REASONS TO BUY
Durable
Customizable
Rugged
Great midfoot lock
REASONS TO AVOID
Very expensive
Heavy
Not the most sensitive
Speedland GS:PDX - Women's Review
With its wide outsole, secure midfoot fit, and rugged traction, this shoe delivers a distinct blend of performance, sustainability, and durability for long-distance gearheads
Credit: Ally Arcuri
RELATED: Best Trail Running Shoes for Women
Our Verdict
The Speedland GS:PDX is a detail-oriented shoe cut from an entirely different cloth. Divergent from all we've tested before, this quirky and customizable shoe will worm its way into the hearts of many, though it isn't your typical beloved trail shoe. Its 4.4-inch wide outsole, 5 mm drop, and 34 mm heel stack offer extra lateral space, making it distinct from typical trail shoes. The firm interior, secure midfoot lock, and rugged traction make it an excellent choice for long-distance runners. While not universally appealing, its blend of function and sustainability will win over many. This shoe is perfect for those seeking a durable, ethically and artisanally made, and high-performing trail companion.
Editor's Note: Our testers did not test the GS:PDX with the optional (with separate purchase) Carbitex plate. According to Speedland's website, the removable plate offers propulsion, protection, and stability.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Speedland GS:PDX - Women's | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Trail Running Shoe for Women |  Top Pick for Rugged Terrain | Best for Comfortable Zero Drop Performance |  Best Bang for Your Buck | |
| Price | $275 List | $179.95 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $145.00 at REI Compare at 4 sellers | $98.93 at REI Compare at 4 sellers | $130.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This unique and customizable trail shoe stands out with its wider outsole, firm interior, and rugged traction | Offering exceptional traction, comfort, and versatility, this shoe combines a nimble build with rugged protection, making it ideal for trail runners of all levels | If a well-tractioned powerhouse of a shoe is what you're after, this 7mm-drop, stacked-with-tech shoe is the one for you | Featuring an upgraded upper and a stable zero-drop design, this shoe is a dependable and comfortable trail running option, ensuring comfort even during extended runs | This trail shoe delivers dependable performance with a revamped lug pattern and sturdier midsole, all for an approachable price |
| Rating Categories | Speedland GS:PDX -... | Hoka Mafate Speed 4... | La Sportiva Bushido... | Altra Lone Peak 8 -... | Hoka Torrent 4 - Wo... |
| Foot Protection (25%) | |||||
| Traction (20%) | |||||
| Sensitivity (15%) | |||||
| Stability (15%) | |||||
| Comfort and Fit (15%) | |||||
| Weight (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Speedland GS:PDX -... | Hoka Mafate Speed 4... | La Sportiva Bushido... | Altra Lone Peak 8 -... | Hoka Torrent 4 - Wo... |
| Sizes Available | 6.5 - 15.5 US | 5 - 11 US | 5.5 - 11 US regular, wide | 5.5 - 12 US regular and wide |
5 - 11 US |
| Measured Heel Stack Height | 34 mm | 36 mm | 28 mm | 20 mm | 29 mm |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 5 mm | 3 mm | 7 mm | 0 mm | 4 mm |
| Rock Plate | Optional (Carbitex) | No | 1.5 mm Dual-Density compressed EVA Rock-Guard in forefoot | TPU | No |
| Measured Lug Depth | 3.6 mm | 5.3 mm | 3.8 mm | 3.2 mm | 5.0 mm |
| Measured Weight | 8.70 oz | 7.96 oz | 9.11 oz | 8.14 oz | 7.36 oz |
| Upper | PerformFit Wrap | Jacquard Mesh | Air Mesh / Thermal Adhesive Microfiber / High Frequency Welded Ripstop Overlays | Ripstop Mesh | Mesh |
| Midsole | Beaded HTPU | ProFly+ | 4mm LaSpEVA / Compression Molded MEMlex | Altra EGO | Unspecified compound |
| Outsole | Michelin Thinweb | Vibram Megagrip with Litebase | Bi-Compound FriXion XT 2.0 V-Groove3 | MaxTrac | High-abrasion rubber |
| Heel Tab Type | None | Finger loop | Finger loop | Finger loop | Finger loop |
| Claimed Heel-to-Toe Drop | 7 mm | 4 mm | 6 mm | 0 mm | 5 mm |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The PerformFi Wrap with BOA Li2 upper of the Speedland GS:PDX ensures a precise midfoot lock. This combines with the Michelin Thinweb traction to create a highly capable, durable, and race-ready trail shoe.
Speedland is currently occupied with commissions and unable to ship the GS:PDX directly, but the shoe is still available through various retailers, which are listed on their website.
Performance Comparsion
For a serious midfoot lock and customizable features, the GS: PDX is a standout choice, though it won't fit into every runner's budget.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Foot Protection
Based on appearances alone, the Speedland GS:PDX is chunky and protective. In this case, judging the book by its cover is okay because the GS:PDX is as protective as it looks. With a rigid stack of 34 mm in the heel and 29 mm in the forefoot, the undercarriage of this shoe provides plenty of protection between your feet and rough trail terrain. The toe cap may not be as thick or rigid as some others we've encountered, but its wide design and laminated construction effectively deflect water and trail debris.
The GS:PDX offers serious protection, wrapping feet in well-rounded features designed for confidently tackling rugged terrain.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
The upper mesh is lightweight and breathable while still offering sufficient protection. This breathable section doesn't significantly impact the GS:PDX's foot protection score because it makes up a rather small portion of the shoe. Additionally, the BOA lacing system, strategically placed overlays, and dual-layered gusseted body contribute to the shoe's robust protective capabilities. The heel collar offers comfortable cushion to ensure a snug fit. This feature helps keep sand and flying dirt from infiltrating through the collar. Without much cushion on its interior, the GS:PDX does ride a bit like its ready to get wet. Upon researching the nuance this shoe offers, we discovered that it offers optional drainage holes on its outsole. If you expect to splash through puddles and want your shoes to be able to shed water, simply take a pair of pliers to the rubber dots entitled “Drainage Hole” and pop them out to reveal screen mesh perfect for shedding liquid.
Looking at the interior makeup of the GS:PDX gives you some insight as to how ready to get splashy it is. The insole is easily removable for washing, leaving a non-absorbant shell to dry efficiently.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Traction
The Speedland GS:PDX offers traction like no other shoe on the market (to our knowledge). Comprised of sturdy Michelin Thinweb rubber, the outsole design is customizable. Equipped with double-decker lugs at purchase, Speedland provides instructions for clipping off the top layer of each lug. The concept is straightforward: customizing your tread pattern enhances performance based on your preferred trail type. If you often run on dry, firm terrain, trimming the interior lugs reduces trail penetration and increases surface area, while keeping the outer lugs at full height ensures solid traction during sharp turns. For runners tackling mucky trails, the Speedland PDF guide provides precise instructions to trim lugs strategically, optimizing mud-shedding capabilities without compromising traction.
The Michelin rubber “cuttable blocks” on the outsole enable runners to customize their shoes, tailoring them to the terrain types they encounter most frequently.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Sensitivity
The Speedland GS:PDX features a robust undercarriage, which lowers its sensitivity rating. While it doesn't entirely mute trail feedback, it's not designed for runners who prioritize detailed trail information. The shoe provides some responsiveness but leans toward stability and protection. Its wide fit and stiff interior further enhance its durability. Combined with other protective features, it offers a firm and reliable platform. This makes it ideal for runners seeking a stable launchpad rather than a sensitive trail shoe.
The protection of the Speedland makes it less sensitive than most.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Stability
The GS:PDX provides solid stability, thanks to its wide base of support. While we didn't test the optional carbon plate, the manufacturer claims it enhances stability, making it worth considering for those seeking additional support. In my experience, the stability felt neutrally comfortable without being overly structured. The shoe doesn't feature significant arch support or specific stability aids, but its design remains inherently stable. This is largely due to its chunky outsole and thick lateral edges, which contribute to a secure and balanced ride.
With a 5mm drop and wide forefoot, the GS:PDX offers strong stability without having an overbuilt heel collar or side walls.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Comfort and Fit
The GS:PDX stands out from most running shoes on the market with its innovative design and semi-customizable fit. It delivers intentional comfort without feeling overbuilt or overly cushioned. The shoe's body offers comfort with minimal padding, supported by a durable and slightly compressible Pebax insole that ensures long-lasting structure and easy wear. A wide forefoot provides ample room for natural toe splay while the overall fit remains true to size. The BOA lacing system enhances functionality with a secure midfoot lock featuring two knobs that allow for precise adjustments in tightening and loosening. For added convenience, the laces can be fully released with a simple pop of the knobs, making the system both efficient and user-friendly.
The BOA Li2 lacing system is easy and seamless, providing incremental adjustments for runners who want to fine-tune their midfoot feel.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Weight
At 8.70 ounces per women's size 6.5 shoe (the smallest Speedland offers), the GS:PDX is heavier than most. This gear-centered shoe is heavy simply because of all of the tech it packs, and from a protection standpoint, I really wouldn't change much about it. In theory, it would be nice for the GS:PDX to be lighter, but I am unsure if it would maintain its rugged exterior and durability if lighter components were used.
This hearty shoe packs a tactile punch, making its heavier weight totally worthwhile.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Should You Buy the Speedland GS:PDX?
Depending on your needs and budget, we recommend the Speedland GS:PDX. This pricey chameleon of a shoe is worth considering for its serious performance, intentional design, and rugged durability. The cost is enough to dissuade many runners, and I can confirm that equally high-performing options are available for less. If your budget allows and you love geeking out on running gear, this shoe is certainly for you.
The GS:PDX isn't a shoe for everyone, but its unique features make it a standout for runners who appreciate technical gear, are willing to invest, and prioritize rugged trail running. For those individuals, this shoe is sure to impress as much as it did for us.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
What Other Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?
Altra is known for making shoes with wide toe boxes, and our testers enjoy this extra interior real estate. The Speedland GS:PDX offers a similar shape but with a more traditional heel-to-toe differential. This is valuable for runners who want a wider shoe but don't necessarily want a zero-drop shoe. Runners who are intrigued by the lower differential might enjoy the width of the Altra Lone Peak 8. The Lone Peak offers a more well-cushioned approach to wide trail shoes. The Merrell Antora 3 offers a similarly chunky body with sticky traction. Outfitted to ride more like a hiking boot than the GS:PDX, the Antora will suit runners who want familiar comfort with the function of a trail shoe.
—Ally Arcuri
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