REVIEW
RONHILL REVERENCE
Words: Alex Foxfield
This is a magnificent fell running shoe that provides exceptional grip when tackling the UK's muddy hills and mountains. Durability is perhaps its main strength, but in terms of the outsole and the upper, both of which will cope with abrasion for years and years. If you're faster a superfast trail running shoe, look elsewhere. For a shoe that's totally at home in the Lakeland fells, this is it.
I'm a little late to the party here, as the Reverence has already caused quite a stir in the outdoors world and the Ronhill has since unveiled the Reverence 2. The good news is that this means you can now pick up this original at a much cheaper price and you're still getting the same fantastic shoe.
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Specifically designed for the rough terrain of the Lakeland fells, the Reverence isn't really a trail running shoe, it's a mountain running shoe. More specifically, it's a running shoe that excels on wet and wild British mountain terrain. With 7mm lugs, it's got as much grip as it has grit.
Also consider
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With 5mm lugs and great levels of protection, the Speedcross 6 is just the latest iteration of the legendary Speedcross series, adored by mountain lovers the world over.
Who's this for?: Mountain runners seeking comfort
It may look a little bit sci-fi, but the Ribelle Run Kalibra G is a joy to run in when the temperatures plummet, providing superb protection and grip.
Who's this for?: The winter mountain runner
Specs
Weight: 320g per shoe (UK8)
Drop: 5mm
Lug depth: 7mm
Protection: Moderate
Cushioning: Moderate
Best for: The fells
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Mountain Lines Reviews
Our reviews are written by qualified mountain professionals or highly experienced mountaineers and climbers. We ensure that the products tested are worn or used for at least three months and always during the main season and conditions they were designed for.
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Grip
A really interesting feature of the Reverence is the use of Michelin OCX3 rubber. in the outsole This is both super sticky and super durable in the same instance. The rubber has been shaped into 7mm-deep chevron shaped lugs that call Salomon's Speedcross series to mind – another shoe designed for ironclad grip on difficult terrain. The Reverence is even more aggressive than the Speedcross. Vast Scottish moorland, soggy Welsh bwlch's and scrappy Lakeland ridges are no problem at all with this beautifully designed outsole. Superb. It's also much more hardwearing than the rubber found on the Speedcross, which visibly wears away with use.
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This durability comes with a cost. It's not quite as capable on rock as the Speedcross, so its better suited to Britain's muddy mountainsides than rocky peaks in the Alps. Also, if you're looking for a standard trail running shoe for everyday trails, it's not the shoe for you. The Reverence is very much a fell running specialist and it's aggressive lugs couldn't shout the fact any louder.
Lacing and upper
The lacing is decent and the way it wraps the upper around the foot, creating a protective shield against abrasion is great. However, the round laces can come undone more readily than standard laces, so it's worth tucking them away once tied up.
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Now here's where things get really interesting. Ronhill opted to forge the upper from reinforced kevlar. I don't know about you but when I hear "kevlar", I think bulletproof jackets and the like. It's clear that Ronhill isn't messing around here – this is a seriously hardwearing choice. Indeed, my year of testing this shoe has found that it is extremely resistant to wear and tear. I've taken on long mountain runs, spent days scrambling and generally given them a jolly good bashing. They've coped with it all and are still going to this day.
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Sure, they're not the most breathable or the lightest pair of running shoes, but then I'm not looking to beat my marathon personal best in them, I'm looking to have fun in the mountains.
Protection
Any shoe that's going to cut the mustard in the fells needs to be protective and the Reverence didn't let me down in this regard. It's noticeably reinforced in key areas: at the heel and with a rand that wraps around the toe region. The Michelin upper also curves up at the front, creating an additional shield. So, go on, kick that rock in front of you to your heart's content (don't actually, of course!).
Performance
The Reverence's features mean that it's not only a decent shout for mountain running but for day hiking in general. Of course, they're not waterproof, so if you want dry feet on your hike, a full-coverage boot would be preferable. However, I've enjoyed fast hiking in these during the warmer months many times.
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​In terms of support, it strikes a pleasing middle ground. With a 5mm drop and a stack height of 28mm, they don't provide as much trail feel as some, but the support is there. In the same breath, they're sensitive enough to provide the necessary feedback you need when negotiating technical terrain.
Durability
I reckon I've covered this already. When it comes to durability, these are simply among the best shoes you can buy.
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