Independent reviews

Product Reviews and Buying Guides – 449 / 805

From everyday tech and home products to lifestyle and specialist gear, each review focuses on practical use, strengths, limitations, and who the product suits.

High-stack Saucony Kinvara Pro running shoe on a concrete surface

Running Shoes

Saucony Kinvara Pro Early Review: A Max-Stack Plated Daily Trainer With a Familiar Name

An all-new max-stacked plated trainer from Saucony that shares almost nothing with the Kinvara line, tested over early miles by multiple runners.

9/30/2026
Saucony Peregrine 14 trail running shoe shown at a three-quarter angle on concrete

Trail Running Shoes

Saucony Peregrine 14 Review: The All-Rounder Trail Shoe Most Runners Should Buy

A versatile, comfortable trail running shoe with reliable grip, a protective rock plate, and a firmer ride that suits everything from muddy forest tracks to road-to-trail commutes.

9/30/2026
Saucony Ride 18 running shoe on a matte concrete surface

Running Shoes

Saucony Ride 18 First Run Review: A Refined Workhorse Daily Trainer

The Ride 18 adds a new midsole foam, a more dialed-in upper, and a touch more responsiveness while keeping the balanced character that made the Ride 17 a favourite.

9/30/2026
Saucony Tempus running shoe with white midsole on a concrete surface

Running Shoes

Saucony Tempus First Run Review: A Stability Shoe That Rides Like a Neutral Trainer

The Saucony Tempus blends subtle support with PWRRUN PB cushioning, offering stability runners a surprisingly versatile ride for easy days and faster sessions.

9/30/2026
Lineup of five cushioned running shoes on a concrete floor

Running Shoes

Missing the Saucony Triumph 20? 5 Current Shoes That Capture Its Spirit

The Saucony Triumph 20 blended comfort, bounce, and durability like few trainers since. Five current shoes that come closest to that same versatile, no-plate feel.

9/30/2026
Saucony Triumph 20 and Brooks Glycerin 20 running shoes side by side on concrete

Running Shoes

Saucony Triumph 20 vs Brooks Glycerin 20: Which Cushioned Trainer Deserves Your Miles?

Two of the most trusted max-cushion daily trainers go head to head, with updated midsoles, refined uppers, and very different ride personalities.

9/30/2026
Saucony Triumph 20 and Nike Invincible 2 running shoes side by side on concrete

Running Shoes

Saucony Triumph 20 vs Nike Invincible 2: Which Max Cushion Shoe Deserves Your Money?

Two premium max cushion trainers with very different personalities. We compare fit, foam, ride feel, and versatility to help you pick.

9/30/2026
Two cushioned road running shoes side by side on a concrete surface

Running Shoes

Saucony Triumph 21 vs Asics Novablast 4: Which Cushioned Daily Trainer Fits Your Running?

Two versatile max-cushion trainers go head to head on foam, fit, grip and value, with a clear pick for different kinds of runners.

9/30/2026
Two cushioned running shoes side by side on a concrete studio surface

Running Shoes

Saucony Triumph 21 vs Brooks Glycerin 21: Which Cushioned Daily Trainer Wins?

Two premium cushioned daily trainers go head to head on fit, midsole foam, ride feel, and value to help you pick the right easy-run shoe.

9/30/2026
Saucony Triumph 22 running shoe with thick white foam midsole on concrete

Running Shoes

Saucony Triumph 22 First Run Review: A Comfort-First Cruiser With a New Character

Saucony's new PWRRUN PB midsole changes the Triumph formula. We ran easy miles and a marathon distance in the Triumph 22 to see where it excels and where it surprises.

9/30/2026
Pair of Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 trail running shoes on concrete with a mug

Trail Running Shoes

Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 Review: A Balanced Trail Shoe Tested on the South Downs

We put the Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 through a hilly 10-mile downland trail race to see how its cushioning, stability, and grip hold up on mixed terrain.

9/30/2026
Scott Kinabalu Trail and Scott Kinabalu Ultra trail running shoes side by side on concrete

Trail Running Shoes

Scott Kinabalu Trail vs Scott Kinabalu Ultra: Two Trail Runners Worth a Serious Look

A side-by-side look at Scott's refreshed trail running duo: the daily-friendly Kinabalu Trail and the plush, long-distance Kinabalu Ultra.

9/30/2026
British racing green lacquer fountain pen with chrome trim on a grey surface

Fountain Pens

Scrier Classic Fountain Pen Review: A Solid British Writer in Racing Green

A metal-bodied British fountain pen with a Schmidt steel nib, converter included, and a 30-day money-back warranty. Here is what it does well and where it falls short.

9/30/2026
Flat-lay of running gear including shorts, socks, gloves, a long-sleeve top, and sunglasses

Running Gear

September Running Gear Roundup: 9 Kit Picks Worth a Look

From dual-layer trail shorts to 3-in-1 gloves and charity socks, this month's running kit roundup covers nine practical picks for road, trail, and colder weather.

9/30/2026
Red urushi lacquer fountain pen with gold dragon artwork on a wooden desk

Fountain Pens

Shizen Dragon's Descent: An Urushi and Maki-e Fountain Pen Review

A hand-finished urushi and maki-e pen built on an Ebonite body, featuring an Eastern dragon motif and a two-tone 18k gold nib. Here is what stands out, and what to weigh before buying.

9/30/2026
Black bone conduction headphones with curved neckband on a grey concrete surface

Headphones

Shokz Open Swim Pro Review: Bone Conduction That Runs and Swims

The Shokz Open Swim Pro combines Bluetooth and onboard MP3 playback in one lightweight bone conduction headset. Here is how it performs on the run and in the water.

9/30/2026
Speedland GS:PDX trail running shoe at a three-quarter angle on a concrete surface

Trail Running Shoes

Speedland GS:PDX First Run Review: A Firm, Stable Trail Shoe for Long Distances

A first-run look at the $275 Speedland GS:PDX: BOA fit, Michelin grip, and a firmer ride than its chunky looks suggest.

9/30/2026
Glossy black faceted S.T. Dupont Défi ballpoint pen on a dark concrete surface

Stationery

S.T. Dupont Défi Ballpoint Pen Review: Premium Feel With Real Trade-Offs

A glossy, weighty French ballpoint built with a metal-frame design and palladium finish. Smooth writing, an articulated clip, and a few habits you will need to accept.

9/30/2026
Six road and trail running shoes arranged in a row on a concrete surface

Running Shoes

Standout Running Shoes of 2024 So Far: Six Pairs That Earned Their Place

From nimble trail racers to versatile daily trainers, six running shoes that delivered where it counts this year.

9/30/2026
Smartphone and GPS running watch on a concrete surface

Running Apps

Strava Premium Review: Is the Subscription Worth It in 2026?

After years as a subscriber, one long-time runner weighs up Strava Premium's $59.99 annual price against what the free tier and a GPS watch app already deliver.

9/30/2026
Suunto Sonic bone conduction running headphones with wraparound neckband on a concrete surface

Running Headphones

Suunto Sonic Review: A Lighter, More Affordable Bone Conduction Option for Runners

Suunto's follow-up to the Wing trims features and price to deliver a comfortable, competitive open-ear headphone, though battery life needs a closer look.

9/30/2026
Suunto Vertical GPS watch with steel bezel on a concrete surface

GPS Sports Watches

Suunto Vertical: First Runs and Honest Early Impressions for Runners

A close look at Suunto's new outdoor-focused flagship, covering solar charging, dual-band GPS, topo maps, battery life, and how it stacks up for runners.

9/30/2026
Two pairs of neckband-style open-ear sports headphones side by side on a concrete surface

Running Headphones

Suunto Wing 2 vs Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: Which Open-Ear Headphones Suit Runners Best?

Two strong open-ear options for runners compared: Suunto's improved Wing 2 bone conduction headset and Shokz's OpenRun Pro 2, with clear trade-offs on sound, features, and value.

9/30/2026
Two-tone leather EDC belt organizer with a multi-tool and flashlight beside it

EDC Gear

Taylor Knives Flapjacks TT-Sux Multi-Tool Push-Up and Clip Review: A Handcrafted EDC Organizer Worth a Look

A handcrafted full grain leather belt organizer for multi-tools, pens, and flashlights, with excellent build quality and a few practical trade-offs.

9/30/2026
Flat-lay of tech and EDC gear including a webcam, knife, flashlight, wallet, and water bottle

Tech & EDC

9 Tech and EDC Finds Worth Unboxing: From the Obsbot Tiny 2 Lite to a Stanley Lunchbox

A roundup of standout tech and everyday carry gear, including an AI webcam, an unusual pocket knife, Supreme collaborations, rugged iPad protection, and a blackout water bottle.

9/30/2026
Three North Face running apparel pieces arranged on a concrete surface

Running Gear

The North Face Running Gear Worth a Look: Three Picks for Wet, Cold, and Warm Days

A waterproof shell, a hybrid insulated jacket, and a lightweight running short from The North Face, each with clear strengths and a few trade-offs.

9/30/2026
The North Face Vectiv Infinite 3 trail running shoe in three-quarter view on concrete

Trail Running Shoes

The North Face Vectiv Infinite 3 Review: A Do-Everything Trail Trainer

The Vectiv Infinite 3 gets a denser supercritical TPU Dream Foam midsole, a more protective upper, and an aggressive Surface Control outsole, making it one of The North Face's strongest trail updates of the year.

9/30/2026
The North Face Vectiv Pro trail running shoe on a matte concrete surface

Trail Running Shoes

The North Face Vectiv Pro: First Run Impressions of a Comfortable, Road-Smooth Trail Shoe

Nearly nine miles of mixed road and trail testing reveal a plush, well-balanced trail runner with a big stack, a carbon plate, and grip that punches above its road-to-trail weight class.

9/30/2026
Tombow FUMI mechanical pencil in sea blue standing on a concrete surface

Stationery

Tombow FUMI Mechanical Pencil Review: A Sea-Mineral Body With Real Writing Performance

A 0.5mm mechanical pencil built from a seawater-derived composite material, pairing a cool, mineral-rich texture with surprisingly refined writing feel.

9/30/2026
Five different running shoes arranged in a lineup on a concrete studio floor

Running Shoes

Top 5 Running Shoes of 2024: Our Favorite Launches of the Year

Five standout running shoe launches of 2024, from a lightweight daily trainer to max-cushion comfort and race-ready carbon super shoes.

9/30/2026