Category: Gear Review

Hoka One One Arahi 4 Shoe Review
Gear Review, Running

Hoka One One Arahi 4 Shoe Review

Hollie

Hoka One One Arahi 4 Shoe Review

I don’t typically review shoes in the stability category?

Why? Because I don’t usually run in them.  Lately, I’ve found I’ve needed a shoe that is more stable for longer, easy, runs. My body feels better with it. I didn’t want anything to be stable and the Hoka One One Arahi 4 felt comfortable.

Hoka One One Arahi 4 Shoe Review

The Hoka Arahi 4 is one of two support trainers from Hoka. The other (Hoka Gaviota) has max stability and cushion.  The Hoka Arahi 4 is lighter and more responsive. The closest neutral trainer to the Hoka Arahi 4 is the Hoka Clifton 6.

Hoka One One Arahi 4 Quick Facts:

Weight: 8 oz

Heel to Toe Drop: 5 mm

Hoka One One Arahi 4 Fit:

One thing that drew me to the Hoka One One Arahi 4 over other more stable shoes was the width. While the Hoka Arahi 4 is not the widest Hoka shoe, it’s wider than most brands.

Most of Hoka’s shoes use an engineered, seamless mesh.  Compared to previous versions, the Hoka Arahi 4 uses a softer material which makes the upper lighter, more durable, and more breathable.

Hoka One One Arahi 4 Shoe Review

Since there are no seams, the Arahi 4 doesn’t irritate your foot if you have a wider forefoot, have bunions, or just like a wide shoe. That being said, the upper of the Hoka Arahi 4 also doesn’t provide much structure.

Since many Hoka models are wide and seamless, some people feel as though their foot just free-floating around in a Hoka shoe. That’s not a bad thing, and you never want a running shoe to be too tight. A tighter shoe isn’t providing support. That being said, you don’t want to feel comfortable.

Typically in running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. I’ve found the Hoka One One Arahi 4 size 10 to be perfect.

Hoka One One Arahi 4 Ride:

If you’ve run in the Hoka One One Arahi before, this year’s model is similar. The sole hasn’t changed.  If you are new to Hoka, Hoka uses early stage Meta-Rocker. The early-stage Meta-Rocker “rocks” you forward and provides a smooth transition from heel to toe.

Unlike the neutral shoes I typically use, the Hoka One One Arahi 4 uses “J-Frame” Technology to provide stability.

Hoka One One Arahi 4 Shoe Review

What is “J-Frame”? 

J-Frame isn’t a traditional medial post like many stable trainers. It’s the second reason I was drawn to the Hoka Arahi 4.

The support is a denser foam that starts in the midsole and runs down the medial (inner) side of your foot.  It then goes to wrap around your heel (like a J). It’s easy to distinguish in the Hoka Arahi 4 because it’s slightly darker foam in the shoe. Many brands are going towards more natural ways to support your foot rather than a giant piece of stability built into the shoe.

Hoka One One Arahi 4 Shoe Review

Finally, the outsole of the Hoka Arahi 4 uses high abrasion rubber. The Hoka One One Arahi 4 has traction when needed, but it doesn’t have the most traction of any shoe. It’s okay for inclement conditions.

I’ve run a few different types of runs in the Hoka Arahi 4 from long runs to easy, recovery runs, and a shorter speed workout. I’ve found the Hoka One One Arahi 4 fits best for me on an easy run day that my body is tired.

Hoka One One Arahi 4 Shoe Review

Hoka One One Arahi 4 Conclusion:

The Hoka Arahi 4 is a great trainer for anyone who needs some stability. It’s light, yet responsive. The cushioning is positive for anyone looking for something with a little more.

I appreciate the use of the “J-Frame” and the natural stability versus a giant arch piece. I’ll continue using the Hoka Arahi 4 as my easy run shoe.

Current Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, New Balance 1080 v10, Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5, Hoka One One Arahi 4, Asics Cumulus 21

Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike Pegasus Turbo 2

Long Runs: Brooks Ricochet 2 Shoe Review, New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Altra Escalante 2.0, Hoka Cavu 2

Races: New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%,  Reebok Run fast Pro 

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport.

Questions for you:

Have you run in Hoka before?

Have you tried the Hoka One One Arahi 4? 

 

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Fun Run Box Review
Gear Review, Running

Fun Run Box Review

Hollie

Fun Run Box Review

Recently I tried the Fun Run Box.  The motto of the Fun Run Box is “For Runners, by Runners,” which I thought was cool. With a subscription to the Fun Run Box, you get a box each month filled with “Runner Things.” One thing I appreciated is that each item in the Fun Run Box is full-sized. You aren’t getting half of an item or a little bit of something. Who wants to try half of something?

Fun Run Box Review

So anyway, what is Fun Run Box?

Fun Run Box is a running monthly subscription box.  What makes Fun Run Box different is that it’s also a running experience. The monthly challenges and monthly theme box make it different.  T

Fun Run Box Review

Boxes each month come with anything from running gear, apparel, skincare, and snacks.  Then there is also a “challenge” each month from a game to a running streak. The running challenges makes more interesting than here is a box for you. Especially in the winter months, we all need more motivation.

With the February Challenge, it was a “Scavenger Hunt” for all things red. Each month is part of the challenge series and you never know what you’ll get. A few of the items included red running shoes, a sign with red lettering, and a dog wearing a red sweater. By competing, you could win your next box free.

Who doesn’t love a good competition?

So what was in the Fun Run Box?

So that Fun Run Box sends you the right sizes and appropriate gear, you choose which gender as well as your shirt size, calve size (for compression), and sock size. They take care of sending you a fun care package.

Fun Run Box Review

I appreciated that the Fun Run Box is catered for the season. Obviously, it’s February and colder.  The items this month included a headband, hat gloves, and hand warmers. The hat is a wool reversible City Sports Beanie.

Fun Run Box Review

All the winter gear was high quality and isn’t just cheap, clearance stuff on sale.

The Fun Run Box also came with a few new to me products, including Nuttzo organic butter.  I’ve never tried Nuttzo before but have been making an effort to eat more peanut butter, so this was perfect. I liked both the original and the chocolate power fuel.

Fun Run Box Review

The Fun Run Box also came with a “Boost Hydrate” to get electrolytes. Similar to products like Nuun. It tasted good, and I appreciated the electrolytes.

In all, I like the idea of the Fun Run Box.  I think it’s a great idea for running friends that “have it all” or that you have no idea what they would like. We all have friends like that.

Right now, Fun Run Box is offering 15% off with the Code: Welcome15.  The boxes are usually 35.99 (if you do more than one month, they are cheaper). 

You can see all the product reviews here.

Questions for you:

Have you tried a subscription box? Runner box or any box? 

Have you ever gone on a running scavenger hunt? 

Diadora Mythos Blushield Hip 5 Shoe Review
Gear Review, Running

Diadora Mythos Blushield Hip 5 Shoe Review

Hollie

Diadora Mythos Blushield Hip 5 Shoe Review

Diadora is a newer brand in the running world. Diadora is an Italian brand, with its headquarters in Philadelphia.

Diadora is best known for both lifestyle, tennis, and soccer shoes, but the quality of any Diadora running shoe is every bit as good as other brands.  I’ve reviewed a couple of Diadora shoes, including the Diadora Mythos Elite TRX and Diadora Fly Shoe Review.

Diadora Mythos Blushield Hip 5 Shoe Review

Diadora Mythos Blushield Hip 5 Quick Facts:

Weight: 9 oz

Heel to Toe Drop: 10 mm

Diadora Mythos Blushield Hip 5 Fit:

The Diadora Mythos Blushield Hip 5 has a two-tone engineered air mesh upper.  It’s made of nylon and also has transparent transfer.  One thing I appreciate is how the upper of the Diadora Mythos Blushield Hip 5 is made with iridescent details to make it more visible at night. Many of Diadora models now have that feature.

Diadora Mythos Blushield Hip 5 Shoe Review

As a brand, Diadora has a slightly wider last than many other brands. I typically wear between a 10-11 wide. I find the Diadora Mythos Blushield Hip 5 size 10.5 to be great.

Diadora Mythos Blushield Hip 5 Shoe Review

Diadora Mythos Blushield Hip 5 Ride:

Diadora is like a giant, soft, marshmallow under your foot. I appreciate all of the cushion and how my foot just sinks in.  Not just with the Diadora Mythos Blushield Hip 5, but all of the shoes are soft.

Diadora uses “BlueShield technology” in their shoes. Each brand uses a different type of technology they deem the best. For example, Asics uses gel, adidas uses boost, etc.

What is Blushield Technology?

Blushield is soft and durable. Diadora Blushield combines reactivity and cushioning.

The morpho base is carved following the shape of the foot.  This allows the foot to maintain its natural anatomy when rolling through the gait cycle.

Together with the Blushield cushioning and Morpho base, Diadora Mythos Blushield Hip 5 minimizes imbalances in the foot. This is helpful if your feet are doing slightly different things and don’t want to overcorrect one problem. For instance, if one foot pronates.

The sole of the Diadora Mythos Blushield Hip 5 uses “Duratec 5000”.  Duratec 5000 is a durable compound in the heel area that helps with traction and durability.  I’ve found the Diadora Mythos Blushield Hip 5 to be great for miserable weather days. We haven’t had too many icy days this winter, but I appreciate the traction when we do.

I’ve done a few different runs in the Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5 and have found it to be best for easy and recovery days. My favorite days to use it are either recovery run days, easy runs on the treadmill or treadmill days. Much like the Hoka Bondi 6, I appreciate how my foot sinks into the shoe and my body doesn’t feel as banged up.

Diadora Mythos Blushield Hip 5 Shoe Review

Diadora Mythos Blushield Hip 5 Conclusion:

I like the Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5 and I find it makes a great recovery shoe, if not one of my favorite of the year. I appreciate how soft and cushioned it is. If you are looking for an easy run shoe, the Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5 is a great option.

Finally, The Diadora Mythos Blushield Hip 5 is exclusively available in run specialty. If you are local, RunningCo. of Haddonfield, Philly Runner, North Wales Running Company, and Runners High carry the Diadora Mythos Mythos Blushield Hip 5.

Current Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, New Balance 1080 v10, Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5, Hoka Bondi 6, Asics Cumulus 21

Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike Pegasus Turbo 2

Long Runs: Brooks Ricochet 2 Shoe Review, New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Altra Escalante 2.0, Hoka Cavu 2

Races: New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%,  Reebok Run fast Pro 

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport.

Questions for you:

Have you tried Diadora before?

What is your current favorite shoe? 

Naked nutrition collagen
Food, Gear Review

Naked Nutrition Collagen

Hollie

Naked Nutrition Collagen

Recently, I’ve been experimenting with different types of collagen.  I’ve written a dozen posts about the uses and benefits of collagen, but it’s been a few months.

Naked nutrition collagen

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body.  It’s a major component of connective tissues in muscles, ligaments, tendons, and skin.  Consuming collagen will provide benefits, whether you are an athlete or not.

For runners, collagen can help bone and joint health, plus it can aid in workout recovery.

For nonrunners, collagen also helps skin and healthy hair and nails. I notice the difference of both my hair and skin when I consume collagen.

Naked nutrition collagen
My cay appreciates Naked nutrition collagen too 😉

Why Take a Collagen Supplement?

It’s hard to get hydrolyzed collagen from food sources. You can do it by drinking bone broth every day, but taking a collagen supplement like Naked Collagen is going to make it easier to get the appropriate amount. Like whey protein powder, Naked Nutrition Collagen can help rebuild muscles post-workout.

So What is Naked Nutrition?

As the brand suggests, Naked Nutrition doesn’t contain any extra “stuff.” It’s flavorless and tasteless and so far the most tasteless collagen I’ve found to date. Naked Nutrition Collagen is highly soluble and tasteless.

The Naked Nutrition Collagen only has 35 calories per serving because it contains no extra filler. Just hydrolyzed collagen.  Personally, I’ve been using it in coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.  During the warmer months, I’ll probably add it so cold drinks and smoothies. You can add Naked Nutrition Collagen Peptide Powder in almost anything because you don’t taste it.

Naked nutrition collagen

So What Does Naked Nutrition Collagen Contain (or not contain)?

  • One Ingredient: Collagen Peptides
  • Collagen Contains 9 out of 18 Essential Amino Acids
  • Hydrolyzed Collagen Comes From Pasture-Raised and Grass-Fed Bovine Hides
  • No Artificial Sweeteners, Flavors, or Colors
  • 9 Grams of Protein and 0.6 Grams of BCAA’s Per Serving**
  • GMO-Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, and Gluten-Free
  • Growth Hormone Free, no rBGH or rBs

Naked nutrition collagen

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. 

Questions for you:

Have you tried Naked Nutrition Collagen?

Do you take a Collagen Peptide Supplement? 

 

Asics Cumulus 21
Gear Review, Running

Asics Cumulus 21 Shoe Review

Hollie

Asics Cumulus 21 Shoe Review

Asics has been around the running world for years. The Asics Cumulus, the Asics Nimbus, and the Asics Kayano are all over 20 models old. A few years ago, Asics changed factories and their shoe quality went down.  The shoes were narrow and tight and many people went wider and even a full size larger. Shoe size is just shoe size but when you order the same shoe year after year and suddenly you’re a size bigger, it doesn’t do the brand any favors.

My point with that is from about 2015-2019, Asics was not great. In late 2019, they came out with the Asics Nimbus 22 and it was the first shoe in years I was impressed with from Asics.

Asics does win the award of most consistent with their technology.  The same Asics Gel from the 1990s is the same Asics gel now.

Now that we have that long introduction about Asics let’s get to the Asics Cumulus 21, also known as the Asics Gel Cumulus 21. Although there is no non-Asics Gel Cumulus 21 and there is no shoe called the “Asics Gel.”

The Gel Cumulus 21 is a lighter, less cushioned version of the Asics Nimbus 22.

Asics Cumulus 21
Asics Cumulus 21

Asics Cumulus 21 Quick Facts:

Weight: 9.9 ounces

Heel to Toe Drop: 10 mm

Asics Cumulus 21 Fit:

The fit of the Asics Cumulus 21 is what so many people are curious about!  Now, the Asics Cumulus 21 uses a  dual-layer mesh.  The toe box is wider and the Asics Cumulus 21 fits more true to size than it has in years.

First, Asics Cumulus 21 now uses a dual-layer mesh.  While more durable, the engineered jacquard mesh upper doesn’t breathe as well as I hoped.

One thing I wish Asics would remove (from all of their shoes) is the heavy Asics logo. It takes up a lot of space and just seems like unnecessary weight. Many brands have already gone towards screen printing their logos on shoes, so Asics should go that route too. Although the Asics logo doesn’t hinder anything with the fit of the Asics Cumulus 21, it just adds unnecessary weight.

I do appreciate is the higher heel collar in all Asics shoe. The higher internal heel counter and holds the foot in position. My foot feels secure when running in the Asics Cumulus 21.

Asics Cumulus 21
Higher heel counter in the Asics Cumulus 21

In running shoes, I typically wear between a 10-11 wide and I find the Asics Cumulus 11 wide to be the best fit. For a while, I couldn’t comfortably fit into the Asics Cumulus, but I can once again.

Asics Cumulus 21 Ride:

Asics, in general, is one of the heavier brands out there. That’s because Asics uses gel in (most) of their shoes and gel is a heavier substance. While the Asics Cumulus 21 is one of their lighter offerings, it’s still heavier compared to the Saucony Ride, Brooks Ghost, or Hoka Clifton. The Cumulus 21 is no different. The following is some of the features for the midsole and outsole of the Cumulus 21.

Asics Cumulus 21
Asics Cumulus 21 upper

The staple in most Asics shoes is the silicone-based gel, which absorbs shock. Gel is no better than other cushioning systems, but there is more cushion in the heel. The rear and forefoot gel technology is designed for shock absorption with a Flytefoam, low-density foam, in the midsole.

The midsole is made up of both Flytefoam and Flytefoam propel midsole technology. What is Flytefoam? It’s softer, low-density foams that provide bounciness and responsiveness. Asics introduced Flytefoam into many of their staples shoes to reduce weight but also provide a more responsive ride.  With the mixture of foams, I’ve found the Asics Cumulus 21 to provide responsiveness no matter the type of run.

Finally, like many shoes, the Asics Cumulus 21 uses “AHAR,” also known as ASICS High Abrasion Rubber. The rubber makes it great on rainy, wet, or icy days. If it’s icy or snowy, I’m more likely to grab the Asics Cumulus 21.

Asics Cumulus 21
Asics Cumulus 21 outsole

The Flytefoam Propel Technology, together with the rearfoot and forefoot gel technology, makes the Asics Cumulus 21 the softest and most responsive ride in a long time.

I’ve run a few different types of runs in the Asics Cumulus 21 and I find the best use is as a daily trainer or a shoe I’m standing around or at the gym in. I prefer the durable gel for long days at work or to reduce shock on easy runs. Lately, I’ve used the Asics Gel Cumulus 21 a lot for warmups and cooldowns for workouts and races.

Asics Cumulus 21
Asics Cumulus 21

Asics Cumulus 21 Conclusion:

The updated Asics Cumulus 21 is better than it has been in years. It’s exciting to see Asics getting back in the game. The Asics Cumulus 21 fits more comfortably and is a great trainer for someone looking for an everyday shoe for easy runs. It’s one of my favorite shoes to stand around, go to the gym, or even work in (yes, a running shoe that I use a lot for nonrunning). If you’ve run in the Asics Cumulus before, the major changes are the upper and a better fit than previous versions.

Current Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, New Balance 1080 v10, Diadora Mythos Elite TRX, Hoka Bondi 6, Asics Cumulus 21

Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike Pegasus Turbo 2

Long Runs: Brooks Ricochet 2 Shoe Review, New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Altra Escalante 2.0, Hoka Cavu 2

Races: New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%,  Reebok Run fast Pro 

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. 

Questions for you:

Have you run in the Asics Cumulus 21?

What is your current favorite running shoe?