GL:SVT

(I run for them, disclaimer) SpeedLand GL:SVT. I live near Banff in the Canadian Rockies and take them into the alpine 2-3x a week. Built in gaiter, great tread, carbon plate acts as a rock plate, boa system lacing. I’ve worn then with crampons and have done everything from 40 mile days to low grade soloing in them. Big fan.

Availability. Not much people wear shoes they can't try on. Im a big fan of the skechers performance line and I tell everyone about them but it makes it harder when its just word of mouth. I use speedlands on trails and even for me it was hard justifying buying something you may not like. I almost guarantee if you had shoes available at more running shops or retailers you'd be able to get more people into them. Plus most shops only recommend what they carry.

I was wary bc of the price at first also. After trying them I won't be going back though. Quality and customer support is top notch.

Expensive but speedlands are super light and cushioned

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

Topo are pretty durable and are in my summer rotation…once the snow and rain hit they’re dangerous though. Speedlands are awesome in the bad weather but they’re pretty expensive, I’ve only purchased one pair of GLs due to price. The new balance Hierro are pretty wide as well and super tacky. I don’t have a wide foot but do appreciate some wiggle room on longer runs and hikes so my rotation also has some nnormals (my preferred shoe) and Saucony…

1. Super shoe but Speedlands are pretty dang wide. 2. MTC are good. I’d give em a ‘B’ if Speedlands and Altras are an ‘A’.