The Runamuck is a trail running shoe with added capabilities for use in water.
Typical trail-running shoes are meant to encompass aspects of a running shoe with the stability of a hiking boot. But the Five Ten Runamuck provides a third element that allows it to be effective in wet conditions too.
With an open mesh/synthetic upper, the Runamuck offers the quick-drying advantage of a water sandal, but with the extra support of a running shoe. The mesh also makes the Runamuck incredibly light and feels refreshing when a gust of air blows through them, making your feet feel as light as a feather.
With a wider heel this trail running shoe provides plenty of support for uneven terrain and lots of cushion to absorb hard impacts on packed dirt. The Stealth rubber sole provides the traction you’d expect from a Five Ten shoe over granite, sandstone and other hard rock, while the running-shoe tread digs in loose dirt to provide additional grip on steep hills and descents.
While the Runamuck provides an extremely light weight design, and plenty of advantages for using it in wet conditions like a kayak trip or negotiating through slot canyons with fast running water, we were disappointed by the constant rubbing by the shoe’s high rear quarter.
Despite several trail running trips and using ankle-high socks, the top of the shoe’s rear quarter rubs against the upper part of your heel that peels away your skin and makes for a very uncomfortable blister after only a few miles of running with them.
When we compared the shoe’s rear quarter to several running shoes, the Runamuck’s rear quarter is on average a 1/4-inch taller than most. It’s also much less flexible than that of other running shoes we compared it against. But we can assume it was made that way to provide extra support for the ankle and heel which does come in handy on unstable terrain.
At a retail price of $89.95 the Runamuck is a great water shoe for canoe or kayak trips, as long as you’re only doing some short hiking or walking. Occasional trail runners may like the shoe’s light weight and versatility but hardcore trail runners won’t like the high rear quarter and will find the Runamuck performs at a lower level than what they may be used to.
By Dan Sanchez
For more information visit www.fiveten.com
