running gear – Syndication Server

Let’s test out NORTIV 8’s Cloud Harmony Athleisure Sneakers

See how they run.

The Cloud Harmony Women’s Athleisure sneakers have a sleeker profile than the other NORTIV 8 shoe I tried out, the Cloud Walk. NORTIV 8 describes the Cloud Harmony as “tennis sneakers” and recommends them for walking, commuting, light workouts, running, and going to the gym. So, I treated the Cloud Harmony as more of an all-around shoe rather than a serious running shoe. Here’s how they held up.

I first tried out the Cloud Harmony at the gym. Less bulky than many running shoes, these sneakers were good for boot camp classes and activities like box jumps and agility ladders. For workouts like these, bigger shoes can become a tripping hazard. Thankfully, the Cloud Harmony sneakers keep you nimble while still providing enough cushioning for jumps.

A black and white sneaker. — *Photo courtesy of NORTIV 8*

How do they handle a run? For me, the shoes performed well on a four-mile park excursion, even with some wet pavement and a little mud. Still, the treads are a bit shallow, so these probably won’t be 400-mile shoes. On longer runs, I’d opt for something more substantial.

A pair of purple and pink sneakers. — *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

As for aesthetics, the Cloud Harmony comes in four colors: black, white, mint green, and purple. The latter two are good choices if you like a sneaker rainbow in your closet. The mint design has a purple heel and white sole. I have the purple design, which features a hot pink sole. Perfect for spring, as I feel like an Easter egg when I wear them.

Side and back views on a pair of mint, white, and purple sneakers. — *Photo courtesy of NORTIV 8*

Animal lovers will appreciate that this sneaker is made from all vegan materials. It uses an EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) midsole, a common midsole material. Mesh uppers let your feet breathe, and the rubber outsole helps these shoes grip the pavement. The Cloud Harmony also boasts a supportive insole and a reinforced heel for added protection and stability.

A purple and pink NORTIV 8 Cloud Harmony Athleisure Sneaker. — *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

NORTIV 8 is based in New Jersey and prides itself on making quality gear at reasonable prices. At $59.99, these sneakers aren’t super cheap, but they are less costly than many running brands.

Writer received a free sample from NORTIV 8 for review.

Reviewing Diadora’s new comfy, vegan running shoe

Here’s the rundown.

The new Mythos Blushield Volo 4 W 2030 is currently my favorite running shoe. When I first put them on, they felt cushier than my regular shoes and a bit too big. They also featured a wider toe box. For a minute, I was worried I might trip. But I didn’t. Instead, the shoes felt broken in immediately. No sore soles with these comfy shoes.

Diadora describes the Mythos Blushield Volo 4 W 2030 as “the ideal choice for quick sprints over short distances or extended low-intensity workouts.” See what goes into making these running shoes in the breakdown below, and research other shoe options in this gear guide.

A white running shoe. — *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

Materials

Mythos Blushield Volo 4 W 2030 is part of the Diadora 2030 project, a series of goals the company is working toward for a greener future. The shoe uses only vegan materials. The upper is made from recycled polyester mesh and virgin polyester. The midsole is 40% EVA, partially biosynthesized from by-products of sugar cane processing. The laces are 100% recycled polyester.

While I like to buy used clothing, I avoid used running shoes because of the worn-down treads. You can feel good about buying new shoes from a manufacturer working so hard to protect the environment.

A pair of white running shoes. — *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

Aesthetics and design

The women’s Mythos Blushield Volo 2030 comes in white with purple trim. The men’s is white with black and cayenne accents. I’m not a fan of white shoes, so I wish this design came in more colors. But aside from that, it’s a cute design. I especially like the diagonal stripe of cork inset and the angular purple zigzags around the laces.

You can tell the design team took their time plotting out every detail. The loop on the heel is handy for pulling the shoes on. The tongue is also noticeably thin.

White running shoes in a brown box. — *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

About Diadora

An Italian brand, Diadora was founded in 1948 with global headquarters in Caerano di San Marco in northern Italy. Diadora’s North American headquarters is in Philadelphia. While the company started as an artisan hiking boot brand, it now manufactures clothing, running shoes, accessories like visors, and even specialized pickleball shoes.

Bryan Poerner, CEO of Diadora USA, is a long-time vegan. But he doesn’t take credit for the brand using many sustainable and vegan materials. “In general, all companies are always going to look for sustainable alternatives when they make sense,” he said. “And we’re no different. The company is led by people who believe in that sort of thing. But I don’t think it’s an anomaly. I think it’s the way of the future.”

Writer received a free sample from Diadora 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.

Running shoes

Running socks

Workout clothes

Other running gear

Best Amazon Prime Day deals on running gear

Save $$$ with these Amazon Prime Day deals on running gear including shoes, apparel, tech and more.

Hit the ground running during Amazon Prime Day in 2023.

(No, really).

From July 11-12, Amazon Prime will hold its annual sale on items across the site. Included in those will be products that cover all your running and workout needs.

True runners know preparation goes well beyond just footwear. Not only will sneakers be discounted, but you can also expect deals on rehydration, jogging apparel, and plenty more items.

Run, don’t walk, to check out Amazon’s 2023 Prime Day deals on workout and running gear. But if you need an all-important warm-up before sprinting to these deals, check our list of some of Amazon’s best deals on running gear this year in the list below:

Spring running essentials 2023: Everything you need to start running outdoors… again

Celebrate the start of spring with our list of best running gear. From compression shorts to running shoes, we’ve got you covered.

At long last, spring is here. The weather is getting warmer, the flowers are finally blooming, and it’s time for your outdoor running program to begin again.

No matter if you’re a successful sprinter, journeyman jogger, or have been dreading this moment for months, FTW has all the gear you need in order to make the most of the spring season.

Everybody knows the importance of good running shoes, but don’t forget about other important elements of a successful run including comfort, flexibility, and recovery.

Whether it’s your first time jogging or you’re in it for the literal long run, we’ve got you covered with running essentials your outdoor season.

Here’s your guide to the best gifts for runners this year

Find the best sneakers, socks, and more for your favorite runner.

Do you have folks on your gift list who get up at the crack of dawn to go for a run, even on holidays? Do they brave the wind, rain, and dark winter mornings? Dedicated outdoorsy people like that love gear. Whether your beloved runner is hitting forested trails or county roads, dodging urban traffic or trotting down a deserted beach, every step is slowly wearing down their shoes, socks, and other running threads. It’s time to buy them more. Here are some of this year’s best gifts for runners. These picks will put a smile on their face before they lace up their sneakers and run out the door again.

Running belts that will hold your phone, water bottle, and more

You can run if you want to, you can leave it all behind — but you don’t have to.

One of the most vexing questions for runners is where to put all their stuff. What if they need to stop for a coffee? They need money. For long runs, they’ll need sustenance like a granola bar or gel packs. And what about the constant need to carry a phone, whether for race selfies or emergency calls? You can only fit so much in the pockets of skin-tight running clothes. And so the running belt was invented.

Please don’t call it a fanny pack. The best running belts fit snugly around your waist, hold all your essentials, and are comfortable enough for you to forget they’re there. Peruse these 10 options that fulfill all those requirements and more.