For those old Hardrock lovers out there, I just purchased some 2009 Hardrocks at the REI in Denver. I was told they got my box off the shipping dock so the shoes haven't even reached inside the store yet. Since this is a "flagship" store, I don't know if other REI stores have these yet.
I used a single pair of Hardrocks for 3 seasons
(06-08) and logged about 1200 miles on them, most of which were on the JMT with a 30-40 pound pack. I bought a 2nd pair in 08 only to get caught up in the "altered" shoes that had a grey bottom instead of the old yellow bottom after the company was bought out. The grey bottom ones hurt my feet when hiking or even when just driving around town.
The sole on the 09's is different than either the pre 08's or the 08's, yet, I don't know for sure what other changes have been made. The 09's are a little lighter as my old size 13's weighed 17 oz each and my new size 14's weigh 16 oz.
I plan to take a 15 mile hike in them this weekend with a 25 pound pack and will share my findings on Sunday night. I understand my feet are not your feet, yet, I thought this info might be helpful to some of of you. If you have any other specific questions about the new model that I might be able to answer, please send them and I will do my best.
