It’s an often-overlooked strategy that beginners may not be familiar with, but building a shoe rotation into your running regimen can significantly enhance your performance and longevity. That’s why running brands – like New Balance – design shoes specifically for different forms of training – be it intervals, speedwork, recovery runs or longer efforts – rather than do-it-all sneakers that are good at everything but great at nothing. 

Runners now have more options than ever when selecting a shoe – to the extent that it can be difficult to determine which shoes you need and how best to use them. But if you can accomplish the elusive task of building one, an effective shoe rotation can have your training firing on all cylinders. Truly, shoe rotation is an art. Here, we’re going to show you how to master it. 

Why should you rotate your running shoes?

Sports science has come a long way in recent years, uncovering a multitude of reasons why you shouldn’t always run in the same shoes and why a rotation system can be beneficial. 

Injury prevention 

First and foremost, multiple studies have proven that alternating running shoes reduces the risk of injury. One study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports found that runners who rotated their shoes were 39 per cent less likely to experience an injury. This is because every shoe produces a slightly different variation in gait patterns, which determine which muscles, joints and ligaments are under the most stress during a run. By regularly switching your shoes up you place less repetitive stress on these areas, reducing your chances of picking up an injury and derailing your running goals. 

Enhanced performance catered to you 

Advancements in running shoe design have also allowed shoes to be targeted at specific types of runs. In case you weren’t aware, a brisk 3km jog around your local park and a marathon aren’t the same and presumably, you wouldn’t treat them as such mentally or physically. So why would you run them in the same shoes? 

Modern running shoes are calibrated and designed for specific types of training runs. If it’s race day and you need something lightweight and hyper-responsive to help you run as fast as possible, there’s a shoe for that. If you’re just logging kilometres on your daily run and need something durable, there’s a shoe for that. And if you’re embarking on a longer run and comfort is your priority, there’s a max-cushioned shoe for that too. Specialisation is the key to optimising your running routine. 

Extended shoe lifespan 

The impact of a rotation system on shoe preservation cannot be understated, either. Shoes need time to return to their prime cushioning state and decompress – the same can be said about most runners after a particularly taxing effort. Using multiple pairs gives each shoe ample time to rest and recover after use, ultimately extending their lifespan. So, while investing in a few extra pairs may cost you more in the short term, it will actually end up saving you in the long run – and be especially useful for those longer runs. 

Aesthetic considerations 

Okay, we’ll admit this one’s totally subjective and not entirely necessary. But owning a variety of shoes does come with the benefit of being able to roll out different colourways with different gear. Look good, feel good, right? 

How many running shoes should you have in your rotation?

This depends on the type of runner you are, as well as your ability and goals. For some runners, simply having two pairs in your rotation will be sufficient to aid injury prevention. A three-shoe rotation can also be effective on a daily training/speedwork/race day split. But if you want to be prepared for all types of training, we’d recommend a four-shoe rotation. 

How can you build the ideal shoe rotation?

Firstly, assess the volume and style of your runs. If your weekly output is a single 5km hit out, you probably won’t need too many shoes in your rotation. But if you’ve built a comprehensive training regimen to prepare for a marathon and are logging upwards of 30km per week, you’ll likely be embarking on various types of runs and will need a variety of shoes to achieve optimal results. 

It can be tempting to mix-and-match brands, but it’s best to stick to one to ensure your shoes complement rather than compete with each other. Every footwear brand is currently trying to produce the perfect shoes for every slot in your rotation, and New Balance has tailored and curated their range architecture for this very reason, with its Fresh Foam X platform for soft, cushioned and durable daily miles, and the FuelCell platform for your faster, high impact session training for raceday. 

FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3: the all-rounder 

The SuperComp Trainer v3 is your go-to all-rounder, bringing race day performance to everyday training. It’s capable of handling everything from short-burst interval training to long runs, plus everything in between. It has all the heavy cushioning of a regular daily trainer but it’s doubly responsive, with a curved carbon plate in the midsole – something usually reserved for a race day shoe. Take it on a long run or a quick sprint, the SC Trainer will give you everything you need and then some. 

FuelCell Rebel v4: the speed demon 

It helps to have a lightweight shoe for speedwork or interval training in your line-up, and you won’t find a better one than the FuelCell Rebel v4. It’s an up-tempo shoe built for shorter, intense efforts. The fourth iteration of the Rebel has a taller and wider sole than previous versions and is even bouncier than its predecessors thanks to an enhanced FuelCell foam midsole. It’s also shockingly lightweight – weighing in at a measly 200 grams in a men’s US 9.5. All of this makes it perfect for speedwork and threshold training, or whenever you want to push a little harder during a session. 

Check out our full review of the FC Rebel here.

FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4: the race day professional 

A barnstorming race day shoe completes the rotation. These are the fastest shoes in your line-up. Why don’t I just wear them for every run then, you ask? Well, you can if that’s your inclination, but they’re best saved for when you want to move at your absolute fastest. The SuperComp Elite v4 released earlier this year to much fanfare – some of which came from yours truly – and received a new colour up this month. The shoe features an extremely lightweight construction, a full-length carbon plate in the midsole and high-level energy-return – which, according to New Balance’s sports research lab, is 4 per cent more powerful than its predecessor. The SuperComp Elite v4 is the shoe built for race day.  

Read our full review of the SC Elite here.

Fresh Foam X 1080v14: the daily trainer 

Lastly, a reliable daily trainer is a must in any rotation. It’s the workhorse you’ll log most of your kilometres in, with a balance between durability and comfort. Whilst not part of New Balance’s FuelCell range, look no further than the Fresh Foam 1080v13. New Balance says that if it only made one running shoe, it would be the 1080. The 1080v14 drops in mid October and will be the latest and most innovative max-cushioned shoe, perfect for daily training or making a statement at run club. 

So there you have it. If you’ve been paying attention, you should have all the information needed to go from a shoe rotation novice to a master. By applying the principles of shoe rotation to your running routine, you can prevent injury, enhance performance and prolong the lifespan of your shoes. And if you’re ready to start building your shoe rotation, look no further than New Balance.

This article is brought to you by New Balance.

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The post How to master the art of shoe rotation appeared first on Men's Health Magazine Australia.

Eloise Wellings, a dual Olympian and adidas athlete who represented Australia at the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics in the 5km and 10km races, knows a little about endurance running and getting the most of your training, and body, in the lead up to a big race. Use her tips to run your best race:

How should I prepare for the City2Surf race in the week leading up?

In the week leading up to City2Surf, Wellings points out that the most important thing is for runners to reduce the intensity and volume of training by up to 30 per cent to get their energy levels back up ahead of the race.

“It’s important to let your legs release after your last few weeks of training, but still keep up enough movement so that race day doesn’t come as a shock,” Wellings explains. 

To complement your running in the lead up, the dual Olympian recommends working on your core and glutes in the gym, too. “This will help engage all the muscles, big and small, that support you to run and feel great while doing it.”

How should you prepare mentally for the City2Surf?

It’s normal to feel nervous before your run, especially in the final few days!

The City2Surf is a beautiful course, but there’s certainly some challenging sections along the 14km route – did we mention Heartbreak Hill! Here are some tools Wellings uses to embrace the challenge and focus on the task at hand:  

Call on your inner coach and dial down your inner critic

• Before your run, practise bringing out your inner coach during pressurised moments. The brain is wired to keep you safe and will begin to send signals telling you to stop when the race gets tough. Think about the things you might say to yourself when you start to get uncomfortable. 
• Use these last few runs to notice where your mind goes when you feel like you want to be anywhere other than on the course, and practise taking yourself out of that mindset.  
• Whenever I reach a point in my race when I feel like I can’t do it, I always remind myself that I can do it and that ‘I am going to try, and I am going to try to run more efficiently, which helps me focus on putting one foot in front of the other and getting through the race.  

Focus on your breathing

• It’s easy to lose control of your breathing when you’re racing a challenge. Often over breathing is a reflection of your perception about how hard the race is. Pay attention to your breathing and take deep breaths to calm yourself down. 

Break down the race into sections

• Breaking down the race with check points that you know are achievable can keep you going all the way to the finish line.
• When you get to Heartbreak Hill, focus on maintaining your form and keeping yourself in control, and before you know it, you’ll be on the final leg down to the finish line with Bondi Beach in your sights.

How should runners prepare nutritionally in the lead up to a the City2Surf?

Wellings points out that hydration is a key focus when it comes to preparing nutritionally during race week. You certainly don’t want to be trying anything new before the race that could potentially upset your stomach or put your performance at risk.  

“You’re about to run 14km which is no easy feat! For two days before a race, I focus on creating a carb rich diet which will keep me fuelled throughout. As a professional athlete, we usually work to a carb intake of 8-10g per kilogram of bodyweight – especially in the few days beforehand.,” says Wellings. “I try to follow a high FODMAP diet which consists of low fibre and high carbohydrates – personally, my go-to meal that works for me is plain rice with a can of tuna. You can’t go wrong with the basics!”

The most important piece of wisdom? You need to know what works for you and  what doesn’t. Every run and every runner is different, so listen to your body and do what feels right for you.  

City2Surf FAQ

Can you walk the City2Surf?

Everyone is welcome to partake in the City2Surf! Whether you’re running, walking, in a wheelchair, with a guide dog or pushing a pram (did we forget anything?), there are no rules when it comes to who can get involved. It’s a more the merrier affair and you can take it absolutely at your own pace.

How do you qualify for the City2Surf?

As mentioned above, everyone can participate in the City2Surf. If you’re keen to start up the front, however, you’ll need to complete an official race form and provide proof of your recent running experience.

How many kms in city surf?

The race is 14km long, beginning in the Sydney CBD at the intersection between Park Street and College Street, and ending on Queen Elizabeth Drive in Bondi.

How hard is City to Surf?

The City2Surf isn’t for the faint of heart. If you’re a runner, and starting at the front, you’re likely on the race and marathon circuit and know what to expect, but if you’re in the middle and back of the pack, you may find that you’ll need to pace yourself. The race does have hills – one in particular aptly named Heartbreak Hill will test you – and it isn’t a short distance overall. Make sure you drink water, train as much as feasible beforehand, and, as they say, enjoy it! Best to go with a bunch of mates or family if you’re taking a leisurely or moderate pace.

Can you wear a backpack to City2Surf?

Sadly, no personal bags or backpacks are allowed to be donned during the race. This is so bib numbers can be displayed clearly and for safety reasons. You can however run with a bumbag, flipbelt or light running vest.

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Hugh van Cuylenburg and the best running audiobooks

These running shoes will help you conquer the City2Surf

The post Your last minute prep for the City2Surf appeared first on Men's Health Magazine Australia.

Which is why many of us have increasingly turned to aural accompaniments – music, podcasts and increasingly audiobooks – to help leaven the mental and physical load you haul around with you on a run.

This was the case for Hugh van Cuylenburg, founding director of The Resilience Project, bestselling author and co-host of the popular podcast, The Imperfects, who’s helped curate Audible’s new Runners’ Audiobook collection. When I speak to van Cuylenburg, he’s just done a workout at the gym with only one ear bud, after scrounging around beneath his car seat for the other. It was a situation that induced panic, he says.

“I find it very hard to train without headphones,” says van Cuylenburg, who along with the gym, does three 400-metre track sessions a week under the guidance of Brendan Cole, a former Olympic hurdler and Commonwealth Games gold medallist in the 4 x 400m relay. “I was getting so frustrated. My sessions are never as productive if I’m not listening to something or someone.”

In putting together his list of audiobooks, van Cuylenburg sought to feature titles that explicitly focus on running, which he finds help motivate him during track sessions, as well as books that inspire him in other areas of his life.

“I just feel very emotional and very moved by other people’s stories of resilience and also stories of hard work,” he says. “So, for example, Nedd Brockmann’s just a no-brainer. I mean, if I’ve got three 300s to complete and I’m hearing him talk about when he did 50 marathons in 50 days as a tradie, he’d do it after work. It makes me feel like what I’m doing is not as hard as potentially I had thought it was before.”

Somehow, van Cuylenburg manages to squeeze his training sessions around the responsibilities of raising three kids under seven – who notice when daddy hasn’t been for a run. “They can tell. It changes me. I’m just so much calmer, I’m so much more patient, I’m so much more tolerant if I’ve run that day.”

Research commissioned by Audible confirms that Australia is in the midst of a running boom, with 49 per cent of runners increasing their running frequency. The most popular reasons to run include a desire to improve physical fitness (68 per cent) and mental wellbeing (56 per cent).

These factors have contributed to the astonishing rise of running clubs, but even with their growing popularity, 65 per cent of runners prefer running solo to disconnect and focus on their performance, the research found. At the same time, 93 per cent of runners lose motivation to run, something van Cuylenburg believes audiobooks can help address.

“Audiobooks have a unique ability to swiftly and positively transform our emotions,” says the 44-year-old Melbournian, who points out that according to the research, when runners forget their headphones, they feel less motivated to run (36 per cent). “Just as fresh air can relieve stress and anxiety, or watching nostalgic television can provide comfort through familiarity, audiobooks offer a powerful motivation tool in the form of a captivating escape.”

Hugh van Cuylenberg’s best running-themed audiobooks

Showing Up by Nedd Brockmann

“Nedd’s run across the country is legendary for a reason. There is too much to take away from this book. If you’re planning a long run, there is no better companion.”  BUY NOW

Running with the Kenyans by Adharahaad Finn

“Running aficionados this one is for you. I listened to this one exclusively on my long runs. I absolutely loved this. Nothing like listening to someone explore their passion, whilst you exercise yours.”  BUY NOW

Running for my Life by Lopez Lomong

“One of the most extraordinary stories I have ever heard. Have listened to this one twice now. I don’t often do that. Always puts the challenges in your life into context.”  BUY NOW

Born to Run by Christopher McDougall 

“I can’t really believe this story exists. If you are an endurance athlete this is for you. A tribe of ultra-runners and the greatest race that no one ever saw.”  BUY NOW

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The post Hugh van Cuylenburg and the best running audiobooks appeared first on Men's Health Magazine Australia.

No, we’re not saying the City2Surf is easy – anyone who has ever faced the unforgiving climb up heartbreak hill can tell you as much. But the race is achievable enough for countless runners to accomplish without the need for a dedicated multi-week training plan like a half or full marathon requires, while still being hard enough to feel like a step up from your regular 5km hit-out – enough to warrant a self-congratulating social media post at the very least.

Therein lies a slight problem. The City2Surf exists precisely between the two major distances running apparel brands primarily design shoes for. It’s longer than the maximum 10km you’d want to run in your daily trainers, but not quite long enough to warrant an investment in some fancy – perhaps even carbon-plated – race day shoes. So, what shoes should you wear for the City2Surf?

What type of shoes are best for the City2Surf?

The best shoes for the City2Surf will combine a number of qualities that will assist you during the race. Most importantly, you should look for a shoe that boasts features promoting speed, cushioning and comfort.

Everyone imagines themselves winning, but unless you’re going to be clocking a sub-40 minute time, we’d generally recommend staying away from carbon-plated supershoes. They may speed you up, but they also tend to be on the pricier end of the spectrum. There are plenty of other options that will also make you run faster, without breaking the bank.

Finding a shoe with ample cushioning that provides a good deal of comfort on the foot should also be towards the top of your list of priorities. That may mean going for a chunkier shoe that’s a little heavier, although this isn’t a marathon we’re talking about here. The City2Surf is first and foremost a fun run, so there’s no need to go for an ultra-lightweight, hyper-responsive shoe that offers minimal support.

What are the best shoes for the City2Surf?

Now that you know what to look for, we’ve made the rest of your job even easier. Here are our picks of the best shoes to run the City2Surf in. There are a variety of options here, some that will help you perform at your best and others that will simply get you across the finish line.

Hoka Clifton 9

Hoka continues to excel in cushioning with the much-awarded Clifton 9. The latest addition to the celebrated Clifton line strips back excess weight and adds stack height to create an eminently light and smooth running experience. Featuring an updated EVA midsole and a refined upper, these shoes offer cloud-like comfort without compromising on responsiveness. The Meta-Rocker technology ensures a smooth transition from heel to toe, making the Clifton 9 an ideal choice for a plush and supportive ride on any terrain.

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Brooks Ghost 16

The newly released Brooks Ghost 16 comes from a line of bestselling shoes, and there’s a reason for their popularity. It has an engineered mesh upper and a decently thick (but not too thick) midsole, which is made of nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam. The midsole also has a segmented crash pad for a smoother heel-to-toe-to-takeoff transition.

To us, the Ghost 16 proves that you don’t need all the flashy accoutrements and exaggerated features of a super shoe to run at your best. The Ghost 16 is a workhorse, and it’s more than capable of acing the City2Surf.

Check out our full review of the Brooks Ghost 16 here.

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New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4

The FC Rebel v4 is an up-tempo shoe that represents the culmination of years of innovation at New Balance. The fourth iteration of the Rebel has a taller and wider sole than previous versions. As any knowledgeable sneakerhead will know, it is typically the narrower soles that offer the most energy return and propulsion, but the Rebel v4 is even bouncier than its predecessors thanks to an enhanced FuelCell foam midsole. The FC Rebel v4 is also shockingly lightweight – weighing in at a measly 218 grams.

Check out our full review of the FC Rebels here.

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Nike Vaporfly 3

The Vaporfly 3 is the latest in a long line of top-quality carbon-plated Nike running shoes. Engineered for elite performance in road racing, these shoes feature an upgraded ZoomX foam midsole, offering exceptional energy return. We know we said that supershoes aren’t the go-to for the City2Surf, but the Vaporfly 3 is one of the few shoes specifically designed to handle distances from 10-21km.

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Nike Pegasus 41

There’s something about a shoe having a large number next to its name that lends a heightened level of prestige to it. And few shoes come close to the level of iterations as Nike’s Pegasus 41. You might be wondering how the 41st iteration of a shoe could possibly improve upon its predecessors, but the Pegasus 41 makes plenty of tweaks. It’s the first shoe in the Pegasus line to feature ReactX foam, which takes shape in a full-length foam. plate in the mdisole. According to Nike, the ReactX foam provides 13 per cent more energy return than the foam used in the Pegasus 40.

The Pegasus 41 also utilises Air Zoom units in both the forefoot and heel for supreme cushioning. It features an improved ride too, resulting in a shoe that responds to your foot, adapts to its shape and provides cushioning and comfort where you need it most. The ideal alternative to Nike’s pricier Vaporfly 3.

Men’s Health was on the scene for the launch of the Pegasus 41 at the first ever Nike Pacific Running Summit earlier this year. Read our full report here.

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Asics Novablast 4

Asics’ gel-based shoes may garner most of the attention, but it’s the Novablast 4 that we think best suits the City2Surf. The shoe utilises a visually striking design, particularly in the tall heel, which holds a huge amount of cushioning and boasts higher levels of energy return than previous Novablasts. Elsewhere, a tongue wing construction in the upper improves the fit for a stabilising, supportive feel.

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Adidas Adizero Boston 12

While they’re designed for the Boston marathon, we think Adidas’ Adizero Boston 12s will hold up just as well during the City2Surf. Built for mid to long-distance running, the Adizero Boston 12s bring a race-day feeling to every hit-out. Stepping into them, you’ll immediately notice a propulsive feel that comes from glass-fibre infused Energyrods, which assist with energy return by reducing the amount of energy lost underfoot. Exactly what you need to push you up heartbreak hill.

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Puma Velocity Nitro 3

The Velocity Nitro 3s are all about blending comfort and speed, with Puma’s patented NITRO technology delivering superior responsiveness and cushioning. There’s also the heel spoiler and Pumagrip outsole, which both provide enhanced stability, for the less sure-footed runners among us.

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Asics Gel-Nimbus 26

These shoes combine ultra-supportive PureGel cushioning with a plush collar, offering unbelievably soft landings and a luxurious experience for your feet. The stylish design can’t be ignored either, ensuring you’ll make a statement whether you’re conquering arduous running routes or just strolling to the coffee shop.

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Under Armour Infinite Elite

Under Armour’s renowned HOVR cushioning takes its latest form in the Infinity Elite. The new HOVR+ midsole keeps your legs feeling fresh for as long as you can run by reducing impact and bolstering energy return. Whether this is your first or 15th City2Surf, those aren’t qualities you’ll want to pass up.

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The post These running shoes will help you conquer the City2Surf appeared first on Men's Health Magazine Australia.

Comfort is at the top of most runners’ minds when purchasing a new pair – and no, we’re not just making that up. An adidas-commissioned global study recently found that uncomfortable shoes topped the list of runners’ biggest pain points. That’s why earlier this year adidas revamped its Supernova lineup, with a focus on improving comfort.

The new adidas Supernova lineup features three silhouettes: Stride, Solution and Rise. These names are more vague than descriptive, so allow us to provide a brief explanation. The three models are all designed to be daily trainers, but the Stride offers the most speed, the Solution the most stability, and the Rise the most comfort – although all three were designed for enhanced comfort, the Rise just has the most.

While I didn’t participate in adidas’ study, I wouldn’t argue with its findings. Responsiveness, speed and weight reduction have become the focal points of many a brand’s daily trainer line. But what they seem to have forgotten is that if a shoe is to truly become the workhorse of anyone’s rotation, comfort is absolutely necessary. This, along with some nagging knee pain I’ve been dealing with thanks to some of the aforementioned non-comfort-focused shoes, positioned the Supernova Rise high on my wish list. But does it deliver on its promises?

The look

The adidas Supernova Rise comes in five colourways, but they all play it fairly safe – at least compared to most shoes nowadays. The plainest variety is all black, another adds a touch of white, and even the most out-there of the palettes only use sparks of green or orange but maintain primary bases of white, black and navy blue while sticking to three or less colours total.

The lack of boldness amongst the colourways is one of my biggest knocks against the Supernova Rise. Many have bemoaned the running industry’s transition into flashier colour schemes and attention-grabbing highlights, but I for one like my running shoes to be loud and lurid, which the Supernova Rises aren’t. Not everyone feels that way though. Subtlety and muted tones are much more popular and much more marketable – you need only to glance at adidas’ sales numbers for proof of that.

The specs

On the surface, the adidas Supernova Rise looks like any regular daily trainer, but under the hood are a series of advancements in design that give it the right to call itself the most comfortable shoe on the market. Like the other two models in the revamped Supernova lineup, the Supernova Rise features adidas’ re-engineered super foam, Dreamstrike+. Not just any old foam, the new midsole foam is made super by striking the ideal balance between support and comfort.

The Rise’s sole is also filled with an intricate system of support rods which are bottom loaded to ensure neutral support – meaning it has more support in the heel than the forefoot and an upper that conforms to your foot shape. Topping off the ultra-comfortable design is a heel fit that combines softly supportive cushioned foam with a gentle textile feel to make your heel feel like it’s resting its head at the end of long day.

Now for the numbers, the Supernova Rise weighs in at 277 grams, which is nearly unbelievable considering its solid frame and surplus comfort enablers. The shoe has a 10mm heel-to-toe drop, which is on the higher end but seems like its becoming the new normal as we continue to move away from the minimalism and barefoot feel that was popular around 15 years ago.

The test

As a daily trainer, the Supernova Rise should be able to handle anything I throw at it – be it a dry paved road or appallingly damp conditions on a debris-laden trail. Due to some unavoidable circumstances involving poor weather, my test of the Supernova Rise took place on something more similar to the latter, in what was essentially a baptism of fire that almost made me feel sorry for my shoes.

The site of my Supernova Rise test was an area in New South Wales’ Great Lakes region on the state’s midcoast. As anyone familiar with the area will doubtlessly know, calling it leafy would be an understatement. Towering trees surround the region’s roads – which are seldom flat and always winding. A seemingly relentless lashing of rain and wind to begin the East coast’s winter also meant that my path was slippery and littered with obstacles. Apologies to my Supernova Rises, which, if they were sentient, probably would’ve felt like a weary warhorse being led into battle.

You might be wondering if running in these conditions was really necessary, but when you’ve got a new pair of super comfy shoes to try out, it’s hard to resist. Still, I was immediately apprehensive, but my doubts were quickly smothered after lacing up the Supernova Rises for the first time.

Review enough running shoes and you come to expect some recurring issues that come part and parcel with a new shoe, including but not limited to: unfamiliar fits, stiff frames and inevitable blisters. With the Supernova Rise, none of those problems presented themselves. Instead, my feet were immediately enveloped in a sense of near-divine comfort. Clearly, adidas was serious about addressing the need for comfier shoes – a fact I became more certain of with every stride, as the Supernova Rises continued to hug my feet like pillows with cushioning that softened every impact.

On the downside, the shoes did struggle to master the conditions. The Supernova Rise uses a rubber ADIWEAR outsole that is made with weight reduction in mind. It’s certainly lightweight, but it also had trouble gaining traction on slippery surfaces. Then again, the conditions were about as abysmal as possible. I repeat, sorry Supernovas.

While the Supernova Rise’s extensive comfort features don’t exactly imply a great deal of pace or responsiveness, the shoes offer plenty of speed. There’s no carbon plate, rocker profile, or excessive bounce to promote this, but the Supernova Rise still felt as if it wanted to move fast – which is more than could be said for me as the downpour showed no signs of letting up.

All in all, the Supernova Rise impressed me. The test did not result in a personal best, but it did leave me eager to come back for more. That’s saying something considering the woeful conditions, but such is the level of comfort offered by the Supernova Rise that it feels as if you could slog out any number of kilometres in any environment without any bodily or muscular complaints.

The verdict

adidas has built enough trust among consumers to render any goodwill generated by my opinions rather redundant. There’s a reason it’s one of the bestselling brands in the world. That being said, shoes like the Supernova Rise prove that adidas isn’t simply resting on its laurels. Everyone wants their shoes to be as fast, bouncy and flashy as possible these days, but when it comes to daily trainers, we can’t forget the most important factor: comfort. If you’re searching for a do-it-all shoe to log most of your kilometres in, comfort should take priority – and the Supernova Rise has it in spades. Plus, generously priced at $220, it’s hard to argue against a bargain.

For more information on the adidas Supernova Rise, click here.

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The post Tried & tested: adidas Supernova Rise appeared first on Men's Health Magazine Australia.

So yes, the Cielo X1s are garish, which is fine by me. I like my runners to catch the eye, to shout, ‘This guy is a runner’. Am I though? Well, I do one 5k hit-out a week, just to keep my cardio capacity at a respectable level, upping that to 3-4 sessions in the event that I’m training for a half-marathon, or ahem, something a little longer.

The thing is, that solitary weekly session has become so grooved into routine, that it’s practically fossilised. On each occasion, I run almost the same time (26 mins, including pesky traffic-light stops). Afterwards my legs carry a dull ache that accompanies me through the day, a subtle reminder that I went for a run in the morning. It’s a pleasant enough state of affairs but one that could certainly use a shake-up. I had a feeling the Cielo X1s might prove something of a disruptor. I just didn’t appreciate how seismic their impact would be.

The look

Okay, we’ve covered this already but it’s worth repeating. In the orange, red and yellow Solar Flare colour way, the X1 has the kind of visually arresting impact that draws the eyes of passing motorists, attracts comments from passersby (“Not gonna miss you in those runners, hey mate”) and generally scorches retinas. The performance-shoe-as-performance-art dynamic continues with a two-layer PEBA midsole and dynamic cut-outs, which reduce weight. This plush foam bed clashes mightily with the knitted upper, further reinforcing the shoe’s visual impact.

The specs

The X1 weighs just 263 grams, with what I would say is a rather sheer 7mm heel-to-toe drop. The aforementioned two-layer PEBA midsole offers pogo-stick-like levels of energy return, while the winged carbon fibre plate delivers both propulsion and stability, a tricky balance to achieve. You can attribute that to HOKA’s J-Frame technology, which prevents inner roll and over pronation.

The end result is a shoe that is built for speed – cielo is the Spanish word for ‘sky’, which derives from Hoka’s track spikes. The X, meanwhile, refers to the shoe’s carbon fibre plate.

A minimal rubber outsole also contributes to the X1’s featherweight status, as does the knitted upper and collar.

The test

I’m so excited to take the X1s out for a spin that I break my one-run-a-week habit, something I usually pay for with sore, chalky calves for days afterward. Fast forward a week and I‘ve now run four times in seven days and my calves are still in robust health.

I put this down to the X1’s stupendous PEBA mid sole, though I must admit, when I initially climb into the shoes, I feel like I’m walking on stilts, or at least, foam high heels. There is a distinct rocking motion, as if you’re being canted forward into a running stance. It seriously might be easier to run in these shoes than walk.

Once you run, though, something truly enlivening occurs, as hard concrete seems to take on the molecular properties of puffy clouds, so responsive is the combination of the carbon fibre plate and PEBA mid sole. It’s difficult to overstate how pleasant this sensation is – it feels like the colossal, often bone-rattling weight transfer that I normally associate with running on concrete or bitumen has been swallowed up by the X1’s majestic sole. I find myself rocketing around my 5k inner west running circuit, lopping a good two minutes off my normal time.

The best part though comes afterwards, when I take the shoes off. My calves feel unbothered, the soles of my feet barely troubled. Later in the day, I even forget I took my spindly pins out for a session in the morning. It’s for that reason that I manage to lace up for a third and then fourth session that week, each time my legs remaining limber and supple.

The verdict

The Cielo X1 offers a new threshold in comfort, cushioning, control and, while I hate to abandon the alliterative adjectives: speed. With a retail price of $419, it’s a significant outlay, but one that equips the dedicated runner with the means to run more frequently and to chase down and blast through previous PBs. There’s basically no excuse not to level up.

You can find more information on the HOKA Cielo X 1 here.

The post Tried and tested: Hoka Cielo X1 appeared first on Men's Health Magazine Australia.

In the blur of my peripheries, the silhouettes of Phil Knight, Steve Prefontaine and Bill Bowerman, the chief innovators of Nike’s earlier years, adorn the screens lining nearly every wall in sight. Propped up on every spare surface are tangible examples of Nike’s modern innovation. And back at the QT Hotel, where Nike hosted guests during the summit, the very same ‘swift suit’ worn by Cathy Freeman as she claimed gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics sits on display. You will hear no objections from me: running is well and truly Nike’s business.

Utterly engrossed in the world of Nike and its latest triumphs as I was, it’s not difficult to discern how I came to take that view. But the belief that Nike is at the top of its game is not isolated to a lone Men’s Health writer; it’s a sentiment echoed by various athletes who made appearances throughout the summit.

There’s Sinead Diver, the Australian record holder in the women’s marathon, who has defied the odds throughout her career, all while wearing Nikes – a point she’s eager to share. Three-time Paralympic medallist Jaryd Clifford also credits Nike gear for helping him overcome every obstacle ever thrown at him. But it’s perhaps the freshly crowned Australian 200-metre champion and Olympic hopeful, Calab Law, who best captures the appeal of being a Nike athlete.

“I’ve never sprinted in anything but Nike since I was like 11,” Law, who has been a Nike athlete since 2022, tells Men’s Health. “I’ve just always felt like they make the best gear and shoes. Plus, knowing Nike’s history and about every other athlete that’s been apart of Nike, it’s super cool to be in that group of people.”

It is appropriate that Law mentions Nike making the “best gear” because the opening day of the running summit on June 5^th overlapped with two highly anticipated events. The first, Global Running Day. The second, the release of the Nike Pegasus 41. This was no coincidence, and fittingly, attendees of the summit had a chance to put the Pegasus 41s (which Nike reps call ‘Peg41s’) through their paces.

There’s something about a shoe having a large number next to its name that lends a heightened level of prestige to it. And few shoes come close to the level of iterations as the Pegasus, which has received almost yearly updates since its first release in 1982. For those doing the math, yes, 1982 was 42 years ago. And no, Nike hasn’t miscounted. The first Pegasus received a limited release in 1982, but became widely available in 1983, 41 years ago. These are the kind of fun facts you learn at a Nike Running Summit, and if Nike history ever pops up as a category at a trivia night, I’m prepared to dominate with knowledge like that tucked away in the recesses of my mind.

We’ve digressed. Let’s get back to the Pegasus 41s. You might assume that all Nike has to do with a massively successful line like the Pegasus is slap a new colourway on the model, add a new number beside its name and call it a day, but you couldn’t be more wrong. Throughout its 42-year history (that’s right, 42), the Pegasus has been fine-tuned to keep up with the latest footwear innovations, all while responding to consumer demands and insights from elite athletes.

So, how does the Pegasus 41 improve upon previous iterations, you ask? For one, it’s the first shoe in the Pegasus line to feature ReactX foam, which takes shape in a full-length foam midsole. This boosts the Peg41’s sustainability, durability and responsiveness. According to Nike, the ReactX foam provides 13 per cent more energy return than the foam used in the Pegasus 40. Its carbon footprint is also reduced, clocking in at 43 per cent less than previous versions of the foam.

The Pegasus 41 also utilises Air Zoom units in both the forefoot and heel for supreme cushioning. This is an upgrade from the Peg40. The Peg41 was designed to improve the ride for its wearers, resulting in a shoe that responds to your foot, adapts to its shape and provides cushioning and comfort where you need it most.

This all looks good on paper, but what about in practise? To put the Peg41s to the test, the entire running summit menagerie took to Melbourne’s Olympic Park Oval, the training ground of Collingwood Football Club, for a road test.

Beginning our test session, a trainer split runners into two groups. Runners in the first group would complete laps of Olympic Park Oval at their own pace, while the second would take part in what I first believed to be called ‘fart dick’. As it turns out, the term is actually ‘fort deg’, which is Norwegian for ‘speed up’. It’s a gruelling system of running training that involves frequently fluctuating between fast and relaxed paces, with little time to catch your breath in between. I checked afterwards, and the Norwegian pronunciation already sounds a lot like fart dick, but it was the Australian twang of our trainer that completed the salacious/gross misinterpretation.

I lasted around ten minutes in fart dick (sorry, fort deg) and was immediately struck by how comfortable the Peg41s are. Typically, telling people “I’m trying a new running shoe’ is simply another way of saying “I’m up to my eyeballs in blisters right now”, that’s not the case with the Peg41s, which are as comfortable as they are responsive – which I’m certain is what allowed me to keep up with the pack for as long as I did.

The summit didn’t end there. Back at Nike HQ, I’m given a crash course in the cutting-edge innovation that has gone into preparing Nike gear for the 2024 Paris Olympics, as well as an ultra-secretive sneak peak into what the future of Nike running holds. So secretive was this sneak peak that phones were confiscated before anyone was allowed into a dimly lit room holding the shoes that will likely be on the feet of record breakers in the coming years – I only hope I haven’t violated any regulations in saying that.

“The future of running is bright” is how Nike Pacific Senior Marketing Director Andrew Keith closes the Nike Pacific Running Summit. Given what I’ve seen over the past two days, I’m inclined to agree.

Related:

Men’s Health’s pick of the best running shoes for beginners

You’ll Never Guess Nike’s All-Time Best-Selling Trainer

The post Inside the Nike Pacific Running Summit appeared first on Men's Health Magazine Australia.

No longer is running only seen as a path to improved physical health. The Run-Sights Lab, Brooks’ consumer insights team, has been researching how younger generations view the role of running. What they’ve found is that young people, particularly those belonging to Gen Z, believe that the benefits of running extend far beyond the physical realm. New generations see running for its mental and social benefits as well, with running also offering an opportunity to clear your head and connect with friends. This newfound approach is reflected in Brooks’ new tagline.

Firstly, ‘Let’s’ is an indication of Brooks’ continued efforts to foster a strong connection between the brand and runners, because you’re never really alone on your journeys. ‘Run’ speaks for itself – Brooks makes running apparel, what else do you expect? Finally, ‘There’ is inspired by the belief that running isn’t simply a means of getting from point A to B, but that it’s a journey to a better place. What that place is, be it tangible or intangible, is up for interpretation – it could be a literal destination or a finish line, or an abstract feeling. We’ll leave that up to the runners.

While Brooks is changing directions in terms of brand platform, don’t expect a downgrade in quality. Coinciding with the launch of ‘Let’s Run There’, Brooks is releasing the Ghost 16, the latest iteration of the celebrated Ghost line. The Ghost 16 is a daily trainer built for comfort and impact-absorption during road running. The shoe’s superior cushioning is made from nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3, providing a supportive and ultra responsive ride. A segmented crash pad ensures a super-smooth heel-to-toe transition, while an air mesh upper delivers just enough breathability and stretch without sacrificing structure. What’s more, the Ghost 16 is a certified carbon neutral, to put your eco-conscious mind at ease.

In the coming weeks, expect to see Brooks’ ‘Let’s Run There‘ campaign in TV spots and the Ghost 16 on the feet of runners with an all-encompassing view on the power of running and community.

Related:

Men’s Health’s pick of the best running shoes for beginners

Everything you need to know before joining a running club

The post Brooks launches new brand platform ‘Let’s Run There’ along with the Ghost 16 appeared first on Men's Health Magazine Australia.