Alastair Running

Honest running shoe and gear reviews, backed by 15+ years of real-world testing. No hype, just what actually performs on the run.

SAVE 10% AT ALTRA: use my exclusive code TRAIL10 at checkout.

I review road and trail running shoes from affordable daily trainers to carbon-plated race day super shoes, plus head-to-head comparisons and gear roundups to help you pick the right shoe the first time. Every shoe is tested in a US men's size 9 so results are directly comparable across reviews.

Full written reviews, roundups and training tools: alastairrunning.com
Hiking and outdoor gear equivalent: trailandkale.com

Business inquiries: see channel email below.


Alastair Running

Just published my best waterproof running shoes for 2026: www.alastairrunning.com/best-waterproof-running-sh…

Also the honest bit: when you should skip a membrane and run something that drains instead. Waterproof shoes are rain-and-cold tools, not swim tools.

Which GTX slot are you shopping for right now?

#waterproofrunningshoes #WinterRunning #alastairrunning #rainyday #rainrun

6 days ago | [YT] | 6

Alastair Running

Just updated my best tempo running shoes list for 2026.

www.alastairrunning.com/best-tempo-running-shoes/

New this month: the Altra Vanish Tempo 2 joins the firm and responsive section. It's the foot-shaped, low-offset pick for runners who like a flat feel and are happy to supply their own speed. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 still holds the top spot in that section, and it's still my tempo G.O.A.T.

I've split the list in two: firm, snappy shoes for a connected feel and quick turnover, and cushioned super-tempo trainers for longer, faster efforts. Every pair on it is one I've actually trained in.

So which camp are you in for tempo days, firm or bouncy?

#runningshoes #TempoTraining #speedworkout #running #alastairrunning

6 days ago | [YT] | 2

Alastair Running

Just published my Hoka Clifton 11 GTX review.

Full breakdown here:
www.alastairrunning.com/hoka-clifton-11-gtx-review…

It's the first Gore-Tex Clifton since the 9 GTX, and the good news is the waterproofing doesn't ruin the shoe underneath. Same CMEVA cushioning, same MetaRocker, same 42/34mm stack, now with a GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane, wet-grip traction pods and a quick speed-lace toggle for cold, soggy mornings.

The trade-offs: my pair weighs 10.5 oz vs 9.1 oz for my standard Clifton 11, and it runs warm. Brilliant if you deal with real rain or dark wet winters. If you're in a dry, hot climate like my Florida mornings, the standard 11 is still the better buy.

Hoka Clifton 11 GTX: $175 retail.
Shop it here: link.alastairrunning.com/HokaCliftonGTX-NEW

#Hoka #runningshoes #winterrunning #AlastairRunning

1 week ago | [YT] | 8

Alastair Running

If you enjoy hiking, and trying new outdoor activities, follow my other channel ‪@trailandkale‬ too - big love ✌🏼

1 month ago | [YT] | 2

Alastair Running

Quick question for the AR community 👟

Have I ever helped you choose a pair of running shoes?

If the answer’s yes, I’d genuinely love to know:
👉 Which shoes did you end up buying?
👉 Did you like them?
👉 And most importantly… was my review actually on the mark once you’d put some miles into them? 😅

One of the main reasons I make these reviews is to help cut through all the noise around running shoes and make it easier to find the right pair.

So I’d love to hear whether they’ve actually helped in the real world — and which shoes I’ve successfully talked you into over the years 😂

Drop the shoe in the comments! 👇

1 month ago | [YT] | 7

Alastair Running

In the end I switched to the Speedgoat 10K race, and happy I did 😊

My plantar injury held up at a pain level of around 3 and to my surprise didn’t get worse during the race, so I was able to push pretty hard feeling good.

Had a fantastic morning out on the mountain :) My shoe choice of the Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 was spot on; couldn’t have been happier with their performance on this steep and rocky course.

finish time: 1hr 8min (15th place) - 10km and 1500ft - thanks to all who gave me well wishes, and hello again to everyone I met out there!! ✌🏼 -A

2 months ago | [YT] | 50

Alastair Running

Being Sebastian’s dad is the best title I’ve got.

He’s my running buddy in training, my toughest gear critic, and the reason every adventure is better lately.

Thank you for making me a dad, little guy. Happy Father’s Day to every dad out there chasing trails, chasing toddlers, or both at once.

3 months ago | [YT] | 57

Alastair Running

Where the strength work happens; in a 33 deg Celsius, sweltering hot Florida garage 😄✌🏼

4 months ago | [YT] | 15

Alastair Running

A big day today! It’s our 16 year Wedding Anniversary and I got my US citizenship! 🥳🍾🇺🇸🥂❤️

4 months ago | [YT] | 192

Alastair Running

Starting my custom 11 week Speedgoat by UTMB training plan on May 4th! Going to be getting super creative again this year, simulating elevation gain, and altitude in training as much as possible. Follow me on Instagram for updates. Excited to take it on again for the second year running. I’ll be using strength, and the static bike to help with hill strength too. 🔥✌🏼

5 months ago | [YT] | 31