I’ll be tackling IMTUF 100M up in McCall, Idaho this coming Saturday. It’s been a while since my last 100 miler (July 2024), and will be my first time back at IMTUF since 2022..
I’m just happy to be injury-free again - it’s been great just knocking out the training miles, adventure runs, and just having fun running in general over the past few months.
Hopefully, I can have a “Big Day” out there, in whatever shape or form that ends up taking. I’ve been mostly focusing my shoe & gear testing recently on the race - gear, apparel, and of course shoes that will carry through 100 rugged miles in the Idaho wilderness.
I’ve always loved the header on the race website - I think it captures the foreboding nature of the race!
norda x Black Diamond Collab
Highlighted by the all new norda 000, this collaboration brings Black Diamond’s deep mountain hertitage together with one of the hottest brands in the trail game. Judging by this collection of gear - I can’t wait to see what they come up with in the future.
The Distance 15L is definitely the most advanced “mountain pack” that I’ve used, and the Mission 30L duffel will surely be part of the pack kit for a long, long time. Throw in a norda-accented set of FKT Z-Poles, and you have a dynamite adventure kit.
norda Fit Guide - 2026 Update
With the 000 being unique mashup - think modified 002 upper paired with 001/001A midsole (but new Vibram formulation), on top of the more rugged 5mm outsole setup - it was time for an updated norda sizing roundup..
My key takeaway is that I’m going to start going with US 10.5 sizing for all norda models going forward. I consider that a full size up from true to size for me. I’ve just been too borderline snug with several models at a half size up (US 10). Of course foot shapes and sizing is so unique, so I go in depth with side-by-side comparisons so you can judge for yourself.
Salomon S/LAB Genesis 2
Not the S/LAB Genesis update I expected. Less ultra, more super-dialed technical fit here..
Good thing I got the chance to take them out in the Sawtooths for an extremely steep / off trail / vertical route. The S/LAB Genesis 2 in its new configuration really shined!
If you are considering this model, I would definitely check this one out to get an idea of the terrain that I think this shoe is designed to handle (well)!
Hoka Tecton X 4 - BIG Test Run(s)
Like my norda x BD overnight adventure trip, I got another chance to get away and bank some solid miles (and vert) in the new Hoka Tecton X 4. It’s definitely a refinement of X 3, but with a few small but noticeable differences.
For one, I had to go a half size up from V3 - it just feels a little more tapered up front. The plates are different here, which I feel gives more ground feel, but a less poppy ride than the X 3 (amazing deal here if your size is left). A new Matryx Micro upper material opens up some questions marks here for me - stay tuned to the end!
Teva Trailpeak - A Lightweight Option
Yes, it seems like lightweight, unplated shoes are making something of a comeback! The all new Teva Trailpeak certainly fits the bill. Check my PandaPrank comparison roundup further below to see what I mean..
Very impressive from Teva straight out the gate - this is essential their first trail running shoe. I’ve gotten a look at some prototype updates to this model that Teva is working on - I think you’ll want to keep an eye on Teva Trail Running!
Mount to Coast Lacing Guide featuring M1
The Mount to Coast M1 seems to be a bit polarizing, both in terms of fit and also with their signature TUNEDFIT lacing system. But rest assured, you have options! Here I show you a couple of things you can do to “tune your fit” including a little lacing trick that is helpful for any running shoe.
They’re just shoelaces.. it’s not that big of a deal.. I’ve swapped many a set of laces for ones that I like, way before Mount to Coast came on the scene. I always recommend to save the ones you like and try them in other shoes if something feels off.
Don’t forget - use code “HUMBLERUNNING” for 10% off Mount to Coast!
norda 055 G+ Adventure
Second of back-to-back runs in the Sawtooths. Again - tons of vert, off trail, this time following a ridge towards a hidden lake (no the picture below is not color edited). How does 9 miles with 5,280 feet of vert sound?
The norda 005 G+ was certainly not as stable and dialed as the S/LAB Genesis 2 - but they will certainly keep the feet happier and comfortable for much longer in rugged mountain terrain. Could this be a race pick for IMTUF?
PandaPrank ?!?!?
Speaking of running 100 miles - would it be crazy to pick a brand new shoe that I just took out of the box? Enter the PandaPrank Orbis..
Yes, it is that kind of shoe! Amazing for a brand that I had literally never heard of before.. with good reason.. this is their first running shoe! Check out this video for all the details and you can probably tell from the thumbnail what kind of company this shoe keeps in my mind..
TODAY on Humble Running
A follow up to the PandaPrank First Look - I take them out for my final long-ish test run.. would it be crazy to pick these for the race?
I also discuss some key pieces of gear and kit that I’ll be wearing and using in the race:
Leki Ultratrail FX.One Superlite poles
Gorewear Ultimate 2-in-1 shorts
Did the PandaPrank Orbis pass the test? Or do I still have other shoe options on my mind?
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