The Great Outdoors Spring 2019

The Great Outdoors Spring 2019 73

E AR

Features

Inov8

Roclite 345 GTX

£155 736g

ultralight, grip

Gore-Tex inner

Uppers: synthetic, mesh, Gore-Tex

Outer sole: graphene-enhanced G-Grip

Mid sole: Inov 8 Powerlow, shank

Flexibility: lexible

Sizes: men 6-14, women 3-10

inov-8.com

Inov-8 makes extraordinary claims for

the sole on its new G-Grip and G-Series

ranges. It features graphene-enhanced

rubber developed with the National

Graphene Institute at the University

of Manchester that is said to be 50%

stronger, 50% harder wearing, and 50%

more elastic than other materials.

I’ve been trying the very light Roclite

345 GTX, a mid-height boot made from

mesh with reinforcing synthetic strips.

Inov-8 gives the width as 3, in the middle

of its 1-5 width range. This is a little

narrow for me, even going up half a size.

None of the G-range is any wider, which

is a pity as I’d love to really push a pair on

multi-day walks. As it is, I’ve found these

good on shorter routes. The grip and

cushioning are excellent. There’s a stiff

heel counter and a slightly stiffened toe.

These have proved warm even with

thin socks, due to the Gore-Tex lining. The

only boot in the range without one is the

Roclite 335, which will be even warmer as

it has a Primaloft insulated upper. There is

a shoe without Gore-Tex, the Roclite 275,

and that would be my irst choice. As it is,

if you want a tough, ultralight, waterproof

boot, these could suit you.

Oboz

Sawtooth II Mid

£130 1168g

grip, insole, cost

narrow it

Uppers: leather/mesh/

B-Dry membrane

Outer sole: Oboz Sawtooth

Mid sole: dual-density EVA/nylon shank

Flexibility: lexible

Sizes: 8 -14

obozfootwear.com

The Sawtooth, in Oboz’s range for

many years, has been updated for 2019

with larger panels of a new improved

mesh for better breathability, a new

asymmetrical collar for a better it and

ankle movement, and a redesigned upper

shape to increase lexibility. The deep

tread – which grips extremely well –

remains the same, as does the midsole,

membrane and insole.

The insole is particularly excellent: a

real supportive footbed, the only one in

this test that I wouldn’t replace.

Oboz says the Sawtooth II has a wide-

itting toe box. It is a bit wider than some

of the footwear reviewed but still a little

narrow for me. The it round the ankle

and midfoot is snug.

The boots lex reasonably easily at

the toe but are stiff side-to-side due to

an inner shank. The toe and heel are rock

hard. In cold weather the waterproof

membrane is ine but probably too warm

in summer for me. I’d use these boots for

cold weather walking, including in snow.

The Sawtooths are medium weight

and quite low in price, especially given the

insoles.

RECOMMENDED

RECOMMENDED

comparative review Gear

1. Weight
   Lighter footwear is less tiring to wear but cooler
   in cold weather and gives less protection.


2. Materials
   Synthetic fabrics, especially mesh, are cool and
   light but need reinforcing with stiffer materials
   such as suede, TPU or webbing. Leather is stiffer
   than synthetics and doesn’t need reinforcing.
   Leather is also more water resistant. Most
   footwear is made of a mixture of materials.


3. Waterproof Membranes
   While membrane systems do make footwear
   waterproof, they also increase the warmth and
   reduce breathability, which can make your boots
   or shoes hot and sweaty in warm weather. So,
   membranes are best suited to colder conditions.
   When wet, footwear with membranes is
   also slower drying than footwear without
   membranes.


4. Cushioning
   All footwear has cushioning material in the
   sole, usually PU or EVA. This makes walking
   more comfortable, especially on rocky terrain
   and hard surfaces. The thickness of cushioning
   varies. The thicker it is, the more protection for
   your feet but also the less ‘feel’ you’ll have for
   the terrain.


5. Toe & Heel Protection
   Hard toe caps protect your toes against rocks.
   As well as protection, stiff heel cups help hold
   your ankles in position.


6. Sole
   The deeper the tread on the sole, the longer it
   will last. Very shallow treads may not grip well
   on all surfaces even when new.


7. Sole Stifness
   Sole lexibility is a compromise between comfort
   and support. Very lexible soles, especially at
   the forefoot, are the most comfortable and less
   tiring to walk in. Stiffer soles give more support
   for scrambling.


8. Footbeds
   Most footwear comes with limsy foam insoles
   that don’t provide much support. Many also
   absorb moisture and take longer to dry out
   than the shoes. They can be replaced by more
   supportive or cushioning footbeds.