(I'm a XC runner, none of the canned "styles" applied)
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Terrain tested on: forest trails, gravel, rock and single-track dirt.
Me: 140-lbs male, neutral-to-pronating, ultra athlete
Current shoe: Nike Alvord, 1's & 2's & 3's
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These are a tough shoe, sticky sole and fairly neutral. They're touted for rocky climbs and extreme runs. They did grip well to steep inclines with broken rock, roots. Stable on side-hill corners; the forefoot felt predictable throughout. Downhills were jarring/ slapping affairs.
I needed a shoe for a longer run (more than the usual 50k forest) -one to tackle the 55k in Iceland (volcanic rock, sand, skreet, snow and river-crossings). I was afraid the Alvords would let the rocks bruise me up. Instead, the hard heal and medial-post beat the sh1t out of me--I just don't weigh enough for the rigidity of the sole/heel setup. You'd better weigh 175+ or keep looking...
The 25-mile test-run (dirt/gravel and mega hills) about killed me as the heels are hard and have more lift than the Alvord -though the forefoot is pretty similar and softer fit.
Result: no way I'd be able to run in these for 55k of rocks...back to the Alvords!

Customer Service

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Similar Products Used:

Nike Alvord (XC running)

For a big runner, weight 255pds, and pronates, these trail shoes rock! Best support, stability and combined lightness you'd ever want to have!

Customer Service

Backcountrystore is the best! Very knowledgeable!

Similar Products Used:

Montrail Vitesse, The North Face Switchback, 102 & 100 Gortex.