The Montrail Fluid Flex FKT (February 2016)
The FKT is the next version of 2015’s Fluid Flex ST. It’s a road/trail hybrid with a 4mm drop and a weight of 9.2oz (7.7oz for woman) with an MSRP of $110.
Review by Korey Konga of Team7hills
UPPER/FIT
The Fluid Flex FKT has a no-sew upper, but it’s not seamless. The two seams don’t cause any hot spots–but sorry sockless runners, this shoe isn’t for you. There are welded rubber overlays along the upper probably with an “added support” claim, but they seem to be for aesthetic reasons more than anything else.
To me, the shoe fits semi secure in the midfoot and opens up in the toe box for a very comfortable fit. I wouldn’t call it a sloppy fit, but I wouldn’t call it a performance fit either. This is a great middle ground shoe for both runners who like a wide toe box and for those who like more of secure fitting trail shoe; it will accommodate many different foot shapes.
MIDSOLE
The FKT has a neutral midsole made of Montrail’s Fluid Foam EVA. According to the company, Fluid Foam “has no gizmos… just pure, responsive foam.” From what I’ve read, they’ve also placed slightly firmer foam on the medial side of the midsole to add just a bit of support when it’s needed. [Phil’s note: the fimer foam is actually in a “X-shaped” pattern in the mid-foot area of midsole; it’s not just on the medially side.] I love this midsole! Seriously. This stuff is soft and cushy without sacrificing responsiveness. From service roads, to single track, the ride feels great. And if you find yourself on rocky trails you’re in luck! The FKT has a molded rock plate in the forefoot coupled with a slightly firmer foam than its predecessor for for added protection.
OUTSOLE
The outsole comes clad with Montrail’s “Gryptonite” (the companiy’s sticky rubber compound which, if I’m not mistaken, is likened to climbing rubber) molded into 3 point multi directional lugs which you saw on previous versions of the fluid flex, the rogue racer and the Bajada. The outsole also has flex grooves for added flexibility.
I found the outsole to shine on packed single track, forest service roads and even on good ‘ol pavement. The only time they didn’t provide traction was on very muddy terrain. I took them out to the Scary Ass 25K in Capitol Forest where it poured all day and it turned out to be a literal scary ass ride; slipping down some of the descents at full speed. To be fair, there aren’t many shoes that would perform well in those conditions, and I’d rather have a comfortable ride with less traction, than a super firm ride with deeper lugs.
CONCLUSION
I don’t get excited about trail shoes very often anymore and when I do, they’re usually something Papa Phil would rather light on fire than wear at a 50K. I haven’t even reviewed a trail shoe in almost a year and haven’t worn a pair of Montrails since 2012, but the Fluid Flex FKT had me pumped up after the first run. They have that comfortable neutral road trainer ride coupled with technical trail protection and a middle of the road fit. It’s a great shoe and I’m pretty stoked to see #TheOriginalTrailRunningBrand to be popping back up on the radar.
Get yourself a pair and let me know what you think @koreykonga
Jess Mullen’s Montrail Bajada 2 review
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