At 11am today some samples of Hi-Tec’s new V-Lite Infinity trail running shoes landed on our desks to review. We’ve been eagerly waiting for the Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity ever since we first saw men run on water in Hi-Tec’s Liquid Mountaineering viral marketing campaign and finally they’re here.
This is an initial Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity review, having gone for a quick run over different terrains and through some very big puddles.
Looks
We were sent the V-Lite Infinity HPi in grey, green and silver to test and it’s a good looking trainer. The branding is fairly subtle, but all the logos are there and it looks great with a pair of jeans if wearing them as a casual trainer is also your thing. The almost luminous green lacing hooks look great, but the matching inner heel could be considered a little overwhelming. We personally would have preferred a different shade of black or grey.
Fit
Very easy to slip on. The tongue pulls right up, although the laces need to be pulled tight for a secure fit. Once the laces are good, tight and secure, the heel fits very nicely as does the fore foot with a nice amount of toe room.
Feel
The Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity feels great, thanks to its soft inner lining and lightweight uppers. When running the upper is incredibly breathable and you can feel the wind flowing through the shoe. No rubbing, no discomfort, just a great anatomical fit. The heel is especially comfy.
Cushioning
While there is cushioning throughout the V-Lite Infinity, there’s a huge amount of cushioning in the heel. It’s pretty solid however, which makes it a bit bone jarring for road running, but so long as your strides are huge, the heel strike isn’t too bad before you get off the road for your real run. Once you’re off road, the Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity really excells in offering cushioning, stability and fantastic grip.
Grip
Using a Vibram sole, the Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity offers excellent grip. There’s a forefoot flex in the outsole and the unusual lug design provides multi-directional traction for even the slipperiest surfaces and thick mud, as well as grass, stones and hard ground. There’s even a bit at the back of the heel for better braking when descending.
Water Resistance
We ran through some puddles and even poured water on to the shoe and just like in Hi-Tec’s Liquid Mountaineering video, the water ran straight off the Ion-Mask treated material. However, the tongue hasn’t been treated in this way, so water will go through to your socks.
This is because the V-Lite Infinity HPi are hydrophic while the V-Lite Infinity WP is waterproof. We wish we’d had the WP to test and kept our socks dry.
However, the Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity is very good at drainage and effectively pumps water straight out through the lightweight uppers when your forefoot flexes.
Final Thoughts
If it wasn’t for the tongue letting in water, we’d be seriously thinking about giving this shoe full marks. However, for a few pounds more you can get the Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity WP, which is waterproof.
Hi-Tec has done an amazing job with their V-Lite Infinity off road running shoes, creating a high performance trainer that looks good, fits well, provides plenty of support and cushioning, fantastic grip and waterproof protection, plus drainage. In fact, it’s rare to find a trail running shoe that’s both extremely water resistant and effective at draining.
4/5 – Incredibly light and highly breathable with soft inner linings. Good water resistance, good drainidge and great grip.
Due for release in late Autumn, the release date for these shoes is just a few months away. In the meantime Check out the full range of Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity coming soon at FitnessFootwear.com.
Popularity: unranked [?]
The new Salmon Wings Sky GTX walking boots has won an Editors Choice Award from US outdoor mag Backpacker.
Magazine editor Steve Howe was enthusiastic in his review of the new Salmon Wings Sky GTX, complimenting Salomon’s latest top of the line backpacking boot as flexible, supportive and good looking.
Hoew described the Salmon Wings Sky as a hybrid runner hiking boot due to its running shoe sole package with a lot of air cushion and eva foam support before commenting on its flexible forefoot.
However, there is plenty of torsion rigidity for edging on gravel and the rear heel pad isn’t hard enough to cause blisters. Meanwhile the midfoot sectrion is narrow with a nice high arch to provide plenty of underfoot support for walking with heavy loads.
He went on to descrive the Salmon Wings Sky GTX as one of his favourite types of footwear because it’s so versatile and even suggested taking it trail running for people with weak angles.
Overall Salmon’s Wings Sky GTX boot is suitable for a wide range of people. Great for long distance back packing, even on rough terrain and provides plenty of underfoot protection so that rocks won’t inflict stone bruises on your feet. He also laced them up tight for almost ski boot like support.
“Lots to like and not much to object to”, he concluded.
With the PR only just starting for Salomon’s next big backpacking boot, it won’t be long now until the Salmon Wings Sky GTX comes to the UK and gets a spot on The Gadget Show. We’re eagerly waiting and hope they invite Brian Blessed back after his roaring review of the Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX!
Popularity: unranked [?]
The Merrell Chameleon II Kahuna is one of the best selling summer sandal models for its comfort and support, offering a walking shoe alternative for the warmer months and a great all round sandal for everyday wear.
We have put them to the test with a light hike and a full week’s wear and can vouch for the comfort and support provided. Straight out of the box they are immediately comfortable requiring no breaking in. The taupe pigskin leather upper looks great and is easily combinable with most outfits, maximising the opportunity for everyday wear. The neoprene/spandex lining is comfortable on top of the foot and the elasticity keeps the sandals tight on the feet and they feel secure. An independent heel strap holds them perfectly in place and stops the heel from moving freely preventing the flip-flop noise and from flicking water up your back.
They do not feel too enclosed, and allow for good airflow to keep the feet cool and to prevent sweaty feet whilst offering a good balance of protection with a heel to toe lateral sidewall and a hard plastic guard on the rear strap to give more protection from accidental knocks to both the strap and the feet.
Merrell Kahuna sandals offer superb grip courtesy of a Vibram rubber outsole with an Octogrip™ tread, giving excellent wet and dry traction. The 4.5 mm lugs on the sole will keep you on your feet if the terrain gets a little boggy, although for serious mud your feet are going to get dirty. Two hook and loop straps make for easy adjustment, ideal for a quick tightening before a steep descent.
The feet sit well in the deep-dish contoured footbed, which is curved at the front to provide a little more toe protection. A compression moulded EVA foot frame gives great support, and an air cushioned midsole takes the sting out of hard surfaces. Finished off with a Microban® anti-microbial footbed, the sandals are kept smell free and offer a healthy environment for the feet.
It is difficult to fault the Merrell Kahuna due to the supreme comfort and support and their stylish looks. They will not give you the same level of protection as a walking shoe, so for serious hikes and rough terrain they are not ideally suited however as a walking shoe alternative for summer and for light off-road hikes they are ideal.
For more technical info, read the Merrell Kahuna review in our Tech Centre.
Popularity: unranked [?]
You’ve seen the latest bum wiggling Reebok EasyTone toning trainers advert on television, but what’s the difference between the top two toning trainers products? FitnessFootwear.com investigates.
Toning trainers designed to tone our legs, backsides and core are on the rise and with a spectacular Spring heralding a socrching summer, toning trainers are already flying off the shelves at FitnessFootwear.com.
But, countless customers are coming to us with the same question: “Which toning trainers are the best?”
It’s a tough one to answer, especially when Reebok EasyTones and Skechers Shape Ups are currently the two best selling toning trainers on the market. We’ll see what happens when the rumoured Nike and New Balance toning trainers emerge in 2011, but right now there are just two toning trainers to choose from.
Both utilise similar technologies, but are engineered to offer slightly different benefits while giving you an extra workout while you walk.
the tech
Reebok EasyTone trainers work the leg and glute muscles that bit harder using ‘balance pods’ built in under the heel and forefoot. These are designed to create natural instability when walking in your EasyTones, so that every step encourages toning.
the benefits
28% more muscle activity in the glutes and 10% more in the legs.
the style
Styled like a classic sports trainer, Reebok EasyTones have an instant appeal as part of casual apparel and have a visual association with getting fit and working out.
the tech
Skechers Shape Ups feature a dynamic rolling sole in order to mimick the effects of barefoot walking on soft sand. This not only maximises full movement of the foot, resulting in longer activation of supporting muscles in the legs, bum and core, but creates instability and improves posture as the body adapts to prevent a rocking movement.
the benefits
Increased activity in the legs, bum and core muscles as well as an improvement in posture. The exentsive cushioning also offers orthopaedic relief for those suffering from foot injuries, aching joints and similar ailments.
the style
Borrowing the best selling Skechers sneaker styles from down the years, Shape Ups have a broad appeal with a wide range of casual everyday designs.
The Best Toning Trainers
While Skechers Shape Ups are a little more expensive that Reebok EasyTone trainers, as toning trainers they both offer different things. If we can put style preferences aside and focus on the toning trainer technologies and benefits, the Skechers Shape Up trainer comes out on top, offering both an enhancement to muscular exercise as well as pain relief and an improvement in posture. Meanwhile the Reebok EasyTone offers only an increase in toning.
However, for many who are seeking a simple enhancement to their walking exercise will favour the EasyTone for its simplistic approach. Those looking to improve their fitness, well being and posture will be prepared to pay a little more for the added features of Skechers Shape Ups.
To checkout the full range of toning trainers, visit http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/s-360-toning.aspx
Popularity: unranked [?]