Where would we be without?
A classic of all classics...the PB
Norman Walsh was a clever man. Norman Walsh made shoes. Norman Walsh made the most famous mountain running shoe ever- the PB trainer. This article is 7 years old, but it could have been written today, it could be written in another 7 years, and not much would be different. A few more pairs sold perhaps!
The company has evolved to be a cool and hip yoof brand these days meaning that the current generation will experience a new Walsh. Also through inov8 we have seen the evolution of fell shoes, and of course they offer a much more comprehensive range. But the PB trainer still has few contenders for the crown, and with current British fell champions and racers alike still opting for the classic shoe, it could be some time yet before we see its demise.
I think Sue’s review over at the Mountain Centre pretty much sums it up:
Walsh’s are the Ronseal of fell running. They do exactly what it says on the tin. There are no gimmicks, no fancy bits, and no marketing. It is a shoe for fell running comprising of a really good sole, strapped to your foot with a bit of nylon and a few laces. It has been more or less the same for the last 30 years, and despite Walsh developing new ones (PB Extreme, PB racer etc) this remains the all time one and only classic, still in it’s 1970’s blue and yellow glory. If it ain’t broken don’t fix it, as they in Bolton (where incidentally it is still made).
Reactions so far
beccy Dec 8, 10:23 AM
what a great article on alpine world!
mst Dec 8, 10:31 AM
Yeah especially love this bit:
Norman himself has recently moved from the sunny Canary Islands to be back in his beloved hometown, Bolton. “There’s nothing like a good beer, a perfect fish and chips supper and a bet on the horses to cheer you up. What more do I need?” he concludes. Life, indeed, has been very good for Norman Walsh!
Is Norman still living in Bolton, does anyone know?