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- Made from recycled materials
- Lightweight and flexible
- Breathable upper
- Minimal foot protection
- Runs large
Buy from Zappos.comUpdate June 2010: END Footwear was purchased by LaCrosse Footwear in 2009, and the brand has been discontinued.
END focuses on environmentally friendly running shoes, and their premier trail runner, the END Stumptown 12 oz, receives accolades from experts. END uses primarily recycled materials to create the END Stumptown 12oz, but reviewers find this does not affect comfort or durability. Testers like its green pedigree and praise the lightweight, flexible fit. However, they also caution that this shoe is best for packed-dirt trails, rather than hilly or rocky terrain. The mesh upper scores points for being lightweight and breathable, but runners who need a lot of cushioning and stability may not find it here. For those runners, reviewers recommend the comparably priced Brooks Cascadia 4 (Discontinued) for terrific stability on the trail.
The best reviews of the END Stumptown 12 oz. come from Runner's World and Running Times. The coverage at Runner's World is slightly more valuable since they make picks in several categories. The End Stumptown 12 oz. is also evaluated by Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine, and FeedtheHabit.com posts a detailed personal review. We didn't find many owner-written reviews for the END Stumptown 12 oz, but a few runners leave their feedback on BackCountry.com.
Our Sources
Out of nine trail-running shoes, Runner's World selects the END Stumptown 12 oz. as the Best Debut of the year. Testers like the flexibility, but a soft heel and firm forefoot limit it to level trails, rather than rocky terrain.
Review: END Stumptown 12 oz, Warren Greene and Martyn Shorten, Ph.D., April 2009
2. RunningTimes.comDetails/Subscribe
In their latest trail shoe guide, Running Times recommends the End Stumptown 12 oz. as a lightweight, all-around trail running shoe, but its testers find the fit a little too roomy.
Review: Trail Shoe: END Stumptown 12 oz, Adam W. Chase, April 2009
Blue Ridge Outdoors calls the End Stumptown 12 oz. one of the fastest shoes of 2009, finding it speedy (with good traction) on the trail. Editors also like the reduced bulk in the heel and the breathable mesh upper.
Review: The Need for Speed: Fastest Running Shoes of 2009, Editors of Blue Ridge Outdoors, Feb. 26, 2009
Jason Mitchell writes a detailed review of the END Stumptown 12 oz. for FeedTheHabit.com, calling it both "green and affordable." He likes the lightweight fit and finds it a great value at $85.
Review: END Stumptown 12 Trail-running shoe Review, Jason Mitchell, March 9, 2009
5. iRunFar.com
Trail runner and ultra marathoner Bryon Powell tests the END Stumptown 12 oz, deeming it an impressive debut that transitions well between trail and road. Even though Powell praises the toe protection, he thinks the END Stumptown 12 oz. is best for level terrain.
Review: END Stumptown 12 oz Review, Bryon Powell, July 13, 2008
The men's version of the END Stumptown 12 oz. has only received a few owner-written reviews on BackCountry.com, but the feedback is positive so far. Reviewers like the lightweight fit that allows them to feel the trail.
Review: END Stumptown 12 oz. Trail-running shoe -- Men's, Contributors to BackCountry.com
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