How much weight do you lose with the Prolon FMD Kit?

I lose at least 5lbs every time I go through the Prolon FMD kit, but that’s not why I keep coming back to it. I come for the mental clarity, reduced rumination, uninterrupted sleep, and waking without any aches. Hunger also hits differently after the 5 days.

The FMD diet also gives my gut a break. My gut struggles with normal food. Wheat, rice, dairy, lentils, sugar, and even high-sugar fruits cause bloating.

The periods between FMD meals are actually the best parts of the whole Prolon experience. I love the clarity. I seem to solve work/personal problems I was stuck at or struggling with before, I have clear and crisp conversations, and my mind doesn’t race in 100 different directions. My head is clear and unburdened, and it stays that way for a good 2+ weeks after the diet.

Is the 5-day Prolon FMD kit hard to follow?

The Prolon FMD diet is easy to do if I plan ahead for it and use all the resources provided in the kit. My first experience on the diet was very tough because I started without any prep, and initially ignored the support emails, groups, and texts. But once I started using them on Day 2, I found them to be helpful. There was even a “Transition Day Meal Guide” to help with transitioning back to my normal eating plan.

Here’s what the my experience with the Prolon kit typically looks like.

Day 1

The first day is fear and learning the rhythm of the food breaks in the Prolon kit — I worry I won’t have enough to eat, but by, evening it fades away.

Day 2

The second day is yearning — I look forward to each food break: the fasting bar with tea in the morning; the algal oil pill, crackers and soup, and nutrition pill for lunch; the olives in the afternoon; and the soup and choco crisp at night.

Day 3

I feel assured: even though the food combinations and quantities change, I enjoy sipping the glycerol drink throughout the day, and I feel confident that I’ll be having the most efficient meal shortly.

Day 4 and 5

Day 4 and 5 feel normal and settled. They go by fast and I don’t miss the reduced calories. The fear of not having enough quietly disappears and it doesn’t come back for a few weeks after the fast ends.

How do I prepare for the Prolon 5-day fast?

Prolon FMD Kit versus other diets.

Unlike other diets, the Prolon FMD kit meals requires zero to little prep. All I do is open the soup packet, mix it with water and heat it and eat it! For my most recent Prolon kit, I picked the “Next Gen” version, which contains ready-to-eat soups, so it’s even simpler.

Other diets I’ve tried require too much cooking and/or research. For example, I’ve tried:

• “The 5-Day Reboot: Jump into Juicing Plan” by Joe Cross, from the documentary, Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead. I remember feeling a lot hungrier and juicing everyday was a pain.
• I’ve also done several DIY fasting mimicking diet options I found on Reddit. The one with store-bought cans was easier to do than the one where I had to make soups for all 5 days ahead of time, but I gave up by day 3, as the prepping put me off.
• The “10 in 20 Detox Program” by Joel Fuhrman (author of Eat to Live). I was overwhelmed by the number of lists I had to read, ingredients to shop, and supplements I had to research. The cognitive overload was too much and I didn’t last more than 2 days.

My Three Cents: The Prolon FMD kit works for me.

Wait, what are recovery shoes for?

Originally designed for runners looking for post-workout relief, recovery shoes relieve foot pressure, provide arch support and sole cushioning, and reduce strain. None of this is magic: recovery footwear is literally just plush shoes that you put your feet in and voila! you’re not stepping on the hard ground anymore. In other words, recovery shoes simply feel better than keeping your spikes on or walking barefoot on hard surfaces.

Recovery shoes are designed to be worn after workouts or matches, and around the house. They aren’t really designed for extended wear outside. They’re just too clunky to stroll around in, and you’re kind of defeating the purpose of recovery anyways if you do that.

I wear my Hoka Ora Recovery Flip Flops after my cricket matches, long runs, and track workouts. They force me to slow down because they’re so bulky.

What types of recovery shoes are there?

Some of the main types of recovery footwear are laceless slip-on shoes, mules, slides, and flip flops. Every big shoe brand sells recovery gear now and most of it is butt-ugly. Recovery shoes are usually chunky, dorky, and faux-futuristic.

I think the mules and slip-on shoes also defeat their own purpose. A crucial part of recovery is yanking my tight, sweaty socks and shoes off, and letting my feet breathe as much as possible. Any shoe-shaped-thing sounds constricting after a hard workout or hot cricket match.

Recovery slides and flip flops are plumped up versions of the open-toed sandals we all know, and Hoka makes both: the Ora Recovery Flip Flops and the Ora Recovery Slide 3. The Slides are way more popular than their flip flops. However, I can’t wear slides because of my wide feet and pressure on my injured big toe.

Thus, a cushioned flip flop is my ideal recovery shoe: it has the least constriction, the most airflow, and still tons of cushion underfoot.

Which are better: Hoka Recovery Flip Flops or OOFOS?

Hoka’s recovery shoes owe some of their lineage to OOFOS sandals. I haven’t tried OOFOS footwear, but several of my fellow cricketers wear them after matches, and both brand’s flip flops carry the APMA Seal of Acceptance. They’re both good for your feet and their basic tech is quite similar, though the Hokas tend to be firmer and more stable than OOFOS.

If you can’t find the Hoka flip flops for cheap, you might have a better chance of finding the OOFOS on sale. The moral of the foot is: you really should invest in a recovery shoe, even if you’re not a Hoka fan.

Price: The Hoka ORA Recovery Flip Flops are relatively expensive.

$60 is a far cry from $1 Old Navy flip flops that I used to walk around the entire sun-soaked summer in. But the build on the Hoka Ora Recovery Flip Flops is also about as far as you can get from those cardboard-flat thongs.

The Ora Recovery Flip Flop is a recovery device, rather than a walking shoe. It’s literally in the name. So you’re paying a premium to put on a shoe after you take off your other shoe, and the new shoe helps your foot feel better after running around in your other shoe.

$30 Hoka Ora Recovery Flip Flops are the real deal.

Beyond that, the Ora Flip Flops are quite durable. I’ve read a few user reviews about the toe-thong snapping off, but my personal experience has been the opposite. I bought the pair you see here on clearance from Campsaver back in 2024 for about $30. These are my only pair of sandals and I wear them daily. I tossed my flat thongs so I wouldn’t be tempted to wear them.

The straps and the toe-post is peeling a little, but in terms of actual sandal substance, these Hoka ORA Recovery Flip Flops are still soft and solid. I actually want them to break so that I have an excuse to buy a new color. But alas, they obstinately march on.

Comfort: These recovery shoes feel good by contrast.

In other words, I don’t immediately feel the difference if I put them on after shoes. I feel the delight of my foot decompressing in the open air, but the cushion is similar to a lot of my running sneakers. The real contrast is compared with being barefoot on hard ground, or versus regular old sandals.

Tech in the Hoka ORA Recovery Flip Flops.

The Hoka ORA Recovery Flip Flops have Hoka’s familiar compression-molded EVA foam oversized midsole, so it feels like my feet are in their rightful place. It reminds me wearing an open-air version of the Cliftons. They’re plush, they’re fat, and they’re comfy-domfy without being heavy.

According to Hoka, these sandals also incorporate their early-stage, trademarked “Metarocker.” Rockered shoes are their bread and butter, and it’s the tech that catapulted them to acclaim. Rocker tech helps alleviate plantar fasciitis, and shifts strain off of the toes, Achilles tendon, and calves.

I thought “Early-Stage” Metarocker meant the prototype rocker that Hoka originally used, but it actually refers to where the rocker starts. “Early-stage” starts closer to the midfoot, rather than closer to the toes (late-stage, which is even worse of a name). The result is a smoother walking motion, as one would hope from a recovery flip flop.

The Hoka ORA Recovery Flip Flops don’t live up to their onomatopoeic name — thankfully. That classic FLIP FLOP sound of childhood summers slapping down the asphalt during freeze tag is quite muted here. These shoes don’t slap, they clump and cradle.

Indeed, Hoka doesn’t mention it on the product description, but I feel like these flip flops also use their Active Foot Frame technology that gently holds the foot. The sandals have a high lip and mellifluous “insole” that cradles my feet, and keeps them from slipping off the base.

Is the toe post comfortable?

At some point, Hoka updated the toe post on this shoe for “improved fit and comfort.” I must have the updated version because it’s the comfiest strap I’ve ever felt between my toes. I’ve never had a chafing issue, even when wearing the sandals all day. The bed of the flip flops is also grooved, which prevents foot slippage.

What do podiatrists say about Hoka recovery shoes?

The Hoka Ora Recovery Flips have a American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of acceptance. That means podiatrists tested these things and determined that they’re beneficial to foot health. So this sandal is definitely doing something right.

I first bought some Hoka ORA Slides and they were either too small or too big. The Hoka ORA Recovery Flip Flops have room for error thanks to their open sides. I bought my usual size 10D and these fit perfectly. My feet have room to splay.

They are a bit bulky. I don’t feel nimble at all in them. I also don’t like driving in them because they’re so big, they can snag on the pedal when switching to the brake.

Appearance: The Hoka ORA Recovery Flip Flops make me look like a dork.

And I don’t care. My feet feel fantastic. I already wear Hokas to work, Hokas to the club, Hokas to fine-dining. I’m absolutely going to wear my chunky Hokas after playing cricket for 6 hours.

That being said, the pale gray color I own does no favors to my ghostly feet. I look like I clomped out of the hospital after a long, delirious illness.

The good part is that Hoka continually releases new colors for these sandals. Yes, even as the sandal itself remains impervious to change (except for the pesky toe-strap), Hoka has dropped new colorways for this piece of recovery gear.

Mine are still going strong, three years in, which is more than good enough for a $30 shoe.

How much do the 2026 CK10 New Balance cricket shoes weigh?

These size 9D New Balance cricket spikes weigh 465 gm apiece. That’s a lot. When I took them out of the box, my first thought was, Wow, these feel heavy. Hannah’s giant size 10D Adidas Howzat cricket spikes only weigh 659 gm total as a pair.

How many spikes are on the NB CK10v6?

Each New Balance CK10 shoe has 11 metal spikes in a 7+4 configuration, which is the maximum number you’ll see on cricket spikes. The metal spikes are on a TPU plastic plate to reduce pressure. It does indeed spread the pressure across the cricket shoe, instead of concentrating on the spike pressure points.

However, it also increases the weight, on top of the already heavy 11 spikes, and the big, toothy plastic lugs along the shoe sole perimeter. There’s too much going on on the bottom of these 2026 CK10 F6 shoes, without a return in performance. What’s the point of having great grip if the shoe is too heavy?

Indeed, when batting and fielding, the CK10 V6 New Balance cricket shoes feel worse than my other, cheaper spikes. Even though the midsole feels explosive, the shoe itself is an anvil; I can’t have quick, active feet in these.

Do the CK10 spikes work for spin bowling?

All that being said, the New Balance CK10 V6 cricket spikes are decent for spin bowling. Since they grip and plant in the ground so well, the extra grip feels like I have a second longer on my front foot, which helps me feel more stable and balanced. So, while they’re okay for slow movements, they don’t perform well in speed situations.

Are the 2026 CK10 New Balance cricket shoes comfy?

It’s complicated. The synthetic TPU mesh upper on these New Balance cricket shoes reminds me of running shoes. The decently breathable overlay provides reinforcement and protection like a traditional leather upper. It covers all three areas: the toe box, the middle of the foot, and the heel counter.

This checks the boxes for complete protection when batting. I intentionally yorker-ed myself with a ball from the Zooka machine and also dropped a cricket ball onto the toe box. I didn’t feel a thing in either test. The synthetic mesh gets an A+ for protection.

Unfortunately, it’s uncomfortable. The synthetic material is much stiffer than leather. New Balance calls it “Fantom Fit”: an ultralight, skeleton-like support around the feet. For me, it felt constricting. Real leather grows more supple and comfortable with use; I don’t see this plastic material doing the same.

I do like the elastic band that runs inside the shoe right below the tongue; it makes my foot feel comfortable and locked-in. The two loops on the tongue and heel counter are also a cool feature and make putting on the shoes easier.

What is the FuelCell midsole?

The “FuelCell” midsole compound underneath feels pretty cushiony on grass. It’s supposed to propel the athlete and it does give an explosive feel similar to running shoes. However, this propulsion is ultimately negated by the stiffness and weight.

I also look for insole support and midsole comfort in my cricket spikes. I hate when my foot slips/collapses inside a cricket shoe. The stock insole on the CK10 New Balance cricket shoes is quite thin. I can swap it out, but I’d expect better from a $160+ specialty cricket shoe.

What is thymol?

Thymol is a safe and botanical anti-microbial oil derived from regular old garden thyme. Here’s why thymol is a sustainable and versatile miracle cleaner.

Is thymol effective in household cleaners?

Yes, thymol kills the notoriously hardy Norovirus. That’s huge: a natural cleaner that’s actually effective against the stomach flu bug.

A tiny amount of thymol doesn’t just sanitize (reduce bacteria), it also fully disinfects (kills viruses).

Even better, it kills weird super viruses like COVID, Ebola, and Hantavirus. It also destroys all the usual suspects such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus, E coli, etc.

Household cleaners use a mere tidbit of thymol in their recipes (just 0.05%), and yet it’s incredibly effective at nuking germs.

And no, vinegar is not better at killing norovirus.

Is thymol safe as an at-home plant-based disinfectant spray?

Thymol is non-toxic. I don’t have to rinse off 7th Generation’s plant-based disinfectant spray, even on food-contact surfaces. Most (effective) disinfectants require thorough rinsing after use, including those ubiquitous Lysol and Clorox wipes.

And don’t even get me started on bleach. That’s how my OCD started.

Thymol is so safe, it’s used in mouthwashes, toothpastes, food, and more. It even has an EPA “exemption from the requirement for a tolerance” AKA there’s no need to worry about too much of it.

If you haven’t tried thymol-based cleaners, you’re missing out on a safe way to get sparkling, disinfected surfaces at home.

Why do I use Seventh Generation’s plant-based disinfectant spray?

Because it’s super cheap and really easy to find. There’s literally nothing else on local store shelves and nothing in my pantry (vinegar, citric acid, etc.) that cleans as efficiently, as effectively, and as safely as this thymol-based cleaner. There are some alternatives online, but Seventh Generation is the most convenient option for the average home user.

Seventh Generation makes several thymol-based disinfecting products. They have nearly identical formulations, but different methods of ingredient delivery.

I like their Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner best. It’s the one sold at most stores and I get the best bang for my buck with a 16 fl oz spray bottle retailing for under $5. It sprays a kind of liquid-y, sudsy mist that’s great for cleaning. It’s even cheaper in bulk.

I blast this plant-based disinfectant spray everywhere and one bottle lasts me at least a month with everyday household use.

Other plant-based disinfectant options.

All that being said, thymol in any package is a fantastic choice for a non-toxic cleaner that actually kills norovirus. If you don’t want the Seventh Generation version, Benefect’s Botanical Decon 30 is a good alternative.

Benefect is a little expensive in the small spray package and its packaging is a bit dramatic. However, Decon 30 is USDA-Certified 100% Biobased. It doesn’t require any PPE, provides hospital-grade disinfecting, and also doesn’t need to be wiped off of food-contact surfaces. It’s the epitome of a plant-based disinfectant spray.

Hypochlorous acid versus thymol.

A lot of readers may be saying, well what about hypochlorous acid? That also kills norovirus safely.

I think hypochlorous acid is an incredibly safe and effective disinfectant — when it’s used and stored correctly. Unfortunately, it’s just not there yet for the average consumer. Hypochlorous acid has stability, degradation, and prep-each-time issues.

With thymol, I just twist the nozzle, squeeze the trigger, and blast away. And that’s why Seventh Generation’s plant-based disinfectant spray works so well: it’s cheap and simple for the average person to use, and you can’t really mess up cleaning up messes with it. It motivates me to keep my living space cleaner.

What’s inside Seventh Generation’s plant-based disinfectant spray?

The thymol in Seventh Generation’s Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner is packaged within a water-based cleaning agent. The only active anti-microbial ingredient is the 0.05% Thymol. Per the SDS, the formula also contains:

• Water 80%-100% — No problem.
• Sodium lauryl sulfate (soap) <1% — A little questionable, but mostly because it can be irritating to some people.
• Sodium citrate <1% — You can eat it.
• Citric acid <1% — Found in fruit!
• Essential oils/botanical fragrances <0.1%— Safe and natural!
• Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate (Bluestone) <0.1% — A trace amount to mimic natural groundwater.

In fact, here’s the SDS, courtesy of Seventh Generation’s website. You can see for yourself just how safe this stuff is.

Some consumers complain about the dank smell, which comes from the botanical fragrances. The odor is technically “Lemongrass Citrus,” but I’ve been using this spray for so long, now it just smells clean to me. If the odor is too much, opt for the wipes.

How do I use this thymol disinfecting spray?

I clean pretty much every hard surface with it. The bubbly/soapy mixture makes it great for cleaning up spills, greasy stovetops, dirty bathroom counters, etc. For pure cleaning purposes, I spray and wipe. If something is particularly sticky, I spray, wait a bit, and then wipe.

To sanitize, the directions say to wait about 30 seconds. I do this pretty frequently on my phone: I spray the plant-based disinfectant spray on a paper towel, wipe my phone with it, and let it air dry.

How to kill norovirus with thymol.

For more concerning situations, such as if a sick someone grabbed something, I blast them with thymol. Just kidding.

I spray thymol on the infected hard surface and let the liquid air-dry without wiping it off. If you’re disinfecting a bathroom, you can literally squirt this everywhere, walk away, and it will be good to go in ten minutes.

Disinfecting (including killing stomach flu germs) takes about 10 minutes, but that’s just the to-be-sure catch-all limit.

The best part: no rinse is required, even on food contact surfaces. I feel comfortable using this plant-based disinfectant spray on kitchen counters, toilet seats, door handles, suitcases, my keys, wood floors, fridge shelves, light switches, and so on.

I don’t know how many illnesses Seventh Generation’s thymol-based cleaner has saved me from and I don’t really want to know. However, I do know that it helps keep my household healthy and it’s all thanks to a scrappy little herb that grows in backyard gardens.

Is the GM Purist GEO II helmet good value cricket batting gear?

The Gunn & Moore Purist GEO II helmet is a great value helmet at an entry level price and offers high-quality features. It retails for about £70 in the UK on GM’s website and you can find it at major US cricket retailers for about $70. If you don’t want to deal with shipping minimums and paid returns, the helmet is also available on Amazon.

Personally, I bought it for only $65 from Crickworld on eBay with a coupon offer. If you can get it for under $100, the value is fantastic for the price, especially in terms of its weight, as I’ll discuss below.

How much does the GM Purist GEO II helmet weigh?

Although the GM Purist GEO II has a steel grill, somehow my Senior size helmet only weighs 707 grams. I was actually stunned by what the scale said. More expensive cricket helmets are usually more lightweight because they use lighter and costlier materials such as titanium.

To put 707 grams into context, Beulah’s (Small) Shrey Koroyd cricket helmet that costs $300 more and has a titanium grill plus fancy vent technology weighs 730+ grams. We also weighed our Forma helmet (Small) that has a Kookburra titanium grill, and that weighed 730+ grams.

So GM worked some absolute magic with the GM Purist GEO II, on a budget, with the shell and EPS (polystyrene) liner. Part of this might be thanks to the vents in the shell. It has multiple linear cutouts that both lower the weight and allow exceptional breathability during long innings.

Is the cricket helmet safe during batting?

Despite being lightweight, this batting helmet doesn’t compromise on safety. It meets BS7928:2013 specification, AKA, the British Standard for cricket head protectors.

The “geodesic” grill is actually where the GEO helmet line gets its name. The uniquely shaped steel grill provides optimal impact resistance from all angles and sides. We tested to see if a men’s ball or the smaller women’s ball can fit through anywhere, and there’s no way it can penetrate the grill from any angle.

Just a head’s up that the Senior Large size is certified against adult cricket balls, but not the even smaller youth-size cricket balls.

Is the GM Purist GEO II helmet adjustable to different head sizes?

The GM Purist GEO II cricket helmet actually has an adjustable size dial. It’s something I’d expect to see on a pricier cricket helmet, like the Shrey Koroyd, but not a helmet that I bought for under $75.

I twist the wheel on the back to shrink the helmet to the exact perfect fit. The Senior size fits heads that measure 540mm to 590mm. It’s just a tad too big for me, but with a few cranks of the size dial, it locks down on my head. If you need even more room, the Senior Large fits head sizes 580mm to 620mm.

To be fair, the size adjuster doesn’t offer as fine of adjustments as the Shrey Koroyd Helmet that Beulah wears. However, I feel that for my level of play, it’s more than good enough, and finally allows me to bat without my helmet drooping in front of my eyes.

What I didn’t like about this batting helmet.

This budget GM cricket helmet definitely isn’t perfect. Buckling the chin-strap is a two-handed affair because the buckle is pretty tight/stiff. I prefer to just fully expand the helmet, and slip it off from the back during drink breaks.

Another thing: the screws on the side of the GM Purist GEO II cricket helmet made me think the grill can move, but they literally do nothing.

Finally, the unique notch/cut-out in the back is negated by the size adjuster. I initially got this helmet for wicketkeeping because the cutout reminded me of the one on WK helmets (which are expensive and hard to find). Unfortunately, the size adjuster negates the potential benefit of the cutout and I’m not really sure why it’s there.

Check out my full video review.

#1: Is the Shrey Koroyd cricket helmet lightweight?

I look for 3 specific things when choosing my cricket helmet. My # 1 is: does the helmet weight work for me? The Koroyd line has two visor options: steel or titanium. Mine is titanium, which is lighter. My helmet weighs just 749 gm. Per Shrey, the official weight is 730 gm, but I added cushion pads, so it’s slightly heavier. Overall, I find that this model sits closer to the face than my earlier Air 2.0 helmet. I have a clear line of sight and no part of the grill blocks my vision.

#2: How does the Shrey Koroyd cricket helmet fit?

The second thing I look for: does it fit the shape of my head? I have an oval head shape with a circumference of 56 cm. The Shrey helmet shape is oval and fits my head perfectly. I own the Small, which has a size range of 55 – 58 cm, so my head circumference is right in the middle. I added a few cushion pads to keep it stable.

A problem with most cricket helmets is that when the traditional cushion pads inside get sweaty and squished, the helmet starts to move. The Shrey Koroyd Cricket Helmet solves this with a one-handed micro-adjustment fit system in the back. It’s such a great feature to have when you need to make a quick adjustment between balls. I was able to adjust this with one hand and my batting gloves on.

#3: Koroyd safety and versatility.

The third thing I look for in a helmet: does it work for the kind of cricket I’m playing? As a female cricketer, I play in both the men’s and women’s leagues. So, I needed a helmet that protects against high-speed impacts from different-sized cricket balls. The grill spaces on my Shrey Koroyd cricket helmet are small enough to block the 21 cm women’s size cricket balls, without blocking my visibility.

But the Koroyd helmet safety goes beyond that — the core has advanced impact protection, designed in a honeycomb format. This dissipates impact from high-speed objects, without sacrificing breathability. The large vents and tubes increase airflow, which as lifesaver in long matches. I played a match in it in scorching 90-degree weather, and these vents made a huge difference.

The price is right — with a coupon.

The MERACH Ab Machine MR-2314 retails for about $60. I was eyeing it for awhile, but felt that $50+ was little steep for equipment with quality I wasn’t sure of. Honestly, I didn’t even know how the ab machine worked.

MERACH Ab Machine coupon code.

After buying it, I would say the MERACH Ab Machine is a good deal even at full retail. However, it’s a must-buy if you can get it on sale. For example, I found a coupon code for $20 off and paid only $35. The machine is solidly built: it’s mostly steel and it even has a digital display. I don’t know how they’re making money off of this product, but I feel like it’s a steal.

MERACH Ab Trainers compared.

The MERACH Ab Trainer assembly takes about 30 minutes.

This is not a pull it out of the box and unfold it situation. This is a pull it out of the box and realize that it’s a bunch of separate parts that have to be put together. As soon as I see a hardware packet with nuts and bolts, I know I’m going to have to do some work.

Assembly isn’t that bad, but set aside at least 30 minutes. A QR code on the instruction booklet leads to video instructions, but the video goes too fast to be helpful. I ended up just following the booklet steps. It gets easier as you build: the direction of the first few big pieces is the hardest.

The good part of self-assembly products is that they can always be disassembled. If I ever move, my MERACH Ab Trainer is coming with me, in pieces.

An awkward, but foldable footprint.

The MERACH Ab Machine is a bit bulkier than I expected. As mentioned, I actually had no idea what I was ordering and how it worked: I just knew it was cheap, had good reviews, and would help me hone my six-pack.

You can see from the photos that while it’s not huge, it’s not inconspicuous by any means. The official dimensions are 49″x19.9″x7.1.” The main issue is that it’s awkwardly shaped when it isn’t folded.

Luckily, the MERACH Ab Machine is lightweight at only 17 lbs. It’s super easy to move around the house, since I don’t have a dedicated home gym area. I can lift it with one hand, though the metal parts are prone to banging my shins when I do this.

The machine is also foldable, which is convenient. When I want to make even more room, I just pull out the two safety pins, fold the MERACH Ab Machine flat, and slide it under my bed. These safety pins are little finicky to re-insert — they get lost in the hollow chamber of the frame —but not to the point where they’re a headache.

The bigger problem is forgetting about it under the bed. There’s something about home gym equipment that attracts inertia and obsolescence. So, I recommend leaving your MERACH Ab Machine out and assembled. I use it at random times when I’m bored: in-between cooking, cleaning, etc. And the pink and white color scheme is actually pleasant to see in my living space.

The MERACH Ab Machine is solid workout equipment.

As mentioned, the quality is good for such a cheap piece of equipment. The ab trainer has a 440lb weight limit, which is pretty substantial. I’m almost 5’10” and had no problem with the length.

The MR-2314 isn’t top-tier gym-quality, but it’s more than good enough for a daily home workout. The foam is soft enough, the digital display turns on/off automatically when I mount the machine, and the kneeling pad slides smoothly up and down the rail.

At the same time, the MERACH MR-2314 is a basic, cheap machine, and some parts aren’t perfect. As mentioned, the safety pins are annoying. The ab trainer is also a tad wobbly: this is probably because I’m using it on carpet, but also because it’s so lightweight. Finally, the included arm workout bands are useless unless I weigh down the base of the machine.

Does the MERACH Ab Machine workout actually work?

So does the MERACH Ab Machine actually work? Yes, but only for the ab workout.

According to the instruction manual, you can do 4 exercises on this ab machine. Honestly, you can and you can’t, as we’ll discuss below. I’ve also seen videos of people doing resistance band rows, pushups, leg extensions — a bunch of stuff on it. Don’t be fooled: the MR-2314 is just too lightweight to get an effective workout from those movements.

That being said, the ab trainer trains the abs really, really well, and that’s all I want it to do.

MR-2314 difficulty adjustment.

The MERACH ab trainer is a single-track machine, but you can still adjust the difficulty level. The same pins that allow you to fold it also let you change the slope and height. When it’s at the widest angle and lowest height, it’s an easier workout. When it’s at the steepest angle and tallest height, it’s a harder workout, as you would expect.

There are 2 angle options (safety pin holes) and there are 5 height options. So you have some room for growth with this machine. I recommend starting on the easiest difficulty because this thing burns your core.

MERACH ab workout instructions.

Toning those abs is the whole point of this machine. Kneel on the kneepads, rest your forearms on the arm pads, grab a hold of the handles, and use your core to pull your knees all the way up the machine.

The machine is built in such a way that you can’t really do it too wrong. Even if you go really fast and only make it halfway up the slope (as I noticed a lot of users doing in their review videos), you’ll still feel a burn.

But to avoid compensating with other muscles, I move slowly up the slope while exhaling and engaging the core, holding the contraction at the top, and then slowly moving back down the track.

I’ve been starting off with 5 sets of 12 reps. Post-workout, I feel the soreness more in my lower abs — which is the 6-pack area I’m trying to target the most.

Other exercises — fail.

Glute workout and lateral ab workout.

The single-track MERACH Ab Machine doth protest at these exercises in the instruction manual. Because your weight is unevenly distributed on the knee pad in both, it kind of grinds up the single rail. If you’re really trying to target your glutes and obliques, you probably need to upgrade to the dual-track MERACH Ab Trainer.

Band workouts.

The included bands are a nice bonus, but they definitely aren’t the star of the show here. You’re supposed to attach them to the front foot tube (the base on the handle side), then do resistance workouts: bicep curls, triceps extensions, lateral raises, and so on.

I have to stand on the machine to keep it from lifting up with every rep. It’s just too lightweight to act as an anchor for any kind of resistance. Instead, I just take the bands off and stand on them, and do my resistance arm training like that. In other words, don’t buy the MERACH Ab Machine for the arm workout.

Str8bat Cricket Bat Sensor Review

This motion sensor cricket batting tool captures cricket bat swing data.

ProVelocity Cricket Bat Review

A baseball-turned-cricket batting tool designed to improve swing speed and power.

1. Make awkward eye contact.

Road running safety is all about attention.

At every intersection or sidewalk driveway, lock eyes with each waiting driver like they’re your lover. Search for that recognition in their eyes that a warm sack of skin and organs is bouncing along in front of their 4,000 pound metal bubble. Make them see that if they move, they’ll squash you. They’re usually looking down at their phone or down the road. Don’t go until you see that they see you.

2. Use hand signals and be loud.

As you’re making eye contact, signal your intention. No, I don’t mean flipping the bird. Point where you’re going. Make it very clear when you have the right of way that you’re about to proceed and the car now has to yield to you. If the driver isn’t looking at you and it’s your turn, get loud and start waving, wildly. Pantomime if you have to: put on show. Get their attention, then make that awkward eye contact, then proceed when safe, then flip them off (just kidding).

3. Drive your usual running routes first.

Always think like a driver when you run. Drive around your local area and learn the streets in your car first. Pay attention to infrastructure defects: where do you have trouble seeing around corners/parked cars and need to roll forward? Where does the road feel narrow? Where is there no sidewalk? Where does everyone drive too fast? Those are spots you should be extra vigilant about your road running safety.

4. Learn the traffic lights.

I’ve learned the traffic light timing at my usual crosswalks (and it changes based on time of day). I can tell you exactly which car should go next and which light is too short — leading to drivers running the red. Based on this data, look every which way, in order of who is waiting and who can hit you. Think of each driver like an eyeball checkpoint that you have to pass before you should proceed.

5. Expect the worst of drivers.

Even if you follow these road running safety tips, people still suck.

If you think that lady in her big SUV is going to go over the speed bump carefully, think again. She’s going to speed around the speed bump instead and onto the road shoulder where your tender little body is running because there’s no sidewalk — all because she needed to get to Starbucks 15 seconds faster. Expect the worst of cars and run defensively: face traffic and always be ready to dodge a road rage driver.

6. Remember what time it is.

Road running safety changes based on traffic patterns.

I typically run in the mid-morning when there’s too much UV, but lighter traffic. School drop-off traffic has cooled off, and the 9-to-5ers are already at their desks. There are still assholes on the road, but the number of cars and hurrying people drops. In contrast, when I run at 5 o’clock, the air is thick with exhaust and road rage. If you have flexibility, run at off-hours in the daylight. If you don’t and have to run at rush hour, remember what time it is at all times.

Also, while it’s tempting to run on the roads at night or before dawn because there are so few cars, I really don’t recommend it. No matter how visible you are, drivers still have worse visibility at night. They’re also tired and often tipsy. It’s a recipe for death.

7. Wear high-vis running gear at all times.

A road running safety tip so obvious, you might forget to follow it.

You’re most visible in a light-colored, bright running outfit with at least one reflective item. I always wear my neon yellow Sport2People running belt. You need to don something flashy that catches drivers’ attention. And for low light and high traffic runs, become a full-on highlighter: neon safety vest, headlamp, reflective shorts, etc. The gaudier the better.

8. Turn down the music.

Your road running safety comes before the beat drop.

I actually like running with headphones. Music gets my adrenaline pumping and motivates me on low-energy runs. I turn off my earbuds’ ANC, but the music still drowns out most outside noise. So, I take my earbuds out any time I’m on the road, crossing an intersection, or on a lonely sidewalk where someone can sneak up behind me. I put them back in on safe sidewalks or on quiet residential roads where I can see cars coming.

9. Know the traffic laws and when to break them.

Knowing your rights and responsibilities as a pedestrian helps with road running safety. For example, in California if a car already legally entered an intersection, you have to wait for them to go. That’s your responsibility to yield. On the flipside, in California, you can run on the side of the road as long as you’re facing traffic. That’s your right as a pedestrian.

California has also stopped enforcing jaywalking violations, which is a good thing. It’s sometimes safer to cross when the coast is clear on empty blocks than at busy intersections. Know your local laws and which ones are enforced, both as a runner and a driver.

10. Blow the shrill whistle.

As every runner knows, we scare drivers. We are unexpected beings intruding on their road space. And when people get scared, they get angry and defensive. A driver almost-running-a-pedestrian-over and then screaming at the lowly biped is a classic scene replayed across American roadways.

Although you’re in the right and they almost killed you, never start a fight with a car. That being said, I like to stay prepared with a very loud whistle. If the driver blocks my way, or gets confrontational, I want to bring attention to the situation. Get bystanders AKA witnesses involved.

Because above all, when you’re running on busy roads, you want everyone to notice you. Be loud, be bright, be observant, be smart, and wear the ugliest damn neon yellow outfit you can find.

1. Macebell or Sledgehammer.

Cricket training equipment for shoulder and back rotational power.

2. Grip strength trainer.

Cricket training equipment for bowling/batting hand, wrist, and forearm strength.

3. Zooka bowling machine.

Portable cricket training equipment for realistic batting practice.

4. Tennis ball launcher/small baseball pitching machine.

Cricket training equipment for solo fielding and keeping practice.

5. Water bag.

Cricket training equipment for core stability.

What is a synthetic cricket ball?

It’s a plastic (typically PVC) cricket ball with a rubber or foam core. It typically has six rows of real stitches like a real cricket ball. It also has the expected seam/equator running through its center.

A synthetic cricket ball weighs around 90 grams (men’s). A hard cricket ball is made of leather with a cork core and weighs around 156 grams (men’s).

The circumference of a synthetic cricket ball is akin to a leatherball, but it can vary by brand. Hardness can also vary between synthetic cricket ball brands. Compared with a leather cricket ball, a synthetic cricket ball feels less dense and has some give if you press the plastic really hard.

When gripped, a synthetic cricket ball feels like a hard cricket ball thanks to the seams and stitching. It also bounces and moves similarly to a leatherball, with some caveats.

The synthetic cricket ball was created as a training tool for beginning cricketers, but it’s now a favorite among all levels of cricketers — including us.

Why do you need one?

1. To practice indoors anytime — even at night!

Every so often, we have the bright idea of tossing a leather cricket ball around inside the apartment. The second it thuds against a wall or careens towards the window, we know we’re idiots.

That’s not the case with a synthetic cricket ball. It has enabled us to practice literally anywhere and anytime, including in our small living space. I still wouldn’t throw the synthetic cricket ball full force at a TV, but overall, it’s way safer than a leatherball.

Since it’s plastic and foam, I can bounce the synthetic ball off the apartment walls. It barely makes a sound and it doesn’t leave any marks. This makes it ideal for solo catching practice.

It’s also more authentic than a tennis ball (I tried that before). The synthetic cricket ball mimics the texture, size, and bounce of a hard cricket ball. It bounces decently (and quietly) on carpet/hardwood floor. I’ve been practicing my wicketkeeping hand-eye coordination in my hallway with it.

Finally, since it can bounce without taking off some plaster, the PVC ball is also helpful for practicing defensive batting form: don’t swing, just defend.

2. To practice outdoors anywhere.

Synthetic cricket balls can also be used in pretty much any outdoor space.

Hard surfaces.

In particular, they excel on hard surfaces, such as basketball and tennis courts. The ball bounces well, comes in fast, and it doesn’t get damaged by the asphalt/concrete. Bonus: if there’s a fence, you now have an impromptu batting cage.

The fastest bowler I personally know practices every evening with a synthetic ball on a basketball court. The synthetic ball really opens up a new world of cricket practice: cul-de-sacs, empty parking lots, playgrounds, etc., are fair game.

If you have access to a synthetic wicket, the synthetic ball also performs well on this surface thanks to the concrete below. It also doesn’t deteriorate like a leatherball starts to do as soon as it hits the ground.

While the bounce and swing nuances won’t be quite like the real thing on an artificial pitch, such a pitch isn’t match-grade in the first place.

Grass.

Usually we have to clear a wide berth for batting practice on public fields. People love to daydream five feet away from the hard ball flying at their temples.

With a synthetic ball, we can safely play in the middle of a park. The ball has less bounce and it doesn’t carry as far, but it’s good enough to practice bowling, batting, and fielding basics.

3. To practice without getting hurt.

What’s the catch with a synthetic cricket ball?

Every hard cricket ball that I’ve seen people practice with is a warped, mangled blob. If that’s the standard, the synthetic cricket ball will suffice just fine for 95% of players.

Cricket snobs will say that it’s inconsistent and it doesn’t behave like match conditions. While that’s true, it’s also true that most people don’t have access to cricket facilities that mimic match conditions.

Similarly, the surfaces that everyday cricketers play on are also usually riddled with holes, high grass, mud, and poo. A hardball does nothing that it’s supposed to do in such conditions.

So if you’re looking to find the fun in cricket, or you want to hone certain techniques like fielding form, a synthetic ball is more than good enough.

It’s also cost-effective. Since it doesn’t get damaged, you don’t need to replace it as often as a leatherball. The downside is that a synthetic ball won’t swing in the air like a real leather cricket ball does when it/because it wears down.

All in all, I really like how the synthetic cricket ball enables me to practice anywhere. Any cricket practice is better than no cricket practice, especially for beginners.

Synthetic cricket ball field-testing thoughts.

I’ll admit, in-hand, our synthetic cricket ball initially felt pretty lame. It’s missing the density and weight of a cricket ball, and I thought it was just going to kind of waft and wiffle-ball around.

In action, it’s surprisingly good. We played on a front lawn with windows and cars all around. We felt comfortable flinging this thing everywhere without worrying about breaking anything, including our bones.

Fielding practice:

Excellent. We used it to hone our catching technique without bruising a finger. At high speeds/the wrong angle, it still gives a decent sting, but nothing like an actual cricket ball. This is a good thing: we focused on catching instead of flinching.

Since it’s about 70 grams lighter than a cricket ball, and plastic, it actually requires better collecting technique: it’s slightly more prone to rebounding out of your hands.

Keeping practice.

Best-use scenario. This ball is perfect for keeping practice. We set up with a spigot as the stumps and wore zero gear. I practiced my stance and how to receive the ball with soft hands.

As Dinesh Kharthik explains, keeping is all about repetition. A plastic cricket ball enables budding keepers to practice everyday.

Bowling practice.

Good enough. The six stitched strings allow for a proper grip on the ball. We didn’t have to force the action to get the ball to move through the air. It also bounces up off dirt/grass. It’s not a 100% reliable bounce, but I felt it was better than a tennis ball, which bounces way too high.

Batting practice.

Good enough. The synthetic cricket ball is near-perfect for practicing defensive shots. It’s also good for practicing batting form elements such as grip, footwork, focus, etc.

It begins to lose some oomph when you swing for boundaries and sixes: it doesn’t go as far in the air, and it doesn’t roll nearly as far as a regular cricket ball. On the plus side, we didn’t have to run as far to pick it up.

My injury journey.

A quick, painful history.

In 2023, I tore both my quadriceps muscles playing 3 back-to-back T40 cricket matches. Here’s the permanent dent in my left quad to prove it:

I traveled home lathered in BioFreeze and literally lifting my legs with my hands. My left quad turned purple from the bleeding muscle fibers. For the next week, I stood up from chairs via screams and death grips on furniture and people around me.

It was clearly time for rest. I took 2 months off from all activity except daily life walking. This meant no running at all. When I tried to bend my knees more than 90 degrees, it felt like someone was tugging my thigh meat off the bone.

Eventually, the pain subsided. I started jogging again, slowly, tentatively. A little tightness, but hallelujah, no pulling sensation!

History repeats itself.

Soon, it was cricket practice time again. I jogged a warm-up mile nice and easy. I felt good. Then I took off after a ball and instantly tore my left quadriceps muscle again. My right one was spared, until two months later, when I ripped it trying to sprint in another cricket practice.

I’m embarrassed to say this happened several more times, but from increasingly more basic movements, like crouching down at work. Clearly my quad muscles weren’t healing and good old RICE wasn’t solving the root cause.

I needed professional help, so I sucked it up and shelled out the money for a medley of physical therapy options online and in-person. Here’s what I learned after spending $1000 on sessions.

The problem was my butt.

The issue wasn’t actually my quads. My quads were just fine before the muscles nearly ripped in half.

The problem was my weak butt. I was compensating for my frail gluteus maximus muscles with my powerful quads when I was sprinting. Okay, maybe not powerful, but certainly stronger than my butt muscles.

The solution? I needed to strengthen my butt muscles so they could do their fair share of work during explosive take-offs.

The hard work to heal.

I learned 20+ eccentric and plyometric quad strain exercises during my physical therapy. For 10 weeks, I did 6 different exercises every day at-home, gradually increasing resistance/weight. I also learned proper warm-up movements, along with post-workout stretches.

My in-person PT included recovery tools such as cupping (questionable if it actually helps), Graston scraping (kind of helped), and massage/massage gun (felt really good). These helped soften the sting of the treatment cost and provided instant gratification, but they didn’t cure the root cause of the recurring quad muscle strain injury.

That part involved doing my exercise homework everyday. I adapted the quad and glute exercises to my available equipment and space, along with my schedule. For long-term maintenance, I found the 3 quad pull exercises below to be essential and more than enough.

The result.

After that first cricket match where I limped away with bilateral Grade 2 quad strains, I thought I’d never run again, let alone sprint in cricket. I’ve since played more than 50 T20 and T40 cricket matches. I’ve won 3 local 5Ks. I go for runs after my 3-hour cricket matches.

I can confidently say that I healed my quads and kept them injury-free by doing these 3 quick and easy pulled quad exercises. I’m not a doctor, so who knows if these will actually work for you. However, this is what actually worked for my severe quad strains.

The full quad strain exercises rehab routine.

This routine takes less than 10 minutes total, so ideally, you should be doing it daily. However, my routine involves doing it most days. I also don’t care about perfect form.

The only equipment you need is a resistance band. I recommend the Fit Simplify resistance bands from Amazon. I’ve been using the set for 2 years and they’re still taut. Plus, it includes 5 resistance levels, so you can start light and level up as you get stronger.

Interested in the full 20-exercise pulled quad muscle rehab routine I customized for home use? Stay tuned – we’re working on it!

What is the Hoka Solimar 2’s purpose in life?

A quick history.

The original Solimar was released in 2022 and advertised as a “daily runner” with an “approachable stack height.” This was code for: finally, a Hoka shoe you can run your daily errands in without looking like a dork. In terms of actual running shoes, there were many better options, such as Hoka’s own Clifton 9.

Instead, the firmer, neutral Solimar was ideal for walking, cross-training, light running/sprinting, and going out on the town. It looked normal and felt amazing from the first step. And the people agreed: the reviews overwhelmingly commended the OG Solimar for its versatility as spiffy but comfy walking-around footwear. It made my feet look and feel good.

A strange turn of events.

With the Solimar 2, Hoka seems to have ignored all consumer feedback and completely lost the plot. For their updates, they “streamlined the silhouette” and changed the upper to “premium materials.” The actual result is a cheapened shoe that now looks like it was made for jogging, but isn’t particularly good at it.

Instead of building upon the fine line between fashion and trainer that the original Solimar nimbly walked, Hoka decided to make a forgettable clunker that fits neither here nor there.

The Hoka Solimar 2 looks cheap.

This is the one shoe where appearance matters to me: If I’m wearing a trainer everywhere, it needs to look like it goes with everything.

The original Solimar fit that bill — especially the lighter colorways. The more I look at the original Solimar, the more I appreciate its thoughtful design that played with different textures and recycled materials, such as the upper of “stretchy, recycled content mesh with 88% recycled polyester.”

The more I look at the Hoka Solimar 2, the more I dislike this shoe.

The new, non-recycled upper looks like that shiny fabric on cheap gym shorts. Hoka doesn’t even specify what the material is. It’s perforated by diagonal vents like Morse Code signaling a fashion emergency. The ankle collar and tongue are made from basic, puffy fabric. The eyestay looks like a glossy sticker barely stuck to the shoe. And the suede heel foxing is giving AI-generated Rubin vase vibes.

The Solimar 2 has a lower profile than its predecessor, with a rounder toe and heel cup, and a puffier body appearance. On foot, it looks clunkier and heavier than the clean and nimble lines of the original Solimar.

A Hoka logo on steroids.

Then there’s the gregarious branding. The original Solimar had an embossed “HOKA” tastefully embedded on one side, with the small flying bird logo contained in its “O.” The same bird logo was also inconspicuously embedded in the heel cup area.

For the Solimar 2, Hoka decided to go gaudier and cheaper. The HOKA name logo grew a bigger bird, which in turn grew an enormous shadow. The logo material appears to have been downgraded to a DTF sticker that looks already ready to peel off. Even worse, the smaller bird logo migrated to the shoe’s toe — the most conspicuous place possible — and is also cheaply stuck on.

Overall, the Hoka Solimar 2 looks like I got ready for P.E., but then decided to go to work instead. It’s conspicuously athletic in a bad way. More than that, the material quality and build have been drastically downgraded. This is why I don’t think a different colorway from the Black/White that I bought would make this shoe look better: the big logos and low quality are inescapable.

A bigger shoe that fits the same?

The Solimar 1 fit me well.

My usual size is 10D and the original Hoka Solimar fit true-to-size. I have pretty wide feet, as discussed in my Adidas EVO SL review, so the balls of my feet did bulge into the upper. However, the material on the first Solimar was so stretchy and forgiving, my feet never felt cramped or had blisters. The length was also perfect – you can see my big toe has room to breathe.

The Hoka Solimar 2 is barely bigger.

Hoka supposedly updated the Solimar 2 to fit wider feet. On foot, the Solimar 2 barely feels wider. My feet still bulge into the upper. I wasn’t quite sure how to measure on-foot-width, so I just measured from bulge to bulge, and it’s exactly 6 inches on both shoes.

I also took out the insoles for a clearer sizing comparison. The original Solimar insole is nestled on the bottom. You can see the Solimar 2 gained a little length and width. You can also see it the insole lost some cushion – just another example of the lower quality parts in this shoe.

Despite the slight size gain, the change in upper fabric negates the feeling of a roomier Hoka Solimar 2, and its flimsiness also makes my feet feel less secure in lateral movements. It’s the worst of both worlds.

One nice thing about the Hoka Solimar 2 is that they offer wide sizes. As far as I know, the original Solimar only offered standard sizes for both the men’s and women’s versions. The wide colorways are limited, but the extra sizing options is a change for the better.

In short, real wide-footed folks should take the claims of a roomier toe-box on the Solimar 2 with a grain of salt and a thin sock, and probably order in wide.

Wait, the weight is what?

Interestingly, on their shoe specs, Hoka lists the original Solimar at 8.5 oz and the Solimar 2 at 8.6 oz. They don’t list what shoe size was used. I’m more interested in the slight weight gain between the two versions because I got a wildly different difference on our scale, with the Solimar 2 weighing a mere 8 oz compared with the Solimar 1’s 8.6 oz. This is what I would expect and want from a shoe that shaved 2 mm off the heel-to-toe drop, from 6.0 mm to 4.0 mm, along with the reduced heel pull.

Perhaps Hoka used a bigger shoe size to weigh the Solimar 2. Maybe my pair is a testament to manufacturing inconsistences. Whatever the case, I’m pleased that the Solimar 2 weighs less than the Solimar 1, even though the floppier fabric makes it feel clunkier. Still, individual results may vary: you might not be so lucky with your Jenny Crag pair of Hoka Solimar 2 shoes.

Questionable materials and durability.

The recycled polyester upper on the Solimar 1 was top-notch in terms of looks, breathability, and durability. The unique woven style elevated it from basic trainer to fashion-forward cushioned footwear. And even after tons of shenanigans across five pairs, no parts ever ripped or came unstuck for me. I would only replace the shoes once they got too dirty and the foam became too compressed – typically around 6 months of daily wear.

Hoka Solimar 2 downgrades.

As I mentioned, Hoka said they updated the upper for the Solimar 2 with “premium” materials” and they call it a “breathable mesh.” There’s no mention of recycled materials anymore. In fact, across the board, it appears that Hoka removed all sustainable/thoughtful materials for their Solimar 2 update. Gone is the “vegan” shoe, the “Laces with 70% recycled nylon and 30% recycled polyester,” and the “100% recycled polyester tongue mesh.”

It’s like they stopped trying.

Sometimes Hoka shoes look cheap and funky online, but then look better in-person. Unfortunately, the Hoka Solimar 2’s glaring manufacturing shortcuts become even more pronounced up close. I’m amazed at just how cheaply this shoe is made. We already saw it with the logos, but it’s the whole shoe. The point where midsole meets the upper is uneven and shoddily glued. The insole has been simplified and jaggedly cut. The front of the shoe is off-center.

I’m returning these shoes, so can’t attest to their long-term durability, but these are not high-quality shoes.

At least Hoka didn’t raise the price from $125.

That would have been a really bold move to make a worse shoe and charge more for it. The choice is telling though: Hoka knows this shoe isn’t worth more.

I purchased the Hoka Solimar 2 for $93 via a Nordstrom sale, but honestly, the shoe isn’t even worth this sale price. It really feels like $75 or less footwear. Overall, like many brands, I’ve noticed a decline in quality without a corresponding decrease in price from Hoka.

Across, the board, Hoka also seems to have shifted from a focus on the details. For example, the Clifton 9 included at least five different recycled elements. The Clifton 10 lists zero. I’ve put thousands of dollars into Hoka shoes, and was one of their biggest advocates, but their products have really declined in value over the past 1.5 years.

So, I don’t recommend buying the Hoka Solimar 2 unless you can find it on deep discount.

Sweaty feet and unsteady steps.

Comfortably built for plodding.

I ended up returning the Hoka Solimar 2 shoes, so they aren’t field-tested outside. However, my indoor tests didn’t bode well for extended periods of wear. These shoes aren’t uncomfortable by any means — they have that familiar Hoka cloud-like cushion courtesy of a compression-molded EVA foam midsole.

However, the Hoka Solimar 2 is definitely clunkier than the original Solimar. I’ve actually started playing cricket matches in my ancient Solimar 1 pair, instead of my Skechers cricket shoes, because I’m so agile in them. I can lithely get on my toes and take-off, over and over, with no foot fatigue the next day — even in a really worn-out pair.

I don’t feel that with the new Solimar. Something about the lower heel, the wider toe, and the flimsier sides on the Solimar 2 has me feeling less sure-footed and less confident in sudden lateral movements. Overall, the Solimar 2 is stuck in plodding shoe territory.

Why are my feet sweaty?

A major and unexpected issue with the Solimar 2 is its lack of breathability. These shoes make my feet feel like two hot pockets in a toaster oven. I couldn’t wait to take them off and I literally wanted to take my pants off too. And I wasn’t even doing much — I sat down for a little, walked around, and lightly jogged down the hall.

The new upper is a “mesh” that’s supposed to offer a light, airy feel. As you’ve seen above, it’s denser than traditional mesh, and it traps heat. I couldn’t imagine having these on my feet all day, which defeats the purpose of a shoe that’s supposed to adapt to whatever situation.

Once again, I’ll refer to the original: the stretchy Hoka Solimar 1 upper was form-fitting, but still breathable. Across 15-hour days, with thousands of steps, my feet never got hot.

Weed through the Rack online clutter to find Hoka shoes on sale.

First, I like checking the Rack online because they have the deepest discounts on older, uglier Hoka shoes. For example, right now they have the Ora Recovery Slide 3 sandal for just $17. The main downside of the Rack is the available Hoka sizes: the more common sizes sell out fast, and really giant and really tiny linger for ages. Still, if you’re willing to weed through the clutter, their Hoka discounts are unbeatable. Some shoppers also swear by shopping in-store for even cheaper Hoka shoes on sale, but I’ve never found these mythic Hokas in the Rack wild.

Check fancy Nordstrom.

Fancy Nordstrom sometimes has better Hoka deals than their Rack ugly cousin, and they stock better colorways and sizes. For example, I just bought the 2026 Hoka Solimar 2 in 10D, which hasn’t gone on sale so far anywhere else, for about $93 last week – a 25% discount. In the past, I also picked up the Women’s Hoka Chukka Transport for just $120 when the shoes was still going for $160 literally everywhere else. So when it’s getting close to new shoe time, I start browsing pretty Nordstrom. With a little patience, I can save $30-$50.

Visit Dick’s Sporting Goods in-person and look for clearance stickers.

Skip the Dick’s Sporting Goods website and visit their shoe section in-store to find Hoka shoes on sale. They mark down certain colors and don’t list it on online. Check the shoe for a clearance dot sticker and then be prepared to ask the shoe associate how much it costs.

Clearance prices also vary by location, so if there’s another Dick’s nearby, they might have different Hokas on sale. Back in the day, right after the Bondi 8s came out at $165, I snagged a pair for a mere $75. They were fugly bright orange, but I saved $90 and clumped around in my Puffin Bill/Amber Yellow shoes proudly. I also got the Hoka X LD Track and Field spikes for $12.90 – a whopping 90% off the retail price of $127.97, and here’s the receipt to prove it.

Keep checking 6PM.com for Hoka shoes on sale.

Amazon’s forsaken child, 6pm.com, gets the leftovers of leftovers from Zappos. They used to have a wider selection, but I can still find some great Hoka shoe sales. For example, I just found the Women’s Hoka Transport shoes in White in my size 11B for $75. I wavered on buying them and two days later, they were sold out. The moral of the story: somebody else is probably trying to buy Hoka shoes on sale and has the same size feet as you. The only thing I don’t like about 6pm is that they charge $3.95 shipping under $100, and they don’t have free returns.

Try REI Outlet.

REI Outlet Hoka sales are annoying. They drastically drop prices in one fell swoop and then seem to abstain from worthwhile sales for months. For example, I bought a pair of Hoka Solimar shoes at REI for only $61. This was at the end of 2025, when the model was just starting to go on sale because their successor was about to drop. Still, REI had them for about $30 cheaper than anywhere else, and the associate even said, Wow, you got a really good deal on these.

But since then, REI’s Hoka sales have been terrible. For example, the discontinued Women’s Hoka Transport is still sitting at $120 as of this writing. Other stores have been selling these same shoes for $100 for months now, and we just saw they’re $75 at 6pm. So with REI, make sure you know the average sale price elsewhere.

Search Google by size.

Don’t even go to Google Shopping — just go to the regular Google search and type in the exact shoe name with the size and the words “sale” or “clearance” attached. For example, I’ve been searching for “Hoka Solimar 10D clearance” because I want another pair before they disappear.

This tactic will pull up specific listings of Hoka shoes on sale from random boutique stores, e.g. Cleary’s Shoes, where I just got the Hoka Chukka Transport in 11B for $85. Shipping sometimes kills the deal from these smaller sneaker shops, but sometimes you’ll luck out and find a Hoka shoe they really want to clear from their stock.

With this Google method, you do have to be wary of phony sites. If the retailer’s name is something like hokaxyzbestdeals, and their Hokas cost $39.10, it’s probably a scam.

Subscribe to Woot Daily Deals.

Woot used to have deeper discounts on Hoka shoes, which would sell out almost immediately. Now they tend to have more Hoka shoes available more frequently, but on less of a discount. Prices are typically 10-15% lower than retail. The real hack is to wait for a 10-15% coupon stacking deal, which happens about every two months. With it, you’ll get a popular pair of Hoka shoes for 20-30% off.

Pro tip: since you can’t search Woot itself, search the Woot forums to see past Hoka Sale Events. You can also sign up for Woot’s Daily Deals digest to get notified when they have another Hoka event.

Other places that sometimes have decent deals on Hoka shoes.

Check Shop Simon, cautiously.

This is one of my last resort searches because Simon Outlets 3rd-party listings can be really sketchy. I’ve seen $150 Hokas marked-up to $350 on this platform. On the other hand, they often have coupon codes that can turn certain pairs into a decent deal if you’re desperate for new shoes. Do your due diligence on Shop Simon. (Shhh, don’t tell Hoka, but I also found the Adidas Adizero EVO SL running shoes here for just $49).

Try Sports Basement.

Sports Basement listings don’t show up on Google Shopping, so you have to manually go to their site. Their gear is often full retail price, but they’ll sometimes have a Hoka sale, like when I snagged the Clifton 9s for a mere $99. I recently checked out their in-store prices, and while they had some extra markdowns on certain models, the sizes were limited and the discounts weren’t really worth my time driving there. So, I check Sports Basement periodically, but I don’t rely on it for the best Hoka shoes deals.

eBay is a maybe for Hoka shoes on sale.

I know people swear by eBay, but I’ve never found a sweet sale on Hoka shoes on there. With my popular shoe size – 10D – prices aren’t particularly low to start with, and the $14.95 shipping/authenticity fee kills the deal. (Knock-off “Nokas” and “Fokas” were so rampant, now any legit Hoka shoe has to pass an eBay authenticity check.) eBay Hokas also always look a little rough around the edges, like they’ve seen a few too many feet.

Get them direct from the Hoka’s mouth.

Also, get rewards when you buy Hoka shoes on sale.

The other thing I’ve started doing to afford my Hoka shoe habit is to get Capital One Shopping Rewards on my purchases. The Shopping program is unrelated to Capital One’s credit card/banking services. Instead, you get cash-back for making purchases through their app/on a browser with their extension installed. Since I’m basically giving them my shopping data, I use a burner email account and a completely separate browser for my Capital One Shopping.

Even though it still feels a little invasive, the rewards are worth it — especially when I buy a product I was already going to buy. For example, right now I have an offer for 25% back at Dick’s Sporting Goods in my portal.

Here’s the real hack with Capital One Shopping: click on the reward offer you want and pretend to search for the item in their portal, but don’t buy it. Instead, go to sleep and when you wake up, you’ll have an even better rewards offer email from Capital One Shopping in your inbox. For example, I’ve had a ton of offers like $50 back on $50.

Choose a Few, Clean Ingredients

As you’ll see in the recipe below, I stick to just a few ingredients. My minimalist approach to nutrition and recipes keeps me sane and happy! I rely on whole or minimally processed ingredients that are easily and widely available. There’s no magic number here – three or four ingredients work as long as they’re complementary flavors.

I always use Isopure Unflavored Whey Protein, along with fresh or frozen blueberries, frozen bananas (you’ll never throw away an overripe banana again – just put it in the freezer), and flax or chia seeds.

Any more ingredients and it feels like too much work for my taste buds. Was it berry and banana, or pineapple and mango? Was that vanilla in there too? Flavors get lost when there are too many ingredients, so I always substitute instead of adding when I want a different flavor.

The fruits provides antioxidants, potassium, and magnesium in this simple high protein smoothie recipe. The flax or chia seeds are nutritiously dense, and they add fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids. I use water for the liquid, but if you like a thicker/creamier smoothie, use almond or oat “milk” instead.

Use Unflavored Isopure Protein Powder

I’ve used Isopure’s Zero Carb unflavored protein powder in my smoothies since 2019, and their flavor hasn’t changed since (pun intended). It has just one main ingredient: Whey Protein isolate made from rBST-free whey, along with an emulsifier like sunflower or soy lecithin.

When whey protein is stripped of fats, carbs, fillers and sugars, you get a pure protein called whey isolate. This tends to have higher protein per serving and costs slightly more than whey protein. With less fats, it’s easier on the stomach, and the extra filtration step makes the texture finer – and this delicious smoothie creamier.

Just a note: isolate reduces the amount of lactose, but it might still contain some milk. Still, for a lactose-sensitive gut, it’s a way better option than pure whey.

All in all, three things keep me coming back to Isopure’s zero carb unflavored protein powder.

• It’s clean – 2 ingredients
• It easily mixes with other ingredients – unflavored
• It has 25 gms of protein – 1 serving

Bonus Smoothie Supplements

Lately, I’ve started including two other supplements in my high protein smoothie recipe, especially when I don’t feel like making a separate drink just to take them: Isopure’s Creatine Monohydrate and Vital Proteins’ Collagen Powder. They’re both unflavored, which means the smoothie flavor doesn’t change.

You might be wondering why a minimalist advocate like me is using processed foods such as protein, creatine, and collagen powders. Yes, all of these supplements are examples of processed items, but to their credit, they’re also all made from a single ingredient and have beneficial health outcomes for me.

Creatine Monohydrate for Energy

Creatine Monohydrate is used primarily for its muscle energy, endurance, and post-workout recovery benefits. It has increased my energy levels and cognitive function, and I use it on days even when I don’t work out in order to reduce muscle loss.

Isopure’s Creatine Monohydrate is micronized, so it has a fine texture and it’s easy to mix. It’s also easier on the gut and doesn’t have additives or sugars in the unflavored version, so it stacks well with the main ingredients in our high protein smoothie recipe.

Collagen Powder for Better Skin

Collagen powder is great for hair, skin and nails. I accidentally stumbled on Vital Proteins’ unflavored collagen powder at a Costco sample stall. I was surprised that the supplement really had zero smell and after-taste.

Occasionally adding this collagen powder to my high protein smoothie recipe has helped with joint mobility, and its benefits are noticeable in my hair and nails. I also find that it makes the smoothie creamy and airy. Vital Proteins’ unflavored collagen powder is quite versatile, so aside from smoothies, I use it in coffee, keto cloud bread, and almond bread. I’ve also tried their flavored chocolate version, but I find it monotonous and always go back to unflavored.

This High Protein Smoothie Recipe Feels Like a Full Meal

They Removed the Unlimited Gyms Feature

I remember the good old Active & Fit Direct days when you could pick as many standard gyms as you wanted for just $28/month. For example, you could have active memberships at LA Fitness, Planet Fitness, Gold’s Gym, and Anytime Fitness – all for $28 total.

It was ideal for people who traveled often, or for athletes who needed access to equipment available only at certain gym chains. It also set the program apart from Active and Fit Now, which didn’t have this feature.

Then, in Summer 2024, Active and Fit Direct suddenly changed their membership to include only one standard gym at a time. Additional gyms would now cost $23/month.

People Still Hate Active and Fit Direct For Doing This

And it’s easy to understand why: it was an all-of-a-sudden switch-up that killed a lot of the program’s value – particularly for any gym that costs less than $28/month.

The downgrade was unfortunate, but you can still switch gyms once a month. While it’s not as convenient as before, I find that Active and Fit is still more flexible than going directly through the gyms.