Author Archives: Birkir Már Kristinsson

About Birkir Már Kristinsson

Birkir is a practising physical therapist who loves running. He has participated in various running events spanning 10 k to 50 miles with good results. Running in the middle of scenic pearls of nature, however, is by far his favorite type of running. Birkir speaks excellent English, Swedish and (obviously) Icelandic.

Ecco Biom Trail FL Review

Just so you know…

Being a running guide in Iceland has a lot of advantages. The obvious one being the privilege to run in such beautiful nature and actually getting paid for it. But there can be other advantages as well. Last fall, while guiding some Danish people, I discovered that one of them was working for Ecco. He was trying out the newest version of their trail shoe, the Ecco Biom Trail FL that will hit the stores now in February or March I believe. He offered to send me a pair so that I could try them out in the Icelandic mountains. However, I already had an extensive experience of their trail shoes and even though I got the shoes I’m about to review for free, I did buy the Ecco Biom Trail 1.1 with my own money and my review is in no way affected by the fact that the newer pair was a gift.

Ecco Running Shoes

“We make running shoes not because we have to, but because we believe we have something to offer to runners.”

Is this just another slogan or does Ecco truly have something unique to offer runners?

Well, one thing is for sure. Ecco sure doesn’t have to make running shoes. They are the third largest casual shoe producer in the world with 18,500 employees worldwide. Their shoes are known for their quality, comfort and style. So why should a company so successful at making casual shoes and dress shoes start making running shoes?

Ecco runs their own research center and before designing running shoes, they did a whole lot of research. The result was the biom line which now encompasses everything from sandals and casual shoes to hiking shoes, golf shoes and running shoes. Biom stands for Biomechanical Optimization. The idea is to let the foot do what it does best and enhance it´s natural motion rather than work against it.

The Ecco Biom Trail FL, however, is far from being a barefoot shoe. It´s minimal but not radically so. It´s flexible in the forefoot where the foot flexes in running and is fairly low to the ground with a 7 mm heel to forefoot drop.

What Makes them Unique

So what´s the difference between these shoes and countless other running shoes with similar specs? The defining factor of Ecco running shoes, besides superior construction, is the midsole. This is where it get´s interesting. No other running shoes in the world (that I know of) uses injected PU in the midsole. Typically, midsoles in running shoes consist of EVA foam, gel or some kind of combination of the two. The only midsole used in running shoes that comes close to the one Ecco uses is Adidas´ Energy Boost, even though it´s not quite the same.

The result is a cushioning that´s not as soft as in a typical running shoe, yet substantial. Because of the solidness of PU, it also means Ecco is able to shape the last without it getting distorted. They´ve made full use of this advantage by scanning the feet of more than 1000 athletes to come up with an anatomical last that suites most types of feet. The density of the material also works great as protection from pointy rocks. So while the material isn’t the most flexible, it removes the need of an inflexible protection plate. Finally, it means the cushioning will last much longer than in other running shoes and won´t be as affected by temperature changes.

At 379 grams, weight is the downside of PU

The downside? If you like your running shoe very soft and cushy, these shoes are probably not for you. Also, the stiffness of of the material makes the shoe less flexible even though Ecco has managed to make it flexible where it counts. PU is also heavier than Eva foam and gel which makes the Ecco Biom Trail FL heavier than most other comparable running shoes.

Tested and Tried

In 2012, I bought the Ecco Biom Trail 1.1. The shoe has evolved since then into the Trail FL, but at core it´s the same shoe. I put more milage on those shoes than any other shoes I´ve run in. Yet even today, the cushioning feels the same as in the beginning. In fact, the only reason I stopped using them was because the upper finally started to fall apart and the grip was not quite as good any more.

I ran in the Ecco Biom Trail 1.1. in the woods, mountains, mud, snow, lava, rock, moss and grass. I did the Hengilshlaup in them 2012 (a 50 mile or 86 km mountain ultra). In 2013 I used them in Iceland´s most popular ultra race (55 km) which is also one of the countries most popular hiking trails.

My Impressions with the Trail 1.1

So after taking the shoe through fire and ice, what are my thoughts? First of all, it´s unlike any
other running shoe I´ve worn. Because of the solid midsole, it feels like its a partly casual shoe, partly running shoe. When you start running, however, there is no question the shoe was designed to do just that.

The cushioning has a hard feel to it but if protection is the objective, it does the job superbly. If I want to spare my feet, these are the shoes of choice. Some people might not like the hard feel but I really do. Nothing annoys me more than super soft cushioning that drains my energy. It´s not ideal for road running, however, so if your looking for a hybrid that you can use for roads and trails, this is not the right choice, but on the trail I really like the feel of the cushioning.

Natural Running

In general I like minimal shoes. I like them neutral, light, very flexible , low to the ground, preferably with a 4 mm drop and as much ground feel as possible. That´s the kind of shoes I
enjoy the most running in because I feel they enhance rather than hinder the flow in my running. The Ecco Trail is a little bulkier and stiffer than such a shoe. But they are also sturdier and offer more protection. In long runs, my feet and calves don´t get as beat up when I use the Ecco Trail. The tradeoff lies in less ground feel and a bit heavier shoes but amazingly, I don´t feel they have a negative affect on my running form and flow. I love running in the Ecco Trail shoes and in my opinion Ecco succeeded in creating a shoe that enhances natural running in spite of being rather sturdy for a minimal shoe.

When I asked if they would not like to make an even more minimal shoe in addition to this one, Ecco´s representative replied that they might indeed do so in the future but that it required more research on their part. From now on, Ecco has decided to move away from road running shoes and focus solely on trail running shoes since it rhymes better with their focus on outdoors activities. All the more reason to be optimistic that we will see a lighter, more nimble trail running shoe in addition to this one from Ecco in the future.

What Has Changed?

The Ecco Biom Trail FL is considerably different from my old faithful Ecco Trail 1.1 But has Ecco succeed in evolving the shoe for the better? Have in mind theret one version in between these two shoes (Ecco Biom Trail 1.2) so some of the changes have already occurred .

Less PU in Upper

In the new shoe, the injected PU does not interfere with the upper as much. In the Ecco Trail 1.1
the heal and sides, especially the medial side, was given added stability by letting the PU from the midsole invade the upper so to speak. While it made the shoe visually unique, in my opinion it was not adding anything aesthetically. Neither was the added stability necessary. In fact, I like the heal much better in the Ecco Biom Trail FL. Even though the hard heel of the Trail 1.1 never caused me any troubles, I like the soft,
hugging feel of the new heal much better. I also feel the shoe looks better without the spacy PU that made them look bulky and weird.

The Outer Soul

The biggest change between the two shoes is without question the outer sole. One of the unique features of the Eccom Biom Trail when it originally came out was an outer sole supposedly mimicked the plantar fascia which is the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot. It connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the arch of the foot. As a physical therapist, I find the idea interesting. I would even say it makes sense. But whether such an idea translates into a practical, functional feature is another story. It seem like Ecco decided it did not because they have dropped their innovative outsole for a more traditional looking. I quite liked plantar fascia feature and haven´t made up my mind if the change was a good move or not.

They also changed the shape and the pattern of the outsole. According to Ecco, the outsole is now more versatile. In addition to being ideal on soft ground, it’s supposed to handle Mountain running better with changing terrain like flat rocks. I find this to be true, the shoes have a good general grip and this change is definitely for better.

Craftsmanship and Quality

Seems opened, a problem that has been fixed with the FL

Ecco is known for quality at a good price. And this is no exception. They use quality material,
and their craftsmanship is superb. In my old shoes, the upper was starting to fall apart (after extensive use, mind you). In the new ones, they seem to have fixed the problem. The more rubbery, protective material in the toes has been better integrated with the softer, more breathable material in the upper now. So I expect these shoes to last even longer!

The trail shoe comes in three versions. The standard one, which is the one I have, has an upper made of synthetics. Then there is a watertight Gore-tex version. And finally one made out of Ecco’s signature yak leather. Unfortunately, I haven’t tried the Yak leather but reviews are very promising implying great comfort and amazingly good breathability.

Closing Thoughts

As I mentioned before, the Ecco Biom FL is at the core still the same shoe as the first version and the feel of it when running is very similar. Which is a good thing because it´s a great shoe and quite unique. In general, I´d say the changes have made the shoe even better than it was,
which is not always the case with running shoes.

The Ecco Biom Trail FL is a quality Trail shoe that is bound to outlast any shoe you compare it to. So even though it seems a little pricey, with this in mind it´s really not expensive.

It´s a good choice if you´re looking for shoes that are kind to your feet and yet promotes a natural running style and a responsive ride. I would especially recommend them for long runs and races. For shorter races and tempo runs, I like a lighter, more nimble shoe with more ground feel. But that’s just my preference. If you´re used to traditional shoes with more protection and a 12 mm. drop, the Ecco Biom Trail FL just might spell out freedom for you and be a safe step towards minimalism.

Tell me

Have you tried the Ecco trail shoes? What is your opinion of them? Do you have any further questions about the version that’s coming out this spring?

La Sportiva Helios and Salomon Sense Ultra Showdown

2 Replies

The showdown

The La Sportiva Helios and Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra are similar shoes, yet with different approaches. The are both neutral, low to the ground (4 mm stack height), flexible and versatile. They are minimal, yet with just enough cushioning, protection and all-around grip to handle most anything.

If you are choosing between these shoes, which one should you buy? Instead of giving an in depth review of each shoe, my intent is to compare the Salomon Sense Pro with the La Sportiva Helios and help you make that decision.

I have both shoes and in order to compare them perfectly, I went for a run wearing one on each foot. I ran through various terrain such as rocks, gravel, sand, mud and grass. Yes, even lava and in the picture above you can see the two shoes where I stand on lava covered with moss–something you see a lot of in Iceland.

So what is the main differences between the Helios and the Sense?

The Upper

The Sense has a semi-sock called Endofit built into the upper that envelops your foot and keeps it tight. Add a curved shoe shape (last) which enables the sock to envelop your foot even further, and you have an unbelievably nice fit. The Salomon asymmetrical quick-lace is the cherry on the cake to enhance the fit and feel even more. As a result, the Salomon Sense feels like an extension of the foot.

The Helios has a more traditional upper and they do a good job of securing the foot and providing a comfortable fit. A gusseted tongue keeps out trail debris. But with a straighter shoe shape (yet also rather curved) and lacking Endofit, the Helios don´t provide the sock-like, hugging fit of the Salomon Sense. Both uppers work well but the Sense outshines the Helios in this area. That´s not to the discredit of the Helios upper, but to the credit of the Sense upper which is exceptionally innovative and well performing.

The Shoe Shape

The Outsoles

Inner Soles

As mentioned, the Salomon Sense has a more curved last than the La Sportiva Helios. The curved last gives more freedom and flexibility. It provides a more natural feel, it feels less like you are wearing a shoe. But the straighter last of the Helios adds stability and for those who have flat feet and/or use orthosis, the Helios would probably be a better choice.

Sizing

Both shoes are rather narrow. If you have wide feet, I would recommend trying them on before buying either shoe but normal and narrow feet should be fine. Both shoes also run a little small, so you should size up at least half a size, perhaps a full size even.

Cushioning

The cushioning is perhaps where the shoes differ the most. The Sense midsole is on the firm spectrum while the Helios has a more cushioned feel. Personally I don´t like too soft cushioning since it becomes less responsive. But the Helios does an excellent job of providing a fairly soft feel yet without being too soft and loosing responsiveness. They are more forgiving on hard-pack, going downhill and running longer distances than the Sense. The Sense, on the other hand, feels a bit faster and more responsive.

Protection

Medial vulnerability

The Sense is medially exposed to rocks

The Salomon Sense and the La Sportiva Helios have similar protection in the upper. It´s the underfoot protection that sets the shoes a part. The Salomon Sense has a thin plate, while the Helios counts on its more substantial cushioning to protect from pointy stones. The end result is similar, yet the Sense with its minimal plate offers a slightly more consistent protection than the waffle shaped Helios outsole.

The weakness of the Sense, however, in terms of protection, is the medial part of the shoe. The curved outsole comes with a price. It leaves the medial part of the plantar fascia exposed to pointy rocks. When running in such conditions, I have repeatedly discovered this weakness. It has never caused any damage though, only slight discomfort.

The Verdict

The La Sportiva Helios and the Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra are both awesome shoes. Neither one is likely to disappoint. Both are fast and performance orientated, but the Salomon Sense is more so. So if you are looking for a fast trail shoe to race in, the slightly lighter Sense with its tight fit and responsive cushioning may be a better choice. But If you are going for an all around shoe to train and race in, the Helios with its more forgiving cushioning may be the the way to go. However, both shoes work in both scenarios, so if you have a chance, try them on, run a bit in the store and see which one feels more like what you are looking for.

Tell Me

Have you tried either or both shoes? What is your opinion? Which ones do you like the most?

The Uniqueness of Running Trails in Iceland

What is so Unique about Running in Iceland?

What comes to mind is raw, untouched nature. The contrasts of ice and fire, glaciers and volcanoes, rugged and smooth, desolation and vegetation. The destruction of black lava and the growth of soft green moss on top of it. The waterfalls , small creeks and mountain tops. And all of it can be viewed without feeling like you’re inside a museum jammed with tourists. And then there´s the view…

We do have trees in Iceland. But they are neither tall nor many. The lack of trees does have its advantages, though. It provides an amazing view in all directions. The vastness and sense of freedom that fills people when surrounded by nothing but a raw Icelandic nature can only be experienced. There are only about three inhabitants per square kilometer in Iceland, so it´s a huge land in that sense. Granted, tourists are increasingly flowing into the country, but it´s still easy to be alone in nature, seeing no human being as far as the eye can reach.

Trail Running in Iceland Through the Eyes of a Non Local Trail Runner

To me, Iceland is incredibly beautiful, but it’s ordinary as well, because this is where I’m from and where I live. Huge trees and forests is a different experience for me while a lot of people find such beauty ordinary. When I’ve been abroad for an extended period and get back to Iceland, I am once again reminded how unique my country is and how privileged I am to get to run in such a wonderland whenever I choose.

So perhaps I am not the right person to describe the wonders of trail running in Iceland. To give you an insight into what people tend to experience when running here for the first time, we will take a peak through the eyes of Sasha Brown, a seasoned trail runner from Vancouver who came with her partner Brian McCurdy (who took the picture). The following words are excerpts from an article Sasha wrote about their experience in Iceland:

“Imagine the most beautiful alpine you have ever seen, add in a singletrack. Now throw in a few powerful waterfalls, stark black lava, glaciers, and some steamy hot springs. Imagine that this alpine extends for thousands of kilometers and give yourself 24 hours of daylight during which to explore this wonderland. Welcome to Iceland.”

“At one point on this trail, I stopped suddenly in amazement, turned completely around and then just start laughing at the absurdity of so much beauty in one spot. Majestic glaciers, ravaged ragged rock walls, vibrantly green valleys and multi-colored rhyolite mountains were all within view. Experiences like this are difficult to catch in words, pictures help, but also fall short.”

Sasha running in Iceland

Unique Trail Running Adventures

So if you´re looking for a unique trail running adventure, you have come to the right place. The trail Sasha was describing here above is called Laugavegurinn (not to be confused with the main street in Reykjavík which bares the same name) and Fimmvörðuháls. I´ll be guiding this three day running trip in August and I believe there is still room.

There is another three day running tour we are doing in July called Dettifoss trail. That´s the one Sasha describes early on in her article. Read the rest of her article here in Trail Running Canada, starting at page 20. Both of those running adventures are likely to become your favorite trail run of all times!

Tell Me

What is the most unique trail run you’ve done?
If you have run in Icelandic nature, please describe your experience.
Have you ever hired a running guide before? How was that experience?

“By Far my Favorite Trail Run of all Times”

The Most Common Response

As a running guide at Arctic Running, I have the privilege of running through some amazing landscape with people who have never seen Icelandic nature before. In noting the reaction and feedback I get, there is emerging a pattern. They all rate the adventure as their favorite run of all times.

Discover Icelandic Nature through Guided Running!

As wonderful as running in the city of Reykjavík is—and all customers I´ve run with have been truly happy with their city runs—it lacks the uniqueness of running in raw Icelandic nature. That´s what really leaves people flabbergasted. And there is no better way to experience nature than by running through it.

If you´re anything like me, trail running is all about adventure and challenge. It´s about discovering an hitherto unconceivable beautiful trail with enough technical challenge to keep the primitive caveman (or woman) in you happy. Imagine three days of such an adventure where each day surpasses the next in awe and wonder. And all you have to do is run and enjoy. Food and lodging is provided and your stuff is taken care of. To top it of, your guide (which happens to be a lot of fun being around :)) makes sure you get the most of your trip…well and makes sure you don’t get lost.

Wait a minute. Isn’t discovering your own trails part of the fun? Yes, that’s true. And if you stay in Iceland for a few months, I would encourage you to do just that (provided you’ve done your homework). But if you’re coming for a limited time, you should hire a running guide to secure you get as much as possible out of your adventure. In fact, along with “This now my favorite run of all times”, the most common feedback I get from people is: “Man, I’m glad I didn’t do this on my own.”

Why You Should Hire a Running Guide

You see, a lot of our customers tell us they were thinking of discovering running routes for themselves. But they are all relieved they decided to hire us. One reason is that you are unlikely to find the most beautiful routes without a local guide.

Another reason—a more sobering one—is that Icelandic nature is still so raw and untouched that it can be really easy to get lost. The fact is that tourists that are mountaineering on their own are getting lost regularly and the Icelandic rescue team, based on volunteers, has to come and save them. Unfortunately, they are not always successful and the sad truth is that far too many people have lost their lives this way.

Is Your Favorite Run of All Times Just Around the Corner?

So if you are looking for that once in a life time, unique, awe inspiring running adventure, look no further. I haven’t yet met a customer whose response wasn’t something like: “This is by far my favorite run ever” or “This is much better than I expected”. Check out our website and run wild!

Tell Me

What is your favorite trail run so far? It would be fun if you would comment below and share your treasure with the rest of us!

One happy Running Guide doing our three day Dettifoss Trail adventure!