Black Friday deals on running shoes and apparel

Fans of the Kinvara line will appreciate that the 16th iteration of this shoe remains true to its heritage. The Kinvara 16 retains its plush cushioning as well as its much-admired low weight and responsive ride. Saucony uses its upgraded PWRRUN foam for the midsole, ensuring the Kinvara 16 delivers a bouncier ride and improved durability. The engineered mesh upper has larger perforations, resulting in improved breathability in warm conditions, while the 3D-moulded heel cup provides a locked-in fit.

For the outsole, Saucony continues to use two minimalist rubber pads, one at the toe and the other at the heel. The design ensures low weight, but at the cost of some long-term durability. This minor trade-off, however, is easily accepted when you consider the Kinvara’s versatile performance. If you want numbers, then consider that the Kinvara 16 clocks in with a 29-mm heel stack and a 25-mm forefoot stack, resulting in a 4-mm drop.

These specs have been used in previous Kinvara models, which should help reassure fans that they will experience the same snappy performance they’ve come to expect from the Kinvara line.

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.

Runners seeking a lightweight and responsive daily trainer with a more traditional stack height and drop will appreciate the Adidas Supernova Rise 2. Starting with the midsole, Adidas has employed its Dreamstrike+ super foam (PEBA) that delivers exceptional cushioning and energy return. Additionally, Adidas has added its Support Rods technology, which ensures a smooth and efficient heel-to-toe transition. Up top, the Supernova Rise 2 sports an updated upper that is lighter, more breathable and provides a secure and comfortable fit.

Circling back to the shoe’s stack and drop numbers, the Supernova Rise 2 comes in with a 36-mm heel stack and a 26-mm forefoot stack, resulting in a 10-mm drop. These were pretty typical dimensions a few years back, before the introduction of max-cushioning shoes, and they will be welcome by anyone who wants more shoes with more traditional proportions. (Heel strikers in particular will appreciate the high drop.)

Underfoot, Adidas has spec’d a generous swath of durable Adiwear rubber in the heel and forefoot, while a layer of translucent rubber covers the midfoot. Finally, even at regular pricing, this is an exceptional shoe that delivers performance well above its price point; the current deals make it even more compelling.

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 dual-cell, nitrogen-infused foam midsole, the Glycerin Max offers exceptional cushioning without sacrificing the responsiveness needed when you pick up the pace. The shoe achieves these seemingly conflicting qualities through its unique dual-sized cell construction in the midsole. Larger cells are used in the heel for better cushioning, while smaller cells in the forefoot provide surprisingly responsive toe-offs. The addition of a Brooks GlideRoll Rocker geometry enhances the overall responsive feel by promoting smooth and quick transitions.

For the upper, Brooks has used a proven engineered triple jacquard textile that securely hugs your foot while allowing excellent breathability. As expected in a maximalist shoe, the Glycerin Max features a very generous 45.25-mm heel stack and a 39.25-mm forefoot stack, resulting in a 6 mm drop. If you’re in the market for a maximalist training shoe that doesn’t sacrifice responsiveness, check out the Glycerin Max.

Runners seeking stability without compromising cushioning and responsiveness will appreciate the new Guide 18. For the midsole, Saucony has speced its PWRRUN foam, which delivers a nice balance of cushioning and responsiveness. Stability is now looked after by Saucony’s Center Path technology, which provides support without the use of traditional medial posts.

From a numbers perspective, the Guide 18 comes in with a 36-mm heel stack and 29 mm in the forefoot, resulting in a very reasonable 6-mm drop. Up top, Saucony employs a secure upper textile that delivers exceptional breathability and comfort. Finally, the shoe’s XT-900 carbon rubber outsole delivers plenty of durability without unnecessary weight.

As running shoes continue to evolve and become more expensive, it’s good to see companies like Asics are still producing affordable shoes that deliver exceptional performance at more accessible price points. The Asics GT-2000 13 epitomizes this sometimes difficult-to-achieve ideal. Built with a FF Blast+ midsole, rearfoot PureGEL cushioning and Asics’ 3D Guidance System, the GT-2000 13 provides the perfect combination of comfort, stability and durability that runners demand in a daily trainer. Heel strikers will also appreciate the shoe’s 8-mm drop, as well as the outsoles’ AHAR Plus heel rubber, which ensures excellent long-term durability.

Up top, Asics has speced a jacquard mesh upper that hugs your foot while providing excellent breathability. If you are looking for a stability-oriented daily trainer that won’t break the bank, look no further. Heck, at this price, get two pairs!

With its lightweight, nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 midsole, the Adrenaline GTS 24 provides a responsive ride without compromising the plush cushioning and stability that runners have come to expect from this shoe.

Brooks employs its unique GuideRails support system, which provides just enough medial stability without feeling intrusive. From a numbers perspective, the Adrenaline GTS 24 clocks in with a 36-mm heel and 24-mm forefoot stack, resulting in a 12-mm drop. The result is a shoe that will clearly appeal to heel strikers and provide plenty of cushioning and protection during longer runs. Up top, Brooks has used a plush engineered air mesh upper that easily conforms to your foot and delivers excellent breathability.

Finally, underfoot, Brooks has used its long-lasting RoadTack rubber outsole, which has been sculpted to allow for a natural gait while retaining durability in high-wear areas. This is a great daily trainer for runners seeking additional stability without sacrificing comfort.

If you are looking for a plush, highly cushioned stability shoe, you need to check out the Hurricane 24. Built with a unique dual-cushioning midsole that features soft PWRRUN PB foam surrounded by a firmer layer of PWRRUN foam, the Hurricane 24 delivers a wonderful blend of cushioning and stability. This construction also avoids the somewhat obtrusive traditional medial post found in more conventional stability shoes.

From a numbers perspective, the Hurricane 24 is clearly a max-cushion shoe; it has a 38-mm heel stack, 32-mm forefoot stack, and a 6-mm drop. In other words, very tried-and-true dimensions. Looking at the upper, Saucony has spec’d a durable and highly breathable engineered mesh that does an admirable job of hugging your foot. Finally, carefully placed rubber outsole pads provide excellent durability and traction, while avoiding excess weight.

If you want solid traction and protection on challenging trails, the Peregrine 15 may be the shoe for you. Constructed with a softer blend of Saucony’s PWRRUN foam for the midsole, and featuring a forefoot rock plate, the Peregrine 15 provides the ideal blend of cushioning and protection on uneven ground. With the Peregrine 15, Saucony has reworked the upper for a better overall fit, greater durability, and improved resistance to debris.

Underneath, the Peregrine 15 sports a grippy PWRTRAC outsole with 5-mm lugs that ensure solid traction even in sloppy conditions. Unlike some more maximal trail shoes, the Peregrine 15 sports a more conventional 28-mm heel stack and a 24-mm forefoot height, resulting in 4 mm of drop. The dimensions provide proven performance in a variety of conditions, making this a top choice for many trail runners.

With its bouncy PWRRUN PB midsole and PWRRUN Frame, the Xodus Ultra 4 provides exceptional cushioning and energy return that all trail runners will appreciate. The shoe sports a 36-mm heel stack, 30-mm forefoot stack, and 6-mm drop. These numbers push the Xodus Ultra 4 into the max-cushion category, and yet the shoe still manages to retain the nimbleness required for running on challenging terrain. Up top, Saucony has speced a high-strength engineered mesh textile that offers solid breathability and a foot-conforming fit.

The upper is strategically reinforced for additional abrasion resistance and does an admirable job of keeping out rocks and debris. Underfoot, Saucony has chosen a Vibram Megagrip outsole that features 4-mm deep lugs. The result is exceptional and predictable traction in a variety of trail conditions. If you are looking for a bouncy and responsive trail shoe with excellent traction, check out the Xodus Ultra 4.

If you are looking to stack the odds in your favour on race or just want to get the most from your regular training, check out the Blonyx Beet It Sport Nitrate 400 supplement. Each serving consists of 400 mg of natural dietary nitrate (derived from concentrated beet juice), which, when taken as directed, will improve muscle efficiency. This increased efficiency allows runners to maintain higher intensity training or racing speeds, resulting in improved overall performance. So, if you frequently include interval training in your running program and want to see improvements, or if you want to achieve a PB on race day, check out the Beet It Sport Nitrate 400 supplement.

For a limited time, Blonyx is offering a Buy-2-Get-1-Free program. Simply purchase two boxes of Beet It Sport Nitrate 400 (15 shots per box) and use the code B2G1 at checkout to receive a third box for free.

Constructed with an ultralight ripstop fabric that’s backed with a waterproof and breathable membrane, the Bonatti Waterproof is the perfect piece of kit for running in windy and wet conditions. The jacket’s low weight and built-in stretch ensure it won’t slow you down during more intense workouts, while the reflective details provide additional visibility when running in low-light conditions. Throw in a minimalist hood design, back vents and waterproof zippers, and you have a great just-in-case jacket for rainy and windy conditions.

The Contest 2.0 Long Sleeve Tee is a versatile top that can be worn on its own in milder conditions or used as a base layer when the temperature starts to plunge. Constructed with a technical polyester fabric that contains 56 per cent recycled content, the Contest 2.0 Long Sleeve Tee does an admirable job of wicking moisture, ensuring you remain dry and comfortable regardless of the temperature. The top also features a low-profile bonded collar that reduces the risk of chafing, while the addition of reflective details ensures you remain visible when running in low-light conditions. If you are looking for a lightweight, highly breathable, and moisture-wicking long-sleeve top, check out the Contest 2.0 Long Sleeve Tee.

Canadian runners: please note that all Gorewear prices, including shipping costs, are in U.S. dollars (so you need to factor in the exchange rate). Also, there may be additional taxes and duties at the border.

With its relaxed fit and sophisticated moisture-wicking fabric, the Everyday Long Sleeve Shirt is perfect for any running adventure. Gorewear has speced a technical polyester fabric (with 82 per cent recycled content) that features a unique 3D mini-waffle structure on the inside to prevent the shirt from clinging to your body during hard efforts. Carefully positions seams to minimize chafing and reflective logos for low light visibility, round out the features on this sophisticated running shirt.

Canadian runners: please note that all Gorewear prices, including shipping costs, are in U.S. dollars (so you need to factor in the exchange rate). Also, there may be additional taxes and duties at the border.

When the temperature and humidity increase, reach for Smartwool’s Active Mesh High Neck. This stylish running top is packed with subtle design and construction features that make it perfect for spring and summer running. 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 in warm conditions.

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 while maintaining an appropriate level of modesty.

Whether you spend all your spare time running or, like many runners, prefer to add traditional gym workouts to your training, Smartwool’s Active Lined Shorts have got you covered. Constructed with a unique stretch-woven exterior fabric and a merino wool and Tencel Lyocell blend liner, the Active Lined Shorts deliver exceptional comfort and easy movement, whether you’re logging training miles on the road or lifting weights in the gym. This savvy fabric construction also avoids retaining odours (thank you, merino wool) and the Lyocell fibres help keep you cool in warm conditions. Available in a 7” inseam, the shorts feature an adjustable drawcord waist, a zippered pocket and two hand pockets for small essentials.

Constructed with a unique stretch-woven exterior fabric and a merino wool and Tencel Lyocell blend liner, the Active Lined Shorts deliver exceptional comfort and easy movement. This savvy fabric construction also avoids retaining odours (thank you, merino wool), and the Lyocell fibres help keep you cool in warm conditions. The women’s version features a modest four-inch inseam that won’t restrict movement, while the adjustable drawcord waist provides a secure and comfortable fit. Finally, a small zippered pocket is perfectly sized for small essentials.

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.

With its sophisticated construction, the Sense Aero Cap is ideal for sunny running conditions. Salomon uses light, stretch-woven fabric panels and highly breathable 4-way stretch Aerotech open-weave top and side panels, resulting in a secure, head-conforming fit. The addition of a simple elastic band adjustment system ensures the cap will stay in place, even in windy conditions. Finally, the perfectly sized brim does an admirable job of protecting your eyes and face from the sun’s harsh rays.

Whether you’re lounging around the house after a run or just need a bit more warmth when running errands around town, the Salomon Logo Hooded Sweatshirt has got you covered. Constructed with a heavyweight organic cotton fleece and sporting a bold Salomon logo on the front, this running-inspired hoody provides cozy, casual warmth during cooler weather.

Looking for a comfortable t-shirt for daily wear? Check out the Salomon Logo T-shirt. Constructed with a soft organic cotton fabric and emblazoned with a Salomon logo across the chest, the Logo T-Shirt is ideal for post-run lounging or hanging out at less formal events.

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