OMM Drops its Debut Running Shoe After 55 years of Making Mountain Kits

OMM, the British brand born from the Original Mountain Marathon in 1968, has launched its first ever running shoe, the Fell Shoe. It was developed in partnership with Vibram after 55 years of producing mountain racing gear. Priced at £150, it arrived in early December 2025 via theomm.com and selected specialist retailers across the UK.

55 years in the making

OMM built its reputation through decades of kit designed for extreme British mountain conditions, packs, waterproofs, and navigation gear. However, footwear was always the missing piece. The Fell Shoe is the brand’s answer to that gap. It took three years to develop and was tested by OMM athletes across U.K. mountain terrain. Additionally, the shoe is built with a clear performance brief rather than a lifestyle play.

What Vibram brings to the sole

The outsole combines three Vibram technologies: Traction Lug (25% more grip, 50% more surface contact), MegaGrip compound for wet rock and mud, and LiteBase woven polymer reinforcement to cut weight without losing durability. The Wave Sole construction integrates the midsole and outsole as one system. This improves stability and energy return across uneven ground.

James Gray, OMM Athlete says that “We’ve tested the Fell Shoe across everything the UK can throw at it — rain, bog, scree and steep descents… It’s the most confidence inspiring fell shoe I’ve worn. The grip is exceptional, but what really stands out is how stable and responsive it feels when descending fast on unpredictable ground.”

Key specs at a glance

Lug depth: 8–11mm (Wave System extends lugs without sacrificing stability)
Drop: 4mm
Weight: 272g
Upper: Ripstop nylon with X Lock lacing system
Rock plate: Forefoot and midfoot protection

A narrow but deliberate market entry

At £150 and stocked through specialist running retailers, OMM is not chasing mass distribution. The shoe targets fell runners and mountain marathon competitors, a small but highly engaged segment willing to pay for terrain specific performance. Early retailer feedback called it “the most aggressive running shoe on the market,” and independent reviews following the December launch confirm it holds that position in soft, wet ground.

OMM has since followed up with a Trail Shoe for more varied surfaces. This signals that the brand intends to build a footwear line rather than stop at a single statement release.