Why Smartwool Active Fleece Is The Only Mid-Layer You Need We evaluated a few products from Smartwool Second Cut Project recently. In this review, we wear-test some products from Smartwool Active Fleece collection. The main difference between Smartwool Active Fleece and the Second Cut Project lies in their material source, purpose, and circularity model. The…
Author: Nicholas P, Chief Reviewer
Nicholas Pang is a competitive Northern California track & field athlete, runner, and Editor-in-Chief of the most comprehensive minimalist shoes and running accessories review site, Minimalist Running Shoes. He is also the author of 'The Minimalist Runner' and 'Wear Tested', books focusing on how to transition to barefoot-inspired minimal shoes and developing good running form. Nick is a member of the USA Track & Field organization.
The Cold War is Over: Smartwool’s Second Cut Is the Only Winter Gear You Need
The weather is turning. You’re ready to bundle up. But let’s be real: buying new gear every year is not only expensive, it’s a killer for the planet. The fashion industry is notoriously wasteful, and even premium materials like wool can end up in a landfill. Enter Smartwool’s Second Cut Project. This isn’t just new…
Antigravity A1 (8K 360) Drone Officially Launches
Antigravity is proud to announce the global launch of Antigravity A1, the world’s first all-in-one 8K 360 drone¹ designed for intuitive, immersive flight. After capturing the imagination of creators and explorers worldwide earlier this year, A1 is now officially available to purchase, ushering in a completely new era of drone flight aerial storytelling. A1 Takes…
The Everyday Barefoot Slip-On: Zen in Your Commute, Travel Bag, or Living Room
Redefining Barefoot Comfort and Style Welcome to the future of active comfort! Today, we’re diving deep into an extensive review of the Peluva Zen Active Slip-On, a shoe that’s creating buzz by bridging the gap between minimalist, barefoot functionality and every day, slip-on convenience. Peluva (we did a Peluva profile here), a brand born from…
The GORUCK Rucking Weight Vest – Engineered for Durability and Dynamic Training
The world of fitness gear is crowded, but few brands command the loyalty and respect of GORUCK. Built on a foundation of military-grade toughness and a commitment to the practice of “rucking” (walking with weight), their equipment promises longevity and superior performance. The GORUCK Rucking Weight Vest, a purpose-built tool for weighted workouts like the…
Holiday Sales 2025: Black Friday, Cyber Monday
Last Updated: 11/26/2025 LEMs Shoes Altra Running Xero Shoes VIVOBAREFOOT Carets Feelground Peluva Mammut KUHL GoreWear Smartwool GORUCK Amazon
Rebuilding Muscle Mass with Strength & Power Training
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about medical conditions or health objectives. This article was originally published on Natural Running Center. Authors: Nick (Wear Tested…
Stop Skipping REST DAY! These 2 GOREWEAR Gifts Are the Ultimate Fuel for a Runner’s Recovery
The Secret Weapon You Need to Go Viral: Recovery is Training, Too. We know you, runner. Your alarm clock is set for 5:00 AM, rain or shine. You log miles like it’s your job, and your idea of a relaxing evening is scrolling Strava for segments. But here’s the cold, hard truth: You cannot PR…
Run Into the Holidays: Top NYC Marathon-Inspired Gifts Every Runner Will Love
Looking for a holiday gift that captures the spirit of the marathon and inspires every run? The New Balance NYC Marathon collection offers head-to-toe options – blending technical innovation, comfort, and a dash of finish line prestige. Whether your recipient is a casual jogger, competitive racer, or proud marathon finisher, these gifts channel the energy…
Is True Strength Rebuilt in Recovery?
Yes — absolutely. Training stimulates adaptation. Recovery is where the adaptation actually happens. Muscle repair, strength gains, neurological efficiency, hormone balancing, and connective-tissue remodeling all occur after the workout, not during it. You don’t get stronger from training — you get stronger from recovering from training. What Is Recovery? Recovery is everything that restores your…
Introducing GoreWear Recovery Collection
Recovery is a huge part of improving performance and the faster and deeper an athlete can recover, the more they are able to build strength or endurance. The Recovery Collection is GoreWear’s way of supporting that effort. This drop is truly limited so grab their recovery gear while you can. Explore GoreWear Recovery Collection now….
Train Smarter, Not Harder: How Peluva Strand Sport Mesh Transforms Your Strength Workouts
The Peluva Strand Sport Mesh is a five-toe, barefoot-inspired performance trainer designed to maximize both strength and power training benefits while balancing minimalist ground feel with functional protection. It stands out in the crowded barefoot shoe landscape through targeted engineering for gym workouts, plyometrics, and dynamic movements, making it an intriguing choice for strength and…
Visceral Fat Impact On Healthspan & How to Get Rid Of It!
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about medical conditions or health objectives. This article was originally published on Natural Running Center. Authors: Nick (WTGR) & Dr….
Give the Gift of GORE-TEX
Something for everyone who loves to ride and run year-round Built to run, ride and thrive in the toughest conditions. From cold heavy rain to deep winter wind, these jackets deliver durably waterproof, windproof and breathable protection using next-generation GORE-TEX ePE membrane fabric.
Complete Your Running & Recovery With Injinji Merino Wool & Compression Toe Socks
If you have not been running in Injinji toe socks, you’ve been missing good foot health, comfort, and performance – natural toe movement, moisture management, blister protection, circulation, and muscle strength. Note: I don’t wear regular socks. I don’t normally wear toe socks unless it is really cold or I’m wearing dress shoes. I like…
New Balance NYC Marathon Essentials
The New York City Marathon is on Sunday November 2, 2025. Same day when Daylight Savings Time ends… Runners can purchase training day essentials like Athletics Tee, RC Short, and the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon FuelCell Rebel v5 which are designed to go the distance to prepare runners for race day. The collection also features New Balance’s Ultralight premium race…
Stay Warm, Not Sweaty: GOREWEAR CONCURVE WINDSTOPPER® Insulated Jacket
The GOREWEAR CONCURVE WINDSTOPPER® Insulated Jacket is an award-winning, high-performance cold weather running jacket designed to provide reliable warmth, windproof protection, and breathability during dry, cold, and windy conditions. It is part of GOREWEAR’s advanced CONCURVE Collection, utilizing WINDSTOPPER® ePE membrane technology by GORE-TEX LABS and PrimaLoft® Active Evolve insulation for adaptive warmth tailored to…
LEMs Shoes 2025 Fall New Releases
Available Now! The evolution of LEMs Shoes beloved styles: refined, reinforced, and ready for colder days.
2025 Gear Review Guide Now Available
Our 2025 Gear Review Guide is now available for download (PDF)! Based on all the products we have wear-tested from Q4 2024 to Q3-Q4 2025.
Unlock Peak Performance With The New Balance Minimus TR BOA® v2 Training Shoe
The New Balance Minimus TR BOA® v2 emerges as a standout contender in the competitive world of minimalist trainers, blending advanced technology with signature barefoot-inspired ground feel, stability, and relentless gym-ready performance. Whether hitting heavy lifts, chasing HIIT agility, or craving quick lock-down, this detailed review reveals everything athletes and discerning buyers need to know…
Feelgrounds Derby Barefoot Dress Shoes – Classic Style with Natural Freedom
The Feelgrounds Derby is the brand’s barefoot / minimalist take on a dress shoe. It aims to combine formal styling with the freedom and ergonomics of barefoot footwear. Your barefoot lace-up shoe for formal occasions and everyday wear — blending classic style with natural freedom all year round. Main Features Visual Styling The Feelgrounds Derby…
GOREWEAR CONCURVE Windbreaker: Lightweight, Windproof, and Built for Runners
When you’re out on a windy trail or exposed road, a good windbreaker can make the difference between a smooth session and a miserable grind. The GOREWEAR CONCURVE Windbreaker is designed to protect runners and outdoor athletes from the chill, while remaining light, breathable, and easy to stow away. Key Features at a Glance Design…
Premium Recovery With The New Balance Fresh Foam RCVRY Slide
For athletes, runners, and fitness enthusiasts, the recovery (“rest & relaxation”) phase is just as important as the training itself. Enter the New Balance Fresh Foam RCVRY Slide, a slide designed not for performance, but for post-workout comfort. It promises plush cushioning, foot massage textures, and lightweight design. But does it deliver in real life?…
Mammut Runbold IV Pant: The Ultimate Balance of Comfort, Durability, and Performance
When it comes to hiking and outdoor adventure, your choice of pants can make or break the experience. The Mammut Runbold IV Pants are designed to deliver that sweet spot between all-day comfort, rugged durability, and lightweight performance. Whether you’re trekking up alpine trails, rucking with a weighted pack, or exploring new cities on foot,…