Amanda Brooks's Blog, page 8

ASICS Sonicblast Review | A Plated Trainer for The Middle of the Pack

If you’ve ever wanted a super shoe, but knew that the $300 styles simply weren’t made for your stride, good news. ASICS has been hard at work developing the Asics Sonicblast to meet the needs of the everyday runner who wants something a little faster.ASICS really found a new life for the brand when creating the blast line up of shoes a few years ago. We previously outlined the differences in the Megablast vs the Sonicblast, but wanted to give you a little more feedback on this PEBAX plated train...

Puma Velocity Nitro 4 Review | Narrow Fit, Great Affordable Trainer

Now in its fourth iteration, the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 continues to anchor the brand’s daily training lineup. As a versatile all-rounder, it balances comfort, efficiency, and durability, making it suitable for a wide range of runs.

Coach Laura has been a fan of Puma running shoes for a number of years and was very excited to unbox the new Puma Velocity Nitro 4 which is listed as a “best seller” on their website.  Right away, she liked the softness of the shoe and how it was very light and flexib...

Best Altra Running Shoes + What Makes Them Unique

Maybe you remember the barefoot running boom. Maybe you’ve just had a slew of injuries and you need something new. Or maybe your friend has been going on and on with their Altra running shoe reviews. And now you’re ready to find out why this brand has become so popular?

I first pulled on a pair of Altra running shoes when they came on the market in 2009.  YIKES, I’ve been writing and testing gear a really long time!

That first run wasn’t love for me, but it was for many of my friends who contin...

Reebok FloatZig 2 Review | Fantastic Price, But Lacking Distance

Reebok’s reveal of the summer is the second iteration of the FloatZig, its crowd-pleasing daily training shoe. With re-engineered “Zig Tech” technology, the brand says the FloatZig 2 offers a springier, bouncier, and more stable run than its predecessor.

With nostalgic 90’s aesthetics and an affordable price point, Reebok running shoes have long been favorites among casual runners. But the performance-focused lineup they’ve released over the past few years, including the FloatZig 2, suggests the...

Is Running the Best Way To Lose Weight? (Tips from a Registered Dietitian)

When it comes to shedding those extra pounds, finding the most effective exercise strategy can feel like an overwhelming task. This often leads people to ask me if running is the best way to lose weight?

On the face of things, it makes sense because it burns a lot of calories.

100% in my early days of running I was absolutely focused on the idea that it was the fastest way to torch calories and keep me in that ever talked about deficit. Man, I wish I’d known what I do now 20 years later as an e...

Ultrahuman Ring AIR Review: Brilliant Tech, But Do we Really Need Another Wearable?

Running tech has exploded in the past few years, with watches, shoe inserts, smart shoes, and now even smart rings. So where does the Ultrahuman Ring AIR fit into the mix? Our review of a new wearable for HR and so much more.

There are various types of fitness trackers available today. Which is great because you can ultimately find something that meets your personal preferences.

If you want to track your data but prefer not to wear a watch 24/7, you may like the Ultrahuman Ring AIR. Some of you ...

Veloci Mesa Review | Can A Shoe Alleviate Lower Leg Pain?

The Veloci Mesa may not be for every runner, but if it’s for you, it could save your running career. Crafted with injury-prone runners in mind, this shoe offers a soft step with a wider toe box and subtle stability. 

These beautiful, stable shoes are designed to reduce foot and lower leg pain and injuries while running. Can a shoe reduce the time runners spend sidelined by lower leg and foot pain? 

Veloci was founded by a Division 1 runner, Tyler Strotham, who faced the miserable choice between ...

Hoka Challenger 8 Review | Road Comfort with Trail-Ready Improvements

Our review of the updated Hoka Challenger 8 as an ideal road to trail option.During our 3 week running trip to New Zealand I limited myself to 2 pairs of shoes, one of those was indeed the Hoka Challenger. It’s a shoe that I have found comfortable for a variety of miles and that can transition for different needs.

Which is to say I was probably a little biased towards liking the shoe prior to ever trying it on…which as we know can be a big let down. But it wasn’t! Let’s talk through what’s chang...

hDrop Review | An RD Explains Who Will Benefit From Sweat Testing?

As a sports dietitian and self-proclaimed sweat science nerd, I was stoked to get my hands on the hDrop. There are a few different wearable sweat monitors out there but hDrop is the only one that you can use over and over without swapping out sensors – which means that you can wear it every day without any extra cost or hassle.

Let me back up. What the heck is a sweat monitor and why would we want one? Hydration needs are highly individual and based primarily around two metrics:

Sweat rate: How...

5 Best Skechers Walking Shoes for All Day

As someone who loves to walk for exercise and is a certified trainer, I know the importance of having a comfortable and supportive pair of shoes. That’s why I’ve spent countless hours researching and trying out different walking shoes (ok and so, so many running shoes). I’ve been consistently impressed with Skechers walking shoes for women and men.

Honestly, no one really believed me when I said they were great running shoes because the brand puts so little in to that marketing. But, if I find ...