The Bajada is designed as a neutral and cushioned trail running shoe with traction for superior off-road performance (straight from montrail.com).
It has 10mm drop from 20mm heel to 10mm forefoot. It hits the scale at 10.3 ounces (12.7 ounces for my big 13’s).
These shoes are cushy but not sloppy while light but not wimpy. They also breathe really well. I’m rinsing trail dust off my feet after each run (My socks must breathe pretty well too). My feet have been comfortably cool and we are already into the 70’s here in Colorado.
The Bajada lifts effortlessly off the ground and the lug pattern grips the earth securely on the ups as well as the downs of the rugged Colorado terrain. The spaced out lugs do not gather stones or other debris. I’ll report more on mud clearance once the skies open up.
Fit: I like a slightly wider than normal toe box on a shoe and the Bajada is spot-on. It allows for some toe movement without feeling like my foot is in a bucket. It’s wider than the Brooks Cascadia and the toe box has a higher volume than the Northface Hayasa. The lace system works well and won’t dig into the top of your feet. It’s a neutral shoe that will support lower arches.
Feel: Very comfortable upper with no stitch rub anywhere to be found. The Bajada’s lightweight build immediately gives you confidence and speed out the door. When I was testing the Montrail Mountain Masochist I felt like I was wearing a shoe. The Bajada feels like tread on the bottom of my feet.
Value: At $110 I will hold judgment on durability until I’ve put this shoe through a couple months of paces and races. The colors (Stainless/Valencia or Tawny Port/Black) are trail-friendly in sticking with earthy tones and not falling into the neon trends.
Stay tuned for the full review in the months to come. Time to get out and run!
Great Review TR. Can’t wait to hear more.
I love the Montrail Masoquist. Fabulous shoe!