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Hi-Tec Trail EruptionFriday, 19 March 2010 11:36 Hi-Tec Trail EruptionShoe tests seldom require a tester to step outside into a rainstorm, but Hi-Tec’s claim that its ion-mask technology would keep our feet drier for longer was just too brash a claim to leave untested.
It was bucketing outside, but as they say, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing! Feeling toasty wearing Capestorm’s Motion tights, First Ascent’s Free Thinker multisport jacket and a New Balance cap, the Trail Eruptions soon proved themselves in the local park, as the downpour continued for the full hour’s duration. My feet did eventually get wet, but not from the grass or the mud. The water got into the shoe by running down my ankles. With water-resistant socks or a small gaiter to cover the top, you could very likely run in conditions like this without getting your feet damp. Speculation? Not when you see how water beads off the outer layer. Hi-Tec’s ion-mask process uses a vacuum chamber and electrodes to ionise plasma which bonds microscopically with the entire shoe including laces and sole. The V-lite Trail Eruption is not waterproof like some of Hi-Tec’s other models. Standing in a puddle will allow water into them, but they will expel water faster than untreated shoes. After three weeks of testing, the Trail Eruption can be highly recommended as a well-cushioned, comfortable, all-round trail shoe with a low tread profile that is not averse to hard ground and spending some time on tar between trail sections. It is the official shoe of the Hi-Tec Puffer 2009 (p19). Why buy it? Superior quality components, including Vibram sole. Ion-mask treatment makes cleaning the shoe easier due to its dirt-shedding tendencies. Good cushioning for trail shoe. Generous length of very sturdy laces. Lightweight despite its quite high profile and rugged looks (341g for size 8). Hi-Tec (011) 516 5800 Originally published in Go Multi issue 13.3 (July/August 2009)
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