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Montrail Hardrock Running Shoe Review
Montrail Hardrock 100-Mile ReviewTrail shoes are generally divided into one of two major categories. The first category of trail shoes start as a popular road shoe and are then given a different upper material, earth tone color graphics and a slightly more aggressive outsole. The second category of trail shoes are designed exclusively for use away from the road, taking into account the nuances of running over uneven or potentially hazardous surfaces such as roots, rocks, poison oak and anything else Mother Nature can put in the runners way. The models designed exclusively for off-road use have design features and materials to aid in running on unforgiving terrain, whereas the converted road versions are given a largely cosmetic off road treatment. This is akin to many SUV's. Most will work reasonably well for some modest off-road applications, but they are out of their element when the going gets particularly tough. The fact remains that they are still a road vehicle, and in most cases are not intended for the real hardcore activities the true off-road models are designed for. The same concept applies to trail shoes. Those designed as trail shoes first and foremost are better equipped to handle the harsh trails and gnarly surfaces the hardcore trail runners take them through. The Montrail Hardrock is designed as a true off-road trail shoe with the main focus aimed squarely at protection from the environment. While other true trail shoes incorporate a minimalist attitude that allows the foot to perform more naturally over a variety of surfaces, the Hardrock takes an opposite stance. The viewpoint in the design of this model is isolation from the environment. Most of this attitude is shown in the midsole and outsole design. The midsole of the Hardrock is thick. Thicker in fact than nearly any other trainer, which helps protect the runner from penetration of sharp roots or rocks. Added to this is a stiff, nearly bullet proof plastic TPU plate which covers the entire length of the shoe and further isolates the foot from possible harm. The outsole is particularly rugged and affords plenty of traction. The Montrail Hardrock is a favorite with ultra-trail runners who think nothing of running 30-100 miles on rugged terrain for a weekend outing. Most participants in these events come into contact with hazards, such as sharp rocks, that can cause serious damage to the soles of their feet. The Western State 100 has a section that is exactly like this, which makes the Hardrock a favorite with runners who look to tackle this type of terrain. The Hardrock is born from a company that has made its mark in the hiking boot industry, so it should not be a surprise that this shoes adopts many of its design cues and feel from this industry. Our wear testers are all experienced trail runners. One has twice completed the Western States 100 in less than 24 hours. They took the Montrail Hardrock through several weeks of training on a variety of off-road surfaces logging in excess of 100 miles each in the shoes.
FitThe initial fit of the Hardrock was well received once the shoes had been run in. Average Wear Test Score: 3.5 out of 5 Todd:At first they felt large for 10.5 but after my first run I feel they fit very well. The toebox is great. Dave: This shoe seemed to fit well out of the box and worked with-in the 10.5 -11-shoe size I typically wear. There were no issues, such as blisters or toe discomfort, which I sometimes experience with new shoes. Jim: There was a lot of room in the toe area. Good overall fit. Comfortable and no hot spots Chris: The shoes run about 1/2 size large, so by wearing my normal size, the shoe was a little sloppy, but still manageable. Cushioning/FlexibilityTrail shoes usually have the advantage of being run on a softer surface, which makes cushioning not quite as important or apparent as it is in a road shoe. Also, flexibility is generally hampered by the addition of protection devices, such as the TPU, which runs the length of the Hardrock's midsole. Average Wear Test Score: 3.81 out of 5 Todd: They felt good. They were neither too soft nor too hard. I liked that they were flexible but not too soft. Dave: Compared to my current trainer, the heel cushioning was a bit firm for me. That said, this is true trail shoe, and the stability and firmness allowed me to go over obstacles (rocks and roots) without any concern. The forefoot is very stiff and inflexible. I found it difficult to get up on my toes and push hard up a hill. That said, the stiffness and midsole do lead to excellent traction and foot protection. Jim: The cushioning seems ok, maybe a little hard, but it is a trail shoe and it doesn't need the cushioning of a road shoe. I'd say they're a little stiff and wish they were a little more flexible on the push off. Good on rocks! I wish I had a pair when I ran the WS100 for the rocks. The major drawback of the shoe is its stiffness or lack of flexibility. I know its a trail shoe, but with a little more flexibility and I think it could be a good Hybrid when you have some rough stuff and smooth trail. It could open up to a wider range of people who wear them Chris: The cushioning in these shoes is excellent. Though I didn't wear them hard (only 100 miles in 3 weeks), I didn't notice any loss of cushing in that time. It's the most protective pair of shoes I've ever worn. This shoe has the most protective forefoot cushion I've ever experienced. Though I didn't, I wouldn't mind trying in on paved surfaces. Stability/SupportThe hallmarks of a protective trail shoe are support and stability. The Hardrock delivers here, scoring a rock solid score. Average Wear Test Score: 4 out of 5 Todd: Good support, possibly better than my favorite training shoe. I am pleased with the way they feel on the trails. Dave: The stability of the shoe is good in terms of a trail shoe. I felt I could run over uneven surfaces with roots, rocks and mud with out worrying about the shoe giving out. Jim: Good support and traction, better in the rocks going downhill than my current trainer. They're nice and stable with no breakdown during the 100+ iles I tested them. It's a very well built shoe Chris: While the sole is broad and firm, the shoe is also tall; my sense that roll-over stability is about average. Due to the hardness and inflexibility of the entire sole, motion control is quite good. The insole had virtually no arch support; my arches rarely, if ever, touched the insole. I found that uncomfortable. Though I do not currently wear orthotics, I believe the construction of the shoe, with depth, size, and rigidity, would be ideal for runners who use thick orthotics. Heel/Toe TransitionThis was probably the least liked aspect of the shoe for the group, mostly having to do with the stiff nature of the full length TPU protection that covers the entire length of the shoe as well as the thick midsole material. Wear Test Average Score: 2.63 out of 5 Todd: The shoe feels firm on trails, which is the way I like it. They're better than my usual shoe on the trails. Dave: The heel to toe transition, compared to my current trainer, was too stiff and hard. The shoe seemed to make it more difficult to get up on my toes to drive hard up hills. On the small bit of pavement that I did run on the mid-sole was too hard and I immediately felt it on my knees. This is definitely a shoe to keep on the trail and off the pavement. Jim: A tad too firm and stiff. I noticed it more when making the transition from trail to road. Chris: I gave the shoe very poor marks for heal-toe transition initially, describing the action as "clog-like". However, after a single run break-in, the shoe was fine (very acceptable, though not exceptional). The initial experience was so unpleasant (prior to break-in), that, were I evaluating them for the first time, I probably wouldn't buy them after trying them in a store. None of the other running shoes I've worn in 25 years actually improved following a break-in period. If I were responsible for marketing this shoe, I would stress to the consumer how the shoe would become more comfortable following a break-in. SummaryThe Montrail Hardrock is a trail shoe for those runners who regularly run over a wide range of surfaces and are looking for a trail shoe that closely replicates the look and feel of a boot. The Hardrock is a protective, snug fitting and stiff shoe that breaks in well over time. If you are looking to fly on your trail runs, it's best to look at other models. But if your trail runs or Ride and Ties are performed at a modest pace and include surfaces that can potentially lead to harm, such as sharp rocks or roots, the Montrail Hardrock is definitely for you. Overall Rating: 3.75 out of 5
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