Topo Specter 3 review: photo of the shoe
Shoe Reviews

Topo Specter 3 Review: Trainer of the Year

Boasting a new midsole, upper, and outsole, Topo calls the Specter 3 an almost full reinvention of the Specter 2. That’s right: forget everything you knew about the Topo Specter! For many, that won’t be hard to do, considering you’ve likely never heard of the shoe…or the underrated Topo brand. It doesn’t help that the Specter hadn’t previously been made in size 15. That’s right! Exciting news for those of us with gargantuan tootsies: this is the first Specter we can run in! And it couldn’t have come at a better time–spoiler: the Specter 3 is my pick for trainer of the year, in case the title of this review didn’t already tip you off.

photo of the HOKA Clifton PRO for a shoe review
Shoe Reviews

HOKA Clifton PRO Review: How Does it Compare to the Clifton 11?

HOKA watched Brooks produce a combined 31 variations (and counting) of their flagship Glycerin and Ghost models and said “Hold my pair” by introducing the first modification to the popular Clifton line.

The Clifton Pro is the best Clifton ever, and not just because they added “PRO” to the name; although, that certainly doesn’t hurt. Just don’t mistake its PRO moniker for being a super shoe. Perhaps “PRO” wasn’t the best name?

Mizuno Neo Vista 3 review: main photo
Shoe Reviews

Mizuno Neo Vista 3 Review: The Chosen One

Not long ago considered safe and predictable (see: boring), Mizuno continues to refresh their lineup with great results, significantly improving long-time pairs like the Wave Rider and introducing several innovative premium models within the past few years. One of many standouts is the Neo Vista, a nimble, plated super trainer designed to provide a bouncy, energetic ride. Did my first experience with the shoe live up to the hype?

Brooks Hyperion Max 4 review: photo of the shoe
Shoe Reviews

Brooks Hyperion Max 4 Review: Good, Not Great

One of only two plated shoes in the Brooks lineup, the Hyperion Max is a neutral super trainer that’s evolved significantly since the launch of the original in 2023. Back then, its paltry 34/26 mm stack height certainly didn’t fit its “Max” moniker. The first edition didn’t even have a plate! Fast forward to version 4, and there’s a gigantic 45/39 mm stack along with a nylon plate and second foam made of Peba. While the shoe has evolved a lot over the years, there are just minimal updates from last year’s v3. Is v4 the best version yet?