Triathletes Love to Run
Asics Gel-Nimbus Lite
$200 If you’re an Asics fan, and like the Gel-Nimbus series of shoes, you’re likely going to love the Gel-Nimbus Lite, which offers lots of cushioning and support with a softer feel than the regular Nimbus. At 275 g and with a 10 mm drop (very similar numbers to Nike’s Air Zoom Tempo Next%), it’s easy to keep your legs turning over while wearing this stylish shoe, making it a great choice for everything from tempo efforts to long runs, and even an option for those looking for a more supportive shoe for long races. Once you start running in the Nimbus Lite you immediately feel the benefits of all the technology Asics has packed into the shoe. Gel
Saucony Triumph 18
$195 This cushioned neutral trainer is a triathlete’s dream for long, easy efforts. For heavier athletes it will work well as a training and possibly even a full-distance racing shoe. The PWRRUN+ premium midsole foam provides lots of bounce, while the high-abrasion rubber on the sole ensures you’ll get the most out of this shoe over the long haul. There’s a nice, wide footbed which will be appreciated at the end of a long effort, whether that’s a race or an epic training run. If you need a lot of support and cushioning for your run training, this is a shoe worth a long look. is used in the forefoot and rearfoot to provide a soft, cushioned feel. The one-piece midsole features FlyteFoam that incorporates Cellulose Nanofiber, a sustainable material that increases the durability of the foam. That, coupled with the AHAR outsole, provides lots of durability with the shoe, so you can be confident you’ll get some decent mileage out of it. The soft, breathable upper uses recycled material and offers a snug, comfortable fit.
Triathletes often gravitate to lightweight trainers as their go to shoes, and the Gel-Nimbus Lite is going to be another popular option for multisport enthusiasts. Like them, it is an all-around performer.
Oakley Flight Jacket
$282 The aero Flight Jacket sunglasses are great for cycling, too, but for running we love the Advancer nose bridge that opens up more airflow to stop the glasses from fogging. The open-edge brow improves the upper field of view and helps keep the weight down. The Prizm Road Jade lenses are perfect for sunny days, providing lots of contrast so you can see all the details of the road and trails ahead.
Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT%
$260 The Alphafly set the marathon world afire, but it was never designed for durability – it was a race-day only shoe. Now triathletes looking for all the benefits of the Alphafly in a regular training shoe can enjoy the Tempo NEXT%. Weighing in at 277 g and featuring a 10 mm drop, this is a shoe that feels fast. Thanks to the combination of ZoomX foam (same as the Alphafly), the React foam in the heel and the plastic (not carbon) plate, you get lots of cushioning and stability. Add in the two air bags and you have a cushioned, performance ride that leaves your legs feeling fresh as you push towards the end of your session.
Smith Optics Uproar & Pathway
$160–200 UPROAR, $160–230 PATHWAY With all the detail and colour enhancing you get with the ChromaPop lens, you’ll enjoy crisp vision with either of these lightweight sunglasses. The Uproar offers a medium, unisex frame with a rounded design that offers full-coverage eye protection, and the interchangeable megol nose pads ensure a comfortable fit and reduce slippage during hard efforts. The Pathway’s medium-fit frame provides lots of coverage, while also utilising the same materials to keep the glasses on your face no matter how hard you’re going. It also offers a hydroleophobic lens coating on the ChromoPop lens that repels moisture, grease and grime during all your most aggressive training days.
Under Armour Sportsmask
$35 Masks are definitely becoming a mainstay in our lives and the UA Sportsmask is perfect for athletes. Designed to be worn all day or while working out, it provides lots of airflow and an excellent fit – it’s available in five different sizes and uses soft, comfortable Iso-Chill fabric on the interior lining and ear loops. The structured design with a water-resistant outer shell sits up off the face and lips, which enhances the comfort and breathability. There’s an anti-microbial treatment on the inside layer to keep the mask fresh, and the polyurethane open-cell foam allows air to pass through, but makes it hard for moisture and sweat to pass.
Polar Vantage V2
$690 The new flagship multisport watch from Polar pulls out all the stops when it comes to training and day to day smartwatch functions. With a stylish, full-aluminum case, the Vantage V2 weighs just 52 g, and offers wrist-based HR measurement along with constant personal metrics on your training, recovery and sleep.
Offering a whopping 40 hours of continuous training measurement with up to 100 hours of power saving options, you can track all the data you need while swimming, biking and running. You can track your progress with running and cycling performance tests, while the watch also measures your training load and recovery so you can dial in your training. There’s even a new leg recovery test that’ll help you figure out how you’re handling your training and when you’re ready to go hard again.
The Vantage V2 also serves as a smartwatch with new music controls, along with weather and phone notifications.—KM