How to clean and care for your leather boots

When it comes to shoes, runners have almost too many choices. There are daily trainers, speed shoes, trail shoes, plated racers, and more. High-end models start around $150, so building up a “quiver” of footwear requires $300, $450, or more. That can make the simple, refreshing act of running an expensive hobby.

However, some manufacturers produce road-to-trail shoes that can handle both roads and trails, as well as everything in between. One such model is the Craft Nordlite Ultra 2, which features a supercritical midsole and a lugged outsole. I tested it on the roads and trails of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley to answer the question: Is this the only running shoe you need? Read on for my take.

While its design might not seem drastically different from other New Balance sneakers, the 992 silhouette has earned its status as one of the most popular in the brand’s lineup. First released in 2006 to commemorate the brand’s 100th anniversary, the 992 gained notoriety as the go-to sneaker for the late Steve Jobs. As part of his uniform, the 992 became a go-to practical shoe for many. While Steve Jobs was keen on the sneaker’s grey shade, the newest release of the sneaker sets out to give this silhouette a moodier feel. Not straying too far from its traditional look, the latest 992 will feature a darker colorway, making it a perfect option for those seeking a comfortable shoe later in the year. 

New Balance’s 992 sneaker gets a fall-ready upgrade

While summer is still in high gear, that hasn’t stopped brands from unveiling their upcoming fall releases. One of the designs expected to hit shelves later this year comes from New Balance, which has often teased its upcoming releases well in advance, allowing fans to plan accordingly. As recently announced, New Balance is already getting a head start with a preview of their latest 204L model set to hit stores in time for autumn hikes. The 204L sneaker is no stranger to the spotlight, with the brand using the silhouette in recent collaborations with AURALEE and BASKETCASE. This time, the brand is launching its own updated in-house version of the retro design that utilizes metallic hues and textures for a shiny look. 

New Balance goes slim with the 204L in metallic