Amanda Brooks's Blog

September isn’t always as cool as we would like it to be, but there’s no denying that true fall weather is right around the corner.

It’s time to start transitioning from oppressive heat to cooler mornings, and we’ve tested some gear that is going to help you from late summer into fall,

If you’ve tried something we’ve featured, we’d love to hear your feedback. It helps us keep going and decide what to try out next.

I was looking for a jogger that could keep up on adv...

Foot pain can make even the best runs frustrating. A little extra focus on foot strength, combined with the right footwear choices, can go a long way toward relief. Let’s talk about how these two work together, specifically with custom orthotics over in-store insoles.Over the years, I’ve bought insoles at running stores, worn them for a little while, and then let them collect dust in the back of my closet.

Upstep custom orthotics are different. They’re designed specifically for what my body need...

We’re not big fans of running in barefoot shoes, but for lifting? Sign us up! We’ve rounded up the best barefoot shoes from running to lifting based on our testers feedback.All these new max cushioned running shoes are actually going to work against you in the gym.

They’re built to help propel you forward, layered with foam underfoot to soak up the impact mile after mile, and sometimes shaped with a rocker to help with that heel-to-toe transition. Perfect for running, but definitely not for lift...

Not to sound like a broken record from the last Mach X, but here we are again with a shoe that’s totally different. The Hoka Mach X3 has gone through another round of changes, so is this the one that finally hits that sweet spot? We sure hope so.I’ve always been a fan of the Hoka Mach and Mach X lineup. Unlike some of the classic Hokas that can feel a bit bulky, to me, the Machs have always struck a good balance. They’re light enough to pick up the pace, but versatile enough to handle those easi...

2026 means the return of Lululemon’s incredible Seawheeze half marathon. Which means we had to dig out our  photos and tips to help you have the best weekend ever.Seawheeze is a coveted lottery and holy smokes it took me like 4 years to get in the first time around, so I feel like with the increase in participation it will be super hard now. I had an idea that this was a different experience, but not so much that I bothered to do much investigation or pre-planning on what to expect.

Even as a ve...

 The New Balance SuperComp Elite v5 is a solid update that strikes the difficult blend of speed and comfort, but features stark changes that could prove a bit divisive.

New Balance loves to make a splash with each version of the SuperComp Elite, and this release is no different!

The SCE v5 (because seriously, can the name be any longer?) is lighter, leaner, and considerably faster than previous versions. The shoe features the FuelCell foam that New Balance fans have come to love, a stiffer carb...

As a running enthusiast and gear geek, there’s nothing quite like checking all the data on your GPS watch post run. And when it comes to GPS watches, the best Garmin watch for runners is a super fun topic. I’ve put them all to the test over many years and many runs to help provide you a comparison of models.

Garmin is a brand that needs no introduction.  With their sleek designs, accurate tracking capabilities, and impressive data analysis features, Garmin watches have become the go-to choice f...

The Nike Structure 26 is an updated stability running shoe, here’s our teams review of this update.

Originally released over 30 years ago, the Structure has been a staple for Nike as a stability shoe. It has evolved over the years thanks to innovations to design and cushioning technologies.

The 26 marks new stability solutions while creating a modern look and taking into account real runners testing feedback. It’s truly some big updates from the previous model which got very lackluster reviews.

The Nike Structure 26 is an updated stability running shoe, here’s our teams review of this update.

Originally released over 30 years ago, the Structure has been a staple for Nike as a stability shoe. It has evolved over the years thanks to innovations to design and cushioning technologies.

The 26 marks new stability solutions while creating a modern look and taking into account real runners testing feedback. It’s truly some big updates from the previous model which got very lackluster reviews.

Our review of the more versatile Brooks Hyperion 3.

The Brooks Hyperion 3, a lightweight and versatile daily trainer, sits comfortably at the entrance to Brooks’ Hyperion performance line, which also includes the Hyperion Max 3 and Hyperion Elite 5.

While it lacks a premium midsole foam and a plate, it is still a versatile shoe that is easy on the wallet and can wear a few hats for any runner, from hobbyist to professional.

Since last year’s Hyperion 2, version 3 put on a few grams and added a f...