I recently took an informal inventory of my gear to try and figure out what piece I鈥檝e used the most over the past three months. A favorite pair of and a were near the top, but as I finished the tally, it became clear that individually sealed wipe packets, like those from and , led the way by a longshot. I’ve used them countless times in every scenario imaginable, and trust me, I’ve never regretted carrying one with me while playing outside.

One standout moment was during an epic backpacking trip with my kids in the San Pedro Parks Wilderness; my wife and I relied on wipes to keep their faces (somewhat) clean during three days in the dirt. Another was the weekend I spent camping out of a car at Overland Expo West, where a morning face wipe-down was equally as important as my daily coffee鈥攁nd much easier and more effective than washing in the sink of a public restroom.

But the majority of my wet wipe uses, and the biggest reason I now find them indispensable, have come while running. At the ripe old age of 44, I鈥檝e decided to go all in on distance running鈥攁nd I鈥檝e quickly found out that the more miles I run, the more often I have to poop.

I鈥檝e visited the Porta-Potty that sits in the middle of my run loop so many times I almost take ownership. When a wind storm knocked it over for a week, it completely changed how I organized my day because I had to find another route and an accessible bathroom.

As runners know, a dirty bum, especially combined with sweat, is an easy way to increase your chances for butt chafing. And yet, toilet paper sometimes falls short in its cleaning duties. Through lots of testing (haha), I鈥檝e found that the added moisture in the wipe does a much better job cleaning so there鈥檚 as little chance as possible for chafing鈥攚hich is why I now carry a wipe on every run, no matter the distance or location.

Moisture and butts is a topic that America is actually converging around in a big way at the moment. After decades of wipes being just for babies, tons of companies now offer adult wipes for butt health. One of them, , echoes my recent revelation on its website, 鈥淵ou wouldn鈥檛 wash your face with a dry washcloth, why would you clean your butt with dry toilet paper?鈥�

One problem I鈥檝e had to overcome, however, is how to dispose of the used wipes. Companies claim that their wipes are 鈥渇lushable,鈥� and it鈥檚 technically true that the wipes will go down your toilet. But once they reach the city鈥檚 sewer system, the wipes don鈥檛 break down fast enough, so they cause backups and shutdowns (). Non-plant-based wipes not only cause blockages but also leak micro-plastics into the water system. Wipes, whether plant-based or not, stand almost where I live, so they鈥檒l be a hazard if left in the wild.

The good news is that there鈥檚 a fairly simple fix. At home it鈥檚 been as simple as using the wipe and then throwing it in a special plastic-bag lined trashcan. The trashcan never smells, thanks to a lid, and when the bag is full I tie it up and throw it in the outside trash, where it will eventually be taken to a landfill and have time to biodegrade. This process feels a little gross at first, but after the 100th wipe, I鈥攁nd my family鈥攃ame to treat it as normal.

国产吃瓜黑料 of the house, things get a little messier, but with a little practice, the process is totally manageable. Any time I have to use a wipe in the backcountry or when visiting the Porta-Potty, I put the soiled product in a sandwiched-sized plastic bag and either throw it away at the trailhead or at home. It can be weird to hike or run with a poopy wipe bouncing around in your pack or shorts, but there are usually bigger things to worry about (e.g., don鈥檛 trip, where鈥檚 the trail, look at that stunning sunset), so it鈥檚 easy to forget the baggage.

In terms of brands, I鈥檓 pretty agnostic, but have gravitated toward companies like the ones from that are made from plant-based ingredients so that I鈥檓 not using petroleum products and putting more plastics into a landfill. At home, I鈥檓 a big fan of because they鈥檙e cheap and come in bulk.

It鈥檚 ironic that as a gear tester, I show up to a run or a hike decked out in the newest shoes, the fanciest shorts, the most powerful GPS watch, even high-performance socks鈥攂ut secretly feel completely unprepared unless I have a wet wipe in one of my pockets. I would certainly survive my run or backpacking trip without these moist towlettes, but I鈥檓 glad I don鈥檛 have to.

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Growing up, I hated traveling, though I couldn鈥檛 pinpoint why. All I knew was that the unfamiliarity of everything from hotel bed sheets to cultural customs felt wholly dysregulating.

When I was diagnosed with ADHD and autism at the ages of 19 and 22, respectively, everything clicked into place, and I was catapulted into a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. I realized the problem wasn鈥檛 travel鈥攊t was unmet needs.

, a UK-based psychologist who specializes in treating emotional issues and autism spectrum disorders, says, 鈥淏eing neurodivergent in a neurotypical world can be exhausting, especially while traveling.鈥� But, with a careful plan that honors your needs, she says travel can be an incredibly enriching experience for neurodivergent folks.

So, in November 2024, I booked a six-day solo trip from New York City听to Western Europe. I鈥檇 spend four days in Amsterdam, staying in a shared hostel room, and two days in Paris, opting for a private hostel room. I was excited for the adventure, but I knew I鈥檇 need to scrap the idea of what a good trip should look like.

As a neurodivergent person, my needs, particularly sensory and social, may look different than a neurotypical person鈥檚, so it was important for me to make a highly personalized plan.

Here鈥檚 what I did to accommodate my needs on my trip鈥攁nd what I鈥檒l do differently next time.

1. Noise-Cancelling Headphones Are a Must

When I was packing up my bag, I made sure to include noise-cancelling headphones and earplugs to manage my sensory sensitivities. When I鈥檓 in environments with loud or conflicting noises, like train stations, museums, and airports, my fight-or-flight reaction revs up, and I become anxious, agitated, and even struggle to think clearly.

I typically use the to dim the noise, but I opted for disposable earplugs on this trip so I wouldn鈥檛 risk losing my own. My headphones are particularly beneficial during bedtime because I鈥檓 sensitive to sounds like buzzing machinery or breathing when trying to fall asleep.

2. Attaching Items to My Body Helped Quell Fears of Losing Them

I didn鈥檛 check a bag and kept most of my belongings in a large backpack, but I stored all of my valuables, such as my ID, passport, and wallet, in a fanny pack around my waist.

As someone who often on the what-ifs, courtesy of autism’s differences in cognitive processing, and an extensive history of , courtesy of ADHD’s differences in working memory and executive functioning, it was nice to have a degree of security.

Having my essentials physically attached to my body was a helpful, tactile way to assure myself I had everything I needed. Whenever I found myself worrying I was missing something, I鈥檇 just touch my fanny pack and know everything was in place. I had only planned to use the fanny pack during travel, but I ended up wearing it every day.

3. I Abandoned the Belief That I Needed to “See It All”

I knew that trying to cram in as much sightseeing as possible would be a fast track to burnout, so I opted for flexible planning based on my moment-to-moment energy levels. I drafted a loose plan for each day, with one or two activities to frame my time around.

On my first full day in Paris, I planned a morning trip to the Carnavalet Museum, the city’s oldest museum, and an evening stroll through the shops in the Arts et M茅tiers neighborhood. While I initially worried my empty afternoon was a 鈥渨aste鈥� of the city,听 having less on my plate meant less worrying about managing details like getting to the right place at the right time and getting tickets organized. All of this extra time meant I was able to take a beat and decompress in my room鈥攚hich brings me to my next point.

4. I Blocked Out Time to Chill and Regulate My Emotions

Alone time can be an important time for many neurodivergent individuals, , to self-regulate, process emotions, reduce sensory overwhelm, and recharge social battery.

I scheduled daily time for rest in the afternoon, both in my hostel room and in my private room. I closed the blinds and just listened to my comfort music, largely songs from Broadway musicals. Taking time for myself to be alone and disengage from the chaos outside allowed me to be more present in the activities I did choose to do.

5. A Good Night鈥檚 Sleep Is Non-Negotiable

I prioritized quality sleep. I know I don鈥檛 operate well without a good night’s rest, so while the others in my hostel got up bright and early, I made sure to stay in bed until my body was ready (which sometimes looked as late as 11 A.M.).

I may have missed out on some landmarks, but giving myself additional time to rest allowed me to truly relish and appreciate the beauty of the ones I did see.

6. I Tested Out Different Housing Accommodations

I booked a four-person hostel room in Amsterdam because I wanted to save money on housing, and, quite frankly, I was curious to see how I鈥檇 handle it. I strongly disliked sleepovers growing up because they disrupted my sleep routine and need for alone time, but I wanted to know if I鈥檇 feel the same in a hostel situation.

Because I had an inkling that staying in a hostel would be a stretch for me, I splurged on a private room in a hostel for myself in Paris. I booked both of these accommodations about a month before my trip.

By day three in Amsterdam, I felt myself shutting down and feeling stressed by my inability to 鈥渆scape鈥� the world around me. Knowing that I鈥檇 soon be able to hunker down in a private room in Paris kept me feeling optimistic. I鈥檓 so glad I booked the private room, as it allowed me to decompress in a quiet, dark space and reenergize myself for my last two days of sightseeing.

Not Everything on My Trip Went Smoothly. Here’s What I’ll Do Differently Next Time.

I’ll Never Book a Middle Seat Again

I often feel stressed and restless during long plane or train rides, so next time I鈥檒l seek out aisle seats, rather than the middle seats I chose to save money, for easy access to stand up or use the restroom. This will also relieve the anxiety of having to interact with the people in my row to get up, which can be a barrier for me to address my need for movement.

Ker adds that some neurodivergent folks may like wearing a while traveling, which people with invisible disabilities use as a way to signal that they may need extra support. She also adds that 鈥渕any large stations and airports offer support to those that need help finding their way around, a quiet area or early boarding.鈥�

Night Travel Is Out of the Question

I chose a late-night train ride from Amsterdam to Paris to maximize my time, but it disrupted my nighttime routine and sleep schedule, and I paid the price the next day in fatigue and stress. My nighttime routine is sacred to me and makes me feel safe, comfortable, and regulated, so I will prioritize keeping that in check above all else.

Ker encourages neurodivergent folks to consider what things will help them feel regulated and relaxed. 鈥淭ry to anchor your day with some predictable routines where you can.鈥�

I’ll Keep My Documents More Organized

Although I had all my essentials tucked into my fanny pack, I鈥檇 like to keep a more robust digital library of my tickets and documents. I often found myself fumbling around for tickets and worrying that somehow something was lost. 鈥淔or a neurodivergent brain that struggles with tasks relating to executive function, carefully planning, making lists, and having backup plans in case of missed trains might be important,鈥� says Ker.

Finding More Moments of Solitude

I would consider budgeting better in other areas, like food and transportation, in order to afford a solo room in a hostel or hotel. I think I would鈥檝e enjoyed my trip more and had fewer crashes if I were able to retreat to my own space at will. Ker suggests that neurodivergent people allot space for alone time and adequate rest. Don鈥檛 fall into the trap of trying to cram in too much,鈥� she says.

Bring Better Earplugs

Next time, I’ll bring along some stronger earplugs to help me create the illusion of solitude when it鈥檚 not possible. I really struggled in the hostel because I felt dysregulated by the sound of people moving and breathing, so I would have benefited from bringing a higher-quality pair of plugs.

No More Winter Trips

Ker encourages neurodivergent folks to really consider where they want to go. 鈥淪ome cultures are more neurodivergent friendly than others. Do you prefer busy cities or rural mountains? Do you have a passion or interest motivating your travel?鈥�

For me, this means traveling during warmer months or to a warmer destination. My wintertime trip made me realize that I dislike the sensation of wearing heavy clothes, and I struggle with the transition of putting layers on and taking them off. Being in a warmer environment would be a game-changer.

My first solo travel experience was magical and challenging all at once, and I can鈥檛 wait for the next. I鈥檓 still learning to take things slow, listening to my body, and unassigning myself from the neurotypical standard of what traveling should look like.

Want more听国产吃瓜黑料听health stories?听.

The post As a Neurodivergent Person, Traveling Entails Prioritizing My Mental Health and Avoiding Overstimulation appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

A few weeks ago, I ventured up to the Eastern Sierra for a quick backpacking trip. I鈥檓 no backpacking expert 鈥� I鈥檝e only been on a couple trips in my life 鈥� but I am a gear nerd, so my packing list was comprehensive. I packed spare trash bags to keep things dry in case of rain and I had a few extra plastic sandwich bags for trash and toiletries. I had a tent, a sleeping bag, an ultralight sleeping pad, and a merino wool t-shirt I could wear each day, plus all of the other things you need for two nights in the backcountry.

The most important thing I packed, though, was actually an afterthought. Right before I locked my front door and drove north, I grabbed the that had been sitting unopened in my gear closet for the last few months. This last-minute addition to my pack turned out to be the savior of my trip when our group was met by a relentless wave of mosquitoes.

Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion ($11)

From the moment I got out of my car until I returned to it two days later, the mosquitos were rampant. Save for a few hours in the middle of the day, we were absolutely beat down by mosquitos for the entire trip. The only line of defense between me and a veritable galaxy of painful mosquito bites was the humble $11 bug repellent I almost left at home.

I lathered up in the mornings and the evenings, covering as much of my body in the stuff as possible 鈥� I even put the lotion on before I donned my long sleeve shirt听to keep the bloody bugs from nipping me through the fabric. Once I was fully covered, the swarms of bugs that followed finally gave up on biting. Sadly, the lotion couldn鈥檛 prevent their constant buzzing and swarming and nagging; but at least I was blessedly protected from their attacks.

But that鈥檚 why I swear by the Sawyer picaridin repellent. It’s not so hardcore that you鈥檙e afraid to really cover yourself in it; you don鈥檛 have to worry about the harmful effects of DEET or permethrin, two toxic bug repellents that you can鈥檛 always put directly on your actual skin. The lotion acts as a barrier, allowing you to leave your skin uncovered on hot days rather than layer up in repellent-treated clothing and gear. I had the lotion with me, but Sawyer also makes a , which doesn鈥檛 last as long but is easier to apply in a pinch, since you can just spray it directly onto your clothes and your body at the same time. From now on, I will be taking both the Sawyer picaridin spray and lotion on any backpacking trip 鈥斕齛nd I can guarantee they鈥檒l be the first things I pack.

The post Mosquitos Nearly Ruined My Eastern Sierra Backpacking Trip鈥擝ut This $11 Lotion Saved the Weekend appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Surfing is addictive. Once it clicks, you feel like you鈥檙e flying over the surface of water. The only thing is, you need a wave to do it. For me, wakesurfing doesn鈥檛 scratch the itch, and while mechanical wave pools exist, they aren鈥檛 exactly cheap or ubiquitous yet. Enter the Lind Canvas, an insanely over-engineered, high-powered electric surfboard that delivers surf-like thrills in any reasonably-sized body of water at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. And you only need to sell one or two critical organs to be able to afford one!

It sounded like something I needed to test for myself, so I traveled to Stockholm, Sweden, where the company is based, to check them out.

Two things that are important to emphasize right away: First, these are surfboards, not e-foils, and second, these boards are built for flat water, not waves. It is designed to put the power of a wave into the board itself and recreate the feeling of riding waves in places where there are no waves. The idea of some rich scrubs trying to poach waves from normal paddle-surfers on these 80-pound rockets in a crowded line-up is frankly terrifying.

The Lind Canvas surfboard comes in two sizes: a 6鈥�3鈥� shortboard and a 6鈥�9鈥� mid-length. From the top they look like standard surfboards, though they are a bit wider, and at 6鈥� thick they are more than twice as thick as your standard board to accommodate the special sauce. In the board鈥檚 belly, a hollow bay holds the battery and engine. Every single component, aside from the individual battery cells themselves (which are the same lithium cells you find in high-end electric cars), has been meticulously designed in-house. The result? A sleek 3.1 kilowatt-hour battery pack and an astonishing 28 horsepower engine.

If that sounds like a terrifying amount of power to have under your feet, you would be correct. It is one of the most power-dense platforms ever created鈥攄ouble the power density of a Tesla Model S. It鈥檚 the kind of engineering you expect from something military grade, not from a surfboard purely for recreation.

Evolution of the Electric Surfboard

This is not the world鈥檚 first electric surfboard. This isn鈥檛 even the first electric surfboard from Alexander Lind, the Swedish co-founder from whom Lind gets its name. His first boards under the company Radinn were heavy and wide, making them extremely difficult to get on rail and carve with. In other words, they felt more like a small boat you stood up on rather than a board you surfed.

But Radinn enjoyed some early success. In 2014, Lind took the company鈥檚 first prototype and rode it off a 9-foot-tall waterfall for a promo video. The video cuts away just as Lind and the board touch down in the water, conveniently omitting that the thing snapped in half upon impact. It didn鈥檛 matter, though. The video went viral, and despite the Radinn boards鈥� shortcomings, they sold about 1,000 units over the years. So, when Alex was looking to start fresh, he thought, 鈥淲hy not do it again鈥攔ecreate the viral enthusiasm鈥攂ut do it right this time?鈥�

Together with his two new co-founders鈥擜nders Dellson (CEO) and Mattias S枚derhielm (CTO/COO)鈥擫ind traveled to the Maldives. They took surf lessons during the day and, in the evenings, worked on a business plan for what would become Lind Surf. Upon returning to Stockholm, they got to work assembling a production team of absolute killers, including tapped Swedish materials and production specialists and poached experienced Heart Aerospace engineers who had previously worked at NASA on Mars rovers.

While Radinn had started with the jet and tried to build a board around it, Lind started with a surfboard. They worked with shaper Sam Bass of, who is known for making highly-customized boards, refining their design for a shortboard that would have the planning, grip, and responsiveness of a real board while also being thick enough to house the payload that would power it.

Design Features of the Lind Canvas

The Canvas design is modular, separated into three pieces. There鈥檚 the board itself, which features a thick oak stringer with two-dozen screw holes for the included foot-straps. It鈥檚 light enough that it can be lifted with one hand, but it also comes with a canvas bag with a padded shoulder strap. Its largest, flattest surface has an aluminum panel that becomes the bottom of the board and acts as a heat-sink in the water, keeping the batteries healthier. The heaviest component, a 37-pound battery, can be carried in the included backpack.

Also tucked away into the backpack is the jet engine. Rather than using one larger motor, which would have been bulbous and impacted the board鈥檚 hydrodynamics, they split the job and use two motors in parallel. To achieve this, Lind made a mad-scientist-level, multi-stage gearbox with bespoke gears that听 transfers maximum torque to the single impeller in the middle without shearing the gears鈥� teeth off. Like everything else, that impeller is made in-house, utilizing computational fluid dynamics to develop the correct attributes.

A wireless remote control, which uses a simple trigger to control acceleration and has a four-way D-pad on top to power on/off, pair with the board, and adjust the power-level. A bright LCD displays your current power level and remaining battery percentage (but not your speed in mph or kph). For the geeks thinking all this must take an awful lot of programming, that would be correct. The system has six microcontrollers that manage everything from speed to battery maintenance. It even has 4G telemetry so it can share critical information with you. For instance, if you accidentally leave your battery in a hot car with the windows up, it will send a notification to your phone before heat damages the electronics or the whole thing bursts into flames. It really is a staggering amount of engineering, and yes, the price tag reflects that, but we鈥檒l get to that in a minute.

The charger is pretty slick, too. It looks like something you鈥檇 plug into your electric car, but it uses a standard electrical outlet and charges shockingly fast. A battery can fully recharge in an hour. Considering each battery gives you about 45 minutes of run time (shorter if you crank up the power level), that really maximizes the amount of time you get to spend in the water.

It鈥檚 also worth noting that you can customize the board with the paint job, or specific materials, like a wooden inlay on the deck. You can even work with the shaper of your choice, as long as they can make a design that will fit the electronics payload.

Testing the Lind Canvas

None of that engineering matters if the thing doesn鈥檛 work well. Fortunately, I can confirm that it is indeed obscenely fun. The backpack and bag system is designed so you don鈥檛 need a boat ramp or a dock, or anything like that. You can even hike it down to a remote lake, river, or beach, though you probably wouldn鈥檛 want to hike too far as the whole system weighs about 77 pounds. Once you鈥檝e found your spot, you turn the board onto its back, latch in the jet pack and battery, add the fin, flip it into the water, and pair it with the remote. The whole assembly is toolless and takes just a minute or two.

Then you put your belly on the board, point it in a safe direction, and squeeze the trigger. For first timers, it鈥檚 recommended that you start at power level 4 or 5 (out of a maximum of 15). Within seconds you鈥檒l be hydroplaning, dragging your legs behind you, and grinning like an idiot. As with real surfing, the transition from prone to standing is one of the trickiest bits, but here you aren鈥檛 falling down the face of a wave with just seconds to get to your feet. On a Canvas board, you effectively have an unlimited amount of time to get your balance and work your way to vertical, which still takes time to figure out, but as with a bike, the faster you鈥檙e going the more stable it is.

In Stockholm, I test the board on a number of different lakes, rivers, and bays, in fresh water, salt water, and brackish, sometimes with rolling hills in the distance, sometimes in front of massive hotels or vacation homes. As someone who has been surfing for the last 20 years, I came in with high hopes and low expectations, but I was thrilled to make it to my feet on the first try. In fact, every single person in our small group (most of whom had never surfed) all made it to their feet relatively quickly, and then everyone just started ripping. I was able to really lean into my turns, feeling the G-forces pull my feet into the deck of the board, while a rooster-tail of water sprayed off the back. While the 6鈥�9鈥� mid-length board is more stable for getting up, the 6鈥�3鈥� shortboard is much easier to turn. On smooth water, I turned it up to power-level 10. I鈥檇 estimate I was going somewhere between 25 and 30 miles per hour, noticeably faster than the waist to head-high waves I typically surf in California. The heaviness of the board helps dampen some chop in the water, but you really feel those bumps at speed, including when you make a big turn and ride over your own wake. I had no shortage of spectacular wipeouts.

While it does indeed feel a lot like surfing, it鈥檚 not a perfect analog. The weight distribution is different and learning to carve with motorized power takes some getting used to.There鈥檚 certainly a learning curve, and I only scratched the surface. Once you figure it out, though, you can mix in some flair. LLind鈥檚 team riders, none of whom are paddle surfers, were able to cross-step their way up to the nose and hang-five, demonstrating a level of finesse that only comes with time and practice.

For all its speed, because it鈥檚 electric, it鈥檚 also much quieter than something like a jet ski, so the sounds of your uncontrolled whoops echo unimpeded. Tourists who saw or heard me coming were quick to pull out their phones and snap pics of this strange watercraft zipping by them.

Safety Notes

As good of a time as this board is, there鈥檚 still plenty of room for safety improvement. While a normal surfboard has an ankle leash to keep your board nearby, that鈥檚 not an option here. For now, once the controller hits the water and breaks the radio signal, the board鈥檚 motor stops. But if you neglect to release the trigger as you fall, then that board will continue on at speed and with inertia, which means you might have to swim a good 50 yards to retrieve it鈥攐r it could crash into a river bank, boat, or person.

Thus, you鈥檙e advised to let go of the throttle the moment you realize you鈥檙e falling. But that introduces another problem: the drag of the water slows the board down faster than your body, sending you flying off the front, which is extra scary because then you could be run over by the board or slashed by the fin. Thankfully, neither of those things happened to me or anybody in my group, but a couple of times were too close for comfort. Lind is currently testing different solutions for both of these issues.

Sticker Shock

If this all sounds like a ton of fun and you鈥檙e wondering what the catch is, well, it costs $25,000. You could buy a mid-range 2025 Toyota Corolla for that. Hell, you could buy three new, entry-level jet skis, which would carry six times as many people and are more versatile water vehicles. So it鈥檚 not an 鈥渋t鈥檚 not for everybody鈥� thing as much as it鈥檚 an 鈥渋t鈥檚 for very few people who can afford it鈥� thing.

That said, I actually hate jet skiing, and I feel indifferent about wakesurfing, but I loved this board. If I wanted a recreational water vehicle for my lake house, I would choose a Lind Surf board over a jet ski in a heartbeat. It鈥檚 such a unique feeling. It鈥檚 quiet and sleek, and the sheer amount of power it packs is unlike anything I鈥檝e ever experienced. The only problem is I don鈥檛 have a lake house or $25,000 to drop on a surfboard. For those that do, this board offers a truly unique experience on the water, and it鈥檚 a ripping good time. If you can find a way to demo one for a day, you will not regret it.

The post Lind Canvas Review: An Electric Surfboard Is Just as Thrilling as It Sounds appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Active recovery footwear is having a moment. It鈥檚 technically a category as old as the bedroom slipper鈥攁nd has existed as a purpose-made product for more than a decade. But we seem to be reaching a new peak in active recovery footwear. New kicks launch each season and new recovery technologies debut every year. Recovery research is increasingly showing us all that we cannot ignore this intrinsic part of the training process. I also need more recovery in my life. And, like many of you, I have grown tired of torturing myself with a lacrosse ball.

This truly luxurious trial gave my barking dogs, tight hips, and sore calves a break (and potentially a recovery boost). And, as a bonus, I got to help you figure out the best recovery sandals for you鈥攁n update that spanned from spring to summer this year. The world, my fitness, and my goals have changed since the first round up but the pure luscious joy that a good recovery slip can deliver has not. Here鈥檚 what I found.

How I Tested

I started the test with a deep dive into recovery sandal research, scouring reviews and zeroing in on the best recovery sandals on the market, then pulling back the curtain on the science of each one to make sure brands weren鈥檛 making any bullshit claims. Once samples arrived, I subjected each one to a couple of tests.

For this most recent round of testing, I reached out to all of the recovery footwear brands that I tested for the previous story and asked if they had updated any of the original slips or taken them off the market. I also reached out to some brands that I missed on my original list and ran them through the paces.

For starters, I ran a similar 4.5-mile loop over the course of two weeks and wore each of these sandals for a full day after each run, taking notes on how they felt. I kept the run as uniform as possible, wearing the same pair of shoes and keeping the same pace, and kept my use of the sandals as similar as possible to reduce the number of variables affecting my results. I wore them inside my house and took them on the four 0.4-mile, head-clearing neighborhood walks I take each day.

In addition to the above daily-driver test, I wore each sandal for an hour and took them each on a 0.4-mile neighborhood walk when my legs were beat to a pulp after my first ambitious 8-mile run. I also cycled through all these sandals after days of manual labor to test their effectiveness against general full-body soreness.

The soreness tests remained incredibly similar for the update. My 4.5-mile loop is basically exactly the same 8 months later except for leg strength training, hill sprint work, and downhill specific run training as I prepare for a Rim to Rim to Rim Grand Canyon run.

Best Recovery Sandals: At a Glance

• For Active Recovery:
• For Foot Injuries:
• Most Versatile:
• Best Cushion:
• For Minimalists:
• Adjustable Support:
• For Camping:
• Most Luxurious:
• Most Stylish:
• Best Upper:
• Best Stimulation:
• What Are Recovery Sandals?
• Do I Need Recovery Sandals?

Best for Active Recovery

Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3

The Ora Recovery Slide 3s were cushy as hell鈥攋ust as you might expect from the brand that made us fall in love with maximalist shoes. The dual-density foam layup is made from a soothingly soft, sugarcane-based EVA midsole and a sturdier, more supportive EVA outsole. The shoe felt truly therapeutic during my sorest steps around the neighborhood. But it was actually the way these slides helped inform my steps that made me fall in love with them.

The Oras take advantage of their huge 33mm/27mm stack height to carve a serious rockered curve in the front. That helps roll your foot forward with every step. This mechanical aid felt like a hand from an old friend when my legs were achy and tired after a long run. I was able to walk it out further, giving the lactic acid more time to flush out of my system. Wearing these did make my legs feel better over the course of the day. It is worth noting that this rocker profile isn鈥檛 for everyone. I bought a pair of these for my dad, and he couldn鈥檛 stand the way they messed with his gait鈥攁nd went back to his beat-to-hell Rainbow Sandals instead.

Best for Foot Injuries

OOFOS OOahh Sport Slides

While these slides were not as cushy as the Hokas or Crocs, they did deliver a top-three performance in terms of comfortable walking stride鈥攅ven on the very first step. That鈥檚 thanks to the ample footbed. At first glance, the footbed looks almost comically large, but that extra material allows it to slope inward, creating a three-dimensional hammock for my feet. It delivered support and an extremely stable walking platform, but with an overall width that really gave my feet room to splay out on each step. This unrestricted feeling was appreciated on every walk, but particularly when my feet were swollen after my long run.

The OOah鈥檚 were the only recovery sandal I wanted to put on after I sustained an embarrassing toe-overuse injury from not clipping my toenails before a high-mileage week. The downside of that ample footbed and upper is that they felt sloppy during quick movements and were ankle-rolling machines when I was on the playground chasing my six-year-old.

Most Versatile

Kane Revive Active Recovery Shoe

It feels almost embarrassing to call anything 鈥渕inimalist鈥� in this test, due to how straight-up huge the three slip-on models are. With the Kanes, there鈥檚 also an added 10mm heel-to-toe drop鈥攁s opposed to the zero-drop Crocs and the 5mm drop on the Hokas. With that said, in terms of movement alone, there was something brilliantly minimalist about how these recovery kicks walked. Credit the heavy longitudinal channels on the outsole, which allowed the shoe to bend laterally with my foot during each step. That flexibility also provided a light stretch to my stiff arches when I walked. I also appreciated the light rocker in the sole, which helped move my steps along.

The Kane Revive is more of a shoe than a sandal, but it still breathed extremely well thanks to the myriad holes in the upper. But the thing I loved most about the show was its versatility. While the footbed texture and smooth ride made them feel like a recovery shoe, plentiful heel support and a more streamlined silhouette made them my favorite for running errands and pretending to be the Loch Ness Monster at my kid鈥檚 playground without worrying about rolling my ankle. The biggest con: The fully encased uppers were the toughest to get on and off of the bunch. If I were recovering from an ultra or a multiday objective, I definitely would prefer the ease of a slip-on.

Best Cushion

Crocs Mellow Recovery Slides

The steps I have taken in these Crocs have been the softest, most marshmallow-y, and best cushioned of my life. The difference was so noticeable that I made audible pleasure sounds during my first test drive鈥攄elivering 鈥渙ohs鈥� and 鈥渁aahs鈥� not yet out of my house. My feet visibly sunk into the footbeds like a fancy memory foam mattress when I first put them on, and they delivered Cadillac-smooth rebound with every single step. These slip-ons were the most luxurious of the bunch in terms of cushioning鈥攁nd I could feel myself sinking into the cush with each step. That helped my whole leg relax, which translated into a tangible feeling of relief all the way up to my back. They were my favorites when my legs were their most sore, both after long runs and after manual labor. As for downsides: The Mellows had the least breathable upper in the test, with only two small vents at the base and an ample amount of plastic over the top of my foot. As a result, my feet swamped out pretty badly on hot days.

Best for Minimalists

Salomon Rx Slide 3.0

A minimalist recovery shoe reads like an oxymoron. Even though Salomon鈥檚 Rx Slide 3.0 had the least cushioned footbeds in the test, it really delivered therapeutic steps to my sore hips and knees. The wide EVA midsole, which cradled underfoot, married with a breathable 3D mesh upper that hugged my Fred Flintstone feet without smothering them felt damn good on my pissed off feet. The dual-density鈥�two part midsole with highly cushioned layer next to the sole of my foot backed up by a slightly denser cradling layer below鈥攈elped absorb impact on my most tired days, while the lightweight construction made them track more like a house slipper than a recovery shoe. I especially appreciated how stable they felt on my short post-run walks around the neighborhood. The wide chassis kept me from pronating when my hips and knees were still wrecked from hill repeats. These were also the pair I reached for on hot afternoons when my feet were swollen and cranky. The open mesh drained heat exceptionally well when I wore them all day during a brutal 95-degree high and the slip-on design made them easy to take off when I wanted to air out. That mesh, which made it so good for the heat, snagged on sticks and rough ground whenever I took these on little trail walks around my office so they wouldn鈥檛 be my top pick for a camp shoe. And while they cradled my feet beautifully at rest, the footbed was flatter than others I tested, so I didn鈥檛 get the same gentle arch massage or mechanical 鈥渞ocker鈥� assistance. Still, for sheer lightness and breathability, the Rx Slide 3.0 was a standout

Adjustable Support

OOFOS OOahh Sport Flex

The original OOFOS OOahh I tested last fall delivered cloud-like softness, yet the Sport Flex has an even more dialed-in fit. The version I tested for the update includes a discreet Velcro strap across the upper that lets you snug them up to your foot鈥檚 exact width, which I found key for getting the full cuddle benefit from the deeply contoured footbed. I wore these the day after hammering out four straight days of running and lifting and immediately noted how the arch cradled my tired plantar fascia. The sole is made of OOFOS鈥檚 signature OOfoam, which feels somewhere between a marshmallow and a dense yoga block, absorbing impact so my calves didn鈥檛 tense up with my steps. The wide, slightly sloping footbed let my forefoot splay, which felt especially nice when my toes were puffy from mileage. Even though the Sport Flex鈥檚 had that wide sloping footbed, they still felt secure thanks to the adjustable upper. This is a real plus compared to the original OOahh that could feel sloppy on quick moves. The plushness does come at a cost: The slide can feel a bit squishy on uneven terrain, so I stuck to sidewalks and indoor recovery with these. As far as pure foot-coddling goes, though, the Sport Flex was one of the most soothing in the entire test.

Best Double-Duty Camp Shoes

Bogs Boga Slip On

Unlike many slides in this roundup, the Boga鈥檚 rubbery exterior and slip-resistant outsole made it perfectly suited for the river-based camping trips that dominate my summer weekends. The contoured footbed offered surprising comfort, with a slightly raised arch and a soft underfoot feel that still provided solid ground contact. I wore these after back-to-back days of shoveling dirt and rebuilding an irrigation system at my house, which left my legs even more beat than my longest runs. The gentle support coupled with a massaging ridge just in front of the ball of my foot before my toes caused me to make an audible pleasure noise. The slip-on design was easy to pop on with muddy hands, and they rinsed clean with a hose. However, the heavier rubber upper trapped more heat than mesh competitors, so my feet got aggravatingly sweaty during walks in temps above 80 degrees. While the Bogas gripped well on damp surfaces, they didn鈥檛 flex with my foot quite as naturally as EVA-based recovery slides. The soft swiveling strap, like a classic Croc, locked the slips to my feet making them an even more capable all around sandal.

Most Luxurious

Roll Recovery Superplush Slide

True to its name, Roll Recovery鈥檚 Superplush Slide felt like stepping onto a memory foam mattress. The broad footbed is engineered with an ultra-soft, proprietary EVA blend that delivered the most decadent cushioning in this update. On the days when my feet were absolutely throbbing after my first hard downhill trail workout for my Rim to Rim to Rim attempt, I was incredibly thankful for how kind those cush sinking feeling steps were to my barking dogs. Credit the proprietary Superplush foam used in the midsole of this recovery slip. The foam is incredibly porous, made of algae along with the EVA foam, which had a lovely soft give and rebound thanks to all of the air in the foam. They reduced the jolt of each step around my block allowing the rest of my kinetic chain to relax. The upper is a simple, wide band that felt secure without pinching, and the footbed鈥檚 slight arch contour offered a gentle, static massage. I also liked the slightly rockered heel-to-toe design, which helped move my foot forward with minimal effort鈥攁n underrated asset when your calves are tight and your hips ache. If there鈥檚 a downside, it鈥檚 that the Superplush was almost too soft for active errands or uneven ground. They felt best when I was shuffling around the house or yard. For pure luxury, though, the Superplush Slide was untouchable.

Most Stylish

Norda 008 Slide

Most recovery slides scream 鈥減erformance foam,鈥� but the Norda 008 is a whole different beast, crafted from a premium Dyneema and bio-EVA combo that is fashionable, durable as hell, and a highly functional recovery tool. Norda鈥檚 running shoes are known for their ultra-strong Dyneema uppers, and designers brought that same ethos to this slide. The 008s are lightweight, breathable, and feel incredibly sturdy in every part of the slip. On foot, the 008 felt surprisingly firm and tracked less like a cushy pillow and more like a supportive platform that encouraged stable midfoot loading. I wore these after a brutal set of weighted box step ups and appreciated how the slight underfoot stiffness seemed to activate my feet rather than simply coddle them. The wide toe box gave my battered toes space to decompress, and the subtle footbed texture encouraged a bit of blood flow. At $145, they鈥檙e easily the most expensive option here and the ride is more stimulating than purely plush, which can feel a bit cruel when your feet hurt like hell. But the muted tones and sleek, lower profile of these recovery slips compared to the rest made me look significantly less schlubby. I even dressed them up with a collared shirt and nice shorts for a date. Note: I would suggest sizing up. My heels ever so slightly crept over the backs of the pair I tested in my normal shoe size.

Best Upper

Vionic Rejuvenate Recovery Sandal

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The cushioned, two-part upper鈥攚hich is adjustable via a Velcro strap鈥攔eally set the Vionics apart from the rest of the sandals in this test. The customizable fit made my entire foot鈥攏ot just the soles鈥攆eel cradled and loved, and the soft brushed cotton-like fabric interior also had a much more organic next-to-skin feel than the plastic uppers of the other slips. While every foot is different, I found its high arches took some getting used to. For the first 150 to 200 steps, I felt like I was lurching forward, but once I adjusted, I did appreciate the light massage the hump gave the arch of my foot. Another perk is that these slips look much lest orthotic than some of the other options, thanks to that leather-looking adjustable upper. Wearing them made me feel more like a put together adult (when worn with jeans) than a middling-sporty dad when picking up my daughter from school.

Best Stimulation

Topo Athletic Revive

The pronounced, wavy ridges covering the footbeds of Topo Athletic鈥檚 Revives are designed to stimulate blood flow鈥攚hich is why I turned to them when my feet were at their most swollen. The washboard-like texture provides a light massage with every step, which felt especially good on day three of my training plan when my soles were throbbing. Walking around in these babies seemed to positively affect the swelling. The Athletic Revives feature a wide toe box, which also allowed my angry toes to splay out and relax. One downside: These lean more towards slippers than sandals with their rugged Vibram outsole and fuzzy upper, so I鈥檓 less likely to turn to them as a camp shoe. But in a hut setting? Now we鈥檙e talking; I鈥檓 already salivating about how they will feel after a long ski tour this winter.

What Are Recovery Sandals?

Recovery sandals are shoes that are easy to get on and off, are extremely comfortable to walk around in, and stimulate blood flow to your feet. All of the recovery footwear I tested, and most in this category, have versions of the following attributes to achieve those goals:

• Some type of raised surface in the footbed that stimulates blood flow at the bottoms of your feet
• Cushy feel under foot
• A stable platform to walk on 鈥� usually from a wide exterior outsole
• A large, roomy, footbed

Do I Need Recovery Sandals?

While each purchase has a nuanced answer based on individuals鈥� needs and budget, my short answer is: yes. If you have the money and don鈥檛 mind occasionally getting called out for wearing one of these pretty ostentatious styles in public, they are a great investment. If you are going to wear sandals anyway, why not wear a pair that at best benefits your athletic recovery with every dang step?

The post 11 Recovery Sandals That Make Getting Back in Shape Easier appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

If, like me, you鈥檙e a ridiculously heavy sweater, you may have been told after a run: 鈥淵ou look like you jumped in a pool.鈥� And if you鈥檝e been paid that compliment, you鈥檙e in luck, because the Ciele ATShort is designed for exactly that鈥攄ipping in a pool or a lake during or after a run鈥攕o they are exceptionally adept at managing moisture. This makes them the best warm-weather shorts I鈥檝e owned in my 46 years of running.

You see, I don鈥檛 just sweat when I run. I get post-run puddles when I wring out tops and socks, complaints from training partners about being sprayed with my sweat, and the dreaded squishy foot, in which my shoes are so soaked that each moist footstep is audible.

We heavy sweaters need to choose our warm-weather running gear with extra care. When your shorts, shirts, and singlets get saturated on an easy 5-miler, you want them to somehow still facilitate air flow, so that the sweat can do its intended job of cooling you. You also want gear that doesn鈥檛 cling like plastic wrap once wet, to reduce your risk of . And it鈥檚 a nice touch if the items resist odor buildup enough that you can wear them more than once between launderings.

The Ciele ATShort excels in all of these properties. The 鈥淎T鈥� in the shorts鈥� name stands for 鈥渁ll terrain.鈥� Meagan Smith, Ciele鈥檚 production and sourcing manager, says, 鈥淎 lot of our customers are running on trails or running in nature, and these shorts encompass that summer vibe of wanting to run and then jump in a lake, jump in a river, and just get wet.鈥�

Ciele ATShort

According to Smith, design details such as a weft (horizontal) stretch, fine-gauge shell that鈥檚 chlorine- and salt-resistant, lightweight knit liner, self-draining pocket, and PFC-free durable-water-resistant coating distinguish the shorts as run/swim candidates. The weft stretch, for example, reduces the clinging that can lead to chafing.

When I started testing the Ciele ATShorts, my hope was that they wouldn鈥檛 distinguish between getting soaked because I dove into a pond or because I ran for an hour around a pond. And I was right! I wore the ATs on three consecutive days when the daytime highs were close to 100鈥搃n Maine!鈥揳ccompanied by stifling humidity. Of course, the shorts were soon saturated. But they didn鈥檛 bunch up or create rivulets down my thighs or rub me raw or any of my other usual experiences in severe heat. Nor, incredibly, did they smell like an ammonia factory. A few days later, the weather shifted to low 60s and rain. I wore the ATs on a nearly four-hour trail run, and thought about them only when I realized I wasn鈥檛 thinking about them. Meanwhile, two of my four companions on the run suffered some fairly significant chafing.

In less extreme conditions, the ATs are simply a pair of attractive, light, stay-out-of-the-way shorts that I find myself regularly reaching for. The 5-inch inseam is perfect for my tastes鈥攏ot circa-1982-style too short, not movement-impeding clownishly long. ( has a 4-inch inseam.) Their length and moisture-management properties make them my go-tos for warm-weather hard workouts and races.

Ciele didn鈥檛 invent the run-swim apparel niche. Almost a decade ago, Tracksmith introduced what it then called its Run Swim Run shorts. Now known as , the shorts are thoughtfully constructed and high-quality, as you would expect from Tracksmith. I鈥檝e used various versions as I do the ATs, as a bulwark against extreme sweatiness. But I鈥檝e found their weight and thick waistband lean too much toward the swim side of things.

If you want a running short that鈥檚 going to perform well on the run when wet from water you鈥檝e jumped in, water that has fallen on you, or water you鈥檝e produced copious amounts of yourself, the Ciele ATs have no peers.

The post I’ve Been Running鈥攁nd Sweating Profusely鈥攆or More Than 40 Years. These Are the Best Hot-Weather Shorts I’ve Ever Owned. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

This year, there have been some nice trends in the best outdoor Bluetooth speakers: 鈥淭rue stereo,鈥� which lets you pair two speakers at once and play the left channel in one and the right in the other, is available in more and more models. While it may be a clever way of selling you two speakers instead of one, it makes the experience more like sitting in front of your home hi-fi system. Meanwhile, battery life keeps on improving across the board, and it鈥檚 kind of stunning how water-resistant these devices have become: All of the speakers below have an ingress rating of at least IP57, which means they can be submerged in three feet of water for up to 30 minutes. If you鈥檝e ever combined a swimming hole and a large dog in the same outing, you know why this matters. All of which makes the new speakers highlighted here some of the best ever for your adventures.听Here are reviews of seven of our current favorite outdoor Bluetooth speakers, depending on your needs and budget.

Update July 2025: We鈥檝e tested and selected new Bluetooth speakers in two of our seven categories, including a new best all-around pick of the Brane X, and updated prices and availability for all.

At a Glance

• Best Overall:听
• Best Value:听
• Most Portable:听
• Most Rugged:听
• Best for Audiophiles:听
• Best for Parties:听
• Best for Travel:
• How to Choose
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Tester

Best Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker Overall

Brane X

Pros and Cons
鈯�听More bass than you鈥檒l believe possible
鈯�听Wi-Fi connectivity
鈯�听Makes funny noises on startup
鈯�听Touch controls are overly sensitive

It鈥檚 rare that a product has so much crossover appeal that it鈥檚 nearly impossible to categorize鈥攍abels be damned. The Brane X is an ingenious piece of technology that transitions neatly from a bookshelf-style speaker for your desktop to a backyard DJ boom box to a travel companion for a remote lakeshore, where, as one tester said, it produces bass that can 鈥渟care away the bears.鈥� This versatility and its surprising power are what led our testers to name it the best outdoor Bluetooth speaker we tested.

The reason this 7.7-pound unit has such outsize power is magnets. Specifically, it鈥檚 the first Bluetooth speaker with a subwoofer, which relies on a Repel-Attract Driver (RAD), a patented technology that employs specially designed magnets that cancel internal air pressure and allow it to produce deeper bass than was previously possible.

In practice, the results are impressive: Played at lower volumes, it produces fine detail that is as good as anything that comes out of a Bose product. But when you pump up the volume, you can hear bass notes that reach lower into the audio spectrum. It鈥檚 safe to say nothing we鈥檝e seen at this size (under ten inches wide) has been able to create such a rumble way down deep in your belly.

The Brane X can connect with your home Wi-Fi, eliminating the problem of your Bluetooth speaker glitching out during a party because you stepped outside to fetch ice. This feature also makes streaming music over a subscription service or using the built-in Alexa voice assistant easier and more reliable.

And yes, despite its urban looks, the Brane X can withstand water, dust, and a fair bit of rough handling: Its IP57 rating means it can survive in three feet of water for up to 30 minutes. A 12-hour battery life is respectable, given its power. And the Brane app makes it easy to set up and equalize, for less bass, more bass, or more more more bass. Listening to jazz with a double bass, one user said, 鈥測ou can hear all the subtle squeaks of the player鈥檚 fingers on the strings.鈥�

If there鈥檚 a drawback to a speaker this good, it would only be that it makes the windows rattle. Said one tester: 鈥淚t makes other portable speakers seem like toys.鈥�

Best Value

Fender x Teufel Rockster Go 2

Pros and Cons
鈯�听Sound fills the room
鈯�听Long battery life
鈯�听Controls not all in same place

The German audio engineers at Teuful got together with the American guitar and amp brand Fender to make this thing of beauty. The sleekly designed Rockster Go 2 is smaller than a hardcover airport novel, at eight by four inches, but it pumps out some of the best, bassiest sound in this size range. Much like Bose鈥檚听鈥攚hose latest version weighs in at 1.3 pounds and costs $149鈥攖he 1.6-pound Rockster Go 2 amazed us with its 鈥渟traight-ahead sound quality and musical vividness,鈥� as one tester put it. It goes one step further than Bose with a button that engages what鈥檚 called Dynamore virtual stereo sound, an impressive, non-gimmicky feature that seems to magically move the music to the corners of the room. The speaker is unidirectional, but the Dynamore feature does a lot to make it sound good from the front or the back.

The Rockster Go 2 is supposed to last for up to a whopping 28 hours in Eco Mode (which reduces the bass), though you鈥檒l probably get more like the 15 hours it promises in regular mode at medium volume. Quick charging, however, gets you out the door faster if you forgot to plug it in the night before. A short carry strap enables easier toting, and GoPro users will appreciate the quarter-inch threading on the base, which is compatible with camera mounts. Although its range is only 30 feet, one reviewer remarked that 鈥渨ith a design that鈥檚 worthy of residing on your bookcase plus its rugged build, this may be the ideal indoor/outdoor speaker in the midsize range.鈥�

Note: The Rockster line includes two other, larger sizes: the $180听听and the monster $480听.

Most Portable

Ultimate Ears Miniroll

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Pros and Cons
鈯�听Very compact
鈯�听Impressive sound for its size
鈯�听Bungee strap is useful
鈯�听Can get only so loud

Over the past decade, the 鈥渕ini speaker鈥� category has been relentlessly trying to reach a level of sonic quality that sounds so much better than your laptop speaker that it warrants a purchase. With the Miniroll, we may have achieved the singularity. At less than 10 ounces and a fits-in-your-hand five-inch diameter, this grab-and-go disc produced some moments of startling loudness for its size. Physics wouldn鈥檛 allow it to be in the same acoustic class as the others in this test, but testers were impressed by what it can do.

Think of the places it can go: With its eminently handy built-in rubber strap, the Miniroll can bungee right over your bike handlebars, onto your belt loop, or鈥攁 habit I鈥檝e acquired solely on account of this portable Bluetooth speaker鈥攐ver the shower curtain rod, so I can keep clean while keeping up with the news. As secure as the strap is, a bouncy bike ride might eventually dislodge it, but with its sturdy build, we wouldn鈥檛 be too concerned about damage鈥攁nd its crazy-long range of 131 feet means you won鈥檛 lose connection when you turn around to retrieve it. A PartyUp feature lets you pair multiple Minirolls together for more power or a stereo effect.

Anyone debating whether to pack a speaker for an overseas flight or strap it to a backpack for playing podcasts on a hike can be confident that the Miniroll, with its 鈥渞oad-friendly size and shape,鈥� is well worth the consideration.

Most Rugged

Turtlebox Gen 3

Pros and Cons
鈯�听Extremely tough
鈯�听Easy to tote
鈯�听Smooth sound
鈯�听Not cheap

Like Pelican and Otter, Turtlebox thinks in terms of durability that will see you through any terrain on earth, if not other planets. Case in point: The company claims that they were able to park a six-ton monster truck on this speaker, to no ill effect. Encased in super-hard plastic and completely waterproof (even floatable), the Gen 2 has quickly garnered a following among fishermen and watersports enthusiasts for more than being tough. The 120-decibel speaker is 鈥渂oth incredibly loud and impressively refined,鈥� one tester observed. Indeed, our team was hard-pressed to find many differences in audio quality between the Turtlebox 2 and the other top scorers in this year鈥檚 test. The unit plays for 25 hours at lower volumes and about six hours at max volume, such as what you鈥檇 need for a big party.

During LCD Soundsystem鈥檚 鈥淭ribulations,鈥� the bass tones flowed smooth as silk and distortion-free, thanks to the 6-by-9-inch woofer, and, to our surprise, the high and midrange sounds also came across with great clarity. With five color options and an ideal form factor鈥攁 lunchbox-size 9.5-pound boombox with a hard nylon handle coated in rubber, plus rubber bumpers on the undercarriage鈥攖he Turtlebox Gen 2 gets just about everything right, and its fairly high price tag is less scary when you consider its durability.

Best for Audiophiles

Bose SoundLink Max

Pros and Cons
鈯�听Very rich, loud sound
鈯�听Long battery life
鈯�听Easy to pair
鈯�听Needs 5-volt charger; standard USB-C is slow

For those who were wowed by Bose鈥檚 1.3-pound SoundLink Flex (our 2022听Editor鈥檚 Choice winner), this larger and far more powerful 4.9-pound edition of the SoundLink will be true love. It punches above its weight, with rich bass and perfect balance in the higher registers. While the addition of a rubber-coated rope handle is both convenient and cute, the sticking-to-basics features from this classic brand made it a bit less fun than other party-ready units in this test. Where Bose beats them, though, is with more subtle orchestral and ambient tracks. Max Richter鈥檚听The New Four Seasons听came through with a dynamism and presence that was a notch above.

Battery life is 20 hours, range is a passable 30 feet, and Bose鈥檚 app is more versatile than those that accompany most speakers, with EQ settings to suit your tastes and listening environment. IP67 water and dust resistance means it鈥檚 fine being dropped in the pool for up to 30 minutes. The SoundLink Max does cost a lot for its size, but for those among us who like to just sit and focus on great music, it may be the most ideal鈥攁nd ideally sized鈥攑ortable Bluetooth speaker to date.

Best for Parties

Treblab HD-Max

Pros and Cons
鈯�听Loud volume when wanted
鈯�听Great value
鈯�听One-dimensional sound
鈯�听Confusing LED modes

If you鈥檙e looking for a speaker to churn out volume in a big crowd for a fair price, the HD-Max delivers. The sound is not as detailed or three-dimensional as the others in this guide, but that matters less when it鈥檚 about a crowd and, as the evening wears on, they鈥檙e getting down and boogying. Treblab鈥檚 newest offering has the power to fill a sizable outdoor space, and if you want to go a notch higher, a bass-boosting feature adds even more thump. 鈥淚t makes you feel like dancing,鈥� said one reviewer.

Two other fiesta-friendly novelties are a pair of multicolor lights on either end that can be turned off and on, and a bottle opener on the removable carry strap. It鈥檒l get 20 hours of play time if you keep it at 10 percent volume, but at 100 percent it鈥檚 certified for only 6.5 hours鈥攕till, enough to get you through the night, or, if not, you can always plug it in. (And the power goes both ways: If your phone is running out of juice, the HD-Max can charge it.) One thing that could use improvement: It鈥檚 hard to tell when you鈥檙e in indoor, outdoor, or bass mode; they鈥檙e indicated by a clunky system that involves deciphering a series of blinking LED lights.

These are small trade-offs when you consider that the HD-Max is a tough-built five-pound, foot-wide boom box that retails for $200鈥攂ut can be found for 30 percent less than that. Others in its class, like Ultimate Ears鈥櫶�, usually set you back $350 or $400. When the fun is over and it鈥檚 back-to-work time, the speaker has a built-in mic that performs well for conference calls, with an average range of 33 feet. One tester praised the HD-Max for its 鈥渃ombination of sound quality, volume, and portability.鈥�

Best for Travel

Marshall Emberton III

Pros and Cons
鈯�听Solid, compact, travel-friendly build
鈯�听Room-filling sound
鈯�听No bass/treble controls on unit

Don鈥檛 let the throwback looks of the Emberton III fool you: This technology is far from basic. Marshall鈥檚 newest travel Bluetooth speaker has better, more robust sound than its predecessors while adding some new features like Bluetooth LE鈥攁 more efficient form of Bluetooth that sucks less energy鈥攁nd Auracast, an incoming technology that will soon have you wirelessly linking several of your speakers and headphones at once, making a connected life more seamless.

The Emberton III is that one piece of gear you鈥檒l wish you鈥檇 packed for your family reunion on the lake this summer. You鈥檒l realize this when you go to play home movies on your tablet with its anemic speaker. You鈥檒l hardly notice the Emberton III in your luggage, at a little over six inches from end to end and only 1.5 pounds鈥攖hree percent of your checked-bag limit. But you鈥檒l notice it when you fire it up, because, in the words of one tester, 鈥渢his little thing cranks!鈥�

As with other Marshall speakers, the Emberton III achieves a deceptively dynamic sound quality through 鈥淭rue Stereophonic鈥� multi-directional technology, which replicates the experience of being on a soundstage by moving different tones to different areas of the speaker. One tester noticed the 鈥渞ich bass notes鈥攏ot much thump, but clean and clear.鈥� And the well-rounded sound is just as good from the back side as the front.

A whopping 32-hour battery life makes it even more travel-friendly, and a 20-minute quick charge provides six more hours of battery life. The range (thanks to the Bluetooth LE addition) is an excellent 100 feet. And an IP67 rating lets you drop it in the drink (up to three feet deep) with no repercussions (although no testers reported trying this).

One tester summed up his report, 鈥淚 love the retro looks and small package. It makes a cool statement on the shelf but is small enough you can slip it into your pocket on the way out the door.鈥�

How to Choose the Best Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker

When shopping for a new outdoor Bluetooth speaker, your first move is to check its听听to get an idea of how much water and dust resistance it offers; these are typically reliable. Next, think about how much you鈥檒l be carrying it around鈥攂etween house and backyard, say, or moving from campsite to campsite鈥攁nd whether you鈥檒l be on foot (carrying a pack or duffel, or not) or on wheels. Then consider what makes sense in terms of weight and dimensions. As a general rule, the heavier a speaker is, the more volume you鈥檒l get out of it, but playing it loud isn鈥檛 always a necessity鈥攕ome of you will be entertaining large groups, but others will just be setting it up for mellow creekside cocktail-hour listening with your partner.

If you鈥檙e someone who moves around a lot, a portable Bluetooth speaker with long battery life might also make a difference. These days most new models will play for a good 10 hours or more even at high volume, but some are longer-lasting than others, as detailed in the models reviewed here. Finally, more and more models offer 鈥渢rue stereo鈥� linking, where two or more speakers can be paired to play at once but in stereo; this makes smaller models with this option a little more attractive than before, because if you later decide to invest more, you can give your soundscape an appreciable boost.

Finally, don鈥檛 assume that if one of the speakers in this list doesn鈥檛 sound great to you, it鈥檚 your fault. Different folks have different tastes, and some types of music sound better鈥攐r worse鈥攐n certain speakers. If you make a purchase and are feeling lukewarm afterwards, keep an eye on your return window and don鈥檛 feel guilty if you have to exchange it.

How We Tested Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers

• Hours of Testing:听419
• Test Environments:听Hiking, pool parties, stand-up paddleboarding, yardwork, movie watching, car camping, making dinner, conference calls
• Highest Elevation:听10,152 feet, Leadville, Colorado
• Lowest Elevation:听5 feet underwater in Lake Pleasant, Arizona
• Most Listened-To Tracks:听Bon Iver: 鈥淒ijon,鈥� Charli xcx featuring BB Tricks: 鈥淐lub Classics,鈥� Childish Gambino: 鈥淟ithonia,鈥� Drugdealer and Kim Bollinger: 鈥淧ictures of You,鈥� Flock of Dimes: 鈥淒ay One,鈥� Fontaines D.C.: 鈥淔avourite,鈥� J Dilla: 鈥淲orkinonit,鈥� Kenya Grace: 鈥淪trangers,鈥� The Hold Steady: 鈥淪tuck Between Stations,鈥� Magdalena Bay: 鈥淚mage,鈥� Prince: 鈥淓lectric Chair,鈥� Puentes: 鈥淎mor y Unidad,鈥� Kathleen Smith: 鈥淚 Can See for Miles,鈥� Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross: 鈥淐hallengers鈥�

The first thing we do with any Bluetooth speakers is attempt to pair them with our phones without consulting the user manual: The quicker, more intuitive, and easier the sync, the more points scored. Then we put them through hours of testing doing the kinds of things听国产吃瓜黑料听readers do鈥攕oaking in remote hot springs, inviting friends over for outdoor dance parties, playing audiobooks while riding a bike, etc.

Our team turns in reports on each product tested, providing a score of 1 to 10 for five different measures: sound quality, pairing and connectivity, fit and comfort, rain and drop protection, and user friendliness. Scores are averaged, with more weight given to sound quality and (knowing our audience) how well they stand up to the elements. Note: Battery life estimates in these reviews are based on manufacturer specs; it鈥檚 difficult to confirm those numbers, given the time involved and variances among user habits (different volumes, different uses, different functions enabled). Actual results may be 10 to 20 percent lower, judging from averages experienced in general testing.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Will Palmer has been testing gear for 21 years for 国产吃瓜黑料, where he was managing editor and copy chief for nine years. Based in Santa Fe, he has been a runner since 1984, and while the mile counts have decreased over the years, he鈥檚 kept motivated to head out the door on the hottest, coldest, and wettest days by the opportunity to test the best new products鈥攁nd to commune with the junipers and pi帽ons.

The post The 7 Best Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers of 2025 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Have you ever wondered why your mind suddenly feels unburdened in the presence of trees? Or why the ocean so effortlessly lulls you into a meditative state? Outdoor spaces are scientifically proven to 鈥攁nd quickly.

Think about it: Forests ground you. Mountains lift you. Water opens you. Jungles awaken you. Even sitting in a park beneath a tree restores you.

Still, despite these truths, we exist in an era of indoor living. The average American spends approximately , and we鈥檙e increasingly glued to screens that consume hours of our valuable time and are known to and deplete mental reserves.

Natural environments, on the other hand, have been found to , helping us feel calm while offering a physiological reset鈥攁nd it turns out that different landscapes positively impact well-being in various ways.

Any Kind of Green Space Is Beneficial

But don鈥檛 worry, urbanites. You don鈥檛 need to leave the city to feel the effects of nature. According to Lindsay McCunn, a professor of Psychology at Vancouver Island University and co-editor-in-chief of the Journal of Environmental Psychology, any experience of nature, not just its size or scale, is beneficial.

鈥淓nvironmental psychology research shows that green spaces on a smaller scale, such as a tree-lined street, a neighborhood park, or a rooftop garden, can yield restorative benefits,鈥� says McCunn. 鈥淭hey also play a critical role in social health, with access to green space being linked to stronger community ties, lower rates of depression, and greater resilience.鈥�

McCunn adds that even simulated nature, depicted in things like artwork, photos, and video footage, can provide modest benefits. Still, if you can access wilder parts of the world, soaking it up in person is advisable. Whether it’s the rhythmic pull of the tide, the stillness of a desert plain, or the sensory abundance of a rainforest, each natural environment speaks a different language and affects us in distinct ways鈥攔educing our heart rate, shifting our mood, and returning us to a more balanced state.

5 Outdoor Spaces That Calm You Down (and Why)

From lush forests to awe-inspiring mountains, these outdoor spaces naturally encourage humans to unwind.

1. Forests

Forest bathing,听, can boost immunity and provide the body with a hormonal reset. After just two days in a forest, participants showed a 50 percent increase in natural killer cell activity鈥攁 key part of immune defense鈥攁s well as a reduction in stress hormones.

鈥淒appled light, the scent of soil, the rustle of leaves鈥攁ll of these elements engage what psychologists call 鈥榮oft fascination,鈥� gently holding our attention without overstimulating it,鈥� says neuroscientist and certified nature and forest therapy guide .

This mental pause allows our prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain responsible for planning and decision-making) to rest, reducing mental fatigue and supporting emotional regulation, says Del Punta. She explains that from an evolutionary perspective, forests offered our ancestors food, shelter, and safety, so it makes sense that our bodies still respond with a sense of ease under the forest鈥檚 tree canopy.

鈥淕reen spaces play a key role in supporting our psychological, physiological, and social well-being,鈥� says McCunn. McCunn highlights how the multisensory aspects of nature, such as the sounds of birds, as well as the visual complexity and fractal, or repeating, patterns of vegetation, can minimize cognitive load and aid in mindfulness.

2. Oceans, Lakes, and Rivers

The ocean has a way of calming even the most restless of minds, inviting you to think a little less, breathe a little more slowly, and release what鈥檚 weighing on you. 鈥淏lue mind鈥� is the term coined by the late marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols to describe the semi-meditative state induced by being in or near water.

Del Punta describes it as a gentle, open awareness marked by creativity, emotional release, and calm. 鈥淎t a symbolic level, water mirrors our emotional landscape鈥攃onstantly shifting, flowing, and offering space for release and renewal,鈥� says Del Punta. 鈥淏eing near it often feels like being closer to our own depths. Even just looking at water can lower heart rate and blood pressure, activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which governs rest and digestion.鈥�

A mere of watching water has been shown to result in relaxation. One on the psychological response to water sounds found that, within just one minute of listening to spring water sounds, participants鈥� negative emotions decreased by about 67 percent, and restorative well-being scores nearly doubled.

The sight and sound of moving water in 鈥渂lue鈥� environments, such as coastlines, rivers, and lakes, provide the same soft fascination experienced in green spaces, allowing the mind to wander and recover from cognitive fatigue without being overstimulated, explains McCunn.

McCunn stresses that it鈥檚 important to remember that personal and cultural associations play a role in how individuals respond to water in an environment. 鈥淔or some, water can evoke positive memories or connections that may augment water鈥檚 mood-regulating effects,鈥� she says. 鈥淗owever, for others, water may also evoke unpleasant thoughts or worries, based on prior experiences.鈥�

3. Mountains

Occupying roughly a quarter of our planet and featuring summits that reach staggering heights, mountain ranges never cease to stop us in our tracks and take our breath away, a response known as 鈥�.鈥� shows this powerful state of mindfulness can dampen the body鈥檚 stress response and change how we process information.

It also shatters expectations and quiets the ego, according to Del Punta. 鈥淢ountain environments expand our view, literally and metaphorically, and the wide-open perspective resets mental clutter and can recalibrate our sense of purpose and scale,鈥� she says.

One compared hikers at a mountain summit with those at the bottom and found that summit hikers not only had significantly greater feelings of awe but also an increased perception of time abundance, higher openness to learning, and greater experiential creativity.

Beyond its psychological benefits, time spent at higher altitudes also prompts physiological adaptations, such as improved oxygen regulation, circulation, endurance, and resilience, according to Del Punta. She adds that evolutionarily, vantage points gave our ancestors a survival edge. 鈥淧sychologically, they offer us clarity and orientation,鈥� she says. They also reconnect us to something larger鈥攙ast, ancient, and enduring. 鈥淚n their presence, we remember how small we are, and strangely, how whole,鈥� says Del Punta.

4. Desert

Many people would consider desert landscapes harsh, lifeless, and unwelcoming. But Del Punta notes that sparseness can be a balm for busy minds.

鈥淲ith their sparse terrain and vast silence, deserts strip everything down to essence, offering an environment nearly free of distraction,鈥� says Del Punta. This reduction in sensory input can promote deep introspection and emotional clarity. Deserts also amplify interoception鈥攐ur ability to sense and interpret inner bodily signals鈥攁nd invite stillness and reflection.

In her book , author Emma Loewe discusses how the expansive desert horizon inspires creative problem solving and gives way to spacious ideas. Loewe points to research, noting that when people attempt to solve problems, their eyes naturally gravitate to blank spaces, a visual tick to minimize outward distraction.

In comparing urban, green, and desert (aka 鈥渂rown鈥�) environments, desert walks were found to deliver stress reduction and comfort levels .

5. Rainforest

In stark contrast to the minimalism of the desert, rainforests are bursting with life. These biologically rich environments flood the senses in sound, color, movement, and scent.

鈥淭his sensory abundance stimulates the brain, awakening curiosity, presence, and emotional vibrancy,鈥� says Del Punta. 鈥淚n an environment that pulses with life, we鈥檙e reminded of our own aliveness鈥攗ntamed, embodied, and deeply connected to the wild world.鈥�

Exposure to these complex ecosystems supports mental well-being and has been associated with higher psychological resilience and greater emotional engagement.

Jane Goodall famously referred to rainforests as her 鈥渢emple.鈥� For her, the power of the landscapes is best understood by spending time within them. 鈥淔or those who have experienced the joy of being alone with nature, there is really little need for me to say much more,鈥� she reportedly said. 鈥淔or those who have not, no words of mine can ever describe the powerful, almost mystical knowledge of beauty and eternity that come, suddenly, and all unexpected.鈥�

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We know that sunscreen helps protect your skin from sun damage. That鈥檚 not news. But what about your lips? I鈥檝e personally never really thought to put some form of sun protection on my lips, because, like, why? I assume it would also just come off my lips anytime I absent-mindedly lick them, take a sip of water, or eat literally anything, or make out with my boyfriend.

Although our skin is highly flexible, mostly waterproof, and resilient, it鈥檚 still quite . Random paper cuts will remind you of this fact. The lips are even more delicate because lip skin is much thinner than the skin spanning the rest of your body. And lip sensitivity is heightened because our lips don鈥檛 naturally produce a type of oil to keep them lubricated, like sebum does for our skin.

Applying SPF to the lips will help limit repeated exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Excessive UV exposure can, in very rare cases ( of the United States population), lead to . This precancerous condition affects the lips, often causing them to appear patchy, inflamed, and feel sandpapery.

The best way to keep your lips protected all summer long is to slather them with SPF lip balm鈥攁nd be sure to . Here are some of our editors鈥� hand-picked听favorites from least to most expensive.

1. Aquaphor Lip Protectant and Sunscreen Ointment SPF 30 ($4.76)

Certain sunny day products can (and probably should) be no-frills, which is why I鈥檓 a big fan of . This lip balm is a classic for a reason: it has a non-sticky formula that hydrates and heals while protecting. I keep this option on hand to layer over lip color or bare lips throughout the day, and the fact that it鈥檚 not at all precious means it comes everywhere, from backpacking trips to the beach. The fact that it’s odorless and tasteless is a big win, too. This balm also gets some bonus points for the fact that it can be used for after-suncare, too, as the vitamin E and shea butter serve to soothe dried-out chapped lips.

鈥擟alin Van Paris, editor, Yoga Journal

2. Burt鈥檚 Bees Coco Loco SPF 30 Lip Balm ($4.99)

I recently visited my nearby Wegman鈥檚 and bought . I went for a 2.3-mile run the next day and swiped it on my lips after applying my body sunscreen. I absolutely loved how it felt going on my lips. It was smooth, creamy, and felt, surprisingly, luxurious. The scent is lovely, too; it smells like a blend of vanilla and coconut. It lasted for the duration of my run, and I didn鈥檛 need to reapply. I noticed a slight buttery vanilla taste when I licked my lips post-application, but it disappeared about 30 seconds later. With a $4.99 price point, this will definitely be one of my go-to options. (I also did a water and paper towel test to showcase its staying power. Check it out in the video below.)

鈥擜yana Underwood, senior health editor, 国产吃瓜黑料

3. Sun Bum鈥檚 Lip 30 Moisturizing Sunscreen Lip Balm ($9.99)

We use a lot of Sun Bum鈥檚 products in my household: SPF 50 Face Cream? Check. Original SPF 50 Lotion? Check. And, as a mom of two little ones and a teen, I carry a in my diaper bag at all times. So, as a brand loyalist, obviously, I swear by the . It goes on clear, feels hydrating and soothing, and while it features SPF 30, it doesn鈥檛 feel cakey or chalky like many sunscreen lip balms do. The best part is its slight coconut smell.

鈥擜bigail Wise, brand director, 国产吃瓜黑料

4. Coola鈥檚 Organic Liplux Classic Sunscreen Lip Balm ($12)

One of my favorite ways to protect my lips is with . It has an SPF of 30 and is water-resistant for up to two hours before it needs to be reapplied. It is completely natural, with cupuacu butter, raspberry, and jojoba seed oil added in for moisture. I found this lip balm because I鈥檓 a huge fan of , my favorite natural self-tanner, by far!

鈥擡milee Coblentz, packages editor, 国产吃瓜黑料

5. Primally Pure鈥檚 Sun Lip Balm SPF 15 ($14)

Primally Pure has a killer product for summer lip care. The brand’s has an SPF of 15, but also includes an advanced non-nano zinc oxide shield that protects the lips from both UVA and UVB rays. Its ingredient list includes: tallow, beeswax, and mango butter to provide deep moisture. I love Primally Pure, especially this product, which is a must for long days kayaking on the lake.

鈥擡milee Coblentz, packages editor, 国产吃瓜黑料

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Finding the right pair of road running shoes can invigorate鈥攐r reinvigorate鈥攁nyone鈥檚 relationship with running. Shoe technology is constantly evolving. With lighter weight, springier midsole foams, comfort-enhancing upper materials, novel shapes that add stability, and embedded plates for increased efficiency, there are more great shoes on the market than ever to meet the demands of an incredibly wide range of runners.

The multitude of choices, however, can lead to decision paralysis. To help you find the best running shoe for your specific needs, we鈥檝e tested more than 100 pairs of new and updated models with a diverse team of over 20 testers. Whatever your current goals may be鈥攍earn to love running or best your marathon PR鈥攐ur guide is here to help.

Updated July 2025: We鈥檝e tested and selected new models in four out of 14 categories, naming new shoes for Best Lightweight Trainer, Best for Recovery Runs, Best Natural Ride, and Best All-around Stability Shoe鈥攁nd updated prices and availability for all the shoes in the guide.

At a Glance

Training Shoes

• Best All-Around: Asics Novablast 5 ($140)
• Best Cushioned Trainer: Nike Vomero 18 ($150)
• Best Distance Trainer: Brooks Glycerin Max ($165)
• Best Value: Brooks Launch 11 ($120)
• Best Lightweight Trainer: Adidas Adizero Evo SL ($150)
• Best Super Trainer: Nike Zoom Fly 6 ($170)
• Best for Recovery Runs: Hoka Bondi 9 ($175)
• Best Natural Ride: Topo Athletic Cyclone 3 ($155)

Stability Shoes

• Best All-Around: Asics GEL-Kayano 32 ($165)
• Best Plush Stability: Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 ($150)
• Best Lightweight Stability: Brooks Hyperion GTS 2 ($140)

Racing Shoes

• Best Marathon Racer: Nike Alphafly 3 ($285)
• Runner-Up Marathon Racer: Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 ($275)
• Best For Shorter Road Races: Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 ($250)

Trail Running Shoes

Tips and How We Test

• How to Choose a Road Running Shoe
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Testers

Best Training Shoes

Best All-Around

Asics Novablast 5

Weight: 9 oz (men), 7.9 oz (women)
Stack Height: 41.5鈥�33.5 mm (men鈥檚); 40.5鈥�32.5 mm (women鈥檚)
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 6-13, 14, 15 (men鈥檚), 5-12 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Great weight-to-cushioning ratio
鈯� Smooth ride
鈯� Poor outsole grip in slick conditions

Versatile, cushioned, and responsive, few shoes check as many boxes as the ASICS Novablast 5. Underfoot, ASICS upgraded the midsole to FF Blast Max, a polyolefin-based compound that鈥檚 a touch softer and bouncier than its predecessor. Testers praised it for its 鈥減lush experience鈥� and 鈥渓ively and energetic feel underfoot.鈥� The shoe delivers a buttery smooth ride with a noticeable poppy feeling most everyday trainers lack. Despite the thick stack of foam underfoot, the Novablast 5 remains surprisingly nimble for an everyday trainer. While it鈥檚 not our first choice for dedicated speedwork, it handles uptempo efforts better than any other daily trainer we tested. The ride is also surprisingly stable thanks to the wide base and the responsiveness of the foam, which saves it from feeling squishy.

The fit, which is true to size, remains largely unchanged from the Novablast 4. Testers appreciated the new stitch-free engineered jacquard mesh upper, noting it felt a touch softer, improving overall comfort. Straight out of the box, the Novablast 5 felt run-ready with no break-in required.

One area that could be improved is the outsole. In an effort to keep the weight down, ASICS skimped on the rubber. This didn鈥檛 affect traction on dry surfaces, but one tester noted that he lacked confidence in the shoe during cold and wet runs. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not slick, but it doesn鈥檛 grip,鈥� he said.

We rarely suggest one shoe that would work for every runner, but the ASICS Novablast 5 is a standout that just about anyone would appreciate for almost any type of run.

Best Cushioned Trainer

Nike Vomero 18

Weight: 11.5 oz (men), 9.3 oz (women)
Stack Height: 46鈥�36 mm
Drop: 10 mm
Sizing: 6-13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 (men鈥檚), 5-12 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Outstanding stability for such a tall shoe
鈯� Extremely comfortable
鈯� Heavy, slow

When it comes to adding volume to running shoe midsoles, more isn鈥檛 always better. Sometimes more is just more. That鈥檚 not the case with the Vomero 18. With an added six millimeters of foam underfoot, everything about this shoe exudes comfort. Holding the title as Nike鈥檚 most thickly cushioned running shoe to date, the Vomero 18 features a dual-density midsole that pairs a new version of Nike React X鈥攚hich Nike claims has 13 percent more energy return鈥攚ith a new, TPE-based ZoomX foam. React X, the firmer, more durable layer, delivers structure and support on the bottom, while the softer, more responsive ZoomX sits on top for a bouncier ride. The pairing delivered a smooth, cushioned ride that testers found both plush and surprisingly stable for such a high-stack shoe.

Nike didn鈥檛 just add more cushioning underfoot鈥攖he revamped engineered mesh upper also receives a healthy dose of padding for all-day comfort. The downside to all this plushness is that the Vomero 18 tipped the scales at 11.5 ounces for men and 9.2 ounces for women, making it the heaviest shoe we tested. While they are well balanced and don鈥檛 feel like weights on your feet, testers did note the shoe is best suited for everyday, easy, comfortable runs.

Best Distance Trainer

Brooks Glycerin Max

Weight: 10.5 oz (men), 9.5 oz (women)
Stack Height: 45鈥�39 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14, 15 (men鈥檚), 5-12 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Tuned midsole is both soft and responsive
鈯� Wide platform keeps tall midsole stable
鈯� Feels somewhat bulky

The Brooks Glycerin has long been Brooks鈥� premium highly cushioned everyday trainer. However, with stack heights increasing across the industry, its 38mm/28mm profile no longer stands out as a true max-cushioned option for long-distance running. Enter the Glycerin Max, which is Brooks鈥� highest-stacked shoe to date but manages to not feel overly tall.

Brooks鈥� new DNA Tuned midsole starts with its familiar nitrogen-infused EVA-based compound, but instead of being a consistent density throughout, the foam has different-sized cell structures in different locations, making it softer on the outside of the heel and firmer and more responsive on the inside of the heel and throughout the forefoot. 鈥淭he result is a high-cushion shoe that I found doesn鈥檛 wallow and allows the foot to engage as it rolls through the stride, making it a shoe that I, usually a max-shoe hater, wanted to wear more,鈥� noted one tester.

Raised sidewalls and a noticeably wide base aid in creating a stable stance for such a tall shoe. To enhance a smooth roll from an otherwise inflexible sole, a rockered forefoot encourages a natural forward transition, helping maintain momentum with each stride. A rather simple engineered mesh upper, consistent with other Brooks models, provides a true-to-size fit that complements the shoe鈥檚 plush underfoot feel. All in all, the Glycerin Max coddled our feet while rolling smoothly through the miles, making us want to keep going no matter how far from home we wandered.

Best Value

Brooks Launch 11

Weight: 7.7 oz (men), 7.1 oz (women)
Stack height: 35.5鈥�27.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 7-15 (men鈥檚), 5-12 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� A lot of bang for the buck
鈯� Foot-following fit and ride
鈯� Versatile
鈯� Narrow for some

It is not easy to find a good running shoe for less than 125 bucks these days, but the Brooks Launch 11 is an exception. The Launch 11 may not offer massive cushion or a carbon or nylon plate, but we kind of love that about it. Instead of the trampoline-like ride of so many other shoes on the market right now, the Launch 11 provides a classic, almost old-school vibe by allowing groundfeel while still offering a little bouncy rebound. Paired with an upper that conforms around and moves with your feet, plus looks great, we think this shoe gives a range of runners great bang for their buck.

With this update to the Launch, Brooks added 1.5 millimeters more lightweight, responsive cushioning (Brooks nitrogen-infused DNA Flash foam) under the heel and 2.5 millimeters more under the forefoot, with an insert of even lighter and springier DNA Flash 2. This gives the Launch 11 a higher stack height but a lower heel-toe offset (eight millimeters instead of 10) than the Launch 10. We found this update super comfortable and more than capable for everything from daily miles at a cruisy pace to shorter, faster efforts, and even allowed us to dance nimbly over tame trails. One tester noted that this shoe feels 鈥渓ight and springy and propels you forward,鈥� while another called it 鈥渄ownright snappy.鈥� Another tester gave the $120 Launch 11 a score of 10 out of 10, raving that it has 鈥渙ne of the best sneaker fits so far鈥� for her narrow foot, with 鈥渁ll the bells and whistles needed.鈥� Some other testers, however, found the fit too narrow.

Best Lightweight Trainer

Adidas Adizero EVO SL

Weight: 7.9 oz (men), 6.6 oz (women)
Stack Height: 39-32 mm (men鈥檚), 36-30 mm (women鈥檚)
Drop: 7 mm (men’s), 6 mm (women’s)
Sizing: 6.5鈥�15 (men鈥檚), 5-12 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Smooth at any pace
鈯� Excellent balance between cushioning and responsiveness
鈯� Lightweight and nimble
鈯� Toe box can feel wide
鈯� Thin laces can be hard to tie

A great lightweight trainer is the ideal one-shoe quiver: nimble enough for speed workouts yet providing enough cushioning and support for daily mileage. Of all the shoes we tested, the Adidas Evo SL nailed this versatility better than any other. 鈥淚t strikes a nice balance between cushioning and responsiveness,鈥� said one tester.

At the core of the Evo SL鈥檚 excellence is a thick slab of Adidas鈥� gas-infused TPEE foam called Lightstrike Pro, the same high-energy midsole used in their flagship racing shoe, the Adios Pro 3. Testers described the foam as soft but not squishy, with a lively, more responsive feel. Regardless of pace, the Evo SL鈥檚 ride is buttery smooth, with a gentle, flexible forefoot rocker that is absent of Energy Rods鈥擜didas鈥檚 version of a carbon-fiber propulsion plate鈥� making it more versatile for different strides. 鈥淭he shoe rolls really well and does a great job returning energy and propelling me forward,鈥� said a tester.

The clean-looking mesh upper, accentuated by oversized versions of Adidas鈥� signature three stripes, offers a surprising level of structure for such a lightweight shoe, especially through the heel, and provides excellent lockdown through the midfoot. A few testers, however, noted that the toebox felt slightly wide.

Still, the Evo SL delivers great performance at a price that鈥檚 hard to beat. 鈥淕reat for fast days without breaking the bank,鈥� summed up one tester.

Best Super Trainer

Nike Zoom Fly 6

Weight: 9.3 oz (men), 7.7 oz (women)
Stack height: 40鈥�32 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 6-15 (men鈥檚), 5-12 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Works for a variety of runners
鈯� Performs at a variety of paces
鈯� Can feel funky when heel striking

By definition, supertrainers combine racing technology with more durable elements. The Zoom Fly 6 borrows ZoomX, Nike鈥檚 premium Pebax midsole foam, from the lauded Vaporfly super shoe racer. But while the Vaporfly 3 (and Alphafly 3) are solely built with ZoomX cushioning, the Zoom Fly 6 adds a bottom layer of more stable and durable EVA foam, making it a daily trainer built to last day in and day out. The Zoom Fly 6 also has a wider profile to feel less tippy than the raceday rockets, and a lower stack height which allows greater connection to the ground.

While the previous version of the Zoom Fly could feel thick and chunky on the foot, the 6 is lean and streamlined. We found it felt light and fast on tempo runs or when doing speedwork, and stable and comfortable on longer, slower runs, although the heel-toe transition is less smooth when heel striking at an easy pace.

The carbon plate sandwiched between the two layers of foam, which feels slightly less rigid and aggressively rockered than that in the Zoom Fly鈥檚 racing siblings, seemed to stabilize the ride and save energy. The texturized rubber outsole does a great job gripping dry or wet roads, and even feels capable on smooth dirt. The woven mesh upper is comfortable and breathable, and the partially gusseted tongue cradles the foot. The Zoom Fly 6 feels capable and fun for daily miles, but is no slouch as a race-day choice either.

Runners who don鈥檛 want to fork more than $250 for a race-only super shoe may just fall in love with the Zoom Fly 6, as many of our testers did.

Best For Recovery Runs

Hoka Bondi 9

Weight: 10.5 oz (men), 9.3 oz (women)
Stack Height: 43-38 mm (men), 42-37 mm (women)
Drop: 5 mm
Sizing: 7-16 (men鈥檚), 4-12 (women鈥檚); D, 2E, 4E widths

Pros and Cons
鈯� Upgraded, livelier midsole
鈯� Plush upper
鈯� Stiff sole

When your legs are still aching from yesterday鈥檚 run, few things feel better than slipping into a pair of thick-soled running shoes with a plush, cushioned upper鈥攕omething just like the Hoka Bondi 9. For this version, Hoka completely overhauled the midsole, adding two millimeters of stack height and replacing the standard EVA foam found in the Bondi 8 with a new supercritical (gas-infused) EVA compound. The result? A softer, more responsive ride.

We were pleasantly surprised to find the Bondi 9 had a speedy streak that we would not expect from such a thick-soled shoe. One longtime Bondi tester described the updated version as more plush and squishy, with a sole that feels noticeably less stiff than the previous version. Another noted the new foam felt livelier and springier. While it鈥檚 still not a shoe we鈥檇 pull for speed sessions, it made recovery runs feel a little peppier.

Hoka incorporates strategically placed flex grooves, carved into the outsole and bottom of the midsole, to promote smooth transitions and enhance flexibility throughout the gait cycle. That said, compared to most running shoes, we still found the Bondi 9 to have one of the least flexible soles. But Hoka鈥檚 signature rocker shape, which allows the foot to roll forward without bending, compensates for this, and the shoe delivered a smoothly flowing ride from heel-strike to toe-off.

The engineered mesh upper is generously padded around the heel collar and tongue, providing a secure and comfortable wrap around the foot. One tester praised the extra cushioning, noting that it made the shoe fit better. On that note, all agreed that the Bondi 9 runs true to size.

If you’re looking for the classic plush and protected Hoka ride, the Bondi 9 delivers. 鈥淚t’s got all the right bells and whistles of a true Hoka,鈥� said one tester.

Best Natural Ride

Topo Athletic Cyclone 3

Weight: 6.9 oz (men鈥檚), 5.5 oz (women鈥檚)
Stack height: 28鈥�23 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Sizing: 8-13 (men鈥檚), 6-11 (wome鈥檔s)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Extremely lightweight
鈯� Comfortable toe space with secure foothold
鈯� Excellent ground feel combined with bouncy cushioning
鈯� Best limited to short runs for most

Topo Athletic shoes are known for their roomy toe box, which provides ample wiggle room and allows for natural foot movement, while also offering a secure midfoot and heel hold. The Cyclone 3 lives up to that reputation. We felt, in fact, that the foot hold and comfort of the Cyclone 2 was improved upon here. And in an era where the vast majority of shoes boast massive amounts of midsole foam and rigid propulsion plates, the Cyclone 3 unapologetically keeps things simple with a thin, flexible layer of premium Pebax foam.

This shoe may have one of the lowest stack heights available on the market (short of minimalist models), but the Pebax midsole still provides springy cushioning that one tester said makes you want to run faster: 鈥淲hen you put it on you feel like you can take off quicker than expected. It鈥檚 an easy-going ride.鈥� Another noted, 鈥淎s the foam compresses, I feel a connection with the ground without being harsh, and when it bounces back, it seems to enhance the power of my push-off.鈥�

We credit the Cyclone 3鈥檚 easy forward roll to its incredibly light weight, rockered geometry, great flexibility, and midsole pop. 鈥淭his reminds me of an old-school, lightweight, flexible shoe for speed and racing,鈥� said a tester.

We found the airy upper ideal for summer running, whether in the hot and dry climate of Colorado, thick humidity of Virginia, or tropical vibes of Hawaii. And because of its feather weight, flexibility, and versatility, the Cyclone 3 is a great choice for traveling: it packs easily and is equally adept whether running on the soft surfaces of a beach or a concrete bike trail.

Best Stability Shoes

Best All-Around Stability Shoe

Asics Gel-Kayano 32

Weight: 10.6 oz (men), 9.0 oz (women)
Stack height: 40鈥�32 mm (men鈥檚), 39鈥�31 mm (women鈥檚)
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 6-16 (men鈥檚), 5-13 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Reliably stable
鈯� Plush cushioning
鈯� On the heavier side

Two Kayanos ago, Asics ditched the traditional medial post with a more forgiving, smoother-running geometry and foam combination to achieve stability for those who need it. The Kayano 31 built on the success of the 30, and the Kayano 32 is even better. This is a plush, well-cushioned, supportive shoe that can take overpronators from mile one to 26, and through all of their long-run training miles. It鈥檚 not a lightweight, speedy shoe, but it doesn鈥檛 claim to be.

Stability comes from a wide, flared sole and a soft, bouncy insert under the arch designed to reduce how long a runner鈥檚 foot is in a pronated position. 鈥淭he shoe feels supportive under the midfoot, but not firm,鈥� said one tester. 鈥淚t allows my foot to move naturally, then rebounds under the arch and provides a pleasant push-back as I roll onto my toes.鈥� The cushioning, while feeling slightly firmer and more responsive than that in the 31, remains plush鈥攍ong gone are the days of overpronators having to wear a blocky, stiff shoe.

This version is updated with two millimeters more foam under the forefoot, reducing the heel-toe drop for a more balanced stance, making the forefoot rocker more pronounced, and delivering more comfort over the long haul. Plus, it gets a better-fitting tongue. 鈥淚 found the fit and feel of the shoe to be great,鈥� said a tester. 鈥淭he gusseted tongue wraps a bit nicer than in the past, and the slightly thinner material is more sock-like so there are no pressure points.鈥�

Final verdict: The Kayano32 is protective without feeling overbearing. This tried-and-true model has evolved, and continues to impress.

Best Plush Stability

Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2

Weight: 10.4 oz (men), 8.1 oz (women)
Stack height: 38鈥�28 mm
Drop: 10 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14 (men鈥檚), 6-11 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Soft and smooth
鈯� Stable without feeling controlling
鈯� Toe box uncomfortable for some

The Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2鈥檚 significant stack of nitrogen-infused TPE foam underfoot and a wide forefoot silhouette make this feel like a lot of shoe. This thing is plush. But for that much cush this shoe comes in at a reasonable weight and offers a forgiving, comfortable ride.

Testers found the foam鈥攁 combination of a softer core surrounded by a firmer perimeter 鈥攖o feel great underfoot, noting that the shoe ran 鈥渟mooth and easy.鈥� That鈥檚 not a description that comes easy for a stability shoe, and makes the ForeverRun Nitro 2 stand out. Complementing the underfoot cush is a premium engineered mesh upper that eliminates interior seams (aside from the partially gusseted tongue, which adds midfoot hold) to provide a welcoming step-in feel.听 The secure heel hold with a stabilizing external heel clip gives way to a narrow/secure-fitting midfoot, then splays out to a wide forefoot geometry that seems to add inherent stability throughout the gait cycle.

Despite the wide forefoot shape at the base, some testers craved more room on the interior, noting a feeling of crammed toes. But overall, the ForeverRun Nitro 2 is a great option for those seeking a combination of stability and cushioning in a good-looking shoe.

See our full round-up of stability shoes

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HOKA Clifton 9 Running Shoe

Need a light, plush shoe for your everyday miles? Meet the HOKA Clifton 9. HOKA added more foam underfoot yet somehow dropped ounces to give increased shock absorption at a lower weight, making the ride smoother and your stride freer. The strategically placed rubber zones ensure this pair holds strong against the rigors of a daily trainer, while the articulated heel collar keeps you locked in mile after mile.

Best Lightweight Stability

Brooks Hyperion GTS 2

Weight: 7.6 oz (men鈥檚), 6.9 oz (women鈥檚)
Stack Height: 31.5鈥�23.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: Men鈥檚 7鈥�15; Women鈥檚 5鈥�12

Pros and Cons
鈯� Lightweight
鈯� Low-profile, agile-feeling, and supportive ride
鈯� Highly breathable upper
鈯� Can feel too squishy in the heel for some

We loved the first-iteration Hyperion GTS for its lightweight comfort and springy, nitrogen-infused cushioning that one tester described as 鈥渇un and fast.鈥� The second version is updated with a new midsole compound鈥攏itrogen-infused DNA Flash v2鈥攚hich Brooks says is lighter weight and more responsive than its predecessor. We concur鈥攐ne tester described it as 鈥渟nappy,鈥� while another remarked on how it seems to push back while compressing and offers impressive rebound.

The GTS 2 still features stabilizing guide rails along the sides of the heel鈥攁 raised extension of the midsole foam on the outside, a firmer TPU piece on the inside鈥攖o help reduce heel shift and rotation for runners whose stride strays excessively inward or outward, especially towards the end of their run as a result of fatigue.

We appreciated the feeling of support while still being able to run smoothly and speedily when we wanted to up the effort. 鈥淚鈥檇 definitely speed train in these,鈥� said a tester. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e responsive, nimble, and light.鈥� These shoes are ideal for any runner looking for a daily trainer or racer that gives them a connected ground feel without being minimal. The cushioning is noticeable and lively, while the stability features are discreet. 鈥淚 found these easy to run in at any speed,鈥� said one. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e very responsive to whatever I feel like doing in them.鈥�

See our full round-up of stability shoes

Best Racing Shoes

Best Marathon Racer

Nike Alphafly 3

Weight: 7.8 oz (men), 6.2 oz (women)
Stack Height: 40鈥�32 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 6-15 (men鈥檚), 5-12 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Bouncy, trampoline-like ride
鈯� Works for a wide range of runners
鈯� Lighter weight than previous versions of the AlphaFly
鈯� Heel can feel unstable
鈯� Can be hard to find in specific sizes

We鈥檝e run in all three versions of the AlphaFly to date and think this third iteration is a great update. Subtle adjustments to the shoe鈥檚 geometry, including a wider footprint and carbon fiber plate, paired with repositioned Air Zoom units and strategically sculpted midsole, give the Alphafly 3 a distinctly different feel from its predecessor, which many found heavy and clunky compared to the original. This shoe again feels bouncy, fun, and fast.

Complementing the cush and rebound of ZoomX (Pebax) foam and Air Zoom units (pockets of compressed air and tensile threads) is a full-length carbon fiber plate that gives the shoe extra snap and adds a touch of appreciated stability that even the most efficient runners can benefit from when fatigued (marathon, anyone?). One of our more competitive testers praised the Alphafly 3 for its bouncy, energy-saving ride and says she鈥檒l wear no other shoe for races longer than 10 miles. Another speedy tester noted, 鈥淓ven running as fast as 5k pace, I found the Alphafly responded quickly, encouraging a fast turnover.鈥� Some slower runners noted, however, that landing on the Alphafly鈥檚 sculpted heel can create a feeling of instability until the plate is engaged at the midfoot roll.

The upper of the Alphafly 3 is a lightweight, super-breathable mesh with an integrated tongue and thin, notched laces that pull tight and stay tied. Our feet were comfortable and secure without any pressure points on top of the ready-to-fly platform. We love that this shoe got lighter than its previous versions, which adds to its race-readiness.

Read our full review of the Alphafly 3. .

Runner-Up Marathon Racer

Saucony Endorphin Elite 2

Weight: 7.0 oz (men)
Stack height: 39.5鈥�31.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 3.5-14 (men鈥檚/unisex)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Fast and springy
鈯� Secure foothold
鈯� Slightly unstable

Talk about an overhaul. This second iteration of the Saucony Elite could not be more different than the first. The primary reason is the underfoot feel of Saucony鈥檚 new, proprietary midsole material made out of TPEE that they鈥檙e calling 鈥淚ncrediRUN鈥� foam. While the original Elite鈥檚 midsole felt until compressed powerfully, the Elite 2鈥檚 midsole feels wildly squishy and unstable when walking or slow jogging in the shoe. But, as one tester noted, 鈥淥nce I started to pick up the pace, the foam firmed up and became insanely responsive.鈥� With a stack height that falls just within legal limits for a marathon-racing shoe, that massive amount of rebounding foam鈥攃ombined with a carbon fiber plate that鈥檚 slotted in the forefoot for flexibility (the same plate as in the original Saucony Elite) and an aggressive toe spring鈥攎akes this shoe beg for speed.

The upper has also been drastically updated, and we dig it. A combination of knit and mesh plus an airy knit tongue makes the shoe highly breathable. Testers found the heel collar and areas underneath the TPU overlays a bit warmer, but loved the secure heel fit paired with a roomier toe box. This is a fast, fun, lively shoe for race day.

Fit notes: We found this shoe to run a bit short. Also, the heel collar comes up high enough that a longer-than-no-show sock is needed.

Best For Shorter Road Races

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4

Weight: 7.1 oz (men), 6.1 oz (women)
Stack Height: 39鈥�33 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizing: 6-13.5, 14.5 (men鈥檚), 5-12 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Soft, bouncier midsole than previous versions
鈯� Great fitting, comfortable upper
鈯� Less stability and ground feel than previous versions

For short road races like the 5k and 10k you need a shoe that鈥檚 lively, explosive, and ready to roll. The new Adios Pro is all that. 鈥淯nlike the Pro 3, which felt more like a cruising shoe, the Pro 4 actively pushed you forward,鈥� one tester remarked, adding that 鈥渋t makes fast paces feel easier.鈥� To achieve this, Adidas overhauled the Adios Pro 4 from top to bottom. Previously recognized as one of the firmer and more stable super shoes, it now joins the ranks of softer, bouncier super racers built for maximum cushioning and energy return. The newly formulated midsole is noticeably softer and bouncier.

Adidas鈥� signature energy rods are still embedded in the midsole, adding a bit of rigidity to the squish and roll. The start of the rocker, however, has been shifted backward, from 70 to 60 percent of the distance from heel to toe. When building their ultralight, high-performing race model, the , Adidas鈥� designers learned that the longer rocker engages the foot earlier in the stride and benefits forefoot and midfoot runners, enabling a smoother transition from midfoot to toe-off. Testers noted the change, with one saying, 鈥淭his shoe allows you to push off of your toe a lot easier than other shoes, which gives that fast feel.鈥�

Substantial improvements were also made to the upper, which is now crafted of a one-way stretch-woven upper material that鈥檚 incredibly soft and form-fitting. Testers loved how it adapted to their foot鈥檚 shape, providing a secure, locked-in feel for total control. 鈥淭he upper disappears on my foot in the best way possible,鈥� remarked one.

鈥淭he Pro 4 is lighter, bouncier, and responsive than the Pro 3鈥攁 huge step up.鈥� Unfortunately, those who liked the firmer, more stable and grounded feel of the Pro 3 may feel differently.

How to Choose a Running Shoe

When choosing a road running shoe, the first step is to determine the type of running you鈥檒l primarily be doing in them. Do you need a speedy racer, a shoe that offers comfort during long, slow jogs, or a versatile trainer that can handle various distances and paces?

Next, consider your preference for the feel of the shoe鈥檚 cushioning: do you like a soft, forgiving ride, a more energetic, bouncy sensation underfoot, or a firmer platform that provides better ground feel? With advancements in foams and technologies, many shoes today offer cushioning without compromising responsiveness or stability. However, each shoe balances these characteristics differently, providing a spectrum of options to choose from. The key to finding the perfect running shoe is choosing the one you鈥檙e most comfortable with.

Once you鈥檝e narrowed the search to a certain type of road shoe, you need to find a pair that complements your unique body and stride. Every runner鈥檚 body, gait, speed, experience, and ride preferences are different, so every runner will interact differently with each running shoe. The shoe that your best friend or your sister-in-law loves may be uncomfortable for you and make running feel slow, sluggish, or even painful. Finding the perfect pair of road running shoes is a seriously personal affair.

The process for choosing the best running shoes is a matter of finding the models that both fit your foot and also feel best when you鈥檙e running. To determine fit and feel, there鈥檚 no substitute for trying the shoes on and running in them.

Fit: Match Your Foot Shape

When assessing fit, first pay attention to length. You need room at the end of your toes as your feet lengthen during their dynamic movements on the run. A rule of thumb is to allow a thumb鈥檚 width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Runners often wear a running shoe a half or full size bigger than their street shoes.

Ensure that the shape of the sole and the upper matches your foot shape. The sole should be as wide or wider than your foot for the whole length, and match the curve of your arch comfortably. The shoe should hold your foot securely over the instep, while allowing the ball of the foot and the toes to splay and flex when you roll forward onto them. Your heel shouldn鈥檛 slip when you lift it, and the arch should be able to dome and lengthen naturally. Nothing should bind or rub as you roll through the stride.

Feel: Match Your Movement Path

If the shoe fits, it鈥檚 time to take them on a short run on a treadmill, around the store, or, ideally, down the block and back. Every running shoe has a unique ride created by the type and density of foam in the midsole and the geometry of that foam: its thickness, width, heel-to-toe drop, molded sidewalls or flares, and forefoot flexibility or rocker shape (plus, in an increasing number of models, the presence of and type of embedded plate). Each of these elements interact with each other and your stride to determine how the shoe reacts on landing, how much it cushions, how stably it supports, how smoothly it transitions from landing to toe off, and how quickly and powerfully it rebounds.

The best way to choose the shoes that complement your body and stride is to find the ones that feel right on the run. Benno Nigg, the world-leading biomechanics professor who , calls it the 鈥渃omfort filter,鈥� but makes clear it is far more than how plush the shoe feels when you step into it. What you want to assess is whether the shoe allows and supports the way your feet want to move, what Nigg calls your 鈥減referred movement path.鈥� In the right shoe, while running at your normal pace, you will touch down where you expect to land, roll smoothly and stably through the stride without noticing the shoe, feel both cushioned from and connected to the ground, and push off naturally, quickly, and powerfully. When this comes together you鈥檒l know that you鈥檝e found your pair.

It鈥檚 likely that several shoes will feel good on your feet. To find the most comfortable, it helps to compare them back to back, like an eye doctor will do with corrective lenses: flipping between 鈥淎鈥� or 鈥淏,鈥� 鈥�1鈥� or 鈥�2.鈥� You may also find that different shoes feel better at different paces or level of fatigue, and you may want more than one pair. In fact, research shows that wearing a variety of different shoes is one of the few to reduce injury risk as it appears to vary the stresses on your feet and joints.

What About Injury Prevention?

Running shoes have long been marketed and sold as prescriptive devices to help runners stay healthy, but there is correlating shoes, or any specific shoe properties鈥攍ike cushioning or pronation control鈥攚ith running injuries. Medical professionals say that it is highly difficult to determine whether a runner needs a certain type of shoe, and studies have shown that prescribing shoes using traditional methods like treadmill gait analyses or wet-foot arch height tests don鈥檛 consistently reduce injuries.

Don鈥檛 assume that you need more cushioning or more stability if you have sore joints, or if you鈥檙e a heavier runner, or if you鈥檙e a beginner鈥攅vidence doesn鈥檛 support many common beliefs. The best way prevent injury is find two or three different pairs that feel right on the run, ease into using them, and vary your shoes, your running surface and your pace regularly (plus avoid rapid increases in your training load and work on ).

How We Test

• Number of testers: 27
• Number of shoes tested: 119
• Number of miles: 21,000+ over a year

To test running shoes, we begin by researching every brand鈥檚 upcoming offerings for the coming season. We wind up with dozens of samples of the models (39 road shoes this season, 119 over the year) that are most promising鈥攏ot just for us, but for 27 testers that range in age, ability, running form, geographical location, and preferred shoe types. We try to put each tester in models from within the same category (e.g., neutral, stability, carbon fiber, zero drop or uptempo) so everyone can compare apples-to-apples.

After three to six months of running in each model on paved roads, concrete multi-use paths, treadmills, sandy beach paths, dirt roads, and tracks at a variety of distances, paces, and weather conditions, our crew members report back with their assessments of fit, comfort, traction, cushioning, flexibility, stiffness, pop, what type of running the model is best used for, how the shoe compares to other models, and more. We also run in every shoe ourselves, and, combining all the tester feedback with years of personal experience, hone in on the best. This guide combines the best recent shoes with outstanding shoes still available from the past two test periods.

Meet Our Lead Testers

Lisa Jhung

Freelance journalist, editor, and author has researched, tested, and written about running shoes for the past decade and a half, much of that time for 国产吃瓜黑料 and 国产吃瓜黑料 Buyer鈥檚 Guides. She coordinates a fleet of female shoe testers out of Boulder, Colorado, and says her home office is a perpetual obstacle course of cardboard boxes and piles of running shoes. Lisa鈥檚 written about gear of all kinds for numerous national magazines as both an editor and freelancer, including a stint as the Shoes & Gear blogger and trail running microsite editor for Runner鈥檚 World.

A high school jumper and occasional sprinter/hurdler, she started running鈥攔eally running鈥攁fter walking off the collegiate volleyball team, and moved on to road and trail races of any distance, triathlons, adventure races, and mountain running. She鈥檚 happiest testing rugged trail shoes on gnarly terrain, and also loves a good neighborhood jaunt鈥ut is almost always looking for ribbons of dirt. Lisa is the author of Running That Doesn鈥檛 Suck: How to Love Running (Even If You Think You Hate It) and Trailhead: The Dirt on All Things Trail Running.

Cory Smith

passion for running started over 30 years ago in high school when he became the number six ranked runner in the nation at 3000 meters his senior year. After high school, he competed at Villanova University, earning two NCAA Division I Championship showings. Today, he鈥檚 determined not to let age slow him down and competes on the national master鈥檚 circuit, running a 4:12 (4:30 mile pace)) 1500 meters and 9:04 (4:52 mile pace) 3000 meters in 2021 at age 43. He prefers a hard track workout or tempo run over an easy long run any day but also appreciates a challenging trail or mountain run.

His obsession with running shoes started in 2014 when he wrote his first shoe review for Gear Institute. Since then, he鈥檚 tested and reviewed hundreds of running shoes, clothing, and gear for 国产吃瓜黑料, Runner鈥檚 World, Footwear News, and other outlets. He has a soft spot for speedy shoes over heavy trainers but loves dissecting all shoes equally and thinking like a product engineer to explain the why behind every design detail. Cory is the Founder of , an online running coaching business, and since its inception in 2014, has coached runners鈥� to over 100 Boston Marathon Qualifying times.

Here鈥檚 one of 颁辞谤测鈥檚 shoe-testing routes on MapMyRun:

Jonathan Beverly

Jonathan fell in love with running his freshman year of high school and quickly became fascinated with finding the perfect pair of running shoes. That quest got a boost when he became editor of Running Times in 2000 and started receiving every new model as they were released. The parade of shoes continued while he served as shoe editor for Runner鈥檚 World, then editor of PodiumRunner, and currently fitness gear editor at 国产吃瓜黑料. Having now worn nearly every running shoe created in this century鈥攁nd a fair amount of those dating back to the early models of the 鈥�70s鈥攈e鈥檚 given up on finding the one best and now relishes the wide variety of excellent options.

Once a 2:46 marathoner regularly doing 50+ mile weeks, recent injuries and his age have reduced his volume by about half and slowed his easy training pace to around nine-minute miles鈥攂ut he says he still enjoys an uptempo workout or two each week. Beverly is the author of the book which explores how each individual鈥檚 gait鈥攁nd, consequently shoe preference鈥攊s unique. He enjoys getting scientists鈥� take on new shoe trends and trying to describe the nuances of each shoe鈥檚 ride.

The post The Best Running Shoes for Training and Racing (Summer 2025) appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.