New New Balance

[Freefall]

Following the self destruction of my RX Terrains "hill walking" at the weekend I need a replacement for the Original Mountain Marathon (OMM). I had heard a rumour about a new New Balance shoe and wonder if anyone has seen/tried the RX1441AT (seen it on MilletSports web page). Removable cuff to stop bits falling in the top looks novel. Are Ultrasport or CompassPoint selling these? I had heel rub problems with my first Inov-8 shoes and don't know if the new generation are better.

Any other mountain marathon options (walshes don't suit my broad feet)?

I want to buy soon to get things properly worn in but not to the point of destruction!

[RJ]

They had a pair on display in the factory shop at Flimby. Very colourful with several 'parts' to the shoe.

The zip-off section for ankle support/protection looks interesting. I can imagine that would be good on rocky terrain..... Whitbarrow!

The tread on the sole is also interesting. There is a bright orange strip all the way around the outside edge (bottom of the sole) which has a large grip pattern, of a fairly hard material. The centre section of the sole is the standard black stud pattern. The grip looks as if it extends all the way to the edge of the sole.

I think they are a little heavier than the RX, but grip on rock should be good. Price was £79 I think, although not 100% sure. They are very garish.... so will make an ideal fashion statement!

[Kitch]

inov8 are still just as bad for heels

why not just use O' shoes ?

[The Cumbrian]

I've been mourning the imminent departure of the RX terrain since I heard of it 12 months ago..so have been stockpiling them at 10% discount from the Keswick shop! I'm told the Keswick AC guys who were doing the pre-production test runs didn't want to give them back as they liked that much..and others have reiterated that. At nearly £80 they seem expensive and appear more like a Salomon XA/harrier so I'd guess feell be both heavy and more padded (not necessarily comfier) I like the look of the ankle cuff.

[Freefall]

inov8 are still just as bad for heels

why not just use O' shoes ?

Some people use RX Terrains as O shoes (myself included on open terrain) but they are a bit soft and I have had my foot impaled by sharp objects in the past.

I once suffered badly from Inov8 and though I see they have been worn in LAMMs and KIMMs the wearers mst be a different build e.g. skinny and light.

O shoes with spikes are really a bit hard on the feet for mountain marathons in my humble opinion. Will try and contact New Balance for more info but it sounds like they could be onto something good (especially for someone who regularly twists his ankle)

[Tatty]

Walshes PB Ultra are wider than the original shoes. I've very wide feet and found them perfect

[Freefall]

Thanks for the info on the PB Ultra - I didn't know such a thing existed so worth a look. I see there is an Extreme version too - maybe tougher material?

[Lizi Beee]

I think they are working on making most of the Walshes ranges in the 'ultra' size - i've just had some again, since i abandoned them years ago due to wide footedness. Love them now though, well worth a look in for OMM, I'll probably use them for it this year as my New Balances have died a death.

[Jethro]

I tried a pair of the walsh ultras, they seemed fine when trying them on but were too loose when running. My foot was moving particularly on side slopes. Swapped them for a pair of mudclaw O 330's. They have been ok (they didn't blister my heels!) but are a bit "clumpy" and the grips have torn off the heel. Don't know what to get now?!

[Lizi Beee]

Mat d was raving bout the Montrails that Planet Fear had on discount at the Scottish, they looked quite decent, think they will be my next buy.

[Kitch]

. Swapped them for a pair of mudclaw O 330's. They have been ok (they didn't blister my heels!)

Ohh - give them time, give them time.....

[johnloguk]

The bottom line is that you need to buy trainers/shoes that fit your feet. It doesn't matter how "interesting" or "great" they look, if they don't fit your feet you will have problems. I know numerous people who have tried INOV8s just because they looked good and their mates said they were great, but then they get crippled because their feet are a different shape to their mates

When your feet move around inside a shoe and you get blisters it isn't the fault of the shoe, it's your fault for buying a shoe that is too big or the wrong shape for your feet!

My feet have high arches and are as wide as a house, which restricts the range of footwear that I can even get my feet into, let alone wear comfortably

Rant over, until the next thread about buying trainers anyway

[Jethro]

Kitch obviously has it in for innov8's! I have trashed my 330's not the other way round!

[Gross]

Admit it JT... weelies is best for you:)

[graeme]

I have trashed my 330's not the other way round!

Me too. I find them heavy when wet though.