Obstacle Mud Runner - issue 12

obstaclemudrunner.co.uk ForEliteAtheletes toFunRunners 12 FOOTWEAR : REVIEW Salomon Speedcross 5 I used to race far more back then than I do now but I’ve gone through many pairs in that time, all literally battered to within an inch of their life. Each pair has served me well and each provided that instant comfort from a shoe that I know I can simply put on from new and race in without any concerns. That peace of mind is priceless. Typically, after miles and miles of muddy races, getting soaked, drying out, soaking, drying, soaking, drying, that naughty little crease where your toes meet the mid foot would start to wear until eventually you could see sock beneath. It was invariably at this point I knew it was time for another pair. Roll forwards 3 years and I now own the Speedcross 5’s. They feature some welcome improvements and so-far are showing no signs of wear at all. They have a more refined look across the top of the shoe, they call it ‘anti debris mesh’ which I think is self- explanatory what its purpose is, but it also gives them a really sleek look. The signature quicklace system and lace pocket remains unchanged as far as I can tell and is as reliable as ever. Tried & Tested The classic chevron lugs are designed to provide maximum grip on loose and soft terrain, perfect for muddy and soft ground whether training or racing and I’ve done both multiple times in mine. They are NOT waterproof but the reason I like that is because although they may get wet rather rapidly, it also means they will drain swiftly too. The cushioning in these is what attracted me throughout my whole Speedcross relationship, something to do with the molded ortholite apparently, all I know is, they’re just plain comfortable. Standard fit shoes include a 10mm drop, perfect for my heel striking and weighing just 280g I don’t feel like I’m dragging blocks along even when they are wet. I would recommend this shoe Confessions of a self-obsessed Speedcross fan Weight w280g /m320g Drop (heel to toe differential): 10mm Upper material Anti-debris mesh Outsole Contagrip® TA Midsole EnergyCell™ + Upper Construction SensiFit™ Price £120 Here’s the all-important techy bits... I joined the Salomon party at Speedcross 3 stage Built for maximum grip on loose, soft, or rugged uneven surfaces, Contagrip ® TA uses deep, sharp lugs made from a compound that balances durability and adhesion. EnergyCell ™ + is a high-rebound midsole compound that provides exceptional energy return along with substantial cushioning and durability. SensiFit ™ cradles the foot from the midsole to the lacing system, providing a secure, snug, and virtually customised fit all around the foot. Available from www.salomon.com BRAND DEFINITIONS