Here’s what runners can expect from NORTIV 8’s Cloud Walk sneakers

It’s time for a test run.

NORTIV 8 advertises the Cloud Walk as an athleisure sneaker suitable for road running, dog walking, gym going, bike commuting, or just wearing around town. I tried out a pair, and here’s what I found.

First, the basics. The Cloud Walk comes in three colors for men and six for women. Most are in the black/white/gray family, except for the women’s choices of pink and mint green-pink. I requested a pair in the striking and unusual mint green-pink color option. The shoes are pink in the front and ombre their way to mint green in the back, with matching green laces.

A pair of pink and mint green running shoes.
Photo by Teresa Bergen

At the gym, my trainer said it looked like I’d stepped in bubble gum. I interpreted this as a good thing; I’m not a fan of boring workout shoes. The sneakers also feature toes and heels reinforced with metallic thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film for added durability. It adds an aesthetically pleasing touch, making the toes glow like rose gold. People who avoid products with animal ingredients will be happy to know that the Cloud Walk sneakers are made from synthetic materials.

So, how do the Cloud Walk sneakers perform? The shoes manage to be pretty lightweight while remaining cushy and supportive. The midsole has more than an inch of shock absorption. They also have breathable mesh uppers and well-padded heels for those of us prone to heel striking. I took them running in the park on a rainy day, and they performed well as far as traction.

A pair of Nortiv8 Cloud Walk sneakers in black and blue.
Cloud Walk sneakers in the more restrained but still attractive black/blue combination. / Photo courtesy of Nortiv 8

NORTIV 8 describes itself as an outdoorsy brand making quality gear at a low price point. The U.S.-based company offers hiking boots, sneakers, military tactical boots, sandals, and water shoes, all at reasonable prices. At $45.99, the Cloud Walk is a lower-priced running shoe than many leading brands. For runners on a budget, NORTIV 8 is a brand to keep in mind. Plus, the company offers a student discount, making vegan-friendly running shoes even more accessible.

Nortiv 8 provided Outdoors Wire with a product sample for review.

Your essential running gear guide, from shoes to workout clothes

Gear up.

Take your running game to the next level. With the right gear, you can optimize your performance and make running more enjoyable. After all, running is always easier when you’re not getting blisters from bad shoes.

Still, it can be difficult to find gear that suits you. Do you need workout clothes with compression and support? Are your running shoes making you overpronate? Can’t find socks that feel comfortable? We get it. The running experience can be frustrating when you don’t have the right tools. Make it easier with this compilation of the best runner gear for all your needs.

Find everything from running shoes, workout clothes, socks, running belts, and more here.

A pair of running shoes and a pair of sneakers on a shore.

Running shoes

A pair of legs wearing black running socks and black running shoes.

Running socks

A runner in compression clothes stretching on the ground.

Workout clothes

A pair of feet in running socks and shoes.

Other running gear

Are Hoka running shoes worth the hype?

Find out here.

Hoka emerged in 2009 and hit U.S. stores a year later. It’s known for kicking off the maximal cushioning trend. This cushioning supposedly makes the shoes especially comfortable for long distances. They were originally designed in France for running down steep mountains like the Pyrenees, Dolomites, and Alps.

The brand’s full name is Hoka One One, which comes from the Maori language and means “to fly over the earth.” And people do seem to fly in their Hokas, judging from athletes like Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer winning many 100-mile races in the Hoka shoe named after him. Both trail and road racers favor Hokas. Most of the brand’s shoes cost between $125-$250. Not cheap, but in a normal range for high-quality running shoes.

According to the Hoka website, “HOKA was born out of the unwavering belief that if you ignored the doubters, brushed off the critics and poured your heart into a wild idea, it was possible to create a shoe that let people fly down mountains.”

While Hoka has a base of brand loyalists, it also has its doubters and haters. So, you may ask, are Hoka shoes worth it? Let’s discuss.

A red, gray, orange, and blue Hoka shoe.
Hoka Tecton X 2 Trail Running Shoe (Backcountry)

What people really think about Hoka shoes

“I have a love-hate relationship with them,” Chris Pruitt, certified personal trainer and CEO of Workout Healthy, said. He likens the cushioning of Hoka’s Speedgoat model to running on clouds. “So they’re extremely comfortable and great for those long runs. But durability? That’s where I’m torn. Sure, they’re comfortable, but they don’t always last as long as I’d like. I’ve noticed the initial cushioning gets less “cushiony” after about 3 months. But yes, I’m a fan of the comfort Hoka brings to the table, but I wish they’d hold up a bit better over time.”

Aashish Rrastogi, CEO of SportsUncle, agrees that Hokas are comfortable. “Hoka shoes are renowned for their exceptional cushioning, a boon for long-distance runners,” he said. “It helps in reducing impact stress on joints,” Rrastogi adds. “They offer excellent arch support and a comfortable fit to prevent foot fatigue during prolonged runs.” 

But he also shares Pruitt’s durability concerns. “In some models, the outsole may wear down faster than expected, especially for heavy runners or those running on rough terrain,” Rrastogi said. 

Rrastogi also diplomatically criticizes these shoes’ beauty. “Some runners might find the bulky appearance less appealing. The design, focused on function, sometimes overlooks fashion-forward elements.”

Are Hoka shoes right for you? Well, Rrastogi recommends them for runners seeking maximum cushioning and support, especially those prone to joint pains or recovering from injuries. Long-distance runners who need shoes that minimize impact over miles may also enjoy Hokas.

A green and blue Hoka shoe.
Hoka Tecton X 2 Trail Running Shoe (Backcountry)

Hoka haters

Some people unequivocally fall into the anti-Hoka camp. Joel Hereth, a marketing professional who raises money for charity by running his age in mileage every year on his birthday, is not a Hoka fan. 

“Hoka shoes in my opinion are overrated,” he said. “I’ve tried all the different running shoes and Hoka are one of the worst. They’re comfy for the first few miles, but if you’re doing any real distance training, they’re too heavy and will ultimately hurt your knees more than help.”

Hereth isn’t the only one to take issue with Hokas. One-star reviews on some of the brand’s shoes include complaints about discomfort and “rips in the fabric.”

A black, gray, yellow, and blue Hoka shoe.
Hoka Speedgoat 5 Trail Running Shoe (Backcountry)

Benefits for non-runners

In Oregon, Original Goat Yoga founder Lainey Morse has a different use for her Hokas. “I used to be a runner, but now I just do guided tours,” Morse explains. She switched from boots to Hokas due to blisters. “I have arthritis and I’m telling you….they are AMAZING! I haven’t had any problems since I switched.”

So, there you have it. You might be a runner who wants to race down a mountain with the massive cushioning of your Hoka Speedgoats. Or maybe you just want to walk with goats in comfort. Either way, these accounts should help you determine if Hoka shoes are right for you.

Last-minute Christmas gift ideas for all your outdoorsy friends

Grab some great gifts.

Whether you’re ready or not, the holiday season is here. Across the United States, people are putting up their festive decorations and bustling around the kitchen. Decorating the house and baking cookies aren’t the only items on your Christmas to-do list, though. Before December 25th arrives, you’ll need to lock down the perfect presents for all your loved ones. If you still need to find something for the hikers, bikers, and runners in your life, look no further. This guide has you covered with eight last-minute gift ideas for outdoorsy people. Explore the list below for recommendations on everything from running gear to gardening equipment.

Hikers on your holiday list? Give the gift of a new backpack.

Snag the perfect hiking pack.

If there’s a hiker on your holiday shopping list, have you taken a look at their favorite daypack lately? Hikers can become notoriously attached to a backpack — no matter how scruffy, smelly, and generally unsightly it may become over years on the trails. It might be time to stage an intervention in the form of gifting your hiking loved one with a fresh new daypack. Here are some of the hiking packs that rate the highest with happy customers. Once your giftee gets used to the idea, we’re sure they’ll appreciate well-functioning zippers, grit-free pockets, and that new backpack smell.

Find even more hiking gift ideas here.

8 winter coats that’ll make you feel like a big, toasty cinnamon bun

Stay comfy in the cold.

The last thing you want to do on a cold winter morning is get out of your warm bed. We get it. Even Homer Simpson gets it. And if you, like Homer, want to be as cozy as a big, toasty cinnamon bun this season, a good winter coat is a priority.

There are seemingly endless options to choose from when it comes to cold-weather clothing. Aisles full of parkas, jackets, and hoodies can easily overwhelm shoppers looking for a reliable winter coat. Outdoors Wire is here to take the frustration out of your search. Keep the toasty cinnamon bun vibes with you all winter long with these eight cozy winter coats.

Celebrate the National Park Service with these fabulous gifts

Find great park-themed presents.

In 1872, the United States became the first country to create a national park: Yellowstone. Over the next four decades, various government entities oversaw the country’s parks, monuments, and reserves, including the Departments of Agriculture, War, and the Interior. Then, in 1916, the National Park Service was born. It’s grown to be America’s favorite public agency. Now, the National Park System has 423 sites, 63 of which are full-fledged parks. The rest fall into categories like national monuments, seashores, trails, recreation areas, and historic sites.

Do you have a park lover on your holiday shopping list? These gift ideas will keep fond memories of hikes and views top of mind year-round.

Gardening gift ideas that are perfect for plant lovers

Find gifts for gardeners.

The holidays will be here before you know it. That means it’s time to start brainstorming present ideas. For your hiking buddies, a nice new daypack or thick socks can do the trick. For dad, you can’t go wrong with a cozy hammock or new camping gear And for your friend who recently got into birdwatching? Well, they’ll be delighted to unwrap a new pair of binoculars.

But what about the plant-loving gardeners in your life? Do you know what to get them? If the mere thought of figuring out which planters and trowels to buy sends you into a panic, this guide is for you. These 12 gardening gift ideas will help you find the right present for all of your green-thumbed loved ones.

Cycling gear to get for the biker on your gift list

Find gifts for the cyclist in your life.

Do you have cyclists on your holiday shopping list? Maybe they’re serious racers or people who bike commute daily, rain or shine. Whether your biking loved one likes to careen down mountain trails, crunch the gravel, or glide down paved roads, there’s always an accessory or two to make the ride more fun. Which makes them blessedly easy to shop for. Or maybe if they’ve been really, really nice, Santa will buy them a brand-new bike.

Here are this year’s top picks for holiday gifts for bike lovers. From affordable add-ons to top-end bicycles, this gift guide full of cycling gear has you covered.

‘All In!’ chronicles a 93-day SUP voyage across the ocean

Cross the ocean with Chris Bertish.

The evocative title of Chris Bertish’s books says a lot. When I read the title “All In!: The Atlantic Standup Paddle Crossing – 93 Days Alone at Sea,” I got an inkling of what I was in for. There would be weather, loneliness, waves, problems, and probably sharks. And, since Bertish obviously survived to write the book, inspiration. I was right! But it’s still worth reading the book for the stories and motivational tidbits.

The journey Bertish chronicles in “All In!” took place from December 2016 to March 2017, when he paddled more than 4,000 miles alone from Morocco to Antigua. He became the first person to ever stand-up paddleboard across an ocean. But Bertish was no stranger to firsts and awards. He was already a big wave surfing champ with multiple world records. When he’s not in the water, Bertish is addressing giant companies like Google, Coke, and Salesforce as a motivational speaker.

A man crossing the ocean on a SUP.
Photo by Brian Overfeld

While Bertish clearly has superhuman strength and a need to embrace challenges most of us would pay everything to avoid, he’s also driven by philanthropy. His grueling 93-day paddle raised over half a million dollars for Operation Smile. This global nonprofit provides free cleft palate surgery for children. Bertish also raised money to support ocean conservation initiatives.

Of course, the first question a reader probably has is, “How does a person cross an ocean on a SUP?” I can barely paddle my inflatable SUP across a small lake on a slightly windy day. But Bertish’s 20-foot craft, the Impifish, was named for Zulu warriors called Impis. This extra-long SUP had a tiny cabin that Bertish could curl up in to escape the elements. The SUP was tricked out with a ton of high-tech communication gear, including GPS, VHF radio, Echomax, an emergency position indicating radio beacon, and a satellite phone, to name just a few. Gearheads will love this book for the tech alone.

Bertish sitting on the side of his SUP with his legs in the ocean.
Photo by Alan van Gysen

While the book is full of exciting tales, it’s also a bit repetitive — just like 93 days of paddling would be. There’s a pattern of disaster followed by motivational insight, and repeat. Storm! Ah, survived. Great white shark! Ah, survived it. Crucial equipment malfunction! Survived again. You can see why all the big companies want Bertish to speak to them. The man doesn’t give up or take no for an answer. 

As he says at one point early in the book, “People will make up every possible excuse not to do something, or give you a whole laundry list of the reasons why they ‘can’t.’ You can always find plenty of reasons if you look for them, but instead you should be finding reasons why you ‘can.’ Focus on that and then find a way to accomplish it. If you believe you can’t you won’t, but if you believe you can, and you want it badly enough, you will always find a way. It’s that simple, period.”

The thing that irked me most about the book was an unsolved mystery. Before Bertish set out on the Impifish, some unidentified entity tried to prevent his SUP journey. Somebody sabotaged his car, messed with arrangements for his gear and food, and, most horribly of all, killed his cat. This still makes me sick to contemplate, especially since the mystery angle of the story was dropped. The reader never finds out who did these horrible things or why.

The paperback version of “All In” debuted in July. In line with Bertish’s conservation ideals, the book is printed on Forest Steward Certified paper. He also released a super limited edition eco series of only 13 copies. These 100% sustainable books are printed on 40% post-consumer recycled paper with soy and water-based inks. The binding features eco-cotton thread and non-toxic water-based glues. The book’s cover is, fittingly, made using recycled ocean plastics.

A man standing on a SUP with a flare in hand.
The victorious finish! / Photo by Brian Overfeld

Writer received a free copy of the book for review.