Article by Jeff Valliere and Renee Krusemark
Ronhill Freedom Ultra ($150)
Pros
Jeff: Light, responsive, secure, durable, comfort, traction, unique look/style
Renee: Comfortable, secure Kevlar reinforced upper
Nimble landing with ground feel:
Cons
Jeff: The knit collar could be more snug around the ankle.
Renee: Firm, bordering on hard midsole
Introduction
Jeff: The Freedom Ultra is a high performance trail racing/training shoe that is designed for fast running over most distances, from shorter daily runs up to long distance ultras. It features a Matryx EVO upper with a knitted tongue/collar, Michelin super critical midsole and OC1 Michelin outsole.
While I enjoyed reviewing the Ron Hill Reverence last year and really appreciate the quality, protection, traction and rugged durability, I found them to be a bit on the heavy side and more geared towards hiking in rugged terrain where traction, security and protection are paramount.The Freedom Ultra however is QUITE a different shoe and a significant leap forward in performance. They are 2 ounces / 56g lighter in a US9 than the Reverance, more responsive and softer underfoot and more friendly to run in.
Who was Ron Hill? I had never heard the name or of the brand before reviewing the Reverence last Spring. The description sent to us below sums it up best. I will also note that Ron Hill holds the world record run streak of 19,032 days!
‘Dr Ron Hill MBE founded the brand in September 1970, five months after becoming the first Briton to win the Boston Marathon in a record time of 2:10:30. His sole purpose: to produce kit that kept him winning.
Dr Ron gained a PhD in Textile Chemistry, from the University of Manchester and through
alchemy and his art as a runner, began to rethink the fly-by-night running kit of the time. After winning the Commonwealth Games in 1970 he developed the ‘side-split short’ which famously become the Freedom Short and the Mesh Vest - both having accompanied him to his greatest victories on the road.
Half a century ago, Dr Ron’s innovations transformed the world of running clothing. We want to continue this journey with running footwear, allowing runners to run every day in comfort and invest in a product that truly performs how they require it to.”
Stats
Approx. Weight: men's 9.25 oz / 262g
Sample Weights:
men’s 9.75oz / 279g US 10
women’s 8.29 oz / 235g (US8)
Stack Height: men’s 30mm heel / 25mm forefoot (5mm drop)
Platform Width: 88mm heel / 70mm midfoot / 110mm forefoot
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Jeff: The upper is made of Matryx EVO that is lightweight, flexible, supportive and feels exceptionally durable. Breathability is what I would describe as moderate, as the Matryx is a tight weave, which is great for keeping out trail dust and light moisture, but less than ideal for full on airyness. That said, I have run in temps in the 80’s and never once thought of my feet feeling warm.
Security is excellent as the Matryx EVO material strikes an amazing balance between flexible comfort and great foothold. It is zonal Jacquard knit, has Kevlar fibers at the mid and forefoot and uses recycled yarns with dying using 90% less water than conventional methods.
No matter how uneven the terrain, steep, off camber and going fast, the Freedom Ultra is secure, stable and confidence inspiring.
The toe bumper is sturdy and protective.
The knit collar rises above the heel counter and has a mini gaiter like look to it, but unfortunately it does not snug up well around my ankle. I have a thin ankle, but despite that, other shoes are able to snug well around my ankle, exampes include: Hoka Zinal 2, La Sportiva Prodigio Pro, Tecton X, Arc Teryx Vertex Speed etc.. If you have a thicker ankle though, you may never notice this.
The gap around my ankle can be seen in the above photo. I would say if anything, it allows trail debris to funnel in.
The “tongue” is full wrap booty style and integrates with the collar. You can see above where the Matryx EVO upper wraps over the booty
The “tongue” itself is moderately padded and provides good protection from the laces.
The lacing is one and done with a very snug feel with semi stretch ridged laces, providing very good midfoot security and are comfortable over the foot.
The heel counter is semi flexible and somewhat minimal, but secure, stable and well padded on the inside.
Fit is true to size in my US 10, with a secure heel, midfoot and a forefoot that is roomy, yet secure.
Renee: I had a good first impression of the Freedom Ultra’s overall look. The toe box shape and upper fit reminded me of other well-liked trail shoes, including the Norda 001 and Inov-8 Trailfly G70 v2.
The heel counter and collar have a faux-looking gaiter. The upper collar is a knit, one-piece construction with a built-in tongue. On foot, the one-piece collar looks too big on my ankle, but the inside is lined with padding so the fit is more secure than it looks.
The one-piece doesn’t work as a gaiter for me but it does have good security and comfort around the heel. The toe box is rounded just enough to give space for my small toes without too much length. For size comparisons, the toebox reminded me of the Inov-8 Trailfly G270 and Norda 001. The rubber overlay provides all around protection without cutting down space and volume.
The good qualities of the upper continue with the Matryx EVO construction, with jacquard mesh and Kevlar reinforced mid and forefoot sections. The notched laces stay secure. In sum, the upper is premium, secure, and performs well. Sizing is true to size. I’m between half sizes and wore my usual 8 instead of 7.5, which is the same size I have in the shoes listed in the comparisons at the end of this article.
Midsole & Platform
Jeff: The Michelin supplied supercritical foam midsole strikes a fine balance between comfort/cushion, performance and protection underfoot. The foam (47 Shore C hardness) feels firm and supportive to the touch when pressing my thumb and is supportive and stable on the run, while simultaneously feeling very well cushioned and plush.
They have a light and quick feel to them, responsive, stable, predictable and forgiving underfoot. They are really fast on the uphills, down hills and flats, be it buffed out singletrack or technical terrain. I think the midsole/stack is suitable for ultra distances, maybe up to 100k for most, but I think fast runs up to mid distances is the sweet spot for this shoe.
Renee: The stack is listed at 30/25mm and features a super-critical Michelin midsole.
The shoe’s intended purpose is for medium to ultra distances. While the stack itself might be enough for an ultra for some runners, the midsole feels too firm for me especially in a mix of runnable terrain. I never felt there was the “super critical” feel of rebound to the midsole. And at hardness of 47C that is not surprising as many trail midsoles are in the lower 40's.
While nimble and quick on rough terrain, the shoe lacks forgiveness. The race specific rocker geometry is great for those landing mid to forefoot or even if landing on the heel when the rocker helps to roll forward with stability.
The midfoot flex is great and the shoe works well for a quick landing while dodging debris, roots, rocks, etc. On open terrain, the shoe can be fast, but the shoe needs a softer or more forgiving midsole for an ultra. Even at shorter distances, other shoes provide a faster, lighter ride.
Outsole
Jeff: The Michelin OC1 outsole features multi directional (butterfly shaped) 4mm lugs. The rubber is sticky and durable, but has a slightly more dense feel (to the touch and underfoot) than Vibram Megagrip Litebase for example. Grip is excellent on most terrain, be it wet or dry, on slabby rock, loose technical trails, snow and loose off trail (though they could still use a bit more lug depth if loose terrain is the focus). That said, overall traction is excellent and the lower profile lugs are great for fast running on moderate terrain.
Renee: The Michelin outsole features 4mm lugs with small chevron shaped lugs in the center and rectangular and square lugs lining the outer edge.
Three “flex grooves” are placed under the forefoot and two under the heel. Along with the rockered geometry this helps with nimbleness, especially considering the firm midsole. Many trail shoes now have exposed midsole exposed to save weight and provide flex underfoot. An advantage here is the complete coverage. The rubber is grippy and each chevron is notched, for more give on hard landings and for increasing grip.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Jeff: The ride of the Freedom Ultra is very smooth, fast and dynamic, with a light and lively feel, nimble and agile. The overall feel of the shoe is exceptionally comfortable, from the very supportive and well cushioned midsole, to the exceptionally comfortable and secure upper and smooth riding outsole.
While I rate ventilation as moderate, I am not concerned as we go into summer and appreciate the performance of the Matryx upper overall.
My only complaint with the shoe is the knit collar, as I wish it was a bit more dialed in, with a more snug elasticized close fit to keep out debris. Hopefully they can fix this for the next version, but it is not a deal breaker by any means.
I think the Freedom Ultra can easily pull double duty as a fast, fun everyday trainer, or a race shoe up to 100k for many.
Jeff’s Score: 9.5/10
Ride: 9.5% Fit: 9.5% Value: 9.5% Style: 8.5% Traction: 9.5% Rock Protection: 9.5%
😊😊😊😊😊
Renee: The Freedom Ultra has a premium upper, grippy outsole, and secure fit. The ground feel and nimbleness is great and the “race specific” geometry is flexible. That said, the midsole is firm and lacks the reactive performance and forgiveness one would expect from a super critical midsole, especially so in an ultra shoe. I’d recommend the shoe for short to mid distances on terrain needing a nimble ride (uneven, switchbacks, descents/ascents).
For runnable terrain and long distances, the midsole lacks performance and comfort. My longest run was only 9 miles and it was fun and fast, but I had fresh legs and the firm midsole wasn’t an issue at that short distance. The shoe would be amazing with a bit more stack and forgiveness underfoot. The shoe is not heavy, but in comparison to other race options, it could be slightly lighter. I am curious if the midsole softens after 40 miles or so for heavier runners than me.
Renee’s Score: 8.9/10
Ride 8/10, Fit 10/10, Value 7/10, Style 10/10, Traction 9.5/10
10 Comparisons
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Saucony Peregrine 15 (RTR Review)
Renee: For a versatile, well-priced trail shoe, the Peregrine is one of the best. Sizing is similar. The Freedom Ultra has better ground feel with the potential to be a bit more nimble. The Peregrine has more comfort for distances with a more forgiving midsole.
Norda 001 (RTR Review)
Renee: The 005 might be a better comparison, but I don’t have it. The toe box shape and fit/sizing of the 001 is similar to the Freedom Ultra. The 001 has more midsole underfoot while also giving a more forgiving ride. For ground feel, the Freedom Ultra has the advantage but at the downside of being too firm.
Brooks Catamount v3 and v4 (RTR Review)
Renee: The Freedom Ultra is more like v3 of the Catamount than v4. Both the Cat v3 and the Freedom Ultra have good ground feel with a firm midsole. The Cat v3 is more comfortable underfoot as I find the Freedom Ultra midsole to be hard and unforgiving. Sizing is similar.
Inov-8 Trailfly G270 v2 (RTR Review)
Renee: The zero drop G270 v2 might not be for everyone, so the Freedom Ultra’s advantage is the drop. The midsole of the G270 has more forgivingness without losing its ground feel. Sizing is similar.
The North Face Summit Vectiv Sky 2 (RTR Review)
Renee: In terms of underfoot stack, these shoes feel similar. Both have a firm midsole, but the Sky 2’s plate gives it an edge in helping propel the stride. In contrast, the Freedom Ultra feels too firm on runnable terrain. If the Sky 2 had no plate and a firmer midsole, it’d be the Freedom Ultra. Sizing is similar.
La Sportiva Prodigio Pro (RTR Review)
Jeff: Very close in weight, the Prodigio Pro has more stack, a more bouncy and even more energetic midsole that offers a bit more substance underfoot for long distances. The Prodigio Pro also has better traction and a superior knit collar that more effectively keeps out trail debris. The Freedom Ultra however costs $45 less and is still an amazing shoe if traction is less of a concern.
NNormal Kjerag Brut (RTR Review)
Jeff: The Brut is notably lighter, but has a similar feeling and responsive midsole. The Brut has a little less stack height and cushion and that is noticed, but its very deep lugs help build that back up a bit. The deep lugs of the Brut provide overall better traction, particularly on loose terrain, but I would pick the Freedom Ultra for longer distances, whereas the Brut excels at shorter, faster, more technical courses.
VJ Maxx 2 (RTR Review)
Jeff: Close in stack, the Maxx2 is a bit lighter and I find to overall be a bit of a quicker, more responsive shoe as it also includes a plastic plate. It has superior foothold and traction, making it even more adept and competent when running top speed in technical terrain, whereas the Freedom Ultra is a bit softer, more comfortable and overall friendlier for longer distances over more moderate terrain.
Hoka Zinal 2 (RTR Review)
Jeff: Close in stack, the Zinal 2 is over 2 ounces lighter, which is noticed when putting in fast efforts and especially uphill. The Freedom Ultra however has slightly better overall traction and also feels softer and better cushioned for longer distances. The Zinal knit collar is much more effective at keeping out trail debris.
Norda 005 (RTR Review)
Jeff: The 005 is one of the lightest, fastest, most dynamic shoes out there. It is particularly well cushioned and protective for the weight, but it is notably pricey (more than twice the cost of the Freedom Ultra) and its traction is inferior. I guess it depends on budget and intent. If you are looking for the fastest and lightest shoe (-1.2 oz /34g lighter than the Freedom) and have the budget, then 005, but if you are OK with the added but still very respectable weight and want to save over half (plus need better traction), then the Freedom Ultra is the way to go.
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Tester Profile
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.
Renee is a former U.S.Marine journalist, which is when her enjoyment of running and writing started. She isn’t that awesome of a runner, but she tries really hard. Most of her weekly 50-60 miles take place on rural country roads in Nebraska, meaning mud, gravel, dirt, hills, and the occasional field. She has PR’s of 1:30:59 for the half marathon and 3:26:45 for the maratho
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'.
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Following
ReplyDeleteHow do they compare to the Tomir 2.0? Awesome price point @ $150 for the Ronhill Ultra's!
ReplyDeleteThe Tomir 2.0, despite just 1 more mm in the heel and 2 less in the forefoot, feel a bit beefier and substantial underfoot and is overall a larger shoe, not quite as quick, agile and nimble as the Freedom Ultra. The Tomir I think a better choice for more technical terrain with overall better traction and protection, but the Freedom Ultra is a fine choice as well.
ReplyDelete