Saucony XP Superlite Sock Review

What They Say:

• CROSSPRO 3D Cradle conforms to your foot unlike any other product
• Targeted arch compression provides varied compression support where it is needed most
• SuperLite construction offers a second skin fit
• Airmesh venting made of breathable mesh panels for enhance airflow
• Seamless toe prevents irritation
• Fabric Content: 31% Nylon, 23% Tactel Nylon, 38% Polyester, 7% Spandex

What I Say:

As a runner you tend to focus on shoes as being the primary asset in a successful run. Certainly this is true. But recently I received the XP Superlite Socks from Saucony and I have to say I never fully appreciated how critical socks were in providing the best run possible.

The Saucony XP Superlite Socks are very thin, no show style and provide a nice wrap around your feet. They are left/right design so each sock forms specifically around the foot. The most critical aspect is they do not bunch or slide around in your shoe during even the long run. They also breathe incredibly well and there's no buildup of sweat and therefore no likelihood they would result in blistering. The end result is this sock provides absolute function and comfort.

I have worn the socks on multiple short and long runs and throughout the run they felt great and provided a feeling they were not even there and that is the perfect complement to any running-related item. I highly recommend the Saucony XP Superlite Socks. They are both functional and fashionable. Highly Recommended

Ultimate Direction Groove Mono: Form, Function and Fun

What They Say:

Incredibly comfortable! The Groove with the Body BottlePlus conforms to the shape of your body.

Specs & Details

·         Single Rear PowerStretch Woven mesh pouch securely holds a 500ml Body Bottle Plus

·         Trim Lo-Fi minimal front strap with key pocket

·         MonoRipTM mesh dual compression waist belt provides secure and breathable fit

·         ChannelWickTM mesh back panel creates channels for airflow and moisture management

·         Individual compression bungee bands add extra attachment points

What I Say:

Form, function and fun. That sums up my impression of the Ultimate Direction Groove Mono Running Belt. The belt provides a winning solution for the shorter run. It is light, extremely comfortable and provides a “not there” fit.

The Groove Mono is a somewhat wide belt fastened by two Velcro grips. This allows a perfect, snug fit and keeps the belt from moving about during the run. This fit also affords flexibility to wear the belt with the pouch in the front or rear. The belt is breathable and caused no buildup of heat or moisture and there were not hot spots or chaffing.

The Groove Mono has a tiny pouch on one end of the belt. This is large enough for a key or gel. The larger pouch is more ample and could hold a phone or similar items but also supports the Ultimate Direction flexible Body Bottle. This is just enough hydration support for my routine 6 miler including a bandana for sweat. I have developed a routine to have the pouch in front. With the flex bottle there is no feeling of bulk and I prefer the easy access to the contents.

The fun this belt provides is the ability to have hydration support without feeling a bulkiness from the belt. I truly can run for miles without having any sense I am wearing the belt. It works so well that it actually enhances my enthusiasm for my next outing. 

Ultimate Direction's Groove Mono is part of a larger system. There is also the Stereo option (below) which works with the system and allows for a two regular bottles. Highly recommended.

The nuun plus Benefits

I have tried many electrolyte hydration tabs over my years of running. I have even tried several recipes of my own. With each experience my reviews tend to narrow to one aspect of these tabs, whether or not I can stomach them into the later miles of my long runs.

For the most part, every tab is pleasant enough during the early stages of the run. And my experiences with the flavored nuun products have all been positive in this regard. Whatever the flavor they provide a light flavor and sweetness and a well-balanced electrolyte lift. I am a big fan of this brand as I can generally tolerate the tabs late into my long runs. But even with the nuun tabs I tend to opt for straight water, or a watered down mix hour after hour on my ultras. Enter the nuun plus, a flavorless version of the nuun line. 

When I first learned of this product I was very excited. I eagerly dissolved a tab into my water bottle and headed out onto my run. Initially the experience was interesting. There was NO flavor and really no indication I was actually enjoying an electrolyte replacement solution. But this was a good thing as the miles progressed. With each refill of my bottle there was no hesitancy regarding whether I would skip the solution or opt for water. I continued using the nuun plus throughout my run.

Over the course of the intervening months I have relied on the nuun plus for every long run. More recently I have alternated flavors and then introduced the nuun plus later in my runs. The nuun plus is a great product and it has made a vast difference in my comfort during my long runs by providing the electrolyte replenishment without any sweetness to work around.

Highly recommended!