Blowout – Rogue Racer
30 Mar
Here are my Montrail Rogue Racers after 121 miles. As you can see the left shoe has fabric tears. There is even a separation from the upper and midsole big enough to get my finger through.
But, I’m not totally dismissing these. I like the feel and ride of them too much. I’m hoping maybe I just got a pair with a manufacturing defect. I’ll be swapping them out for another pair at REI today.
Will report back after I rack up some miles.
Do you have Rogue Racers? If so, let me know if you are experiencing durability issues.
So is REI or Montrail replacing these at no cost or are you having to replace them on your dime?
I bought these on my dime from REI so I’ll be returning them there since this low of mileage is pretty unacceptable from a durability standpoint. REI has very good customer service and solid return policies from my experience.
I haven’t tried the Rogue Racers but I have experienced the same blow-out issue with 4 pairs of NB 100/101′s in the same spot, all with less than 200 miles on them. I was definitely thinking of getting a pair of RR’s until I noticed the the same kind of mesh material on the shoe as the 100 series. I love the breathability and airy feel of that style shoe but at 70-90 bucks a pop I don’t think I’ll go that route again. As much as I love my 101′s, I don’t think the mesh is fit for midwest mud and rocks and can’t handle the stress it places on them. I assume they’re probably great on dry, western trails where they were likely designed and tested. On a side note, I just bought a pair of Saucony Peregrines and I’m seriously digging so far, the outer feels to be much tougher but time will tell.
Jeff, great comments on the testing out west! I’d be curious to know if that is the case. That sharp limestone that we have here in the Midwest sure can wreck a shoe.