Expert Gear Picks from James Sieber

Expert running, runners strength gear recommendations from James Sieber, Running & Strength Coach || Peak Pursuits Podcast Host, based in Victoria, Australia.

James Sieber's Road Shoes

James Sieber recommends the Puma Mens Puma Deviate NITRO Elite 4 — Being a US13, shoes often get heavy, quickly. These are so light; they keep making me go "whoa!". The upper is a normal fit, with a good lockdown, with well-placed overlays and the saw-tooth laces. The foam/plate combo is very lively wihtout being mushy. They feel stable for a super shoe, and work well even when you fatigue and land more rear-foot/not your fresh foot strike location. They are not as compliant (soft) as some super foams, but if you are a bigger runner like me, or land hard on the shoes, these will be a great option.

James Sieber's Gear

James Sieber recommends the Terignota Men's Sendero Short — Now I've found Terrignota shorts, I would be hard pushed to wear anything else - and this is the same feedback I've received from my athletes who have tried them. The built-in belt holds my iPhone, keys, 500ml flask + 300ml flask, dog collar, and 2 x 90g gels easily. Note, though, I have cut the attachment stitching on the front pocket so the flask can drop in more easily (so far, this hasn't had any negative consequences). The material is light and airy, and the black looks very smart with the white logo. I was a little concerned with the inseam length, but I have had no issues with chaffing. Especially for the cost, this is the best pair of running shorts I have owned by far.
James Sieber recommends the Salomon SENSE PRO 6 SET — When it comes to running vests, for me and a lot of my atheltes, the Salomon ones are the class leader. A mix of material type, fit, and layout makes this vest a great option to fit all your gear for most races up to 50km, even 100km, depending on the mandatory gear.
James Sieber recommends the Naked Naked - Original Running Band — I've been using the same Naked belt for 5 years (I probably do need to change it). Of all the belts I have tested, this one stands out for comfort, capacity, and durability, considering the cost. You'll often see athletes fit full mandatory gear for fair weather trail 50km's, highlighting how well it can hold a lot of gear. Sizing can be a bit iffy - from memory, I went down two sizes from what the chart told me, to get a more secure fit.
James Sieber recommends the COROS Heart Rate Monitor — This arm band changed the Heart Rate game for me. Chest straps never worked, I felt constircted and chaffed. When Coros brought this band out, it allowed me to trust and use HR data again. The data seems very accurate, only with a small delay (meaning it's not reliable for very short efforts or immediate feedback starting an effort). This is the go-to option for people I coach. Only issues have been with tattoos, and they tend to last ~24 months.
James Sieber recommends the Erniold Running Erniold MELBOURNE Trail Tee — This tee came in for testing with the podcast, and I felt immediately taken back by how soft the material was. Running in it, and it's one of the most comfortable tops I've worn. Once it gets really sweaty, it does stick a bit to you, but it stays light and airy. The fit is boxy, so if you aren't a fan of that fit, I'd steer clear. But since putting this on, I want to use it for every run.
James Sieber recommends the relefootwear Midweight Mid Crew Toe Socks — Rele are the next level of toe socks. Having used other brands toe socks, I found that they wore through quickly. I must be harsh on the socks, as brands like injinji only lasted me 6-10 uses. Rele, however, don't have this issue and their durability is amazing. The XL size fits my US13 feet perfectly, and the all black with white lettering is sleek. If you have issues with other toe socks not lasting, or like the idea of not getting toe blisters (I've never had them in Rele's, despite being a very heavy sweater), try these out.

James Sieber's Nutrition & Hydration

James Sieber recommends the Precision Hydration PF 90 Gel — I've been fuelling with Precision 90g gels for multiple years now, as have a lot of my athletes. The texture goes down easily, the taste is neutrally sweet (there are much sweeter options), and the 90g screw cap packaging makes this product a game-changer for so many athletes. My only negatvie, and I've heard this as feedback too, is that they can be a bit addictive and it's easy to over fuel!
James Sieber recommends the Bix Hydration The Big 40 Gel - Caffeine — Bix was one of the first to add electrolytes into their gels. I find this works really well for people with high or low sodium concentrations, as it either makes it easy to accumulate the total amount needed or the 200mg in each gel, especially taking two gels per hour, can be sufficient for a lot of people, allowing you to just drink water. The 40g packet size makes 80g/hour very achievable, and I have many athletes who find 70-85g/hour to be their sweet spot. But the main thing for this variety is that the 75mg caffeine goes down a treat. You do get the standard caffeine bitterness, which some people taste more than others, but the consistency and ease of consumption are plus the potency of the caffeine makes this gel a very fun ride

James Sieber's Trail Shoes

James Sieber recommends the Mount to Coast H1 — A road-to-trail option that is light, responsive, and feels fun underfoot, on both road and trails. The two-zone lacing system is different, but I do like how the upper holds the foot. The lugs and rubber compound are smooth on the roads whilst providing ample traction on trails. It is not made for rocky or technical trails, as I find the rocks penetrate the foam and impact on the underside of the foot - for context, I am roughly 90kg and a midfoot striker. For me, 2-4mm extra foam under the forefoot would have made this shoe perfect.
James Sieber recommends the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro Running Shoe - Men's — La Sportiva has not traditionally worked for my feet, being too "euro" in their last. The Prodigio Pro was a very welcome change to this. A great midfoot hold, combined with a slightly wider, deeper toe box, means this shoe can fit a variety of people very well. The upper weave is very robust and secure, showing no issues on cambered trails, which can cause the foot to slip and move around. The foam is responsive and fun, but can feel a bit too soft for some on more technical terrain. One of my runners found that, during a 100-mile event, their lower leg swelled slightly (common) and the ankle collar put a lot of pressure on their Achilles, leading to problems. This has been the only complaint from a fit/upper perspective of the 15+ people I have recommended this shoe to.

James Sieber

Be courageous today, so you can be proud tomorrow.

James Sieber

Running & Strength Coach || Peak Pursuits Podcast Host

James Sieber

Be courageous today, so you can be proud tomorrow.

James Sieber

Running & Strength Coach || Peak Pursuits Podcast Host

James, photo 1 of 1

About James

As a coach, I work closely with every athlete to dial in their training, mindset, nutrition, gear, and any element that contributes to their enjoyment of training and confidence on any start line. I work with runners from 5k to 200mile+ and the whole spectrum from runners chasing cut-offs to National team representatives. I'm a running coach, specialising in both road & trail, including running strength. 10+ years coaching across multiple sports. Host on the Peak Pursuits Podcast, Australia's number 1 trail running podcast. Collaborator with Run specialty clinics. All this to say, I get to see what works and what doesn't for a wide variety of runners, and I see clear trends and products that people genuinely love. Products that last, help people feel comfortable and confident on the trail, and do what they say they will do. I also get the chance to test a lot of products, but I have no affiliation with any brand. From a product testing perspective: I'm 6'1", ~90kg, US13, wear a Medium short and L top, and run mostly mid-foot with mid-170 cadence for easy runs.

Details

DisciplineRunning, Runners Strength

SpecialityTrail Running, Road Running, Strength Training, Running Gear

LocationVictoria, Australia

JoinedApr 2026

Highlights

01Professional Running & Strength Coach

Naked - Original Running Band

Naked · $57Naked - Original Running Band

“I've been using the same Naked belt for 5 years (I probably do need to change it). Of all the belts I have tested, this one stands out for comfort, capacity, and durability, considering the cost. You'll often see athletes fit full mandatory gear for fair weather trail 50km's, highlighting how well it can hold a lot of gear. Sizing can be a bit iffy - from memory, I went down two sizes from what the chart told me, to get a more secure fit.”

Mens Puma Deviate NITRO Elite 4

Puma · $330Mens Puma Deviate NITRO Elite 4

“Being a US13, shoes often get heavy, quickly. These are so light; they keep making me go "whoa!". The upper is a normal fit, with a good lockdown, with well-placed overlays and the saw-tooth laces. The foam/plate combo is very lively wihtout being mushy. They feel stable for a super shoe, and work well even when you fatigue and land more rear-foot/not your fresh foot strike location. They are not as compliant (soft) as some super foams, but if you are a bigger runner like me, or land hard on the shoes, these will be a great option.”

Men's Sendero Short

Terignota · $42Men's Sendero Short

“Now I've found Terrignota shorts, I would be hard pushed to wear anything else - and this is the same feedback I've received from my athletes who have tried them. The built-in belt holds my iPhone, keys, 500ml flask + 300ml flask, dog collar, and 2 x 90g gels easily. Note, though, I have cut the attachment stitching on the front pocket so the flask can drop in more easily (so far, this hasn't had any negative consequences). The material is light and airy, and the black looks very smart with the white logo. I was a little concerned with the inseam length, but I have had no issues with chaffing. Especially for the cost, this is the best pair of running shorts I have owned by far.”

SENSE PRO 6 SET

Salomon · $210SENSE PRO 6 SET

“When it comes to running vests, for me and a lot of my atheltes, the Salomon ones are the class leader. A mix of material type, fit, and layout makes this vest a great option to fit all your gear for most races up to 50km, even 100km, depending on the mandatory gear.”

Heart Rate Monitor

COROS · $89Heart Rate Monitor

“This arm band changed the Heart Rate game for me. Chest straps never worked, I felt constircted and chaffed. When Coros brought this band out, it allowed me to trust and use HR data again. The data seems very accurate, only with a small delay (meaning it's not reliable for very short efforts or immediate feedback starting an effort). This is the go-to option for people I coach. Only issues have been with tattoos, and they tend to last ~24 months.”

Erniold MELBOURNE Trail Tee

Erniold Running · $92Erniold MELBOURNE Trail Tee

“This tee came in for testing with the podcast, and I felt immediately taken back by how soft the material was. Running in it, and it's one of the most comfortable tops I've worn. Once it gets really sweaty, it does stick a bit to you, but it stays light and airy. The fit is boxy, so if you aren't a fan of that fit, I'd steer clear. But since putting this on, I want to use it for every run.”

Midweight Mid Crew Toe Socks

relefootwear · $22Midweight Mid Crew Toe Socks

“Rele are the next level of toe socks. Having used other brands toe socks, I found that they wore through quickly. I must be harsh on the socks, as brands like injinji only lasted me 6-10 uses. Rele, however, don't have this issue and their durability is amazing. The XL size fits my US13 feet perfectly, and the all black with white lettering is sleek. If you have issues with other toe socks not lasting, or like the idea of not getting toe blisters (I've never had them in Rele's, despite being a very heavy sweater), try these out.”

PF 90 Gel

Precision Hydration · $20PF 90 Gel

“I've been fuelling with Precision 90g gels for multiple years now, as have a lot of my athletes. The texture goes down easily, the taste is neutrally sweet (there are much sweeter options), and the 90g screw cap packaging makes this product a game-changer for so many athletes. My only negatvie, and I've heard this as feedback too, is that they can be a bit addictive and it's easy to over fuel!”

The Big 40 Gel - Caffeine

Bix Hydration · $3The Big 40 Gel - Caffeine

“Bix was one of the first to add electrolytes into their gels. I find this works really well for people with high or low sodium concentrations, as it either makes it easy to accumulate the total amount needed or the 200mg in each gel, especially taking two gels per hour, can be sufficient for a lot of people, allowing you to just drink water. The 40g packet size makes 80g/hour very achievable, and I have many athletes who find 70-85g/hour to be their sweet spot. But the main thing for this variety is that the 75mg caffeine goes down a treat. You do get the standard caffeine bitterness, which some people taste more than others, but the consistency and ease of consumption are plus the potency of the caffeine makes this gel a very fun ride”

Mount to Coast · $279H1

“A road-to-trail option that is light, responsive, and feels fun underfoot, on both road and trails. The two-zone lacing system is different, but I do like how the upper holds the foot. The lugs and rubber compound are smooth on the roads whilst providing ample traction on trails. It is not made for rocky or technical trails, as I find the rocks penetrate the foam and impact on the underside of the foot - for context, I am roughly 90kg and a midfoot striker. For me, 2-4mm extra foam under the forefoot would have made this shoe perfect.”

Prodigio Pro Running Shoe - Men's

La Sportiva · $225Prodigio Pro Running Shoe - Men's

“La Sportiva has not traditionally worked for my feet, being too "euro" in their last. The Prodigio Pro was a very welcome change to this. A great midfoot hold, combined with a slightly wider, deeper toe box, means this shoe can fit a variety of people very well. The upper weave is very robust and secure, showing no issues on cambered trails, which can cause the foot to slip and move around. The foam is responsive and fun, but can feel a bit too soft for some on more technical terrain. One of my runners found that, during a 100-mile event, their lower leg swelled slightly (common) and the ankle collar put a lot of pressure on their Achilles, leading to problems. This has been the only complaint from a fit/upper perspective of the 15+ people I have recommended this shoe to.”