This is going to be a different type of race report. I usually tell about the race and what was going on but this one will be about the shoes I wore. If you read the last post you know that I got some Hoka Trail running shoes. I recieved them on Tuesday and really didn't get to do much running in before this weekends 50k. I did a get a 2 mile run in on Thursday and they felt really good.
Here is what the website says,
Levitating- "dissipating up to 80% of the shock associated with heal striking when running" "low ramp angle allows for tremendous confidence running downhill"
Rolling UP- "40mm high sole design enabled to design a 13cm rockering profile , representing 50% of the sole length. This design allows for fluid and natural stride transitions, lessening the movement of the knee by as much as 20%, increasing efficiency"
Like a Feather- "15% lighter than reference trail running shoes. At 320 grams size 8UK per pair"
Grip- "With 50% more surface area than the typical trail running shoe, and 35% more rubber crampons, you've never run as confidently as you will in a pair of Hoka's"
Stability- "With a foot recessed into the midsole, you've never run as confidently as you will in a pair of Hoka's"
I will agree with every statement they made. They were much lighter than I was expecting. The reduction in shock was incredible and they were absolutely amazing on the down hills. The rolling up feature almost seemed like it was propelling me forward with each stride. They gripped really well on rocks, sand, roots and dirt, both up and down hill. They were very stable for a shoes that seems looks like platform shoes.
The most amazing part though is that my feet felt great after the race. My feet are usually the reason I suffer late in a long race, but it was amazing how good they felt. Much better than the rest of my body. I made sure that early in the race I was stepping on rocks and roots trying to see how they would react and for the most part I didn't even feel them. Truely amazing!! I know that they are expensive and ugly, but they will be my shoe for any trail run and probably any run over 16 miles.
I'm running the Big D marathon this weekend so I will get a chance to see how well they work on the streets on 7 days rest. It will be a true test to see how the feet hold up. If anyone has any questions feel free to send me a note and I will see if I have any answer.
