Still not the same though really - other brands overtook them in the meantime with better outsoles and the new mudclaws are made at the new factory. Build quality much worse
Because the whole GRVL-concept is basically a solution to a problem that doesnt really exist. Every roadshoe with a tiny bit of rubber outsole is going to be perfectly fine for running on gravel'y stuff. You dont need a specialized shoe for that.
It isnt exactly rocket science to be able to understand that a shoe with 8mm lugs (Mudclaw) aint the best choice for harder surfaces.
I feel the 'new' range is just uninspiring and feels old fashioned. I tried the Trailfly Speed which was heavy with a dull foam. Standard Trailfly was heavier with more dull foam! They just aren't competitive with other shoes out there. La Sportiva Prodigio shows how a modern all round trail shoe should be (and it's been a massive success).
It's a shameas they used to be one of my favourite shoe brands, I went through 4 pairs of the G270's loved that shoe. Numerous Roclite, Mudclaw, X-Talon. I just don't consider them as an option any more.
I live in the Lake District and not many of my friends wear them either any more. Mudclaws used to be the go to. See a lot of VJ, Terrex, Nnormal, La Sportiva and Hoka now.
Altra MT King or Inov8 mudclaw. Big cleats and fast draining are what you want. Wool based socks like Hilly merino work fine when your feet are soaked. If you have the right footwear just go route one through the middle of everything with a big smile 😃
The Saucony GRVL line are formidable shoes and they are made for exactly what the name says: gravel roads. I am happy when brands give clear names to their products and until now, there is no distinction between hard trail shoes like an Inov8 mudclaw or a light one like a Hoka Challenger, which are 2 completely different shoes. I really don't understand the animosity towards the term.
Top Trail Running Shoes on Reddit
1
Mount to Coast
H1
85% positive of 177 users
Versatile road-to-trail, but struggles on wet, technical downhills.
fattyfoggon
