If you’ve ever watched Cameron Hanes run a marathon in the mountains and then immediately go lift heavy, you’ve probably wondered what on earth is on his feet. For years, the answer was simple: Under Armour. But lately, things have gotten a lot more expensive and a lot more technical.
Cameron Hanes running shoes aren’t just "sneakers" anymore. They are essentially specialized mountain equipment designed to survive the "Keep Hammering" lifestyle that would shred a normal pair of Nikes in about three days. Whether he’s training for the Cocodona 250 or just hitting the local trails in Oregon, Cam's footwear choice has shifted from mass-market prototypes to high-end, boutique engineering.
The Under Armour Era and the CH1
Most people first noticed Cam's footwear through his long-standing partnership with Under Armour. It was a match made in marketing heaven. For a long time, he wore the UA HOVR Machina Off-Road CH1.
Honestly, these shoes were a bit polarizing. They featured a bold blood-splatter design—which Cam famously said represented the "blood, sweat, and sacrifice" of the hunt—and a built-in BOA lacing system. The BOA system is that dial you turn to tighten the shoe instead of tying laces. It’s common in cycling but was a big swing for a mainstream running shoe.
The CH1 was heavy. It weighed about 10.5 ounces for a size 9, which is a tank in the running world. But for Cam, weight is rarely the primary concern. Protection is. He’s running over shale, through creeks, and up steep ridges where a flimsy racing flat would result in a rolled ankle or a bruised sole.
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The Speedland Shift: Hyper-Performance
Lately, if you see Cam in a video, he’s likely wearing something from Speedland. This is where the price tag jumps from "pricey" to "did I just pay for a car tire?"
Speedland was started by former designers from Nike and Under Armour (Dave Dombrow and Kevin Fallon). They decided to stop making shoes for the masses and start making the "best possible" trail shoes with zero cost constraints. Cam didn't just wear them; he helped design specific models like the GS:SFD and the GS:RAR.
What makes these different?
First, the GS:SFD is named after Springfield, Oregon—Cam’s hometown. It’s not just a name; it's a piece of gear.
The GS:RAR is even more specialized. It was inspired by Cam’s final hunt with his late mentor, Roy Roth, in the rugged terrain of Alaska. We’re talking about a shoe with a 100% beaded HTPU external midsole and a removable internal midsole. It has a Carbitex GearFlex plate that is stiff when you push off but flexible enough not to feel like a plank.
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The Michelin rubber outsole—yes, the tire company—is basically standard on these. It’s built for "The Mountain." If you are running on flat pavement, these shoes are a total waste of money. They are meant for the shared suffering of 100-mile mountain races.
The UA x Speedland Hybrid (Infinite Mega)
Interestingly, the worlds collided recently. Under Armour and Speedland actually teamed up to create the UA x Speedland Infinite Mega.
This is a weird, beautiful monster of a shoe. It takes the "super-shoe" foam from Under Armour (the HOVR+) and wraps it in the Speedland "equipment" philosophy. It has the dual BOA dials and a breathable mesh upper that fits like a sock.
People love them. People also hate the price. But for the "Keep Hammering" crowd, the durability usually justifies the cost. You can easily get 500 to 800 miles out of a pair of Speedlands, whereas most modern road shoes start to die at 300 miles.
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Reality Check: Should You Buy Them?
Let’s be real for a second. Most of us aren't Cam Hanes. We aren't running 20 miles before work and then shooting a 90-pound compound bow.
If you spend most of your time on "groomed" trails—the kind of dirt paths in city parks—the Cameron Hanes running shoes lineup might be overkill. These shoes are stiff. They are aggressive. They are designed for "off-camber" terrain where your foot is constantly trying to slide out from under you.
However, if you struggle with ankle stability or you find that you're constantly ripping the uppers of your shoes on rocks and brush, the investment makes sense. The "PerformFit Wrap" in the Speedland models is legit. It locks your heel down in a way that traditional laces just can't.
Key Features to Look For:
- Dual BOA Systems: Look for two dials. This allows you to tighten the forefoot and the ankle independently. Your feet swell during long runs; being able to pop the dial and loosen the fit in one second is a game-changer.
- Carbitex Plates: These aren't just for speed. They protect your foot from "stone bruises." When you step on a sharp rock at mile 40, you’ll be glad there’s a carbon plate between you and the ground.
- Drainage: Cam’s shoes are built to get wet. The newer Speedland collaborations have much better drainage than the old UA CH1, which some runners complained felt like "heavy sponges" after a creek crossing.
Moving Forward with Your Gear
If you're looking to upgrade your trail game, don't just buy what Cam wears because his name is on it. Test the fit. Speedland and the high-end UA collaborations tend to run a bit narrow and "locked-in."
Your Next Steps:
- Assess your terrain: If you aren't hitting technical, rocky trails, look at the UA HOVR Ridge instead of the $300 Speedland models. It’s a middle ground that handles "road-to-trail" much better.
- Check the stack height: The GS:RAR and Infinite Mega have a significant "stack" (cushioning). If you prefer feeling the ground, these might feel too disconnected for you.
- Budget for the long haul: If you do go the Speedland route, remember they are designed to be "deconstructed." You can actually send them back to the company at the end of their life cycle to be recycled.
Cameron Hanes hasn't just put his name on a shoe; he's pushed the industry to treat trail runners like mountain athletes. Whether you’re hammering or just hiking, that shift in quality is a win for everyone.