There are many types of bicycles in thecycling world, each suited to a particular surface and use. In particular, when you want to tackle asphalt and fast dirt roads while having fun safely for many miles, we have been finding “gravel” bikes for a few years now. But how to do it if, instead of pedaling, we want to run?
Craft designers must have asked themselves this question when they designed many of their running shoes. And, in particular, when the
CTM Ultra 3
(where CTM stands for “Craft Tailored Motion,” the Swedish brand’s flagship line).
I know this might seem like a spoiler, but it’s best to start with the most important information right away, right?
Now, however, let us go in order.
Out of the box
As soon as you see them, the
CTM Ultra 3
do not hide their origins: the design is clean, essential and elegant in perfect European style. The Swedish brand’s designers have done a great job of cleaning up by creating a shoe that could win any design award.
In short, it is very beautiful from any point you look at it: shape, materials, colors.
The upper is one-piece mesh with no welds or seams, but it is not a semi-transparent film. Right from the fabric-extremely breathable-you sense that the CTM Ultra 3s are made to go a lot of miles and keep your feet at the correct temperature at all times.
The Ultra-Rebound insole is made of PEBAX and is designed to cooperate with the midsole to provide both cushioning and energy return. This aspect is very important because, when you use them, the very insole contributes to a very particular behavior of the shoe.
The midsole-also with both a functional and extremely pleasing design-is in Craft’s proprietary Ud Foam compound, which is extremely light and propulsive, with a maximum stack of 40 mm in the men’s version and 38 mm in the women’s, for a common drop of 10 mm. But the surprise comes from the sole, composed in two pieces with 3 mm deep lugs. This is an interesting fact because trail shoes have 5mm lugs while road shoes sit at 1 mm. You can therefore already imagine that the CTM Ultra 3 are perfect for both road and light off-road without any particular technical difficulties.
Just like a gravel bike.
The last item to highlight is the weight: 265 grams in the men’s version and 230 in the women’s is a very considerable figure for a shoe with such a high stack and a lugged sole. But, on the other hand, we said they are made to go fast, didn’t we! So weight is a very important component.
On the road (and off)
With the CTM Ultra 3s you find a great feeling right away. As soon as you put them on your feet you appreciate their lightness and comfort. The toes move freely, the thin tongue (and stopped by elastic bands to keep it from moving) has a pad right at the lacing height, and the heel is comfortable but firm to give structure.
Then you start running and perceptions change. Or rather, more feelings are added.
The UD Foam midsole coupled with the Ultra-Rebound insole is soft as soon as the foot touches the ground (the insole’s own effect) and then becomes firm and energetic. Almost stable, I might add.
In fact, despite having 40 mm stack, the
CTM Ultra 3
are very stable at any gait. And they make you realize that you can put many miles on it without fearing that your foot and ankle alignment will be affected in any way.
What is most amazing about the road behavior is that you can use them for fun in any context or training. To understand, they are not race shoes that you can use in only in competition. They simply give you satisfaction every time you wear them.
The grip is above expectation on asphalt and is perfect for dirt and forest roads, down to single track, probably. Also thanks to the (light) toe guard that protects the foot from impacts with gravel and small stones.
In conclusion
You can run fast on it, you can run slow on it, you can be a light or heavy runner, you can love asphalt, parks or off-road, it matters little: the
Craft CTM Ultra 3
are perfect for fun in all conditions.