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

    2009 Vasque Celerator Trail Running Shoes Review

    1
    By Jason Mitchell on November 3, 2008 Gear Reviews, Outdoors, Trail Running

    My Fall trail running assault has been a great opportunity for me to test out several pairs of new trail running shoes. The weather and the trails this fall have been perfect, so off I’ve gone on the local trails–taking full advantage of the dry weather we’ve had this Fall in Utah.

    Slowing things down and running through the fall colors on cool, crisp days, I’ve had a chance to run on the new Vasque Celerator trail runners (available Spring 2009). They have performed really well, but what else would you expect from a company that’s been making outdoor-specific shoes for over 30 years?

    About the Vasque Celerator Trail Running Shoes

    The new lightweight kid on the block for 2009 is the new Vasque Celerator. The foundation of the Celerator is the award-winning Aether outsole, the Velocity last and then topped by a new, breathable upper that ends up tipping the scales at a mere 11.9 oz. per pair (size 9).

    The Celerators are made for warm-weather training or race day with solid, proven traction and tons of breathability. Here are a few more specs:

    • Upper: Synthetic nubuck, TPU weld, Airmesh nylon
    • Midsole: Neutral molded EVA with high rebound heel and forefoot inserts
    • Footbed: Dual density EVA
    • Outsole: Vasque Aether
    • Last: Vasque Velocity
    • Reflective trim and DriLex lining
    • MSRP: $105 (Spring 09)

    Vasque Celerator Trail Shoe Review

    I was able to get out on several runs with the new Vasque Celerator shoe. As I’ve mentioned before, Vasque has the dirt/shoe interface nailed with the Aether outsole, so it’s great that they stuck with that design. Overall traction is superb on loose-and-sandy or hardpack conditions I’ve been running in.

    Lacing them up, I’ve found the fit to be really good overall. As always, I chose to use SOLE footbeds in these shoes to provide the right support and fit. The toebox is a little roomy, so I opted to use my Lorpen midweight socks instead of the ultralight socks I typically wear. With that setup, the fit was supportive and stable.

    I’m still completely satisfied with traditional lacing on most shoes (instead of Boa or quick lace designs), but I’m not OK with shoes that don’t have an even lace pull from top-to-bottom. Nothing is worse than having to loosen or tighten the laces manually down the entire length of the shoe. With a single-pull, I could tighten the laces from top-to-bottom on the Celerators.

    The only issue I’ve had with these is a funky rib where the lower, thicker mesh meets the upper inside the toebox. My big toe could feel the distinct line where the lower mesh is welded to the upper. I only really noticed this while walking and never felt it while on the trail.

    Traction is good enough with the Celerators that short, steep hikes and descents are managed easily–not something that can always be said for a shoe that’s this lightweight. On typical running terrain, the shoes provided a great balance of support and trail feel.

    Lateral support was also great for such a light shoe. This is likely due to the v-shaped support band going from the heel to the middle of the laces and the thicker mesh support band that attaches to the last around the perimeter of the shoe. There are more supportive shoes on the market, but these are good considering their weight.

    Breathability is outstanding. A couple of times I really felt the chill of the 45-degree wind, thus prompting me to classify these as warm-weather shoes. On warmer runs, in spite of my midweight socks, temperature-control was great.

    I also like my trail runners to be able to hold their own on the road. The Celerators can comfortably be used on the road, if needed. They have a smooth tread and roll well for an occasional run on the pavement without feeling clunky.

    FOR YOUR REFERENCE: I’m 5’11” and 170 lbs. My size 10 feet are regular width, but super-flat.

    Good Celerator

    • Great ventilation
    • Great traction both up and down
    • Solid support and comfort
    • Lacing system cinches up well
    • In spite of meshy design, is reasonably supportive
    • Lightweight
    • Competitively priced
    • 50/50 pavement to trail ratio

    Bad Celerator

    • Funky toebox seam issue
    • EVA cushioning may not as long as air or gel cushioning
    • Must wear midweight socks for a proper fit
    • A little chilly in cold temps

    The Bottom Line on the Vasque Celerator Trail Runners

    I have really enjoyed these shoes. Support is good… breathability is good… traction is also good. While, my flat feet may need something with a little more pronation support, with footbeds they are great. I can definitely recommend these as lightweight, traditional lace-up trail shoes that will perform well in warm-weather trail running conditions.

     

    ShareTweet
    vasque
    Previous ArticleNever Let a Photographer Mount Your Ski Bindings
    Next Article Got an Expedition in 2009? Enter the Polartec Challenge
    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

    Arc’teryx Rush SK 16 Backpack Review

    March 20, 2023

    Giro Montaro MIPS II Helmet Review

    March 15, 2023

    Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket Review

    March 13, 2023

    1 Comment

    1. Jim Schoenberg on April 27, 2009 11:24 am

      I just wore the Celerators for the first time this past weekend. I whole-heartedly agree that this shoe performes exceptionally on rocky / technical trails. I tested these shoes on the legendary La Luz Trail in the Sandia Mountains, NM. My overall impression was:

      a) The lighest trail runner I’ve purchased to date
      b) Amazing breathability on the uppers
      c) Fantastic traction for rocky and challenging terrain
      d) Good support underfoot

      I highly recommend this shoe from Vasque. The only negatives I can objectively come up with are:

      a) Due to this shoes breathability, it may not be suitable for cold-weather, windy climates (yes you can actually feel the wind through the uppers).

      b) Because it is so light, it is risky for over-pronators as it doesn’t contain the extra weight needed for lateral support.

      Reply

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Most Popular

    Montec Fawk Ski Jacket and Bib Review

    February 28, 2022

    Wahoo ELEMNT Rival Multisport GPS Watch Review

    March 9, 2022
    8.9

    Zipp 303 S Carbon Wheelset Review

    November 4, 2021
    8.5

    Canyon Lux Trail CF 7 Review

    November 28, 2022
    9.2

    SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS Groupset Review

    August 12, 2022

    SRAM Rival/GX AXS Mullet Gravel Kit Review

    September 17, 2021
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 TLR Wheelset Review

    June 18, 2020
    9.4

    Roval CL 50 Disc Wheelset Review

    September 13, 2019
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 TLR Wheelset Review

    September 9, 2021

    Santini Gravel Bib Tights Review

    March 8, 2023
    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    Advertisement
    Our Latest Posts
    • Arc’teryx Rush SK 16 Backpack Review
    • Giro Montaro MIPS II Helmet Review
    • Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket Review
    • Santini Gravel Bib Tights Review
    • Sportneer K1 Massage Gun Review
    • Review: Giro Latch Mountain Bike Shoes
    • Rapha Pro Team Long Sleeve Gore-Tex Infinium Jersey Review
    • Rab Xenair Alpine Light Insulated Jacket Review
    • Fresh Wheels: ENVE Releases MOG Gravel Bike
    • Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra G 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.