Trail running enthusiasts, we’ve got something exciting to share and it’s the all-new Speedland GS:SFD trail shoe. Named for Springfield, Oregon, the GS:SFD was designed and perfected with Speedland athlete Cam Hanes, its his hometown after all. Now, we’ve taken these shoes on a slew of runs to see what they’re truly made of. Let’s break down all the components that make the GS:SFD a worthy addition to any trail runner’s arsenal and honestly, why they are our favorite trail shoe out there right now.
Technical Specs
- Weight – 10.5oz or 298g for a US Men’s 9
- Cushion – 37mm of cushion and a 7mm heel/toe drop
- Pricing – $275 USD
- Colors – 3 colors (different names)
First note, the SFD, PDX, and PGH are all pretty much the same shoe so your choice will come down to looks and of course, availability.
Upper Construction and Design
The upper part of the GS:SFD has been crafted meticulously to balance durability and comfort. It employs a breathable mesh material that’s particularly effective at ventilating during those long runs. Reinforced with high-tenacity fibers at critical flex points, this upper is designed to withstand rigorous use. Speedland incorporated a thin TPU film at the toe cap, adding extra durability where it’s needed most.
What really sets the GS:SFD apart is the PerformFit Wrap system. With four synthetic suede straps and dual BOA Li2 dials, this wrap system ensures a snug fit that can be adjusted on the fly. These dials aren’t made of fancy anodized aluminum like some older models, but the hard plastic they used gets the job done well enough, even in less-than-ideal conditions. Adjusting the fit for uphill slogs or downhill dashes is a breeze.
Note, this is truly one of the BEST features of the Speedland lineup, the ability to independently adjust the fit on the foot from top to bottom is so needed. As your foot heats up on long runs, things expand, so being able to release some pressure from the fore foot but keep things locked down is huge.
Midsole Composition and Comfort
If the upper was impressive, wait until we dive into the midsole. The GS:SFD has what can only be termed as a chunk of Pebax magic. Featuring a dual-density Pebax midsole, it provides a cushioning experience that’s both plush and resilient. This dual setup includes an external beaded Pebax layer known for its high compression resistance and a removable internal Pebax mix to enhance cushioning.
Despite this cushioning, the ride feels firm, possibly favoring quicker runners looking for performance and this gets increased when you include the optional carbon plate. However, we found that really any runner could enjoy the comfort and support for several hours on the trail, there is ample cushion. The midsole also has a unique stability element, it’s slightly concave to cradle the foot and exceeds the lateral borders, making the base feel wider without changing the internal foot dimensions. It’s honestly crazy more shoes don’t do this because you get lateral support without the need for additional plastic or weight.
One outstanding feature of the GS:SFD is how it manages an optimal balance of cushioning and weight. Even with that max-cushioned midsole, the shoe’s weight is comparable to the lower-profile SL:HSV model. This efficient design means we can enjoy the extra cushioning without feeling bogged down.
Outsole and Traction
The outsole of the GS:SFD uses Michelin OC1 Fiber Lite rubber, strategically placed to handle high-impact areas. The coverage focuses on key areas like the medial heel, which often wears out first. Featuring 4.5mm lugs, the outsole performance excels across various terrain, from hard gravel to muddy trails. There’s also a drainage port, though its central midfoot position seems less functional for quick drying. Also, this whole “cutting the outsole” thing is tough one for us so while you can trim these lugs, we never do.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, the Speedland GS:SFD offers remarkable performance and comfort, making it a trail shoe that ticks virtually all boxes for serious trail runners and our go to choice for any trail time. The blend of a durable upper, innovative midsole, and dependable outsole makes it a standout choice. While some minor quirks like ankle collar gapping and lace loosening exist, they do not overshadow the shoe’s overall capability.
For those looking for a balance between cutting-edge technology and practical functionality, the GS:SFD is a shoe worthy of your time. Also, they are from our ‘hood so we have to give them even more props.
Learn more and buy now on the Speedland website
These shoes were provided by the manufacturer or its partners for the sole use of review. No implied or explicit guarantees were provided as it relates to the provision of these products and all editorial commentary is strictly the property of Running Northwest. In short, the fact they allowed us to test these shoes does not mean we are required to give it a favorable review… every product must earn it. We appreciate our manufacturer partnerships and if you have any questions, you can read our Disclosure Policy in further detail.
Check Out Other Reviewers Thoughts
As always, we gather together some of our favorite reviewers so you can get a well-rounded view of the shoe. Here are our favorites.
