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Old 01-04-2011, 11:14   #11
perdurabo
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 356
I'm not a QP and know about as much about SFAS as anyone else who reads these forums and has seen "Two Weeks In Hell".

But, I know a lot about VFFs (especially my KSOs). I run on trail and off trail in them. They're not really suitable for anything beyond recreational trail running (yes, even at ultra distances).

Once you start having to worry about certain types of mud, wet wood, rocks and tree roots, they're going to hurt you, not help. I'm going to assume the cadre aren't going to let you take a breather and swap out footgear as necessary.

They offer virtually no toe protection (I cracked my big toe snagging it under a submerged tree root in a mud pit during a race). They aren't particularly durable, I have numerous duct tape wraps in areas where rock met fabric.

Don't get me wrong, VFFs are great. I like running with my feet in close contact to the ground, but they're not the be all, end all.

Don't gamble your SFAS chances by trying to be special, just use (un)conventional wisdom.
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