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Recommend
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Tested |
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Highlights
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HI-TEC V-LITE THUNDER HPi SPORT SHOE with ion-mask™ hydrophobic technology
Review by Jim Abel
My feet like good shoes. Among others, I buy them Merrell, Salomon and Vasque. Several years ago, it seems a pair of Hi-Tec was in my arsenal. I do not recall them as “bad shoes,” I just did not buy another pair. Nevertheless, for the past nearly six months, I have worn a pair of Hi-Tec V-Lite THUNDER HPi sport shoes with ion-mask™ hydrophobic technology almost every day. When I first took them out of the box, it was immediately apparent why they called them V-Lite. I am sure they are the most lightweight shoes I have ever worn and almost as immediately, I thought of all the negatives lightweight shoes conjured. Surprisingly, they proved innocent on every count. They were comfortable from the very start and still are though they have shown almost no wear. I am out in the elements a lot. The V-Lite Thunder continues to weather the storm.
Reveiw by Jim Abel on V-Lite Mach 3.0 WPi
The HI-TEC V-Lite Boots with Ion Mask waterproofing are as billed and more. Much like the V-Lite sport shoes I tested recently, the boots are extraordinarily lightweight, rugged, and comfortable. The styling is every bit as attractive as other good-looking boots and much more than some boots that seem to have gotten off the path. Those four things would generally be enough for me and, while there are many boots that claim to be waterproof, the Ion Mask waterproofing is as good as it gets. Short of standing in knee-deep water, the HI-TECH V-Lites kept my feet completely dry. I worked in wet conditions and actually sought out water. These boots didn’t leak. When working in hot weather, my feet sweat. I don’t know where the sweat went, but it didn’t stay in my socks. Tough and easy on the feet, I’m sold on the V-Light products.
Following information provided by Hi-Tech
Women’s St. Moritz Luxe 200i
Features
Waterproof Suede and Textile upper
ion-mask™ hydro-management technology
Thermo-Dri® waterproof/insulated construction
200 grams Thinsulate™ insulation
Faux fur lining for warmth and comfort
Lace and toggle design/construction
Comfort-Tec contoured sockliner
Metal shank for durability
Compression-molded EVA midsole for lightweight cushioning
Winter traction, siped outsole rubber design
V-Lite Thunder HPi
Features
Breathable mesh and synthetic upper
ion-mask™ hydrophobic technology
TPU welding for midfoot support
Toe and heel abrasion resistance for added
protection
V-Lite Strobel construction
V-Lite design and build technology
Comfort-Tec contoured sock liner
V-Lite compression-molded EVA midsole for
cushioning
External ESS Shank for added support
V-Lite MDT carbon rubber outsole
V-Lite Mach 3.0 WPi
Features
One-piece synthetic mesh upper
ion-mask™ waterproof technology
Seamless upper construction
Moisture-wicking lining
Molded rubber toe-cap and mudguards for protection
Comfort-Tec contoured sockliner
Ultra-lightweight hardware
V-Lite design and build
Stabila-Flex contoured bi-fit board for support without the weight
Dual-density compression-molded EVA midsole for cushioning and support
V-Lite MDT carbon rubber hiking outsole
Comfort-Tec contoured sockliner
Ion mask™ hydrophobic technology, resists water and dries quickly. Ion mask™ is a patented plasma technology. The ion-mask process coats 3-dimensional objects with an invisible polymer "mask" that repels oil and water. This technology doe not affect the look or feel of the shoe.
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Drawback
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None |
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Rating
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Perfect Fit...Great |
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Testers
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Pat Stinson
Jane Stinson
Jim Abel |
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Suggested Retail
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Women's St. Moritz-Luxe 200i...$115.00
Men's V-Lite Thunder Hpi...$90.00
Men's V-Lite Mach 3.0 WPi...$125.00 |
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Backoffice Friendly
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Outstanding |
