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When it comes to trail running, finding a shoe that handles technical terrain, offers a customizable fit, and stands up to the elements can be super challenging. Enter the Speedland GL:PDX, a trail running shoe designed with innovation and performance in mind.
After putting over 30 miles on these shoes across rocky, steep, and technical trails in desert-like conditions, I will for sure grab these shoes for future runs.
Is this shoe worth the $250 price tag, let’s find out!
Who Is It Good For?
Who is the Speedland GL:PDX a good fit for? These are perfect for trail runners who demand high performance on technical terrains. Its advanced grip, customizable fit, and durable design make it ideal for those tackling steep, rocky, or uneven trails.
- Wide Feet: I have a wider foot and these were super comfortable and roomy
- Technical Trails: Ideal for technical trails especially where you need a lot of grip
- Long Runs: A good pick if you are spending a longer time on the trails
- Front of the Pack: You could take this shoe to pick up the pace during an ultra
If you’re primarily running on flat trails or prefer a more cushioned ride for those longer distances, this shoe might not be your first choice.
The attention to detail on these shoes is incredible! Check out the lugs on the bottom and how you can customize the lengths depending on what types of trails you are running or the season.
If you’re looking for a trail shoe that prioritizes performance, customization, and sustainability, the Speedland GL:PDX is a good pick.
Speedland GL:PDX Specs
The shoe delivers a perfect balance between ground feel and cushioning. While it’s not the most cushioned shoe, it offers decent energy return and excellent responsiveness, particularly on technical terrain. For longer runs or races on less demanding surfaces, you might find yourself wanting a bit more plushness.
Who Tried It
Coach Laura, as we refer to her from being part of the RTTF running coach team, has run more trail miles than most folks have run period! She recently completed a 48 hour run in fact, just because she wanted to test herself with something new! Many of her miles are done in the desert, but she also spends a good chunk of time on trails throughout humid Hawaii.
Speedland GL:PDX Review
Speedland, a newer company in the trail running market, is quickly making a name for itself by combining cutting-edge technology with sustainability.
Designed in Portland, Oregon, a hub for trail running enthusiasts, the brand’s focus on quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility sets it apart from competitors. The Speedland GL:PDX design was inspired by the Forest Park Trail system in Portland!
The GL:PDX handled the 30 miles of technical terrain with ease, providing exceptional grip and control. The 6.5mm lugs, crafted by Michelin, offer impressive traction, making them ideal for steep and uneven trails.
The shoes felt responsive and secure, allowing for confident navigation through challenging paths. For those who prefer a more customized experience, the lugs can even be trimmed down to suit specific needs.
One of the standout features of the GL:PDX is its customizable fit.
The reverse Velcro grip closure at the top of the shoe and BOA technology around the midfoot ensure a secure, personalized fit with minimal need for readjustment—even during ultra runs.
The BOA lacing system is particularly notable for its ease of use, allowing for micro-adjustments to get the perfect fit with just a twist. If you have ever put on cycling shoes before, you should be super familiar with the BOA lacing system and how quick and easy it is to adjust the fit.
As someone with wider feet, I found the roomy toe box exceptionally comfortable, with no rubbing or squishing of toes. The sock-like construction eliminates the traditional tongue, adding to the glove-like feel. A padded heel provides additional comfort, though the higher heel collar may call for some longer socks to prevent rubbing.
Overall, the fit is snug like a sock, catering to a variety of foot shapes and preferences.
Durability is another area where the GL:PDX excels. Despite running on rocky and abrasive terrain, the shoes showed minimal wear. The outer material is super durable, and the Michelin outsole feels built to last.
A super fun fact is that the brand Speedland also offers a recycling program, allowing customers to return used shoes to be deconstructed and repurposed. This eco-conscious approach caught my interest!
Additional Features
There are a few other unique features about the Speedland GL:PDX that I feel are a must to point out. I have run in a lot of different trail running shoes over the years but I haven’t seen some of these features before and are definitely unique to this shoe.
Optional Carbon Plate: The shoe includes a groove in the midsole for an optional Carbitex Gearflex Plate ($35). While I didn’t test it, this addition could enhance performance for those seeking more propulsion.
Drainage System: A small drainage hole can be punctured for wet conditions, showcasing thoughtful design for diverse terrains.
Fun Colorway: The bright teal and black colorway and Michelin branding received positive comments while I was running on the trails, which for sure adds an extra layer of appeal. It’s always a plus when a trail shoe has some fun colors.
The Good
Hands down, the customizable fit of this shoe was one of my favorite features. Being able to use the velcro grip closure and BOA lacing system makes this a shoe for various foot types!
When you’re running during an ultra race, the BOA lacing system makes it super quick and easy to tighten or even loosen your shoes. This is especially handy during those colder runs where your fingers may be a little too cold to re-tie laces.
The Bad
The only thing that stood out to me was the lack of cushioning and the higher price point.
If you’re spending your time on flat, dirt trails this probably is not going to feel the greatest. The shoe also comes with A LOT of extra features from the typical trail shoe which makes sense as to why the price tag is $250 but it may be overkill if you are looking for just a basic trail shoe.
The Bottom Line
The Speedland GL:PDX is a trail running shoe with all of the bells and whistles!
While its price point of $250 may give some runners pause, the shoe’s longevity, eco-friendly initiatives, and top-tier performance help justify the investment. For technical terrains and ultra adventures, this shoe is a top contender.
There you have our quick rundown on what makes the Speedland GL:PDX so unique. We can’t wait to see what other trail running shoes the brand comes out with next.
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