Review: montrail Men's Fluid Flex FKT

Upload GPS data from a specific trail course to the FKT (Fastest Known Time) site. Activities that compete for individual records on that section are becoming a new way of enjoying trail running.
The men's Fluid Flex FKT we're introducing today is an FKT model for runners who are looking for speed and challenging their records. We're reviewing such lightweight and agile trail shoes.

Detailed review

Item name

montrail men's fruid flex FKT

Men's Fluid Flex FKT

Montrail

14,580 yen

272g

Main Specifications and ratings

This is Good!

Soft and supple sole supports driving

The lightness of shoes is essential when it comes to running. Due to the nature of running on uneven terrain called trails, protection ability is indispensable. However, the more you improve these functions, the more weight it becomes and the lighter it becomes. The Fluid Flex FKT we're introducing this time is advertised as it is for runners who are trying their best to runners, making it perfect for easy running. The moderately flexed sole provides solid support for kicking off, and the blocks located on the forefoot and rear foot grip firmly even when force is applied in various directions.

An outstanding fit creates a sense of unity with the shoes

I've been using Montrail's Bajada up until now, but with this Flueid Flex FKT you can feel the difference in fit from the moment you put your feet in. This is because the inner sole is heightened on both sides, allowing the entire sole of the foot from the arch to the heel to be wrapped around, greatly increasing the sense of unity between the shoes and the foot. When comparing it to the Bajada insole (left image), the difference is obvious at a glance. The light blue parts on both sides are also well-made, making them less slippery, as they are not made of fabric.

The upper is welded with thermoplastic, and the more you tighten the shoelaces, the tighter the fit from the sides of your feet to the instep. The fact that it is seamless and feels good on your feet also helps improve the fit.

High protection ability to protect your feet from rough roads

FluidFoam, which is used for the outer sole, is a material that is superior to conventional EVAs, with excellent shock absorption, flexibility, and cushioning. Even when landing on hard roads such as rock surfaces, the thrusts coming from the ground give a rather mild impression. In addition, the thickness of the midfoot prevents the arches from dropping. On trails, you may step on protruding objects such as tree roots and stones with your midfoot, but these shoes offer a sense of security that provides solid support to the soles of your feet in such cases.

Both sides of the tongue are integrated to prevent gravel from entering. This is equipment that Bajada did not have, so I would like it to be a must for trail shoes.

This is a shame

The sweetness of the grip

While it can run lighter than in the Bajada, I felt that it had a slightly weaker grip. It doesn't seem like a difference in kicking, but you may lose control several times while running down steep slopes, especially when you are in wet conditions and your shoes are sinking to the ground. While the midfoot protects your feet, it is almost flat, so you need to be careful when putting your feet on slippery protrusions.

Summary: I want to use it in these situations!

Although it is a trail shoe, it has a light feel and flexibility, making it a pair that allows you to run through the mountains like a road-like thing. It looks like it's for high-level runners, but I think it's suitable for runners of all levels due to the softness of the sole and high protection ability. The grooves in the outer sole are not too deep, making this a perfect pair of shoes for traverse routes where the road surface is not too rough, or for courses that are mixed with trails and roads.

Men's Fluid Flex FKT

Montrail

14,580 yen

272g