Shoe Reviews

(c) Runner’s Tribe Km’s run during testing process: 400 After a review not influenced by advertising dollars? Read on. New Balance’s Fresh Foam Beacon is an incredibly...

The Hoka One One Torrent 2 is a neutral, lightweight trail shoe with aggressive outsole lugs. It is designed for trail runners who want to run fast on varied terrain. It’s a shoe with a modest amount of underfoot cushion,  no where near as much as say the Hoka Speedgoat or EVO Mafaete shoes.  The Torrent 2 is much more like a ‘traditional’ shoe that one of the ‘old school’ brands would release, but with the unique Hoka touches like a 5mm drop, soft foam, and a rocker bottom.

As the world of running continues to evolve, so do the advancements in running shoe technology. In 2023, we bear witness to a new wave of innovative running shoes that have taken the industry by storm, promising unparalleled performance and pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the track and trail. Join us as we delve into the top running shoes of the year, each one meticulously designed to elevate the running experience to extraordinary heights. From versatile maximalist trail shoes conquering all terrains to speed-driven marathon racers setting new records, these running shoes embody the perfect fusion of science, art, and athleticism. Lace-up your shoes and get ready to be enthralled by the pinnacle of running footwear.

Hoka's Bondi 7 encapsulates all that the brand Hoka One One is about, better than perhaps any other shoe.  High stack heights, metarocker midsole geometry and oh so soft midsole foam.  Runner's Tribe took the Bondi 7's through about 150km of road and light trails, below is our unpaid for review.

The oldest running shoe company of them all, Saucony, have landed their latest high mileage trainer, and it does not, repeat, does not, disappoint. Saucony states the following about the Triumph 17: ‘First-class long runs are lighter than ever. For those who crave the ultimate in protective cushioning, the Triumph 17 is our most cushioned shoe, giving you everything you need to cruise through the longest of runs. Make running hangovers a thing of the past.’ So, are Saucony’s claims accurate, is this shoe worth the $250 investment? Runner’s Tribe took the Triumph through the paces, and below is our unpaid for review.

The Under Armour Flow Velociti Wind – that is one long name – is a fun, lightweight trainer. Designed for those who enjoy some ground feel. With no outsole rubber, just a one-piece midsole (with a rubberised bottom), it saves weight, and is fun. A shoe in the same class as say the Saucony Kinvara or the New Balance Beacon; awesome for tempo runs, thresholds and shorter training sessions.

When a pair of HOKA ONE ONE Carbon X 2’s rocked up at RT HQ, we were pretty stoked. Once dubious of the brand, we are now loyal fans. Great running shoes without the in-your-face marketing BS that we see from so many other brands. And free shoes, hell yeah. The Carbon X 2 is HOKA’s go-to road racing shoe. With a full-length carbon plate and light, bouncy foam, it is HOKA’S answer to Nike Next% or Saucony’s Endorphin. Furthermore, HOKA have made some key upgrades from their original Carbon X.

With quite an aggressive rocker, the Trail Devil feels like a relatively fast and flowing shoe when out on the trails.  An ideal shoe for those shorter trail races, where speed is key.

For those who are still to learn about Hoka, the Rincon is a sleeker version of the Hoka Clifton (the brand's best selling high mileage neutral trainer). The main differences is the Rincon is slightly cut back making it lighter and faster. The Rincon is more versatile than the Clifton, it can used for long training runs, but is also suitable for speedy thresholds or even a faster session/interval type of a workout. It can be classed as a lightweight neutral everyday trainer.

Selecting the perfect running shoes is crucial for your comfort, enhancing performance, and preventing injuries. The right choice can be influenced by various factors,...