After more than five decades at the forefront of British mountain running, UK outdoor brand OMM has taken a decisive step into the world of footwear with the launch of its first ever running shoe — the OMM Fell Shoe, marking a historic milestone in the company’s 55-year legacy.
For years, OMM — originally rooted in the legendary Original Mountain Marathon event — has built a reputation for producing highly technical and reliable gear tailored to the rugged challenges of mountain ultrarunning. The brand’s introduction of its own shoe responds to a long-standing gap in its product line and signals an ambitious expansion into performance footwear traditionally dominated by established shoe manufacturers.
A Partnership Built on Traction Expertise
The development of the Fell Shoe was achieved in collaboration with Vibram, a leader in high-performance rubber outsoles, whose grip technologies have become synonymous with rugged trails and technical terrain. OMM’s managing director, Tom Williams, described the launch as “a huge milestone for OMM,” emphasizing that the partnership with Vibram provided the critical breakthrough in outsole innovation the company needed before committing to its first shoe.
The result is a product born from real-world mountain experience, tested extensively by OMM athletes over three challenging years across varied UK mountain conditions. From boggy upland fells to steep, rocky descents, the Fell Shoe has been designed to enhance confidence and performance when the terrain gets tough.
Aggressive Traction for Extreme Terrain
Central to the Fell Shoe’s design is its aggressive outsole, featuring a bespoke lug pattern with depths ranging from 8mm to 11mm — among the deepest found on modern off-road running shoes. This configuration, combined with a trio of Vibram technologies, delivers enhanced grip and surface contact across diverse ground conditions:
- Vibram Traction Lug: improvised contact and grip performance.
- Vibram MegaGrip: trusted compound for traction on wet rock, mud, and loose scree.
- Vibram LiteBase: a lightweight, reinforced base that reduces weight without compromising durability.
The shoe’s Wave Sole construction integrates midsole and outsole structures to improve stability, energy return, and ground feel — an innovation tailored to the unpredictable surfaces found in mountain environments. A protective rock plate beneath the foot safeguards against sharp stones and rough ground, while the X-Lock lacing system enhances fit security and comfort during steep technical descents.
Designed for the British Fells, Priced for Adventurers
Despite its technical pedigree, the Fell Shoe aims for accessibility. At an RRP of £150, it is positioned as a performance-oriented yet attainable option for seasoned fell runners, trail athletes, and adventurous outdoor enthusiasts. The shoe, weighing approximately 272g with a modest 4mm drop, offers a responsive and agile feel — qualities appreciated by runners who tackle extended mountain routes and unpredictable weather.
Retailers and early testers have praised the Fell Shoe for its assertive performance, with some describing it as “one of the most aggressive running shoes on the market” — a badge of honor for a product targeting deep mud, soggy hillsides, narrow sheep tracks and steep descents.
Filling a Gap in OMM’s Product Line
For decades, OMM’s product range focused largely on packs, apparel, and accessories tailored for mountain marathons and ultra-endurance events. While the brand has long been respected within British outdoor circles, its reach has been comparatively modest beyond its core audience. The arrival of the Fell Shoe not only fills a strategic gap in its lineup, but also elevates OMM’s profile against trail and mountain running footwear brands — an arena where innovation and durability are paramount.
Beyond performance considerations, the launch reflects shifting trends within outdoor sports gear: consumers increasingly expect full-system solutions that integrate clothing, packs, and shoes from brands that understand the demands of their sport. OMM’s entry into footwear aligns with this evolution, offering athletes a more complete range of gear engineered with a singular focus on rugged terrain.
Looking Ahead
The Fell Shoe became available in early December 2025 through OMM’s direct online store and selected specialist retailers. As OMM continues to build momentum with its inaugural footwear venture, enthusiasts and competitors alike will be watching closely to see how this historic launch shapes the future of the brand and its role in the dynamic landscape of mountain and trail running gear.
The introduction of the OMM Fell Shoe marks a significant chapter in the British outdoor brand’s story: a leap from clothing and packs into the world of technical performance footwear — a test of both heritage and innovation at the edge of what running shoes can achieve.
