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| Montrail FluidFlex ST |
The special sauce in the FluidFlex ST is the midsole.
Showing posts with label Montrail. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Montrail. Show all posts
Monday, May 11, 2015
Review: Montrail FluidFlex ST-Stable, Supportive, Low Slung Trail Runner
The Montrail FluidFlex ST is a 9.4 oz/ 266 gram 22mm heel/18mm forefoot trail runner with a stable supportive ride. $95, so a very good value compared to many 2015 trail runners. Lightweight and agile, the overall package has a substantial seamless upper, great rock protection and an innovative variable density midsole, the Fluid Frame. While the shoe is called out for "over pronators" this resolutely neutral runner, who can't stand stability and support features in most shoes, found the firmer mid foot midsole foam just right for rougher trail stability and confidence. I sized up half a size and fit is perfect.
I have run up to 16 miles on easier smooth Utah trails, some roads, and rough, rooty, rocky NH trails. The FluidFlex ST handled all terrain with ease and comfort but one would say, if used as road trail hybrid, it would lean towards trail. While I have not run in the Fluid Flex the key difference between the 2 shoes is the FluidFrame midsole and its increased stability
Fluid Frame
The special sauce in the FluidFlex ST is the midsole.
The special sauce in the FluidFlex ST is the midsole.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Trail Shoe Roundup- Pre-Review First Runs: Montrail FluidFlex ST, adidas adizero XT Boost, adidas Adistar Raven Boost, LaSportiva Mutant, Hoka One One Challenger ATR
Update: full reviews now posted!
Montrail FluidFlex ST here
adidas Adizero XT Boost here
adidas Raven Boost here
La Sportiva Mutant here
Yesterday, I ran 16 miles on smoother trails at Antelope Island, UT in the Montrail FluidFlex ST, 9.2 oz/266 grams, a good value at $95 including from Running Warehouse here . Really enjoyed the stable ride due to the Fluid Foam which mixes different densities of the same material into a single midsole layer the Fluid Frame, the firm but decent cushioning, and a very supportive upper with decent toe room. A shoe with mild pronation support,and I usually cannot stand support or stability shoes, I did not notice the firmer mid sole mid foot and welcomed a bit of extra support there on the trail. Very flexible at one deep groove towards the mid foot. Front of that, towards the toes, less flexible, stiffer due to firmer EVA in the mold serving as a rock plate, a bit awkward feeling on moderate climbs but felt great on steeper climbs, downhills, and flats.
Update: full review of the Montrail FluidFlex ST here
Pardon my trail dust!
Did some shoe testing/comparing this morning on the indoor track. 40 easy minutes, 20 in the adidas adizero XT Boost, coming 8/1 and then 20 minutes in the LaSportiva Mutant. I like to get a feel for shoes on a consistent surface before taking them out on the roads and trails. Update: since I have raced in the adizero XT Boost and done 2 trail runs in the Mutant.
Montrail FluidFlex ST here
adidas Adizero XT Boost here
adidas Raven Boost here
La Sportiva Mutant here
Yesterday, I ran 16 miles on smoother trails at Antelope Island, UT in the Montrail FluidFlex ST, 9.2 oz/266 grams, a good value at $95 including from Running Warehouse here . Really enjoyed the stable ride due to the Fluid Foam which mixes different densities of the same material into a single midsole layer the Fluid Frame, the firm but decent cushioning, and a very supportive upper with decent toe room. A shoe with mild pronation support,and I usually cannot stand support or stability shoes, I did not notice the firmer mid sole mid foot and welcomed a bit of extra support there on the trail. Very flexible at one deep groove towards the mid foot. Front of that, towards the toes, less flexible, stiffer due to firmer EVA in the mold serving as a rock plate, a bit awkward feeling on moderate climbs but felt great on steeper climbs, downhills, and flats.
Update: full review of the Montrail FluidFlex ST here
Pardon my trail dust!
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| Montrail FluidFlex ST |
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| Montrail Fluid Flex ST |
Did some shoe testing/comparing this morning on the indoor track. 40 easy minutes, 20 in the adidas adizero XT Boost, coming 8/1 and then 20 minutes in the LaSportiva Mutant. I like to get a feel for shoes on a consistent surface before taking them out on the roads and trails. Update: since I have raced in the adizero XT Boost and done 2 trail runs in the Mutant.
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| LaSportiva Mutant (yellow left) adidas XT Boost (right) |
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