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Speedland has been taking the trail running shoe market by storm. Those who love their products truly LOVE them. And those who don’t…probably don’t want to pay $300-$400 for trail shoes. Each one of Speedland’s models is a limited edition. They collaborate with athletes to improve and tweak existing designs, but once a model is sold out, it’s gone! The company’s creators, Dave and Kevin, have extensive pedigrees in shoe design, working for the biggest shoe companies in the world; but ultimately, they chose to start their own company where the quality of materials are priority, attention to detail is paramount, and no expense is spared.
The Speedland PGH is a collaboration with bowhunter, and ultra endurance athlete, Cameron Hanes–an unstoppable force in the outdoors community. As a tribute to his local stomping grounds, Mt. Pisgah, the PGH presents a unique powder blue mesh upper contrasted with a vivid splash of “blood” on the white foam of the outsole.
The PGH is slightly lighter (0.4 oz) than the GS:TAM and weighs the same as the SL:HSV with its lugs trimmed. Other updates from the GS:TAM include a softer, bouncier foam midsole that seems to give back almost everything you put into it–particularly on steep climbs. The Boa Fit system has also been perfected and seems to work a lot smoother than it did in the SL:HSV.
GS:PGH Specs:
Notable Features
Right out of the box I knew I was going to love this shoe! The upper is incredibly soft, yet durable, making it almost comfortable enough to wear without socks. The shoe seems to conform nicely to my feet–probably due to the micro-adjustments easily made with the dual Boa dials. Although I've previously struggled with getting the Boa system to lock down on my narrow feet, the PGH system hasn't given me any blisters or discomfort.
Once I took them out for their maiden voyage on an uphill interval workout on soft gravel, I realized that what the PGHs lack in lightness, they give back tenfold in responsiveness. I felt as though the rocker geometry was pushing me up the 17% grade effortlessly. The shape of the shoe puts you on your forefoot without stressing your calves–a great trail shoe feature! When running down the same steep incline, the substantial stack made for some awesome underfoot protection without feeling clunky. The PGH is ideal for the steep, scenic, largely non-technical West Coast singletrack.
Perhaps one of the most notable features of Speedland shoes in general is their durability. I’ve run 40 miles in the PGH, with some being on pavement, and the tread has shown zero signs of wear. The sock-fit mesh upper also shows great durability even though I have to crank the Boa dials quite tightly on my narrow foot.
Need shoes for narrow feet? Check these picks out.
Most of my qualms with this shoe have to do with personal preferences. I am admittedly a Hoka lover and will always enjoy that soft, squishy foam for long days in the mountains (my go-to is the Hoka Mafate Speed 4). The GS:PGH is in stark contrast to the soft and forgiving foam I am familiar with–it took me a few weeks of walking around in the GS:PGH before I felt like the foam was soft enough to actually run in.
Once I ran in them, I had a largely positive experience, but I also realize that these shoes will not be my long run go-to–namely because the construction of the PGH doesn’t allow for an alternative insole. Due to chronic lower leg overuse injuries, I use Currex RunPro Low Profile insoles in my shoes for 90+ minute runs. For now, the PGH will be reserved for short, spicy, and steep runs!
If you’re in the market for a comfortable trail shoe that will perform well on runnable trails, the PGH offers impressive durability, a customizable fit, and plenty of room for wide feet. Granted you’re not concerned about budget, the PGH is one of the highest performing trail shoes available that also has remarkable durability. What you’ll sacrifice in weight, you’ll gain in snappiness and protection.
As far as who shouldn’t buy this shoe, I’d first note that anyone who is looking for an entry-level trail shoe with maximal versatility should shop (and save their money) elsewhere. If you require custom insoles for injury prevention, all Speedland shoes are incompatible due to their drop-in midsoles. Although it may be tempting to try the PGH with its high stack, Runners who love a soft shoe shouldn’t be fooled! The PGH is still quite firm compared to other highly cushioned trail shoes.
I’m quite excited to see what Speedland does over the coming years and how their shoe designs grow and evolve. The stark contrasts between the SL:HSV and the GS:PGH indicate a highly creative, innovative shoe design with the athletes and specific terrain in mind. Keep an eye on Speedland!
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