Boxing Day deals for runners

The Saucony Ride 18 now features an updated PWRRUN+ foam in the midsole. This new foam is not only lighter, but it also offers improved cushioning as well as increased responsiveness. The result is a shoe that offers plenty of protection for long runs, while remaining light and sufficiently responsive during faster training. For those interested in numbers, Saucony has spec’d a 35-mm heel stack and a 27-mm forefoot stack, resulting in an 8-mm drop. These are somewhat conventional numbers (in a good way) and ensure the show will work for a very broad range of runners.

Moving to the outsole, Saucony has retained a very similar design compared to the previous version of this shoe, but has added more rubber to the forefoot and has also tweaked the lug pattern. These minor changes ensure even greater durability and somewhat improved wet-weather traction. Finally, the upper consists of an engineered mesh that is highly breathable, while also having sufficient stretch to easily conform to the shape of your foot.

If you are looking for a versatile, lightweight daily trainer that hits a sweet spot between cushioning and responsiveness, check out the Ride 18.

With its dual-cell, nitrogen-infused DNA-Tuned midsole, the Glycerin 22 provides a plush ride while still having enough bounce for faster-paced runs. Brooks achieves much of this balanced performance with its unique dual-sized cell midsole construction. The design uses larger cells in the heel for better cushioning, while smaller cells in the forefoot deliver efficient and responsive toe-offs. The Glycerin 22 retains a 10 mm drop (38 mm in the heel and 28 mm in the forefoot), a dimension that works for many runners and will be especially appreciated by heel strikers. For the upper, Brooks has employed a new double-jacquard air mesh textile, which offers a comfortable, foot-hugging fit while providing excellent ventilation when running in warm conditions. If you are a runner looking for a durable, well-cushioned yet responsive shoe for daily training, check out the Glycerin 22.

Runners seeking a plush ride, excellent durability and premium construction will appreciate the Adidas Ultraboost 5X. Looking at the midsole, Adidas specs its Light Boost TPU-based foam, which delivers exceptional plushness without sacrificing durability. In the midfoot, a Torsion System shank aids with stability and encourages a smooth transition through the stride.

Up top, adidas has used a premium, stretchy Primeknit upper that does an admirable job of hugging the runner’s foot. Number-wise, the Ultraboost 5X sports a 38-mm heel stack and 28 mm in the forefoot for a 10-mm drop. These are solid middle-of-the-road numbers that will work for many runners and particularly appeal to heel strikers. For the outsole, a large patch of Continental rubber ensures excellent grip and durability.

While these may not be the best choice for faster runners, if you are looking for a comfortable, durable, daily trainer with premium quality materials and construction, check out the Ultraboost 5X.

With its Fresh Foam X midsole compound, which now uses 3 per cent bio-based content, the 1080 v14 delivers the plush cushioning runners have come to expect from this neutral shoe. New Balance has employed some minor tweaks to the midsole geometry to provide a bit more stability without impeding the shoe’s bouncy and cushioned ride. The upper has also been updated with a new mesh that provides noticeably greater ventilation, which will be appreciated by runners training in warmer conditions. Things that have not changed are the shoe’s stack height and drop, which come in at 38 mm in the heel and 32 mm in the forefoot, for a 6 mm drop. These are solid numbers that provide predictable performance for many runners. Finally, the X 1080 v14 now sports even more NDurance rubber in high-wear outsole regions for improved durability. If you are looking for a plush neutral shoe for daily training, check out the 1080 v14 (and note, the shoe’s midsole is noticeably softer than the version that came after).

Apparel

Built with a shockingly soft synthetic fabric, the Dash 3.0 1/2 Zip is the perfect mid-layer for cold-weather running. Not only does the top provide additional warmth, but it also does an admirable job of wicking moisture, ensuring you remain dry and warm even on longer runs. In milder conditions, you can wear the top as an outer layer, eschewing the need for a shell jacket. Brooks has added thumbhole wrist cuffs that block out cold breezes and provide additional hand warmth, while the unique watch window on the left sleeve allows you to keep track of your workout without exposing your wrist to the cold conditions.

Utilizing New Balance’s HEAT technology fabric, the Athletics Heat Grid 1/2 Zip Top is ideal for running in cold weather. The unique recycled polyester with five percent spandex not only provides insulation but also wicks moisture, ensuring you remain warm, dry, and comfortable on your winter runs. The ½-zip closure simplifies getting dressed and allows for excellent ventilation if the temperatures increase. New Balance has also spec’d a small zippered chest pocket that provides additional storage for small essentials. This versatile long-sleeve top is perfect as a cosy outer layer in mild conditions or as an insulating mid-layer in colder weather.

As with other pieces in the Active Lined program, these shorts feature a unique stretch-woven exterior fabric and a merino wool and Tencel Lyocell blend liner. The combination ensures easy movement while minimizing the odour issues that frequently arise with some synthetic fabrics. The shorts’ 3” inseam is ideal for more competitive runners who want greater freedom of movement during races and fast workouts. Yet, unlike some more Spartan, purely race-oriented offerings, Smartwool has included a flattering drawcord-adjustable waistband, as well as a small drop-in pocket and a zippered pocket.

If you are looking for a highly breathable, wind and water-resistant shell, check out the Own The Run Jacket from Adidas. Constructed with a 70-percent recycled polyester fabric, the jacket is perfect for hard workouts where you need breathability without sacrificing wind and water resistance. Additional weather protection is provided by the jacket’s minimalist hood as well as the drawcord hem and elastic wrist cuffs. This is a great no-nonsense running jacket for less extreme conditions.

This stylish running top is packed with subtle design and construction features that make it perfect for indoor training or when the warmer spring and summer conditions finally arrive. Starting with the fabric, Smartwool employs its tried-and-true blend of merino wool and Tencel Lyocell. This fabric combination resists retaining odours while ensuring runners stay cool and comfortable.

Smartwool also adds targeted mesh zones that provide additional breathability and comfort as the temperature or pace increases. Finally, the tank’s overall design ensures easy movement for any run or workout.

Winter Accessories

Sure, the name of this hat may be hard to remember, but after using it once, you’ll never forget to take it with you on your winter runs. Constructed with Ciele’s COOlLmatic EXP DIAMAfleece lite fabric that contains embedded carbon yarn, the hat not only keeps you warm but also does a superb job of temperature regulation, ensuring you don’t overheat when you pick up the pace. Ciele has also spec’d cosy earflaps that provide additional protection if the temperature drops or the wind picks up. This is a great technical winter running hat for cold conditions.

Featuring Smartwool’s most sophisticated construction, these socks provide a superior fit as well as the additional warmth and comfort required during cold winter runs. Smartwool uses its Indestructawool technology for enhanced durability, while the crew height offers extra warmth around the ankle and lower leg. Targeted cushioning at the forefoot and heel improves during longer runs, while the strategically located mesh zones reduce overheating if temperatures rise.

With its highly packable brim and super-warm recycled polyester, the VLVBeanie is ideal for running in cold, windy conditions. The hat features unique wind-resistant earflaps with slots that can easily accommodate eyewear. Speaking of unique, the Diamafleece diamond grid in the body has embedded carbon that does an admirable job of temperature regulation, preventing overheating. This is a sophisticated winter running hat that will serve you well during the cold winter months.

If you spend even a portion of your winter running indoors on a treadmill, the Run Zero Cushion Low Ankle Socks may be perfect for you. The socks feature many of Smartwool’s proprietary construction technologies, including Indestructawool, 4 Degree elite fit system, Shred Shield and strategically positioned mesh zones, resulting in exceptional durability, fit and breathability. Where they deviate from other Smartwool offerings is with their Zero Cushion construction, which eliminates excess material underfoot, resulting in a sleeker fit and less warmth when you’re training indoors. The socks’ low ankle height also contributes to their airy feel, again making them ideal for warmer indoor and outdoor conditions.

Featuring a cosy fleece construction and touchscreen compatibility, The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves provide warmth when running, without requiring you to remove your gloves to access your phone. The North Face uses a unique Radiametric Articulation and their 5-Dimensional Fit, resulting in gloves that mirror your hands’ natural neutral position while avoiding the bulk of some less sophisticated construction methods. The addition of silicone dots provides a secure grip when answering your phone, while the multiple colour options allow you to co-ordinate your gloves with your outfit; there’s nothing wrong with looking good while you’re training.

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