Gear Review
La Sportiva Fireblade Trail Running Shoe - Men's
La Sportiva Fireblade
By Karl Meltzer
Ranked #57 - Men's Trail Run Shoes
October 7, 2008
I've been running in Fireblade now for a year, and no other shoe compares to the sleek low profile. The shoes just seem fast! After recently completing the entire Appalachian trail in 54+ days, I would never go back to another shoe. The stiff plate underneath the forefoot kept the rocks from poking at my arch. The toebox allows enough room for my swollen feet, and along with the bomber construction, they never wore out. I only went through a few pairs the entire 2176 miles of rugged terrain. They last, don't break down and provide ultimate support for any Ultramarathon. No wonder they are ranked at the top as one of the best shoes of 2007!
View Details: La Sportiva Fireblade Trail Running Shoe - Men's
Helpful Votes: 7 Yes
Change me.
6 Comments Last Reply: May 22, 2011 By: jonny80s
A man on a mission.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
This is a Trail Run shoe and it's not uncommon for those of us that run ultras in the mountains, or gnarly technical rocky terrain, to be seen wearing a pair of these. I've ran 50 milers and 100 milers in them and do the bulk of my training in them. This is a lower profile shoe and tank-like protection from rocks and drains like a sieve. The tread is low profile, but don't be fooled about the traction on rocks. They stick to it like velcro. I wore them on the Zane Grey trail for 50+ miles last year and they never slipped once and that trail is nothing but a rock pile. I haven't found anything better than these shoes and have a pile of them in the garage in various stages of condition. I prefer them to the Wildcats, which do not have a rock plate. Overally, bomber shoe.
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes
Haha, s_inman apparently didn't catch the name of the reviewer. That's funny. Zac's advice is good, Google® Karl Metzler. I agree with Karl's shoe assessment of the shoe overall, though I'd disagree with some of the specifics. I don't think it provides me with enuogh support or underfoot protection for anything technical over 13.1 miles...but I'm no Karl Metzler to be sure, so take that with a grain of salt. Of course, I'm not sure the typical runner will be wearing this for 40+ miles/day over the course of 50+ days. :) I love this shoe, and I do feel faster in it (and it's really comfy), but aside from fire-roads, I wouldn't trust myself in it for longer than a half marathon.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
In response to s_inman, hehe. google Karl Meltzer, dude.
Helpful Votes: 7 Yes
2176 miles in 54 days = 40 miles per day. That's a little hard to believe.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
B-E-A-S-T!
Helpful Votes: 11 Yes