SL:PDX

I have the speedland sl:hsv and theyre aight. boa isnt a gimmick exactly, but i personally didn’t find it justified the cost. if you are set on trying it, the LaSpo cyklon has an integrated gaiter if you’re facing lots of snow

I tried the PDX and Tam 2 years ago and currently run in the MTC R1 (~100 miles) and T1 (~50 miles). I don't have them side by side though. The Speedlands were ok but nothing special, there were already other fast shoes like Nnormal Kerag and Salomon Pulsar series, and long run/ultra shoes like the Saucony Endorphin Edge that worked great for me at a fraction of the price and lighter to boot. I don't care for boa, they add to costs, bulk, maybe weight and for me would be a hardware solution for a minor problem having to do with attention to detail when just lacing up. R1 fits my feet well which is a major item for me, durability is good so far, and runs well enough. Will take time to compare to the Endorphin Speed 3s I enjoyed for a few years because I could get 900-1000+ miles/pair out of them and the current Endorphin Speed 4s are notably too narrow. T1 is what the Speedgoat or MTN Racer could be. Fits my wide feet well, good amount of bouncy cushioning that I don't feel like I'm fighting when picking up the pace, and solid traction.

I have the MTC R1, the Speedland Cocadona trail, and PDX’s.   R1 energy return feels great.  Price is right.  Got about 4-600 miles on the shoes and they’re fine except for the upper.  I realized my right big toe goes into enough flexion prior to footstrike that I’ve worn a hole in said upper.  This is not typical.  This is why the price is right.  That’s ok.  I can get it patched. There’s unusual wear on the right shoe outsole, lateral.  I’ve never seen wear like this on a shoe.  This tells me the outsole is very soft.  I’m trying to change my footstrike but I think we all know that’s a losing game. Could be from wearing them when I drive, but still unusual.  Heel lock is great.   Speedlands:  nailed the upper.  I’m very happy.  Wide footbed, plenty of space for the whole foot.   Boa system is well thought out.  I love it.  Heel lock non existent.  Shoe doesn’t feel as locked in as a result. If it had a heel lock I’d stop trying other models out. It’s definitely a shoe meant for going the distance compared to something locked in.  Get the plates.  Without them I’d describe the shoe as muted and stability focused.  The perception of extra pop makes them feel more active, closer to the Norda 001. I am curious about MTC’s trail shoes and Speedland’s road shoes.  However, given my experience with the MTC upper, I will likely put my money towards Speedland’s next road shoe.  If another shoe comes out that has extreme distances in mind, I’m in the market. EDIT:  typo and added some stuff.

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’.

Trail Rotation: Norda 01, La Sportivia Prodigio Pro, Mount to Coast T1 Treadmill: Mount to Coast R1 Tried & Didn’t Like: Arteryx Sylan Pro, Speedlands GTX

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…