Running has been a huge part of my life for over 15 years, and testing running shoes and outdoor gear has become a natural extension of that passion.
With countless marathons, ultramarathons, and trail runs under my belt, I approach every review with a simple philosophy: gear has to work in the real world.
When I test a pair of running shoes, for example, I’m not cutting them up or poking at them under studio lights - I’m putting them through miles of training runs, grueling hill climbs, and technical descents to see how they handle the terrain they’re designed for.
The same goes for running apparel and accessories. If it’s on this site, it’s been thoroughly used, not just observed.
Honest, experience-driven insights
I know how overwhelming it can be to choose the right pair of running shoes or item of gear with so much choice out there.
That’s why my reviews focus on real-world performance: the fit, the feel, and how something actually holds up over time.
Whether it’s road running shoes or trail running shoes, I’m here to give you the kind of insights that only come from hands-on experience.
How I test
Each product I review on this website, or my Youtube Channel gets a proper workout in the environment it’s meant for.
Trail running shoes? They get tested on technical trails. Road shoes? They’ll clock serious mileage on a mix of fast-paced runs, tempo efforts, and recovery days - I'll push them to their limits, to find their breaking point.
Depending on the shoe, I even test how they handle wet conditions, steep climbs, and long endurance runs. And I always ask myself: would I recommend this to a friend, or fellow runner?
My goal is to match you with shoes or gear that fits your running style, goals, training program…and feet!
How my reviews are different
I don’t sugarcoat my opinions – Not every product is great, and I’m not afraid to say so, even if it makes brands wince a little.
That honesty has even led to brands tweaking future designs based on feedback I’ve shared in my reviews — and that’s something I take pride in.
My goal is to help you, the consumer, make informed buying decisions, not sell you on hype like you’ll see pretty influencers do on Instagram *Bleurg 🤮.
When I recommend something, it’s because I truly believe in its performance and value. And if there’s a better alternative to consider, I’ll let you know that too.
I also write Gear Roundups which highlight the best running shoes and gear in each category, to help you pinpoint my most recommended gear, faster.
Transparency and independence
Most of the time brands send me products to test before they’re launched, so I can share my thoughts as soon as they hit the shelves.
Other times, I purchase the gear myself. Either way, my reviews are ALWAYS independent, objective, unbiased, and I never accept money from brands in exchange for a positive review.
You’ll find links to retailers in many of my reviews. If you choose to buy through those links, I may earn a small commission, which helps fund the work I do – so I really do appreciate that. But my opinions are NEVER influenced by these affiliate partnerships.
The bottom line
At the end of the day, my goal is to match you with great gear that fits your needs — whether it’s a shoe that feels like an extension of your foot, a waterproof running jacket that can handle the elements, or a pair of socks that don’t let you down at mile 20.
Every recommendation I make is backed by miles of testing and a passion for helping others find gear that makes running even more enjoyable.
-Alastair