# Inaugural Performance-Forward Running Shoes OMM Debuts the Fell Shoe — Its First Foray in Footwear By Kalin Ned | Published 2026-04-20 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fell-shoe References: [theomm](https://theomm.com/omm-releases-the-fell-shoe/?srsltid=AfmBOopEKpvxqr5jaIM-MZjySmgWCoPL6S4IkFYwm8d8Btzr290CiogL)  OMM — a British company born from the Original Mountain Marathon in 1968 — has released its [first-ever running shoe](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/while-on-earths) called the Fell Shoe. This footwear offering was developed in partnership with [Vibram](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deckers-x-lab-enduro) and tested over three years across UK mountain terrain. OMM's Fell Shoe features an outsole with three Vibram innovations. Traction Lug adds 25% more grip and 50% more surface contact, MegaGrip compound assists in wet rock and muddy surfaces, and [LiteBase](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/norda-001a) woven polymer reinforcement works to reduce weight while increasing durability. The Fell Shoe's Wave Sole construction shapes the midsole and outsole as one integrated system to improve stability and energy return, while the eight millimetre lug depth extends to 11 millimetres in certain areas through the Wave System without sacrificing stability. Additional features include an X-Lock lacing system for secure hold on steep descents, a rock plate for underfoot protection, a four millimetre drop, and a weight of 272 grams. Image Credit: OMM ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 8.7/10 - Popularity: 95% | Activity: 95% | Freshness: 72% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Performance-forward Footwear:** Rising demand for race-ready durability and low weight signals potential for new product lines that blend competition-grade performance with all-day comfort for varied terrains. - **Integrated Midsole-outsole Systems:** The melding of midsole and outsole into a unified Wave System points to opportunities for bespoke sole architectures that optimize energy return and stability across uneven ground. - **Terrain-specific Traction Technology:** Advanced lug geometries and compound pairing indicate room for specialized traction platforms tailored to wet rock, mud, and mixed mountain surfaces. ### Where This Applies - **Footwear Manufacturing:** Collaboration between brands and tech specialists could enable scalable production of lightweight, multi-component shoes with integrated protective elements and precision fit systems. - **Outdoor Apparel and Gear Retail:** Consumers seeking purpose-built trail solutions create space for retail assortments that emphasize technical specifications and experiential testing for high-performance footwear. - **Advanced Polymer and Compound Materials:** Innovations in woven polymers and high-grip compounds suggest potential for new material blends that improve durability-to-weight ratios and surface-specific adhesion. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ultramarathon Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrell-agility-peak-6.md) - [Minimalist Training Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vsoul-foot-map.md) - [Hyper-Supportive Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoka-mafate-x-hike.md) - [Neon Green Tech Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fxxomor.md) - [Traction-Optimized Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roam-trail-running-shoe.md) - [Toe-Shaped Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vibram-fivefingers-1.md) - [Barefoot-Inspired Winter Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobarefoot-explorer-mid.md) - [Road-to-Trail Training Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrell-promorph.md) - [Nature Trail Running Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xtwhisper-xsneaker.md)