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

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 largest study ever done on the sport.[…]

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[…]

You Won’t Believe Your Eyes (NUDE HIKING)
You Won’t Believe Your Eyes (NUDE HIKING)

Naked hiking 101: Those offended by rumps need not enter When the wild calls, sometimes it calls to your innermost desire to be one with nature. For those who answer this call, there is a style of hik[…]

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 Nike hiking running shoes
Best Nike hiking running shoes

If your next hikes involve summiting mountains and encountering technical terrains, shallow streams, and shrubberies, you may need a reliable pair of hiking shoes. If you’re out searching for the righ[…]

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 article by featuring the finest hikers that don’t break the bank. We’ve collected and tes[…]

Best summer hiking boots
Best summer hiking boots

There is something quite appealing about venturing into the great outdoors as the sun is blessing nature all around. Being in such a bright and breezy environment, of course, calls for the best summer[…]

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. On the other hand, the meticulous process through which we were able to handpick Teva’s cream of the crop is eq[…]

Best backpacking boots
Best backpacking boots

Pack adventures and backcountry trips that last for days need the right gear. In the realm of footwear, backpacking boots are your sure allies. This guide is exclusive to those in dire need of the bes[…]

Best Adidas hiking shoes
Best Adidas hiking shoes

When it comes to hiking shoes that underscore athleticism, you can’t go wrong with Adidas. This household name features fantastic kicks that give adventurers the edge they need to conquer the outdoors[…]

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 Salomon hiking shoes
Best Salomon hiking shoes

Are you looking for your next pair of Salomon hiking shoes? Make sure you choose from among our top picks. There’s a lot to dig into here. After going through and actually trying 20+ Salomon hiking sh[…]

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 got a top pick waiting[…]

Best water hiking sandals
Best water hiking sandals

There are times when taking a plunge is far more rewarding than skipping the drench on our daily hikes. In such cases, you are far better off sporting a pair of water hiking sandals. Having tested 40+[…]

Best leather hiking boots
Best leather hiking boots

There is just something special about experiencing the great outdoors in a pair of leather hiking boots. These hikers are naturally tough, and their grounded design makes mixing and matching—to comple[…]

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[…]

Best winter hiking boots
Best winter hiking boots

No one wants cold feet while winter hiking. So, if you want to keep your tootsies warm and cosy on your next chilly hiking escapade, check out our list of best winter hiking boots. We have reviewed an[…]

Best waterproof hiking boots
Best waterproof hiking boots

Other than keeping your feet nice and dry, waterproof hiking boots come in a variety of designs to match different types of hiking adventures. That being said, we have created a guide that will help y[…]

Best hiking sandals
Best hiking sandals

Finding the best hiking sandal can be a drag considering the many options available. But having the basic know-how of what hiking sandals are all about would make a whole lot of difference. To help yo[…]

Best hiking boots
Best hiking boots

Confused about what to buy after seeing the hundreds of boots available online? Well, worry not. Whether you’re a beginner hiker planning to go on a nature walk or an experienced backpacker looking fo[…]

Lab tests and in-depth reviews

Scarpa Boreas GTX
79
Good!
Chaco Z/Cloud
89
Superb!
Scarpa Terra GTX
95
Superb!
Altra Lone Peak Hiker 2
73
Bad!
Asolo Fugitive GTX
87
Great!
Merrell Moab Speed Mid GTX
77
Decent!
KEEN Voyageur Mid
87
Great!
KEEN Newport
88
Great!
KEEN NXIS Speed
84
Good!
KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Mid
85
Great!
KEEN Targhee III Waterproof
85
Great!
Vibram Fivefingers V-Trek
82
Good!
Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2
88
Great!
Teva Grandview GTX Low
73
Decent!
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX
87
Great!
Nike ACG Watercat+
83
Good!
Hoka Hopara
79
Good!
Columbia Fairbanks Omni-Heat Boot
87
Great!
Salomon Outpulse Mid GTX
84
Good!
KEEN Pyrenees
90
Superb!
Teva Hurricane Drift
83
Good!
On Cloudswift
89
Great!
Adidas Terrex Trailmaker
88
Great!
Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX
86
Great!
Teva Hurricane XLT2
89
Superb!
Timberland Sprint Trekker
83
Good!
Columbia Bugaboot III
85
Great!
Columbia Fairbanks Mid
80
Good!
Hoka Trail Code GTX
81
Good!
Hoka Kaha 2 GTX
81
Good!
Teva Original Universal
85
Good!
Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX
83
Good!
Merrell Moab 3 GTX
83
Good!
Merrell Moab 3
88
Great!
Adidas Terrex AX4
85
Great!
ASICS Gel Kayano Lite 2
86
Great!
Nike Run Swift 2
85
Good!
Hoka Bondi X
84
Good!
Saucony Endorphin Pro+
91
Superb!
APL Streamline
79
Good!
Nike Zoom Fly 4
87
Great!
ASICS GT 2000 10
89
Great!
Brooks Levitate 5
86
Great!
Mizuno Wave Rider 25
90
Superb!
Brooks Ghost 14
91
Superb!
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0
92
Superb!
Brooks Revel 5
91
Superb!
Nike Free Run 5.0
80
Good!

Nike Free Run 5.0: What you'll love The Free Run 5.0 from Nike has sustainable makeup as it employs a knit upper with 87% recycled materials. The entire shoe is made up of 20% recycled materials by we[…]

ASICS Metaspeed Edge
88
Great!
Hoka Zinal
87
Great!
Saucony Triumph 19
89
Great!
Nike Quest 4
82
Good!
Nike Pegasus Trail 3
90
Superb!
Brooks Cascadia 16
87
Great!
Saucony Endorphin Pro 2
90
Superb!
Saucony Endorphin Trail
84
Good!
Nike Downshifter 11
84
Good!
Salomon Ultra Glide
89
Great!
Saucony Endorphin Speed 2
90
Superb!
Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra
90
Superb!
ASICS Gel Kayano 28
90
Superb!
Saucony Endorphin Shift 2
87
Great!
ASICS Novablast 2
89
Great!
Saucony Axon
87
Great!
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v2
89
Great!
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
88
Great!
New Balance FuelCell RC Elite v2
89
Great!
Hoka Clifton 8
89
Great!
ASICS Metaspeed Sky
90
Superb!
ASICS Magic Speed
88
Great!
New Balance Fresh Foam More v3
90
Superb!
Skechers GOrun Razor Excess
84
Good!
Salomon Sense Ride 4
86
Great!
Reebok Floatride Energy 3
91
Superb!
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2
91
Superb!
Brooks Anthem 4
81
Good!
Saucony Ride 14
89
Great!
ASICS Gel Cumulus 23
89
Great!
Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
81
Good!
Saucony Freedom 4
86
Great!
Hoka Gaviota 3
86
Great!
PUMA Deviate Nitro
87
Great!
Brooks Ricochet 3
85
Good!
Hoka Mach 4
91
Superb!
Hoka Arahi 5
89
Great!
Saucony Guide 14
88
Great!
New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6
89
Great!
Saucony Kinvara 12
89
Great!
Saucony Peregrine 11
88
Great!
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11
89
Great!
Altra Lone Peak 5.0
90
Superb!
Nike ZoomX Invincible Run
89
Great!
Adidas Ultraboost 21
89
Great!
Brooks Launch 8
90
Superb!
Brooks Glycerin 19
89
Great!
Timberland Euro Hiker
83
Good!
KEEN Newport H2
89
Superb!
Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX
87
Great!