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

    END Stumptown 12 Trail Running Shoe Review

    Jason MitchellBy Jason MitchellMarch 9, 2009No Comments5 Mins Read

    With an odd string of warm weather, I’ve had a hankering for trail running.  It’s been kind of nice actually, but I really should still be making turns on the hill. Either way, I’m getting out and enjoying myself and looking forward to testing the slew of trail running shoes I’ve got in the hopper.

    With shoes, there’s always an element of personal preference and fit, but the overall performance of a shoe should be there regardless of foot type and running style. Natural stride combined with trail conditions will show the best and worst of each pair of shoes. First up is the END Stumptown 12 trail running shoe.

    END Stumptown 12 Trail Running Shoes Review

    About the END Stumptown 12 Trail Runners

    I’ve been a big fan of END Footwear since their official launch last Fall. The crew is solid and they are dedicated to changing the way shoes are built for the better. The Stumptown 12 was one of the original launch products and is considered a key shoe in the END trail running lineup. Stumptown 12’s are built with a combination of lightweight softshell materials, supportive cross members, basic support and a trail-worthy outsole all wrapped up in an eco-friendly package.

    Stumptown 12 Specs

    • Seamsmart synthetic and mesh supportive uppers
    • END Evo Biosmart midsole with medial post
    • Co-molded protection plate
    • Trail radius regrind outsole
    • Synergy heel system
    • Stumptown 12 Technical Specs (PDF)
    • 11.5 oz (Men’s 9), but real-world weights are lower
    • MSRP: $85

    END Stumptown 12 Shoe Review - Jason Mitchell at Lambert Park in Alpine, UT

    END Stumptown 12 Review

    Out of the box, the Stumptown 12’s feel very lightweight. Other testers have noted that they weigh more in the 10 oz range (see iRunFar), which feels more like it and puts them on the lighter-side for trail shoes.  The softshell exterior is very comfortable and extremely thin/breathable due to the minimalistic build approach to the uppers. I’ve worn other softshell trail shoes in the past and the materials were a bit thicker than these, so mid-summer running wasn’t as comfortable–not so here.

    I’ve found that even though these are softshell, breathability is outstanding. The flip side of that breathability is that they don’t protect you from the elements as much as other softshell designs.  But, if you consistently run in an extremely wet environment, you can choose to go with a Gore-tex or eVent shoe. I have not run in a full-on downpour, but I have run in the snow and slush with these. I found that the sides of the material did absorb moisture fairly easily, but also dried out quickly as well.

    Cushioning on the Stumptown 12’s is very straightforward with the EVO Biosmart Midsole.  The shoe is built with simple cushioning and a little added support via the slight rear-medial arch post. I’d say these are a shoe that’s built for the majority of runners who don’t need oodles of cushioning and nor do they need gobs of support, just something in the middle.

    The Trail Radius Regrind Outsole provides tenacious traction on both uphill and downhill terrain. Most of the trails I ran on were still fairly damp and tacky with a few moderately-loose sections. Never once did I feel like traction was compromised. Stability was pretty good overall with an ever-so-slight tendency for my foot to roll to the outside. For my feet, it seems like just a tad more lateral support would do the trick. As-is, they are still solid and I never once rolled my ankle, I’ve just felt more supported in other shoes.

    As mentioned above, breathability is surprisingly good for a softshell. I could even feel the breeze blowing on my feet, which is always welcome (so long as it isn’t of the 15-degree variety) since my feet tend to get pretty hot.

    Performance on the road is good as well. The only thing that would make me hesitate running long distances on-road is the lack of cushioning. They do provide excellent cushioning on the trail and acceptable cushioning on the road, but for a flat-footer like myself, I need a little more cushioning in a dedicated road shoe. But, for their intended purpose, I’d say they are solid trail shoes with the ability to run on the road when necessary.

    NOTE: I didn’t test these shoes with the stock insoles. Because I have very flat feet, I need more support. So, I ran in these with both the SOLE Dean Karnazes footbeds and Superfeet Blue insoles. I’m 5’11” and weigh 175 lbs. with regular-width but pancake-flat feet.

    Good Stumptown 12

    • Softshell exterior keeps out water, dirt and sand, yet breathes well
    • Tread provides excellent traction
    • Eco-friendly and sustainable material usage
    • Very lightweight, yet still durable
    • Capable on and off-road
    • Trail flat efficiency
    • Excellent pricepoint

    Bad Stumptown 12

    • Entry can be difficult with the collapsible heel
    • Center lace strap limits cinching
    • Middle-of-the-pack cushioning

    The Bottom Line: END Stumptown 12 Trail Running Shoes

    These shoes are a great entry into the market with innovative materials all wrapped in an eco-friendly package. Performance has been excellent overall with no red flags to speak of. All materials are holding up very well and this shoe is definitely very smart looking for both trail or urban assaults. On top if it all, the modest $85 pricetag should ring home with those looking for a versatile shoe that’s both green and affordable.

    Buy Now: Find Trail Running Shoes at REI

    ShareTweet
    end footwear shoe review
    Previous ArticleSPOT Satellite Messenger Review
    Next Article Saturday Ski Tour in Big Cottonwood Canyon
    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

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Most Popular

    Montec Fawk Ski Jacket and Bib Review

    February 28, 2022

    Patagonia Downdrift Parka Review

    February 2, 2022
    8.9

    Zipp 303 S Carbon Wheelset Review

    November 4, 2021
    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

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

    December 21, 2022

    SRAM Rival/GX AXS Mullet Gravel Kit Review

    September 17, 2021
    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.