The Brooks Silver Bullet Wind Pant is a feature-packed running pant that will definitely get you out the door.

The Silver Bullet is fully fleece-lined, with an aluminum membrane to maximize warmth while minimizing weight.  The pant is equipped with a layer of windproof and water-resistant material on the front-facing surfaces to protect from oncoming elements.  This material has separate panels on the upper and lower leg, which overlap to create an articulated knee area for extra warmth and great range of motion. The back side of the pant is comprised of a nicely breathable, stretchy material, which also delivers freedom of movement in your stride. 9-inch zippers at the ankle make the Silver Bullet easy to get on and off, and reflective elements are plentiful throughout the design.

Additional bells and whistles include zippered, slash hip pockets, and a key pocket hidden inside the front of the pant. I love the Silver Bullet Wind Pant for running in extremely cold or windy conditions, and I highly recommend it for your I’d-really-rather-be-sipping-cocoa days.

Available in Black, in sizes S-XXL.  Inseam varies by size (S=29″, M=30″, L=31″, XL=32″, XXL=33″).

MSRP $120

If you run in any sort of adverse or variable conditions, the Brooks Adrenaline GTX has got you covered.  (If you are familiar with Brooks models, this shoe is basically the GORE-TEX® version of the Adrenaline ASR 8.)  For me, Brooks’ claims that this shoe is for “ultimate protection from elements on and off the trail” and the “GORE-TEX® membrane allows you to go almost anywhere, in almost any weather” could not have been more true.

Colorado’s winter weather provided me the opportunity to test these shoes in a myriad of conditions including: dry pavement, snow-packed sidewalks, slush, snowy singletrack, mud, and ice. Given the variable conditions, the GORE-TEX® membrane was the star of the show. Even when splashing through slush or puddles, my feet remained warm and dry. In milder, dry weather my feet did not overheat; as advertised, the GORE-TEX® membrane kept the cold and wet out while still being breathable and light.

I was also really impressed with the midsole of this shoe.  I generally run in very minimalist, sub-5mm drop shoes, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from the relatively substantial Adrenaline GTX.  From the moment I slipped my foot into the shoe, the fit felt great and it seemed to mold to my foot, which is exactly what the Brooks DNA technology is supposed to do. Even with a thicker, more supportive midsole, I felt connected to the ground with each step, the impact was dispersed throughout the sole, and the rebound felt just right – not too soft, not too firm.  Additionally, I felt very stable in uneven, varied terrain.  Brooks does stability well – the shoe is designed for pronation control and has a rollbar to prevent twist torsion.

The HPR outsole was sufficiently lugged to deliver excellent traction on both wet and dry terrain.

I have already raved about the GORE-TEX ®membrane, but the rest of the upper on the Adrenaline GTX is also impressive. It is tough, but not too heavy. At 10.7 ounces they’re about twice the weight of my minimalist shoes, but I honestly didn’t notice it, and think the go-anywhere and stay-dry feature is worth the weight. Although I did not have the opportunity to run on overly rocky trails, I have no doubt that these would protect me from sharp edges. I was also a huge fan of the attached tongue. No need to worry about it slipping out of place. My one concern is that, for people with higher arches, the attached tongue may put too much pressure on the top of the foot.  Even with a normal arch I could feel a bit of pressure – more than just the snugness of the shoe.

The Adrenaline GTX has a feature I hadn’t seen on a shoe before:  four of the shoelace eyelets are stretchy, so that when you lace up, you get a more of a customized fit.

I did have one issue with the shoes that arose for the first time after approximately 50 miles.  I went out for a long run and, for no apparent reason, my second toe began to go numb, and it spread into pins and needles in the rest of my foot. The same thing happened on a trail run the following week. I still have yet to pinpoint the issue.  I liked the shoes so much from the start that I’m reluctant to set them aside, and I plan to further investigate the cause.

Overall, I loved the Adrenaline GTX; this is a great all-terrain shoe for heel-toe runners who get out in all conditions.  They held true to the manufacturer claims, the fit ran true to size, and the black with teal accents keep them looking new even after they’ve been put through the paces.  I am curious to see if a black GTX shoe – even with good breathability – will get hot in summer months.   More on that once I am able to test in those conditions.

Available also in Men’s (black/orange).

MSRP: $120

I was able to log some good mileage in the Men’s Endurance Shorts ($64.95), the Endurance 4Arms ($32.95), and the Mens’ Endurance Tech Shirt ($49.95).

I especially enjoy racing in INKnBURN gear – from serious to humorous designs – because I receive nothing but thumbs up, smiles and other enthusiastic approvals.   That suggests to me that there is not only a shortage of apparel personality on the trail, but an appreciation for it as well.

The extroverted visual design is only half of its personality, though.  This is definitely not a form-over-function brand.  When you are focused on the trail ahead, the quiet, thoughtful side emerges, and the gear goes completely unnoticed to the wearer.  All INKnBURN items are tagless.  It is very comfortable against the skin, and is cut for big movement, requiring no tugs or tweaks while you’re on the go.   The brief inside the Shorts is light and non-irritating, and the Shorts length is protective without being restrictive.   The Shorts have two convenient front gel pockets, and fall just where I prefer on my thighs.   They are open at the top for fumble-free access to your nutrition.  My only recommendation for improvement would be to add a small zip key pocket – or at least a fold-over flap to one of the front pockets – to guarantee small item security.  The 4Arms arm warmers stay in place (not all brands do) and provide warmth, scratch and sun protection.  Much like the Shorts, the super-wicking Tech Shirt is just the right length for coverage and comfort, falling just below the hip .

The high-quality materials used by INKnBURN are very light, anti-chafing, and stay amazingly dry.  The breathability on all of the pieces is tremendous.  However they do it, their proprietary sublimation process ensures that the design neither compromises comfort, nor degrades in the wash. Those damned clever people at InB keep coming up with new eye candy, enticing me to continue to add to my already substantial collection of their caught-you-lookin’ apparel.

INKnBURN Shorts, Tech Shirt, and 4Arms are each available in several artistic designs.  All come in sizes S-XL.   (The Tech Shirt has a 2XL option for a small upcharge.)  All items run true to size.

To see a review of the INKnBURN Women’s Running Apparel, click HERE.

www.inknburn.com

I’ve been running in Salomon shoes on and off for many years. I typically find their regular trail shoes a little too firm for my running style, so I rotate with other brands for summer trail activities. However, winter in Colorado offers some great running in snow conditions. The downside, though, can be ice!

These are the conditions in which Salomon most excels, in my opinion.  I have tried many shoe brands on snowy trails and found none better than the Salomon brand for watertight, dry runs.  The Spikecross 3 CS is the model best suited, of all the Salomon shoes, for running on those somewhat icy, snowy trails, which I have in abundance outside my front door at 6,500ft above Boulder.

Salomon describes the Spikecross as a “winter racing shoe with innovative Climashield weatherproofing and embedded metal spikes for gripping on wet, icy trail conditions”. Think of it this way: If you’ve  ever driven a vehicle on icy roads fitted with summer tires you’ll know how hard it is to stay on the black-top. The Spikecross is the equivalent of a studded snow tire for runners.

The metal studs protruding from the sole are designed to prevent a fall on icy surfaces, while the tractor-tire-style ContaGrip treads keep your feet from slipping in mud or snow. The non-marking ContaGrip rubber materials also enhance the eco-friendly approach that Salomon has to trail running.  The innovative sole is only part of the story;  they included Climashield insulation technology, designed to keep your feet nice and warm during those sub-zero run days, a water-resistant upper that has anti-debris mesh, and a mud-guard.  When you then consider that all of this sturdy tech comes in a light 8.5 oz package, it becomes fairly clear why the Spikecross 3 CS is an award-winner.

During the course of several runs, the Spikecross felt comfy and snug, as one would expect from Salomon’s Sensifit.  I was running with a friend who was wearing regular trail shoes and she clearly lacked the traction and confidence I had running in these spiked versions. If there is a need to run on some sort of pavement for a stretch, the studs are fairly loud, but they don’t spoil the cushioning of the shoe.   The Spikecross, however, are not meant to run on asphalt, they were bred to run in the backcountry.

I must admit, at times I felt almost invincible running in these ‘studly’ shoes. I could rip down icy trails and blast up hills with such confidence that I tended to forget I was running in icy conditions that would normally make me much more tentative. The grip is just superb.

Finally, you get the Salomon Quicklace system which involves no tying; simply tug the laces tight, and then stow them neatly in the tongue sleeve, where they stay put.  Quicklace is super user-friendly, and one of the best lacing systems on the planet, in my opinion.

In summary, The Salomon Spikecross 3 CS is basically safety equipment in the form of a shoe for those hardcore trail runners who brave inclement weather to race or train. The technology on board  provides a confidence-inspiring ride in any form of snow, sleet or mud. I have yet to test a better shoe for running on winter trails .

MSRP $160

When you hear the words ‘silver bullet’, do you think of vampire-slaying? Maybe thoughts of a light ‘beer’ that tastes only vaguely like beer? Brooks wants you to start thinking lightweight warmth when you hear those words, and putting their questionable naming aside, Brooks has a winner in the new Silver Bullet Jacket. The Silver Bullet is a featherweight outer garment packed with features like an aluminum membrane for warmth, ’flip-mitts’ which are stretchy hand-warmer cuffs that extend from the sleeves and flip over the fingers for warmth (see photos below), and a moisture-proof media pocket inside for your phone or media player, just to name a few.

integrated 'flip mitt'

the 'flip mitt' flipped over fingers

The Silver Bullet also comes with the standard features you’d expect in a techy winter outer layer, like large vents on the front and back, plenty of reflectivity, and a great stretchy, yet still protective, fabric.   I appreciated the amazing fit of the Silver Bullet;  it is fitted enough in the body and sleeves to not get in the way, but forgiving enough in the shoulders and elbows to not be restrictive. The aluminum warmth membrane is so effective that you better have some really cold weather use it.  While it feels like a very lightweight jacket,  the extra-warm, windproof and water-resistant Silver Bullet is a heavyweight in terms of protection from the elements.

large vents in the back of the jacket

I sweat a lot when I run, regardless of what I am wearing, so I was ecstatic with the media pocket inside the jacket, designed to protect your valuable tech from sweat and weather. The collar of the jacket is lined with a soft wicking material that was comfortable against sweat-irritated skin.  The zipper works particularly well, staying in place and not flopping around.

The Brooks Silver Bullet Jacket comes in black, yellow, bright green, and red and retails for $150.

moisture-proof phone/mp3 player pocket

For the trail runner that is looking for a plush ride on the trails while being able to stick to the trail surface, the La Sportiva Quantum is a must see.  When I first received this shoe to test, I was very skeptical about the outsole and whether it would hold to the trail.  It is different than anything I have seen from the trail running manufactures and by the looks of it, you would think the wavy bottom wouldn’t allow for any traction.  After I got over the looks of the outsole, I took the La Sportiva Quantum’s out for a spin.  Living in Colorado, we have a lot of rocky dry technical trails with steep ascents and descents.  To test out the Quantum’s, I decided to see how they held up on the very rocky technical trails.  To my surprise, these shoes gripped amazing on rocks and roots.  One of the reasons for the great grip is the rubber compound that La Sportiva uses.  It uses its own rubber called Friction X.  With La Sportiva’s background in climbing where sticky rubber is so important, they have been able to make a nice transition to the trail running scene.  Another reason the shoe sticks well to technical trails is because of the soft blown EVA and PU in the midsole.  Instead of holding stiff on surfaces like many trail shoes, the outsole in a way wraps around what you are stepping on to give you excellent grip.  While running in the snow on very wet surfaces, we found the shoes to lose the great grip, so it is best to stick to the dryer trails.

The La Sportiva Quantum has a very snug fit, so if you are looking to make a purchase, I suggest going up a half to full size.  When I first took these trail running shoes out, I found the snug fit to disappear after a half mile, but out of the box they seem to be almost too snug.   The Quantum’s weigh in at 12.9 oz. which is a little heavy for a trail running shoe, so if you are looking for a minimalist shoe, we suggest you looking somewhere else.  While out on my runs, I didn’t find the shoe to be heavy though.  For the heal to toe drop, the Quantum runs 31mm in the heel and 20mm in the toe, which gives you a 11mm drop.   If you tend to stub your toes from time to time on trail runs, it is nice to know the Quantum has a nice toe bumper.  As for durability and longevity of the Quantum, I found the shoe to provide a comfy ride on both trails runs between 3-5 miles and longer trail runs ranging from 18-25 miles.

One thing that I stumbled upon with the Quantum’s is that they perform pretty well on pavement.  I was planning on doing a long run while in a Vail, CO and the trails were pretty super sloppy and muddy.  I ended up running on a paved path for 18 miles and I felt like I was running in a road shoe, definitely something I was not expecting.  While I would not suggest buying these shoes for the road, it is nice to know they can make the transition.  The La Sportiva Quantum retails for $115 which I find to be a fair price for a quality pair of trail running shoes.  Overall, while I was skeptical about the performance of the outsole, I am very pleased with the performance of the La Sportiva Quantum’s.

A water bottle is a water bottle.  Right?   Think the only differentiators are capacity and nozzle-type?  Well, that certainly used to be the case.  Product Architects decided they could improve your workout experience if they could preserve the cold temperature of your hydration.  Meet the Polar Bottle.

Much like a thermal cannister, a Polar Bottle has a dual-wall construction to hold the temperature of its contents.  Between the first and second wall is a reflective liner to bounce off any light that dares to warm up your refreshment.   Polar Bottle claims this unique combination will keep your drink cold twice as long as a conventional bottle would.

First, I took the Polar Bottle out for a run.  The bottle fit in my Nathan handheld, but even without, the bottle design is nicely notched for a good grip.  I filled the bottle with cold water from the tap and hit the road.  It was 68 degrees and sunny outside.  Ninety minutes later, despite a beachfront route and plenty of sloshing, the remains of my bottle were still cool.  Nice work, Polar Bottle, but maybe my first test wasn’t harsh enough.

So I then filled the bottle with cold water, put it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours, and headed to the sauna (ah, the suffering we must endure in the name of product testing…).   I laid in the sauna for 30 minutes, at 112 degrees, and my water was still somewhat cool when I got out.   Now I’m starting to be impressed.   I wondered if the Polar Bottle would withstand an overnight in the freezer, which would be dreamy for desert-climate hikes and runs, and the product information confirmed that it can.  Good to know.

My next plan was to take it out on a long trail run, but the weather cooled off significantly.   So out of curiosity, I decided to test the insulating in reverse, to see if it would hold my drink warm.   Before my early-morning, 43 degree trail run, I mixed my electrolyte powder with hot water from the tap.  By the time I got out on the trail 45 minutes later, it had cooled down to just ‘warm’, but that’s where it stayed for about an hour.  Just long enough to get me through the warming up phase, and allow the sun to come out in full force.  I seriously doubt that the folks at Polar Bottle would condone the use of hot water in the bottle, since that’s not its intended use.  But as a nerd, I had to try it out.

In general, though, what really impresses me are thoughtful features.  And Polar Bottle has a few of those.

The reflective, foil liner I mentioned is doing double-duty as wallpaper; Polar Bottle is able to print arty patterns and custom logos onto this liner for a snazzy alternative to the plain white we’re used to.  Because this liner lies between the bottle walls, the artwork remains protected and will not wear off over time.

The Polar Bottle is dishwasher safe, and more importantly, the nozzle can disassemble for cleaning.  No more looking questionably at your waterbottle, wondering how much mildew is about to go into your mouth.  Sometimes when items are able to disassemble, it affects their performance in use, but I haven’t had any valve malfunctions with the Polar Bottle despite regular disassembled trips through the dishwasher.

Lastly, there is a removable, handy carrier loop on the top, which I used with a carabiner to keep track of my bottle.  I attached it to my gym bag,  my backpack, and even my hydration waistpack.   Hooks on a pinky finger too, when you have more gear to carry than you have hands.

The Polar Bottle comes in two sizes:  20oz for $10.99, and 24oz for $11.99.

Deciding what to wear when running on cool or cold-weather days is a challenge. Some garments might protect well from the cold and wind, but will not allow sufficient ventilation where you need it. The Brooks Infiniti Hybrid Wind Shirt is very well thought-out and well-constructed. Its namesake feature is a combination of a thicker, wind-resistant material that covers the front surfaces of this top, and a lighter-weight, stretchy material, designed for great ventilation and flexibility, which covers the rear of the shirt.  AGR testers reported that the wind-resistant front panel does a great job of preventing chills- especially on windy runs. The 1/4 length zipper lends to the ability to fine-tune ventilation during the run, and thumb holes in the sleeve openings provide warmth for the hands and keep the sleeves from riding up. Brooks used a soft material to line the collar and cover the zipper of the Infiniti Wind Shirt; our testers noticed and appreciated this material quite a bit,  feeling no irritation, even with sensitive sweaty and windburned skin.  Other key features include a small zip pocket built into the rear of the shirt (for key, music, etc), and 360° of reflective material for safety.

The fit of the garment is classified as ‘semi-fitted’;  it is slim through the body, but provides enough room through the sleeves to provide good range of motion without getting in your way. Testers commented that perhaps the body of this top could be 1″ or so longer for even better coverage.

Overall, we were very impressed with the performance and comfort of the Brooks Infiniti Hybrid Wind Shirt.  More than one of our testers commented that it outperformed other similar tops, and had replaced their favorite running jackets for very cold runs. We highly recommend this top from Brooks for cold runs, especially on windy days.

The shirt is offered in sizes S-XXL, and in three color choices: black, blue, and red.

MSRP $80.

Newton Momentum - Women's

Just so that I don’t have to write this long title every time, let’s start with the name.  Newton Running has chosen Latin names for their models (as would be appropriate for a company founded upon the principals of Sir Isaac), and refers to the shoes also in the English translation.  The Newton Terra Momentus, as it is called, is also known as the “Newton Momentum”.  The “All-Terrain” portion refers to the fact that this is an off-road shoe, and the (are we done yet?) “Guidance Trainer” finale refers to the category within the Newton lineup where this model resides.   So.  For the purpose of this review, I hope you don’t mind if I just call them the Momentum.  Thanks.

I should mention that I have been running on this shoe since its release in 2010, so my review perspective extends beyond what would be a normal product testing period.   I have been running on Newton road shoes since the company first arrived on the market with their patented Newton Action/Reaction Technology.   When the Momentum launched, I was very curious to see how this forward-propulsion technology, designed for natural running, would translate to the trail.

Newton Momentum lug design

The Newton Action/Reaction Technology is centered around a row of actuators or “lugs” on the sole’s midfoot (above photo: the primary midfoot lugs are black, and the flatter, forefoot lugs are green) .  These lugs press inward when you strike with your midfoot/forefoot, then as your foot levers, the lugs release that energy.  This is the Action/Reaction generated, an idea based on Sir Isaac Newton’s Third Law of Motion.   These actuator lugs are present on all Newton shoes, with minor revisions dependent upon the model’s specific purpose.   When you run on Newton shoes for the first time, especially on a road surface, it is a very strange sensation to land on these protruding lugs.  With proper form, however, the sensation normalizes quickly, and you begin to appreciate the forward kant of being propelled.   (Someone once told me that wearing Newton shoes in a race is cheating.)   On the Momentum the lugs are slightly lower, and, given the additional softness of being off-road, you may hardly notice the lugs at all.  (Note: My assumption throughout this review is that proper natural running form is being used.)

photo credit: TriSports University

My primary concern prior to testing was whether this lug would create additional imbalance for me on the trail (I say ‘additional’ because I am a notorious klutz and can barely stay upright as it is).  I was afraid that the seemingly reduced landing surface would cause me to turn ankles or otherwise send me flying on anything more technical than a fireroad.   But what I experienced is what you see in the above photo;  the actuator lugs can absorb individually, much like an independent suspension on a car.   This means that the shoe is able to perform very well on flat and uphill rocky surface without causing instability.

My second concern upon lacing up for the first time (remember the klutz part) was downhill performance.  The Newton Action/Reaction Technology is so effective for me on the road, I was worried the forward propulsion would jettison me off the trail.   My concern was valid – the Momentum indeed creates additional momentum, and on the downhill this needs to be kept in check.  I found that the traction could use some improvement as well for downhill running, as the sole just isn’t as grippy as other pure trail shoes.  As a natural runner I tend to increase speed on the downhill by increasing cadence, taking shorter, faster steps.  For me this has been the safest way to manage the forward motion and lessened traction of the Momentum.  When I have tried to blast downhill on the edge of control (don’t tell me you don’t do this too sometimes) it has not ended well.   In other words, if you enjoy running recklessly downhill, the Momentum may not be in your best interest.

The structure of the shoe feels to me more like a road shoe than a stiff trail shoe.  This has both positive and negative implications.   In the positive, the shoe feels light, without being so minimalist that the foot feels unprotected.  Almost all shoes on the market for natural runners are stripped-down, flyweight versions of their siblings, and I appreciate that Newton provides a shoe (both road and trail) with some substance to the natural runner.   Since natural runners have a lighter step, it just feels right to have a lighter shoe (the women’s Momentum weighs 9.2 ounces).   Traditional trail shoes are often double that weight or more.  In the negative, and likely in the interest of weight reduction, the shoe has given up a knobbier tread (as previously mentioned), and lateral stiffness.  While the upper has non-stretch reinforcement and the midfoot/rearfoot has a support chassis, I think Newton could improve upon lateral support, which would go a long way in delivering confidence to run more aggressively on the trail.    The upper is a highly-breathable mesh that is fine enough to keep out the dirt, dust, and sand which is ever-present in my Southern California environment.   I cross a lot of streams in my trail runs, and in the Momentum I run right through, leaving my waterproof-wearing friends to do their rock-to-rock routine.   The water comes right out and the shoes stay light.  The sockliner has terrific anti-friction and anti-bacterial properties, which contribute to the overall comfort of the shoe.

For a trail shoe that comes from road-shoe heritage, it would be logical to question the off-road durability.  So, after having already abused this particular pair of shoes for 3 months, I took the Momentum to the GORE-TEX Transrockies Run, a six-day, 125-mile stage race in the Colorado Rockies, to see what they’ve got.  While most people alternated between two or three pairs of shoes during the race, I decided to test the Momentum on every type of terrain the race served up.   The shoes held up remarkably well, with no outersole chipping, toe cap damage, or mesh tearing, any or all of which I would have expected after such extreme usage.  In fact, when I got home, I washed them up and kept wearing them.

dirty, but no apparent battle scars from TransRockies

Perhaps the best compliment I can give the Momentum is that I not only finished the race in them, I wasn’t sporting a single Band-Aid.  While most racers spent time in the medical tent getting toes and ankles taped before and after each stage, my feet remained injury-free.  No blisters, hotspots, or black toenails, none of the small irritants that can rapidly turn into major suffering on a long run.   The rest of my body was sufficiently tapped, but at least my feet were good to go.  This is because the shoe is built for the running style, is designed for the movement, and therefore nicely conforms to the foot throughout the land-lever-lift motion.   Getting a good fit is important with the Newtons to achieve this level of comfort.

Newton shoes in general tend to run small, and the Momentum is no exception.  I wear a half size larger in Newton shoes than I do in any other brand.  They recommend that you have a full thumbs-width between your toes and the end of the shoe; if you are ordering online, use your current shoes to test; if you don’t already have a full thumb’s width in them, order a half size up when ordering the Newton.  Remember that the sizing is important to make sure your foot is properly centered over the actuator lugs.   I have a narrow foot, and find the width of the Momentum to be on the generous side.  When I lace up my shoes for a run, they are pulled almost as tight as they can go (somewhat apparent in the above photo). If you have a very narrow foot and prefer a snug, enveloping feel, you may not be able to achieve this with the Momentum.  If you have a normal/medium to wide foot, you should not have any issues with the Momentum fit.   The toe box is also amply-sized to allow enough space for the levering action.  A final note on fit:  I often use custom orthotics when I feel flare-ups of an old injury, and I have been able to run very comfortably with these orthotics in the Momentum.  Simply remove the insole.

I recommend the Momentum for natural runners seeking more protection on the trail than a minimalist shoe, and who frequent trails with moderate terrain.  This is a comfortable and durable shoe that can help you to run both better (in form) and most certainly faster.

MSRP $139

Newton Momentum Giveaway - sign up by Dec 12 to enter

The shoes weigh in at about 1.3 pounds (20.8 oz), which is actually right in the range of other supportive, GTX trail running shoes.  Since they aren’t necessarily heavier than their competitors, perhaps what my hands were noticing initially was the structural sturdiness.  The shoe is categorized as a trail runner on the LOWA website, but the site also states the S-Cruise GTX’s ideal use as ‘fitness walking’.  I tested them as a trail runner more than a fitness walker, and I think this shoe will work just fine in either capacity.

I was especially impressed with the arch and heel support, because I tend to suffer from lower leg aches and pains that, if the support isn’t there, might stop me short on the trail.   I love the gusseted tongue, and am a huge fan of the tough laces. The seams appear to be strong, and I don’t foresee these shoes breaking down quickly. The muted Stone/Lime color combination (your only choice) is neutral and flattering.

I ordered the same size in the S-Cruise GTX as I use for road-running shoes, which proved to be a good fit.  I would say the LOWA S-Cruise GTX runs true to size.   LOWA uses an exclusive female last for their women’s products, which inherently improves the fit and comfort.

The first test was three miles on a graded single track gravel and dirt trail in the local foothills. Nothing too strenuous, but enough to get a good taste of what this shoe has to offer. The tread held well on the gravel, no slippage, and the shoe overall offered very good support. There was plenty of room in the toe box, and I felt like I could flex my foot naturally, without any constrictive binding.  The comfort and confidence allowed me to run more aggressively – I was able to out-run my trail partner that day, who usually smokes me without a second thought.  After the run I felt good, with no signs of aches or pains (thank you arch support).   I also didn’t detect any signs of rubbing, and noticed for the first time the very-ample cushioning around the shoe collar.    When I got home, I compared the LOWAs to other running shoes in my closet, and confirmed that the S-Cruise GTX does indeed have  more collar padding than anything else I own.

For comparison, I did a later run on an unmaintained trail in a wildlife area, that is a seasonal wetland with some year-round wetlands as well. No hills here, all flatland, but not an inch of pavement or gravel in sight anywhere on this trail. Because the trails are flooded on an annual basis, the ground may be level, but there are plenty of holes and ditches hidden by low overgrowth.  And I’m fairly certain that I stepped in every, single one of them.  Did I mention the Lowa’s are stable?  This trail proved their mettle, and the shoe’s lateral stability helped to keep me upright on the trail, with only minor stumbles, and no ankle turns.  I had great traction on some of the dew-slick grasses and brambles, and my feet remained dry thanks to the GORE-TEX lining.  The S-Cruise GTX even cleaned up well after my workout with a quick hose-down. The outer-upper is a synthetic microfiber blend, and the sole is a Lowa Spine proprietary technology that works with the natural rolling stride of a runner. Even though the shoe is marketed as a trail runner/fitness walker, it is versatile enough that I would wear these shoes for running errands around town.

While this may not be your go-to shoe for trail racing, it is a very stable and well-crafted everyday shoe for people who run and walk regularly on the trails.  Due to its versatility and level of workmanship (durability), it may also be a good shoe to consider for adventure travel.

Lowa products have been around for almost 90 years, first established in Germany.   There is a 12-month warranty offered from the date of purchase on workmanship. The suggested retail price is $160.00.