Montrail Hardrock Trail Running Shoe - Men's

This is my second pair or Hardrocks and I love them. They are great for hiking especially with jagged or uneven rocks. My first pair felt a bit stiff but broke in quickly and lasted nearly a year with pretty heavy use. I wear the men's shoe because they run very small (a whole size) but narrow enough to fit my foot. My only complaint was the black/red color....I ended up returning for the grey/blue that aren't as clunky looking.

My first trail run was the Zane Grey 50k on APRIL 26, 2008. The trail is extremely rocky. I wore my Hardrocks the entire run. Because I did not size up 1/2 they were tight. My plan was to switch at the 17 mi. aid station to more comfortable trail shoes. I didn't. The Hardrocks protected my feet from the rocks and roots. If I had switched shoes my feet would have been more damaged than the already were. As for comfort.... but for protection they were excellent.

I've worn Hard Rock shoes for bushwalking, often off track in rough country, for several years. They are very comfortable and provide excellent support and protection. I've always been able to use them for long trips 'out of the box' without any need to break them in. Except probably for wet, slippery granite the Hard Rocks handle most surfaces very well. The heel and toe boxes are terrific for steep descents too. Unfortunately the shoes aren't waterproof. They aren't as durable as I'd like either.

I bought a pair of these, sight unseen, for a trip to the UK. I literally received them, unboxed them, and boarded my flight. With no break in, I was walking between 20 and 35 miles a day in all sorts of terrain (from urban settings to rocky hiking trails) with a 30 lb pack on my back. Two weeks later, not a single blister, and my feet are very comfy. Highly recommended. Just make sure you order a half a size larger than you normally wear.

Montrail has great shoes, but this hardrock fit quite differently than most others (Continental Divide, Hurrucain Ridge, Odyssey), and ran at least 1 full size smaller than the others. It also had, in my opinion, an excessively thick sole. I returned for a new pair of Continental Divides. This does not make it a bad shoe, just a little outside Montrail's "normal" fit and design.

Too narrow!

SHOES ARE SOLID THROUGH AND THROUGH AND OFFER A SOLID FOUNDATION OF FOOT ARMOR ON THE TRAILS. THEY ARE THE GREATEST FIND I HAVE COME ACROSS FOR TRAILS, HIGHWAY MEDIANS AND EVEN ASPHALT PAVING. I RAN THE CHATTANOOGA STUMPJUMP 50K AND THE NASHVILLE MARATHON IN THEM AND WAS VERY PLEASED. I RECOMMEND THE MONTRAIL HEAT MOLDABLE INSERTS. RUN ON REGARDS!

I am on my second pair of Hard Rocks. I use them hard for an old guy. What I really like is the roomy toe box. I even wear them while backpacking with a heavy pack. My feet are comfortable and cool at the end of a long hike. The other old goats are groaning as they take off their leather boots and put on their tennis shoes. I'm already there with my Hard Rocks. I know it's hard to teach an old dog ....

This shoe runs one size too small and has a narrow last. This can be good if you have a narrow foot and can try them on.

I bought these mostly to use as summertime ultralight backpacking shoes in the northeast, with a lesser degree of trail running. My sumer pack weight is typically 13-20 lbs, and these shoes have provided good support under those loads. Their weight is very respectable, and they're very breathable and dry out pretty quickly, even after a total soaking. I've got them paired with Shock Doctor insoles. The tread is good on dirt and mud, but could be a little stickier on rocks. My last shoe was the Montrail Vitesse, and they have a less aggressive tread design, but because of this, they're better on the rocks. The only real negative I've found is the durability of the upper. After about 175 miles, the seams are starting to fray a bit, and the toe cap is starting to peel away a little bit. However, I think this is mostly due to extreme use, and probably wouldn't be an issue if you're hiking/running on relatively nice trails. A good buy, especially for trail running. For UL backpacking, though, I'll probably go back to the Vitesse's, which seem to be a little more rugged. Good shoes, though.

Montrail has somehow figured out how to combine light weight and extreme "airy-ness" (wonderfully breathable) with incredible support! I normally have to buy expensive insoles to support somewhat weak ankles and bad knees (one has been replaced), but these shoes are perfect just as they are. I bought a pair on recommendation at a sports store, then loved them so much I bought another pair here in case I can't find them again or mess up a pair. If you want superb support for trail running (personally, I do lots of light to moderate mountain hiking), especially for the summer when hot feet just won't cut it, these are definitely for you. Hoping they keep making this great shoe,

shoes run small, recommend ordering 1/2 size up, mine are shorter than I expected. that said I like the feel of these shoes they feel light,and low to the trail and have a very solid/stable feel. Have worn them on three winter trail runs now and the traction on frozen surfaces is average but on dirt traction is great. they are a good value. I rate the performance and feel of these shoes a 4 1/2 . the fit a 2. I would buy them again if I could try them on first.

Best overall trail running shoe I have ever worn (since 1983). Strong, protective, stiff and long lasting. I have always liked Montrail trail running shoes.

It's tough to complain about these shoes, although I had my doubts at first. Very comfortable and fit like a glove. Performance: I run a rocky mtn. bike trail and the shoes are stable and have not slipped a bit. Some doubts are the traction will go before the rest of the shoe- but a common problem I suppose. General shoe construction so far has gone for the long haul. Overall, very happy with this purchase.

I'm on my second pair of Hardrocks and getting ready to order a third pair. These have been great shoes for rough trail running. I've worn them in several trail ultramarathons and a Rim to Rim to Rim 50 mile one-day crossing of the Grand Canyon. They've provided exceptional stability and support for my large (6'2" 215lb) frame. These are pretty beefy shoes, and work well for big guys. They may be a bit too much shoe for someone lighter... the Continental Divide might be a better choice for the non-clydesdales out there Pros: - Exceptional support and stability - Durable and long lasting - Real rubber soles (vs Polyurethane) offer better grip in the mountains, especially on wet rock. Cons: - Fairly heavy and beefy shoe... might be a bit much for the lighter runner.

I'm on my second pair of these and as I near the time to buy a new pair it's looking like I'll stick with these. These are very comfy and durable and are great for running in the wasatch. I'd classify these as on the stiff side and I rarely feel rocks underneath, although this makes them a little less cushy, but they work for me so I'm staying true to the Hard Rock.

This is a great shoe. Right out of the box I went on a 3 mile trail run. I ran in nasty, cold, and rainy weather. With the combo of smartwool adrenline socks any puddles I hit were no problem. These shoes dry quickly and push the moisture out of the shoe. I highly recommend these shoes they are great.

Awesome shoe, took it out on the PCT for what turned out to be a 5 hour 'run' when the shoe had only 20 miles on it, no blisters at all. Equates to four wheel drive for your foot, super stable, but still light and nimble. I'll buy another pair.

Felt a good size smaller and tight at the toes, provides good support and feels light, not appropriate if you have wide feet. Not as good as it is rated to be.

I have a wide foot and wear a size 13 (Nike's have been my best true fit over the years) so far The Montrail Hard Rocks have been a perfect fit. Only issue for me is that there seems to be a bit too much padding in the heel. It feels good, but gets in the way when slipping them on and off and I don’t feel like I get enough support when bombing down a hill. For the record - great shoe! Highly recommend!

I've had my Hardrocks a few weeks. I've already put about 60 miles on them, all on rocky trails and scree fields. I step where I want to with no slipping and no pains in my feet. Thanks to the somewhat stiff midsole, I also wear my Hardrocks to ride MTB XC with toe clips when training for duathlon. This is the shoe you want for the long haul. I am ordering more.

I run about 80 mile a week, mainly on unforgiving hilly, rock-laden trails. My last pair of Hard Rocks last 100 runs (a record for me). They are sturdy without being cumbersome and heavy. They are stable. I recommend you get them here, since I have received a defective pair from another company. The forefoot is just roomy enough. The only negative is that they are difficult to put on and take off. The right shoe always seems to have laces that are too short so that tying the shoe is an arduous chore.

These shoes are interesting - I trail run and compete in 50 mile trail ultras, so I use my shoes heavily. I also have low arches and over-pronate and have custom orthotics I put in my trail shoes. I found these shoes a lot lighter and more flexible than I was expecting. They are fast and responsive but compromise a little in terms of stability, cushioning and protection from rocks - somewhat ironic given their name! I find these are fine for one-hour runs on easier trails but that's me with my very specific foot/shoe needs. Someone with more 'normal' feet my find them better for the long haul.

Very stable, great heel cup keeps you from moving around on tough terrain and provides ample support. The toe box is big and comfortable and the cushioning is great. I run in the 80's to mid 90's temp range without any foot overheating issuse's.

Awesome shoe - great for technical, rocky, rooty running. Wouldn't want to wear it for hard pack running though.

I've never been really wild about any pairs of shoes, Chacos excepted, but these are different. At first, they were just OK. Then I began to run, more and more, and now I do 25 miles a week. Due to this, I view my shoes with reverence. I have never had a blister. Not one. Ever. Even on a half-marathon. My dad got very similar shoes (the highline) and is similarly enthused. I believe the Hardrocks are easily the best shoes out there. I got horrific blisters from my boots on a 3-day backpacking trip, and plan to wear my Hardrocks on my upcoming 4-day. Why not wear shoes that are always comfortable? They look nondescript, but after you log a hundred miles you will revere them. Absolutely fantastic all-purpose shoes. They even dry fast.

Let me tell you about this wonderful shoe. If you have ever had something called Plantar Fascia, you and everyone around you will also know, because it is extremely painful, you complain lots, can hardly walk--much less run. Due to an injury as a Firefighter, this is what happened, but I found this shoe and my life changed. A sales person at Redwood Trading Post recommend the Montrail, an unknown brand to me. The shoe changed my life, by providing with great support, stability and helped out with my Plantar Fascia. I have sense bought a second pair for myself, one pair for my Physical Therapist, and one pair my Foot Specialist for Christmas. They also have foot problems, love your shoes and feel you should pass this information on to other that could use this insight!

Worked great so far for both trail running and 3 day backpacking trip. Light and tough.

Got a chance to see if shoe lived up to billing, as I had 2 weeks of trailrunning and hiking in Acadia Nat'l Park in Maine. Lots of granite boulders and some great elevation gains/losses on their trails. Shoe held up amazingly well. Just enough stability, didn't "feel" any pains from rocky surface, but did have just enough trail feel to know what I was running on. Also shoes provided some good grab - both on dry and wet rocks. I'm not a very experienced trailrunner (first season), but between these and the Brooks Trespass, these Montrails are definitely the better and more comfortable shoes.

Well constructed and very rugged shoe. Very stable shoe with very good traction. Narrower than usual toe box (for me). More narrow than the Leone Divide. The shoe does not seem overly heavy, but is somewhat stiff. I don't think I would wear them in a marathon or further distance.

I have run in numerous trail shoes and have always had problems with them. The Montrail Hardrock is by far the best trail shoe I have tried. After only about 20 miles on the Hardrock, I went to the mountains for a 3 1/2 hour run. This trail run even included running through streams. Great fit, no blisters, no hot spots. I can not say that about any other trail shoe. This is a shoe to try.

Before buying these I tried on the Vasque Velocity. They felt like moon boots. But the Hardrocks fit snug, were super light, and had zero excess materials. I wore a pair of Leona Divides into smush, and in comparison the Hardrock is trimmer with a narrower toe box. Whereas I wore fat Thorlos with the LDs, the HR fits fine with a thinner sock. Zero blisters. Squishy comfort. Heel stays put. Tip-top performance on rugged trails (Tantalus on O`ahu); except for broad, slimy rock faces and wet roots on which it can slide out (but probably every trail shoe would). The tongue slides over on one foot (though to no effect), unlike the LD which is sewn to the base. Just enough laces. A waterproof version of the HR would be supreme. To improve, I imagine next years version will induce levitation. Order a half size bigger than your street shoes. And where are generic Montrail gaiters?

I used these shoes recently in a trail race where sharp rocks were prevalent. The TPU plate was great...sharp rocks didn't faze these shoes. Great shoe for rocky terrain...will be perfect for the Ridge Run in Bozeman.

These shoes are Montrail's best. Great cushioning, traction and forefoot protection. Uupper supportive. Only improvements would be - slightly wider and longer tongue, other wise a great technical and off trail shoe.

After the advice of Amy, staff member at BackcountryStore, purchased what I consider to be the best trail shoe on the market for larger runners who happen to promote. These shoes were not only very cushioned, but very, very supportive and had great stability/motion control(has several opporunities to turn my ankle and did not!), fantastic traction from the outer sole(almost tripped over the aggressive sole traction). If you are larger runner looking for great trail shoes, look no further!! This are the Shoes!!!