Gear review: Montrail Hardrock '09 -- a first impression

Author: Rob Colenso
	Rob Colenso is an Examiner from Washington DC. You can see Rob's articles on Rob's Home Page.

I have a crush on the new Montrail Hardrock.

A runner's relationship with his shoes is personal, unique and deeply felt. And I've been out of love with the Brooks Cascadia 3 since our first trail date last fall.

So after three 50K races, a 50-miler, and too many blisters later, I decided to break it off.

Other trail runners love the Cascadia and it's got the awards to prove it. It's not a bad shoe. Really. It's me. I get it.

And now I heart Montrail's Hardrock '09. We haven't gone for our first run yet -- my Hardrocks only just got into town this evening. But after ripping open the box, tugging my SmartWool socks on and lacing up, I think I’m in love.

Some relationships just feel right, right from the start.

I'm not perfect, and the Hardrock seems like it will forgive my flaws. I have thin ankles, wide forefeet and I overpronate a bit. The Hardrock's roomy toebox and stability features may well put all that in check. And the rugged toe bumper seems tougher than the Hardrock's svelte 11.8 ounces would suggest. If Salomon's XA Pro 3D is an Abrams tank, the Hardrock is an armored Humvee. I can use that kind of protection -- if there's a root or a rock hidden on a trail, my toes will find it, guaranteed.

Our first trail run will be a blind date. Montrails are tough to find in the D.C. area, so I bought these on reputation alone. But with solid references from fellow ultrarunners and magazines like Backpacker, which named it the Best Run/Hike Crossover of 2009, who can blame me?

Yes, I kept my return receipt. I'm a firm believer in a shoe pre-nup.

Of course, I can already find a few potential flaws. The lack of a second lace eyelet at the top of the shoe could make locking in my heel difficult if I notice any slippage. And Backpacker's reviewers report quick rubber wear and durability issues with the lace hooks. Most of all, the tread doesn't seem quite as burly as I'd like for a muddy Virginia trail on a springtime run.

We're going for a run on the Bull Run-Occoquan Trail this weekend, my Hardrocks and I. That first date could be the kiss of death, or the sign of a match made in heaven. Here's hoping this relationship works out.