END Men's STUMPTOWN 8.5 oz Trail Running Shoe
by END, Trail Running Shoes
END Men's STUMPTOWN 8.5 oz Trail Running Shoe
An ultralight trail running shoe that blurs the lines between function and fashion, the END Stumptown 8.5oz Trail Running Shoe for Men is instantly comfortable. Ideal for race days or when just planning to go fast & light, the Stumptown 8.5oz is designed with SeamSmart synthetic and mesh upper, resulting in a breathable, glove-like fit and a trail radius outsole for all-terrain traction. Pushing the limits on lightweight running performance, the Stumptown 8.5oz will not disappoint.
- SeamSmart synthetic and mesh upper
- END evo BioSmart midsole
- Co-molded underfoot protection plate
- Trail radius outsole
- Synergy heel system
- Ultralight trail running shoe ideal for race day or fashion
- Weight: 8.5oz
Reviews - END Men's STUMPTOWN 8.5 oz Trail Running
Tyler -
11/13/2009
Decent shoe, great philosophy, poor construction...or a fluke
Folks, I was thrilled to hear about END a few months ago, I think it was from some trail and/or ultrarunning blog, and finally got some shoes recently. I bought them for trailrunning, thinking they would be great to mix into normal training several days a month, as well as a race day shoe because of the amazingly low weight. Well, I have now run about 20 miles in them, with an additional day and a half of "normal" wear (mostly sitting around during the workday) to break them in a little bit. Sadly, the uppers on both right and left shoes are separating from the midsole. The nylon has pulled away from the midsole on both shoes' instep, and the outside of the midfoot is actually developing a hole - a gap where the nylon upper is fully separating from the lower. I am still excited about these shoes -- I think your philosophy and practical approach to it is spot-on and hope to see thorough integration of newer, better technology to make them much more environmentally neutral in the future, hopefully Cradle-to-Cradle certified! I really had high hopes for the shoes, and am really hoping that my limited experience is completely atypical. For some more initial critique: Fantastic uppers - super lightweight, seem to be very breathable, I like the minimalist approach with the heel cup, and very smart to keep a padded sockliner "rim" around the ankle. The gusseted tongue is essential in a trail shoe, although the seam tape on the tongue itself could be improved, it is a noticeably thick edge...perhaps sonic-weld the edges instead? Toe bumper is, again, a great minimalist approach - it's just enough to do the job. The unlined upper is fine, but the insole should absolutely not be glued in, to me that is a no-brainer these days. People like to use their own insoles. Lowers also well done, reasonable tread (could be a tad more aggressive), very low profile which is excellent especially for a trail shoe, and the midsole is just enough to keep the pain away, which is what I expect in such a light shoe. That said, I have yet to do a long run in these, 10+ miles, and therefore cannot say if the padding is enough for that. Aesthetically, I like the low-impact look (I have the Olive), very cool screenprinting with minimalist graphics. I do wish there were at least a couple reflective tidbits for when I get caught out a little late and have to run on or near the street - feet in motion catching the light attract the eye of drivers pretty well (just like reflectors on bike pedals or wheels). Also, I would personally prefer a darker color for the midsole, to better match the nice green and brown scheme. Eventually I think I'll get some Stumptown 10's, and some road shoes as well, but please keep the ultralight 8.5 shoe!
Anonymous -
10/2/2009
light and fits like glove
Very stable for casual shoe. Can walk miles in them- comfortable and snug, and breathes very well. Styling is pretty cool. Shoe color can be worn with anything. This is a light shoe however, and has very little insulation for colder weather. If you are in between sizes- go bigger with this shoe. Great shoe! Definitely recommend!
