Gear Patrol

In the age of smartphones and tablets, sports companies have scrambled to embrace technology as a new vehicle for pushing the limits of athletic performance. Even so, the Adidas Boost Running Shoe ($150) hopes to prove that re-thinking existing footwear construction still offers plenty of game-changing potential. Its padding stores and unleashes energy more efficiently than existing material.

Vibram’s middle-of-the-road FiveFingers minimalist footwear works well for runners in moderate environments, but if you’ve still got cold feet about running “barefoot”, you’re not alone: those who lodge in colder climes are justifiably apprehensive about taking to the streets with only thin rubber separating feet from frigid elements. The Lontra ($150) answers our wintry wishes…

The holidays are here again. Time for family, friends and wondering what to do when Grandma pulls that five-stick-o-butter apple pie hot and fresh from the oven. Finding ourselves wedged between the gorging holidays with New Year’s resolutions right around the corner, we’ve all hopefully considered some version of an exercise regimen. Personal trainers, however,…

Hot, humid conditions sap intensity and endurance precisely during those moments where your will to push on weakens. Polyester and other “breathable” fabrics passively wick away moisture to keep you from boiling over, but Columbia Omni-Freeze ZERO goes a step further by producing a cooling sensation when exposed to sweat and moisture. It’s made possible…

Nike likes its innovations. Case in point, the DWR Chambray Vapour Jacket (~$80). Performance-oriented runners with a penchant for a stylish fit in particular will want to pay attention. Originally designed as a lightweight, wind, and water-resistant outerwear, this contemporary incarnation bridges the gap between casual and sportswear, serving as either a swank, lightweight jacket,…

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for some new casual kicks for the summer, the Nike Rosche Run has you covered. They’re lightweight and breathable for logging those warm weather miles, but cushioned and protective to keep you straight and sturdy — equally important for pounding the pavement or kicking back a few…

In big news for minimalist footwear fans, Nike unveiled its new Flyknit technology at yesterday’s Nike Innovation Summit. Nike’s Flyknit shoes are precisely engineered to be formfitting, featherweight and void of any excess material. The single-layer upper support and tongue weigh an absurdly light 1.2 ounces, and the whole shoe clocks in at a mere…

If you’re a runner, cyclist, hiker or skier, you (hopefully) know how important it is to carry emergency contact and medical information. It’s also a good idea to carry some money in case you bank far from home or just if you want to get a mid-ride ice cream. The problem is, where do you…

GEAR PATROL SPONSORED POST In the last two years they’ve exploded onto the fitness scene. You’ve probably noticed them around town, at your local 10k, and running lightly on the treadmill at your gym. Who are “they”? They’re “barefoot” runners. This rapidly growing segment of running is pushing the boundaries on decades of accepted running …

We love a good mechanical watch, but when it comes to workouts, our obsession with analog craftsmanship takes a backseat to functionality. The Beat Workout Watch ($TBD) checks all the boxes of the ultimate exercise companion. Pairing a shoe based sensor with a chest strap heart rate monitor and a 16GB portable music player isn’t…

If you do any amount of running year-round, unless you live in milder climates or you choose to don your Gore-Tex lined Yeti running costume, the winter pushes you indoors and onto a treadmill to perform Hamster 2.0. ProForm aims to make this part of your fitness routine a more enjoyable experience with their Trailrunner…

So-called minimalist running has quickly developed a following among endorphin-addicts around the world for several reasons. Practically speaking, training with less padding has been shown to increase foot strength and muscle tone. The feeling of running nearly barefoot is also a major draw. To capitalize on this movement, Somnio has created the Nada to serve…

Casual runners not already betrothed to brands like Saucony, Asics, or Brooks, should take a long hard look at the Nike Air Max Tailwind+ 2, especially for those who lack inward motion in their gait (known as underpronation). Built with dual, low pressure Air-sole units in the heel and forefoot of the shoe, the Tailwind…

Being responsible, safe, and planning for contingencies aren’t always traits that we men are known for. Sometimes we just like to do, as though spontaneity were written into our genes. When it comes to running, I’m guilty of jetting out the door without taking the time to stretch or hydrate or, sometimes, even check the…

Recently, a friend (somehow) convinced me to train for and run a half marathon in April. What was I thinking? I’m a proponent of all things fitness but I’ve never considered myself an avid runner much less someone to run any marathon, half or full. But this is Gear Patrol after all, and anyone who…

When it comes to running shoes, many runners latch onto a particular brand. While Dusty happens to be a Brooks man, I, on the other hand, live by ASICS. As a cost-conscious individual, I usually get my new pair of Gel Kayano’s at the end of the season on closeout. So, when the opportunity came…

By Gear Patrol Reader Michael A. Salter: Men who run marathons typically fall into one of two groups: (1) very boring and serious or (2) prone to excess in life. This article is geared to those who want to get their friends to sign up for marathons and to clock decent race times. And, of…

CamelBak Elixir electrolyte tablets turns your water into a refreshing drink infused with electrolytes, vitamins and minerals your body needs during exercise. Essentially you’re turning your once water-carrying CamelBak into a portable sports drink fountain. Each self- dissolving effervescent tablet (12 per container) instantly turns 24 ounces of water into a 10 calorie, sugar-free drink…

How do you know when your vacation’s going to be interesting? Well, a good start is when they say it takes the first two days to become acclimated to the height of, oh, 13,000 feet above sea level. Then when you’re on to four days and three nights exploring the 28 mile Inca Trail running/hiking…