Our Favorite Trail Running Shoes
Check out our Best Trail Running Shoes article to learn about our current favorite trail running shoes!
Montrail Rogue Racer Review
For year’s Montrail was best known for its substantial, bombproof Hardrocks. Well, starting in the February 2011 the lightest end of Montrail’s shoe line might become the company’s signature piece. With the forthcoming Rogue Racer, Montrail offers a stripped down, low profile racing shoe that weighs in at 8.8 ounces (250 grams) for a men’s 9 and 7.4 ounces (210 grams) for a women’s 9. iRunFar’s Tony Portera recently received a pair and put it to the test… including all 101.4 mile of the Javelina Jundred. While Tony’s praise might sound too good to be true, it’s taken straight off a wear test form submitted to Montrail, so he’s being objective. Anyway, we’re so excited about the shoe (and have been since first seeing it last February) that we wanted to share his observations with you. Don’t worry, we’ll be providing a full review in the next few months.
Overall Feedback
I’m extremely impressed overall. I have difficulty in finding shoes that fit well, but, with the exception of the top front of the shoe (which seemed to fit a little snug at first), the Rogue Racer fit very well (see more below).
Does the shoe fit well?
Yes. Putting on the shoe at first was nearly slipper-like. It fit well in the heel and bottom. At first I felt that it was too snug over the top front of the shoe, but with time the shoe seemed to break in and stretch to a perfect fit. Many trail running shoes are simply too narrow when it comes to foot fit, but the Rogue Racer was a comfortable. I usually end up suggesting that a shoe either provide a little more width or at least offer a “wide” version, but there is no need with the Rogue Racer.
Does the shoe appear to be durable and able to withstand the abuses that it will face on the trails?
Without a doubt, yes.
My favorite thing about this shoe is…
How amazingly light it is. At times, I almost felt as if I wasn’t running with shoes on.
Would you wear this shoe in a race? If so, why, and what distance(s)? If not, why?
Yes, and I used them for all 101.4 miles of the Javelina Jundred. They are so comfortable and light that it really makes a difference when it comes to running ultra endurance races. I’d certainly use them in trail races of any distances, including the Brazil 135 Mile Ultramarathon in January 2011, where I would love to take a pair or two.
Bonus Video
Here’s Montrail runner Gary Robbins’ take on the Rogue Racer. He talks about the shoe about 30 seconds in and then shares some parting thoughts at the end… the rest is trail running fun.
