Arc’teryx has launched its newest mountain path runner, the Sylan, and self-confessed shoe novice however eager path runner Hilary took them for a spin.
Canadian out of doors attire model Arc’teryx could also be finest recognized for its high-quality, spiffy-looking snow and mountain gear, however not too long ago they’ve been making severe tracks into the path operating scene. And so they’re not messing round –their newly-released Sylan mountain operating shoe ticks all of the packing containers on the subject of consolation, appears to be like, and efficiency.
I undoubtedly gave them a very good run round
Admittedly, I’m not a shoe nerd. I usually really feel overwhelmed by the selection of path runners on supply and start to tune out when individuals begin speaking about stack peak and toe packing containers. After carrying out the identical sneakers till they had been discontinued, I’m looking out for my new go-to shoe.
I’ve lengthy been a fan of Salomon sneakers (they simply appear to suit my ft properly) and was eager to attempt the Arc’teryx vary. I used to be curious to see in the event that they had been an analogous match, as they share the identical guardian firm: Amer Sports activities. I attempted the Arc’teryx Norvan again in late 2023 and was pleasantly shocked – a easy, sensible path shoe, not dissimilar to the Salomon Sense Rides, that was a very good all-rounder.
After I unboxed the Sylans, I used to be shocked to see a way more futuristic wanting shoe – an analogous glossy, slim design however with a knit collar, a characteristic I had but to attempt on a path shoe.
Fast Specs
Value: $280. It’s most likely dearer than your customary path shoe, but it surely’s nonetheless inside the usual value vary.
Weight: 305g (US Ladies’s 10). It is a bit on the heavier facet when in comparison with similarly-priced path sneakers, however in your hand and in your ft, it’s mild. There isn’t a lot to this shoe – the Vibram Megagrip outsole makes use of LITEBASE expertise to maintain it mild however sturdy.
Drop: 6mm. Once more, pretty customary, you received’t be placing an excessive amount of strain on or off the achilles. The Sylan has a pleasant rocker (curve to the bottom), which helps maintain the legs ticking over. It’s a mountain shoe with respectable lugs which might be nice for gripping on muddy trails.
Stack Top: 28.6mm on the heel, and 22.6mm on the toe. That is fairly middle-of-the-road on the subject of path sneakers – comfortably between a zero-drop and towering Hokas. As somebody who fears for my ankles in a stackier shoe, that is the proper peak that doesn’t compromise shock absorption on tougher trails.
Midsole: A light-weight and responsive InFuse® EVA and Polyolefin, which is extremely responsive and absorbs shock properly
Outsole: Vibram® Megagrip. This widespread outsole is sturdy and works properly on a variety of surfaces.
Contemporary out the field
So what’s modified?
The important thing distinction between the Sylan and the Norvan is the knit collar. This creates a sock-like match and makes the shoe really feel extra like a sock. Straight out of the field it made the sneakers a ache to get on, because the knit was tight, and skinny socks had been a should. However as soon as the sneakers had been on, they had been seamless suits, with no likelihood of sticks, rocks, or mud making their means into the shoe.
The Sylan is a extra aggressive path shoe with bigger, smarter lugs, making it excellent in moist and slippery mountain circumstances. The outer is an extremely mild Matryx® Micro higher constituted of woven PU-coated recycled polyester fibres wrapped round a nylon core. This implies an uber-light however cosy match, with efficient cushioning pads behind the heel to make sure consolation isn’t compromised.
And also you’ll be happy to know that the Sylan has the magic laces that Arc’teryx achieve this properly, which, regardless of being laces, at all times appear extremely straightforward to undo. I don’t know what it’s, however I at all times appear to have the ability to tug on one finish (regardless of being double-knotted and stuffed into the built-in tongue pocket), and the laces fall away. Being a little bit of a traditionalist, I’m a fan of conventional laces, however bending down all that means after a long term to undo an impossibly tight knot is a ache. I don’t understand how you do it Arc’teryx, however your laces are merely magical.
How do they really feel after 50k?
These sneakers have rapidly turn out to be my go-to. Since receiving them, I’ve run at the very least a few hundred kilometres in them, and to date, I’ve zero complaints. Other than wanting fairly dusty, they’re carrying properly, and my toenails are totally intact.
Regardless of having a cabinet stuffed with path runners, as soon as I get a brand new pair, it’s exhausting to modify again to an outdated smelly pair, which is usually on its method to being worn out. Since I’ve been ramping up the kilometres every week, I’ve discovered the Sylan to be enjoyably bouncy on extra technical trails and really feel good in moist and slippery circumstances.
Often, I can get sizzling ft, particularly on hotter days. Nevertheless, these are tremendous breathable and quick-drying, which is at all times a bonus. I’ve needed to spend money on some light-weight socks, because the knitted collar is fairly cosy, and there isn’t a lot room for a thicker, woolly sock. However contemplating it’s summer season, a light-weight poly sock is an effective alternative.
Sylan Season?
I haven’t been placing the Sylans to the take a look at of their most popular atmosphere, the mountains, however I’ve been testing them the place most Aussies are prone to be operating: alongside rivers and creeks, throughout rocks, and down gravel trails, and to date, I haven’t put a step incorrect.
Additionally they look good – I’ve had a couple of feedback on the glossy, black design – which is not so black because the summer season mud embeds itself within the mesh higher. However like a grimy 4×4, soiled path sneakers present that you simply’re utilizing them for his or her supposed objective.
For those who’re planning a while within the mountains this summer season, or like me, you desire a dependable, comfy shoe that may take you from inner-city trails to nationwide parks and in every single place in between, the Sylan is a superb alternative.
