Zamberlan's Hike Lite RR shoes are designed for easy walking and general daily use.
The Hydrobloc suede upper and gore-tex lining ensures that your feet stay dry in wet grass. The fit feels distinctly Italian with a narrow midfoot tapering in to an even narrower toe box, this gives the shoe a stylish Scarpa Mojito esque look. This shape won't suit all feet so ensure you try before you buy.
The Hike Lites are equipped with a Vibram Pillow outsole which offers reasonable grip on level grass, gravel and shallow mud.
For the intended use the Hike Lite shoes work well. The styling of the shoe is bang on trend for the casual outdoorsy type, making them a viable option as stylish everyday wear, but what happens when you push them hard on a proper hike?
The low ankle and back, and flexible sole don't inspire much confidence when climbing, descending or traversing steep terrain and, combined with the pliable suede leather upper the overall feeling is of a sloppy shoe.
The Vibram sole works well on the flat, but up and down steep, wet, greasy hills they really struggle for traction.
There isn't a great deal of spring in the EVA midsole and the outsole feels a little flat which makes the experience dull and uninspiring not to mention harder work than it could be.
The insole is stiff without a great deal of cushioning, there's also a lot of trail feel through the mid and outsole, we'd have preferred more cushioning for everyday wearing comfort.
Although not a brilliant hiking shoe we still enjoy wearing the Hike Lite shoes around town, at work, at the pub and for gentle Sunday afternoon strolls with the kids.
