FluidPost, New Techonology for Trail Running Shoes by Montrail
August 4, 2010 ·
Written by trailrunningSoul.com ·
Filed Under Shoes & Gear
A few weeks ago, during the Outdoor Trade Fair in Friedrichshafen, Germany, I had the pleasure to chat with the guys at Montrail and to get introduced to the upcoming new technology for their trail running shoes: FluidPost.
The new trail running shoes for Spring 2011 from Montrail will be based on a new proprietary technology applied to the midsole. Based on the experience brought by their team of trail runners, Montrail’s product team saw the need for a better pronation control when on the trail. Roots, rocks, uneven surfaces puts stress on your feet up to a point where even neutral runners can have an inside roll. FluidPost is their response as a pronation control technology that adapts to how much or how little your foot pronates. FluidPost, incorporated in the midsole, will deliver adaptive and personalized pronation control as well as will provide support for all types of runners by serving up neutral cushioning, but also firmer midfoot support when needed.
How does FluidPost accomplishes this pronation control? The key is in a progressively denser material built in the midsole. It provides soft cushioning on the lateral (heelstrike) side that graduates to a denser, more supportive material on the medial side for an adaptive, less abrupt, safer and more comfortable foot strike. It delivers on-demand support, slowing the rate of pronation for each individual footstrike, allowing for a natural, balanced stride. You can easily see the different densities of the material based on the color: yellowish colors mean softer and more cushioned. The colors closer to red is a firmer, more supportive material. At their stand, there were a few separate pieces of the different types of material used on the midsoles and you could really feel the smooth transition between both ends.
Where will we see FluidPost midsoles? Look for this technology in the Fairhaven, a new road to trail hybrid, and the Badrock, the FluidPost-ed version of the Rockridge. Here’s a sneak peak right from Montrail’s hand:
Fairhaven
Hybrid road-trail running shoe designed with great cushioning and a versatile traction system for a smooth ride on all surfaces. Featuring FluidPost for customized support on any terrain.
Features & Benefits:
- Variable Fit system – variable width lacing, with a dynamic welded “seamless” support frame – provides a custom fit and additional medial support
- Articulated lateral crash zone, constructed out of a resilient EVA foam for durability and cushioning, accommodates natural foot biomechanics
- Multi-surface outsole design combined with a full-length Gryptonite outsole
- Lightweight overlays for support and better flexibility, open mesh body for high breathability and comfort
Tech specs
- Midsole: Compression-molded EVA
- DURO METER : 55 Asker – 70 Asker C (+/-3 degrees) FluidPost™
- RIDE HEI GHT: 20 mm heel, 10 mm forefoot
- OUTSOLE : Gryptonite™
- Weight: Men 11oz/310g / Women 9.4oz/265g
Badrock
A versatile, lightweight, stability trail running shoe designed to provide cushioning. Featuring FluidPost for customized support on any terrain.
Features & Benefits:
- Variable Fit system – variable width lacing, with a dynamic welded “seamless” support frame – provides a custom fit and additional medial support
- Full-length compression-molded EVA midsole for cushioning and flexibility Dual-lug design combined with full-length Gryptonite outsole
Tech specs
- Midsole: Full-length compression-molded EVA
- DURO METER : 55 Asker – 70 Asker C (+/-3 degrees) FluidPost™
- RIDE HEI GHT: 21 mm heel, 11 mm forefoot
- OUTSOLE : Gryptonite™
- Weight: Men 11.4oz/325g / Women 9.4oz/265g
- PROTECTION : Forefoot-only Trail Shield™
- TOE COUNTER : Synthetic overlay
Rogue Racer
With Max King helping out on the development process, this ultra-minimal and lightweight trail shoe is for those who crave minimalism and low profile performance.
Features & Benefits:
- Low profile midsole for flexibility and a fast responsive feel on the trail
- A micro 3-point lug design for extreme lightweight multi-directional traction, combined with full-length Gryptonite
- Combined external TPU shank and Trail Shield for support and traction
Tech specs
- Midsole: Compression-molded EVA
- DURO METER : 55 Asker C (+/-3 degrees)
- RIDE HEI GHT: 20 mm heel, 10 mm forefoot
- OUTSOLE : Gryptonite™
- Weight: Men 8.8oz/250g / Women 7.4oz/210g
- PROTECTION : Combined external TPU shank and Trail Shield™
The outsoles |
||
| Fairhaven | Badrock | Rogue Racer |
| Tetrahedral lug design for multidirectional traction on trail surfaces. Deflecting lugs offer cushioning on hard surfaces. Horizontal and vertical flex grooves provide forefoot flexibility. | Deflecting lugs for cushioning. Digging lugs at perimeter provide traction for up- and downhill runs. Terra-Hex Midsole a field of hexagonal posts, gives the shoe added cushioning and multi-directional flexibility |
Micro 3-point lugs provide extreme lightweight multi-directional traction. Horizontal and vertical flex grooves provide forefoot flexibility. Perforated outsole reduces weight |
 |
 |
 |
Do any of these shoes come in wide sizes?
Hey Tony, here’s all the info on the fit and sizes I have:
Fairhaven
Men Sizes: US 7-13, 14, 15 UK 6.5-12.5,13.5, 14.5 EU 40-48, 49 1/3, 50 2/3
Women SizeS: US US 5 – 11
UK 2.5-8.5 EU 35.5-43
FIT NOTES : Secure fit at ball girth
Badrock
Men Sizes: US 7-13, 14, 15 UK 6.5-12.5,13.5, 14.5 EU 40-48, 49 1/3, 50 2/3
Women SizeS: US 5 – 11
UK 2.5-8.5 EU 35.5-43
FIT NOTES : Snug midfoot and open toe box
Rogue Racer
Men Sizes: US 7-13, 14, 15 UK 6.5-12.5,13.5, 14.5 EU 40-48, 49 1/3, 50 2/3
Women SizeS: US 5 – 11
UK 2.5-8.5 EU 35.5-43
FIT NOTES : Secure fit
Where can you get these shoes at?
Amanda, those are Spring 2011 models. We’ll have to wait until next year to try those on!
Ed
[...] Good Trail Running Soul article on the Montrail FluidPost technology with notes on the Rogue Racer. [...]
Where can I buy this online? I am interested.
I wore the Hardrock forever and haven’t found a montrail close to it!Which of these has a wide toe box and is closest to Hardrock?
Denise, the Hardrock is a trailrunner designed to be used on rugged terrain, with feet protection as its main feature. The three new models seem to be designed with lightweight in mind, so I’m not sure that you can try on any of those and feel it as the Hardrock did. If I have to choose the closest one, though, I’d go for the Fairhaven
Ed