I’ve run 108 occasions this yr for a complete of 541.1 miles and, like most of my fellow runners, I’ve sure sneaker manufacturers I am loyal to. Hoka, Brooks, New Stability—these are all my go-to operating companions for coaching and restoration day. However Alo? Its luxe athleisure units and leggings are my favourite to lounge in, however by no means has the model made its method into my race-day wardrobe.
So after I heard the model was launching its first line of all-terrain trainers—aptly dubbed the Alo Runner ($185)—I knew I needed to see in the event that they’d reside as much as the hype. Not like its predecessor, the Alo Restoration Mode Sneaker ($185), the Alo Runner is particularly designed for, you guessed it, runners. At first, I used to be skeptical that the cult-favorite activewear model would be capable of ship something aside from a fairly street-style shoe, not to mention one thing that might efficiently be used on all terrains. To that finish, I examined the Alo Runners on the path, treadmill, and street. As a long-time Alo fan, I’m thrilled that the brand new sneaker earned its method into my operating shoe rotation.
Alo Runner — $185.00
Sizes: 3.5M/5W-15.5M-17W | Colours: 2 | Heel-to-toe-drop: 11 mm
- Extremely fashionable and cozy
- Versatile
- Performs effectively on the path, street, and treadmill
- Light-weight
- Breathable in numerous climates
- Accessible in a variety of sizes
- Spectacular traction
- Machine-washable
- Lacks some bounce
- Runs large—order a half-size down
- Not as supportive as different distance operating sneakers—higher suited to shorter distances
First Impressions
I used to be on the Alo headquarters in Beverly Hills for the launch of this shoe after I first noticed and tried it on. Instantly, the Alo consultant suggested that I dimension up for the reason that sneakers “run small.” (She was proper. I’m often a dimension 6 however a dimension 6.5 match higher.) When she introduced them out, I used to be impressed at how stylish they have been. Most trainers as of late have chunky, sporty soles and are available in funky colours. However the Alo Runner was light-weight and tremendous smooth. True to Alo’s aesthetic, it is available in two minimalist colours: white and black. I opted for the white-on-white, which seems simply nearly as good placing in strides because it does as an informal complement to your athleisure set.
How the Alo Runner performs
I examined the Alo Runner on three several types of terrain, in addition to throughout several types of runs, to see what I used to be actually working with.
Street
I do most of my operating on the street, together with my Alo Runners exercises. However my first on-road exercise with the Alo Runners was a Sizzling Lady Stroll and I beloved how breathable they have been. It was 90°F in Los Angeles that day, however my ft remained cool throughout our mile-and-a-half strut.
After I did get round to street operating, I hit lengthy jogs, restoration runs, and velocity exercises within the Alo Runners. They stored up each time. Because the footwear are on the lighter facet, I discovered them significantly good for interval coaching after I would alternate between completely different speeds and intensities. Any time I needed to climb uphill, I felt ample help in my heel; the numerous heel-to-toe drop was additionally nice for propelling me ahead.
Path
I accomplished a path half marathon in these footwear. Some context: It befell in Georgia and I needed to cowl 13 one-mile path loops to achieve my objective distance. One foot in entrance of the opposite, I ran on brown-green grass, crimson dust, and a few sprinkled-in grey rocks. I’d already hit many strides within the Runners, and I knew they’d stand the half-marathon take a look at. On the path and within the Georgia humidity, the breathability and traction of those footwear actually shined. There was even a degree the place there was gentle rain for about 20 minutes and, whereas this undoubtedly muddied my shiny white footwear, I nonetheless felt safe sufficient in every step and didn’t slip as soon as.
Talking of mud, the Alo Runners are machine cleanable. Mine have been actually soiled post-run, so that they didn’t come out of the wash glowing, however they have been undoubtedly cleaner than they have been pre-wash. If you understand you’re going to make use of your Runners for the path, I recommend choosing black to cover dust and hold ’em wanting clear.
Treadmill
I’m extra of a street runner than a path or treadmill girlie. Nonetheless, I needed to really take a look at the “all-terrain” advertising, so I laced up my Alo Runners and hopped on the treadmill. It was one of many quickest miles I’d run in a couple of weeks. I used to be mad at one thing that day, so I don’t attribute my velocity to the Alo Runner, however I’d be remiss to not say that the shoe stored up. Plus, they felt comfy on my ft, (which suggests rather a lot contemplating I had already run six miles in them that day).
Ultimate ideas
All in all, although, I’ve a whole lot of good issues to say concerning the Alo Runner. It’s simple to model and appears nice with out sacrificing efficiency. It additionally holds up on the path, treadmill, or street, so it lives as much as its all-terrain claims.
That mentioned, I believe these footwear are an excellent possibility for individuals who run shorter distances versus lengthy races. Please don’t take that to imply the sneaker didn’t carry out effectively throughout my half-marathon—it did. However I’ve to confess that I get much more help from my Hoka and New Stability sneakers. My knees have been a little bit beat up after solely operating in these sneakers for a complete of about 50 miles. However for brief runs, velocity exercises, and leisurely jogs, they’re fabulous.
For being the model’s first entry within the efficiency sneakers door, this runner thinks the Alo Runner ran laps with different greats. (Say that thrice quick…)
