Rugby Positions Explained: The Definitive Guide

Posted on July 8, 2021 at 10:35 am.

Do you love the game of rugby, but aren’t fully sure of how rugby positions work? Well don’t worry, because you’re not the only one.

That’s why we’ve written this Ultimate Guide: Rugby Positions Explained, so you’ll know all the ins and outs of the various rugby positions.

Rugby is a game that boasts players of all shapes and sizes, so we’ll also explain the different physical and technical attributes needed for each position.

Sounds good?

Before we start, below is how each position looks as it lines up on the pitch.

Befoure you read on, you might like out All Time Irish Rugby XV – it’s pretty controversial!

If not, then let’s get into the nitty and gritty.

Rugby Positions Explained: Loose-head and tight-head props (1 & 3)

Positioned either side of the hooker, the loose-head and tight-head props make up the front row, a reference to their positions in the scrum. These need to be extremely powerful from their legs to their neck and love physical confrontation.

In the scrum, props will attempt to propel their side of the scrum forward while also supporting the hooker’s body weight as they try to win the all. While in lineouts, props need to be powerful enough to lift the jumper to win possession.

In open play, props will help secure the ball when a player is tackled, so they still need to be mobile, despite their big frames, while they’re also expected to gain hard yards and occupy defenders.

Ireland’s Tadgh Furlong (in shot) made some eye-catching displays recently, while another well-known prop is England’s Mako Vunipola.

Rugby Positions Explained: Hooker

The hooker lines up in the scrum between the two props and they will coordinate the timing while also trying to win possession by hooking the ball back through the props’ legs.

At lineout time, the prop will deliver the ball to their teammates, so an ability to be accurate and calm under pressure is vital. During open play, the hooker will do the ‘dirty work’, just like the props, winning possession and taking ‘crash’ passes.

When you think of hookers, you think of New Zealand’s Dane Stuart Coles, Wallabies Brandon Paenga Amosa or England’s Luke Cowan-Dickie (pictured).

Rugby Positions Explained: Second rows (4 & 5)

Also known as ‘locks’, the second rows are the driving force of the scrum and the ball-winners in the lineout. They’re generally tall, powerful and very technically gifted players.

Over time their role has evolved from being support players in rucks, to ball carriers, tacklers and try scorers.

England’s Maro Itoje (below), South Africa’s Eben Etzebeth and Wales’ Alun Wyn Jones (below) are among the most formidable in World Rugby.

Rugby Positions Explained: Flankers (6 & 7)

Otherwise known as wing forwards, flankers need to be extremely well rounded in speed, stamina, strength, tackling and ball handling.

These players will find themselves at the centre of the action more than most more often that not, they can be the difference between winning and losing.

Open-side flanker operates on the far side of the scrum from the touchline and is often smaller and more nimble than their blind-side partner, who has the more physical role.

Former New Zealand great Richie McCaw (pictured) was one the greatest to ever play the game, while current stars include Wales Sam Warburton and Michael Hooper of Australia.

Rugby Positions Explained: Number Eight (8)

The number eight will play a very similar role to the flankers; supporting play, tackling and carrying ball. The trio can also be referred to as the back row.

The number eight binds at the back of the scrum and is also the only player from the forwards who is allowed to pick the ball up from the base of the scrum, which is often a move used to gain important yards when scrummaging close to the line.

Saying that, number eights need to be an explosive and dynamic ball carrier and Ireland’s Caelan Doris (pictured) has begun to establish himself as a real star of the future, taking over the reins from CJ Stander (also pictured). While South Africa’s Duane Vermeulen was voted the best number eight in the world last year.

Rugby Positions Explained: Scrum-half (9)

This player will be responsible for linking play between the forwards and the backs and is a hugely important position. Lining up just behind the forwards, a scrum-half will control possession from scrums, rucks or mauls.

They need vision, communication skills, speed and awareness, quick hands and a physical edge, because they can often be the smallest player on the field and are open to tackles from rampaging flankers.

Some of the world’s best include Lions captain Conor Murray (above), New Zealand’s Aaron Smith, France’s Antoine Dupont and South Africa’s Faf de Klerk (above).

Rugby Positions Explained: Fly-half (10)

Arguably the most influential player on the rugby field because almost every attack will go through the fly half.

A number 10 has the sole responsibility of deciding whether to kick or pass, must orchestrate the back line, decide on plays and more often than not is the team’s kicker for penalties, conversions and drop goal attempts.

When you think of instrumental fly-halfs, you think of Johnny Sexton & Owen Farrell (pictured), Dan Biggar and Johnny Wilkinson to name a few.

Rugby Positions Explained: Wing (11 & 14)

Remember Jonah Lomu from New Zealand?

The late New Zealand winger was virtually unstoppable at the peak of his powers, but he was an exception. Standing 6’5 and weighing up to 120kg, he would put the fear into any tackler.

Wingers like Lomu were the team’s finisher and are also the last line of defence, so pace is a huge factor, along with strength and agility.

Lomu possessed it all in abundance and his best bits are worth checking out on Youtube.

Rugby Positions Explained: Centre (12 & 13)

The inside centre – who stands closest to the fly-half when the backs line up – and the outside centre tend to be strong, dynamic runners with a good eye for exposing gaps in the opposition defence. In attack they tend to run very direct lines.

The inside centre is often the more creative in a centre pairing and should be able to pass and kick nearly as well as the fly-half. Meanwhile, the outside centre tends to be the faster of the two and the ability to offload the ball quickly to the wingers is also vital.

Ireland and Lions stars Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki (above) are the current stars, while former legend Brian O’Driscoll is often regarded as the best ever.

Rugby Positions Explained: Full-back

Lining up behind the entire back line, the fullback is the closest thing that rugby has to a sweeper in defence. But they also receive deep kicks from the opposition, so they must be comfortable catching high balls and launching attacks from the resulting possession.

This high-pressure rugby positions is not for the faint-hearted, but those who can combine tackling, kicking, catching and running with a cool head can excel here.

Think Scotland’s Stuart Hogg (pictured) or All Blacks playmaker Damian McKenzie.

Conclusion

We hope this blog will have helped to inform you on rugby positions, what is needed to play them and the players who are amongst the world’s best at doing so.

As always, let us know your thoughts in the comment section.

Plus, we’ve got all your rugby needs, such as the top brands and advice on our website below.

A Starters Guide to Gaelic Football Positions

Posted on July 1, 2021 at 9:21 am.

Written by Ger Flanagan

GAELIC football positions have evolved massively over the years.

The days of 15 players taking to the field and matching up with their opposing 15 for the entire game are long gone. Thirty years ago, if a corner back wandered up to the corner forward position he’d have got the curly finger and pulled straight off.

In the modern game, it’s now a prerequisite for corner backs to try and cover every blade of grass on the pitch.

Before we start, check out the graphic below for a quick refresh on the 15 positions on a Gaelic football team.

Now that we know the modern day Gaelic football positions, lets get into what skills are required to play them and the players who are making them their own at the top level.

Are you ready?

If not, and you want more GAA content, our Best National League moments is available to read right HERE.

Gaelic football positions: Goalkeeper (#1)

In a different era, the goalkeeper was a much simpler role.

You stood in goal and tried to stop goal-bound shots, while every kickout you had went long down the middle to the midfielders.

However, that manual has been torn up and republished, mainly thanks to Dublin GAA legend Stephen Cluxton.

After establishing himself as Dublin’s number one in 2001, Cluxton perfected the art of the short kickout and quick restart, with an ability to land the ball on a sixpence to his teammates.

But that’s not all.

Cluxton can also be a place kicker and score points (remember the 2011 All-Ireland Final?), has incredible reflexes which makes him a top-class shot stopper, is comfortable on the ball to take it out the field to create an overlap, as well as being a brilliant communicator to organise his team.

These days you have goalies like Monaghan’s Rory Beggan, Tyrone’s Niall Morgan and Donegal’s Shaun Patten who have all those aforementioned qualities and can basically play as an extra outfielder.
So really, a goalkeeper is an all-round style player.

Gaelic Football Positions: Corner back (#2 & #4)

The number one objective for any corner back is to mark the opposition team’s most threatening scorer.

A modern day corner back needs quick feet to keep with the usually fast-paced corner forward, upper body strength to be able to hold up the forward and dispossess the ball in the tackle, and discipline to avoid coughing up soft frees.

But of course, they’re now also expected to attack from the back and make long, lung-bursting runs up the field, breaking the opposition defensive line and chipping in on the scoreboard or setting up scores.

Donegal’s Eoghan Bán Gallagher and Galway’s Liam Silke are your typical attack-minded corner backs who regularly contribute to the scoreboard, while Dublin’s Mick Fitzsimons and Mayo’s Lee Keegan are renowned for their man-marking ability.

Gaelic Football Positions: Full Back (#3)

Donegal’s Neil McGee and former Dublin star Rory O’Carroll possessed the strength, power, marking ability and no-nonsense style that very regularly sees them hailed as the best full backs in the last decade.

Their main job was to protect the goal, snuff out attacks and be a big physical presence. They were never too bothered about galloping up the field to support the play. Cavan’s Pádraig Faulker is cut from the same cloth.

But depending on the team’s style of football, full backs are often expected to attack from deep. Young Footballer of the Year and Mayo’s Oísin Mullin, as well as Dublin’s Davy Byrne, are those type of all-action full backs who love to get up the field and don’t possess the same physical size as a Neil McGee for example.

Gaelic Football Positions: Wing Back (#5 & #7)

First of all, a high base of aerobic stamina is needed for this role. Inter-county wing backs can cover more than 10km during a game and nearly 2000m in sprint distances.

Wing backs needed to be versatile players who have pace to break lines and start attacks, good footballers to play those 40/50+ yard passes into the forwards, aggressive and disciplined to be winning breaking ball and making tackles, while an eye for the posts also helps.

Modern day wing backs like Donegal’s Ryan McHugh, Mayo’s Paddy Durcan, Dublin’s former Footballer of the Year Jack McCaffrey, Kerry’s Paul Murphy or Meath’s Donal Keogan are among the best out there right now.

Don’t miss Mayo GAA star Eoghan McLaughlin sharing his tips and advice on How to Play Half Back in this blog.

Gaelic Football Positions: Centre Back (#6)

The centre back is clamp that holds the back line together. They’ll need all the skills of the wing back, but have to be more disciplined about sitting and holding the middle channel.

It can be the enforcer type role and the player needs to have a high football IQ to sniff out attacks before they come to fruition, while a touch of abrasiveness also helps.

Arguably, the importance of the old-school centre back has evolved to being more of a free role in the modern game, but guys like John Small of Dublin, Colm Boyle of Mayo, Derry’s Gareth McKinless and Peter Harte of Tyrone all have the traditional centre back style about them.

Gaelic Football Positions: Midfield (#8 & #9)

The engine room of the team – Midfielders are one of the most vital cogs in the wheel in terms of Gaelic football positions.

It wouldn’t be unusual to see them cover close to 12km in a single game, so they need to have incredible stamina. Plus, they’ll be required to win kickouts, link ball from defence to attack, defend and to get scores.

Dublin’s Brian Fenton is quite possibly one of the best midfielders to ever play the game, while his teammate James McCarthy isn’t too far off. Kildare’s Kevin Feely and Kerry’s David Moran are also complete footballers.

Those aforementioned guys are tall, athletic and powerful men.

Gaelic Football Positions: Wing Forward (#10 & #12)

Arguably the toughest position to play on the pitch due to the work rate required.

A wing forward is expected to do the defensive work of a wing back, but the attacking work of a midfielder and corner forward. Often they’ll find themselves covering ground and not getting on much ball, so patience is required to play the position well.

They need to be able to anticipate the breaking ball on kickouts, provide width on the attack and deliver high-quality passes to the inside line.

Dublin’s Nially Scully, Mayo’s Kevin McLoughlin, former Kerry star Paul Galvin, Roscommon’s Enda Smith and Cork’s Ruairi Deane are all dynamic ball carriers that can run all day.

Gaelic Football Positions: Centre Forward (#11)

The artist of the team – usually highly skilled, boasts a big engine and a natural born leader.

A centre forward needs vision, ability to scrap for breaking ball, can tackle, score and play pinpoint passes into the full forward line.

Often the most complete footballer on the team.

Kerry’s Seán O’Shea and Dublin’s Ciarán Kilkenny are the country’s best. Aidan O’Shea has enjoyed time their for Mayo, while Galway’s Shane Walsh can be unstoppable on his day. All those guys are supreme athletes, genius footballers and possess the ‘X Factor’.

Gaelic Football Positions: The Full Forward line (#13, #14 & #15)

Their main job is to put scores on the board, so an eye for the posts is the single most important factor for a good corner forward.

Most likely, they’ll also be the free taker – a massively responsible role that requires skill and concentration in abundance.

Pace and quick feet are a huge advantage in creating space and keeping away from the claws of a corner back, while good hands ensure an ability to win ball out in front.

Patience is another important attribute because often times the full forward line can be starved of ball, so being able to stay calm and make use of limited possession is crucial.

Some of the best include Cillian O’Connor, Dean Rock, Paddy McBrearty and Michael Murphy of Donegal, Conor McManus of Monaghan and the great David Clifford from Kerry to name a few.

That’s not to forget Daniel Flynn from Kildare, Paul Geaney, Shane McGuigan, Tyrone duo Conor McKenna and Cathal McShane and Armagh’s Riain O’Neill.

Conclusion

We hope this guide will help you find your best position on a Gaelic football team. And if you think we’ve left any player out who deserves a mention – no doubt we have – then let us know in the comments.

Otherwise, get out there and get practicing!

How To Start Trail Running: A Beginner’s Guide

Posted on June 29, 2021 at 4:41 pm.

Written by Ger Flanagan

Want to bring some more excitement to your running? Well, trail running might just be the new adventure you’ve been looking for and we’ll show you how to start.

If you’re a seasoned road runner runner looking to broaden your horizons and discover new routes, or a novice new to the sport, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about how to start trail running.

If you’re completely new to running, don’t worry – check out our ultimate guide to running for beginners.

So, let the adventure begin.

What is trail running?

Trail running is, quite simply, a run taking in the heart of nature.

It’s like a hybrid between running and hiking, with a bit of cross country thrown in there for good measure too. You get the cardio workout of a road run, build leg strength through ascents and descents, while all the time being surrounded in the most beautiful of scenery.

That doesn’t mean you have to be high in the mountains to go trail running; rugged terrain, forests, even sand dunes at beaches can all classify as trial running.

It requires more concentration as well as more upper body work in maintaining your balance on descents or gaining momentum on ascents.

And don’t forget to watch your footholds.

But the real beauty of trial running is that times aren’t necessarily the be-all and end-all; trial running allows you to get some exercise in perfect harmony with the natural environment.

Top Tips for trail running?

So you know what trail running is, now you’re probably wondering how to get started?

And don’t worry if you’re still a bit apprehensive of giving it a try, these tips will help ease that worry.

Sounds good?

Tip 1: Find a trail

If local geography isn’t your strong point and you’re unsure of where to find trails – fear not.

There’s loads of really good websites that will do the hard work for you, such as Sport Ireland’s Find Your Trails, or Trail Running Ireland.

If that doesn’t work, speak to some of your local running clubs to pick their local knowledge brains.

Tip 2: Focus on time, not distance

While some of you runners might be able to break the 20 minute mark for a 5 kilometre road run, the same distance could take you twice as long on a trail.

So before you head out, consider how long you want to run as opposed to the distance.
That last thing you want to do is tackle a run that is beyond your capabilities.

Tip 3: Keep your eyes on the trail

Trail running offers rugged terrain and injuries can occur if you’re not concentrated on where you are placing your foot. So try and avoid looking around at your surroundings until you have stopped or are walking, because a misstep can lead to a bad injury.

Tip 4: know the route

If you’re tackling a route for the first time, make sure to bring a map of the area or run with someone who knows the area.

You don’t want to get lost!

If you are going running on your own, it’s very important to let someone know where you plan to run or even leave a note in your car at the trail head. Of course, safety is numbers is always the safer option, but we know that isn’t always possible.

Oh, and most GPS watches can allow you to load the route into them too, so check out our guide to finding the best smartwatch for running here.

What you need to start trail running?

As we now know, trail running is different to road running, so there are a few essentials you will need before you hit to hills and forests.

Check them out below:

Trail running shoes: your lightweight racing flats might help to smash your 5k time, but they will not be suitable for trails. A shoe with good support, stability, grip and comfort is absolutely essential. We have a wide range of trail running shoes that will suit all shapes and sizes, so make sure you do your home work on the trails you will be running to find one that suits your needs.
Smartphone: Accidents can happen, and if that rare instance does occur, you will need to be able to contact someone for help. Unlike road running, there’s a good chance you might be the only person in a large vicinity, so you can’t count on someone coming along and helping you if you get in trouble.
Food and water: It’s hugely important to eat and drink before your run, during and after. So bringing a small hydration pack, that includes an electrolyte replacement in your water and an energy bar or energy gel to top up the energy stores.
Suitable clothing: Always be prepared for what the elements might bring. It’s not unlikely you could get the four seasons while out on a trail. So wind jackets, tights and caps may be a necessity.

The benefits of trail running?

There’s no doubt about it, running a nice scenic trails beats slogging it out on a treadmill any day of the week. And there are so many health benefits to running, according to our running expert, Killian Byrne.

Agree?

If so, here are some of the many benefits to trail running.

Mental workout: Navigating the ups and downs of trails will get your brain working in a whole new way. Rather than switching off from the world, you have to really focus on the moment and this can be a really positive boost for you.
Physical workout: Overall, trial running can be much better for your fitness that road running. The resistance of the hills will work wonders on your legs, while the uneven ground can improve flexibility, balance and ankle strength. You’ll also develop better agility due to the fluctuation in stride lengths needed, while down hill running can even improve your speed.
Mental health: Getting out in the fresh air, seeing some countryside and nature and giving you much-needed head space can have a massively positive cognitive response. Try it and we guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Less impact: Running on the grass, mud and earth is easier on the body than tarmac and concrete. So why not give your joints and bones a break from the impact of road running and swap it for something more gentle. Your body will thank you for it.

Conclusion

So with all this in mind, we feel you are ready to take on the trails and experience something new.

We’ve got you covered at Elverys.ie for anything you need.

Make sure you let us know in the comment section your favourite trails.

Rianna Jarrett on her FAI Summer Camps experiences

Posted on June 3, 2021 at 12:29 pm.

Written by Ger Flanagan

Intersport Elverys brand ambassador and Republic of Ireland international Rianna Jarrett’s very early experiences of soccer came from her time in the FAI Summer Camps.

The 27 year-old Wexford native began her career battling with the local boys and girls down at her home club, before going on to play professional soccer in England and representing her country.

We recently caught up with her at the launch of the Intersport Elverys FAI Summer Camps, where she spoke of her love for the camps, breaking the mould of a then male-orientated sport, battling injury and her love of sport.

Here it is.

FAI Summer Camp fun

“Playing in the FAI Summer Camps was always fun and for me it was a case that my friends were doing it, so I wanted to. Me, my twin brother and our younger brother were asking our Mom for a while if we could go and she eventually agreed.

I’m from Wexford Town, so the FAI Summer Camps were mainly at North End United, which was my local team and that’s where all the townies went.

So all the boys from the street were there, and a few girls but not too many, but it was something I really enjoyed – doing the drills, the fun games and then there were little prizes at the end of the week. It was great fun.

North End United is a family orientated club, and a lot of my family are involved in it, so that’s how I got involved. My twin brother, Jordan, started playing a week before I did and I was jealous, like all twins are when one is doing something are you are not. When I first asked my mom, she said ‘No Honey, football isn’t for girls’. But by the time the next session came around a week later, I had annoyed her so much that she brought me along

She didn’t think for a second that I would stick with it, but I did.

Playing against the boys at the FAI Summer Camps

“I never knew anything different because there were no girls team at the time and my cousin, Saoirse and I played on the boys team in our age groups, so it was all I ever knew. From the days of playing on the streets with the boys, they never took it easy on me. They were flying in with tackles like I was one of them, not holding back if I gave a bad pass, I was scoring goals and we were all having fun.

That thought me a lot about football when I was younger, especially as you got older, because the boys were bigger, stronger and faster, so you have to learn to stand up for yourself.

Everything was a competition at the FAI Summer Camps – who scored the most, who passed the best, who was fastest – I think kids are like that anyway. It’s health competition. We had our fun, our laughs and some tears too, but it was so much fun looking back now.

From the FAI Summer Camps to representing Republic of Ireland

“Going from playing on the streets in Wexford, to the FAI Summer Camps and then to playing for the Republic of Ireland was a dream come through.

I was 14 or 15 years-old when I first got the call up to the U-17s, so it was a surprise to me. Going through the U-17 and U-19 set up and then representing Ireland at senior level, scoring my first international goal is something I will forever be proud of.
My Nanny, my aunties and uncles on my Mom’s side, they’re all Irish, so it’s great to be able to represent them, but also to carry my Dad’s name on the back of my jersey is amazing. As was signing my first professional contract with Brighton and Hove Albion just over a year ago, it was a dream come true.

That’s something I dreamed about when I was younger. Boys will always tell you they want to play professional football, but it was a thing with girls when I was growing up because there wasn’t money in the game.

But now, to see so many Irish playing abroad, it’s fantastic to see.

FAI Summer Camps — Women’s International Friendly, Tallaght Stadium, Dublin 8/4/2021
Republic of Ireland WNT vs Denmark
Ireland’s Rianna Jarrett
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Mental resilience and overcoming injury

“I tore my ACL three times and spent long periods on the side line. From around the age of 18 to 21 or 22, I probably spent most of my time there and it was very difficult watching my friends play.

I remember talking to my strength and conditioning coach Dan Horan, and he asked me what I wanted to get from this. I had a little breakdown at first and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to get back playing properly at all, that I just wanted to be able to go for a kick about with my brother and friends again.

But after a few weeks he asked me the question again and this time I said I wanted to get back playing competitively. After that I never missed a training session or a match, and once you start enjoying that again, being pushed on by your teammates, it got easier.

Standing here looking back on the injuries, they made me who I am. The advice I would give to any young boys or girls who are going through the same I did, is to listen to your coaches, work hard and don’t ley anyone tell you you can’t do something.

Being an Intersport Elverys ambassador

It’s absolutely brilliant for me to have an Irish brand like Intersport Elverys support me on my journey – they’re fantastic. They’ve been synonymous with Ireland for many years now, their brand is continuously growing and supporting athletes like me, so to be involved with them is something I am really appreciative of.”

Bookings for the 2021 programme will go live from June 3^rd. For more information and to be in with a chance to win a place on the INTERSPORT Elverys FAI Summer Soccer Schools, please visit www.summersoccerschools.ie and www.elverys.ie.

Irish Runner: Running Shoe Review

Posted on June 1, 2021 at 4:33 pm.

Written by Ger Flanagan

Expert and trustworthy advice can be difficult to come by, but when it comes to Killian Byrne of the Irish Runner magazine, it doesn’t come much better in the world of running.

That’s why we recently entrusted Killian with reviewing eight of our best-selling running shoes, from which he will share his experts tips and advice to help you before you buy.

He will be looking at the women’s Brooks Glycerin 19, adidas Ultraboost 21, ON Running Cloudswift, Hoka Mach 4, Under Armour Hovr Machina 2, women’s Asics Gel Cumulus 23, women’s Puma Velocity Nitro, Nike Pegasus Trail 2.

Here’s what he said.

Irish Runner on the Brooks Glycerin 19 (Women)

Fit & Comfort

The Glycerin 19 is the max cushioned shoe in the Brooks range and with the withdrawal of a number of lines in their stable, this trainer now stands out as the frontrunner in a neutral stability shoe. Formerly super comfortable but considerably ‘clunky’, this new version goes some way to fixing what many considered was a boxy and unresponsive design.

The tweaking of the DNA Loft foam has gone a long way to transforming the Glycerin 19 into a smooth and cushioned ride, almost ‘bouncy’. This moves the lycerin into a category that you’d be comfortable chasing your speedwork, but they feel light and comfortable enough to also throw on for long runs.

We felt these were a little tight in initial testing and a very firm heel and supported ankle actually might make you consider buying a size up before you head out on the road. When you’re buying, make sure you try these shoes when in your running socks and check with your retailer if they’ll accept a return if the fit isn’t quite right before making a final decision. Many will be happy to exchange within a specific timeframe.

If you’re a Ghost wearer then the Glycerin 19 might suit you too. You’ll get a soft, balanced stable run and it’s a shoe that might just suit you for that everyday work the summer will bring.

Technical

Slightly unremarkable when out of the box, the Glycerin 19 is a neutral, cushioned trainer with a 10mm drop. A double mesh upper can make things very plush and there is plenty of ventilation to offset any excess heat. The heel cup is super firm and padded giving a very secure fit. The ubiquitous Brooks DNA Loft foam that allows good cushioning but isn’t too soft to affect your run.

Conclusion

A shoe that is on the expensive side but worth it for the plush feel. We’d have some concerns about the longevity as wear and tear might take its toll sooner than hoped.

Irish Runner on the Adidas Ultraboost 21

Fit & Comfort

The Ultraboost is one of the most popular shoes in the Adidas range and it has jumped the fence to sit very comfortably between technical running shoe and fashionable trainer. But the Ultraboost 21 is working very hard with a complete redesign to make its way back to being a leading performance running shoe.

If it’s possible for a running shoe to look both clunky and fast then Adidas have made it. The Ultraboost aren’t light, and a simple 8k ‘out of the box’ run around the park wasn’t the best of experiences. The snug elastic-like upper allowed for too much movement for your reviewer to feel comfortable on fast corners and no matter how tight we tied the laces there was still plenty of reticence to ‘open up’ on any kind of technical running terrain.

If you’re an Ultraboost wearer you know how plush and comfortable these shoes are and a redesigned midsole foam provides great cushioning and energy return because there is 6% more boost ‘capsules’ and they all seem packed into the heel.

The tongue-less sock design means laces thread through a stiff plastic ‘cage’. This hugs the mid-food while anchoring things in place, but we felt this just serves to enhance the loose and roomy toe box. The runner’s ankle and heel are well boxed in with extra cushioning but things still seemed loose, and in fact, there was some uncomfortable chafing two or three runs into our testing. One real bonus we liked was what adidas call their ‘LEP’ – Linear Energy Push – or the sole of the shoe to you andI. This provided stiffness and grip that allowed real push off and energy return on each step.

Technical

A completely redesigned cushioned shoe with 10mm drop that comes in a little heavy at 340g. adidas LEP system allowing 15% increase in stiffness and the addition of 6% more Boost capsules allowing a greater energy return

Conclusion

The Ultraboost still doesn’t know if it’s a running shoe or fashion trainer. 2021 updates make it better for running, but the fact that it’s available in up to 16 different colours says a lot. If you run in long straight lines at a comfortable pace then the Ultraboost might be for you, but for most people there’ll be other shoes that will do what you want without the fear of worrying about what’s on your feet.

Irish Runner on the On Running Cloudswift

Fit & Comfort

Out of the box, all the On Running shoes impress on design, which continues to draw looks from those that aren’t used to the bouncy ‘tube’ design and the Cloudswift are no different. The denim/midnight colour design we trialled impressed even more and added a style to the shoe that is hard to beat in this reviewer’s eyes.

It is interesting though, that we opened this review with commentary on colour, style and looks, as outside of that the technical aspects of the Cloudswift are so understated as to be almost unnoticed outside of the still revolutionary ‘cloud’ design across the soles of the On Running range.

Let’s deal with that first.

We’ve reviewed On Running before at Irish Runner and while they’ve been comfortable, we still can’t get over the design of the sole that continues to gather the detritus of Ireland’s roads and parklands in the ridges. making the shoes grip much less effective. To their credit, On Running have addressed this and the issue is less of a concern today.

Thankfully, right?

On the flipside, the spring of the cloud design provides a smooth ride on hard surfaces and for a trainer that is the very opposite of plush this provides great comfort and a super energy return on each step. The design of the sole allows for both horizontal and vertical flex, allowing for multi-directional cushioning no matter how you run.

The double mesh layer is very soft but durable and while On Running recommend you look at a half size up when buying, we found it roomy. You know your feet better than anyone, if you think you need extra space in a running shoe then bear this in mind. The Mid-foot strap holding the lacing system is very firm and at times we felt the laces were ‘digging in’ – loosening them just made our foot slip a little more.

Technical

A 7mm drop with a very rocker like sole on a shoe that can’t really be designated as a ‘stability’ shoe. Luxury double mesh upper provides a lot of comfort and room.

Conclusion

The CloudTec sole design and lack of deep cushioning makes the foot, shoe and ground almost act as one unit. You feel every step on a good way and that makes for an enjoyable experience when out on the road, you are always in control.

Irish Runner on the Hoka Mach 4

Fit & Comfort

We are HOKA fans and were very happy to see a pair of the new Mach 4 come through the letterbox for testing. HOKA, despite their reputation for unusual design, make great shoes for different runners and the Mach4 didn’t do anything to dampen our enthusiasm for the brand.

Comfort, cushioning, stability, smooth – all words we associate with the brand and depending on the shoe, they’re all there in every design. With the Mach 4, we seem to have dialled back on the extreme cushioning to ensure that the run is a lot more responsive than previous versions of the trainer.

I’ve described HOKA shoes in the past as being great for long comfortable runs, but I’ll flip that on its head for the Mach 4s and call these for quick, responsive racing and training. There is more feel between runner and ground than you would expect, making for a very reactive run. The firm mesh upper doesn’t allow for any slip or elasticity meaning your foot stays in place in comfortable surroundings. The solid but wide heel cup allows plenty of room and whether you feel the high back is to protect the achilles or provide a pull tab when putting on your shoes it does both with aplomb.

Technical

The Hoka ProFly cushioning does its job very well, like the bowl of porridge for Goldilocks, it is just right, allowing comfort but enough feel for the runner to control the movement rather than constantly sinking into the foam.

Conclusion

Are these the best HOKA shoes ever?

Possibly.

HOKA themselves call the Mach 4 a ‘soft and lively up-tempo daily flyer’ and I couldn’t have put it better myself.

Irish Runner on the Under Armour Hovr Machina 2

Fit & Comfort

Many years ago Nike linked up with Apple and we were all wearing ‘footpods’ embedded in a little compartment hidden under the insole of our shoes. The idea died out with the emergence of the fitness ‘wearable’ and now we get all the metrics under the sun from a wristwatch.

But fast forward a few years and Under Armour have persisted with the technology, fine tuning things for it to be a real threat to the computer on our wrist. Straight out of the box I had to connect to my phone and update my trainers – a new experience for me I’ll admit! But it works. Connecting to the Under Armour owned ‘MyFitnessPal’, you will get all the running metrics you need broadcast from a chip in your shoes.

As a trainer, the Machina 2 is a comfortable ride. Solid energy return and cushioning form the UA Hovr foam allows for a responsive run and the now obligatory internal ‘plate’ gives enough spring to propel, without you actually feeling your stability affected like some other brands. The engineered mesh upper allows for plenty of breathability without things feeling too stretchy, but I really felt the overall design was unremarkable.

Technical

Technically, this shoe is all about the technology. The manufacture and design makes for a reasonable trainer but this shoe is all about connectivity. It shines.

Don’t want to bring your phone?

Then connect and upload when you get home. Bring your phone and the shoe will train you when out on the run with personalised coaching tips. According to UA, runners go 3% further and 7% faster using this technology.

Conclusion

It’s hard to see past the fact that UA have hung their hat on chip technology rather than faster shoe design. I’m certainly not naïve in thinking everyone cares about % drop and foam density, but it matters. For a beginner with no interest in these things, then an embedded chip might just swing your decision to these shoes.

Here’s the kicker.

If your shoes know all about how well you run, how far you run and where you run then Under Armour and Map My Run know it too. Be careful with your data.

Irish Runner on the Asics Gel Cumulus 23 (Women’s)

Fit & Comfort

‘Hello old friend, it’s good to see you again’ is what you’d say to these shoes if you could talk to them.

If there was a template for a dependable, middle of the road, everyday running shoe then the Asics Gel-Cumulus are it.

That’s not a bad thing.i

In fact, it’s probably the best recommendation you can get for a trainer because where some shoes excel in parts, they fall short in others. As a beginner or experienced runner that’s not what you want. You want a shoe that will bring you around the park for a walk or a run, one that will bring you on your couch to 5k or see you through your marathon plan or a shoe that will sit in the wardrobe while your motivation wanes, but be there ready and waiting when you find that mojo again.

Priced very competitively, the Gel-Cumulus have all the technology you can get with the might of Asics design team behind them.

The Cumulus are light enough and not too narrow but the mesh upper adds support in targeted areas and is firm without being constricting. If you feel you need a wide shoe for more room or have wide feet then try a half size up. You’ll not swim in the larger size but it will benefit your comfort.

Talking about comfort, the shoe really benefits from both the Asics FliteFoam and its Lite rubber improves durability. Every step is both cushioned and secure. The Gel cup in the heel works impeccably and with both male and female specific design the shoe works with the mechanics of all types of feet.

Technical

A stable and neutral runner with a low 7mm drop. But really this isn’t a shoe about the technology, it is about comfort, fit and just getting out running.

Conclusion

Theses trainers will do what you want when you want it without causing a fuss. They’ll easily get you to a marathon but are probably best suited to someone that enjoys their running and likes to go long one day but grabs 20mins on another.

They are probably the ‘best in class’ everyday running shoe.

Irish Runner on the Puma Velocity Nitro (Women’s)

Fit & Comfort

Puma have launched five new running-shoe styles this year, all with their new Nitro foam technology for increased comfort and running efficiency. I was really interested to try them; Puma used to be a very popular choice with runners but I haven’t seen them on a start line in years.

These are neutral, cushioned shoes and I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable they were. They felt very cushy underfoot – like wearing slippers – but at the same time you can feel the road. Though they’re lighter, they have a similar feel to the Saucony ride – soft, but still responsive and bouncy.

The sizing is similar to other well-known brands, and the fit comfortable, with enough space in the toe box. I found I had to experiment with lacing to get the shoe to fit snugly around my ankle, but after that they felt good on the run. The knit upper has a silver puma leaping majestically across the big toe, which I liked, and a comfortably padded tongue that doesn’t slip out of place (thanks to an elastic link to the shoes’ sides).

Puma also design their male and female shoes on separate lasts for a more specific fit.

I haven’t tried them in the wet – thanks in part to our run of fine weather and in part because they are such a light colour that they’re unsuitable for rain and muck! But on paths and park trails the grip was good.

My only con was the colour: I trialled electro peach/silver, and while I loved their box-fresh, springtime look, they are just impossible to keep clean in Irish weather!

Technical

Neutral, cushioned and light with a 10mm drop

Conclusion

At €120 these are priced at the mid-range for road running shoes, which represents good value for money. I’ll definitely keep using these as neutral, everyday runners across a range of distances

Irish Runner on the Nike Pegasus Trail 2

Fit & Comfort

The Pegasus 2 is built to take on the best of what the trails have to offer.

We brought them to the Wicklow mountains to see how they performed.

These shoes are good to go out of the box, they are very comfortable, the React foam provides excellent cushioning and they feel like the type of shoe you would be happy in for long easy days out on moderate trails. There is room in the forefoot and the mesh upper is accommodating and the React foam provides plushness. On more rocky sections, I did find that I could still feel some rocks through the foam but for those who still like some ground feel in their cushioned shoes this is no bad thing.

It is a big shoe and on the heavier end of the scale weighing in at 343g for a size 10.

On rolling moderate hills, road sections and forest paths, this shoe is in its element. However, in my opinion, this is not a shoe for more technical mountain trails. I tried different lacing set ups, but I just could not find one that kept my foot feeling supported and secure.

Despite the plushness of the React foam and the flexibility of the upper material. I would describe the feeling on all surfaces as running ‘on’ the shoe as opposed to ‘in’ it.

The shoes performed well on a wide variety of surfaces and I only felt a little slippage on a wet rock section that challenges all shoes I have worn. The lugs are small enough that these shoes are also perfectly at home on tarmac roads. After 80+ km there is no visible signs of wear and the outsole looks to be very durable. I like the cushioning and comfort on easy to moderate trails, and I found the grip to be good on all but the wettest of rock.

Technical

With a 10mm drop this enters the territory of a ‘maximalist’ shoe. There is a full NikeReact foam midsole and a full rubber outsole with a lug design that resembles a mountain bike tyre tread.

Conclusion

If you already like Nike, their fit, and you run a mix of both road, parkland, trail, forest, or easy hills, this could be your shoe.

If you want a shoe capable of carrying you in comfort for anything from a short run up to a marathon or ultramarathon, then this is a shoe to check out.

Final Thoughts

There’s plenty of food for thought in Killian’s shoe reviews, after his extensive testing of each product.

Make sure to let us know if you found this helpful when you’re trying to pick a new running shoe.

You can shop Running right here.

Guide to finding the best smartwatch for women

Posted on April 13, 2021 at 4:01 pm.

Written by Ger Flanagan

Ladies, if you think a smartwatch is designed solely for exercising, then read on and we’ll prove you wrong.

In fact, modern features on smartwatches make them just as beneficial to your general health and wellbeing than for exercising alone.

The newest generation of smartwatches can give you all the technology you need or want, along with all the panache that will make you stand out from the crowd, with slim profiles for smaller wrists, sleek designs and bold colour palettes.

With that in mind, this blog will take the hassle out of buying and help you find the best smartwatch for women, whatever your lifestyle or goals.

Plus, as well as all the exercise-focused features covered in our best smartwatch for running blog, our recommended watches boast useful features like:

Menstrual tracking
Stress, heart rate and sleep monitoring
Breathing exercises
ECH sensors and skin temperature readers
Electrodermal activity sensors

Interested?

As you might have read in our ultimate guide to choosing the best smartwatch blog, Garmin and Fitbits are a bit like Facebook and Instagram, built for the same purpose but appeal to two very different people.

At Intersport Elverys, we believe that Fitbits might just be the best smartwatch for women, but hey, that’s just our opinion.

If you value it, here’s why:

Best smartwatch for women (overall): Fitbit Versa

The Fitbit Versa is elegant, beautiful and packed full of wellness and exercise features to suit every budget and every need.

It’s also available in a variety of colours with interchangeable bands to match whatever outfit you choose – so don’t worry about your style being cramped!

And with a multi-day battery life, you won’t be wasting loads of time searching the house top to bottom for the charger on a regular basis!

Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to the Versa; catering for your athlete with plenty of sports features, but really coming into its own with its wellness options:

Guided breathing sessions to help you find moments of calm throughout your busy day
Female health tracking to log periods, track your cycle and gauge ovulation
24/7 heart rate tracking
Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa Built In plus built in music experience
Interchangeable straps allowing you to find a colour that suits your outfit
Fitbit Pay, allowing quick and easy contactless payments

Best smartwatch for women (premium): Fitbit Sense

While the Fitbit Sense is the most expensive watch of the brand’s range, it offers the best options for both fitness tracking and health and wellbeing features.

Not only does it have an FDA-approved ECG sensor and blood oxygen reading, but the Sense can also measure electrodermal activity and skin temperature too – amazing!

Plus, it has a built-in GPS if you decide to go for a spontaneous run and it’s waterproof if you decide to venture for a dip.

There’s more too:

Stress management tools give a more holistic approach to your lifestyle
Your skin temperature sensors logs and tracks your results each night
Heart rate notifications to inform you when your heart rate is high or low
Sleep Stage and Sleep Score to give in-depth sleep analysis
Notifications for calls, texts, calendar events and apps
Voice assistant software and hands-free calling

Best smartwatch for women for value: Fitbit Inspire

While not packed with the top-tech like its big sisters, the Fitbit Inspire is still punching way above its weight in terms of what it offers.

As well as tracking steps, sleep and heart rate using the built in PurePulse sensor, it has accurate lifestyle features like menstrual and sleep tracking and a whopping 10-day battery life.

Plus, it has the neat little feature where it doesn’t have to be worn on your wrist and can be clipped onto your clothes instead.

What about these:

Menstrual health tracking
Guided breathing sessions for daily mindfulness sessions
Friendly reminders to get up and move throughout the day
Smartphone notifications
All day activity tracker, sleep score and swim tracker

Final thoughts

We hope you found this blog informative and goes to helping you pick the right smartwatch for you.

We’re also eager to hear your thoughts on what you think is the best smartwatch for women. So let us know if you’ve taken the plunge and purchased a smartwatch on Elverys.ie.

There’s a whole range of leading brands to choose from, and they’re almost guaranteed to change your life. So check them on the graphic below and find one that works for you.