Ask the Expert: Bill Potts
Bill Potts has done every major ultrarun in the Blue Ridge, so we trust his opinion. In 2007, he ran six ultras in Vasque shoes, including the AMP, Endorphin, and Velocity, so we thought who better to test the company’s new Velocity VST. Here’s the word, straight from the runner’s mouth:
PROS
“The VST is similar to the AMP. It has a stiff heel, and the dual density mid-sole provides comfort and support when running over rocky and root-covered trails. The shoe has a generous toe box and a wide armored toe strip that provides plenty of toe protection. Vasque shoes are known for quality outsoles and the VST lives up to the Vasque reputation with gnarly lugs that provide superb traction in the mud and snow.”
CONS
“The mesh uppers coupled with the shoe’s low profile provide modest lateral support and limited foot protection when the trails are wet or muddy. The foot bed is thin and provides limited arch support. Runners will want to consider upgrading the foot bed with a quality insert.”
“Overall, the VST is a solid trail shoe ideal for use in the spring, summer or early fall. It would be best suited for faster trail runners or road runners who are looking for a lightweight trail shoe that is comparable to a road shoe. I would recommend wearing the VST when trail racing over distances between a 5K and half-marathon.”
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INOV-8 ROCLITE 305
There’s a reason that the world’s fastest trail runners are wearing the Inov-8 Roclite. It has enough support and grip enough to withstand the rigors of extreme conditions, but it’s lightweight enough to help runners produce course-record times. It’s not just elite runners gobbling up the Roclite (demand was so great that Inov-8 ran out of stock last fall); novice trail runners also can benefit from the agility and versatility that the Roclite 305 provides. $85. www,inov-8.com
NEW BALANCE MT 908
This spring New Balance launches a new line of burly trail runners.
The MT 908 was a little heavier than others we tested, but the extra weight was overlooked for the smooth, stable ride—the result of the touted NLock support harness and a gritty outsole that hungrily chewed up everything in its path. $100.
THE NORTH FACE RUCKY CHUCKY
Named after the famous river crossing in the Western States 100-Miler, this new offering from The North Face is all about ultra performance. The big pores of the upper mesh are made to not only breathe but drain the moisture that comes from the inevitable submersion during many trail runs. This one is also big on support, as the Thrust Chassis is designed to gently guide against pronation, so poor form doesn’t have you aching as the finish line nears. $110.
KEEN WASATCH CREST
A long distance workhorse, the Wasatch Crest is built to take hit after hit on ultra slogs. The super-supportive midsole keeps feet stable, even when you’re scrambling your way through a rigorous rock garden, while the top of the trail shoe is vented to keep your dogs breathing in the later miles. $95.
MONTRAIL STREAK
If short distance or minimal impact trail running fits your stride, the Streak is a new fast and light shoe that’s ready to bring you an off-road PR. Just right for fire roads or short stints of pavement, it’s a transitional shoe that boasts a sticky sole for a variety of surfaces. The top, though, is soft, flexible, and breathable—good staying nimble but not recommended for punishing root rambles. $85.
BROOKS ADRENALINE ASR
A transition shoe that’s made to move from the road to the trail, the Adrenaline mixes the cushioning you want on the pavement with a rugged outsole that’s ready to grip rocks and roots. The shoe’s top is also water-repellent for moisture control on wet trails, while a dual density post helps pronators keep feet in line. $95.
LA SPORTIVA CROSSLITE
A new adaptation of La Sportiva’s popular Fireblade, the Crosslite feels feathery on the feet at just 10.85 ounces. But it’s ready for nimble maneuvering through rocky terrain with the new sole’s grip-hungry impact brake system. $85.
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ROAD
BROOKS TRANCE 7
This stellar road shoe is all about comfort—a result of a solid balance between cushion and stability that creates a maximum energy return during high-mile training. The Hydroflow heel takes the hard shock out of long run impact—a perfect relief during regular work for that upcoming spring marathon. $135.
A shoe that gives new meaning to more cushion for the pushing, the Pro Grid Triumph reduces impact from heel to toe. For new runners getting used to the pavement pounding or those who just want a little relief in their trainer, the shoe’s new shock reduction technology absorbs impact for a seamless transition from heel through forefoot. $120.
ASICS GT 2130
Asics’ new trainer is dedicated to keeping you in line—literally. A new gait-stabilizing support system enhances the foot’s natural stride to help pronator’s maximize energy. But new technology has seen this model shed some of the weight of other shoes in the Structured Cushioning line. At 11.9 ounces runners get some of the lightweight benefits not often possible in such a supportive shoe. $95.
NEWTON STABILITY MOTION TRAINER
Made to help runners mimic the stride of barefoot running, Newton is gaining popularity for its minimalist approach to foot realignment. Discarding the foam and cushioning usually found in running shoes, Newton has developed a system of rubbers lugs on the sole that rebound on impact and bring feet back to their natural motion of forefoot landing. The new technology claims to increase efficiency by eliminating detrimental heel strikes that are often the result of late-mileage fatigue. Our tester was already a lightweight fan, so the 8.4 ounces of the Motion Trainer was appreciated, and after a 10-mile jaunt he admitted that his feet felt less sore than usual. But despite good first impressions he said the stride adjustments will take some getting used to, so the verdict is still out on whether these shoes are worth the steep price of admission. $175. NIKE AIR ZOOM VOMERO +2
A solid neutral trainer with an ultra-smooth ride, the new Vomero has been updated with a wider toe box to go along with the expected comfort of the air cushioning in the heel and forefoot—still a reliable option for high-mile preparation. $120.
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APPAREL & ACCESSORIES
TEKO ECOPOLY QUARTER THIN SOCKS
Made from 78 percent recycled polyester, these eco-friendly socks are great for running in warm weather, as the soft re-used fibers manage to feel soft while keeping feet dry and blister-free. $10.95.
DEFEET EARTHEATOR GLOBE
DeFeet has long been the most colorful and catchy running sock on the market. They’re also the coolest—literally. The EarthEator demonstrates superb wicking, breathability, and air permeability. As a result, the sock stays cooler and more comfortable on your feet and lasts longer than anything else out there. $11.
180 CATALYST SHIRT
For runners constantly looking for the ultimate odor eater, the Catalyst is a moisture-wicking baselayer that manages to take the stink out of the long haul. For a quick-dry shirt, it has a surprisingly soft feel that eliminates some usual chafing. And key for our editor, who is an excessive sweater, were the wipe panels integrated into shirt’s forearms. $60.
ULTIMATE DIRECTION STRIDER
For female runners looking to cover a lot of ground, the Strider has a contoured hip fit perfect for a woman’s shape, while holding an easily accessible 20-oz. squeeze bottle and room for a little storage. $30.
THE NORTH FACE HYDROGEN JACKET
Don’t like layers weighing you down? No need to fret with the ultralight Hydrogen, which at 3.1 ounces is an untraceable weapon against wind and light rain. Made from featherweight ripstop nylon, it folds up into a tiny pouch, so it will barely make a dent in your hydro-pack on long runs. $99.
BROOKS REVELATION PACER SHORT
If work keeps you at the office past dark, but you still need to get a run in, the Revelation Pacer will be your safety net. Even the visually impaired couldn’t miss the nuclear neon yellow color of these quick-drying, lightweight shorts. $32.
BROOKS HVAC T
Talk about innovation. This shirt essentially has an air conditioning system, as it transfers moisture to its side vented areas to keep you feeling light and cool when you’re running under the Southern sun. The shirt’s fibers are also coated with an odor eater, so you can stop being the smelly dude on group runs. $57.95.