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  1. #1

    Default Montrail hardrocks ( how to ruin a great trail runner)

    having used the bomb proof hardrocks for a number of years, I have had problems with my last 2 pairs of new Columbia sportwear made hard rocks. Old ( montrail made) stock could become like gold dust if Columbia dosn't get it's act together. Is anyone out there having the same problems??. Brit

  2. #2
    Registered User wilconow's Avatar
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    Yes, they ruined them. check this thread

    http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1352

  3. #3

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    Columbia may be doing the same thing to Sorel boots, too . I've heard many stories where people think they are going downhill.

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    I wondered this about MH awhile back.

  5. #5
    Registered User SlowLightTrek's Avatar
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    Read 'How to rip off the general public' : auth. Shareholders Inc.

  6. #6
    Registered User FatMan's Avatar
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    When I find the right shoe I buy a half dozen pairs. That was the case with the Montrail Massai. Last Fall I went shopping again because the Montrails were used up. First place I looked was for the Montrail Brand because the Massai fit so well. I could not find a Montrail shoe that felt right. In fact, all the Montrails I put on left me believing the product line had gone to heck in a handbasket. I switched to a New Balance shoe, but I have not fallen in love with them enough to buy a half dozen yet. When you hike in the same shoe for over 4 years you have no idea how much you will miss them when they are no longer available.

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    I had the exact same experience.

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    to clarify, the last 2 pairs of hard rocks I wore on the PCT wore out early (in 400 miles, rather than the typical 700 I used to get out of hard rocks) and were not as nice for that duration.

    Searching for a new shoe is like searching for a new girlfriend....ugh. I can do without a girlfriend for a while though. Not so much with the shoe.

  9. #9
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    I got a pair of Hardrocks at MRO when my NB 810's died around Damascus. I think they're ok but the toe box is just a little too small. Unfortunately, the 'Wide' version only fits up to 3E and I need 4E.

    Does anybody that wears 4Es know of a good shoe other than New Balance?
    - AT: Springer to Daleville (714.3 miles) in 2007
    - Bibbulmun Track: End-to-End (600 miles) in 2008

  10. #10
    Registered User A-Train's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Snarf View Post
    I got a pair of Hardrocks at MRO when my NB 810's died around Damascus. I think they're ok but the toe box is just a little too small. Unfortunately, the 'Wide' version only fits up to 3E and I need 4E.

    Does anybody that wears 4Es know of a good shoe other than New Balance?
    Try Etonic. My buddy has super wide feet and loves his shoes. Used 3 pairs for the whole PCT, getting like 800-900 miles a pair.
    Anything's within walking distance if you've got the time.
    GA-ME 03, LT 04/06, PCT 07'

  11. #11
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    Give this a try, I found a lot of brands here. You can go to each makers website for details.


    http://www.zappos.com/wide.zhtml?ref=sidenav

  12. #12
    Registered User wilconow's Avatar
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    For those looking for an alternative to the Montrail Hardrock, has anyone tried the Salomon XT Wings?
    Last edited by wilconow; 02-04-2008 at 11:47.

  13. #13

    Default hardrocks

    i have the montrail hardrocks and i really love them! does columbia own montrail now? they bought mountain hardwear, too, didn't they?

  14. #14
    Registered User wilconow's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by spirit4earth View Post
    i have the montrail hardrocks and i really love them! does columbia own montrail now? they bought mountain hardwear, too, didn't they?
    http://runtrails.blogspot.com/2006/0...-acquired.html (read whole thing)

  15. #15
    Registered User Rcarver's Avatar
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    I don't get it. Why do companies feel the need to change a great product. Are they selling too many? Wow, can't have that. I bought a pair of namche's last year. They are the best fitting shoe i have ever put on. I bought fifteen pairs when i found out they were not going to make them any more. A great fitting shoe has to be one of the most important items to a hiker.

  16. #16
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    Default Pronation control

    I am a pronator and the hardrocks are the best trail shoe at controlling it I have found. Exellent medial support and heel cup.

  17. #17

    Default

    I had went thru two pairs on the AT last year. Loved them. Got just under 1k on the first pair and the second pair made it all the way to Big K and in the trash... no way they were ever gonna smell good enough to shack up at my new place.

  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rcarver View Post
    I don't get it. Why do companies feel the need to change a great product. Are they selling too many?
    No, it's probably a matter of the great product lasting too long. Or the consumer being so satisfied with it that they don't have to continue the illusive search (and many $$$) looking for the item that is a little better.

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