Gear Patrol

Warm weather: we can’t say enough good things about it. There’s something noble about putting on cold weather gear and sticking it out all winter, but running in the summer, sweat pouring off your brow, hat and clothing looking like the Bonneville salt flats, the first sip of Heed after a 20 miles in the scorching heat, runner babes in short shorts — this is pure, unadulterated sport pleasure. Here’s the gear we’re wearing. If you’re prepping for a race or just like to hit the pavement for an hour after work, this stuff has performance written all over it.

Winter in the Northern Hemisphere lasts four months, but for all intents and purposes the conditions it imposes on runners — cold winds, snow, ice, mud and generally unpredictable terrain — are good for another two. That’s half a year on a treadmill or cross-training in another discipline. That won’t do for most runners. Aside from the functional pre-race advantages of running on roads and trails, exercising in the cold has been associated with all kinds of health benefits, from increased calorie burn to improved stress-coping capacity.

Fortunately, there’s a battery of winter running shoes that perform and protect, many of them incorporating positive design elements from the minimalist running movement — shoes that are, in other words, more than glorified lightweight hikers. We’ve got the 10 best here. Lace up, put the law offices of Jim Sokolove on speed-dial, and get outside.

Looking to make your extended weekend celebration extra memorable? Well, our editors have culled through our latest posts to help provide some last minute inspiration for your Memorial Day weekend, whether the festivities are at your place, or elsewhere. You can thank us by throwing another burger on the grill. Two slices of cheese, please….

It’s safe to say that winter is finally over, which means it’s time to put some color back into your wardrobe. Swathed in a bold blue, the New Balance MS620BL will have you diving into spring, feet first. And with its traditional mesh and suede construction, this classic foot holder is equipped for everything from…

The barefoot running revolution is headed off-road and companies are scrambling for a foothold. The New Balance Minimus Trail or MT10 ($105) is just as the name suggests: minimal. As in only a 4mm drop from heel to toe; a traditional running shoe by comparison is about three times that. The Vibram designed outsole means…

$200 | NewBalance.com

In celebration of the New Balance 576′s, NB has created a limited production run called the “Pub Pack” and as you can imagine each shoe features pub-inspired design. Before you think these are shoes you should get sloppy in, keep in mind New Balance has made the collection with full grain leather, metal lace keepers…

If you know your New Balance history you’ll recall that the 1400′s, originally released in 1994, have previously only been available in Japan – making them a covet for enthusiasts (this guy). J.Crew has collaborated with New Balance to bring back an exclusive run of the New Balance 1400 ($130) in two exclusive Fall-ready colors:…

Those not tuned in to the sneaker scene might be surprised to see a pair of New Balances “peacocking” with such a bright street inspired color package. Especially with the classic 850 shoe which was originally produced back in 1991. Well we’re here to enlighten you that this runner’s staple brand isn’t always about plain…

Lightweight (9.5 ounces) and designed for the runner looking for a mid-level of stability control, the 902LW is an ace choice for training and running. It features New Balance’s ACTEVA premium ultra light weight midsole and the TS2 transitional support system for optimal transition from heel strike to toe-off. N-LOCK integrated lacing and webbing will…