Salomon S-Lab Fellcross 2 review

Welcome, to what I think is one of the most exciting reviews I have had the privilege to write to date. Ever since I started reviewing minimalist trail running shoes and apparel back in 2011, I have been looking for the 'ideal' in what to wear on my feet to battle the harsh conditions that trail running throws at you. I soon came to realise that, depending on conditions being either wet and muddy, or dry and rocky, whether summer, or winter, there is likely to be TWO different trail shoes to help us conquer the trails and fells that lay ahead of us. 

With the discovery of the Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon LS which seemed to meet all my requirements for a natural feeling, light, minimalist trail shoe for dry weather and summer conditions, I was left searching for a more durable and grippy shoe for harsher, wet and winter conditions and longer runs. Enter the Salomon S-Lab Fellcross 2!

The final Salomon 'Run with Ricky' demo trail run from George Fisher, Keswick

Another fantastic weekend in 'The Lakes' has left me, yet again, wanting more! After the success of the last Salomon 'Run with Ricky' demo trail run, I decided it was well worth attending the third and final event, held at George Fisher (for a full review of the last run please see the following link: http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/salomon-run-with-ricky-lightfoot-demo.html). 

So, after the fun of the Kendal Mountain Festival, which I had been enjoying the day before, I packed my bags and headed to Keswick in hope of enjoying the event as much as I had done the last time I went. And I certainly wasn't to be disappointed.

Salomon Sense Hydro S-Lab Set review

After months of regularly use I have finally sat down to put together a thorough review of the Salomon Sense Hydro S-Lab Set, and what a fantastic innovation they really are.

If the video above does not show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZiSu7_-cQY

Salomon S-Lab Fellcross 1 Review

It seems a strange thing to start a review of the Salomon S-Lab Fellcross 1 by immediately mentioning the newer and more recent model; the Fellcross 2, but there is method in my madness! Some of you who, like me, are keen to wear and use Salomon shoes and apparel due to the quality and workmanship put into every single product they make, will already be aware that excellence comes at a price. And Salomon S-Lab products, built to the individual needs and requirements of the Salomon International Athlete team certainly cost a penny or two! So, given that the Fellcross 2 has been available for quite a while now, if you search in the right places, you can pick up the Fellcross 1 at quite a discounted price. So for those of you who want the craftsmanship and quality of the S-Lab range without the sting of a slightly higher than average price tag, the Fellcross 1 might just be the shoe for you!

Salomon 'Run with Ricky Lightfoot' demo trail run, George Fisher, Keswick

It all started at 03:30 Saturday morning, dragging myself and my wife out of bed. I'm not going to lie, it was hard rising that ridiculously early for whatever reason, but hopeful the weekend ahead would be worth the effort we got in the car to leave at 04:00 for the 250 mile journey to Keswick in the Lake District.

We arrived at George Fisher outdoor shop in Keswick just before 9am, the official start time of the 'Run with Ricky Lightfoot' Salomon demo trail run. This is where the fun began. Upon entering the store we were greeted and welcomed by the Salomon team and Ricky, and asked what shoes and kit we would like to trial on the run at 09:30. I, being a minimalist fan opted for the lower 4mm drop Salomon S-Lab Fellcross 2, the newer version of the Fellcross 1 I have been using in bad weather for the past few weeks at home. Picking up the shoes and a lightweight windproof I was ready for the run ahead.

Merrell Ascend Glove GTX review

CavemanClarke has had the opportunity to try the new waterproof Ascend Glove GTX (Goretex version) trail running shoes from outdoor brand Merrell. In the past, Merrell has produced some fantastic trail running products, leading the way with trail blazing shoes such as the Merrell Trail gloves; an innovation in the minimalist and barefoot community, allowing the runner to tackle technical terrain with confidence whilst still being able to run naturally and feel the ground beneath their feet. The most recent and exciting addition to Merrell's trail running arsenal is the release of the Ascend Gloves. Available in a Gore-Tex and non-Gore-Tex version, they cater for a variety of weather conditions and requirements.

After already being incredibly impressed with the standard model, I was really excited to see the difference and versatility of the Gore-Tex version. To see my extensive review of the standard non-Gore-Tex Ascend glove follow this link: http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/merrell-ascend-glove-review.html

So, in true CavemanClarke fashion, let me start you off with a close look at the Merrell Ascend Glove GTX:

BikeArt Thetford Forest review: what a shame!

It is with great sadness that I write with such negativity. I enjoyed an amazing trail run through Thetford Forest in the east of England with my wife today. The forest is beautiful and the wildlife stunning. The Forestry Commission does a great job of maintaining the paths and tracks and makes it accessible to all who wish to enjoy the diversity of a lowland, predominantly pine forest in England. The run was fantastic and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone near the area.

Coming soon ..... Merrell Ascend Glove GTX review

CavemanClarke has kindly been sent a pair of Merrell Ascend Gloves with the new Goretex membrane, the GTX version. The last few weeks have been spent wearing and testing them through a variety of weathers and terrains to bring to you a conclusion about their worth in the minimalist world of running, and to compare them with the base model without the GTX membrane. 

Review coming very soon .....

Merrell Ascend Glove Review

Over the past few years reviewing shoes on CavemanClarke, I must admit that it is a very rare occurrence to come across a minimalist trail shoe that ticks all the right boxes and leaves me very impressed. Most of the time a shoe performs well in some areas or in specific conditions, but final conclusions leave me writing 'could have been better.....' or 'if only they had.....' and quite often 'i can see what they have tried to do but.....'. In the case of the Merrell Ascend Glove I am pleased to say straight away that this is certainly not the case for this shoe.

I have been using the non-GTX version for a few weeks now and the GTX version for the past week and I can say that these are fantastic minimal trail shoes. In this review I hope to point out the reasons why I have been so impressed with this shoe, focusing on the non-GTX version that I have had a few weeks now to put through their paces. Later this month I will be posting a comparison of the non-GTX vs the GTX versions of the Ascend Gloves.

So lets start with a few pictures to familiarise you with what the shoe looks like.

Reviews coming soon...

Coming very soon to CavemanClarke:
I am currently trialling and reviewing the Merrell Ascend Glove, Ascend Glove GTX and the Salomon S-Lab Fellcross 1. Reviews to follow very shortly when the weather has enabled a good all-round selection of running conditions.....