New for review, trail-running shoes from fell specialist brand, Walsh.
We told you about the new
trail-running
shoe range from Bolton-based fell-shoe
specialist
Walsh
last month, but we now have a pair of the new
Walsh Spirit Peak
shoes for review.
Intended to be used for both trail running and hill walking, the Spirit
Peak is a light-ish 660 grammes for a pair of size nines. We don't have
a lot of technical information, but first impressions are that the fit
isn't quite as glove-like as the Walsh fell-running shoes and that
thanks for a much more substantial mid-sole, complete with zoned
densities of EVA padding to increase stability, the shoes are
predictably taller.
They're still lower than many train-running shoes however, which should
help with stability on rough terrain. The Pyra Grip outsole looks
instantly familiar. The pyramid-shaped
knobs are like a slightly bigger, sawn-off version of Walsh's classic
fell sole and looks like they should give decent grip on most surfaces.
The uppers on the shoe are a breathable mesh, so probably best for
drier conditions, but there are reassuring toe and heel reinforcements
and a nubuck-look rand around the perimeter of the shoe to give
protection against abrasion from rocks and rubble.
We haven't run in them yet, but they feel light and comfy on the OM
editorial foot and we're looking forward to giving them a go once the
ankle-deep slush on our local trails has gone to wherever ankle-deep
slush goes.
Other models in the range include the 'ultra lightweight' Spirit Lite,
which is visually almost identical to the Spirit Peak, but presumably,
lighter and interestingly for walkers with a lightweight bent, the
Spirit React, which
is a mid-cut, waterproof version of the shoe which Walsh says is 'ideal
for use in all off road conditions for multi-activity sports over long
periods'.
More details about the current Walsh range at
www.walshsports.co.uk
