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Oofta. $300 for a pair of path sneakers? At that worth, I half anticipated them to run for me! That stated, the Speedland GL:SVT is loaded with cutting-edge options: twin Boa dials, a detachable Carbitex GearFlex plate, a Michelin Fiber Lite outsole with aggressive 6.5mm lugs, and a built-in gaiter. On paper, it seems like the last word path machine.
However are they definitely worth the steep price ticket? Like most issues… it relies upon.
I actually wished to like these sneakers. I’ve associates who swear by them, and influencers rave about them. However after giving them a good shot, they simply didn’t click on for me. For all of the spectacular tech and innovation, one thing in regards to the general really feel simply fell flat…or slightly, scorching.
Who Is It Good For?
Who’s the Speedland GL: SVT an excellent match for? For path runners who want aggressive sneakers that may deal with technical terrain.
- Vast Ft: They run unisex sizing, so that they run on the broader facet
- Technical Trails: These have been created particularly for technical trails
- Lengthy Runs: I didn’t love these for longer than 10-15 miles, however different testers have run 100-mile races in them.
- Entrance of the Pack: The carbon plate choice appeals to aggressive runners.
This shoe was made to go quick on technical trails. Should you run totally on buffed-out rolling trails, it won’t be the shoe for you.
Speedland GL: SVT Overview
As I discussed earlier, I actually wished to like these sneakers. They verify all of the packing containers on paper—actually, they really feel just a little futuristic. Detachable carbon plates? Examine. Not one, however two Boa lacing programs? Examine. Deep 6.5mm lugs for severe traction? Examine. It’s every little thing I examine and thought, that is it.
Possibly my expectations have been too excessive, or perhaps it’s simply that not each shoe works for each runner.
Throughout my runs, I began noticing some scorching spots. I figured it was my socks—swapped them out. Nonetheless there. Taped my ft. Nonetheless occurred. I saved working, pondering perhaps they simply wanted to interrupt in. Then got here race day: a quick, technical 50k that appeared tailored for these sneakers.
By mile 24, I used to be asking my crew (my spouse and daughter—neither of whom put on my measurement) if I may borrow their sneakers. That just about sealed it. I made it by way of these ultimate miles, simply eager to be executed with them. The phrase that saved coming to thoughts? Upset.
That stated, they’re not horrible sneakers by any means. Throughout coaching, I really discovered they carried out nicely for me—as much as about mile 12.
They really feel snappy and responsive for shorter efforts, and I may see myself utilizing them for quick 21Ks or technical mountain runs the place I’m not out for hours on finish.
However for something longer? Particularly ultras? They’re simply not the shoe I’d attain for once more. The match and really feel that works early on didn’t maintain up deep into the miles for me.
Speedland GL: SVT Specs
I actually like pink shade with the black. They give the impression of being quick, and like they imply enterprise!
Speedland GL: SVT Match
The match is unisex, and I put on a typical males’s measurement 12 for reference. The GL: SVT felt true to measurement—my toes had sufficient room up entrance, and the toebox was huge sufficient to let my toes splay naturally with out feeling sloppy or free. That stated, runners with narrower ft would possibly discover the match a bit too roomy.
The higher has a pleasant quantity of cushion and luxury, but it surely’s nonetheless doable to overtighten the twin Boa system and find yourself with some lace fatigue. There’s a little bit of a studying curve when dialing within the good match.
It took me just a few runs to essentially determine easy methods to modify the system to match the form of my foot—however as soon as I did, I genuinely favored it. The laces stayed safe, and I by no means needed to fear about something coming undone or snagging on path particles.
I often use a heel lock lacing methodology, so I used to be curious how that might translate with the Boa setup. Due to the deeper heel cup and a few experimenting with the dials, I finally discovered a match that saved my heel locked in properly. Once more, it took some trial and error, however I received there.
One vital be aware: these sneakers don’t work with customized orthotics. The insole is detachable, but it surely additionally serves because the attachment level for the carbon plate, so there isn’t room—or compatibility—for many aftermarket insoles. That is one thing to recollect for those who depend on customized help.
Speedland GL: SVT Really feel
Proper out of the field, I actually favored the cushion degree of the GL: SVT.
With out the carbon plate, the cushioning strikes a pleasant steadiness—plush sufficient to be comfy however not so smooth that it feels unstable. I’d put it within the mid-cushion class, which is fairly akin to the Hoka Speedgoat.
It delivers a easy journey that feels energetic with out being overly agency. However when you add the carbon plate, every little thing adjustments—the shoe turns into noticeably stiffer and extra responsive, constructed for pace slightly than consolation.
Operating with the carbon plate was really form of enjoyable. The response was noticeably snappier—much more so than my Altra Mont Blanc Pace sneakers. I loved them on shorter, sooner efforts, although it did take just a few runs to get used to the added stiffness.
One factor I appreciated is that the carbon plate is detachable. I used to be capable of practice in the identical shoe I’d race in—simply with out the plate—which saved me from needing a separate, devoted carbon-plated shoe. Truthfully, that’s most likely a part of why the GL: SVT comes with such a excessive price ticket. It’s principally two sneakers in a single.
The Michelin tire rubber outsole with 6.5mm lugs carried out amazingly. The grip was unbelievable. Whether or not I used to be climbing rocky desert trails, bombing muddy descents, and even hitting just a few icy patches, I felt completely assured. It’s an absolute 10/10 on traction.
Nonetheless, I did expertise some points. I constantly received scorching spots, and my ft overheated comparatively shortly. As I discussed earlier than, I attempted every little thing—completely different socks, a radical break-in interval, even squeezing in an additional insole (which actually doesn’t work nicely with this design)—however nothing solved the issue.
Throughout my race, I even ran into one other runner within the GL: SVT, who informed me they needed to pull the carbon plates out at mile 24 as a result of their ft have been overheating, too. And that was with the plates in.
I wasn’t even working with the plates and nonetheless felt the warmth constructing. My guess is that the tight mesh higher, mixed with the built-in gaiter, creates just a little an excessive amount of insulation—particularly in hotter, low-elevation environments.
Price noting: Avery Collins, the ultrarunner behind this design, typically runs in excessive alpine terrain close to Silverton (SVT), Colorado. So, it is sensible that these sneakers would possibly carry out higher in cooler temperatures at elevation. In my expertise, the woven higher does drain nicely—particularly for those who lower the built-in drain plug on the underside—however as soon as temps rise above 70°F, they will begin to really feel fairly heat.
I do know runners who swear by these sneakers—one buddy wears them for each 100-miler—and on-line opinions echo that sentiment. So whereas they didn’t work for my model of working, particularly for my longer races, they clearly have a loyal following. And whereas I’m disillusioned they gained’t be my go-to for ultras, I’ve nonetheless discovered a spot for them in my lineup—for pace days and quick, punchy races the place they actually shine.
Related Footwear to the Speedland GL: SVT
We’ve examined just a few that really feel related however completely different primarily based on the model match:
It’s a very fascinating shoe and we all know it’s a win for some, however simply didn’t hit all the fitting notes for us.
Checkout the total particulars for your self.
Who Examined It
Hello, I’m John, a 40-year-old runner who’s keen about pushing my limits. I performed school and coached highschool basketball, however nowadays, I’ve traded the courtroom for the paths, working races starting from 5Ks to 100 miles. The mountains are my favourite place to run; the rugged terrain and gorgeous views make each step price it.
I additionally combine up my routine with cross-training, having fun with Nordic and backcountry snowboarding within the winter, and biking throughout the summer season months. After I’m not working or adventuring outside, you could find me fly-fishing with my household.