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10.2 oz. (291 g) for a US M9, 8.2 oz. (233 g) for a US W7.5
43mm in heel, 37mm in forefoot (6mm drop)
Uptempo long runs
Ethercell Pebax and Reverb EVA dual-foam midsole, StrideFlex midsole geometry, Flowform KPU outsole
Available now for $200
JOHN: The crazy thing about running isn’t the places you go, the trails you explore, or the random highways you get lost on. It’s the people you meet. Ultrarunning connects you with people all over the world, even those you’ve never met in person.
And as bad as social media can be, it’s played a huge part in connecting East and West Coast trail runners and runners all over the world. Through my friend Kyle Awtry of Sauri (a brand I discovered after seeing Thomas here at BITR rocking their Trailhead shirts), I met Paul Kwon of OTIVM, who offered to send me a pair of shoes to test.
OTIVM takes its name from the Latin word otium, meaning leisure or time for personal fulfillment. The Southern California-based company launched in March 2026 with two models, the Chorus RD and Overdrive ST. Drawing inspiration from art, music, and skate culture, the brand views running as more than competition, emphasizing movement, self-expression, and personal growth. If you know me, those are pretty much the values I live by. I was immediately all in.
The $200 Overdrive ST is a max cushioned road super trainer featuring a dual-density PEBA and EVA midsole, a KPU outsole, and proprietary Stride Flex technology designed to provide propulsion without a carbon plate. Paul explained that although the Overdrive was designed for road running, it has gained a following among trail runners thanks to its surprisingly grippy outsole.
With its mix of fire roads and trails, Prince William Forest Park, where the PB&J 50k is held, seemed like the perfect place to put that claim to the test. So, how did it perform?
JOHN: Let’s face it, some trails exist on a weird fine line between road and trail. They’re oddly runnable, but then you hit a rocky section, some annoying roots, or something else that completely throws off your rhythm. I struggle with trails like this because once I lose that rhythm, I start walking, and suddenly I’m barely making cutoffs or heading toward another DNF.
Finding the right shoe for this terrain has been difficult. You don’t need some overbuilt mountain shoe, but you still need enough grip and protection for those sections that can take you out if you’re not paying attention.
The OTIVM Overdrive ST feels like a New Balance SuperComp trainer or something like a Superblast, but with an outsole that offers surprisingly good grip. It works well on runnable trails, fire roads, wet surfaces, and pavement, and I’ve even used it on the treadmill. The fit was excellent in my usual US M11.5. Throughout my 50K, my feet stayed locked in without sliding, blisters, or discomfort.
It also looks incredible. I love getting all white shoes dirty. Some people hate that, but I see the shoe as a canvas and myself as Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Something I didn’t expect was how good the Overdrive ST felt while hiking. Whether I was taking a break from running or conserving energy on a climb, it stayed comfortable and capable. Here’s a weird comparison: I actually enjoyed hiking in the Teva Aventrail, and the Overdrive gave me a similar feeling, but with a tougher outsole and without the exposed foam getting chewed up by rocks. It’s a shoe that feels just as natural walking uphill as it does getting back into a running rhythm.
Another unexpected comparison is the Tarkine Bandicoot. I can’t quite explain it, but something about the ride and overall feel reminds me of that shoe. The Bandicoot is lighter, has less foam underfoot, and features more pronounced lugs, yet there’s a familiarity between the two that I kept noticing. It might not make much sense on paper, but that’s how they feel to me.
Ultimately, the Overdrive ST runs great, handles a variety of surfaces, feels tough, looks cool, and doesn’t punish you when you need to slow down and hike. It’s an extremely solid shoe.
JOHN: I’m struggling to find much to complain about with the Overdrive ST, and believe me, I tried. At $200, I think the price is reasonable for what you’re getting. I didn’t experience any durability issues during my 50K, and the shoe handled everything I threw at it.
My biggest complaint is the weight. As the miles piled up, particularly in the second half of the race, I noticed it more. It’s not a particularly nimble shoe, and when your legs are getting tired, that extra weight becomes more apparent. Interestingly, when I switched to hiking, the shoe still felt great, so it never became a dealbreaker. I just wish OTIVM could shave a little weight off without sacrificing what makes the shoe so enjoyable.
One other slight nitpick is that there’s not much toe protection. I hesitated to mention this because I’m not a fan of overly done shoes, especially when this one is a little heavier anyway. I’m a complete klutz and trip and fall a lot on trails. I didn’t in this shoe, but there were a couple of instances when I kicked a root, and it hurt.
JOHN: Insanity now, serenity later. I truly feel like OTIVM is bringing something to running that many shoe companies are lacking: compassion, creativity, and joy. There’s a certain staleness to the look and soul of running shoes these days, and OTIVM genuinely has me excited about what’s coming next.
The Overdrive ST impressed me with its versatility, comfort, and ability to handle everything from roads to runnable trails. It’s a little heavy, especially as the miles pile up, but that’s my biggest complaint. At $200, I think you’re getting a great shoe. I can’t wait to try OTIVM’s dedicated trail shoe because, as good as the Overdrive ST performed, I think there’s potential for something even better.
Companies like OTIVM and Sauri are a breath of fresh air. They’re bringing creativity and personality into the running community, and I love seeing them connect with runners beyond the West Coast, including those of us out East.
Trail running has always been about more than shoes, races, and miles. There’s something special about spotting another runner and immediately knowing you’ve found your tribe. That sense of belonging means everything to me, and I love seeing companies embrace it rather than change it. The sport needs more of this.
You can pick up the OTIVM Overdrive ST for $200 by using the shop link below.
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An obsessed runner, John has run in most ultra races in the Mid-Atlantic area. Since he’s an ultra runner, it’s no surprise he’s also a lover of food. He’s also a dedicated father, caregiver, and veteran.
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