Hi-tec step out into trail running

If Hi-Tec means only walking boots to you then you’ll be a little surprised to see the energy that they are giving to trail running. In 2012 they launch a Hi-Tec Ultra Trail Series – and the outdoor walking and running equipment company now have a range of trail running shoes.

H-tec V-Lite Infinity HPI trail running shoe for women

The Hi-tec Ultra Trail Series comprises five multistage events over 12 days covering 370 miles. The first event is in February.  It’s aimed at the serious runner and many of the events will earn runners qualifying points for the prestigious 2012 Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc.

The Hi-tec trail running footwear range includes several great looking shoes, especially the men’s V-Lite infinity HPIs and the Women’s  V-lite Infinity HPIs.  But until you’ve tried a shoe there is no way of knowing if will cope with a wet and muddy trail.

So I gave a pair of the Women’s V-Lite’s a try

Living up to their name (if that is what the name is meant to be.) they are V Lite. Or perhaps it’s V for Vibram? The shoes also feel extremely comfortable, kind of like on-road comfort in an off-road shoe. Padding in the sole isn’t as bouncy as an off-road shoes but I think this is a good thing because when you’re running on trails it’s better to “feel” the ground below you. Off-road running is easier on your joints, too, so there is less requirement for full-on cushioning.

If you like your shoes to look feminine then the black, silver and pink will attract you. I’ve never really been swayed by the look of shoes but these do stand out from the crowd. I might even be tempted to wear them to the pub because they’re so beautiful!

But back to the real purpose of the shoes. The V-Lite’s come with a robust Vibram sole, rather like Hi-tec’s walking boots. The soles have been designed to offer great grip on trails and in muddy and wet conditions but without weighing you down. They definitely do the trick. I’ve been waiting for some seriously muddy weather and a long off-road run to give them a proper testing and they lived up to their promise.

The uppers are made of breathable synthetic, with “ion-mask™ hydrophobic technology”. It is easier for Hi-tec to explain their Ion technology but in short it means the shoes should be waterproof, and are claimed to be as waterproof as other “leading membranes” (presumably Gore-tex?). I have to say I was impressed by how dry my feet remained on a very wet and puddle mad run. The only time that water got in was when the puddles were so deep that they water went over the top of the ankle of the shoe. But even then the water was allowed to escape the shoes quite quickly.

The laces also stayed tied for a full seven-mile run, despite only tying a single bow. This is a real asset, especially when taking part in off-road running events, and, if like me, you suffer from very cold hands.

My only gripe is that because the shoes look so lovely it seemed a shame to make them look so muddy by taking them out for a run!

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