Update on 2008 Hardrocks. . .

By J David Shabat Ranked #59 - Men's Trail Run Shoes December 23, 2008

It's still true that I wish Montrail had not changed the design of the Hardrock, except for the "grab loop" on the back of the shoe. The front lacing loop (like an eyelet, but not a hole) is positioned EXACTLY where you'd fasten a gaiter. So, when you attach a gaiter, you end up pulling on one side of the shoe. A few days before my 100K trail race (Lookout Mountain 100K), I jammed the shoes under a bookcase that stands on legs that are about 8 inches tall. So, the shoes were squashed into a flexed position for a few nights (I wore the shoes all day). On race day, I was determined to give the shoes a try, so I could really write something meaningful for potential buyers. . .
December 20, 2008 was cold and raining in the North Georgia/Southeast Tennesee mountains. So, I slathered Bodyglide all over the tops of my Smartwool socks, hoping that the shoes' tendency to crush downward and forward wouldn't lead to a debilitating set of blisters, or something worse. I mean the socks looked like the tops got dunked in Crisco. . .
After the first very wet half of the race, running through everything without a care, I am pleased to report that the only unhappiness I had about the shoe was that when it gets completely soaking wet, when you run downhill, the insoles got slippery and moved forward, leaving me to run 3 miles with the insole moved an inch forward.
No blisters after 38.75 miles when I retired them. My feet would've hurt with ANY shoes. But, these Hardrocks, while not as perfect for me as the 2006 pair I own, did the job, and left me in good shape to run the remaining 23+ miles in a pair of Inov8 318GTX (another shoe they stopped making, and the "sequel" has a new lacing system that is unfortunately not an improvement, according to me and running buddies who own the 312GTX). I do NOT have tough feet. And I walked away from that 100K with NO BLISTERS. My faith in Hardrocks, while not restored, is stronger.

View Details: Montrail Hardrock '09 Trail Running Shoe - Men's

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