Who would’ve thought that three diagonal stripes could tell you so much about a running shoe? And yet the Adidas logo represents excellence, innovation and a legacy of sports performance around the running world.

Founded in 1924, in Adi Dassler’s mother's laundry room, Adidas quickly made its mark on the world stage, with athletes wearing its shoes to Olympic gold in 1928, 1932, and 1936. These early victories paved the way for the brand to grow into the second-largest sportswear manufacturer globally, trailing only Nike. adidas samba millenium mens pants for women shoes Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1, adidas football spikes for sale 2017.

Whether you're a casual jogger or a seasoned marathoner, Adidas makes shoes for every type of runner. From its famously responsive and ultra-cushioned Boost midsole to its soft, comfortable knit uppers, they consistently push for high performance without compromising comfort or style. They also make a lot of shoes, which may make it hard to find the right pair for you. We’ve been out there testing–the Runner’s World team and our wear-testers–and these are the Adidas running shoes we love right now.

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The Experts

Cory Smith: I’ve been reviewing running shoes since 2014, testing over 100 pairs each year since 2017. As a regular contributor to outlets like Runner’s World and Outside, I review and report on the latest gear and trends in the running world. Beyond reviewing, I’m a personal running coach, helping athletes reach their goals for over a decade. I've been running and racing competitively since 1993, drawing on decades of experience to inform my reviews and coaching.
Michael Charboneau: I became a runner in middle school and have covered running and outdoor gear for years, both on-staff at Runner’s World and as a freelance journalist. I’ve written more about Running shoes than any other kind of gear, and I have firsthand experience running in models from a range of brands, including Adidas. I first wrote this guide in 2018, returning to update it regularly as I test the company’s newest shoes.

Everything You Need to Know About Adidas Running Shoes

All Day I Dream About… Foam

Adidas shook up running shoe construction with the introduction of its proprietary Boost Foam cushioning material in 2013. Instead of traditional ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), Boost Foam is made from fused thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) beads developed by German chemical company BASF. It delivers responsive cushioning that’s also durable, and it provides greater energy return than earlier cushioning systems. It’s still used today in the Ultraboost 5X, giving that shoe a firm, responsive feel that many runners (and walkers) love.

Boost isn’t the only premier foam in the Adidas lineup. In 2020, the brand released the Adizero Pro line, which featured the brand’s Lightstrike cushioning. There are now two versions of this foam. Lightstrike, as found in the Adizero Boston 12, is a lightweight, snappy EVA-based foam designed for training. Lightstrike Pro is made from thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPE), and it offers high energy return and good shock absorption. It’s designed for race day and helps give the Adizero Adios Pro 3 and Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 its propulsive, highly cushioned ride.

In 2021, Adidas debuted two other new foams in the Adistar shoe: Repetitor and Repetitor+. They’re both high-performance EVA foams, but Repetitor is tuned for softness, while Repetitor+ is firmer and more supportive.

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Lakota Gambill
Made from bouncy, fused TPU pellets, Boost has among the highest energy return of all the foams we’ve tested at the RW Shoe Lab.

The newest addition to the Adidas cushioning family is Dreamstrike+, a training-focused cushion that absorbs shocks and maximizes energy return, similar to Lightstrike. The brand won’t say exactly what it’s made from, but RW test editor Amanda Furrer suspects it’s made with Polyether block amide (PEBA) after taking a test run. Whatever the formula might be, Dreamstrike+ gives the Supernova a comfortable and bouncy ride that’s ideal for shorter and mid-distance training runs.

Cushioning is only one of many elements that dictate a shoe’s feel and performance, the large number of options and their focused specialties allow the foam to serve as a telling highlight that can guide your shopping. If you like a firm, responsive ride for daily training and walking, stick with Boost—its durability and resistance to packing out make it well-suited to shoes you’ll wear frequently—or Dreamstrike+, which offers a good balance between shock absorption and responsiveness.

Repetitor and Repetitor+ are formulated for softness, support, and absorbing impacts—look for these materials if you want a plush feeling under your feet (and you aren’t as concerned about speed). Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro deliver lots of energy return and, for that reason, they’re best for speedwork and race days, when a snappy sensation underfoot can help you stay on pace.

Beyond Cushioning

Adidas continues to refine its foams, but there’s other tech worth noting as well. Another Adidas hallmark is the Adidas Torsion System, which debuted in 1988. It’s a lightweight plastic arch support that allows independent movement of the heel and forefoot. The latest version, Linear Energy Push 2.0 (or LEP 2 for short), extends into the forefoot to better support the foot, and it adds stiffness for increased energy return at toe-off. It’s found on many of the company’s kicks, including the Ultraboost line.

Some Adidas running shoes also feature the brand’s signature “Energyrods,” which provide stabilizing support in shoes like the Adizero Adios Pro 3. Carbon or glass fiber rods are embedded in the midsole in spots that line up with the metatarsal bones in your forefoot. Like carbon fiber plates found in other brands’ premium shoes, the rods help create a snappy, propulsive feel and increase running efficiency for sustained speed. In addition to the Adios Pro, Adidas puts them in the Boston 12, Takumi Sen 10 and Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1.

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Trevor Raab
Many Adidas models, like the Ultraboost, use an external heel counter for added stability.
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Trevor Raab
Adidas’s Torsion System provides support without compromising flexibility through the midsole. 

How We Selected adidas mongkok store directory new york attorneys

To pick Adidas’ best running shoes, we thoroughly researched all of the brands’ current shoe designs, synthesizing customer reviews, insights from Adidas, and our own expertise to hone a list of likely candidates for hands-on testing. We also relied on feedback from the Runner’s World test team, which provided additional feedback based on laboratory testing and notes from its large-scale wear-test program, which recruits over 250 runners to test new shoes.

In our latest update, Cory Smith tested shoes by putting in as many miles as possible, both running and walking, to get a good sense of each shoe's performance. His test runs typically ranged from 5- to 12 miles at various paces, from a relaxed 9 minutes per mile to a speedy 5 minutes per mile. That allowed him to get a sense of the shoe’s feel and responsiveness across different intensities. After testing, he evaluated each running shoe based on ride, fit, comfort, and performance.

Our selections reflect the wide range of running disciplines that Adidas’ running shoe line supports: This guide should, broadly speaking, have a pick for every kind of runner.

Our Full Adidas Running Shoe Reviews

Best Overall

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Ultraboost 5X
Pros
  • Extremely comfortable
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  • Lots of colorways to choose from
Cons
  • Stuffy upper

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Weight9.7 oz (men’s); 8.4 oz (women’s)
Stack Height (Heel)38 adidas bb3477 pants sale women boots
Drop10 mm

It’s no coincidence that Adidas’ best-selling shoe climbed to the top of our list. Adidas’ Ultraboost shoes have become fan favorites year after year for their comfort and stylish design. They’re top-tier running shoes that look sharp no matter where you are or what you’re doing.

As the lightest Ultraboost yet, the Ultraboost 5X is an absolute pleasure to run in. Underfoot, its Light Boost midsole “absorbs impact well and provides a lot of rebound resulting in a responsive ride,” according to one RW run-tester. Our testers also appreciated the balanced cushioning that offers “a smooth ride that is not too squishy and not too firm.”

Durable and perfect for everyday running, the slip-on comfort is out of this world. The soft, stretchy knit upper hugs your foot like a cozy, form-fitting slipper. One tester said it fits "like a glove.” Even our wide-footed testers praised how the stretchy upper accommodated their extra width. Our one knock against it: Most testers found that the upper is rather thick and felt stuffy in warm conditions.

To enhance the stability of the cushioning, which might otherwise feel a bit lebanon, Adidas integrated its Torsion support system. Adding a firm plastic piece in the midfoot, under the arch, and a firm plastic heel counter, it provides a stable and supported feel throughout the gait.

If you’re looking for a comfortable, everyday trainer that will go the extra mile, the adidas original dress chita boots clearance code is hands down the best we have tested.

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Best Value

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Adizero SL2
Pros
  • Great sensitivity
  • Lightweight and responsive
Cons
  • Fairly firm

Key Specs

Weight8.3 oz (men’s); 7 oz (women’s)
Stack Height (Heel)36.9 mm (men’s); 35.5 mm (women’s)
Drop9.5 mm

It’s uncommon to find a sub-$150 running shoe equipped with its brand’s top-tier materials, so the Adizero SL2 feels like a steal. Its midsole features a layer of TPE-based Lightstrike Pro foam, which is sandwiched between two layers of a firmer cushioning to create a smooth, responsive ride that’s comfortable enough for daily training runs, but provides the power and speed you want for faster sessions.

Despite its generous stack height under the heel–37 millimeters for men and 36mm for women–the Adizero SL2 delivers a surprisingly responsive and connected feel. It strikes a perfect balance between cushioned comfort and a snappy, quick-footed responsiveness.

The upper is equally impressive, made from a durable mesh that fits and feels fantastic. Thick padding lines the heel counter, providing a comfortable feel while securely locking your heel in place for a snug fit. The SL2 costs far less than an elite super shoe, but delivers top-tier performance.

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Best Walking Shoe

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On Sale
Ultraboost 1.0
Pros
  • Comfortable upper and midsole
  • Comes in lots of colors
  • Made with recycled Ocean plastic
Cons
  • Heavy

Key Specs

Weight11.3 oz (men’s); 10.7 oz (women’s)
Stack Height (Heel)N/A
Drop10 mm

Recreating the original design that made the Ultraboost line into Adidas’ top-selling shoe, the Ultraboost 1.0 is exceedingly comfortable. Blending performance with style, the TPU-based Ultraboost foam offers exceptional cushioning and delivers unmatched energy return.

While the Boost midsole provides unmatched underfoot comfort, the soft, stretchy Primeknit upper conforms to the contours of your foot like your coziest pair of socks. To add a touch of support, a pliable plastic molded heel counter and midfoot cage system surrounds the knit, creating a structured feeling without restricting flexibility.

For a style-forward pick for everyday, though, the best feature may be the variety of colorways. The Ultraboost 1.0 comes in 16 colorways for men and 10 for women, ensuring you'll find a style that suits your personal taste.

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Adidas Supernova Rise

On Sale
Supernova Rise
Pros
  • Midsole features Dreamstrike+ foam inspired by racing super foams
  • Energyrods create a supportive ride
  • Highly responsive
Cons
  • Cushioning isn’t as soft as in more popular daily trainers

Key Specs

Weight9.8 oz (men’s); 8.6 oz (women’s)
Stack Height (Heel)34 mm
Drop10 mm

The Supernova Rise showcases Adidas’ newest midsole foam, Dreamstrike+. Inspired by the Lightstrike Pro foam used in premium racing shoes like the Adizero Adios Pro, the new cushion strives to provide a supportive and responsive ride that keeps your feet comfortable and feels peppy so you can power through your training runs.

The Dreamstrike+ material is paired with EVA-based support rods that keep the foot aligned within the shoe as you run, which helps you get more energy return from the cushioning foam at toe-off.

The ride is firmer than what you’d get with max-cushion trainers like the Nike Invincible 3 or New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14, but the Supernova Rise still offers good shock absorption, and it feels responsive and supportive, too. Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate, along with other RW adidas sl loop racer black dress for women.

“This is going to be a great starting point for a lot of runners—reliably comfortable for short- to mid-distance runs, with a good fit and a reasonable price tag,” Dengate said.

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Best Stability Shoe

Adidas Supernova Solution

Supernova Solution
Pros
  • Unintrusive approach to stability
  • Smooth and cushioned ride
Cons
  • Little stability for runners who need it

Key Specs

Weight10.3 oz (men’s); 8.5 oz (women’s)
Stack Height (Heel)36 mm (men’s); 34 mm (women’s)
Drop10 mm (men’s); 9 mm (women’s)

Similar to the Supernova Rise, the Supernova Solution is a brand-new trainer featuring Adidas’ PEBA-based Dreamstrike+ foam. Unlike the Rise, though, this shoe has EVA rods embedded in the midsole, which extend higher on the lateral and medial towards the rear to stabilize the heel throughout your stride.

adidas headquarters indianapolis airport stability shoes go, the Supernova Solution’s added structure is fairly subtle: That’s great for neutral runners who want shoes that can help guide them through their form, though it may not offer enough structure for runners who need as much support as possible.

PEBA is usually a soft, lebanon foam, which makes it an odd choice for a stability shoe. Given that, it’s all the more impressive that Adidas created a PEBA cushion that feels firm and contained: Instead of sinking into the foam, you feel stable through your stride while feeling mildly cushioned and responsive.

While it’s certainly not a speed shoe at 10.3 ounces for men and 8.6 ounces for women, we found the PEBA foam to be incredibly comfortable, not to mention durable.

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Best Cushioned Shoe

Adidas Adidas Prime X2 Strung

Adidas Prime X2 Strung
Pros
  • Well-cushioned
  • Bouncy midsole ride
Cons
  • Heavy

Key Specs

Weight10.8 oz (men’s 9); oz 10.8 (women’s 10)
Stack Height (Heel)50 mm
Drop7 mm

If you’re the type of runner who believes the more cushioning, the better, then the Adidas Prime X2 Strung is for you. At a whopping 50 millimeters under the heel, it has more padding underfoot than any running shoe on the market. That’s more than the World Athletics Organization allows for competition–at more than 40mm, the cushioning is deemed a performance aid.

Despite the fact that you can’t enter a race with this shoe, the Prime X2 Strung feels like a plush race day shoe. It's stacked with not just two, but three layers of Lightstrike Pro foam, with two carbon-infused plates dividing them. The combined stack creates an arsenal stilt-like platform and generates a trampoline-like bounce in your step. Compared to most heavily cushioned running shoes, where your foot sinks into the soft foam as you touch down, it feels remarkably propulsive.

Stability can be a concern, particularly during cornering, but that’s nothing out of the ordinary for a shoe with such a tall, cushioned design. A unique upper process, called Strung, allows Adidas to map out the placement of each individual thread to specific performance zones throughout the upper to create a seamless fit that’s secure and comfortable.

Best For Long Runs

Adidas Adizero Boston 12

Adizero Boston 12
Pros
  • Well-cushioned without sacrificing responsiveness
  • Stable, even with a high stack
  • Snappy ride
Cons
  • Upper and tongue lacks padding
  • Testers reported issues with heel slippage

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Weight9.4 oz (men’s); 8 oz (women’s)
Stack Height (Heel)38 mm (men’s); 36 mm (women’s)
Drop7 mm (men’s); 6 mm (women’s)

The Adizero Boston has long been known as a highly cushioned, performance-focused daily trainer. Over the years, the design has shifted focus, optimizing for long-distance training over short-distance speed work. As a result, the Boston 12 is ideal for daily maintenance runs and long runs with a touch of performance, offering a snappy, responsive ride with just enough cushion underfoot to feel comfortable and protected.

The Boston 12 features a dual-layer midsole, combining TPE-based Lightstrike Pro for bounce and responsiveness with more durable EVA-based Lightstrike 2.0 foam for added longevity. One tester described said pairing provided "forgiving cushioning while still delivering a responsive feel during daily mileage." The shoe feels cushioned and comfortable over long distances, but also provides a bit of extra oomph when you’d normally start to flag.

Most of our testers agreed the mesh upper and thin tongue could have used a little more padding, but nothing too alarming. They also noted the sizing runs a little long, so keep that in mind as you shop.

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Best for Marathons

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3

Adizero Adios Pro 3
Pros
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  • Smooth running
Cons
  • Somewhat firm

Key Specs

Weight7.6 oz (unisex)
Stack Height (Heel)39.5 mm
Drop6 mm

For the last several years, every major shoe brand has poured tremendous resources into developing an ultra-plush, speed-focused long-distance racing shoe for marathons. The Adizero Adios Pro 3, aims to provide better energy return, even as it offers more midsole bulk than the competition. Its towering sole features three layers of Lightstrike Pro foam, bringing the stack height at the heel up to nearly 40mm, the maximum allowable height for competition, per adidas athl core bp number for customer service.

Carbon fiber Energyrods in the sole stabilize the stack and add snappy responsiveness, while the sharply rockered forefoot helps you keep these chunky kicks moving. Despite all the padding, this shoe is very light, and the breezy mesh upper offers good breathability.

The Adios Pro 3 represents the cutting edge of Adidas running shoe technology, and it’s a capable performer for longer races, including marathons. If you’re working toward a PR, this is the pair to lace up on race day—RW adidas atric backpack small pink color eggs she wore them at the 2023 Paris Half Marathon.

One thing to keep in mind: Adidas released a limited batch of the Adizero Adios Pro 4 in October, 2024, ahead of a public launch in January, 2025. We’ll have more to say about the new shoe after we’ve had time to put the shoe through its paces. For now, the Adios Pro 3 is the best race day shoe for most people.

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Best Trail Running Shoe

Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra

Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra
Pros
  • Extremely forward propelling
  • Bouncy midsole
Cons
  • Tipsy in technical terrain

Key Specs

Weight9.5 oz (men’s); 7.8 oz (women’s)
Stack Height (Heel)42 mm (men’s); 40 mm (women’s)
Drop8 mm

There’s no doubt that road runners have reaped the benefits from the advent of carbon-plated “super shoes.” While there are some carbon-plated trail shoes out there, they haven’t quite replicated the success of the best botasky adidas kotnikove sandals shoes— until now, that is.

The Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra is a true trail super shoe that incorporates design ideas from cushioned speed shoes like the Adizero Adios Pro 3 and guantes de arquero adidas profesionales peru para, and adapts them to meet the demands of trail running.

With Adidas’ fast foam, the TPE-based Lightstrike Pro, underfoot, the Terrex Agravic is fast, cushioned, and extremely fun to run in. Its steep rockered profile and thin midsection may feel a bit lebanon and unusual at first, but delivers a powerful forward, propulsive sensation once you start moving. It feels faster and bouncier than most trail shoes we’ve tried.

Designed for the tame trails of Western States, it absolutely shines over smooth, flowy routes. It doesn’t fare quite as well on more technical terrain, though. One tester who tried negotiating uneven ground said the tall 42-millimeter stack height was “quite tippy and lebanon.”

As expected from a racing shoe, the synthetic mesh upper with a textile lining is razor-thin in order to keep weight to a minimum. Lightly padded Achilles bumpers add a bit of comfort to the heel, though they allow for some minor heel lift—nothing too concerning.

If you're seeking a fast trail runner for smooth trails or fire roads, the Agravic Speed Ultra is, without a doubt, the one of the best trail running shoes we've ever tested.

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Best For 5K/10K Runs

Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 10

Adizero Takumi Sen 10
Pros
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  • Responsive
Cons
  • Lacks cushioning

Key Specs

Weight7.1 oz (men’s); 5.8 oz (women’s)
Stack Height (Heel)33 mm (men’s); 32 mm (women’s)
Drop6 mm

Built for speed and agility, the Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 10 is a lightweight, low-profile racing shoe made for setting personal records in short distance races like 5Ks.

Unlike many modern racers, responsiveness is the name of the game here. In our review, testers found that the ride made you feel connected to the ground, at the expense of the plush padding found in shoes like the Adizero Adios Pro 3. They described the thin stack of Lightstrike Pro foam as “very light and springy underfoot” and “energetic, stable, and fast.” Adidas’ signature Energyrods in the midsole add a bit of stiffness and snap to the underfoot feel.

The upper is made with an airy and highly breathable engineered mesh that’s perfect for hot and humid days. The fit is slim and tailored, as one would expect from a racing shoe. A few testers noted the shoe ran on the narrow side through the midfoot.

One tester described the Takumi Sen 10 the same way we would have: “[It’s] a great option for someone who wants the mechanical benefits of super shoes (Energyrods and bouncy foam), without feeling super bulky.” The design goes against current trends, but that may be just what you need to increase your short-distance pace.

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Best Racing Shoe for Elite Runners

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1

Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1
Pros
  • The best weight-to-cushioning ratio of any shoe on the market
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Cons
  • Minimal durability

Key Specs

Weight4.6 oz (unisex)
Stack Height (Heel)38 mm
Drop6 mm

The Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 is poised to redefine the future of racing shoes. It features a thick 38 millimeters of padding at the heel, but weighs an astonishing 4.6 ounces–that’s nearly 2 ounces lighter than any other shoe while a similar stack height.

The cost of such a high-performance shoe is daunting: At $500, it is the most expensive running shoe on the market. It’s also fragile: I was able to run 200 miles in my pair before I felt the foam degrade to a point I would not want to race in them, but I don’t expect every runner will get that many miles out of them.

If you’re willing to stomach the cost (and find it in stock), though, Adios Pro Evo 1 is also one of the fastest running shoes you can buy. On your foot, the shoe feels weightless. You move through your gait effortlessly. Using a non-compression molding process, its TPE-based Lightstrike Pro cushioning is light and airy, but also highly cushioned and responsive. Carbon Energyrods embedded in the midsole add stiffness to an otherwise spongy foam for a snappy, responsive feeling.

The pairing produces a smooth and highly efficient rolling action all the way through toe-off. To minimize weight, the upper and tongue are made with a razor-thin mesh. Despite the minimal upper, the heel has some structure to it, locking it down and preventing any excess movement. Though it's made for marathons, the Adios Pro Evo 1 feels great running any distance.

While the rumors that would only last through a single marathon are a bit overblown, this isn’t a normal running shoe. Designed specifically for race day, this shoe is built for competitive runners aiming to enhance their performance in everything from 5Ks to marathons—and who are willing to invest in top-tier technology to reach their goals. Those willing to fork over the $500 are rewarded with a close-to-weightless racer that could very well be the fastest super shoe ever built.

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Headshot of Cory Smith

Cory Smith is a running coach and journalist specializing in running and fitness-related content and gear reviews. He is the founder of Run Your Personal Best, an online running coaching business that has helped hundreds of runners achieve personal bests in distances ranging from 800 meters to 100 miles. Cory holds a USA Track & Field Level 1 and 2 Endurance Certification and was the former Head Cross Country/Track Coach at Penn State Brandywine. Over his running career, Cory has held three Maryland state records, was a two-time National Championship qualifier while at Villanova University, and holds personal bests of 4:03 in the mile and an 8:05 in the 3K. 

Headshot of Michael Charboneau

Michael is a freelance writer with years of experience covering gear and the outdoors for Runner's World and other publications; when he's not writing, he's usually biking, hiking, and running in the mountains around Los Angeles, where he lives.