Montrail Vitesse vs. Montrail Hard Rock

[Christopher May]

Hello:
With my new total backpack weight of 17 lbs (down from 32lbs a couple months ago!), I am switching from boots to trail runners.
I’ve seen a lot of good things about the Montrail Vitesse on this website but nothing about the Montrail Hardrock. Montrails website allows a side by side comparison with a rating from zero to 5.
The Hardrock has slightly less Toebox width with a 4 vs. the Vitesse’s 5.
Other than that the Hardrock rates equal or better than the Vitesse as follows:
Underfoot protection equal at 5
Pronation control 5 vs. Vitesse’s 4
Forefoot Flexibility 5 vs. Vitesse’s 3
(or is forefoot flexibility as drawback for ultralight backpacking?)
Heel Strike Cushioning 5 vs. Vitesse’s4
Forefoot Cushioning 5 vs. Vitesse’s 4
Waterproof equal at 2
Ventialleted equal at 4
Mud Snow Traction 5 vs. Vitesse’s 3
Smooth Rock Traction equal at 4
Both models are the same weight at 13oz.
I can buy the hardrocks locally at A16 or REI but would have to order the Vitesse any experiences or insight into the two models would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Chris

[Ryan Jordan]

Well, I never thought I’d say it as a years-long Vitesse fan but I think Montrail has created a superior shoe in the Hardrock.

I am extremely disappointed by the narrower footbox, but that has more to do with the fact that I have a wide forefoot and appreciate the extra space.

On the contrary, the forefoot of the Hardrock and the underfoot “carriage” in the front of this shoe results in a more natural gait for me, causing less side to side shifting of my forefoot, so this may compensate for the lack of toe box room.

I do think the Hardrock has more absorbent materials in it (a victim of its increase in “comfort/padding”) so it dries a tad slower.

But all in all, a great shoe, these comments are also reflected in the reader reviews section:

 BackpackingLight.com Reader Reviews of the Montrail Hardrock

[Christopher May]

Great, thanks. I’ll be trying out a pair of Hardrocks.

[Author]

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