I have been a bit busy lately and maybe a bit lazy and I haven’t been doing too much hiking like I used to do a few years back. So when a mail arrived from HI-TEC offering me the chance to test out a pair of their hiking shoes or boots, I jumped at the occasion and chose the V-LITE FLASH FORCE LOW I in Olive/Dark Taupe/Core Gold. When the shoes arrived I had a look at them and I was thinking where would be the perfect place to take them for a test run. Then another mail arrives, a few days later, this time a different mail box but certainty one high priority email. Some context: I applied to go on a tour to Israel but unfortunately I didn’t get in as there wasn’t any space left. So I decided to add my name to the waiting list and in the back of my mind I was thinking that next year will be the year. Fast forward I’m reading the itinerary and I see we are going to be doing some hiking and the over used light bulb in my head goes off and I have the perfect place to test out my new hiking shoes.
Waking up at 4 am to hike to the top of the famous Masada after sleeping in a Bedouin tent I equipped my feet with these comfortable shoes that certainly fit the dessert I was in. What is great about these hiking shoes is that they could blend easily into any environment. I wore them whilst riding a camel, I wore then for dinner, for a hike and then for breakfast & supper and they blended into each environment.
When the hike started, I could feel straight away the amount of grip that I had with the ground even though I could see my fellow hikers slipping on the loose rocks. I could also easily stand on any rock and I couldn’t feel any discomfort. My foot was well protected using the Vibram runner sole which provides durability and outstanding traction.
The Lightweight V-LITE impact-absorbing EVA mid-sole provides cushioning and comfort which ensures that the shoes are really comfortable and light. One would expect that a light hiking shoe would not provide support and grip when it is needed but that certainly isn’t the case. The synthetic mesh upper keeps you cool and the Ortholite sock liner delivers superior cushioning. The shoe is lined with moisture wicking shoe lining which takes moisture away from the foot. Keeping your socks clean and dry is made possible by the j-shield technology which repels water and dirt and resists stains.
Wherever my next adventure takes me, I know what shoes I will be taking with me.
More info: http://www.hi-tec.com/za/products/multi-sport/5190-26632/v-lite-flash-force-low-i/
