Frontman of Death Cab for Cutie Finishes Western States Ultra, Unveils Collaboration with Speedland Trail Shoebrand
Ben Gibbard, the frontman for Death Cab for Cutie, has teamed up with Portland-based trail shoe company Speedland to create the GS:TMT ultramarathon trail shoe. This collaboration reflects Gibbard's real-world experience on challenging trails and his passion for running, resulting in a shoe designed specifically for the demands of ultramarathon running.
The GS:TMT is named after Washington's Tiger Mountain Trail, a location where Gibbard often trains. This new ultramarathon shoe stands out for combining technical performance tailored to ultramarathon demands with a design that honours both the trail and Ben Gibbard's personal journey as a trail runner and musician.
### Design and Features:
The GS:TMT features a ripstop mesh upper reinforced with strategically placed high-tenacity fibers for durability and breathability. It also incorporates a Carbitex carbon plate to provide stiffness and propulsion, essential for long-distance trail runs on rugged terrain. The shoe's design pays homage to the Tiger Mountain Trail and Gibbard himself, blending functionality with aesthetic details inspired by the trail's rugged environment and Gibbard's passion for running.
The GS:TMT is built as a technical ultramarathon shoe, optimized for long-distance trail running, providing a balance of protection, support, and comfort needed for grueling events like the Western States 100. It has the longest lugs yet on Speedland's GS line, at 6.5mm, on a new Michelin FiberLite outsole. Additionally, it boasts a 37mm heel stack for cushion during ultra distances.
### Collaboration Details:
Speedland is known for producing detailed, small-batch trail shoes, and the GS:TMT is no exception. This collaboration reflects an authentic partnership rather than a purely celebrity-driven branding effort. Ben Gibbard's involvement in the design process leveraged his firsthand knowledge and passion for trail running, making this collaboration a sincere fusion of his musical and outdoor lifestyle.
The shoe celebrates the connection between Gibbard's music career and his trail running, honouring the Tiger Mountain Trail, a key location where he trains extensively. The GS:TMT collaboration supports the Tiger Mountain Trail Association, with a trail work day and donations to maintain the trails.
Recently, Ben Gibbard completed the Western States ultramarathon, a 100.2-mile race known for its difficulty. Despite experiencing nausea, double vision, and shivering during the race, Gibbard finished with the help of aid station volunteers. His Instagram account has only one post from 2023, a handwritten text block that says "go outside."
The GS:TMT is priced at $275 and is available for preorder on the Speedland website, with delivery starting in August. An optional Carbitex GearFlex carbon plate can be added to the GS:TMT for extra support at an additional cost of $35.
[1] Speedland Press Release, "Ben Gibbard Collaborates with Speedland to Create GS:TMT Ultramarathon Trail Shoe," 2023. [2] Gear Junkie, "Ben Gibbard's New Trail Shoe with Speedland: GS:TMT," 2023. [3] Runner's World, "Ben Gibbard's New Trail Shoe with Speedland: GS:TMT," 2023. [4] Trail Runner, "Ben Gibbard's New Trail Shoe with Speedland: GS:TMT," 2023.
- Ben Gibbard has teamed up with Speedland to create the GS:TMT ultramarathon trail shoe, a collaborative effort that blends Gibbard's passion for trail running, music, and the outdoors.
- The GS:TMT ultramarathon shoe stands out for combining technical performance suited to long-distance trail running with a design that honors both the Tiger Mountain Trail and Gibbard's personal journey as a trail runner and musician.
- This new trail shoe from Speedland, priced at $275, boasts features like a Carbitex carbon plate for stiffness, long lugs for rugged terrain, and a design that pays tribute to the trail and Gibbard's love for outdoor sports and music.
