Whether you love running inside while watching your favorite TV show or refer to your exercise equipment as the “dreadmill,” treadmills are a fact of life for many runners. Maybe you live somewhere with treacherous ice, or you work on a ship, or your schedule allows no daylight hours for running. These are all cases where a treadmill can make the difference between training for your next racing event or skipping so many sessions that race day is disappointing.
If you’re looking for the best treadmill for marathon training, look no further. We asked a few experts for their treadmill training tips and to get their top picks in treadmills.
Treadmill training tips
One of the biggest drawbacks to treadmill training is monotony. “To avoid treadmill burnout, I’m diligent about programming speed intervals, hill repeats, tempo runs – anything to mix it up,” says Alanna Kate Derrick, running coach and personal trainer. “Upbeat playlists and streaming races help pass the time, too.”
Remember, running on a treadmill in your basement is only sort of like running a marathon. Derrick tries to make the conditions as similar as possible.
“On long run days, I’ll gear up with the same shoes, socks, fuel belt, and hydration pack I plan to use come race day,” she said. “The more I can replicate race conditions, the less anxiety I feel. At the end of the day, pounding pavement still brings me the most joy. But the convenience of a treadmill can’t be overstated. Having the ability to fit in miles regardless of my schedule or thunderstorms gives me confidence I’ll make it to the start line healthy and prepared.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
Just as beauty is subjectively in the eye of the beholder, the best shoe is on the foot of the runner. Most long-term runners have their go-to brands. For me, it’s usually Nike or Saucony. But what are other runners loving in 2024? This round-up of promising running shoes includes tried and true brands, plus one just entering the sneaker game. I called on a group of runners from Portland, Oregon, to weigh in on their favorite shoes. See what they had to say with this list of the year’s best running shoes, sneakers, and trainers.
Need some seriously good socks to pair with your shoes? Check out this list of the best running sock brands.
What’s the best running sock? That depends on what kind of running you do and your personal preferences. Some socks are barely there, while others are extra padded. Then there’s length. Trail runners might appreciate a longer sock as a barrier between dirt, brush, and bugs. Those prone to overheating might want a super short no-show pair.
Most experts agree on avoiding cotton socks. Cotton traps moisture against your skin, causing chills in winter and blisters in summer. Fortunately, our world is full of technical, synthetic materials that wick moisture. You can also try superior natural fibers like Merino wool.
We talked to different types of runners in Portland, Oregon, to get the lowdown on their current favorite socks. This is what they had to say.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
