Vasque Mindbender GTX Review
Active Gear Review is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
When colder weather and the elements enter into your running routine, you have a couple choices; You can be a coward and not run, you can head to the local gym and hit the tread mill, or you can embrace the elements and enjoy that adrenaline pumping run you have been waiting for all week.
I’ve been testing out the Vasque Mindbender GTX for the past few months and exposed the shoes to rain, snow, rock, dirt, and everything in between. This trail shoe weights 13.6oz which some might find a little heavy, but for some reason, I felt the shoes to be pretty light on my feet. I have taken them on technical runs where rocks and roots are plentiful and you don’t get a chance to get into a particular rhythm. During these runs, you’re constantly lifting your foot higher on average than runs with no obstacles. Over a long trail run, shoe weight can add more work for your legs, creating muscle fatigue. In all my runs, muscle fatigue was minimal except for one gnarly run up Jones Pass, but that had more to do with my physical shape.
The lugs on the Vasque Mindbender GTX are fairly standard when compared to other trail running shoes on the market. They are neither too small nor super big and aggressive. The pattern of the lugs allows for forward and upward traction on the forefoot and the lugs on the heal are in a reversed pattern to help you stay in control on the downhills. This particular model has a Gore-Tex membrane that helps keep rain and snow out of your shoe keeping your feet dry. The outside of the upper is primarily mesh paneling that helps keep weight down and allows the shoe to help the Gore-Tex membrane pull out the moisture. Near the arch of the upper, there is a small plastic panel on each side of the shoe that helps keep its structure.
The last of the shoe uses what Vasque calls their Perpetuum Last. This last is better for longer distance runs as when your feet expand and your toes start to spread out in the shoe, there is plenty of room in the toe box for expansion. The midsole has an element of stability so when you are logging longer runs and your feet begin to fatigue, the shoe will help keep your feet from wanting to give in.
Overall, I have enjoying running in the Vasque Mindbender GTX and there are no complaints that I have been able to come across on my runs. For more information on the Mindbender GTX and other Vasque footwear, please visit www.vasque.com.
