Facebook Twitter Instagram
    FeedTheHabit.com
    • Home
    • Gear Reviews
      • Mountain Biking
      • Road Biking
      • Bike Commuting
      • Trail Running
      • Skiing
      • Outdoors
      • Water Sports
      • Vehicles
    • News
    • Trip Reports
    • Videos
    FeedTheHabit.com
    Gear Reviews

    2007 Vasque Blur Trail Running Shoe Review

    Jason MitchellBy Jason MitchellSeptember 20, 20071 Comment5 Mins Read

    Vasque has been one of the top brands in backpacking boots since before I can remember. The classic Vasque Sundowner hiking boots are some of the most iconic boots ever made. I’m sure there are millions of pair in use every day throughout the world. Building on the success of their boot line, a few years back, Vasque extended their expertise into a complete lineup of trail running shoes.

    This extension has been very successful as their shoes are consistently top-rated and have become very popular. A quick trip to the local JANS in Park City showed the popularity of their runners as there were no size 10’s in any of the models they carried. However, that was the first time I got a good look at their lineup and I was impressed by the build quality and overall function of their trail runners. I was stoked to get my hands on a pair of Blurs for an in-depth product review.

    Vasque Blur Trail Running Shoe Review

    The Vasque Blur is billed as a transition shoe that’s perfect for someone who’s looking to switch from road the trail. It’s not like the Blur’s are trail runners with training wheels, but they are durable, stable, have great traction and are still lightweight. I think of the Blurs as kind of an approach trail shoe. If you have to run a half mile or more on pavement to get to the trailhead, you won’t notice much difference between these shoes and your trusty Asics.

    The construction of the uppers consists of very soft synthetic suede, nicely-vented mesh and more durable rubber toe and heel protection. I was surprised that the laces used traditional eyelets instead of the now-standard webbing loops. Though you don’t get quite the straight pull with standard eyelets, I never felt like it was difficult to get them properly tightened around my feet. The second eyelet is a loop that’s connected to webbing that acts to pull the foot towards the back of the shoe to further ensure a snug fit. A heel to mid-foot reflective band also provides additional support on the trail.

    All materials felt supple and comfortable right out of the box. In fact, I hit the trails without even wearing these shoes around town and found them to be quite comfortable right out of the box.

    Cushioning is handled by lightweight, dual-density foam with a heel strike area for increased squish as your heels pound the trail. The treads are burly, but not clod-hopper burly–just enough to let you know they are built for dirt and not asphalt. Another great feature of the sole is the integrated nylon textile plate to help shield your feet from sharp rocks or branches on the trail. It provides just enough protection, but still allows the right amount of trail feel.

    On The Trail

    I tested the Vasque blur trail runners on the local trails here along the Wasatch. Luckily, I’ve got several options right in my backyard, so I pounded out a few miles on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and even hit a couple of miles on jogging stroller duty as I pushed my daughter around in our BOB Revolution.

    I was quickly enamored by the stability, comfort and tread grip offered by the Blurs. As I ran up and down on loose, rocky terrain, I never once felt like I was going to lose my grip on terra firma. The tacky treads just stuck to the ground like Spiderman on the Empire State Building. I can say that I’m not surprised as Vasque has an unfair advantage at building functional treads with their years of experience building hiking boots. These guys know the dirt/rubber interface better than anyone on the planet and I can confidently say that the traction offered by the Blurs is second-to-none.

    Vasque Blur Trail Running Shoe Review - Sole Tread

    Overall cushioning was great as I felt the shoes quickly adapting to my foot and providing just the right balance of squish and stability on the trail and on pavement as well.This is the first pair of shoes I’ve owned in a long time that seemed to be just the right volume. My average width feet feel perfectly snug and cradled in all the right areas without having to cinch the shoes down.

    However, it seems that the laces could be a couple of inches longer as I only had about 6 inches to work with. If you have high arches and footbeds, the laces might not cut it, so try them on with your footbed in hand. For me, the short lace length ended up being a non-issue. Frankly, I have never once had my laces come loose even though they are pretty short and stubby, so I can’t quite yank on them as I’d like.

    The only real gripe I’ve got with the Vasque Blur is the looks of the grey microfiber on my shark/navy colored shoes. While they are not bad looking, the dark grey color just doesn’t have the right “pop”. I don’t know what it is, but they just don’t have that “look.” Maybe if it was a shade lighter or something? Well, lets leave that to the designers as it really has nothing to do with the overall function of these shoes.

    The Bottom Line

    The Vasque blur trail running shoes are some of the best overall trail shoes on the market. I was particularly impressed with the comfort right out of the box and the tremendous traction offered by these treads. At $85, they represent a real bargain compared to the many $120+ trail shoes on the market today. A great shoe for the occasional trail runner looking for a comfortable and durable pair of trail runners from a trusted, yet not mass-produced name brand.

    Visit Backcountry.com to purchase a pair of Vasque Blur trail running shoes.

    ShareTweet
    Previous ArticleMerrell Aparrel: Universal Jacket, Big Sky Jacket & Rove Tech Vest
    Next Article 2008 Niner RIP 9 29er Quick Review – Interbike 2007
    Jason Mitchell
    • Website
    • Twitter

    A native of the Pacific Northwest, Jason quickly developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded this site in 1999 -- sharing his love of road biking, mountain biking, trail running and skiing. That passion is channeled into every article or gear review he writes. Utah's Wasatch Mountains are his playground.

    You Might Also Like

    Mountain Hardwear Basin Lined Pants Review

    February 1, 2023

    Polar Pacer Pro Multisport Watch Review

    January 30, 2023

    Küat Grip 4 Ski Rack Review

    January 26, 2023

    1 Comment

    1. Jason Mitchell on February 18, 2009 10:00 pm

      Check out my review of the 2009 Vasque Blur SL shoes:
      http://www.feedthehabit.com/outdoors/2009-vasque-blur-sl-trail-running-shoes-review/

      Reply

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Most Popular

    Montec Fawk Ski Jacket and Bib Review

    February 28, 2022
    8.9

    Zipp 303 S Carbon Wheelset Review

    November 4, 2021

    Patagonia Downdrift Parka Review

    February 2, 2022
    9.2

    SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS Groupset Review

    August 12, 2022
    8.5

    Canyon Lux Trail CF 7 Review

    November 28, 2022

    Ultimate All-rounder? Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket Review

    February 2, 2021

    SRAM Rival/GX AXS Mullet Gravel Kit Review

    September 17, 2021

    Patagonia Storm Shift Jacket and Pants Review, feat. Gore-Tex ePE membrane

    December 21, 2022
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 TLR Wheelset Review

    September 9, 2021
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 TLR Wheelset Review

    June 18, 2020
    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    Advertisement
    Our Latest Posts
    • Mountain Hardwear Basin Lined Pants Review
    • Polar Pacer Pro Multisport Watch Review
    • Küat Grip 4 Ski Rack Review
    • Ibis Exie Goes Global
    • Trek Circuit Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey Review
    • Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Insulated Jacket Review
    • Pearl Izumi PRO NeoShell WxB Jacket Review
    • Montane Anti-Freeze Down Hooded Jacket Review
    • Fresh Wheels: Fezzari Veyo is an Aero All-rounder
    • Mountain Hardwear Summit Grid Hoody Review
    About Us
    About Us

    Since 1999, we have delivered in-depth gear reviews, articles and content. We feature a small staff of savvy, experienced writers who love to review outdoor gear.

    External links to Amazon, REI, Backcountry and other retailers include affiliate codes that give us a small commission on each sale.

    To contact us or learn more, go to our About Us page.

    © FeedTheHabit.com 1999 - 2023. All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.