I am in the same boat as you in that I really liked the predecessor, the OG Speed Ultra. And I also value all the same things as you do (nimbleness, feel, some stack, lightness). I also second that the original Speed Ultra had stability problems for me, I rolled my ankle really badly one time when bombing a descent. But despite this newer model having probably similar kind of stability problems, I might have to try it out, because I really like all the other aspects.
I just got the Hoka Zinal 2 and it kind of reminded me of the original. I am using it for my race this weekend and will give a review. The upper leave something to be desired, but it’s a shoe that thrives based on simplicity and an amazing outsole.
Great review. These are my favorite trail runners right now. If you wear them with a padded wool sock (like darn tough) you get better lockdown and comfort. Good luck at the jigger Johnson 50 mile! 👍🏼
Lol just snapped that you're reviewing the Speed Trail, not the Speed Ultra, ha! Great shoe (southwestern & forest trails here). BTW you might look at the Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx: After a few shorter runs I'm falling in love with them -- do size down 1/2 as they run long and have a very generous toebox. For Speed Trail comparisons, my most similar shoe would be the SLab Genesis, slightly under 1oz heavier, but the two shoes behave similarly, with the Slab getting the nod for the bulletproof upper and ankle gaiter (which works beautifully), and a bit more structure for longer events. I'd also note that between the TectonX & the STrail, the TX is a dramatically more stable shoe on technical terrain (tip: I put the TPU insole from old saucony triumph in the Tecton for more cushion). Fun review, keep them coming
I do remember eying the long sky 2 matryx when it first came out but was afraid it would be too minimal. I have a similar TPU insole from some Inov8s so I’ll have to try that out with the tectons. Thanks for watching!
What a great no nonsense review! I the shoe is on sale now for $55, but the problem is that my size is usually 13, and they only have 14 and 12, while 12.5 is out of stock. Which size would you recommend ?
Thank you! I would not size up a whole size. I think a 12 would probably work if you want a snug fit for some faster technical running. I don’t think you’d be happy spending all day in them, but I think the 14 would definitely be too large. I love the shoe and think $55 is worth a trail tempo or race shoe.
I've done two 50k ultras in mine. They're very good. I don't think I'd want to take it any further than 50 miles. I think I would've liked a deeper lug but like you said they have good road running ability
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I am in the same boat as you in that I really liked the predecessor, the OG Speed Ultra. And I also value all the same things as you do (nimbleness, feel, some stack, lightness). I also second that the original Speed Ultra had stability problems for me, I rolled my ankle really badly one time when bombing a descent. But despite this newer model having probably similar kind of stability problems, I might have to try it out, because I really like all the other aspects.
I just got the Hoka Zinal 2 and it kind of reminded me of the original. I am using it for my race this weekend and will give a review. The upper leave something to be desired, but it’s a shoe that thrives based on simplicity and an amazing outsole.
Nice work, young fella! Keep em coming
Much appreciated!
Great review. These are my favorite trail runners right now. If you wear them with a padded wool sock (like darn tough) you get better lockdown and comfort. Good luck at the jigger Johnson 50 mile! 👍🏼
Thanks for the tip. I’ve only tried them with thinner socks so far
Lol just snapped that you're reviewing the Speed Trail, not the Speed Ultra, ha! Great shoe (southwestern & forest trails here). BTW you might look at the Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx: After a few shorter runs I'm falling in love with them -- do size down 1/2 as they run long and have a very generous toebox. For Speed Trail comparisons, my most similar shoe would be the SLab Genesis, slightly under 1oz heavier, but the two shoes behave similarly, with the Slab getting the nod for the bulletproof upper and ankle gaiter (which works beautifully), and a bit more structure for longer events. I'd also note that between the TectonX & the STrail, the TX is a dramatically more stable shoe on technical terrain (tip: I put the TPU insole from old saucony triumph in the Tecton for more cushion). Fun review, keep them coming
I do remember eying the long sky 2 matryx when it first came out but was afraid it would be too minimal. I have a similar TPU insole from some Inov8s so I’ll have to try that out with the tectons. Thanks for watching!
What a great no nonsense review! I the shoe is on sale now for $55, but the problem is that my size is usually 13, and they only have 14 and 12, while 12.5 is out of stock. Which size would you recommend ?
Thank you! I would not size up a whole size. I think a 12 would probably work if you want a snug fit for some faster technical running. I don’t think you’d be happy spending all day in them, but I think the 14 would definitely be too large. I love the shoe and think $55 is worth a trail tempo or race shoe.
I've done two 50k ultras in mine. They're very good. I don't think I'd want to take it any further than 50 miles. I think I would've liked a deeper lug but like you said they have good road running ability
I just recently did the last 16 miles of my 57 mile race and then and they felt amazing. Made me think I could have taken them the whole distance