Tuesday 13 March 2012

PB vs Billy B



Also available in blue
Walsh PB Elite Trainer vs Black bog dog

A gear test in the same style as Mudclaw vs muddy paw. The same in that it is completely unscientific, random and probably of very little use to anyone wanting to know about fell running shoes.

I have never run in Walshes. For some reason or other I have never got round to owning a pair of these iconic, fell running classics so I was looking forward to trying a  pair of Bolton's finest.

 First thoughts were that they look old fashioned,.If that sounds too harsh, consider them a pair of retro style trainers(still 'on trend' I believe).
Putting them on was a revelation. Slippers with studs is pretty much it. No whistles and bows, just a simple upper with a very grippy sole. Again bang up to date with  minimalist/barefoot thinking. Nice one Norman!


some rain


A look out the window and it is perfect weather for trying out my new fell shoes. Billy and I head out for a splash round our usual from the door run. 8K and 100metres of ascent, mostly grass, woodland and mud.

The result, in spite of Billy slipping over two times to my once (not from lack of grip I put my foot down a hole). The mut easily takes the win, he can still run quicker than me and is much faster drying than a pair of Walshes

What a stud




15 comments:

  1. charles charlie charles would be proud of you

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  2. best gear review i've ever read :)

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  3. Tks Kate. I am guessing you dont read many gear reviews then.

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  4. Was wavering between getting a pair of speedcross 2s or a pair of PBs from Go Outdoors. Will plump for the PBs I reckon

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  5. Slippers with studs, I like it. Mind you they do look like they will have a good grip. Did you manage to try them on any rock?

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    Replies
    1. Only on a short stretch of wet, muddy, stony track. Which they coped with easily.

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  6. The dog still has the edge. You could get Billy to wear the old Inov8s - slow him up a bit...

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  7. Hey Steve.

    This is totally of topic - its actually a reply to a post you made on the FRA forums but I'm still waiting for my account there to be activated so I can't reply there hence replying here.

    I've noticed your offer of car sharing for the Edale Skyline. I'm in Hucknall around 3-5 mins from junction 27 of the m1 and I'd love to take up your offer its still on.

    I've never run it before but I'm guessing a finish time of around 4 hrs to 4hrs30m is realistic. Thought I'd let you know to save you a potential wait around at the end.

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  8. Actually I want to revise that estamated finish time to 'around 4:30'. Also I could probably get dropped off at junction 27 if it would help. Peetrol money gladly given.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Matt
      The FRA post was from last year but the offer is still there.

      If you can send a PM message via blogger, FRA forum, facebook(Look for Stephen Burt) or let know how to contact you, I am sure we can sort something out.

      It took me 4:26 last year so it will probably be you waiting for me.

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  9. Great review Steve! Will be marshaling on Mam Tor for the Skyline, so will look out for you and give you a shout!

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    Replies
    1. Hey up Martin! Good to see you are blogging again. See you on Sunday

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Cheers
Steve