NAMA
M1 Plant-Based Milk Maker

The Nama M1 Plant-Based Milk Maker delivers barista-quality milk that’s thick, creamy, and grit-free. Its two-step blending and straining process extracts maximum flavor—no soaking required—and the self-cleaning feature makes cleanup quick, easy, and convenient.

$100 CAD
www.namawell.com

Breville
The Smart Oven Air Fryer Compact

Power up your meals with the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Compact. This countertop oven offers 10 smart functions including crispy reheat, roast, and so much more. It’s perfect for healthy, high-protein cooking without the fuss. Plus, enjoy the confidence of cooking with its companion app, Breville+.

$369.99 CAD 
www.breville.ca

Breville
The Juice Fountain Cold XL

Boost your recovery with the Breville Juice Fountain Cold XL. This powerful juicer delivers fresh, nutrient-rich juice in seconds—perfect for your active lifestyle. Now available in the Accents Range: Brass Collection, including Damson Blue Brass, Sea Salt Brass, and Olive Tapenade Brass.

$499.99 CAD
www.breville.ca

Cuisinart
FastFreeze Ice Cream Maker

The Cuisinart FastFreeze Ice Cream Maker transforms simple ingredients into frozen favourites in under five minutes. With five built-in modes, it’s easy to create ice cream, sorbet, milkshakes, slushies, and your own custom mix-ins. Just chill your mixture, choose a setting, and press to churn—then serve up smooth, scoopable perfection everyone will love.

$179.99 CAD
www.cuisinart.ca

Vitamix
Ascent X5 Series

The Ascent X Series is Vitamix’s premium blender line. Its reimagined design combines an intuitive touch interface with a sophisticated, timeless look that feels at home in any home. It features a 1.4-litre container, an automatic self-cleaning program, and ten blending programs (smoothies, frozen desserts, soups, frozen cocktails, dips & spreads, smoothie bowls, frappés, nut butters, non-dairy milks, and spice griding).

$1099 CAD
www.vitamix.com

SMEG
Storm Blue Collection

Storm Blue captures the essence of sky and sea. This intense blue reflects both the strength of nature and the serenity that comes from its contemplation, bringing a touch of that authentic beauty into your home and creating a space that inspires calm and introspection.

$329 CAD 2-Slice Toaster | $329 CAD Electric Kettle | $349 10-Cup Drip Coffee
www.smegshop.ca

SMEG
Soda Maker

Unleash your craving for effervescence with the Water Gasifier. Designed to combine innovative functionality and distinctive design, making sparkling water is a simple, intuitive and refined gesture thanks to the uniqueness of its front knob. Requires no electricity—convenient to place anywhere.

$249 CAD
www.smegshop.ca

You may also like: Premium Must Haves for the Plant-Based Kitchen

Read This Story in Our 2025 Summer Outdoor Travel Issue
IMPACT Magazine Summer Outdoor Travel Issue 2025 featuring Shanda Hill, a Canadian Ultra Triathlete who is redefining the sport. Run on some epic trails in our own backyard or join a run club. Eat your way for Mental Clarity, fueling while travelling, seasonal eating and some kitchen must haves. Become strong and fit in only 20 minutes a day, and enjoy some tasty drinks guilt free and so much more.

FlyWithWine – Protect your wine

This innovative suitcase is designed with wine on your mind! Whether you’re going away for a long weekend or coming back from a winery, you’ll love knowing that your favorite bottles of wine are along for the ride — and safe from breakage. The VinGardeValise by FlyWithWine is a line of tough suitcases designed with dense foam inserts to cradle and protect wine bottles.
5/5 IMPACT STARS

$399.99 CAD
www.flywithwine.ca

The InFizz Fusion by Breville

Beat the heat with some bubbly wherever you go! With easy operation without the need for power or batteries, change the way you drink your favourite beverages. Carbonate juice, tea, cocktails, wine, water and even re-fizz sodas!
5/5 IMPACT STARS

$349.99 CAD 
www.breville.ca

YETI Roadie 15 Hard Cooler

This is the most compact cooler in the YETI lineup. It’s small, but a mighty version of the classic Roadie Family and still packs all your favourite essentials, cans, and wine bottles.
Don’t let the size fool you! This portable cooler is made with RockSolid Strength meaning it’s armoured to the core and virtually indestructible.
The same insulation and thick walls that keep the cooler cold, can also be used to keep the heat, meaning you can use it for hot or cold items.
5/5 IMPACT STARS

$300 CAD
www.yeti.com

The Foldie – Travel Made Easy

Discover the convenience of The Foldie, a foldable, spacious, and airline-friendly travel bag. Lightweight yet durable, it unfolds to meet all your packing needs, featuring a leak-proof wet pocket among its nine smart compartments. Available in 13 colors, with versatile straps and dual water bottle holders, it’s ideal for any adventure. Simplify your travel with The Foldie.
For a limited time, enjoy an exclusive buy one, get one free deal!

From $69.95 CAD
www.the-foldie.com

Vitamix Immersion Blender Bundle

Take advantage of enjoying fresh fruit and veggies on your next trip with this small but powerful blender. Enjoy the convenience of blending all your favourite recipes in your favourite container with a 7.62 cm wide (or larger) opening – perfect for a 1-quart wide-mouth Mason jar. The bundle comes with a mini-chopper attachment, whisk attachment, immersion station, blending jar and storage case.
5/5 IMPACT STARS

$369.95 CAD
www.vitamix.com

You may also like: Travel Features

Read This Story in Our 2024 Summer Outdoor & Travel Issue
Featuring Canadian Taekwondo Olympian, Skylar Park. Must-visit adventure destinations across Canada. Your best trail running season ever with FAQs and threshold training plans. How (and why) gravel biking can rule your summer. Essential preparation to stay injury-free during hikes. Zero-waste your hiking and camping trips like a pro. Treat yourself with a Rustic Strawberry Chocolate Tart or Dairy-Free Vanilla Ice Cream, and so much more.

Arc’teryx

arcteryx.com/ca/en/

Columbia

www.columbiasportswear.ca

Helly Hansen 

www.hellyhansen.com/en_ca/

Knix

https://knix.ca

MEC

www.mec.ca/en

On

www.on-running.com/en-ca/

Puma

Men’s SEASONS Lightweight Packable Trail Run Jacket $180
Men’s Run Favourite Heather SS Tee $40
Men’s Run ULTRAWEAVE 2IN1 Short $80
Men’s Explore NITRO mid GTX $230

puma.com/ca/en

SmartWool

smartwool.ca/en/

Under Armour 

www.underarmour.ca/en-ca/

Yummie

Tanya Bralette $50.54
2-Way Tank $50.54
Mel Biker with Pockets $45.22
Short Sleeve Bodysuit $58.52

www.yummie.com

Photography by Katy Whitt

You may also like: Gear

Breville Barista Touch Impress

The Barista Touch Impress is the first espresso machine of its kind with plant-based milk functionality. Reflecting the growing change in how consumers enjoy their coffee, the new hands-free AutoMilQ function calibrates milk texturing settings specifically for oat, almond, soy and dairy, delivering silky smooth microfoam essential for latte art.

$2,199.99 CAD
www.Breville.ca

Cuisinart 8-Piece Copper Hand Hammered Stainless Steel Cookware Set

This five-ply cookware with a hammered exterior and pure aluminum core ensures high-quality, durable cooking results. Its Heat Surround Technology evenly distributes heat, while the riveted handles enhance grip. Suitable for stovetop, oven, and broiler use, it’s oven-safe up to 500°F (260°C).

$1,299.99 CAD
www.cuisinart.ca

Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe

The Griddler Deluxe is a versatile 1800-watt grill with six cooking options. Its dual-zone temperature control and reversible grill/griddle plates offer ultimate control. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it features a SearBlast function and dishwasher-safe accessories for easy cleaning. “DELUXE” is an understatement!

$269.99 CAD
www.cuisinart.ca

Cuisinart Deluxe Microwave with Sensor Cook & Inverter Technology

The Cuisinart  Deluxe Microwave Oven, a generously sized 1.1 cubic foot model, boasts new features and robust power. With a Sensor Cook feature that auto-adjusts time and power, an innovative Inverter Technology for quiet, even, and speedy cooking, and 11 power levels, it adds unparalleled versatility to any kitchen countertop.

$449.99 CAD
www.cuisinart.ca

Cuisipro Deluxe Food Mill

Experience culinary excellence with the Cuisipro Deluxe Food Mill. This essential kitchen tool effortlessly transforms fruits and vegetables into silky purees and sauces. With its three interchangeable discs, you can achieve various textures to suit your recipes. Crafted with durable stainless steel, this mill ensures long-lasting performance.

$149 CAD
www.cuisipro.com

Ninja 12-in-1 Double Oven 

The new Ninja 12-in-1 Double Oven eases multitasking, allowing users to streamline meal planning and preparation while reclaiming valuable space and time. With FlexDoor, you can create 2 meals, 2 ways in the top and bottom ovens and the FlavourSeal Technology prevents smells from crossing between ovens, so your flavours stay separate.

$379.99 CAD
www.ninjakitchen.ca

Vitamix Ascent® Series A3500 Gourmet SmartPrep Kitchen System

Vitamix’s top-of-the-line blender and Food Processor Attachment are now available in one convenient package. Use the Food Processor Attachment to speed through tedious food prep tasks, while the standard blending container makes everything from smoothies to soup to nut butter.

$1,229.95 CAD
www.vitamix.com 

Read This Story in Our 2023 Summer Outdoor & Travel Issue
Featuring Alison Jackson, Canadian cyclist and only North American male or female to win the famed Paris Roubaix. Travel the country’s most stunning hot spots by campervan. Become a better trail running by improving your ascents and descents—plus, train outdoors with Canada’s Top Fitness Trainers. Enjoy plant-based summer recipes and so much more. 

Consider the ‘Drop’
This is the difference between the heel and the forefoot measurements, or in other words, how much your toes ‘drop’ below your heel. Why is this important? Because a higher drop can lead to more heel striking and also transfers some strain away from the lower leg and up towards the knee. A lower drop will shift the load further down to your calf. Check with an expert, choose what feels comfortable to you and take into account your running mechanics and history of injuries.

Check out our 2022 Trail Shoe Review!

adidas
TERREX Agravic Flow 2

5/5 Stars | Men | 10.5 oz | 8 mm Drop | $180
www.adidas.ca

The Agravic Flow 2 is a surprising combination of light and sturdy while paying attention to the planet you are bounding over. You can pat yourself on the back for cruising in a shoe made with recycled materials, whose upper features at least 50 per cent recycled content. It handles sharp exposed ridges, fast steep turns, root ripping and forest bounding with equal ease. The mesh upper is supportive and breathable so that you’ll always have a comfortable, cool, dry foot strike. Sturdy enough to put in piles of miles, this is my favourite this season. 

PETE ESTABROOKS, Calgary, AB – One of Canada’s foremost fitness experts, ultrarunner and coach, is happiest when running in the mountains.

adidas
TERREX Agravic Flow 2

4.5/5 Stars | Women | 10.58 oz | 8 mm Drop | $180
www.adidas.ca

I was skeptical of this shoe at first because it is stiff and hefty with a high, rigid heel collar. However, I tested it while orienteering off-trail, and it felt fantastic on the lumpy, uneven ground. I was confident with each foot landing and felt stable as I ran. The toe box was particularly roomy, and I liked the 8 mm drop. While I won’t lace these up for any racing, they will be my go-to training and orienteering shoe. Perfect for those who worry about twisting an ankle on rough terrain. 

NICKI REHN, Calgary, AB – ultramarathon runner, orienteer and adventurer who loves to travel the world doing crazy races, disappear deep into the mountains, and rip up the local single-track.

Altra
Outroad

4.5/5 Stars | Men | 10.68 oz | 0 mm Drop | $180
www.altrarunning.com

These new shoes from Altra offer an excellent choice for mellow terrain: something of a balance between trail and road running. The Outroad offer maximal comfort on easy terrain. They were superb underfoot running on gentle trails in the woods of central Alberta. The shoes have generous padding, flexibility and wide midsole alongside Altra’s typical wide toe box. As is Altra’s approach, the Outroad have a 0 mm drop. I thoroughly enjoyed training in the Outroad. 

IAN MACNAIRN, Calgary, AB – Trail runner, guy with a PhD in ultrarunning community.

Altra
Outroad

4/5 Stars | Women | 8.8 oz | 0 mm Drop | $180
www.altrarunning.com

These shoes are very comfortable to run in on both road and trail.  The toe box is slightly smaller than other Altra models and the heel is secure. Unfortunately, the soft foam that makes for a comfortable ride does not provide adequate protection on rocky trails. I bruised my heel on more than one occasion. The lugs also do not grip well on clay-based mud, but the grip is much better on loamy soil. I’d recommend these shoes for non-technical dirt trails. 

JOANNA FORD, Calgary, AB – Ultramarathon runner with a passion for running long distances in the mountains.

ARC’TERYX
Men’s Norvan LD 3

4/5 Stars | Men | 10 oz | 6 mm Drop | $185
www.arcteryx.com

This long-distance trail shoe is perfect for serious adventures. The Vibram MEGAGRIP works well on all trails and tarmac. They are lightweight and feel great on foot but tend to be a little stiff. The wide toe box serves those longer runs with amazing engineering for durability, but I would likely choose a half size larger. They are stable, have great grip and look great. The lacing system and tongue provided a secure and comfortable fit with no issues on super steep slopes. This is a serious mountain shoe for running and speed hiking. 

CAL ZARYSKI, Calgary, AB – Professional active lifestyle coach, 9x World XTERRA Triathlon Champion, 3x Triathlon Canada Coach of the Year, 3x Alberta Triathlon Coach of the Year.

ARC’TERYX
Women’s Norvan LD 3

5/5 Stars | Women | 9 oz | 6 mm Drop | $185
www.adidas.ca

Designed for long distances, Arc’teryx made this shoe comfortable and durable. I loved how breathable and streamlined the CORDURA upper felt. The Norvan LD 3 felt light and plush on descents and ascents. The durable outsole was aggressive with 4 mm Vibram MEGAGRIP lugs and a good bite on rocky and technical terrain. The Norvan LD 3 felt responsive on technical trails and short stints on the road. An excellent trail shoe for technical and urban trails. 

EMILY SETLACK, Trenton, ON – Canadian marathoner and mountain runner.

ASICS
FUJI LITETM 2

4.5/5 Stars | Men | 9 oz | 4 mm Drop | $150
www.asics.com

The Fuji Lite has a new FlyteFoamTM midsole made with recycled materials, providing lightweight shock absorption that propels you forward through the trails. It has exceptional grip with the ASICSGRIPTM outsole and a unique tread pattern. The upper is equipped with a lace garage to keep your laces tucked in. This is a versatile, lightweight shoe designed for a variety of trail surfaces and would be an excellent choice for shorter trail races.

BLAINE PENNY, Calgary, AB – Competitive masters runner with notable accomplishments consisting of a marathon PB 2:28, 3x Canadian Ultramarathon Champion, 6x Guinness World Record holder and winner of the 2015 Wings for Life run (North American).

ASICS
FUJISPEED

3.5/5 Stars | Women | 7.3 oz | 4 mm Drop | $150
www.asics.com

Right out of the box this is a stunning, lightweight trail runner. It is built for faster trail runs, with ample cushioning and a focus on the materials and grip remaining light but durable. The laces are comfortable, stay done up, and have a fantastic lace garage on the tongue. I would recommend going up a half size as they run a bit small and are on the narrow side. 

RACHAEL MCINTOSH, Calgary, AB – Retired Team Canada Track and Field athlete turned recreational road and trail runner.

BROOKS
Caldera 6

4/5 Stars | Men | 11.3 oz | 6 mm Drop | $190
www.brooksrunning.com

The Brooks Caldera 6 is the latest iteration of the Brooks vision for trail maximalism! This shoe did not disappoint. It looks huge out of the box, but on my feet on a smooth groomed trail, it did not feel at all clumsy, and the ride was springy, with a much nimbler feel than I was expecting. The midsole foam is a winner if you are looking for all-day trail comfort. Despite a less aggressive outsole, I didn’t have any issues with grip. The nice wide toe box will keep your toes comfy. Overall, highly recommended. 

ANDY REED, Canmore, AB – Sport medicine physician, mountain ultra-trail runner, numerous podium finishes in mountain ultras through North America.

BROOKS
Cascadia 16

5/5 Stars | Women | 9.5 oz | 8 mm Drop | $160
www.brooksrunning.com

Put your feet in the Brooks Cascadia 16 for a soft, cushioned and stable run! The shoe has a comfortable fit with room in the toe box and a snug fit around your heel; there’s no need to worry about heel slippage. The lightweight feature of the new DNA LOFT v2 midsole makes hitting the trails light and bouncy. The grooves on the midsole provide enough traction to feel confident on any terrain with roots, hills, gravel or dirt. This is the ideal shoe for comfort, durability and traction!

REBECCA BASSETT, Coquitlam, B.C. – Canadian distance runner specializing in the 5000 m, All-American in cross-country, who loves to hit a hilly and tactical trail for long runs with her teammates.

COLUMBIA
Men’s Escape Thrive Endure

4/5 Stars | Men | 15 oz | 8 mm Drop | $210
www.columbiasportswear.ca

The Columbia Escape Thrive Endure is a hiking boot for foul weather. I typically opt for a running shoe, but this boot felt comfortable when I first put it on. For those who prefer to hike in boots but prefer a more athletic look, this hybrid option has a sportier look and offers a comfortable, stable ride. It felt quite grippy on loose dirt and rock and the membrane should keep your foot dry while splashing through puddles. It would be a good hiking boot to cover more distance and is more than a standard trail running shoe.

ADAM CAMPBELL, Squamish, B.C. – Lawyer, endurance athlete, happy in the mountains on foot, bike, rocks and skis.

COLUMBIA
Women’s Escape Thrive Endure

4/5 Stars | Women | 15 oz | 8 mm Drop | $210
www.columbiasportswear.ca

This is an ultra-cushioned trail shoe with great traction and a comfortable waterproof upper. I was impressed with the overall mobility and ‘running shoe’ feel considering the ankle-hugging height of the shoe, and while I would not choose it for a trail race, it’s a great shoe for someone who wants cushioning and something lightweight to play around all day in trails or any sort of rough terrain.

LUCY SMITH, Victoria, B.C. – Elite athlete in distance running, duathlon and triathlon for more than 30 years, coach and motivational speaker.

HOKA
Men’s TECTON X

4.5/5 Stars | Men | 8.5 oz | 5 mm Drop | $240
www.hoka.com

HOKA’S Slogan, “Time to Fly” describes this trail shoe accurately. These modern carbon-plated endurance trail shoes have all the best features for any trail runner. The shoes are stable and lightweight with great cushioning. The fit is true to size. The soles are great for a hard-packed trail. The lacing system and super lightweight tongue creates a comfortable and secure fit. I had no issues with heel slip or hot spots after several longer trail runs. This shoe is ideal for a wide forefoot and both road and a variety of trails. It’s the perfect all-rounder shoe!

CAL ZARYSKI, Calgary, AB – Professional active lifestyle coach, 9x World XTERRA Triathlon Champion, 3x Triathlon Canada Coach of the Year, 3x Alberta Triathlon Coach of the Year.

HOKA
Women’s TECTON X

5/5 Stars | Women | 6.9 oz | 5 mm Drop | $240
www.hoka.com

These might be my new favourite trail shoes! They’re nice and light, but the treads take me everywhere I want to go.  I’ve used them on all of the Invermere trails and the rockier Canmore ones. Lots of room in the toe box, they keep my heels nice and snug, and they keep all the fine dust out. I was surprised at how supportive they were without being too heavy or clunky or restrictive.

AMY PUZEY, Invermere, B.C. – 2x Team Canada member at the World Mountain Running championships, mother of six.

MIZUNO
Wave Rider TT

4/5 Stars | Men | 10.1 oz | 12 mm Drop | $175
www.mizunousa.com

The Mizuno Wave Rider TT is a great shoe for anyone who is looking for a lightweight, well-cushioned shoe. The shoe handled well on groomed trails and cross-country terrain and gave a lot of comfort over those conditions. I will be looking at using these shoes for light trail runs up to 21-kilometre routes. I would recommend sticking to less technical trails as I did not find them supportive and stiff enough for mountain trails or overly rocky and rooted trails. Overall, a great shoe for a mix of light to moderate trails and roads.

PHIL HIOM, Kamloops, B.C. – Runner who spends most of his time training on the trails around Kamloops, training for 100 km Lost Soles Ultra in Lethbridge, AB, hoping to qualify for the Western States Endurance Run Lottery.

MIZUNO
Wave Rider TT

4/5 Stars | Women | 8.3 oz | 12 mm Drop | $175
www.mizunousa.com

The Wave Rider TT (Total Terrain) is meant for varied surface running. Like most Mizuno shoes, they fit slightly smaller than true to size. The toe box is more narrow than other brands, which will appeal to some runners. This shoe performed well on mixed terrain including crushed gravel and some more technical terrain. The shoe itself is a great weight for all types of terrain. This versatile shoe has a responsive ride and a breathable upper, but I definitely recommended it for a narrower fit foot.

CATRIN JONES, Victoria, B.C. – 50-km, 50-mile and 6-hour Canadian record holder.

NEW BALANCE
Fresh Foam X 880v12

3.5/5 Stars | Men | 10.5 oz | 10 mm Drop | $179.99
www.newbalance.ca

The New Balance 880 v12 was the perfect fit! The knitted upper was extremely comfortable for my wider foot. My heel felt locked in right away and the tongue and laces disperse the pressure across the top of the foot evenly. The sole is a two-part foam consisting of Fresh Foam X for softness and FuelCell for responsiveness; this combination is the perfect match. The thick rubber on the outsole provides great protection on gravel trails and asphalt. If you are a wider-foot runner who is looking for your next everyday trainer, this is it.

LOGAN ROOTS, Courtenay, B.C. – Road, trail, and mountain running enthusiast who enjoys crushing big mileage, ego-altering workouts and running just fast enough to qualify for elite entry.

NEW BALANCE
Fresh Foam X 880v12

5/5 Stars | Women | 8.4 oz | 10 mm Drop | $179.99
www.newbalance.ca

From the first step out the door, the 880 felt fast and springy. It felt like I had been training in it for years. The Fresh Foam midsole was a pleasure to run on, feeling plush but responsive. The slightly higher volume fit would accommodate an orthotic nicely but held onto my foot with the stock insole as well. If you are looking for a neutral, everyday training shoe with cushion and comfort, the New Balance 880 might just be your new favourite.

JEN MILLAR, Victoria B.C. – Winner of Times Colonist 10K 2022, National Masters X-Country Champion 2021, mom of two.

NIKE
Air Zoom Terra Kiger 8

3.5/5 Stars | Men | 9.9 oz | 6 mm Drop | $180
www.nike.com

Disappointing to see this shoe gaining weight with each iteration. As Nike’s trail racer, the Kiger feels overbuilt and unable to react to quick changes in terrain. The midsole provides plenty of protection but lacks ground feel. On the plus side, the new upper breathes well and locks the foot in nicely.

ANDREW RUSSELL, Saanichton, B.C. – 2019 Vancouver Island Race Series champion, 2019 Finlayson Arm 28K champion and course record holder.

NIKE
Air Zoom Terra Kiger 8

4/5 Stars | Women | 9.1 oz | 6 mm Drop | $180
www.nike.com

A light and nimble shoe for urban and rugged trails with multidirectional traction lugs and a dynamic fit system through midfoot. I felt confident running on rocky and uneven descents and ascents. The midfoot React foam provided ample cushion, and I loved how light and breathable the upper was. The shoe really moved with me and provided exceptionally good sensitivity while running on rocky and rough terrain while providing a good amount of cushion. The Kiger comes into its own on urban and rough trails.

EMILY SETLACK, Trenton, ON – Canadian marathoner and mountain runner.

ON
Cloudultra

4/5 Stars | Men | 8.99 oz | 11 mm Drop | $209.99
www.on-running.com

The Cloudultra is a nicely cushioned all-around performer in the trails. The 8mm drop, stable ride and grippy outsole give me confidence in this shoe for long run or ultra race duty. Things felt a little stiff out of the box but loosened up nicely after a couple runs. The unique FlipRelease systems allows subtle width adjustment in the toe-box which could prove useful as feet swell over long distances.

MATTHEW CECIL, Victoria, B.C. – Trail runner and running coach, represented Canada at the Trail World Championships and holds various trail FKTs.

ON
Cloudultra

5/5 Stars | Women | 8.64 oz | 8 mm Drop | $209.99
www.on-running.com

When you want an ultra-cushioned, ultra-comfortable, ultra-versatile trail running shoe, the On Cloudultra is unbeatable. The biggest highlights of this shoe for me were its traction, grip, long-term comfort on ultramarathon trail race days, durability, breathability, and a unique feature called FlipRelease found in the lower lacing, where flipping the plastic switch provides an option for variable lacing width and pressure release at the forefoot. For a sock-like fit no matter a short or long number of kilometres, this is your light and reliable shoe!

MANDY GILL, Vancouver, B.C. – Ultramarathon runner (road & trail), keynote speaker, IMPACT Top Vegan Athlete.

SAUCONY
Endorphin Edge

5/5 Stars | Men | 9 oz | 6 mm Drop | $259.99
www.saucony.com

The long wait for a trail super-shoe may be over. The Endorphin Edge succeeds where other carbon-plated trail racers have failed because it’s as stable as it is snappy. The soft, squishy midsole offers plenty of comfort and protection, but it’s also nimble on rocks or roots and smooth on corners. When you pick up the pace on downhills, it just flies. The Carbitex carbon plate propels you forward like you’ve got a rocket strapped to each heel. It’s like having a Ferrari under your feet with the traction of a four-wheel drive.

KEITH BRADFORD, Calgary, AB – Elite masters runner with a passion for road racing, run coach and crisis communications consultant who has worked with athletes at multiple world cups, world championships and Olympic Games.

SAUCONY
Endorphin Edge

5/5 Stars | Women | 7.8 oz | 6 mm Drop | $259.99
www.saucony.com

If you have a trail race coming up or like to rip it on the trails, the Saucony Endorphin Edge is your shoe. It’s light, fast and race-ready!  Tackle the hills with pop thanks to the carbon fibre plate. The lugs (grip) on the bottom of the shoe are great for the trails but a bit much if you plan on any road running. The upper will keep your feet dry in moderately wet weather and provide a snug fit for average to wider width feet. Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with the shoe and can’t wait to hit the trails!

SABRINA WILKIE, Surrey B.C. – Physiotherapist, mother of three, 2:45 marathoner and winner of the 2016 Victoria Marathon.

TOPO
Mtn Racer 2

5/5 Stars | Men | 10 oz | 5 mm Drop | $220
www.topoathleticcanada.ca

These shoes crush everything from technical mountain runs to blasting through the trails. They hug the heel and midfoot and leave the toes room to breathe without sacrificing any feeling of speed. The Topo Mtn Racer 2 is stable and grips everything from wet rock to sloppy mud. They are compatible with gaiters and expel water quickly after a river crossing. These are my new favourite trail shoes!

LOGAN ROOTS, Courtenay, B.C. – Road, trail, and mountain running enthusiast who enjoys crushing big mileage, ego-altering workouts and running just fast enough to qualify for elite entry.

TOPO
ULTRAVENTURE 2

4.5/5 Stars | Women | 8.3 oz | 5 mm Drop | $210
www.topoathleticcanada.ca

A brand that I didn’t recognize, but one that I will remember. The Topo Ultraventure 2 is the most comfortable trail runner that I have ever worn because of its wide toe box and generous cushioning. This shoe offers a perfect balance of stability and plushness without adding too much bulk or weight. Plus, the lugs provide excellent grip on varied terrain. This shoe even comes with added gator holds! The Ultraventure 2 inspires me to hit the trails and explore!

LISSA ZIMMER, Vancouver, B.C. – An elite marathoner with a 2:42 PB set in 2016 and trail runner with goal of racing a 50-kilometre one day.

VIVOBAREFOOT
Primus Trail II FG

4/5 Stars | Men | 10.3 oz | 0 mm Drop | $288
www.vivobarefoot.com

The greatest attribute of this barefoot trail shoe is its ethical origins. The outer shoe, including a firm ground outsole, is made entirely of recycled plastic waste and is vegan. The shoe is zero-drop and has oversized, 4 mm lugs, which offered good traction on trails both dry and muddy. I found great freedom of movement throughout my whole foot, in part due to the wide toe box and supple upper and outsole.

IAN MACNAIRN, Calgary, AB – Trail runner, guy with a PhD in ultrarunning community.

VIVOBAREFOOT
Primus Trail II FG

5/5 Stars | Women | 8.8 oz | 0 mm Drop | $288
www.vivobarefoot.com

These are my go-to shoes for trail running. Throughout every season in Squamish, I use them for my short or long runs in the forest. The trails here are classic “mixed terrain,” with packed dirt, slippery tree roots, rock gardens, scrambles and lots of mud. Having a shoe to eat up all that usually means a compromise, but the flexible sensation of barefoot combined with extra grip makes the Primus the ideal tool for the job. Best all-rounder trail shoe in my arsenal.

JENNY TOUGH, Scotland – Adventure athlete currently involved in a project to run solo and unsupported across a mountain range on every continent. The first woman to win the Silk Road Mountain Race and Atlas Mountain Race.

VJ SHOES
XTRM 2

4.5/5 Stars | Men | 9.4 oz | 4 mm Drop | $230
www.spryactive.ca

What struck me right out of the box was the aggressive tread. I was keen to try these shoes on a steep, single track and headed out to put these puppies through their paces. I liked the heel support: snug with no rub spots. Up and down the trail there was no slippage inside the shoe, and I was grateful for the wider toe box. These shoes claim that they have the “best grip on the planet”. I can say that I can’t wait to get out again and tackle some new gnarly single tracks.

MARTIN PARNELL, Cochrane, AB – Endurance runner, fundraiser, adventurer and author, six Guinness World Records in endurance events, summited Mount Kilimanjaro in 21 hours.

VJ SHOES
XTRM 2

4/5 Stars | Women | 9.4 oz | 4 mm Drop | $230
www.spryactive.ca

Living on the west coast, the trails are often wet and slick, and this lightweight shoe did not disappoint as it offered excellent traction over slippery trail surfaces. The slipperier, the better for this shoe; it wants to get wet and dirty! The “fitflock” feature secured the midfoot in place while running over uneven ground and gave a snug feel around the instep while offering more room in the toe box. It lives up to its reputation as a shoe that grips, but there is less cushioning and protection against gnarly terrain.

JEN MILLAR, Victoria B.C. – Winner of Times Colonist 10K 2022, National Masters X-Country Champion 2021, mom of two.

XERO
Mesa Trail

5/5 Stars | Men | 15.2 oz | 0 mm Drop | $169.99
www.xeroshoes.com

This ideal minimalist trail shoe is light, lean, and flexible. Be protected yet connected with zero drop, no unnecessary arch support (and a perfect platform if you feel the need to add some), and a wide forefoot area. Delivering a great trail feel, it encourages natural forward motion across all terrain. The mesh upper is durable, breathable and fast-drying. Socks are optional. Remove the insoles to create space and allow more feedback. Run light, smooth, and easy. Great for building a stronger foundation, or for experienced minimalist runners to cover any distance.

RANDY KREILL, Beavercreek, OH – Wellness and truth seeker with 23 official 100-mile ultramarathons complete and roughly 80 total ultramarathons. Celebrating 60 soon with a goal to keep running ultras “injury free.”

XERO
Mesa Trail

4/5 Stars | Women | 12.8 oz | 0 mm Drop | $169.99
www.xeroshoes.com

Disappointing to see this shoe gaining weight with each iteration. As Nike’s trail racer, the Kiger feels overbuilt and unable to react to quick changes in terrain. The midsole provides plenty of protection but lacks ground feel. On the plus side, the new upper breathes well and locks the foot in nicely.

MELISSA ROSS, Nanaimo, B.C. – Competitor at the Canadian 10K Championships, Canadian Cross-Country Championships and World Mountain Running Championships, enjoying running all over Nanaimo with her one-year-old son in the stroller. 

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Gear

Photography by Graham McKerrell

Read This Story in Our 2022 Fall Fitness & Food Digital Edition

Featuring Brendan Brazier, athlete and pioneer in the plant-based sports nutrition industry. Trail Running 101 – plus this year’s Trail Running Shoe Review. Travel around the world to the top vegan-friendly destinations, recipes and much more!

SPEEDO

ON HIM
Fleece Quarter Zip $69.50
Male Woven Shorts $49.50
Unisex Deck Slide $35.00
ON HER
Unisex Hooded Fleece Sweatshirt $69.50
Female Woven Short $45.00

speedo.com

Newell Paddle – The Calypso $1,099.00 newelloutdoors.ca

Adidas

ON HIM
Terrex Agravic Tee $50
Terrex Agravic Shorts  $80
Terrex Agravic Windweave Wind Jacket  $180
Terrex Heat.rdy Trail Running Traxion Crew Socks $38
Terrex Aeroready Five-Panel Graphic Cap $35
Terrex Agravic Flow 2 Trail Running Shoes $180
ON HER
Terrex Agravic Tee $50
Terrex Agravic Shorts $80
Terrex Agravic Windweave Wind Jacket $180
Terrex Heat.rdy Trail Running Traxion Crew Socks $38
Terrex Aeroready Five-Panel Graphic Cap $35
Terrex Agravic Flow 2 Trail Running Shoes $180

adidas.ca

iGO Electric – iGO Discovery Atwater’ $2,999 igoelectric.ca

New Balance

ON HIM
Q Speed Jacquard Short Sleeve $54.99
Q Speed Fuel 2 in 1 5 inch Short 69.99
Tenacity Knit Jacket $74.99
Fresh Foam X 880v12 Trail Running Shoes $179.99
ON HER
Q Speed Shape Shield Crop Bra $64.99
Shape Shield 7/8 High Rise Pocket Tight $89.99
Q Speed Shift Hoodie $104.99
Fresh Foam X 880v12 Trail Running Shoes $179.99

newbalance.ca

Arc’Teryx

ON HER
Taema Tank $70
Essent High Rise Legging $130
Norvan LD 3 Trail Running Shoes  $185
ON HER
Norvan Windshell Jacket $160
Essent Shorts $80
Norvan LD 3 Trail Running Shoes  $185

arcteryx.com

On Running

ON HIM
Tank-T $69.99
Lightweight Shorts $79.99
Weather Jacket $239.99
Mid Sock $19.99
Lightweight Cap $39.99
Cloudventure $149.99
ON HER
Tank-T $69.99
Sprinter Shorts $69.99
Mid Sock $19.99
Lightweight Cap $39.99
Cloudvista $139.99

on-running.com

FWD

ON HER
Push FWD Women’s Multi Strap Sports Bra $59.99
Friday FWD Women’s Everyday Legging $89.99
Push FWD Women’s Minimal Recycled Bomber $79.99
Women’s No Show Mesh Socks 6 pack $22.99
FWD 24 oz Luxe Insulated Straw Tumbler $29.00

ON HER
Push FWD Women’s Asym Sports Bra $49.99
Push FWD Women’s Training Legging 25″ $34.99
Push FWD Women’s 2 in 1 Windbreaker $149.99
Women’s No Show Mesh Socks 6 pack $22.99
ON HIM
Free FWD Cargo Crew $64.99
Push FWD Men’s Training Unlined Short 9″ $44.99
FWD 24 oz Luxe Insulated Straw Tumbler $29.00

forwardwithdesign.com

Mondetta

ON HIM (left)
Isaiah Conquer Recycled Polyester T-Shirt $48
Lennox Recycled Polyester Zip-Up $68
Braxton Lithe Recycled Polyester Jogger $88
ON HIM (right)
Flex Dynamic Recycled Polyester Stink-Free Tank $39
Lennox Recycled Polyester Zip-Up $68
Undercover Stride 5″ Recycled Polyester Active/Swim Short with Liner$68
ON HER
Brynn Vital Recycled Double Strap Medium Support Sports Bra $48
Quinn Vital High-Waisted 7/8 Legging $64
Lennon Midi Cargo Snap Slits Jacket $108

mpgsport.ca

Smartwool

ON HIM
Men’s Merino Sport Ultralite Short Sleeve in Charcoal Heather $75
Men’s Merino Sport Ultralite Vest in Rhythmic Red $120
Men’s Merino Sport 8” Short in Black $85

smartwool.ca

ciele ATHLETICS

ON HER
WNSBTShirt – Millenium Stripe – Citrus $75
BKTHat – Standard – Eastman $75
ON HIM
NSBTShirt – Millenium Stripe – Medi $75
GOCap SC – Athletics – Porter $50

cielathletics.com

Honubelle

Superior One Piece – Paeony $205 honubelle.com

Grounded People

Poppy (High Red) $175
Charlie (Low Moonstone) $165
Begonia (High Pink) $175
Matty (High Lead) $175
Forget-Me-Not (Low blue) $165

groundedpeople.ca

Puma

Run XX Nitro Women’s Running Shoes – COMING SOON $160
Velocity NITRO 2 Men’s Running Shoes $150

puma.com/ca

Photography by Katy Whitt

Read This Story in Our 2022 Summer Outdoor & Travel Digital Edition

Cold Water King, Core-Centric Fitness, Prepare for Hiking Season, Mountain Bike Fundamentals, The Simple Ways Movement Gives Us ‘Hope’, recipes and much more!

They’ve put in hundreds of miles to bring you this in-depth review that has everything you’ll need to find the best shoes for your needs and budget.

Consider the ‘Drop’

This is the difference between the heel and the forefoot measurements, or in other words, how much your toes ‘drop’ below your heel.Why is this important? Because a higher drop can lead to more heel striking and also transfers some strain away from the lower leg and up towards the knee. A lower drop will shift the load further down to your calf. Check with an expert, choose what feels comfortable to you and take into account your running mechanics and history of injuries.

adidas
Ultraboost 22

4/5 Stars | Women | 11.7 oz | 10 mm Drop | $250
www.adidas.ca

These shoes are comfortable out of the box because of the stretchy knit upper and max-cushioned sole, but they’re not great for wide feet. After a short run, the narrow toe box left me with sore baby toes, plus the plastic midfoot panel rubbed and caused a blister on the inside of my foot. I also found them quite slow and clunky. If you have narrow feet, I’d recommend for recovery runs or as a lifestyle shoe for everyday wear. Fit is true to size. 

JULIE HAMULECKI, Toronto, ON – Ultrarunner coached by husband Adam Takacs, runs on the national 100K team and currently holds the Canadian Women’s 100 km road record.

adidas
Ultraboost 22

3/5 Stars | Men | 10.7 oz | 10 mm Drop | $250
www.adidas.ca

A good looking shoe that will be with you for the long haul. Sitting on a thick bed of Boost foam, the shoe has a soft, yet springy feel, with a good responsive ride despite being one of the heavier shoes I’ve run in in a while. The single piece, knit upper made from recycled materials was incredibly comfortable and it held my foot in place well. A good shoe for easy miles and that you can wear for walking around town. 

ADAM CAMPBELL, Squamish, B.C. – Lawyer, endurance athlete happy in the mountains on foot, bike, rock and skis.

Asics
GEL-NIMBUS 24

5/5 Stars | Women | 8.8 oz | 13 mm Drop | $210
www.asics.com

A comfortable shoe with cushioning and support under foot—good for long runs. The upper is soft without seams and very comfortable. The tongue is stretchy and sits perfectly in place without bunching up or moving around. It is light and offers lots of cushion. Great for neutral or under-pronating feet with nice cushioning; no clunky feel and has a nice snappy toe-off. This is a go-to running shoe for longer runs and happier feet! 

GRACE HIOM, Kamloops, B.C. – Ultrarunner, trail race host with a passion for health and fitness hoping to run the Western State 100-Mile Endurance Run.

Asics
GEL-NIMBUS 24

3.5/5 Stars | Men | 10.2 oz | 10 mm Drop | $210
www.asics.com

The Gel Nimbus 24 has new FF Blast+ foam in the midsole, which makes it a super soft trainer with a versatile ride. The upper has also improved this year with thin mesh sock-like fit, which also lightens the shoe. This is a great everyday trainer, but I personally felt it was too soft and negatively impacted the stability. If you like a plush, soft, maximal cushy shoe, you’ll love the new version. 

BLAINE PENNY, Calgary, AB – Competitive master’s runner with notable accomplishments including 3 x Canadian Ultramarathon Champion, 6 x Guinness World Record holder and winner of the 2015 Wings for Life, North America.

Brooks Running
Ghost 14

4.5/5 Stars | Women | 9 oz | 10 mm Drop | $170
www.brooksrunning.com

This has always been a reliable and comfortable training shoe, and this version did not disappoint, feeling smoother and more comfortable than previous versions. This neutral shoe provides the perfect amount of cushion for longer training runs, but also has great feedback when running and no extra bulk in the shoe. The smooth transition while running was great and the fit around the heel and toe box felt just right. And the bonus; Brooks has produced a shoe using recycled material in the upper. 

CATRIN JONES, Victoria, B.C. – 50 km, 50 mile and 6-hour Canadian record holder.

Brooks Running
Launch 9

5/5 Stars | Men | 8.2 oz | 10 mm Drop | $170
www.brooksrunning.com

This is a shoe you want to wear. The Launch 9 is light, responsive, and versatile. It is well ventilated yet provides solid protection from the elements when needed. Brooks has created a shoe with race performance that offers a surprising amount of comfort and support at a reasonable price. Oh yeah and it looks great, which if we are being honest, is super important. Go get it.

NATHAN BODEWITZ, Calgary, AB – Founder and head strength coach at Peak Fitness YYC. He is an OCR athlete, all around mountain guy, and proud dad.

Decathlon
Kiprun Ks 500

3/5 Stars | Women | 8.4 oz | 8 mm Drop | $95
www.decathlon.ca

The KS500 is a neutral entry level running shoe, with a price point that makes it accessible to everyone. This shoe runs narrow with a close fit around the heel and ankle, which would suit someone with narrow feet or who likes a snug feel. The shoe is on the stiffer side, which made for a slightly firm feel when running, and for the price point, this is a basic and well-intentioned shoe to get people up and running.

LUCY SMITH, Victoria, B.C. – Elite athlete in distance running, duathlon and triathlon for over 30 years, coach and motivational speaker.

Decathlon
Kiprun Ks 500

4.5/5 Stars | Men | 9.9 oz | 8 mm Drop | $95
www.decathlon.ca

Putting on the Kiprun KS500’s I knew I was ready for the road. The fit is excellent with solid ankle support. A wide toe box eliminated any pinch point and during the sessions there were no hot spots. This is the shoe that will allow you to build your confidence as you train for your next marathon. The promotional material says that they are good for 1000 kilometres which is a huge plus. Stability, grip and comfort are key for me and this shoe has them in spades.

MARTIN PARNELL, Cochrane, AB – Endurance runner, fundraiser, adventurer and author, six Guinness World Records in endurance events, summited Mount Kilimanjaro in 21 hours.

Hoka
KAWANA

4.5/5 Stars | Women | 8.4 oz | 5 mm Drop | $155
www.hoka.com

HOKA offers a smooth ride every time. While these shoes out of the box look ’thicker’ than traditional shoes they do not run like that. They feel smooth and light underfoot. This is a recovery shoe and it’s been helping my legs recover on easier runs between hard efforts. The only reason for the slight decrease in score is the fit. I’m traditionally a 10 but these shoes fit big; I would size down a half to a full size in the future.

SASHA GOLLISH, Toronto, ON – 2015 bronze medallist, Pan Am Games; running roads to the trails and recently breaking World Masters Record in the Indoor Mile – now a Masters World Record holder.

Hoka
KAWANA

4.5/5 Stars | Men | 10 oz | 5 mm Drop | $155
www.hoka.com

The Kawana are incredibly comfortable and look fly. They’re a new design by Hoka, offering a moderate stack height perfect for day-to-day road training. They features HOKA’s unilateral SwallowTail design with a relatively firmer midsole. They are incredibly responsive, with a neutral footfall. The shoes helped me run smoothly and easily into the start of my high-mileage spring base build-up. These will be an excellent choice for racking up miles on the road.

IAN MACNAIRN, Calgary, AB – Trail runner; guy with a doctorate in ultrarunning community.

Mizuno
Wave Inspire 18

4/5 Stars | Women | 9.1 oz | 12 mm Drop | $180
www.mizunousa.com

The Mizuno Wave Rider 18s was a pleasant surprise! They felt a bit tight at first but that only lasted a few minutes. Great cushioning but enough stability and I’ve used them on both road and trail. Lots of room in the toe box, and snug fit for narrow heels. It felt like there could have been a little more cushioning under the toes and forefoot, but that is my only complaint!

AMY PUZEY, Invermere, B.C. – 2 x Team Canada member at the World Mountain Running championships, mother of six.

Mizuno
Wave Inspire 18

4/5 Stars | Men | 10.6 oz | 12 mm Drop | $180
www.mizunousa.com

This cushioned, high drop, moderate stability, daily trainer is one of few available in the market. Full-length ENERZY foam returns a firm responsive ride while an updated seamless upper provides exceptional fit. The double wave-pattern heel plate delivers subtle stability that after one run is unnoticeable. A great shoe for longer runs on tired legs.

ANDREW RUSSELL, Saanichton, B.C. – 2019 Vancouver Island Race Series Champion, 2019 Finlayson Arm 50k Champion and course record holder, 2018 Finlayson Arm 28K Champion and course record holder.

New Balance
Fresh Foam X 1080v12

5/5 Stars | Women | 8.3 oz | 8 mm Drop | $199
www.newbalance.ca

These shoes are like a pillow for your feet! Incredibly comfortable out of the box, the soft Fresh Foam has a nice bounce and slight rocker, so they are still surprisingly responsive. The hyperknit upper is stretchy, and the toe box is roomy, and yet my feet feel hugged in place without any pinching or slippage. These new 1080s are definitely going into frequent rotation for my long easy runs and recovery days.

ARDEN YOUNG, Calgary, AB – Dentist and elite ultrarunner with multiple podium finishes on both the road and trail.

New Balance
Fresh Foam X 1080v12

4.5/5 Stars | Men | 10.3 oz | 8 mm Drop | $199
www.mizunousa.com

These are the perfect shoes for the post-pandemic supply chain blues. The flexible upper made of recycled material and responsive Fresh Foam outsole, provides a plush, cushioned ride right out of the box. The fact that they are made in North America will hopefully mean that they are easier to find in your local retail run shop or online.

JACOB PUZEY, Invermere, B.C. – Winner of the Calgary Marathon 50K Ultra, 4x (consecutive) Canadian Ultramarathon Champion, and run coach with numerous national championship titles.

Newton
Gravity 11

4.5/5 Stars | Women | 7.2 oz | 3 mm Drop | $185
www.newtonrunning.com

This minimal drop shoe fits like a glove with a very flexible upper offering both performance and comfort. The underfoot plate allows for fluid loading to make it a great lightweight training shoe for both workouts and racing. The bonus is it biodegrades 75 per cent faster in a landfill due to its eco-friendly materials.

KAREN HOLLAND, Kimberley, ON – Avid trail runner and ultrarunner who holds the Bruce Trail FKT with her next focus on racing the 2022 Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run.

Newton
Gravity 11

4.5/5 Stars | Men | 8.6 oz | 3 mm Drop | $185
www.newtonrunning.com

The stand-out feature of the Gravity 11 is the sole, which incorporates lugs under the forefoot to provide a bouncy and cushioned stride while maintaining ground feel. This is a lightweight trainer although it is more expensive than other comparable shoes and does not feel as quick. I found it to perform best on tempo or steady runs on the road or smooth gravel trails. The upper fit true to size and was comfortable and breathable.

LOGAN ROOTS, Courtenay, B.C. – Road, trail, and mountain running enthusiast who enjoys crushing big mileage, ego-altering workouts and running just fast enough to qualify for elite entry.

On
Cloudvista

3.5/5 Stars | Women | 9.9 oz | 7 mm Drop | $169
www.on-running.com

The Cloudmonster is a happy medium for easier, longer runs where a balance of cushioning and responsiveness is required. The shoe features large CloudTec elements, the largest of any in On’s line-up, that provide the ultimate amount of cushioning and bounce with every stride. Fit-wise, the shoe runs small so it’s recommended to size up. They kept my legs feeling fresh, and I enjoyed the sensation of the rocker, especially in the final miles of longer training runs.

LISSA ZIMMER, Vancouver, B.C. – An elite marathoner with a 2:42 PB set in 2016 and trail runner with a goal of racing a 50 kilometre one day.

On
Cloudvista

4/5 Stars | Men | 8.1 oz | 6 mm Drop | $199
www.on-running.com

The latest addition to the On Cloud line has a big name, but the ride is not as beefy as you might expect. With a double layer of CloudTec support underfoot, it feels lighter, smoother and more agile than your average maximum cushioning shoe. Due to the unique technology, you get firm comfort rather than soft and squishy support. The tread is barely there, so it eats up harder surfaces with a minimum of fuss.

KEITH BRADFORD, Calgary, AB – Elite masters runner, coach and crisis communications consultant who has worked with athletes at multiple World Cups, World Championships and Olympic Games.

Puma
Velocity Nitro 2

5/5 Stars | Women | 8.7 oz | 10 mm Drop | $150
ca.puma.com

I logged over 1000 kilometres on the roads (and treadmill) this winter in this shoe. The Nitro foam midsole felt plush and flexible underfoot. It was a game changer for me providing a soft and comfortable landing on the roads. It had a really nice balance of comfort, flexibility, lightness and cushioning. The upper was durable and flexible with good breathability and the tread had good grip over snow and fine gravel paths. I plan to keep it in my next rotation of shoes.

EMILY SETLACK, Trenton, ON – Canadian marathoner & mountain runner

Puma
Velocity Nitro 2

5/5 Stars | Men | 7.2 oz | 10 mm Drop | $150
ca.puma.com

Out of the box I loved this shoe! The velocity Nitro 2 felt lively, fast, cushy and lightweight. The Nitro infused midsole on EVA really hits the mark, and whilst the ride is not quite comparable to many carbon offerings, it’s not far off, and won’t break the bank! The upper is plush, with an adequate toe box and the outer provides great grip on wet pavement and smooth trail. A really fun and lively shoe, ideal as a daily trainer that provides outstanding value. Perhaps fits a little large.

ANDY REED, Canmore, AB – Sport medicine physician, mountain ultra trail runner, numerous podium finishes in mountain ultras throughout North America.

Saucony
Ride 15

5/5 Stars | Women | 7.8 oz | 8 mm Drop | $169
www.saucony.com

These shoes were a dream come true for a runner with plenty of foot issues. I have arthritic feet and a Haglunds deformity on my heel, and when I put these on, I had no pain at all. I could wear them all day! Lots of support and room for my toes, but a supportive heel cup. I found them light and cushioned, an incredibly smooth ride!

AMY PUZEY, Invermere, B.C. – 2 x Team Canada member at the World Mountain Running Championships, mother of six.

Saucony
Guide 15

5/5 Stars | Men | 9.5 oz | 8 mm Drop | $169
www.saucony.com

These shoes were a dream This shoe is light, comfortable and stable. It has a relatively high heel stack that provides good cushioning. My favourite training shoe has been the Saucony Triumph, so the fit seems familiar to me although the toe-box feels slightly bigger. The tongue and upper are soft and comfy. I wore these for a speed workout and they were smooth, agile and responsive. I’ll definitely be buying more of these shoes.

MYRON TETREAULT, Calgary, AB – Former national water polo champion, and a national age group champion in swimming, running and triathlon.

Skechers
Gorun Razor Excess

3.5/5 Stars | Women | 5.9 oz | 4 mm Drop | $200
www.skechers.ca

The Razor Excess is incredibly light for the amount of cushioning it packs. As a non-plated shoe it still provides great bounce and spring while performing all different types of workouts: hard, fast intervals; tempos; and steady longer runs up to 30 kilometres. I suggest double knotting the laces to decrease their tendency to slip, but overall it’s nice to have a shoe that can go fast, and feel stable all at the same time.

MANDY GILL, Vancouver, B.C. – Ultramarathon runner (road and trail), health expert and international keynote speaker, and IMPACT Top Vegan Athlete.

Skechers
Gorun Razor Excess

3.5/5 Stars | Men | 7.5 oz | 4 mm Drop | $200
www.skechers.ca

This is a legitimate “nothing to it” light, well-built, running shoe for your faster days. Designed with a durable mono-mesh and polyester knit upper that holds its form and fits well and results in having a sleek and not overly broad toe box. To sweeten the mix the Razor’s light carriage rides over a foam midsole that cushions a fast forefoot strike and quick turnover well. This midsole is separated from the road via a coating of Goodyear-produced rubber that provides durability and grip to the shoe.

PETE ESTABROOKS, Calgary, AB – One of Canada’s foremost fitness experts, ultrarunner and coach is happiest when running in the mountains.

Topo Athletic
Fli-Lyte 4

4/5 Stars | Women | 6.9 oz | 3 mm Drop | $170
www.toposthleticcanada.ca

An excellent lightweight and comfortable shoe choice to get in some summer miles. The Fli-lyte 4 has a very wide toe box allowing your foot to move and expand naturally, while the heel fits snug and laces have no problems staying tied. I prefer the 3 mm drop and soft cushion for shorter faster runs, but the outer seems durable for longer runs and different weather conditions as well. Simple, comfortable, affordable, and effective.

RACHAEL MCINTOSH, Calgary, AB – Retired Team Canada Track and Field athlete turned recreational road and trail runner.

Topo Athletic
Ultrafly 3

5/5 Stars | Men | 9.6 oz | 5 mm Drop | $190
www.toposthleticcanada.ca

A comfortable shoe, it has everything you expect and want from a minimal drop road shoe (5 mm) but still lots of cushioning. It holds your foot nice and snug, is supportive and solid around the foot and ankle. The sole is light enough to give you a quick response under foot yet sturdy enough to handle some gravel or light trail if you find yourself on a mixed path. Recommended for anyone looking for their next road shoe and like a wide toebox.

PHIL HIOM, Kamloops, B.C. – Lifelong runner with a goal to continue to complete qualifying races for the Western States Endurance Run Lottery. This lottery ticket will be achieved at Lost Soles Ultra Race in Lethbridge, AB.

Vivobarefoot
Primus Lite III

5/5 Stars | Women | 8.8 oz | 0 mm Drop | $261
www.vivobarefoot.com/ca

I tested this shoe during a high intensity workout of cardio mixed with some heavy lifting. I instantly found the minimalist sole provided the stability I needed for lifting while my foot did not feel restricted. Being so close to the ground allowed me to grip with my feet so I did not feel off balance. The versatility of the shoe also worked well while doing cardio intense exercises during my workout. This holds up to my level of training and intensity. I highly recommend it.

ISSY WATSON, Victoria, B.C. – Obstacle Course Racer, high-intensity athlete, Guinness World Record Holder (most chest to ground burpees in one hour) who is always looking for the next level challenge.

Vivobarefoot
Primus Lite III

5/5 Stars | Men | 8.8 oz | 0 mm Drop | $261
www.vivobarefoot.com/ca

This ‘do it all’ shoe blurs the line between support and freedom of movement. From CrossFit to the half-marathon this shoe has the ability to bring you back to your natural way of moving. My balance and proprioception since wearing these has improved immensely. Never before have I noticed the incredible difference between running on gravel compared to asphalt. This shoe has given me so much feedback it’s completely changed the way I think about footwear and my feet.

KRIS MAHLER, Canmore, AB – Professional ski cross racer currently competing for Team Canada on the World-Cup Circuit; 2 x World Cup Winner and ranked top 15 in the world.

Xero Shoes
Zelen

4.5/5 Stars | Women | 6.5 oz | 0 mm Drop | $189 SHOP
www.xeroshoes.com

These shoes deliver exactly as promised. They have maximum flexibility, minimum cushion and pure freedom of movement. The rubber outsole provides adequate protection from debris, and I was able to run with a natural stride without concern for bruising my foot on a rock. These shoes have a wide forefoot and secure heel. My only complaint was that I could feel the outer seam on the upper, so I had to wear socks with the shoes instead of going barefoot.

JOANNA FORD, Calgary, AB – Ultramarathon runner with a passion for running long distances in the mountains.

Xero Shoes
Zelen

4/5 Stars | Men | 7.8 oz | 0 mm Drop | $189 SHOP
www.xeroshoes.com

I’m a big fan of minimalist running. I took them out for a light seven kilometres where the shoes felt comfortable, followed by 25 kilometres on varied surfaces and they performed well. On both runs, I had the minimalist sensory feeling in my soles but didn’t have issues on any surface, from pavement, to hardpacked tails, to gravel roads. They are roomy in the toe box but did not hug my feet. Amazing for casual running, walking, or wearing all day but not for speedwork/racing. 

JED GRIEVE, Victoria, B.C. – Proud father and husband, and long-time distance runner who is always working to be competitive in his age group.

Photography by Graham McKerrell Photography

Read This Story in Our 2022 Running Digital Edition

2022 RACE SOURCE GUIDE. Training plans for every distance, yoga for runners, athletes with impact, running in the metaverse, recipes and much more!

OrthoCanada
TIGER TAIL
This rolling muscle massager was created by an athlete who was tired of suffering from sore muscles. The hand-held foam roller helps relieve sore muscles, muscle knots, cramping, spasms and stiffness. It is a quick and effective method to myofascial and trigger point release.
$42.95 CAD 18″ | $48.95 CAD 22″ | www.orthocanada.com

Wave
WAVE SOFT TISSUE RELEASE TOOL
This all-in-one myofascial release tool is the ultimate muscle scraping and soft tissue release tool. It incorporates massage surfaces with IASTM and Guasha Edges to effectively treat myofascial pain. Excellent in helping treat and maintain fascia for injury prevention and maintain good tissue quality.
$79.95 CAD | www.fitter1.ca

OrthoCanada
ACUBALL
If you are experiencing tension in your glutes, quads or neck, this heatable ball is known for its therapeutic effects for central nervous system relaxation by stimulating blood flow to muscles that are tense and stiff. It helps relieves pain, muscle and fascia tightness, stiffness, and trigger points caused by injury or repetitive strain.
$29.95 CAD | www.orthocanada.com

OrthoCanada
THERA-CANE PRESSURE POINT MASSAGER
Used by athletes who suffer from muscular pain, this product makes it possible to self-apply pain-relieving deep compression directly to hard, knotted trigger points even in the hardest to reach muscles between your shoulder blades. Only a few minutes work on one or two troublesome points is sufficient.
$50.95 CAD | www.orthocanada.com

RAD
NEURO BALL
The all-in-one design combined with Naboso’s patent-pending technology stimulates thousands of nerves in your feet. Split it in two for stationary exercises that let you work both feet simultaneously or use it for rolling techniques all over the body. It’s just the right density to ease muscles in the feet and calves.
$29.95 CAD | www.radroller.ca

Fitterfirst
FOOT ROLLER
Designed to hit the pressure points on the foot, foot rollers aid in the body’s natural healing ability. Using them relieves pain and stiffness from plantar fasciitis, prevents plantar fasciitis, and reduces foot pain and inflammation. Relieve tension through massaging nerve endings and targeted pressure point release—great for recovery after a run.
$19.95 CAD | www.fitter1.ca

Fitterfirst
SLANT BOARD
Slant boards are effective stretching devices for performance enhancement and injury prevention, and great for recovery and ankle mobility for runners. These adjustable incline boards are designed to target and stretch the calf, arch, hamstring and hip muscles.
$229.95 CAD | www.fitter1.ca

ThermaWedge
THERMAWEDGE DEVICE
ThermaWedge® has been clinically studied and endorsed by physicians and therapists for treating plantar fasciiitis and Achilles tendon injuries. It combines all the recommended treatments in one device to reduce pain, enhance mobility, and improve foot and ankle strength.
$59.95 CAD | www.fitter1.ca

HotRock
ULTRA-HEATED FOAM ROLLER
This foam roller provides intense heat and therapeutic pressure for simple and effective pain relief. It increases blood flow to sore muscles and joints to help accelerate recovery. Reap the benefits of fast-acting heat and effective deep tissue massage to relieve sore muscles after a long run.
$250 CAD | www.hotrockcanada.com

Photography by Graham McKerrell

Read This Story in Our 2022 Running Digital Edition

2022 RACE SOURCE GUIDE. Training plans for every distance, yoga for runners, athletes with impact, running in the metaverse, recipes and much more!

Why buy a stand-alone air fryer when Breville’s Smart Oven Air Fryer can turn out guilt-free French fries and other family favourites? Use the LCD display to easily set the timer, temperature, and access 11 smart cooking functions including toast, bake, slow cook and of course, air fry.

$499.99 | www.breville.com

Solis – Barista Perfetta

Perfect your morning coffee routine with the slim Solis Barista Perfetta Espresso Machine. Built for the home espresso journey, the Perfetta offers an excellent starting point for new baristas without sacrificing the tools more experienced enthusiasts need.

$750.00 | www.cappuccinoking.com

Cuisipro – Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons Set

These nesting measuring sets are oval shaped to reach into the smallest spice jar.

$72.50 | www.zestspot.com

Cuisipro – Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set of 3

Stylish and highly functional, this mixing bowl set is your perfect partner for cooking and baking prep.

$87.50 | www.zestspot.com

KitchenAid – Stand Mixer

A tilt-head stand mixer that provides you with endless possibilities in the kitchen and elevates the everyday. Built to last, it features 10 speeds to gently knead, thoroughly mix and whip ingredients.

$629.99 | www.kitchenaid.ca

Zwilling – Pro 6.5″ Nakiri Knife

The unique blade shape and ergonomic bolster of the Nakiri make it ideal for chopping lots of veggies.

$199.99 | www.cookculture.com

Cookbook Cooks – Mise en Place Bowls

Nothing makes us as happy as having that perfect bowl in the kitchen. Big, small, colourful, pretty, and most importantly — useful!

From $6.95-$29.95 | www.cookbookcooks.com

Cuisipro – 4-Sided Box Grater

Exclusive to Cuisipro, Surface Glide Technology grooved grating surface takes etched graters to the next level.

$46.50 | www.cuisipro.com

Cuisipro – Piccalo Grater

This mini grater features Patented Surface Glide Technology and is designed for fine grating.

$16.50 | www.cuisipro.com

Cuisipro – Stainless Steel Spaghetti Server

This server is made of heavy gauge stainless steel with a drainage hole and rounded edges to easily handle pasta.

$38.00 | www.cuispro.com

Cuisipro – Stainless Steel Serving Tongs

These tongs are a modern, elegant and timeless tool, finished in mirror stainless steel.

$21.00 | www.cuisipro.com

Staub – Braiser Chistera 4qt/3.7L

Perfect for browning / braising, every culinary creation is sure to taste as wonderful as these vessels look.

$329.99 | www.cookculture.com

Breville – 3X Bluicer Pro

Make the most of your fresh ingredients with Breville’s 3X Bluicer Pro. Create healthy and flavourful smoothies, juices, dressings, marinades, and more with this  blender and juicer in one.

$629.99 | www.breville.com

Thermomix – Thermomix^® TM6TM

The TM6TM is a revolutionary kitchen appliance. The newest model is Wi-Fi-connected, performs 22 culinary functions and walks you through 50,000+ global recipes. 

$2,099 | www.thermomix.ca

CRUX® – Artisan Series 7.5″ Cordless Immersion Blender

This immersion blender makes it easy to blend almost anywhere without the hassle of a cord.

$103.99 | www.bedbathandbeyond.ca

Frieling – 17 oz. Insulated Stainless Steel French Press

Manually brew great-tasting cups of flavourful coffee with this elegant, double-wall insulated French Press.

$92.99 | www.bedbathandbeyond.ca

Cuisinart® – Grind Central Coffee Grinder

With its brushed stainless steel housing and vintage styling this coffee grinder is destined to be a classic addition to your kitchen.

$59.99 | www.bedbathandbeyond.ca

Cuisinart® – PerfecTemp Cordless Electric Programmable Kettle

For tea to reach its full flavour, it should be steeped at just the right temperature. This kettle has 6 preset temperatures for different varieties of tea.

$149.99 | www.cuisinart.ca

Field – #8 Cast Iron Skillet

Great tools are rare—and get better with time and use. This is the closest living relative to vintage cast iron: light enough for everday use.

$199.99 | www.cookculture.com

Demeyere – Industry 4L Saucepan

This Demeyere saucepan is the perfect choice for making a wide
variety of dishes including sauces, soup and stew.

$309.99 | www.cookculture.com

Instant Omni Plus – Instant Omni Plus 10-in-1 Toaster Oven

A high-performance toaster oven that broils, bakes, roasts, dehydrates, toasts and air fries so you can dig into healthy homemade meals in no time.

$342.95 | www.amazon.ca

Philips – Pasta Maker Plus Smart

This pasta maker provides an easy, mess-free way to create fresh pasta at home in under 10 minutes. With the touch of a button it will automatically mix, knead and extrude pasta.

$399.99 | www.philips.ca

J.A. Henckels International – Classic 6-Inch Utility Knife

Find utility with a hot drop-forged, high carbon, no-stain steel knife featuring 3-rivet, full tang construction for optimal balance and support.

$64.99 | www.bedbathandbeyond.ca

Peugot – Pepper Grinder

Guaranteed for a lifetime of happy grinding—with designs that are sleek, classic, and iconic.

From $60.00-$200.00 | www.cookbookcooks.com

Cuisinart® – Cordless Rechargeable Compact Blender

Compact, cordless convenience meets full-size professional performance. The EvolutionX blends, crushes and purées.

$179.99 | www.cuisinart.ca

SodaStream® SOURCE – Sparkling Water Maker Starter Kit

SodaStream partners with Yves Behar, world-renowned designer, to give you this elegant sparkling water kit.

$149.99 | www.bedbathandbeyond.ca

Cuisinart® – Power Advantage 7-Speed Hand Mixer

This sleek Cuisinart Power Advantage Hand Mixer features a powerful 225-watt motor that can effortlessly perform any mixing task even with heavy ingredients.

$69.99 | www.bedbathandbeyond.ca

Cuisinart® – 6-Piece Oceanware Collection

The eco-friendly Oceanware Collection is crafted from recycled fishnets pulled from the ocean.

$69.99 | www.cuisinart.ca

Read This Story in Our 30th Anniversary Digital Edition
Celebrate 30 years of Canada’s best health and fitness publication!
Explore future trends in health, fitness and food in this special 30th anniversary edition. Find our favourite tech and kitchen must-haves, then work out with two of IMPACT Magazine’s Canada’s Top Fitness Trainers before making one of our delicious plant-based recipes – all inside this issue!

Stryd – Power Meter

Stryd tracks your running power – the fastest way to your next personal best. Running power accounts for your speed, slope, run form, fatigue, and wind to deliver improved and manageable pacing wherever you run. Stryd learns what kind of runner you are with precision motion-capture technology and then prescribes personalized training and racing plans to help you improve your fitness and reach your goals at every race distance from 5 K to Marathon.

$299.00 | www.stryd.com

Hexoskin – Pro Smart Clothing

This best-in-class smart garment comes with a comfortable base layer smart shirt with integrated sensors. It offers continuous health monitoring of over 42,000 datapoints per minute, including ECG, heart rate, HRV, HRR, RR intervals, breathing rate, tidal volume, minute ventilation, actigraphy, activity level and accelerometry during daily activities, and sleep. Data can be visualized in real-time with the Hexoskin App on iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.

$730.00 | www.hexoskin.com

Garmin – Forerunner 55

An easy-to-use GPS smartwatch designed for people of all skill levels that allows you to track stats and achieve your fitness goals with the simple press of a button. Advanced features include PacePro, cadence alerts, recovery time and finish time estimator. Health features include stress tracking, Body Battery energy monitoring, intensity minutes, fitness age, respiration tracking and women’s health tracking.

$199.99 | www.garmin.com

TrueLight – Light Therapy Eyewear

TrueLight® utilizes ground-breaking LED technology to safely and effectively help stimulate cellular healing, muscle recovery and collagen production. Its unique delivery system utilizes four UV-free wavelengths including dark red, red, yellow, and infrared light to assist in the rejuvenation, stimulation and preparation of skin and muscle tissue. It’s pulsating or steady light options assist in rapid healing and pain relief.

$60.70-$122.00 | www.truedark.com

Muse – Muse 2 Headband

Introducing the digital sleeping pill designed to put you to sleep and help you fall back asleep during the night. Muse is a brain sensing headband and the first widely available consumer tool to provide users with real-time biofeedback on your meditation state using auditory cues helping you better relax, meditate, and rest – allowing you to refocus during the day and recover overnight.

$299.99 | www.choosemuse.com

Biostrap – Recover Set

Sleep is essential. Quantify yours. Utilizing a clinically reliable biosensor, the Biostrap
wrist-worn device captures advanced biometrics, analyzes sleep quality and provides actionable insights to empower users to optimize their sleep, recovery and overall performance. A Biostrap Sleep Score, ranging from 0-100, provides an easy-to-understand indication of your overall sleep quality and factors negatively impacting your sleep.

$385.00 | www.biostrap.com

Hapbee – Smart Wearable

A truly innovative wellness wearable that allows you to control your sleep, your energy, your focus or your anxiety by means of a headband controlled by an app.  Based on 15 years of research and used, trusted and recommended by the most recognized authors in the wellness industry. Feel your best with this ground-breaking technology – without the side effects.

$500.00 | www.hapbee.com

Polar – Verity Sense & M2 Armband

Polar Verity Sense is a versatile high-quality optical heart rate sensor that measures heart rate from your arm or temple with maximum freedom of movement. It comes equipped with an armband and a swimming goggle strap clip, and is very easy to use. Thanks to Bluetooth®, ANT+ and internal memory, you can either connect Polar Verity Sense to a sports watch or app.

$129.99 | www.polar.com

Oura Ring – Oura Ring Generation 3

This wearable health platform delivers accurate personalized health data, insights, and daily guidance. The ring tracks all stages of sleep and accounts for daily activity to provide practical steps for long-term improvement. The newly introduced Oura Membership ($5.99/month USD) grants users full access to an ever-growing suite of features, daily health insights, personalized recommendations, an expanding library of guided audio sessions, educational videos, and more — directly in the Oura app.

$299.00 | www.ouraring.com 

Photography by Katy Whitt

Read This Story in Our 30th Anniversary Digital Edition
Celebrate 30 years of Canada’s best health and fitness publication!
Explore future trends in health, fitness and food in this special 30th anniversary edition. Find our favourite tech and kitchen must-haves, then work out with two of IMPACT Magazine’s Canada’s Top Fitness Trainers before making one of our delicious plant-based recipes – all inside this issue!