Welcome to another installment of Staff Picks from our Outdoors and Fitness team. Every other week, we select our favorite pieces out of the gear we’re testing, mainstays in our kits, as well as items on our wish lists. It’s like a sneak peek at the gear we’re testing and what we’re stoked on. Have something you think we should check out? Or just want to say hi? Drop us a line at outdoor@gearpatrol.com.
Adidas AlphaEdge 4D
When I first saw the silhouette of the forthcoming Adidas AlphaEdge 4D, I was smitten. The newly updated shoe is about as innovative as you can get, thanks to its 3D printed midsole. It’s an interesting direction for Adidas, given that most brands have been releasing new foams over the fast few months. I would assume the new midsole in the AlphaEdge feels drastically different than foam, but who knows. I’ve been running in Altra’s Escalante and One V3, but the latest innovation from Adidas could be the shoe to bring me back to “Die Weltmarke Mit Den 3 Streifen.” — AJ Powell, Assistant Editor
If you’re looking for something similar, but the pick above isn’t quite right, try these alternatives: Nike Epic React Flyknit ($150) | Hoka One One Clifton 4 Outdoor Voices ($140)
Nike Pegasus 35
Before the Nike Epic Reacts came along, I was a big fan of the Air Zoom Pegasus 34s. Now Nike is gearing up to launch a new iteration of the shoe, which post-React and post-4%, I’m really excited to see and take to the roads. There’s not much out there about them, but there’s definitely some speculation about how fast these new kicks will be. — Meg Lappe, Staff Writer
If you’re looking for something similar, but the pick above isn’t quite right, try these alternatives: Nike Epic React Flyknit Volt Glow (May 10) | NikeLab Zoom Fly SP (June 8)
Adidas NMD_R2
Normally, I’m not one for brightly-colored shoes, especially hues that might mistakenly be identified as salmon. But damn it Adidas, you’re sending me spiraling into an identity crisis. I can’t explain why I’m so drawn to the forthcoming NMD_R2 — maybe it’s the breathable woven upper or the Boost foam I know to be great, but then again maybe it is the color after all. I won’t admit to it, but I will look forward to slipping into a pair of these this summer. — Tanner Bowden, Associated Staff Writer
