Gear Review: Montrail Rockridge Trail Running Shoes

Without a doubt, Montrail knows how to make a good trail running shoe: And the award-winning Rockridge shoes don’t disappoint.  For women, the Rockridge color options are perfect for the trail.  I chose the Bramble/Pale Orchid color – over the White/Air selection – because it wouldn’t show the evidence of a dirty trail run.  White fading to khaki makes me mad! Beyond my color preferences, the shoes were a seamless fit. Designed for a snug heel and wide forefoot, the Rockridge shoes are stable for steep uphill trail runs.

Montrail threw their “technology kitchen sink” into the Rockridge, including the outsole’s Gryptonite traction system.  In addition, the Rockridge boasts the TerraHex technology that goes hand-in-hand with its “full-length” compression-molded EVA forefoot.  This provides added cushioning and multi-directional flexibility.  This is the feature combination that allows for many progressive running ascents.

The Rockridge shoes also highlighted Montrail’s Trail Shield technology.  According to the Montrail website, Trail Shield is a “lightweight/flexible protection material that is co-molded between the outsole and mid-sole for underfoot protection.”  

I became a Montrail salesperson on the trail.  When crossing paths with fellow trail runners, my Rockridge shoes were the highlight – the Bramble/Pale Orchid color combo are a surprising conversation starter.  The light purple lettering on the side – in a hipster font – was a nice billboard for Montrail.  I had a sense of pride on the trail: The Rockridge shoes were functionally-sound and a smart fashion choice.  

Although not built for snowshoers, the Rockridge shoes were a snug fit – encasing my foot in a solid frame for the trail.  Their mesh upper allows for some needed breathing, but too “meshy” for snow.  I’ve always been impressed with Montrail’s shoes.  The Rockridge will continue to be a “technical” option for my trail running.  I found them to be a wise choice for rocky ascents that often surprise and excite.

Additional features:

  • The breathable mesh upper, welded with thin mid-foot thermoplastic overlays, creates a seamless fit for reducing the likelihood of blisters
  • A breathable mesh upper welded with thin, midfoot thermoplastic overlays create a seamless and comfortable fit
  • Thin forefoot synthetic overlay forms a frame for support without adding bulk or weight
  • Dual lug design combined with full length Gryptonite outsole for great traction on a variety of surfaces

For more information on the Montrail Rockridge trail running shoes, visit http://bit.ly/aEoqTp.  To purchase the Rockridge shoes on Backcountry.com, visit http://bit.ly/bxS3bl.

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