If you’ve been searching for the “holy grail” of barefoot court shoes, the Xero Shoes 360 Rally has officially arrived to fill the void. Launched as a high-performance evolution of the beloved 360 trainer, the Rally is specifically engineered for the high-intensity, lateral-heavy demands of pickleball, tennis, and cross-training. In this review, we’ll dive into…
Category: Gear Reviews – Running, Cycling, Travel, Outdoors, Wearables, Money & More
Altra Experience Flow 3: A Refined Daily Trainer That Stays True to Its Roots
Price: $145 | Drop: 4mm | Weight: 9 oz / 255g | Stack: 32mm/28mm | Foam: Altra EGO™ P35 The Altra Experience Flow 3 is the latest version of Altra’s gateway road shoe – designed for runners curious about the brand’s natural-movement philosophy who aren’t ready for full zero-drop. The Experience Flow 2 (read our…
Conquering Trails, Defying Elements: A Deep Dive into the Altra Lone Peak 9+ GTX
For avid hikers and trail runners, the quest for the perfect shoe is a never-ending journey. We demand grip, comfort, protection, and durability, often feeling like we have to compromise on one to gain another. Enter the Altra Lone Peak 9+ GTX, a shoe that promises to redefine your trail experience by delivering an impressive…
Ruko U11MINI 4K RC3: The Pocket-Sized Powerhouse That Dumps Your Phone
The drone market is saturated with “mini” drones, but Ruko has made a significant statement with its latest iteration: the Ruko U11MINI 4K RC3. This isn’t just a slight upgrade; it’s a re-imagining of the beginner/travel drone, primarily driven by the inclusion of the revolutionary, smartphone-free RC3 screen remote controller. The difference between the Ruko…
Longevity Secrets from Older Athletes
Tips to Extend Your Athletic Career Have you ever wondered what keeps some athletes performing at a high level well into their 50s, 60s, and beyond? It’s not just genetics or luck. Over the years, we’ve uncovered some surprisingly simple habits from older athletes that can help extend anyone’s athletic career – whether you’re eyeing that…
Altra Running Experience 3 Collection Available Now!
Altra Running has officially launched the Experience 3 Collection, continuing the brand’s push into the “low-drop” (4mm) category rather than their traditional zero-drop. The collection centers on a philosophy of “natural foot positioning” combined with a rocker geometry for a smoother ride. Altra Experience Flow 3 (Road) The Experience Flow 3 is the neutral daily…
Introducing the new VIVOBAREFOOT MOTUS STRENGTH II
Strong enough for your hardest sessions. Sensory enough to feel every movement. The Motus Strength II redefines the possible – total protection and unmatched connection, coexisting where they never have before. The Motus Strength II is the latest version of VIVOBAREFOOT pinnacle barefoot strength trainer, now with a new tongue construction for a secure, adaptable…
GOREWEAR Going Out of Business SALE!
GOREWEAR is shuttering at the end of March 2026. The technical apparel brand has become synonymous with quality performance gear for runners and cyclists, as the first brand to bring waterproof, breathable technology to these endurance sports. “For more than 40 years, we have strived with great dedication and considerable investment to successfully position the…
LEMs Shoes Trail Thrasher Pro Waterproof vs. Original: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
If you’re a fan of the barefoot-inspired, wide-toe-box movement, you likely already know that LEMs Shoes has been shaking up the trail and mountain bike scene with the Trail Thrasher which we reviewed here a month ago. But with the recent announcement of the Trail Thrasher Pro Waterproof, you may be asking: What’s the difference,…
Xero Shoes Expands into Court Sports with the 360 Rally
A barefoot-inspired court sneaker designed for quick pivots, long rallies, and confident movement—without restriction As a pioneer in the barefoot shoe movement, Xero Shoes designs footwear that helps people move naturally, efficiently, and with confidence. Now, the brand brings that philosophy to the court with the 360 Rally — a court sport sneaker built for…
Your Ultimate Northern California Winter Warmth Guide: TURTLE FUR Beanie Essentials
Winter has arrived in Northern California, and if you’ve felt those chilly morning winds cutting through the Bay Area or experienced the crisp cold while exploring Lake Tahoe’s snowy trails, you know it’s time to gear up. Whether you’re commuting through San Francisco’s foggy streets, hiking Mount Tamalpais, or catching early morning surf at Half…
Your Feet’s Path to Minimalist Comfort
In the world of minimalist footwear, LEMs Shoes has carved out a strong reputation for combining foot-healthy design with everyday wearability. Their latest, the Zen Clog, a slip-on addition to their popular Primal line, promises effortless comfort and a natural fit. But does this simple clog deliver a truly “Zen” experience? We put it to…
Unearthing Your Foundation: Building Strength, Stability, and Confidence with Xero Shoes
In a world increasingly focused on quick fixes and specialized gadgets, it’s easy to forget the power of the most fundamental tool we possess: our own bodies. But what if we told you that unlocking peak performance, preventing injury, and building unwavering confidence could start from the ground up – literally? At the heart of…
Live Longer, Stress Less: 4 Simple Secrets That Extend Your Healthspan
Table of Contents The Most Modifiable Lifestyle FactorsEnvironmental and Social FactorsGenetic FactorsHappiness for Healthy AgingCultural Concepts of Well-beingLagom: The Art of “Just Right”Hygge: Cultivating Warmth and ConnectionIkigai: Finding Your Reason for BeingNjuta: The Mindfulness of SavoringYour Blueprint for Healthy Aging Longevity generally refers to a long duration of individual life or simply length of life….
Conquer Every Path with the LEMs Shoes Trail Thrasher
In the crowded market of minimalist and natural-shape footwear, LEMs Shoes has consistently stood out by prioritizing foot health without sacrificing style. Their newest offering, the LEMs Shoes Trail Thrasher, enters the scene not just as a hiking shoe, but as a rugged, all-terrain trail sneaker inspired by the robust aesthetics of downhill mountain biking…
Comfort, Stability, and Toes: My Honest Test of Peluva Golf Shoes
In the decades of my golf life, I’ve played in traditional leather tour shoes, sneakers, zero drop shoes and even barefoot, and now, thanks to Peluva, I can say I’ve played in “five-toe” golf shoes. My primary criteria for golf shoes are (1) comfort; and (2) that they be laterally stable as I initiate my…
The Only Holiday Gift That Corrects Posture While You Relax
Why the LEMs Shoes Zen Clog is the Only Footwear You Need This Holiday Season The holidays are a time for comfort, relaxation, and recovering from a long year. But while you’re shopping for cozy blankets and essential oil diffusers, there’s one area of self-care that’s often neglected: your feet. This year, skip the shallow…
Buy This, Skip That: The Smartwool Active Fleece
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…
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…