Speedland GS: PGH Shoe Review

Name of Gear: Speedland GS: PGH

Typical price: $275

Best Use, What did you use this piece of gear of most? Roads, track, trails, long runs, post-run, workouts only, racing only?

I’m the kind of athlete who has specific gear for very specific situations and my shoe collection is no exception! I always felt that an all-round trail running shoe that excels in every terrain type and distance was nonexistent. Like many folks, I was hesitant to try a pair of Speedland shoes because of the price. However, in late Fall 2023 I learned a bit more about the brand. Speedland is based in Portland, OR and composed of a small group of folks with one objective: create the best possible trail running shoes in existence in limited qualities (no mass production). Furthermore, I discovered that Speedland’s technology is highly athlete driven and their customer service is beyond reproach. I was more willing to pay a high price to purchase products from a brand with these qualities and finally placed an order. As it turns out, the Speedland GS: PGH is the illusive all-round shoe I didn’t think existed!

I spend a great deal of time training and exploring in harsh, unforgiving terrain and am famously rough on my gear. The GS: PGH shoes have held their own against my abuse anywhere I take them. I’ve run with them in mud, snow, rocks, sand, roots, slickrock and smooth single track at various inclines and have felt agile and secure. I even briefly did some exposed class 3+ scrambling on slickrock/sandstone and felt 100% safe, nimble and confident with the shoes’ grip and support. Note, I have not yet had the opportunity to use the shoe on class 2-4 terrain where edging and more precise footwork is involved. The Rockies are still covered in snow!

The GS: PGH are highly customizable. If you live in a soggy environment there is a drainage hole that can be optionally cut open. The lugs are also trim-able to suit runners’ needs depending on the running surface. On top of that, the shoes feature a BOA lace system making them suitable for a wide variety of foot shapes. Additionally, the BOA system is a handy way to make quick adjustments during longer excursions when feet swell without the hassle of sitting down and dealing with laces. Finally, an optional carbon plate can be purchased and placed under the removable mid-sole if desired.

Even though the GS:PGH is designed for trail use, I have seen many pictures of folks using them on road excursions, including marathons. Perhaps the only thing the GS: PGH is not suited for is extremely cold winter weather and deep snow due to the lack of insulation, built in traction and waterproofing. However, this is highly niche and not many folks run in those conditions.

In short, I believe the Speedland GS: PGH is the only trail running shoe that truly feels like an all-round workhorse that can conquer almost any terrain and distance. It is also by far the most comfortable shoe I currently own. The only reason I don’t have 800 miles on mine already is because I have so many other shoes that I need to wear out!

Sizing: True to size

Additional Sizing Comments: When I first purchased this shoe in my normal size, 8.5W, I thought maybe it was a tad too big, but I wasn’t certain because the shoe was still comfortable while running. Speedland has exceptional customer service and everyone at the company knows the products well. I called and asked for their thoughts. The gentleman I spoke to, Clark, suggested I order a half size down for peace of mind and reminded me of the 14-day money back guarantee. In other words, I could try both sizes on the trail and send back the one that didn’t fit without risk. After a few runs on different terrain/inclines I opted to stick with the original shoes I ordered. My toes jammed against the toe box in the smaller size. I realized that my normal size felt big because they are the first shoe I’ve ever worn that can accommodate my wide feet properly! All my other trail running shoes are snugger because they are built narrow. The GS: PGH also fits narrow feet because the BOA system allows the shoe to adjust to varying widths giving it great versatility. As for the return process, I was immediately sent a free return label to use on the existing shoebox and my account was credited the refund about a week after mailing the shoes back.

Comparison to Past Models:

I have only used the Speedland GS:PGH, so I can’t comment on the previous model which is the GS: TAM.

Comparison to Other Brands

I think NNormal is the most comparable brand. Much of the technology implemented in NNormal shoes appears to originate from Speedland’s novel innovations. The most obvious difference between the brands is pricing and quality. NNormal has a significantly less expensive selection of footwear. However, with a lower price also comes less premium materials. I own both the NNormal Kjerag and Tomir trail running shoes and have used them over a variety of terrain. In less than 100 miles the outsoles of both shoes began to peel away from the midsole. The shoes are also extremely narrow which make them suitable for fewer athletes. These things could be forgiven if NNormal had outstanding customer service. Unfortunately, after my husband sent back his pair of shoes for a warranty refund (peeling soles) it took five months of back-and-forth emails to finally get his account credited. For these reasons I believe Speedland is the superior brand and worth the price tag.

Durability

The old adage “you get what you pay for” holds true with the Speedland GS:PGH. With the premium price also comes premium materials and build. I’ve put well over 100 miles on my shoes and, aside from some dirt, they look nearly brand new. Speedland claims to have a “no compromise” approach in creating the highest quality footwear for trail runners and I believe this to be true. Every millimeter of the shoes’ construction and material selection is intentionally meant to bring about the best performance and durability in the product. For example, Michelin rubber was chosen for the outsole to provide grippiness without sacrificing resilience. I am convinced this shoe will last exceedingly longer than other options.

Changes for the next model:

I wouldn’t change anything which is rare for me to say. I would really love if Speedland came up with a winter specific running shoe commission though!

The True Test If your friend were looking for a piece of gear in this category, would you recommend they buy it and/or would you give this as a gift to that friend because you like it so much? Would there be something else you recommend they get instead because this gear doesn’t fit their needs?

I would and do recommend this shoe to athletes who can afford the premium price tag unless they specifically only use a zero-drop shoe.

Keeping it honest: Did you get this gear for free? Nothing wrong with free, but we disclose this if so.

Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with her, check out her coach profile.