New Balance MT100
Over the last year and a half I’ve become such a huge fan of La Sportiva trail running shoes. The Skyline and Crosslite models are lights out in comparison to the competition. Their shoes possess durability, a good balance of weight, and smart traction designs. So why would I even consider anything else?
Got me other than the fact a shoe, yes a trail shoe, could weight 6 oz. Well, the New Balance MT100 tempted my whistle. I purchased a pair the other day to test out. I knew it would be this weekend before I could hit the trails so I went out Friday night for a quick spin. As I ran, my opinions were all over the place. The shoe was almost in comparison to a true racing flat but a lot less cushion in certain places, like the forefoot area. But over the course of 5 miles I became one with the shoe. I even out ran some of the Halloween critical mass participants.
Sunday morning I found myself in a good spot. Not too hung over from a night of festivities and finding a hour back of sleep. I awoke at 630, quickly dressed and drove out to Pelos Forest Preserve to get in some solid training. And to put my new trail shoes to the test. The trails were slightly damp with covered the stacks of fall leaves beginning to rise from the ground. Pelos is slightly hilly but nothing drastic so I figured I’d have to go easy a bit not being able to see the true ground.
Within a couple of miles my legs begin to loosen up finally and I begin to find my rhythm. Such a beautiful morning and feeling I tell ya. It’s those moments were you want to humbly thank God for making you a runner and being able to play a part in the environment He has created. Celebration of a beautiful gift.
I quickly found myself wanting to explode parts of the trail system but I knew I should maintain and set in for the 2 hours I was scheduled to run. The MT100’s didn’t quite meet my expectation for these sort of conditions. The traction on the sole is definitely geared towards more dryer conditions as the sole nubs go from really small at the top of the shoe to medium at the back of the shoe. I had several spin outs going up little up hills with soft, slightly wet ground. Cornering also proved to be tough in these shoes as well coming off a down hill section.
The cushion, I mentioned earlier, also proved a bit uncomfortable at times. About 1:10 into my run I needed to cross a section of road maybe 2/10 long. Running on that pavement for that short of time was really uncomfortable. NB really should address this to improve the support. Then again at 1:25 going over some small sharp rocks I could feel some uncomfortable pushes back against my feet.
By then end of my 2hrs my feet felt overall ok. No blisters or major aches. Even with my hamstring tightening up my left foot remained solid and loose. Overall, I think the NB MT100 are good shoes. I think if they would insert a bit more cushion in the forefoot area, increase the length of the traction nubs a bit, and use a water resistant material I think the shoe would be a lights out competitor to the La Sportiva shoes.
