Today, the choices when walking into a specialty outdoors or running shop can be overwhelming--the number of brands, styles and types of shoes on the market can leave even the most educated consumer flustered and confused.
Thanks to the introduction of the Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity HPi trail running shoes, all those other options may no longer be necessary.
Out of the box, the first thing you’ll notice is the HPi’s gorgeous exterior which brilliantly balances the aggressive technical nature of the shoe with aesthetically pleasing lines. Our own pair of HPi’s are similar to the Dark Grey/Infinity Green/Silver version, pictured on the right. There are two other color options Olive/Taupe/Sunflower and Red/Black/Silver. We dig our green/silvers, but you can’t go wrong with any of the color schemes.
But the HPi’s are more than just another pretty face in the world of adventure/trail shoes. Developed with extensive input from Martin Dreyer (world adventure racing champion) and the shoe of choice for trail runner Mike Fanning, everything about these adventure shoes screams “technologically gifted”.
To start with, the shoes utilize ion-mask hydrophobic technology - what Hi-Tec refers to has a “breakthrough in surface enhancement”. Ready for this nugget? Ion-mask™ was originally developed for military clothing designed to repel chemical agents but now Hi-Tec is on the forefront of pioneering the introduction of ion-mask™ in the footwear industry.
According to the Hi-Tec website ion-mask works at a molecular level, binding invisibly to the surfaces of products, giving them an extraordinary ability to repel most liquids. While this doesn't make the shoe waterproof, it does mean you'll end up carrying less of the muddy water from the trail around with you, keeping your running shoes light.
Speaking of weight, the V-Lite shoe construction utilizes innovation materials and technology to reduce the weight of the trainers without compromising on performance or comfort. The HPi’s weigh in at a stellar 300 grams per shoe ensuring that it’s not only light and fast on the trail but provides for a stellar transition from path to pavement and serves the runner equally well on both.
Problem with hotspots and blisters? Not anymore! Seamless Upper Zone Engineering reduces hotspots and blisters by minimizing joins and edges inside the shoe while exclusively-designed dual density Vibram outsoles provide incredible traction and durability even over some of the most technical and wet terrain.
Whether intentional or not, we felt as though the traction provided by these quality outsoles pay great homage to the history of Hi-Tec’s hiking boots.
Whether intentional or not, we felt as though the traction provided by these quality outsoles pay great homage to the history of Hi-Tec’s hiking boots.
Moving to the midsole, Hi-Tec's custom dual density midsole helps control over-pronation, harnessing the runner’s energy by distributing the stride force through the pressure in the shoe and maximizing the running gait meaning you can run more effeciently for longer periods of time.
And just in case you got lost in all the finite details, all you really need to know is that these shoes provide consistent, comfortable stable footing over any and every kind of terrain.
Designed to be breathable, comfortable and technical, the HPi easily tackled whatever obstacle we put before it making these the perfect multi use shoes for everyone from the casual trail runner to the elite adventure enthusiasts. A job well done by Hi-Tec!
We've posted Hi-Tec's video discussing the V-Lite Infinity series below... it's well worth the watch:
We've posted Hi-Tec's video discussing the V-Lite Infinity series below... it's well worth the watch:
