Well I won't be throwing away my Walshes just yet. What is it with these American companies and off-road running shoes, they just don't get it.
They think they can get a road shoe with air cushioning, stability posts etc and slap a rugged sole on it and call it an off-road shoe. I'm sure this is great for the US market where people are running down hard, smooth dust trails (not unlike roads in fact).
In this country, the last thing you need is cushioning because the ground will be soft anyway but more importantly a thicker sole means instability which means your foot is far more likely to turn if land on something uneven.
Have a look at Walsh, New Balance RX Terrain and Adidas Swoop all aimed at the European fell/trail running market, they are all tight fitting with a very low but heavily studded sole.
Then have a look at those 'walking' boots again what you need is a firm sole that you can attach a crampon to or one that wont give when you're body weight is on a small ledge the width of your finger. What you don't want is some soggy trainer.
The Paclite jacket looks good though, except its a shame they missed the vents.
Posted: 05/08/2003 at 18:37
