FOR Mountain running and easy alpine climbing
FIT SST (Slingshot Stabilization Technology) lacing yoke and down to the toes lacing for lock-down performance on hairball terrain
GRIP All around performance with climbing shoe dot treads in the front, trail running
traction in the back and an in-cut heel for downhill control in loose talus and snow
FUNCTION Hybrid suspension for protection and torsional rigidity
This is the ultimate footwear tool for any mountain athlete. With the Exum Ridge you really can go anywhere and do anything because our treads are made with FriXion™ rubber that mimics all the best qualities of sticky climbing shoe rubber outsoles. The SST harness is another idea borrowed from rock shoe design that locks your heel down when scrambling and climbing. Climbers, trail runners and adventure racers all groove on the Exum Ridge because it is built for serious hammering on or off trail and rock climbing performance up to easy class five terrain. The dual-density midsole features RockShock cushioning for the lateral side to soften impact (while decreasing speed at which pronation occurs) and a firmer MEMlex side for medial support. The E.S.P.
From
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bearbnz - Nov 29, 2003 11:45 pm - Voted 4/5
Untitled ReviewThey are light, well-padded, and comfortable if you have wide feet. I have narrow feet, so on the downhills, I can't lace the shoes tight enough to keep my toes from sliding down to the end and getting bruised up. I was very disappointed in this as the shoes are super comfortable on level & uphill, stick well to most rock types, and are light enough to go all day.
The sole has enough of a tread pattern to tackle sand, mud, and soft snow, but like most sticky rubbers, they wear fast. One feature I really liked was the fit around the ankle, which was tight without being restrictive, but fit well enough to keep out debris, even sand. For a low-top, they do a good job keeping all that junk out of the shoe and saving some shoe-emptying stops.
Durability is the weak point in this shoe. I only made maybe 10 ascents in these things, mostly on good Sierra granite, and the seams on the side near the front blew out.
If you have a wide foot, aren't too hard on your shoes, and are looking for something to get you up the trail, cross country, and then cruise some 3rd, 4th, or easy 5th, these are the shoes for you. If the fit was a little more narrow, enough to shelter my toes, I would buy these shoes again despite the durability issues.