Article and Video by Sam Winebaum
Speedland SL:PDX ($375)
At $375 the SL:PDX is the most expensive and most innovative and adaptable tech laden shoe I have ever tested.
Stats
Production Weight: 10.3-10.5 oz / 292-298g US9
Sample Weight: men's 10.76 / 305g US9 (subtract 0.4 oz or 11g by cutting lugs to 3.5mm).
Weight of Carbitex carbon plate: 13g / 0.46 oz
Approx. weight US9 with lugs shaved to 3mm without plate: 9.9 oz / 281g
Stack Height: 28/23, 5mm drop
6mm lugs
In advance of our upcoming full review I have prepared the video below as its many features focused on adaptability in motion of the ride, fit, and outsole are best shown in motion!
The key features and technologies include:
Dual BOA closure with quick micro adjustments (loosen/tighten) adapting to foot shapes, for swellin and of course for trail conditions.
Dyneema (15x stronger than steel by weight and highly abrasion resistant) fibers in the upper and Dyneema thread stitched on upper to outsole (easily disassembled for recycling)
Michelin outsole which can be left at 6mm lugs or trimmed to 3mm.
All of this is best shown in motion in a "live" demo and thus the video!
Watch the Speedland SL:PDX Demo and Tech Overview (8:13)
Our multi tester review with testing from New Hampshire, Colorado, NorCal, and Utah will be up soon. Is this first model perfect, no and that includes the spare no expense for materials and adaptability pricing of $375 but it is one heck of an initial innovative new entry.
EUROPE Men's & Women's SHOP HERE
AUSTRALIA Men's & Women's SHOP HERE
AMAZON Men's & Women's SHOP HERE
6 comments:
I am absolutely here for a new shoe company doing exciting things, and while I love some of these ideas in principle... I'm not so much interested in the current package as it stands.
But! If they were to offer a 120-160 modular design with a regular lacing system, a wide toebox, and something close to a zero-drop I'd be all about it. Modular designs have the potential to reduce environmental waste and increase use states, and I'm all about that idea in theory.
Do the pieces justify the price? Not sure about a modular shoe. It seems unnecessary and cumbersome for the majority of runners out there. I'm curious of the amount of money they could save if everything was just integrated in the construction of the shoe (replace carbon plate w/plastic rock guard). Shoes I'd like to see comparisons with: Scott Supertrac RC2, Saucony Peregrine, Salomon Pulsar/Sense Pro 4/Slab Ultra 3, Brooks Catamount/Cascadia 16, Hoka Torrent/Zinal/Evo Speedgoat, VJ Ultra, Topo Mtn Racer 2, upcoming Adidas Terrex Agravic Ultra (w/carbon plate). Thanks much Sam and the RTR crew!
I hear you but in no way cumbersome that’s for sure. Complex yes but highly adaptable fit, ride, and outsole.
Sam, Editor
I'd be interested to know if the Base V2 has added any further rocker geometry to the sole. I like the V1 but think it has two flaws: 1) no heel counter, and 2) a flat sole geometry. The missing heel counter is not a deal breaker, but an inconvenience to us who pronate a bit (limits useful shoe life). But the lack of a rocker geometry is really noticeable coming from daily drivers HOKA Rincon and Mach 4, and the Saucony Endorphin Speed. The Base V1 was always pleasant to begin a run with the light weight and good foam, but it was a rather hard slog to run in, particularly a bit faster, as the turnover was much more difficult.
HI Anonymous,
It looks like your comment is referring to the Atreyu Base V2? Yes there is no rocker here but the shoe is flexible which is the other main approach and I find smooth. The heel and for that matter midfoot hold is clearly improved by the thin overlays around the heel and to mid foot plus a similar underlay around the rear. I find that poor heel hold can lead to over pronation and here while no counter the approach is very decent understanding also this is a 6 oz shoe,
Sam, Editor
From a distance it looks like your are wearing Crocs!
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