Montrail Hardrock Running Shoe

I loved my Montrail Streaks that I have worn for a few ultras, and I wanted to try something a little more protective without much additional weight. The new Hardrock looked like just the ticket, and that has proven to be a good conclusion.

The Hardrock is a little wider than the Streak, and most other shoes I run in. I figure I can live with it, because my feet get wider over the course of longer races to fill the shoe better by the end. I always replace the stock insoles with SofSoles cushion insoles right out of the box, and the extra room in the shoe made that an easy thing. It is no heavier than the Streak, as far as I can tell without weighing them both. After a couple of short trail runs in the Hardrocks, I figure they have marginally better traction than the Streaks, and better than the Brooks Cascadias I also use. Both the Streaks and Hardrocks cause no problem for road sections, though I am not tempted to road race either. They have a better heel-to-toe transition than a lot of the road shoes I have worn.

Anyhow, I decided to wear them for a trail ultra after only a few miles, despite knowing better. I am glad I did. Numerous stream crossings caused no issues, as the shoes drain well. There were places in the race where the extra traction was absolutely essential, so I was grateful to have it. Even wading through mud and muck proved the value of the shoes. Many shoes will collect mud, but Montrails in my experience shed mud well; so you don't have to stop to clean your shoes. One pair can work for the whole race, where some other shoes need to be changed after a few stream crossings.

Overall, I couldn't be happier with the new Hardrocks for trail running.

Awesome shoes. Sticky enough for free-solo scrambles up to low 5th class (5.4-5.6) with 300'+ of exposed runout. It has moderately hard rubber (good longetivity), yet it also has good smearing ability - probably due to the shallow lugs that like to cling to undulations in the rock. It almost feels like cheating! Very protective shank for running/hiking on talus in alpine environments when bagging 14ers, yet it also has great trail sensitivity for stability. The shielding around the toes and sides is extremely effective when running/skiing down scree, where lesser shoes would leave you with shredded feet. Great shoe for the Utah desert, the Colorado Rockies, all around scrambling fun, and even lightweight backpacking. The construction is pretty bomber. On several tough scrambles - crack climbs and chimney squeezes - my canyoneering companion ripped open the sides on her Keens down to the sock, while the Hardrocks show no damage (only cosmetic wear). Love these shoes - I can trust them with my life on technical scrambles!

My only reservation is it's grip when wet. While on dry rock they feel like approach shoes, I don't trust them anywhere near as much on wet rock. Take real approach shoes or water shoes for technical scrambles on wet rock, or better yet, don't risk your life on those days and do something less exposed/technical.

While many complain about the changes between '08 and '09, the complaints seem to be focused around the change in fit. The earlier ones were excruciating for me to wear, but the '09 Hardrocks fit great! If the new ones fit your feet, get them - you won't regret it!

I'm by no means a veteran ultra runner, but I certainly have a handful under my belt now and thus have done a lot of training.

I'm very picky about shoes and in particular, the toe box width, flexibility for the trails yet enough support so I don't brake my toe when I jam my foot into a hidden root, not to mention a shoe neutral enough to support my flat feet; Needless to say, I think I found the solution in the Hardrock '09!

I've used it for both of my 'peak' distance runs in the trails in preparation for my upcoming 100-miler and it has served me well. Though you'll notice it doesn't come in "wide" which scared me at first, don't sweat that. Like I said, I need a wide toe box but this shoe is built unique enough where it provides plenty of width in the toe box. Also, the traction and rugged material on the bottom allows you to cruise over smaller roots and rocks without feeling sharp pains.

Last, and one of the most important things to me, the arch. Having flat feet, I have to have a neutral shoe because if there's a hint of too much arch, a shoe will kill my feet. As luck would have it, the Hardrock's "minimized" arch does the trick for me. You feel a little support for arches, but not enough where it bothers a flat-footed person like myself.

All in all, a solid shoe and I'm very happy to say that I'll be using it on my upcoming race at the end of September.

Good luck.

Sizing: I wear 10 in most other trail running shoes as well as street shoes. I typically try to stay true to my size in trail running shoes to avoid black toes of death but I sized down in these to a 9.5 and they have been great at avoiding jammed up toes. Compared to many other brands, the overall width may be wider but by no means would I call this wide fitting. The heel area keeps heels locked in place with a roomy toe box that allows just the right amount of wiggle room.I hear many others speak of the older model of the Hardrock and complain against this one. Well, i never tried that one but I have seen it and held it in my hands and I definitely think Montrail took a step forward with the Hardrock. i want to tell those people to quit crying because this shoe has upped my trail running game as it's posted construction doesn't contribute to any more pronation/ supination than one will just do anyway while running.Bottom line is they aren't just for running but make a great scrambler and light hiker. Perform well on wet terrain, maybe not the best "wet" shoe but they hold their own. I don't take mine on the street at all because I have separate street shoes but these do look good with mud on them. You cannot go wrong with the Hardrock.

This shoe is excellent. I never thought a trail running shoe could perform this well. I use them for everything including trail running, backpacking, canyoneering (Till I get in the water), hiking and mountain biking. They have excellent grip and great ankle support for the type of shoe that it is. It locks my ankle in place for those steep descents and keeps the foot from sliding forward and crushing your tootsies. The toe box also has some room so the toes don't feel claustrophobic. Some people have complained about the insoles but I personally feel they are pretty good. I've taken these on 25+ mile canyoneering trips through the desert and never had an issue. I would definitely buy these again.