New from Montrail comes the Fluid Line with the new outlook
on footwear of “pure and simple.”
First up, the Fluid Flex. This is Montrail’s first attempt
at the lower drop shoe. Sitting on 15mm heel and 11 mm forefoot brings the shoe
to a 4mm offset. It is built on Montrail’s Fluid Foam platform and one-piece
molded, souped-up EVA. The foam offers a plush ride and is very responsive. The
shoe features an asymmetric lace pattern for a mid foot wrap that leaves you
feeling secure and comfortable. It weighs in at 7.6 oz for men and 6.1 for
women. Weight savings come from Montrail’s micro lugging and the fact that they
only put on in the heel and forefoot.
Try-on factor of the shoe was a little bit of a wow reaction
-- mainly because when I previewed the line, this was the last one I thought
would fit my wide foot. Do I have a lot of extra room? No, but the mesh in the
upper and the asymmetrical lacing make it feel very comfortable. Once I stood
up, I was a little more sold on it, and then when I took a lap around the
store, I was fully sold. I immediately purchased the shoe and got very excited
for the next morning to come.
The first run in this shoe was short, fast and sweet. It was
a test for sure, being that there was two inches of snow on the trail. The loop
I did consisted of single track, fire road, and paved road, all covered in
snow. Coming into winding curves on the single track, I felt safe keeping my
speed up. Bombing the rocky downhills that were littered with snow-covered
ankle turners and patches of ice, I still felt safe. Even crossing a stream on
a snowy log, I was just enjoying myself the entire time.
So Montrail on the trail, DUUHH! The real test was the paved
section. It was part ice/part asphalt and still felt great. The foam responds
quickly to every foot strike and offers a springy cushion that leaves your feet
as happy as your mental state.
To conclude, this shoe is my new favorite and I can’t wait
to put some miles on them. In fact, next week I have a 50K that I have a time
goal for, and since I could use the weight savings, I have decided to strap
these on next week and go for it.
Will these shoes replace what I am wearing now (Mountain
Masochist 2)? No, but it is a shoe that should be in your tool box for speed
training, fun fast runs or race situations where saving weight could help you
out.
The Fluid Flex comes in at $89.99 so like every Montrail
shoe, it’s a bargain for what your getting.
