I have become very attached to my Salomon Speedcross 2s, the black ones.

Comfort factor is impressive when compared with a Walsh or an Innov8 and they are also noticeably more comfortable than my Wave Harriers.

The sole is the same as on the old Speedcross (the dayglo yellow ones) but doesn't bite back on the road or hard trail.

The new model I find is closer fitting and doesn't roll as alarmingly as the old version.

I used them a lot on hols in Cham this year (the weather was good, temps into the 30s and the trails were bone hard) when running and walking, as well as in the Cross du Mont Blanc and they were excellent; good even on snow patches.

They are also helpful in that you can remove the insole and substitute with a full length orthotic if (like me) you need that facility.

I used them at this year's Wasdale and found them fine on that type of ground also. OK, I wasn't going at Pete Vale's speed, but I did do a PB by 55 minutes.

Good shoe!

Best of luck to all you nutcases doing the UTMB. Enjoy and I look forward to hearing the gory details in due course.

Morgan