Monday, February 03, 2025

Speedland GL:SVT Review: 6 Comaprisons

Article by Jeff Valliere

Speedland GL:SVT ($299)


Introduction:  


Jeff V:  The Speedland GL:SVT and its design details pay homage to Speedland athlete Avery Collins and the San Juan Mountains/Silverton, Colorado.  


The SVT is intended for more rugged mountain terrain and all distances, featuring a Perform Fit wrap with dual BOA Fit System Li2 dials, tight ripstop mesh upper with built in mesh gaiter, beaded HTPU external carrier midsole, with removable blended SCF (supercritical foam)  internal midsole, and Michelin Fiberlite outsole with 6.5mm lugs. It is Carbitex Gearplate compatible for an additional $35..  The precision fit, cushion, protection and traction make the SVT a great all mountain, any terrain versatile workhorse.

Pros and Cons 


Pros:  Comfort, cushion, traction, quality, durability, protection, stability, built in gaiter, upper with dual Li2 BOA


Cons: Weight, price, gaiter could be dialed in 


Stats

Spec Weight: US men's 9: 10.7oz / 303g

Sample: US men’s 10: 11.6oz (12.25 oz w/ Carbitex plate) / 332g (350g w/ Carbitex) 

Stack Height: men’s  33mm heel /  28mm forefoot (5mm drop spec) 

Platform Width: 90mm heel / 80mm midfoot / 115mm forefoot 

$299. SVT available at Speeedland HERE


First Impressions, Fit and Upper:  

Jeff V:  The GL:SVT is one of the latest commissions from Speedland. It is a  bit of a departure from the previous models that I have tested, the GS:TAM and the GS:PGH, which offer more cushioning and a more generous fit.  The SVT is a bit more trimmed down, more streamlined, agile and has a more precise fit with a more secure upper and deeper 6.5 mm lugs.  


Like other Speedland models, the upper features dual BOA Fit System Li2 dials with Perform Fit wrap integrating for a very soft yet comfortably secure fit.

The Li2 BOA dials are dual direction, meaning that you can rotate in either direction to make micro adjustments to tighten or loosen as desired without having to fully release the dial and start over.  I really appreciate having the Li2 dials, as it makes adjustments super quick and easy on the go, which is handy on any run to accommodate for foot swell, terrain or preference.

The upper material is rugged and durable, as it is a ripstop mesh, yet it  is simultaneously thin and flexible.  The toe bumper is also somewhat on the thin side and as it is coating is more for durability and abrasion resistance than actual protection.  This has not been an issue for me for my day to day trail running on technical trails and off trail, but could possibly be a weakness in steep scree and talus.  


Another note is that if you are using Microspikes/EXOspikes (or other forms of supplemental traction) on the SVT, the upper is thin enough that it can be a bit uncomfortable with traction devices on the shoe (specifically over the toe)..


With that, the upper is quite breathable and the material does a great job keeping out trail dust and debris.

Fit is generally true to size in my usual size 10, with a very adaptive fit, or, more specifically, with the dual BOAs, you can achieve a very snug and secure fit when needed, yet you can also quickly back off the tension for a more relaxed, comfortable fit.  


I find that I have a bit of extra room at the end of the toe box, which is not unusual for me (I measure 9.75 on the scale and always round up to 10).  If you are on the edge of sizing or prefer smaller for better control in tech terrain, you might consider sizing down a half size depending on your preference.  The SVT is slightly narrower  than the TAM and PGH and has the same platform/fit as the PDX (but with two dials instead of a single dial and velcro strap), SVT is better for my low volume, narrower foot and its fit is, for me< an advantage in technical terrain.  


The built in gaiter is great, but with my skinny ankle, there is a bit of a gap.  

Overall, I find it is helpful keeping out dirt and debris and if you have a slightly larger ankle than mine, you shouldn’t have a problem. The overall design of the shoe with no tongue makes the SVT feel slipper-like and quite comfortable.



The heel counter is semi flexible, with a minimal (but very adequate) amount of padding on the inside.


Midsole & Platform

The proprietary drop-in (removable) midsole is made of a  supercritical foam blend (probably EVA and PEBA) with the outer carrier ar 100% beaded HTPU compound. The midsole is light, soft and responsive in feel, very similar in looks and design to previous Speedland models with just slight variations in shape  with the midsole construction (and stack height)  identical to the simultaneously released GL:PDX.



Of course, like other Speedland shoes, the SVT is plate compatible. You can purchase the Carbitex Carbon plate for an additional $35

The plate is easy to add/remove, taking just seconds and is easy enough to do efficiently in the field if you so choose.  I find the SVT to be reasonably quick and responsive, but its weight of 11.6oz (12.25 oz with Carbitex plate) / 332g (350g with Carbitex plate)  is a factor if trying to run fast.  

I do not find the plate to be an advantage from a pure performance standpoint, but I do like using it for most of my runs, if only from a protection standpoint, as most of my runs are rocky and technical.  If I were running more moderate trails, softer surfaces, etc…, I would remove the plate.


Outsole

The Michelin Fiberlite outsole features deep and aggressive 6.5mm lugs that are sticky and offer superb traction over a wide range of surfaces and conditions. 


Like previous models, the lugs are cuttable. Personally, I could not imagine spending $300 on a shoe, to then reduce the overall life of the shoe by cutting the lugs and cannot visualize a scenario where I would want to cut them down  (unless I were a sponsored runner and were seriously trying to count grams).  Either way, the option is there (you can also snip a drainage hole).  


Overall, I find traction to be very good on a wide variety of terrain, be it steep and loose off trail, some snow and frozen snow, rocky slab, in the wet, hard packed dirt, a little mud, etc…  The deeper 6.5mm lugs do make a difference here, especially when loose, muddy or snowy.  Thus far, durability has proven to be very good.




Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations


Jeff V:  The ride of the SVT is smooth and dynamic and varies depending on whether you are including the plate or not.  With the plate, it is a bit stiffer (though not rigid or tippy), protective and better adapted for harsh terrain and with the added protection.  Without the plate, they feel lighter, more nimble, flexible with improved trail feel.  


The midsole is soft, yet stable and overall the SVT runs lighter than the weight might imply.  They are ideal for long runs over technical terrain, but are versatile enough for runs of any length and daily training on just about any terrain or surface.  Despite a few minor nitpicks, Speedland once again delivers a shoe that is of the highest quality, most technically advanced and innovative.  For my technical mountain daily running preferences, I find the SVT to be the best Speedland yet!

Jeff V’s Score:  9.6/10

Ride: 9.5, Fit 9.5, Value 9, Style 9.5, Traction 10, Rock Protection 10

😊😊😊😊😊



6 Comparisons


Speedland GL:PDX (RTR Review)

Jeff V:  The PDX is a bit lighter, only has one BOA dial plus velcro strap, whereas the SVT has two BOA dials and a built in gaiter.  Otherwise, they share the same platform/midsole/outsole.  I personally prefer the two dials over the dial strap combo as I think it provides a better, more modulated level of foothold and adjustability.  The PDX is still an amazing shoe and the $50 savings has a lot of appeal without significant sacrifice.


Speedland GS:PGH (RTR Review)

Jeff V: The PGH is actually a bit lighter, despite more stack and being an overall larger shoe, some of this likely from the deeper lugs on the SVT.  The PGH has a wider fit and platform and with the additional cushion, is better suited for longer distances on more moderate trails, where the SVT with deeper lugs, more secure fit and deeper lugs is better for more technical mountain running.


Hoka Tecton X 3 (RTR Review)

Jeff V:  The Tecton X3 is much lighter, faster and responsive, with a softer foam midsole and also has a gaiter that is light yet effective and that should be industry standard, or at least a gaiter that all shoe companies should do their best to replicate.  The Tecton X3 also has amazing traction as well.  I think the SVT however is more adept on more rugged, technical mountain terrain, where the Tecton is a pure race shoe for moderate to less technical courses.


Salomon Genesis (RTR Review)

Jeff V:  The Genesis is a few ounces lighter with its platform a bit  narrower in the midfoot and heel, though the same width at the  forefoot.  The Genesis is a faster running shoe, much of that attributed to the lighter weight, but the SVT is more protective (carbon plate), has a superior upper (BOA) and a more aggressive outsole with 6.5mm lugs (vs. 4.5).  The Genesis is exactly half the price (not factoring in the carbon plate).


Saucony Peregrine 15 (RTR Review)

Jeff V:  The Peregrine is lighter and quicker overall, with comparable traction, though the SVT’s Michelin rubber outsole has a more sticky compound that is advantageous in the wet or on slabby rock.  The SVT has more cushioning, so perhaps is better for longer distances, but the Peregrine is also very well cushioned and protective underfoot given its woven forefoot plate.  The SVT upper with dual BOA is superior with the ultimate easy adjustability.  The Peregrine at $140 is a great value.


Hoka Speedgoat 6 (RTR Review)

Jeff V:  The SG6 is lighter, has more cushion, is roughly half the price, has amazing traction and is so versatile, and thus is so popular for good reasons.  The SVT has deeper lugs and a superior upper which should be more accommodating for most, whereas the SG6’s is a bit tapered and might be bothersome to those with wider feet and especially over longer distances.


Index to all RTR reviews: HERE


Tester Profiles


Jeff Valliere loves to run and explore the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and more technical the better. He has summited all of the 14ers in the state, many 13ers and other peaks in Colorado and beyond, plus, he has summited his local Green Mountain over 2,100 times in the past 20 years.   He can be found on mountain trails daily, no matter the weather, season, conditions or whether there is daylight or not.  On the side he loves to ski (all forms) bike and hike, often with his family, as he introduces his twin daughters to the outdoors. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, but has called Colorado home for over 25 years. He is 5’9” and 145 lbs.


The SVT is available now at Speeedland HERE

Shopping at our partners is much appreciated and helps support RoadTrailRun

Samples were provided at no charge for review purposes. RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased via shopping links in this article. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.

RUNNING WAREHOUSE US
Men's & Women's SHOP HERE
FREE 2 Day Shipping EASY No Sweat Returns

EUROPE Men's & Women's SHOP HERE

Europe only: use RTR code RTR5ALL for 5% off all products, even sale products 


AUSTRALIA Men's & Women's SHOP HERE

REI 
Men's & Women's  SHOP HERE

AMAZON
Men's & Women's SHOP HERE

FLEET FEET
Men's & Women's SHOP HERE

BACKCOUNTRY
Men's & Women's  SHOP HERE

ROADRUNNERSPORTS
Men's and Women's SHOP HERE

TOP4RUNNING EUROPE
Men's & Women's SHOP HERE
Use RTR code RTRTOP4 for 5% off all products, even sale products

SPORTSSHOES.COM UK/EU
Use our code RTR235 for 5% off all products


MARATHON SPORTS BOSTON
Men's & Women's  SHOP HERE

RoadTrailRun Official Store Custom Fractel Caps and Bucket Hats
Cap:$35                                                            Bucket:$39
Free US Economy Shipping!
Limited Release! SHOP HERE

Please Like and Follow RoadTrailRun

Comments and Questions Welcome Below! Please let us know mileage, paces, race distances, and current preferred shoes
WATCH OUR YOUTUBE REVIEWS ON THE ROADTRAILRUN CHANNEL


Find all RoadTrailRun reviews at our index page HERE 
Google "roadtrailrun Shoe Name" and you can be quite sure to find just about any run shoe over the last 10 plus years

No comments: