Two hours, 11 minutes and 53 seconds. That's all it took for Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa to finish September's Berlin Marathon, crushing the previous world record by more than two minutes. On her feet? A pair of Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1s, some of the most advanced running shoes to date.
While fancy footwear is only one factor in Assefa's dominance, it is yet another example of how cutting-edge gear enables the human race to go ever faster, higher, stronger. This year, as the GP100 celebrates innovation, fitness breakthroughs contribute to all kinds of spectacular feats, helping a vast array of people work out harder, recover quicker, track their progress better and so much more. Like Assefa herself, the 10 products here have broken away from the pack.
Nike Aerogami Storm-FIT ADV Jacket
Why It Matters: The Nike Aerogami Jacket defies convention, showcasing an ever-changing venting system that detects the accumulation of sweat on the skin and automatically opens to allow for cooling.
The Big Picture: Conventional wisdom says waterproof and breathability are on opposite sides of the spectrum. All other things being equal, the more waterproof a jacket is, the less breathable, and vice versa. Nike's Aerogami Jacket begs to differ, armed with a groundbreaking dynamic venting system. Thanks to a moisture-reactive film, tiny winged vents, strategically located around high-heat areas like the chest and upper back, can sense sweat building up on the skin and automatically open to let your skin breathe. They can also close back up as you cool down, leaving conventional wisdom scratching its head.
Reebok Nano X3 Training Shoes
Why It Matters: Reebok's smartest Nano yet combines the optimal stability of a cross-training shoe with the plush cushioning of a running shoe, allowing wearers to lift and sprint with equal aplomb.
The Big Picture: Quality cross-training shoes offer a stable and firm platform to support the foot through varied exercises. Reliable running shoes provide a comfortable, cushioned underfoot experience. Athletes seeking to both things in the same workout typically have to sacrifice one or the other — until now. The Reebok Nano X3 splits the difference via a brand-new adaptive Lift and Run Chassis System. A dome-shaped piece of thermoplastic polyurethane embedded in the midsole compresses under pressure, enhancing stability during lifting, and subsequently softens during running or jumping to provide additional cushioning. Finally, the best of both worlds.
Maurten Bicarb System
Why It Matters: Maurten's exclusive formulation enables athletes to consume elevated levels of sodium bicarbonate, a legal endurance booster, without adverse GI effects.
The Big Picture: Since the dawn of sports, runners and cyclists have been looking for an edge. One of the more researched legal supplements is sodium bicarbonate (aka baking soda), which neutralizes harmful acidity levels in the muscles to delay fatigue. Unfortunately, it also wreaks havoc on the gastrointestinal system. Maurten, a leader in high-end sports nutrition, developed a proprietary way to take sodium bicarbonate. In scientific terms, a biopolymer matrix holds carbohydrates to encapsulate the sodium bicarbonate without GI distress. In athletic terms, Maurten's Hydrogel Technology lets you fuel up and kick ass in long-distance contests, without having to race to the port-a-potty.
Keen WK400 Walking Shoe
Why It Matters: These pedestrian-specific kicks employ a rockered sole and full-length nylon plate to put a literal spring in your step.
The Big Picture: If you’re like most people, your walking shoes are just running sneakers. Keen wants to change that. Specifically designed for walking, the WK400 boasts a rockered sole that rolls your foot from heel to toe, reducing the energy needed to push off. Meanwhile, a full-length nylon plate embedded in a lively midsole adds stability without sacrificing a soft underfoot experience. (Similar elements are present in performance running shoes, but optimized for, you know, actually running.) If you experience foot pain while walking, or just want every step to be more pleasant, the WK400s are hands down the best and most comfortable shoes we've tried.
Therabody Theragun PRO Plus
Why It Matters: The Theragun Pro Plus represents the next level of massage gun performance, combining powerful percussion with cutting-edge infrared light and heat therapy.
The Big Picture: These days, massage guns are a dime a dozen. But massage guns with this much power and technology come around once in a blue moon. With a best-in-class 16-millimeter amplitude and high 60-pound stall force, the Theragun Pro Plus is by far the best massage gun you can buy. Beyond its insane stats, a heated head attachment loosens up stiff muscles, while LED infrared light therapy stimulates circulation and boosts healing. You can also connect with an app via Bluetooth to access guided recovery routines and soothing breathing tours. Yes, it's pricy, but you’d be hard-pressed to find an elite recovery tool with damn near as many modalities as the finest Leatherman.
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1
Why It Matters: If the jaw-dropping price doesn't get your attention, the speed-friendly blend of incredibly light weight and funky, forward-motion-boosting geometry surely will.
The Big Picture: These kicks made headlines for their $500 price tag. But once Tigst Assefa’s pair reached the Berlin Marathon finish line in less than 2 hours and 12 minutes, we knew Adidas had created something special. Ditching the sockliner and adding a grooveless-but-grippy outsole trims the weight to an insane 4.87 ounces (less than a D battery). Incorporating non-compression-molded Lightstrike Pro foam into a bonkers forefoot rocker that makes up 60 percent of the length encourages unprecedented forward motion. And selling them for a borderline obscene amount leaves us all wondering, how much is a PR really worth?
Coros Pace 3 GPS Sport Watch
Why It Matters: An already elite GPS watch adds more accurate GPS — and a battery delivering an eye-popping amount of continuous GPS use.
The Big Picture: With loads of improvements over its predecessor, the Coros 3 stakes its claim to the title of best everyday GPS watch. An updated satellite chipset featuring the choice of dual-frequency ensures precise GPS data reliability, even in densely populated urban areas such as New York and Chicago, where there were GPS issues previously. Perhaps even more impressive? Adding 8 hours more of continuous GPS usage, meaning a whopping 38 hours of continuous GPS use (in standard GPS mode). You also get 24 days of continuous regular usage to play around with a top-notch touchscreen, wifi, music and a pulse ox meter.
Cionic Neural Sleeve
Why It Matters: This high-tech wrap transmits electrical impulses to leg muscles, fostering contractions that enable folks with conditions like multiple sclerosis to walk with greater ease, fluidity and endurance.
The Big Picture: Developed by a former Apple employee seeking better walking assistance options for a daughter with cerebral palsy, the Cionic Neural Sleeve is a one-of-a-kind wearable that uses technology to correct mobility issues. Advanced sensors in the fabric track muscle movement and limb positioning in real-time — and deliver precise electrical stimulation, triggering the necessary contractions in coordination with a person's gait cycle. Studies have show that 94 percent of users experience increased ankle dorsiflexion at heel strike with nine degrees of improvement in range of motion. Available only with a prescription, the sleeve offers more than hope; it offers results.
KingSmith WR1 Foldable Water Rowing Machine
Why It Matters: This full-size rowing machine folds down to a third of its length, delivering a great cardio and strength workout you can stash in the corner.
The Big Picture: Having a home cardio machine isn’t an option for many because of the space it takes up, and let’s face it, unless you have a dedicated gym room, these bulky units can be an eyesore. Now, from the people who brought you TikTok's favorite folding WalkingPad, comes the good-looking, nicely priced KingSmith WR1 Foldable Water Rowing Machine, which folds down to the size of a 26-inch suitcase. It may not be the most high-tech unit out there, but the seat's comfy, the resistance is adjustable and, most importantly, it doesn't turn your living room into "the rowing room."
Oobli Sweet Iced Tea
Why It Matters: Oobli's delicious iced teas harbor a healthy twist — the sweetness comes not from sugar but from "sweet proteins,” with none of the negative side effects of artificial alternatives.
The Big Picture: Found in oubli, a West African fruit, sweet proteins taste like sugar but don't impact your body the same way. They work by activating the same taste receptors sugar does, but the digestion and metabolism in your body result in zero or neutral effects on your blood sugar, insulin levels and gut microbiome. Oobli puts that magic to work in 60-calorie iced teas with tasty flavors we have tried and adore, including mango, lemon, peach and a new "Arnie P." half tea/half lemonade. Which means you can finally slake your thirst for sugar without jeopardizing your waistline.
