Calver

Amazing shoes, high quality and very comfortable!

As a long time VFF wearer I'd been using studded fell shoes for winter running. I wanted something that was as flexible as the leading minimalist shoes but as grippy as a fell running shoe. So far on some muddy UK clifftop runs the freet Calver have been very near to the best of both worlds. They don't quite have the stud mud penetration of some leading fell shoes, but the flatter studs on the calver make running on firmer surfaces much more comfortable than feeling the studs. The calver also don't hold mud like many other trail shoes. They are more of a fell runner. Super comfy and excellent ground feel and flexibility. Now they need to get to 500 miles without much going wrong and they might get that fifth star.

I normally buy size 41. I got these in 42 and they are nice and roomy. They are a replacement for vivo barefoot shoes that were rubbing a couple of my toes. These are a much better shape for me, a bit squarer across the toes. I can let my feet spread in toesocks with no rubbing, I haven't tried them with correct toes but I wouldn't expect them to fit in comfortably. They also have a more normal lacing system which I prefer. The colour maybe isn't what I would choose, it reminds me of a poison frog. They show up well at dawn and dusk. The grip is really good, I've had a chance to run on soft slippy ground and felt confident in my footing. Also the treads didn't get clogged with mud. I like the spongy free draining insoles.They are very flexible but the thickness of the treads means you don't feel every little stone you land on.

I run frequently in the Welsh hills, so conditions are general very muddy and wet, but these shoes handle it great. The lugs are solid, but most importantly don’t sacrifice the ground feel I love. They are solid and the lacing never lets me down.

250 Miles in and hardly any wear.
Tackles very greasy clay soil, deep mud, hard stony tracks, wet grass, claggy mud & road. (not tried rocky yet) Works well on off-camber mud. The soft studs toe space and lightness makes my Lone peaks seem very heavy (but those are my very cushioned option - same size). The studs give me protection from small sharp stones and I lose some proprioception. However this is worth it for the grip. Only criticism - deep heel counter is stiff. Makes getting shoes on/off challenging ie tongue lost inside shoe (prefer collapsible). We all have different shaped feet. However, you will not lose these in deep mud. Once on, they are staying on. I love the leopard stud design.
Well done Freet.