Speedland SL:PDX Review
What Is It?
The founders of Speedland, experienced designers for well-known brands, set out to build a new shoe that did not compromise. Their vision, a specific premium trail running shoe built to let you tune fit, protection, traction, and performance using the best materials they could find along with some never before seen innovations. This is the SL:PDX.
For fit, they used a dual BOA Li2 fit system with bidirectional dials that allow for micro-adjustments without need to pop out the dials to start over.
For durability and protection, they used Dyneema knit for rip-proof upper that breathes well and drains pretty well.
For traction, they used a custom Michelin outsole with 7mm lugs with the option to trim them to 4mm to match the terrain.
For performance, they offer a midsole mix of EVA and Pebax SCF foam. Additionally, they introduce the concept of a removable Carbitext carbon plate to give both rock protection and extra pop on more groomed trails.
In my US men's size 10, the shoe has the following measurements:
- Weight: 11.5 oz (326g)
- Drop: 5mm (23mm/28mm)
Why Did I Get It?
There's no getting around that this was a crazy purchase. There really wasn't a justification aside from the fact that I thought it was a really pretty looking shoe, the specs looked amazing, and no one else was making trail shoes that had all this technology built into it.
How I Tested It
So far, I’ve put over 200 miles into the SL:PDX across Southern California classics (Franklin/Fryman, Bulldog, Sullivan to Eagle Rock, Will Rogers–Temescal), a hot race day at Boney Mountain, coastal La Jolla Canyon, East Coast roots in New Jersey, and high-altitude Utah (8,600–9,000 ft). Distances ranged up to 20+ miles with nearly 3,000 ft of climbing. I tested the shoe with and without the plate. My pair is a men’s 10, weighing 11.5 oz. Conditions spanned clear and cool to hot and even light rain, with everything from groomers to rocky scrambles.
How Have They Worked Out?
The step-in feel is very good. Unlike many shoes, there's no sock-liner and your foot sits directly on top of the inner removable foam. The collar is a soft sock-like material connected to Dyneema fabric.
First run felt surprisingly nimble despite the stated weight. The dual, bi-directional BOA Li2 dials let me fine-tune forefoot vs. heel pressure live on the trail. For instance, I always crank the upper before descents to hold my foot back to relieve toe pressure at the front of the shoe. The dials also work great because they're easy to operate when your fingers would normally be unable to tie shoelaces in cold weather.
The removable plate adds underfoot pop and protection but I preferred the shoe without it for scrambling. Traction is dependable: the soft, deep lugs dug into loose and muddy terrain yet didn’t punish on brief pavement links.
Overall, I have loved running in these shoes. They're nimble and I have found them great at up to 25-30K distances. I think more efficient runners could probably take them up to 50K to 50 miles.
The Good
- Dual BOA Li2 → precise, repeatable lockdown; saves toes on steep descents.
- Removable plate → choose protection/snap or flexibility depending on terrain and distance.
- Dyneema knit upper → breathable comfort that dries quickly after wet sections.
- Michelin outsole + soft lugs → traction on loose/mud/technical; tolerable on pavement.
- Low‑profile silhouette → nimble feel for scrambling and quick pace on groomed trails.
- Excellent step‑in feel → comfortable collar/padding encourages longer outings.
- Responsive cushioning → best for shorter, faster efforts.
The Less Good
- Premium price → great tech, but you pay for it.
- Booty collar fit → skinny ankles may invite debris without gaiters.
- Plate preference → I rarely enjoyed plate‑in for long runs.
- Launch color → polarizing aesthetics won’t be for everyone.
- Stated weight (~11.5 oz, M10) → feels lighter, but numbers may deter those looking for a lighter ride.
How I Scored It
Just Works — 8: Dual BOA micro-adjustments and soft 7 mm lugs kept descents controlled and roads tolerable; wet weight adds friction.
Craftsmanship — 8: Bootie upper, heel padding, and overall finish have held up so far over 200 miles and its still looks good.
Promise — 8: Customization delivered—removable plate and trim-able lugs adapt ride and traction; wet retention tempers drainage claims.
Value — 6: High price buys tunable fit/ride and real grip; if you won’t use customization or need more cushioning, there are better choices.
Bottom Line - Who Is This For?
If you want a premium trail shoe you can tune mid‑run—tighten lockdown for descents, choose plate‑in for rocky days or plate‑out for flow—the SL:PDX delivers. If you prefer ultralight simplicity, hate dials, or are price‑sensitive, there are better fits.
For
- Runners who want micro‑tuned lockdown and mid‑run fit changes.
- Trail days that alternate rocky protection needs with flexible cruising.
- Mixed terrain with short pavement connectors.
- Fans of breathable uppers that dry quickly
- Budget isn't an issue
Not for
- Budget‑minded buyers who won’t exploit BOA/plate adjustability.
- Ultralight minimalists prioritizing the lowest possible weight.
- Runners with very wide feet seeking extra toe‑box volume.
- Dial‑averse runners who prefer laces and set‑and‑forget setups.