Amanda Brooks's Blog

We’ve tested countless Nike running shoes over the years, and somehow, we always find ourselves coming back to a few tried and true models (now with updated versions we love just as much). Here, you’ll find honest Nike running shoe reviews from a team of testers representing every part of the pack.

Nike’s story started with University of Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman and his athlete Phil Knight. What began as a running shoe company has grown into one of the most recognizable athletic brand...

They say it’s the little things in life that make the biggest difference, and if you’ve been running long enough, you know that’s true on the road and trail too.

Sometimes it’s a small detail, or a piece of gear you didn’t realize you needed until suddenly you can’t imagine your routine without it. That’s the kind of stuff we’re excited to share with you this month.

October’s gear round-up is full of those little gems, the things that make the miles smoother, the recovery cozier, and maybe even ...

What happens when Hoka takes a max cushioned running shoe and turns it in to a hiking boot? Very good things, that’s what. Here’s our full review of the Hoka Mafate X hiking.

Previously I reviewed the Hoka Mafate X trail running shoe and let’s be honest I had a lot of really great things to say, which you might see repeated here. Why?

Because Hoka truly took the bottom part of that shoe, all the cushion and the fun outsole and the plate and incorporated in to a hiking boot. And since so many peo...

If the marathon bug has finally nipped at your heels, spurring you to action, it’s time to get serious about finding the right race. The best marathons for beginners is more than a list of races, it’s looking at your options and figuring out exactly which one is going to give you a shot at a spectacular day.

The marathon isn’t just 26.2 miles, it’s the months of training leading up to race day and you want the pay off to be spectacular.

It’s easy to look to the big rac...

You’ve been looking for a wide toe box running shoe, that’s not zero drop? Great news, you’ve now found Topo Running shoes! Our review of the top selections.

There are so many running shoes to choose from, and if there’s one thing we know for sure, there is never going to be one shoe that’s universally loved by every single runner. But one thing we have seen more and more people seeking is extra room in the toe box.

We’ll talk more about why that’s valuable, but hopefully this list will give yo...

While this blog may be called Run to the Finish, with “run” being the operative word, I’ve talked time and time again about how great walking is for us. Treadmill walking workouts are an incredible way to lose weight, build endurance, and improve overall health.

Whether you’re a runner coming back from an injury, restarting your fitness journey, or simply trying to move more throughout the day, adding walking to your routine is one of the best things you can...

My first run in a pair of On running shoes was a total miss, nearly 10 years ago (yikes)! They just didn’t fit my foot shape, and honestly, I wasn’t convinced their quirky “garden hose” sole design was built to last. The Cloudultra 3 feels like the perfect example of how far On has come. The On brand isn’t just still here; it’s thriving, and it has built a reputation for experimenting boldly, keeping what works, and discarding what doesn’t.

The On CloudUltra 3 makes some significant improvements...

You’re putting in the work, logging the miles, and lifting weights in the gym. But if it feels like your muscles aren’t actually getting stronger, you might be missing some signs you’re burning muscles instead of building them. The truth is, sometimes the way you’re training (or fueling) can unintentionally work against you rather than help you get closer to your goals.

We’ve already talked about how you can absolutely be a runner and still build and maintain muscle.

But if your goal is to get ...

Almost all running shoe brands offer their iteration of a plated trainer–and Mizuno’s Wave Rebellion Flash 3 adds another solid contender alongside their Neo Vista 2 (with the Flash 3 being the lighter/faster workout shoe).

Sometimes you just know if a shoe is going to be good from the step-in: and the Flash 3 did that for me. The rocker geometry is quite pronounced and the Mizuno Enerzy XP and NXT foams make the ride bouncy and fun. It’s very easy to want to roll forward with some pop from the ...

After taking the ultra world by storm with their claims of shoes that last up to 800 miles, Mount to Coast has released two new shoes this year, here we’re reviewing the new Mount to Coast H1 as a road to trail option.It’s clear from one look at the lacing of these shoes they’re thinking about those on their feet for extended periods of time. The laces are ready to adjust to swelling feet, but what about their new cushion? The 2mm lugs? Do they pass the sniff test for a good option on both the r...