Paul Ronto

Paul Ronto
Over the past 20 years, Paul has climbed, hiked, and run all over the world. He has summited peaks throughout the Americas, trekked through Africa, and tested his endurance in 24-hour trail races as well as 6 marathons. On average, he runs 30-50 miles a week in the foothills of Northern Colorado. His research is regularly cited in The New York Times, Washington Post, National Geographic, etc. On top of this, Paul is leading the running shoe lab where he cuts shoes apart and analyses every detail of the shoes that you might buy.

Articles

Hiking in the US has Never Been More Popular [Study]
Hiking in the US has Never Been More Popular [Study]

We’ve partnered with AllTrails, the largest hiking and trail-specific navigation app, to explore what effect COVID-19 has had on hiking since the pandemic started. To do this we’ve analysed 7,927,354[…]

Runners Find Little Need for Gyms in 2021
Runners Find Little Need for Gyms in 2021

Back in April we surveyed 12,913 people and found that moderate runners (those running just 1-3 times a week) prior to the lockdown were finding more time to run and as a group were logging 55% more r[…]

Exercise is Up 88% During COVID-19 [12,913 Person Study]
Exercise is Up 88% During COVID-19 [12,913 Person Study]

The world is in crisis because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Between government lockdowns, layoffs, furloughs, work from home mandates, school closures, and sports facility shutdowns, we wanted to underst[…]

Which Runners are the Most Obssessed?
Which Runners are the Most Obssessed?

This stats page is a simple look at the participation patterns of runners in the 5 most common distances - 5K, 10K, Half marathon, Marathon and Ultra. In the next tables, we show what % of the runners[…]

The State of Ultra Running 2020
The State of Ultra Running 2020

NEW: The State of US Marathons 2025 In this study, we explore the trends in ultra running over the last 23 years. We have analysed 5,010,730 results from 15,451 ultra running events, making this the l[…]

The Ultimate Guide to Merino Wool
The Ultimate Guide to Merino Wool

Technical gear is made from dozens of materials and fibres. It’s dyed, woven, and sewn into millions of pieces of clothing designed to keep us comfortable while we play, train, and explore. We all hav[…]

114 of the Best Hiking and Adventure Quotes of All Time
114 of the Best Hiking and Adventure Quotes of All Time

From time to time we all need a little inspiration, so we’ve assembled the largest collection of adventure and hiking quotes on the web. These quotes are by famous naturalists like John Muir, climbers[…]

Ditch the Polar Vortex: 5 Best Winter Hiking Destinations in the US
Ditch the Polar Vortex: 5 Best Winter Hiking Destinations in the US

Across the United States, there are countless locations for those who are diehard fanatics to hike during the cold winter months. Challenging and as icy cold as a fireless hearth, these trails are ide[…]

America’s 15 Most Livable Hiking Towns
America’s 15 Most Livable Hiking Towns

If hiking is your true passion, look no further. We’ve scoured the web and created the ultimate list of places to live for the true trail addict. Why wait until you retire to do the things you love? M[…]

101 Tips to Hike (Like a Pro) With Your Kids
101 Tips to Hike (Like a Pro) With Your Kids

You used to love getting out onto the trail, letting the sun warm your skin, and exploring nature. Then you had kids… Now you’re unsure how to still have fun in the sun with Jr. in tow. Don’t be afrai[…]

How Much is Climate Change Slowing Down Runners
How Much is Climate Change Slowing Down Runners

We’ve analysed 19.6 million marathon results from over 30,000 marathons. In our new study, we concluded that the world is getting slower. In this article, we look at how the slow down is affected by i[…]

Guides

Best running shoes for spartan race (OCR)
Best running shoes for spartan race (OCR)

When the arena is all muddy and you have your game face on, you can't be wearing just any random pair. No, you need to be in the best Spartan Race (OCR) running shoes on the market. We've tested multi[…]

Best cheap hiking boots
Best cheap hiking boots

They say in the realm of hiking footwear, dependable boots equal costliness. We go against that notion in this guide by featuring the finest boots that don’t break the bank (meaning they cost less tha[…]

Best Teva hiking sandals
Best Teva hiking sandals

In the realm of hiking sandals, Teva is among the top brands that never fail to impress. From minimalist and lightweight sandals that are great for daily activities even around the city, to rugged out[…]

Best Adidas hiking shoes
Best Adidas hiking shoes

When it comes to hiking shoes that underscore athleticism, you can’t go wrong with Adidas. We’ve tested Adidas hiking shoes to provide you with our top picks. Not only that, but we also put them throu[…]

Best KEEN hiking boots
Best KEEN hiking boots

KEEN—This footwear company needs no introduction! Makers of amazing outdoor kicks, particularly sandals, this brand puts out incredible hiking boots that go against the current design-wise. We’ve test[…]

Best Columbia hiking boots
Best Columbia hiking boots

You can’t hear the brand name Columbia and not get a lightbulb moment that gives you the desire to hike. And that desire—whether you need something versatile, or you fancy a pair that looks dapper bot[…]

Best Danner hiking boots
Best Danner hiking boots

Do you need the best boot for all-around performance? Maybe you’re looking for the lightest Danner pair? Or perhaps you’re desperate for something that simply works in the winter? Whichever category y[…]

Best Salomon hiking shoes
Best Salomon hiking shoes

Are you looking for your next pair of Salomon hiking shoes? If so, you're in the right place.  There’s a lot to dig into here. After testing Salomon hiking shoes out on the hikes and in our lab, where[…]

Best Merrell hiking shoes
Best Merrell hiking shoes

Are you in search of a well-rounded hiker? Maybe something that can keep your feet well-ventilated? Or how about a hiking shoe that excels in the water? Whatever your fancy, we have a top pick waiting[…]

Best water hiking sandals
Best water hiking sandals

There are times, on our hikes, when taking a plunge is far more rewarding than skipping the drench. In such cases, you are far better off sporting a pair of water hiking sandals. Having tested these i[…]

Best New Balance trail running shoes
Best New Balance trail running shoes

It’s no surprise - New Balance creates some of the best road running shoes. And when it comes to trail running shoes, the brand doesn’t hold back.  New Balance trail shoes are plenty durable, and scre[…]

Best Salomon hiking boots
Best Salomon hiking boots

If the best hiking boots are what you demand, we give you our tried-and-tested top picks from a brand that needs no introduction—Salomon. The kicks that await you here are the crème de la crème under[…]

Lab tests and in-depth reviews

KEEN Uneek
91
Superb!

Despite its polarising appearance, the KEEN Uneek has garnered hundreds of positive reviews in well over a decade of its presence on the market. We can subscribe to the favourable feedback as we found[…]

On Cloudswift
89
Great!

We are a little unclear on whether the Cloudswift is a running shoe, a gym trainer, or just a sexy sneaker. But we did find this On shoe to be exceptionally durable, grippy, and protective. It deliver[…]

Teva Hurricane XLT2
89
Superb!

We appreciate how the Teva Hurricane XLT2 performs exceptionally on our hikes despite coming at a bargain price. With its superb arch support, nicely tractioned outsole, and customizable fit, this san[…]

ASICS Gel Kayano Lite 2
87
Great!

Stability runners rejoice! Upon logging the miles in the ASICS Gel Kayano Lite 2, I conclude that it is how stability shoes should be built. Gone are the days of plates, posts, and brick-like motion c[…]

Nike Run Swift 2
86
Good!

Budget, comfort, and style are all wrapped into one simple design - this is what I concluded after testing the Nike Run Swift 2. I discovered that it is an entry-level shoe with some decent elements a[…]

Hoka Bondi X
90
Superb!

Is this a running shoe or an Arctic explorer’s early take on a snowshoe? It’s huge underfoot and carries all the foam and plushness I would expect from the Hoka Bondi line. With one upgrad[…]

Saucony Endorphin Pro+
91
Superb!

A mid-season update to the Endorphin line?! Yes, please!! I felt on cloud nine because this is essentially the Endorphin Pro 2 with a lighter, more breathable upper, and an impressive half-ounce is cu[…]

APL Streamline
90
Superb!

Lifestyle brand turns to performance running? A $300 running shoe from APL (Athletic Propulsion Labs)!!! While it also happens to be the most expensive trainer on the market, I found that it doesn&rsq[…]

Nike Zoom Fly 4
86
Good!

Zoom Fly 4 feels like a Vaporfly but I am delighted that it's more durable and incredible for everyday tempo training. Finally, a shoe that can go fast often! And with a price point way below its carb[…]

ASICS GT 2000 10
89
Great!

I am delighted that ASICS' long-running, budget stability shoe gets updated and finally moves away from the plastic post design. This shoe is something that I find ideal for runners looking to get int[…]

Brooks Levitate 5
88
Great!

The classic speedster feel of the Brooks Levitate 5 gives us the impression that we are brought back to the glory days of stiff shoes equaling quicker paces. Before super shoes, carbon plates, and hyd[…]

Mizuno Wave Rider 25
90
Superb!

I am fond of using the Wave Rider 25 because it is a daily trainer that is flexible, comfortable, and perfect for heel strikers out there who need a ton of foam in the heel to softly dampen the impact[…]

Brooks Ghost 14
91
Superb!

The Ghost 14 from Brooks really fits the bill as the shoe for all runners. I love this workhorse as it is comfy enough for easy days, responsive for tempo sessions, and heavy-duty to handle light trai[…]

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0
91
Superb!

Top-tier race shoe from Adidas gets an update. I can't heap enough praise on the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0 for granting me a sweet sweet ride during my runs: soft yet responsive cushioning with fan[…]

Brooks Revel 5
87
Great!

An affordable trainer that's got the makings of advanced running shoes? Hello, Brooks Revel 5! It's a smooth and lively jack-of-all-trades that keeps my feet comfy and bouncing. Based on my experience[…]

Nike Free Run 5.0
80
Good!

Ah, the Nike Free Run… For me, calling this a running shoe is a stretch, but it came to my attention that there’s still a vestige of folks out there in the minimalist fan group that likes[…]

ASICS Metaspeed Edge
90
Superb!

Wow, these are lightning-fast! I found the ASICS Metaspeed Edge the twin sibling to the recently released Metaspeed Sky. It struck me as suitable for fast cadence runners, whereas the Sky appeared ide[…]

Hoka Zinal
88
Great!

Fast, nimble, and lightweight. Is this really a Hoka? Zinal is a new model from the normally plus-sized shoe manufacturer perfect for speed and doing more with less. It felt extremely breathable, comf[…]

Saucony Triumph 19
89
Great!

When comfort is the top priority, look no further than the Saucony Triumph 19. We enjoyed this plush, luxurious shoe on our cruiser runs, long runs, and recovery days, thanks to its padded upper and i[…]

Nike Quest 4
83
Good!

Nike Quest 4 fills a niche with a trendy-looking shoe at a bargain price. If you desire that Nike swoosh and have less than in your pocket, I certainly recommend this shoe. There aren’t many aff[…]

Nike Pegasus Trail 3
90
Superb!

The Pegasus road series just holds a special place in my heart (feet?), and now it is ready for some trail action too. The Nike Pegasus Trail 3 has won me over with its uber-plush landings as well as[…]

Brooks Cascadia 16
87
Great!

Brooks' venerable trail crusher is updated in this 16 version of the Cascadia. If you demand a stout grip, a stable platform, and bright colours, I encourage you to take a look at the Cascadia 16. It&[…]

Saucony Endorphin Pro 2
91
Superb!

If I can pick a shoe that screams fast, the Endorphin Pro 2 is THE shoe! Suitable for race day, you can't go wrong with the Endorphin - it's carbon-plated, snappy, rebounding, light, and just everythi[…]

Saucony Endorphin Trail
85
Good!

Aggressive!!! That’s the first impression that I had about the Endorphin Trail. With the shoe's meaty, deep lugs, and thick, dense midsole, it flies down any terrain I can throw at it. It’[…]

Nike Downshifter 11
83
Good!

With plenty of flex, a vented, breathable mesh upper, and an affordable price tag, I found the Nike Downshifter a serious bargain for a daily trainer. The shoe is really light on the foot and on the p[…]

Salomon Ultra Glide
89
Great!

Plush comfort in a Salomon! The Ultra Glide is the answer to Hoka’s reign over the cushioned trail shoe category and it is great. This shoe has a peppy, energetic ride, a soft, breathable upper,[…]

Saucony Endorphin Speed 2
90
Superb!

A tempo trainer and a race day shoe? Take both in the Endorphin Speed 2. After pacing it through, this shoe proved itself a star in speed, responsiveness, and durability. It literally sends me flying[…]

Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra
90
Superb!

I discovered that most trail runners haven't been very keen on Adidas trail shoes. They seemed like an afterthought given that the brand's focus was admittedly on trainers and football cleats. But the[…]

ASICS Gel Kayano 28
90
Superb!

Still staying true to its Kayano roots, the Kayano 28 retains its hallmark of stability and support while seeing some updates that translate to amped-up comfort and flexibility in my wear tests. And w[…]

Saucony Endorphin Shift 2
88
Great!

Looking to build a perfect 3-shoe running lineup? Look no further! The Saucony Endorphin line has it all, the race-ready Pro, the tempo-day Speed, and the daily trainer in this, the Endorphin Shift 2.[…]

ASICS Novablast 2
89
Great!

Built around comfort, my feet are right at home in the ASICS Novablast 2! It's springy and soft (as in everywhere!) - much like a spa day treat in long, easy miles. And with all that plushness, you mi[…]

Saucony Axon
87
Great!

Built off of the Saucony Endorphin, the Saucony Axon really pushed me forward! It's a fast-transitioning neutral daily trainer that's rockered and rolls me through my strides effortlessly. It's also f[…]

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v2
89
Great!

I found it challenging to find a flaw in the Rebel v2 from New Balance! The usual case is that all-rounders are good at everything and great at nothing. But this shoe literally REBELS against that! It[…]

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
87
Great!

If there's one thing that can't be taken away from the Pegasus 38, it's that it's the GOAT of all workhorse shoes on the market! On our runs, it oozes plushness, stability, and pop. It can do slow day[…]

New Balance FuelCell RC Elite v2
89
Great!

Looking for a luxurious spa-day treat for the feet? The New Balance FuelCell RC Elite v2 will do the job! I felt that it's got an uber-plush midsole but it also has a plate that balances it out, makin[…]

Hoka Clifton 8
89
Great!

Whether it's a long-distance or recovery shoe you're after, I highly recommend the Clifton 8. It's a literal couch to the foot, keeping it cosy and stable. The ride is also buttery smooth, you will ro[…]

ASICS Metaspeed Sky
92
Superb!

The ASICS MetaSpeed Sky must be one of the BEST racing flats I have ever tested! It's ultralight, responsive, and supportive in all the right places, zooming me forward to my next PB with fun and conf[…]

ASICS Magic Speed
90
Superb!

If you're new to the world of carbon-plated running shoes, I think you should give the ASICS Magic Speed some serious thought. It's a plated tempo-day speedster that I've noticed serves as a training[…]

New Balance Fresh Foam More v3
90
Superb!

The New Balance Fresh Foam More is a maximalist daily trainer that amazes me with its cushy and impact-absorbing ride! It's on the superlatives of comfort and I just love it for long runs and recovery[…]

Skechers GOrun Razor Excess
82
Good!

Donning the Skechers GOrun Razor Excess is light, fast, fun, and comfortable. The hits from Skechers keep coming and the Razor line as a whole is fantastic. This Razor Excess has more of their amazing[…]

Salomon Sense Ride 4
88
Great!

The Salomon Sense Ride 4 is a surefire winner in the trail running scene! I discovered that it's a beast that has an INSANE grip, loads of underfoot protection, and a fun, lively ride. Now, that's a c[…]

Reebok Floatride Energy 3
91
Superb!

The Floatride Energy 3 is a neutral trainer from Reebok which blew me away with its lightweight design and lightweight price tag. It’s got an aggressive full-length outsole for runs on varied te[…]

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2
91
Superb!

The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2 is probably one of the fastest shoes on the market, but I discovered some problems: It’s unstable, a bit too narrow still, looks ridiculous, and hits the pocketbo[…]

Brooks Anthem 4
81
Good!

As a shoe that entices runners on a budget, I found that the Brooks Anthem 4 offers nothing but lightness and comfort! It's a simple, no-fuss running shoe that's generic, as I found that it works for[…]

Saucony Ride 14
89
Great!

The Saucony Ride 14 is a daily trainer that impressed me with its utilitarian and consistent ride. It stays nice and stable from my short to long-distance runs, offering that peace of mind to run with[…]

ASICS Gel Cumulus 23
89
Great!

Nearing its 24th iteration, Gel Cumulus sure did something right. The ASICS Gel Cumulus 23 proves that it's the most value-oriented neutral trainer out there during our tests. It's a one-shoe-fits-all[…]

Saucony Freedom 4
86
Good!

If the Saucony Freedom 4 was judged by its comfort alone, then I believe this would be a top-notch shoe. But it is meant as a running shoe and I found that it just falls short on performance. But if y[…]

Hoka Gaviota 3
87
Great!

Heavily padded, and cushioned, and keeps my feet's motions in check, it doesn't get any more stable than the Gaviota 3 from Hoka! With all the cushion and support it provides, I found this motion cont[…]

PUMA Deviate Nitro
91
Superb!

A union of max cushioning and cutting-edge tech, hello PUMA Deviate Nitro! The cat is out of the bag, and this time, it didn't come to play. I found it extremely versatile and EXCELS as a daily traine[…]

Brooks Ricochet 3
85
Good!

A simple and no-fuss daily trainer, the Brooks Ricochet 3 helped me roll through my strides with ease and comfort! It isn't necessarily wow-worthy, but it's a solid middle-ground between overly soft s[…]

Hoka Mach 4
91
Superb!

The Hoka Mach 4 is what I consider a do-it-all daily running shoe that shines on medium to medium/fast days. It's touted as a fast shoe, but it doesn't prove to be very speed-inspiring. It's light and[…]

Hoka Arahi 5
89
Great!

The absolute highlight of the Arahi 5 is its SUPER plush cushioning. It's a max-cushioned trainer that I think is perfect for recovery days and the long haul on the road. Even better, it is the embodi[…]

Saucony Guide 14
87
Great!

A stability shoe made for training runs, I found that Guide 14 from Saucony just gets the job done. No frills, no gimmicks, just plain support. While it may be a positive for the shoe, it also renders[…]

New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6
89
Great!

A heavy-duty trail beast, the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 proves that it's more than capable of taking a beating from harsh elements! I found that it crushes everything underfoot and will last pl[…]

Saucony Kinvara 12
90
Superb!

Having tested Kinvaras of the past, I am happy to report that the Kinvara 12 continues to be a delight on the feet as a lightweight daily trainer. So much so that I even forgot I had shoes on! Like al[…]

Saucony Peregrine 11
88
Great!

A beast in all my trail runs, the Saucony Peregrine 11 was more than confidence-inspiring! It's a tank that mutes out all the harshness of the trails while eating up everything I throw at it! From sli[…]

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11
89
Great!

I found the New Balance Fresh Foam More 1080 v11 a daily running shoe where comfort is paramount! So much so that it lags behind in performance. Where it shines, however, is in its grip and surprising[…]

Altra Lone Peak 5.0
91
Superb!

The Altra Lone Peak 5.0 is a trail shoe that made me run with confidence! It's sturdy underfoot, and supportive, and it's got the right blend of comfort and responsiveness. I threw this pair in differ[…]

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run
89
Great!

Now, this is what I call FUN! The Nike ZoomX Invincible Run literally made me feel like each step was made of springs. It's NOT going to pace you, but it will make your runs lively and effortless! If[…]

Adidas Ultraboost 21
89
Great!

Now in its 21st iteration, the Adidas Ultraboost may have wowed runners with its style and durability, but I noticed that it's becoming more and more like a lifestyle shoe than a running shoe. But its[…]

Brooks Launch 8
90
Superb!

A shoe that literally launches me forward - the Brooks Launch 8! Easily, it's one of my best picks for tempo training shoes that don't break the bank. For a budget shoe, it goes above and beyond in ar[…]

Brooks Glycerin 19
89
Great!

We found that the Brooks Glycerin 19 is Brooks' softest running shoe yet. It's a long-time favourite daily trainer that's built on comfort and stability. It's not peppy, but if you're looking for a co[…]

Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX
87
Great!

We established that the Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX is a durable and worthwhile trail shoe. This is why, we recommend it for hikers, backpackers, and adventurous runners who are in need of heavy-duty footwe[…]