GL:PDX

Altra Timp has been my go-to shoe for a few years. Recently switched to the Speedland GL:PDX and really like it.

Speedland: GS: TMT for long trail runs (50 miles) Speedland: GL: PDX, medium distance trail runs (150 miles, 2nd pair) Lone Peak 8s: Daily runner, mixed road & trail (225 miles, probably owned like 30+ LPs) I need to add a dedicated road shoe for days that I don't make it to one of the local parks. Speedlands are a bit pricey but I've really been enjoying them so far. I rarely ever changed the tension on my laces midrun with traditional laces but being able to quickly tighten them up for technical downhills or loosen them for climbs has been nice. I got on the Lone Peak band wagon around version 3 and have always been happy enough with them although I generally get some pain in the sole of my foot if going 20+ miles in them.

Can confirm, GL PDX with some minor adjustments is an amazing shoe!

I added spikes... 3 on the forefoot and 2 all the way back... it's wet af and technical on the trails where I live so I need all the traction I can get 😎

yerp, I second...er, third that! It took about a month for my feet to get used to the minimal drop and I also added some strategically placed spikes to help with traction on the wet rocks and roots. The upper is super tough and they drain and dry quickly but I wouldn't race anything more than a 20k in them because they lack the cushion but I have ordered a pair of GS for the longer routes. I also appreciate the fast and helpful responses from customer service 💯

When I "technical trail" I winder what people mean because where I am at we have some black diamond shit. Wet, mossy rocks, mud, roots, more rocks and scree... we have everything except dry trails for 300+ days a year to put it into perspective. With that said I run in the following, ranked from most used to least... 1. Speedland GS GAR with some spikes added (3 on toe area and two all the way at the back) for a liiiitle extra grip on wet roots or rocks. I love these shoes for the wet, long run days. I leave the carbon plate out of these. 2. Speedland GL PDX: tempo/threshhold/ 5k, 10k even 20k but no more than that. Deeper lugs also helps when it gets really sloppy and also same spike arrangement added and I like the carbon plate in these. 3. VJ Ultra 3: Not the super deep lugs like the Inov8 shoes but amazing rubber and a really good wide toebox fit... at least by my standards. Hoka Tecton/x 3: On the dry days where the trails have had a couple days prior to really get things dry. I really love these shoes but they just don't have the traction for trails as technical as these. Hoka Zinal 2: For the short up's / hill races, hill sprints, etc. added a Sper Feet sole to these to add a little stiffness and protection. That's my quiver and my recommendations :) at least for trails...

I ran the entire thing in Speedlands last year. Didn’t change shoes, just socks twice.

The removable carbon plate really makes it feel like running in two pairs of shoes. I’d remove them on long-flat surfaces, dial up my boas and be back on the road in :40

Since you’re willing to spend some money, you should look into Speedland. Superior durability.

Oh yeah, bummer. Get a stateside friend to send some!

I haven’t run in M2C but they look interesting. That said, I’m a little bit hooked on the Boa system. It’s just so nice to be able to do minor adjustments both ways easily. I’ve never had a trail shoe just refuse to let my toes bang against the front on technical/steep descents like Speedlands do, thanks to the Boa lock in. I have just under 600 miles on mine with no sign of wear. Also, the road shoes are the best I’ve ever worn.

Speedlands are great

I invested some extra money into Speedlands. I’m very happy with them so far- it took me many pairs of HOKAS to pull the plug

Speedland, all day every day.

Speedland. They’re expensive but they last for a long long time.