Actu Matos : la Norda 005 à 315€, Raidlight UltraMax, Mount to Coast H1

-10% off energy gels and bars at lyophilise.fr with the code: VINCENTG at https://c3po.link/QJWXhuc5Ka I'll start with a French brand I really like for its artisanal approach and slightly "old school" style: Raidlight, based in the Chartreuse region and run by Benoît Laval. The brand is selling the Raidlight UltraMax, a model we weren't expecting and which deviates from current standards. Here, there's no infused super-foam or carbon plate, but a classic molded compressed EVA block, quite firm and stable despite its 28mm stack height. It's simple, predictable, and should be effective. The aesthetic and technical contrast is particularly striking in the upper: the tightly woven upper is lined with a nearly waterproof fabric, promising a robust and durable shoe for long runs. It features a comfortable tongue and a Vibram outsole with flat but widely spaced lugs, equipped with Traction Lug technology to grip in wet soil without slipping on gravel. A versatile shoe offered at €150 for a weight of 294g. At the opposite end of the spectrum from this family-oriented shoe, we have the very young Hong Kong brand Mount to Coast with its Mount to Coast H1 model, a lightweight shoe weighing 242g and priced at €170. This shoe is designed for gravel riding, ideal for smooth runs on gravel roads and dry dirt, but clearly not suited to technical terrain due to its very shallow tread pattern. The heart of the shoe lies in its CircleCell midsole, a 35mm stack bio-sourced thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), which provides modern and very soft cushioning. It should be an excellent shoe for racking up the miles. I really liked the trail version, the T1, and I can't wait to see how this H1 performs. Finally, we're moving into a completely different league with the elite Canadian brand Norda and its Norda 005, offered at the exclusive price of €315. For this price, the brand offers top-of-the-line quality with an upper made entirely of Dyneema, this ultra-robust technical nylon renowned for its durability and high abrasion resistance. The dual-density, full PEBA midsole is incredibly plush; you sink into it like a marshmallow, while also (I assume) delivering excellent rebound. As for the specifications, the technical sheet lists a 7mm drop, a 28mm stack height at the heel, and, most importantly, a featherweight 225g, which is lighter than most performance-oriented models on the market. Underneath the shoe, you'll find Vibram Megagrip Elite rubber combined with Litebase technology and unique diagonally designed studs that provide both grip and braking. A true showcase.