SPEEDLAND GS:PGH / So much potential, but a hefty price!

[@TrailrunnerTroy]

Just raced a 50 K in this brilliant shoe, in the Utah wilderness of Navajo Mountain (Naat’sís’áán, “Stronghold of the Enemy” in the Navajo language), and won the Master’s (40 and Over) on my 60th birthday weekend. This is the best all-around trail shoe I’ve tried. For longer competitions, such as a 100-miler I plan to race next weekend, I’ll go with the Salomon Ultra-Francois d’Haene because of the more forgiving fiberglass plate. But the Speedland rocks, and this commission is worthy of the great Cameron Hanes.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Glad you like them!

[@pjskiboy]

Great comments. I've got a pair of the GS:OAK arriving today as a matter of fact. Can't wait to see if my thoughts line up with yours. I have a regular to normal width foot, so you do have me concerned going into this, but still excited to run in these this afternoon. Great review.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Thanks. Let us know what you think after running in the GS: OAK!

[@grantritter4229]

I love this shoe (I had to size down half a size) but I really appreciate your honest review!

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Glad you like it! Thanks!

[@StevenYDG69]

Nice review! The blood is supposed to represent sacrifice in training, although I can see the confusion given Cam’s presence in the outdoor industry.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Yeah I mean when you put a blood splatter on the outsole and an arrow on the rear of the shoe… it screams blood and hunting.

[@StevenYDG69]

@@UltraTrailSteven totally get it dude. I can see why people who live a vegan lifestyle or don’t support hunting would certainly be put off. I like the shoe, but I am glad they at least have other color and themes available so everyone can get something they like and support 🔨🤙🏻🤘🏻

[@UltraTrailSteven]

@@StevenYDG69 yeah totally. Although there are a few new things on the PGH vs the TAM. Personally the colorway doesn’t me as I used to bow hunt as well

[@cmg11235]

Big turn off when the shoe was reviewed on the Joe Rogan show. Between that, the blood splatter and the bow icon on shoe, just too much in the bro camp for me.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

@@cmg11235 I didn’t see the Joe Rogan piece

[@rickymclain]

Haven't tried the PGH, but did try the SL:HSV about 18 months ago, which I wasn't crazy about, and just this week got my hands on the new GS:OAK. Whoa, that OAK is a huge step up, I have really been enjoying it! I just posted a short video with my initial impressions if anyone is considering it. I agree the price is high, but considering the HSV was 375 and these are now 275, it's a huge improvement. Also, I think we need to compare to other highly technical trail shoes. To me that's shoes like the Tecton X2, the Altra Mont Blanc Boa and the Naked shoe. Those are all over 200. In my opinion, it puts these on par.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I hope you enjoy the OAK!

[@rickymclain]

@@UltraTrailSteven I do thanks!

[@a6beats221]

The OAK and PSG are the same shoe….perhaps the colored fabrics helped with this issues? I love mine too though 🎉❤

[@anonymus5966]

Oh nice the shoe folds and creates a pressure point. Genius concept

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Yep

[@mattpeters6224]

When I first noted the upper fabric folding over it was definitely alarming. However, my foot must be a bit wider than yours because the visible amount of fold and amount of material is definitely less. Despite my initial visual concern I have had not actual physical issues or problems. I have both the TAM and the PSG. I prefer the softer PSG, but that is the only noticeable difference to me. I wish the shoe fit you better because they are my favorite and the best shoe I have ever trail run with.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Glad you love them!

[@SeeChadRun]

I've ran in the SL:HSV and similarly to the GS:PGH, the BOA system is amazing! The HSV upper is also very comfortable though I found the shoe to run just a shy short in length. Seems like they've added some volume in the PGH which is great for some, but less great for other more narrow footed people. I do want to give the GS:OAK a go. Fingers crossed ;-)

[@UltraTrailSteven]

The OAK look really similar.

[@MiWolverine96]

Thx for thorough review‼️ I have 200+ miles for next year. This year 100+ mile races the bottom of my feet hurt going over loose rock & big gravel (Cocodona) I used speedboats & switching to mafate speed 4. Would this be a better max cushion/lite shoe option ⁉️ thx!

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I prefer the Mafate speed 4 over the Speedgoats. It’s a different type of cushion. The PGH has a good midsole and feels really nice. Not sure about 200 mile distance though.

[@jessebyrd9504]

As someone who has a hard time with a trail shoe because I am in between a normal and wide, these shoes were literally my unicorn. I have been struggling for years to find a shoe that fits without being too sloppy or too tight. These just hit for me. I wouldn't pay full price, but I would definitely buy them again with a discount code.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Glad you found your unicorn!

[@jessebyrd9504]

Thanks, and great review. They are not perfect, the price is rough. Hopefully they can look at cost as their company grows.@@UltraTrailSteven

[@mattpeters6224]

LOL, hope your not holding your breath on a discount. Ferrari doesn't discount sir. Feel blessed just to get some. Limited run only. Certainly not for everyone.

[@irondome7334]

@@mattpeters6224 There was a 40% promo code but it no longer works.

[@marcoc2706]

Speedland can take a look at the upper of Altra Mont Blanc BOA. It's not bootie construction and won't have that fabric bunching problem. On the other hand, Altra need to learn from the way Speedland implements the BOA system. Heel slippage on the Mont Blanc is pretty bad. Speedland's dial placement combined with the strap going all the way towards the heel seems to provide very good heel lock down.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Good point

[@christopherorman5769]

Fit, fit, fit. That is why there are dozens of trail shoes out there: it is because a good shoe comes down to fit. If your feet and ankle simply don't "fit" this shoe, then it doesn't make sense to wear it -- and certainly for a 50 mile race. In other words, even if everyone raves about a specific shoe, it isn't going to perform if it doesn't fit your foot right -- no matter the cool technology it has. I also will add a nuance reviewers rarely mention: socks. There is a HUGE difference between wearing say the Injini ultra crew socks and some of the really thin, low cut Feetures. I throw that out there, because fit -- and this reminds me of ski boots and fit -- changes a lot depending on the socks you are wearing. I would be testing these shoes in thicker, burlier socks that I would expect to run in a serious ultra. I would not wear socks in this type of shoe that I would wear in my speedwork/roadwork flats.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Yep, that's why there are tons of shoes out there; for the different shaped feet. That's why I mention and shoe my foot shape/size so others can compare and see if it will work for them. Socks are definitely very important!

[@PNWrunningHIGH]

I agree, I found them too wide myself. I got blisters on both big toes after 15 miles and I almost never get blisters. At the end of the day there just way to big overall.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Good to know I’m not the only one.

[@banksburke2530]

I've been searching the internet for an explanation for the big toe chafing. Both of mine. It seems to be from the foam material cupping the outsides of the sole. I'm going to try taping some mole skin on it and see if that helps. Otherwise it's bad enough that it could be a deal breaker. Bad blistering on 1.5 hour runs. 6-7 runs in them now.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

@@banksburke2530 yep that’s what I talk about in this video. I had to cut the foam.

[@banksburke2530]

Ah I'm at work so couldn't watch it/listen just yet. It's on my lunch break list. Thanks for the response!! @@UltraTrailSteven

[@donaldbeuke7027]

I have 400 miles on mine and they seem to be able to go another 200. I have a race in July with 80 creek crossings and I am not sure how that will go yet. They hold up way better than any trail runner I have used.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Thats awesome! 80 creek crossings!! WOW what race is that?

[@donaldbeuke7027]

@@UltraTrailSteven Hardrock. My favorite:)

[@UltraTrailSteven]

@@donaldbeuke7027 nice!

[@heymrguitarman7637]

The boa system really makes a lot of sense for ultra running if they can implement it better

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Totally agree!

[@stevejosepher7787]

"We need a smaller boat". Love your honesty in this thorough review, but I'm sure the Speedland folks aren't happy...lol. Even if this shoe walked on water in those creek crossings, I would never pay $310 for a shoe.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I will always be honest. Yeah I would never pay that much either. Insane!

[@suggg]

I"m 53 years old, 155 bodyweight - run on mix of ranch roads and hilly, out sloping single track - lots of climbing. I didn't find these shoes very efficient. I like 4-6mm offset and more than 35 mm of functioning midsole under my heel - typically. I found these shoes relatively stiff and firm. I think they look cool, and I respect the design process, but these are not dynamic trail shoes. These shoes feel like hiking shoes. For me fore-foot flex and over all length twist- able are important so that the shoe works with the foot as I step onto different angles with each step - while keeping my foot securely on top of the midsole. These shoes felt like too much bulk when trying to run up false flats or up steeper climbs 20 degree angle +. The BOA is rad, but too much complexity is involved to make it work, too many layers. I think most companies are still trying to dial in dynamic max stack trail shoes right now - hmmmmm. What do I use right now? Brooks Ghost Max just keeps me on top of the midsole, just barely does the job. This shoe is way faster, more efficient than most trail shoes on the market. Trabuco Max 2 for easy, mellow technical days with less climbing. If the Speedland shoes (GS PGH) had an even softer midsole, just a bit more cush, and a more flexible fore-foot (for climbing), I'd be way more stoked. Rocker on this shoe is not bad (heel to toe transition) and stability is a non issue. Finally, I can't imagine why a trail runner would put a carbon plate in this shoe - that makes zero sense to me...... unless you are on fire roads only?

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Good thoughts. I agree. Carbon plates are not needed unless running gravel roads.

[@MattRunsColorado]

Great review man!!

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Thank you!

[@wread1982]

Are they soft for wearing around the house and standing for work? Thanks

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Yes without the plate.

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

I'm not aware of Speedland, that feels odd saying I'm not aware of a shoe brand! The fabric fold doesn't look good, seems like they need to reduce the volume for the majority of feet? Interesting idea to make the shoe so adaptable with the various customisations 👍

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Yeah it’s a great idea, just needs some tweaking.

[@suggg]

I was wondering what the differences were btwn the PGH and subsequent models .... the purple one and the green one...... besides color and name, are there incremental tweaks? The reviews at speedland are all positive and dont get into technical comparisons.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

There generally aren’t many updates; nothing major at least. It’s how Speedland does it. Just release a new colorway with a different name.

[@wread1982]

In your opinion what is the softest shoe for standing all day at work? My new balance are the only shoes I can comfortably wear but looking for a new brand. Thank you sir

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Check out the Hoka Clifton 9 or maybe the Saucony Kinvara Pro

[@joellaing228]

Damn I really wanted to try these but that issue of pressure from too much material is a no go for me given I’m also looking at them for long races. Do you know if the GS:Oak has the same issue? Specs are same so I’m not sure if it’s essentially the same shoe but just a different colorway

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Pretty sure it’s just about the same shoe, but just a different colorway. The main issue is the overall width/volume of the upper. If you have a wider foot, it may not be an issue for you.

[@joellaing228]

@@UltraTrailSteven ah damn. Average to narrow shoe so not keen to risk the issues you had. Thought that may have been the case as all specs were identical. Cheers mate

[@UltraTrailSteven]

@@joellaing228 maybe check out the Hoka Mafate Speed 4. They are my favorite 100 mile shoe.

[@joellaing228]

@@UltraTrailSteven they are my current shoe. And Tecton X 2. Do love both Cheers

[@anonymus5966]

They should make laces like bandages

[@UltraTrailSteven]

What do you mean exactly?

[@TrailRunnerReviews]

Yeah, still kinda on the fence with them. I’ve had some decent runs in them, though just the width might be a little too much, and I wonder what a longer distance would do to my feet. I think I will have to cut and or adjust the insole a bit on the front for my feet, especially if I use toe socks. I do love what they are trying to do as you mentioned, Maybe in the next iteration with the Oak version they will have made more adjustments?

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I too wear toe socks, so definitely think about cutting the insole.

[@wread1982]

It’s just money

[@cmg11235]

thought my GS.TAM are too wide. I have the same issue with over-clamping the upper to try and lock down my foot. I feel my feet sliding around if i take a step sideways to avoid an obstacle. The PGH blood splatters are too juvenile. Glad the OAKs are out. Did you try a half size down? I ordered the OAK 1/2 size down hopefully they won’t be too short.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

No I got my normal size. Half size down may help a bit

[@mandy4887]

I’m going to pretend the red is from cherry juice. Maybe we stomped some fruit for wine before hitting the trail.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

😂

[@NateCrail]

You need to try the Norda 001s and 002s!

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I’ll check them out!

[@jessewithrow9326]

I went down that road just for the fun of it, after my first 300 miles in the PGH. Knowing the pgh was going to be next to impossible to top, I wanted to try the Norda cause I really love a lot about the shoes. I ran 3 days in a row, ~13mi/day, and half way through day 3 my feet hurt so bad I considered throwing in the towel and getting a ride home, but I sucked it up and made it back to the parking lot. The Norda are amazing shoes in so many ways, but they hurt my feet, lot. The next day I went back to the PGH for a 12mi run and my feet were fine besides a little recovery from the 3 days I spent in the Norda 001’s. Now, I’m at 400mi on the pgh, maybe half way through their treadwear, and they’re amazing on every run. I did go half size down, to 12.5. The 13’s did have some material bunching in the upper as reviewed, but the 12.5 does not suffer that issue at all. I have roughly 30 pairs of shoes in my entryway, everything from Altra, Hoka, LaSportiva, Salomon, Nike, Norda… I’ve tried everything and the speedlands are the best overall performers hands down. I destroy all the other shoes in 300mi or less (midsole shot, outsoles with zero traction) and they’re all roughly $150 except the Tecton X2’s at $225, so spending $310 on a pair of shoes that outperforms the others in every category I care about, and lasts 2x as long… no brainer in my book. I really did have high hopes for the Norda and will give them as many tries as it takes to get past 100mi cause I hear they get better with age. That’s my very long .02 on the Norda and Speedland.

[@stjepantomislav363]

@@jessewithrow9326Can you confirm which size of Altras do you run in? I'm also size 13 in Altra Olympus and Timps. Looking to get the Speedlands, but ordering from Europe it makes it difficult if I don't get the size right. Oly in size 13 fits me perfect. I do have a wide and high volume feet (31 cm in length). Which do you think are a safer bet - 13 or 12.5 US for the Soeedlands? If I understood correctly, you went for the 12.5 in the end? Thanks for the input 🙂

[@Not_So_Common_Sense]

Agree 100%. Way too wide, clunky for speedwork/shorter races, too stiff when equipped with the plate (positioned right below the footbed so very noticeable when running), Michelin traction is inferior to Megagrip, heavy. I am not against paying a premium for the better shoe (I own Norda 001 and NNormal Kjerag) but these are simply not worth it. An fascinating exercise in engineering but ultimately not more than the sum of its parts.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

All valid points!

[@andrew_macneilage]

I suppose the price can be justified if they last a lot longer than a cheaper model. Obviously, a LOT longer! I've heard reports of 700miles in them and still some to go. And if you compare to the ridiculous $400 tag on the Adidas marathon shoes that last literally a marathon and a warm up, then they're a bargain. It's not for everyone obviously, and I'd never personally pay that, but for folks who can afford it, and enjoy the fit, then why not? Nobody's forcing us to buy them

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Yeah those that like them, or those that drink the Kool Aid, are more than welcome to buy them. The thing I don’t like about them, or the Adidas shoes you mention, is that when people buy them it affects the entire shoe industry and how much brands sell their shoes for.

[@thesamenumb5437]

The blood has nothing to do with hunting. He said he knew that’s what people would think. It’s supposed to represent that “blood, sweat and tears” we put into endurance running and strength training. That sometimes in these endeavors you have to give some of your blood as a sacrifice. But, truly at first I thought it was totally about bow hunting as well.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Good to know. However, when there is an arrow on the shoe and a blood splatter, it’s gonna turn alot of folks off. Not me as I used to bow hunt myself.

[@down2fishlbc715]

If u read the description of the shoes on the speed land website, it literally says they put the blood splatter because he’s a hunter so…..

[@thesamenumb5437]

@@down2fishlbc715 I based what I said off Cam’s own comments on Believe in the Run. He did a podcast with that guy and Cam got into to talking about it. I get Speedland advertising it that way. He is a bow hunter. I’m sure a large portion of his audience is hunters as well. Totally get it. But for him, the person the shoe was designed for, said, it ain’t about bow hunting so……..

[@thesamenumb5437]

@@UltraTrailSteven yeah for sure. The arrow is just apart of the keep hammering logo. Honestly it turned me off when I first saw them and if I knew they would release the Oak’s right after these I wouldn’t have gotten them. But when I found out the charity money from the shoes wasn’t going to anything hunting related and I saw that podcast where he said it ain’t about killing animals it’s the stuff I said up in the first message bought them.

[@jazznroll5]

310 usd and probably made in asia somewhere...

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Not sure where they are manufactured

[@cmg11235]

The quality of build and level of detail in the design make these worth it for the price.

[@GriffRunning]

The weird blood stain on the side is really cringey

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Yeah kinda surprised at their design

[@tiffanybrantley23]

My 1st thought when I saw the thumbnail was: I'm probably not supposed to think that looks like blood. Lol! But, SURPRISE! I was supposed to think that!

[@chrisx2186]

So ugly.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

@@tiffanybrantley23 yep a fresh kill I guess

[@JaySizz]

Looks like the OG Ultraglide (nearly identical color way) meets roadkill. Extreme cringe factor here, for me at least.

[@AwesomeCanadianHomes]

horrible design is that a sneaker for toddlers?

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Hahahaha

[@richardbrown324]

This guy did a lot of complaining about the price on a free pair of shoes He received lol

[@wread1982]

Are they soft for wearing around the house and standing for work? Thanks

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Yes

[@wread1982]

Thank you 🙏