Montrail Hardrock Running Shoe Review

rail 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.