tempeh_tantrum
Newbie
Hey everyone,
I'm looking for a durable and reasonably light weight medium-stack shoe that works well for every day runs, long runs, and ultras on a variety of surfaces from smooth single track to extended sharp rocky stuff like in the Sierras. For shoe stats, I'd like weight to be within 9.3 ounces for a mens 8. I typically run 40-70 miles per week, split between road and trail, and my pre-pandemic "main" races were 100 mile trail ultramarathons. I ran my previous ultras in Altra Lone Peaks and Hoka Speedgoats so I'm all over the place in some ways.
I've been running in the Salomon Sense Ride 2 for months and have approximately 175 miles on the Salomon Sense 4 Pro. I like the fit and ride of the Sense Ride 2, but want more upper security for running downhill to lock my feet in and more underfoot protection for 20+ mile long runs over extended sections of rocks and such. Additionally, the Sense Ride 2 is increasingly hard to find as it's discontinued, but I do have 3 new pairs to play with in the meantime. The Sense 4 Pro is a delight to run in, and I used it for a 40+ mile run over some extended rocky sections above tree line some months ago. However I wanted a little more cushion than what the Sense 4 Pro has right now. I don't think I could do a 100 miler in the Sense Ride 2, and I think the Sense 4 Pro could work, but they (and my feet) would be pushed pretty hard.
I've looked at the Arc'Teryx Norvan LD2 and Merrell Long Sky, however there aren't many long term reviews out there. The reviews I've read for it are usually within 50-60 miles of use and experiences of underfoot protection and cushioning seem to vary. For example, some reviews have described the Long Sky's cushioning as soft, others describe it as firm. The LD2 is frequently described as responsive and fast, but also for all-day stuff, which I think is sometimes conflicting.
I understand that high stack shoes like the Speedgoat, Slab Ultra series, etc are made with 100 milers in mind, but I prefer medium-ish shoes that are a little lighter to help with turnover later in the race.
If you've run in these shoes, or other shoes in the same "medium stack generalist" category, I'd like to hear your thoughts and experiences. Thanks.
I'm looking for a durable and reasonably light weight medium-stack shoe that works well for every day runs, long runs, and ultras on a variety of surfaces from smooth single track to extended sharp rocky stuff like in the Sierras. For shoe stats, I'd like weight to be within 9.3 ounces for a mens 8. I typically run 40-70 miles per week, split between road and trail, and my pre-pandemic "main" races were 100 mile trail ultramarathons. I ran my previous ultras in Altra Lone Peaks and Hoka Speedgoats so I'm all over the place in some ways.
I've been running in the Salomon Sense Ride 2 for months and have approximately 175 miles on the Salomon Sense 4 Pro. I like the fit and ride of the Sense Ride 2, but want more upper security for running downhill to lock my feet in and more underfoot protection for 20+ mile long runs over extended sections of rocks and such. Additionally, the Sense Ride 2 is increasingly hard to find as it's discontinued, but I do have 3 new pairs to play with in the meantime. The Sense 4 Pro is a delight to run in, and I used it for a 40+ mile run over some extended rocky sections above tree line some months ago. However I wanted a little more cushion than what the Sense 4 Pro has right now. I don't think I could do a 100 miler in the Sense Ride 2, and I think the Sense 4 Pro could work, but they (and my feet) would be pushed pretty hard.
I've looked at the Arc'Teryx Norvan LD2 and Merrell Long Sky, however there aren't many long term reviews out there. The reviews I've read for it are usually within 50-60 miles of use and experiences of underfoot protection and cushioning seem to vary. For example, some reviews have described the Long Sky's cushioning as soft, others describe it as firm. The LD2 is frequently described as responsive and fast, but also for all-day stuff, which I think is sometimes conflicting.
I understand that high stack shoes like the Speedgoat, Slab Ultra series, etc are made with 100 milers in mind, but I prefer medium-ish shoes that are a little lighter to help with turnover later in the race.
If you've run in these shoes, or other shoes in the same "medium stack generalist" category, I'd like to hear your thoughts and experiences. Thanks.