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Garmont 9.81 Race

rated 4.5 of 5 stars

The 9.81 Race has been discontinued. If you're looking for something new, check out the best trail running shoes for 2024.

photo: Garmont 9.81 Race trail running shoe

I purchased this shoe for a 31 mile fast pack hike mid November 2009 in the GSMNP, New Found Gap to Davenport. After reading several reviews online about the 9.81 Race and being very happy with my Garmont Synchro hiking boots I made the purchase and found a great deal on the web.

The shoe runs about a half size too small, the cushion in the heal is excellent and very stable. It is one of, if not the, lightest trail shoes on the market. In the fore foot area I could feel the sharp rocks but it wasn't bad. The sole is very soft and grips well on rock. The luggs could be much more aggresive for muddy terrian. The luggs are a 3 deminsional version of the Garmont Logo. Due to a soft and sticky sole, it wears quickly with use on concrete and asphalt. The upper woven material breaths exceptionaly well and the shoe dries very quickly when wet.

Overall I am very happy with the shoe and will most likely purchase another pair when these ware out. I would have given a 5 star rating but since the sizing was off and the sole needing to be more aggressive I gave it a 4 star.

Materials: nylon mesh, synthetic leather
Use: Trail Running, Fast Packing
Break-in Period: none
Weight: 10.5 oz size 9
Price Paid: $56

Hi i just purchased a pair so this is a short term review. First they run a half size small, and they are bright red but that is why I bought them. I have a red Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hoody and they match perfect. I also have a red Patagonia wind shirt and I think they will work together also. Since the Olympics are in Vancouver right now the colour scheme works great.

They are very light and comfortable with a lot of cushion I have several pairs of Salomon trail runners and a pair of Saucony trail runners these are lighter and more comfortable then any of them. 59 bucks was a good price. Since I bought a pair of Nike Ronkbuks that looked cool but were too small. I had to flip them on Craigslist for a ten dollar profit. So these cost me next to nothing.

Buy some, even run in them, that is what they are for, not just for fashionistas like me LOL.

Use: urban travel
Break-in Period: none
Weight: light!!
Price Paid: $59

Being sort of new to the trail running, light backpacking scene, I wasn't sure what to expect. I wanted a shoe that I could really punish. I'm 5'6" tall, 155 lbs and I run on concrete, grass, and stone.

I bought these for a trip I'll be taking in September to RMNP-Mount Alice to be precise, but I also bought these for my work. I wash windows for a living and I'm constantly going through shoes- about a pair a summer. I've tried Merrell, Lowa, Keen, and Chacos. They all wear pretty rapidly because I am twisting and turning on concrete all day. Hopefully these wear a little better. We'll see...so far they are extremely comfy and are by far the lightest shoe I've owned.

I ran for the first time in them yesterday and man, are they nice. Hopefully they wear well. cheers

Use: running, ultralight backpacking, rough trail hikes, 3rd and 4th class scramblingclass
Price Paid: $90

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Men's
Price Historic Range: $39.00-$104.95
Reviewers Paid: $56.00-$90.00
Women's
Price Historic Range: $78.93-$104.95