Hi-Tec Vector

I unfortunately bought this item a half size too large. I was hoping swollen feet and thick socks would take up the slack. I was wrong, they simply run large. Make sure if you're ordering these over the net that you go a half-size down from your norm.

Aside from that small qualm these shoes are exceptional. They are extremely lightweight and at the same time feel well built and robust. Their traction on wet rock is miserable; superb in the dry. They are NOT indoor shoes. Linoleum is a no-no. These shoes love loose terrain. They are not particularly adept at technical climbing as they provide virtually no lateral stability. Any off-camber terrain will have your ankles crying. For jagged rocks and mud they excel but they are NOT waterproof. They are water resistant but sink your foot into a deep puddle more than once and you'll pay for it. They breathe fairly well and are very incredibly comfortable... more so than 90% of the hiking sneaker/boots I've tried.

Which brings me to the next issue... these are hybird trail shoes. They're not quite sneakers and they're not quite hiking shoes. They work great though and you can find them for about $40 now. I'm picking up a backup pair in the right size because they're a good deal... even when they were $80.

Every once in awhile someone writes a glowing review about a great new shoe. Consumers flock to the stores to buy, and salespeople capitalize on the increased demand by raising the price to ten times what the shoe is worth. Shoe manufacturers will notice this and flood the market with mass quantities of similar but generally inferior products.

All of which, of course, has nothing to do with the Hi-Tec Vector. This shoe is built with a Vibram rubber outsole, an EVA midsole, and a breathable mesh and PU upper. At $50 the Vector serves very well as a general purpose/trail shoe. It is neither a status symbol nor top of the line footwear, but it is a durable comfortable shoe all the same. Best suited to a dry, hot climate.