, it is still worth highlighting. It is primarily used outside of workout mode. You can click into widgets to slide through your metrics. Or pull up a map and move around easily.

I haven’t found myself using the touchscreen too much outside of the widgets. It is a much easier tool that the dial to cycle through and look at a particular time frame of data.

The watch bands connect using a quick release system. Again, this is a step up from the APEX. The tabs to pull and release are much easier to use, allowing you to swap out bands or remove them all together to connect to the COROS Carabiner so you can climb without the watch attached to your wrist.

On the back of the watch is the charging port and optical heart rate sensor. The heart rate sensor is the set of LED’s and optical sensors (bright and vibrant red and green lights) that measure your heart rate, but also blood oxygen levels and ECG data.

ECG / HRV Feature

To access the ECG feature, navigate to the settings menu and click HRV test. It’ll ask you to place your hand on the bezel.

And it’ll start the ECG, lasting for 60 seconds. Throughout you’ll feel a vibration, similar to a heartbeat. At the end you’re given a HRV value, not an ECG value. Which is confusing.

I’m unsure if this is a feature that will continue being developed.

The HRV value does show up in the app and you can watch the trend over time. The value is scaled from 0-100.

  • 81-100: Superior, relaxed

  • 51-80: High, under minor physical or mental pressure

  • 21-50: Medium, under medium physical or mental pressure

  • 1-20: Low, under significant physical or mental pressure

Widgets for Days

When you’re on the home screen, you can move into the widget menu by unlocking the screen and moving the dial.

Widgets include everything from steps, KCAL burned, workout duration, recovery data, to sleep.

With each widget, you can click into with the dial and scroll through the data with the dial or your finger on the screen.

I have found that most of these widgets are pretty accurate. With the exception of sleep. I think it’s because of the size of the watch, but I have found that if the watch isn’t centered on my wrist that I will miss out on sleep data; viewable as large gaps of “awake” time during the night. Additionally, if I get up in the middle of the night for a bathroom break or to help an awake child, it will register that as the moment I awoke—not counting when I went back to sleep a few minutes later.

I slept like a rock, but COROS is registering a lot of awake time. More than likely because of the way the watch was positioned.

Notifications and Settings

One of the reasons I hated using the Apple Watch as a primary fitness watch was all the notifications I would get. Anything my iPhone received, so did my watch. Ping, ping, ping, ping, ping.

With Coros, I have the ability to be in the same predicament. But I am very conscious about the impact all those notifications have on my mental health, so I have a majority turned off. Right now, phone calls is the only notification I receive. Anything else can wait till I’m at my phone.

But it is fully customizable when you first setup the watch on the COROS app.

If you hold the bottom button, you can also access the settings menu. Here you can access the above mentioned ECG function. But you’re also able to connect to Bluetooth devices, WIFI, Insta360 action cam control, alarms, the compass, and music.

Music and Insta360 Cam Controls

The VERTIX 2 is COROS’s first watch to feature music. Bluetooth headphones are paired through the headphones menu in Settings. You can pair multiple Bluetooth headphones, which is a great feature for ultramarathons when you might burn through a pair or two.

Pairing is easy and once setup, they are easily accessible. When powered on, the watch will connect to them. When tested, it would take over the connection from my iPhone easily.

For music, the VERTIX 2 supports loading MP3 files to the device using a USB cable from your computer. Drag and drop the files you want to the “music folder” and you’re ready to start jamming by selecting the music menu from the settings menu.

You can use the touchscreen to play, pause, skip tracks, etc.

It should be noted though that you can only load MP3 tracks. Services like Spotify or Apple Music isn’t compatible and probably won’t ever be.

Now, at the time of testing, we couldn’t test the Insta360 controls. But to give an overview, if you have the Insta360 Go 2, One X2 and One R), you can control the camera with the VERTIX 2.

Using the dial, you can alternate between photo and video mode, then press the dial to take a photo or start recording a video.

Battery Life

COROS VERTIX 2
COROS VERTIX 2

The VERTIX 2 lasts up to 140 hours of standard full GPS tracking and 60 days of normal use. With light GPS usage, daily workouts tracked, and with wearing the watch 24/7, I have gone 35-40 days between charges. During heavy usage periods, using GPS daily, I have gone 25 days between charges.

COROS VERTIX 2
COROS VERTIX 2

Some features, like the ECG/HRV test, music, and Insta360 camera control will drain your battery faster.

It should be noted that the VERTIX 2 uses a proprietary charger, so don’t lose it!

GPS Activity Tracking and Maps

During our testing period we took the VERTIX 2 everywhere: hiking, trail running, road running, road biking, trail biking, back country skiing, ice climbing, and most recently, paddle boarding (yay! spring has sprung!).

GPS accuracy can make or break a watch.

One of the biggest challenges I had with the APEX was that when I was doing trail races with a lot of vertical gains, the watch would think that I wasn’t moving and stop tracking.

COROS VERTIX 2
COROS VERTIX 2

The VERTIX 2 has improved on this by offering Dual Frequency GNSS. This allows the watch to locate the best GPS frequency available from all five of the major satellite systems at the same time.

Additionally, navigation features include topographic, landscape, and hybrid global mapping. You can load a route by transferring it to the COROS app and loading it directly to the watch from the app. I used this feature in the backcountry and part of the challenge is that on the map there aren’t any labels or turn-by-turn directions. So it was challenging navigating back when I got off course and lost the trail.

COROS VERTIX 2
COROS VERTIX 2

When I looked at the routes tracked, I did find the VERTIX 2 to be pretty darn accurate, including in heavily wooded areas or terrain that had more vertical climbs.

I highlighted a few examples to showcase the accuracy of the GPS data.

In the middle image, this was a point on my run where I transitioned from trail to sidewalk. While it didn’t show me directly on the trail, throughout it caught every little turn and pivot I made, including where I ventured off the paved trail onto a single track.

For the Ski Touring tracking, when I zoom in, you can see all the switch backs I went up.

What I am most impressed by is the fact that the watch is more accurately picking up trail runs on steep inclines. No longer is the watch auto-pausing because it can’t register movement. And that in itself is a huge winner for me as I continue training for ultras this Summer.

Conclusion

Throughout the testing period of the VERTIX 2, I continue to be impressed by the leap forward COROS has taken with this watch.

There are a ton of really awesome features with the music and Insta360 features.

But more than anything, the feature that is worth shouting about is battery life. There isn’t another watch on the market that can match COROS on what they were able to accomplish with the VERTIX 2.

Sure there are some improvements I’d love to see (especially with maps), but if there’s a company I trust to get it done, it’s COROS. Their developer team is amazing and based on what they have done in the last few years, I’m fairly certain they will keep the VERTIX 2 ahead of the competition

If you’re an endurance athlete or avid explorer, I have no doubt that this is the watch for you.

The COROS VERTIX 2 is available online and at several different retailers. It retails for $699.

Altra Superior 5 Trail-Running Shoe Review

I’ve been wearing minimalist shoes fairly exclusively over the past 12 years.

Even with trail-running, I would wear shoes that had only 5mm between myself and the Earth. I could feel every tree root and rock on my runs.

And I loved that.

But I also recognized that, especially on more technical terrain, having minimal protection was holding me back. I could tear down the terrain as fast as I knew I could because of those rocks, roots, and uneven ground.

The reason why I started wearing minimalist shoes was because of an injury to my achilles. Any shoe I wore that wasn’t zero-drop caused pain and discomfort. And that issue still persists 12 years later.

Enter: Altra

Altra has been on my radar for years. They fit the mold of a minimalist shoe—wide toe box, foot-shaped shoe, and zero-drop—but with cushioning.

Altra Superior 5 Trail Running Shoe
Altra Superior 5 Trail Running Shoe

When Altra sent me a pair of their Superior 5, I was hesitant at first, but was immediately put at ease when I first slipped on the shoe.

When the box arrived, it was a wet, snowy day in Colorado, so I didn’t wear them outside initially to run. I took them downstairs to my workout area for a HITT style workout.

Immediately, I knew something was different.

With all the jumping jacks, jump squats, and even running in place, I was going harder, faster, and stronger than I had in my other workouts.

When I took them out for my first trail run, I noticed that both my speed and my stride had improved. I shaved off 15 seconds to my most recent best mile and my stride was more efficient.

What was going on?

The Altra Superior 5

I chose the Altra Superior 5 out of their lineup because it is their slimmest trail design.

It weighs only 8.5 oz. for a US M9.0 and 7.3 oz. for US W8.0.

While it is still zero-drop (meaning that there is a 0mm difference between the heel and toe placement), the Altra Superior 5 still has a 21mm height. 17mm more cushion than I am typically used to!

Altra Superior 5 Trail Running Shoe
Altra Superior 5 Trail Running Shoe

Even though it has more cushion than I am used to, it still provides some ground feel. While I wasn’t feeling everything, I did notice that my foot still had enough feedback from the ground to adjust how it was running, especially on technical terrain that was rapidly changing.

And if ground feel isn’t your thing and you want more protection, the Altra Superior 5 has a removable rock plate that adds additional protection.

The outsole is also pretty darn grippy with their MaxTrac™ outsole and multi-directional lug pattern. It handled well on a variety of terrain. My first run was on a snowy and slushy day and as a transitioned from dirt to concrete, it responded well.

The upper is pretty nice too. I had read some negative reviews about the tongue causing issues with some runners, especially going downhill and having their foot slip. But I never experienced any issues with the lacing system or the “burrito style” tongue wrap. My foot always felt very secure.

The tongue itself has more padding than I’ve seen in other shoes. It’s also integrated seamlessly as part of the upper, hence the “burrito style” reference.

Altra Superior 5 Trail Running Shoe
Altra Superior 5 Trail Running Shoe

The Altra Superior 5 also has built in gaiter attachments. This was a welcome addition. With other shoes that didn’t have this feature built in, my gaiters always sat a little bit funny and snow typically found their way in. Even after stomping through a foot and half in Rocky Mountain National Park, my gaiters stayed secure.

Hardy but Minimal

During the course of our review, I put on over 50 miles on this shoe.

Going into it, I wasn’t sure I would love it. I had run many ultras with very little protection and was somewhat content. But this shoe shook my belief that I was making the best decisions for my feet based on my previous footwear choices.

I am still happy that I am running minimalist, but in a more hardy shoe. My times have improved and I am able to tear down those trails the way I’ve seen my ultrarunning idols do.

I still appreciate that ground feel isn’t completely gone either. A big reason why I find joy in running is the ability to feel the Earth and Altra still provides that ability—granted it is with a bit more cushion.

Altra Superior 5 Trail Running Shoe
Altra Superior 5 Trail Running Shoe

If you haven’t tried Altra yet, but are curious about minimalist, zero-drop shoes, you’re missing out.

The Altra Superior 5 is available online in Men’s and Women’s sizes, but Altra has a handy tracker to show shoe stores in your area that have them.

They retail for $120.