Montrail Hardrock/Vitesse on wet rock

I have used my Hardrocks on a few Class 3 Colorado Fourteeners last summer with great success. On granite type rock even with running water the grip was excellent. There were a few spots coming down Crestone Peak where the rock was polished smooth with bits of moss where I had trouble, but I don't think anything short of crampons would have been helpful.

With the ankle flex allowed I was able to friction my way up some fairly severe slopes while others with more rigid boots were having difficulty finding mini ledges to support themsleves.

I would not hesitate to use them in any inclement weather as long as it is not to cold.

The shoes are not waterproof by any means but they dry fairly quickly. I have narrow feet and they fit better than 5.10 trail shoes I have tried. They also seem more durable than my La Sportiva shoes, sole and body.

I wore my Hardrocks on the 93-mile Wonderland Trail (rock, scree, dirt) in five days of rain. (As of today, that link was last updated when we were on the trail. The next time it is updated there will be significant changes due to November storms.) I only slipped once, when a rock pulled out under my foot. I think they are great footing (and fitting).

I wore my Vitesse mostly in Hawaii, home to some of the most slippery trails on Earth. I don’t think they held as well as my Montrail Kalahari (which I’ve used for class 5 climbing), but their performance was certainly acceptable. On a rainy trail-maintenance hike up Mt. Ka’ala they never slipped at all, including the class 3 sections, and they were fine on a wet trip up Olomana.

Christopher/Douglas

Many thanks for the feedback; it seems I will have to acquire a pair of each.

ed

>Many thanks for the feedback; it seems I will have to acquire a pair of each.

I realize now I didn't write anything comparing them. They weigh about the same (Hardrocks weigh 0.3 oz/pair more than Vitesse in size 12). The Hardrocks have a roomier toe-box, feel like the sole is a bit thicker (although that feeling went away quickly), are more grippy (the outside rim of the soles have Kalahari-style lugs), and have a mid-sole arch (easier on gaiter straps and helps grip on downhill). The Vitesse's tongue is only padded at the top; the rest is mesh, which increases breathability but reduces comfort if you wear only liner socks. You would not want to cut the tongue out of the Vitesse (if you're into that) because the top of the tongue is a continuous part of the ankle padding, to which the sides of the shoe are not directly sewn. (Sorry, it's just hard to explain.) If you have really high arches or issues with rubbing from the tongue this might be an advantage, as there is little tongue pressure on the top of the foot. The Vitesse have a flat sole (hard on gaiter straps) with an outrigger bulge to help with under-pronation. The Vitesse have a regular toe-box, which felt roomy enough until I tried 20+ mile days in them. They probably fit most people fine but I'm a big fan of Montrail's IntegraFit last, which they use for the Hardrocks but not the Vitesse. I think the Vitesse are sloppier with a 50-pound pack, although that probably wouldn't affect many here. The Hardrocks keep out dirt and mud a bit better than the Vitesse's mesh, but both seem to dry out fairly quickly. I will still still take my Vitesse for nice-weather short-day trips until they wear out, but the Hardrocks are my favorites. Never a blister with either of these shoes (or my other 3 Montrails, for that matter). I add SuperFeet Green insoles and wear SmartWool Adrenaline Light Mini Crew socks.