The Tecnica Viper Low cross-training shoes are light yet stable hikers that are built for speed in the mountains. With a pair on my feet, I took them out for some day hikes in the Wasatch Mountains, and got in a few trail runs along the way.
Out of the box, the first thing I noticed was the rounded sole. Everyone has heard of rockered skis, but these are rockered shoes. On the trail, this translated to more power when moving forward. It was almost like the shoes were propelling me with each step as compared to simply stepping down to the ground with boxier, standard soles.
Maybe this is why Tecnica calls these guys “speed hiking” shoes. With the TRS (Tecnica Rolling System) sole, and relatively light weight at 25.75 ounces per pair, they are pretty nimble. This lighter feeling made me cautious when I first started to wear them, and the lightly-lugged soles are not as rugged as your typical hiking shoe. In fact, sharp rocks could sometimes be felt underfoot.
The stripped-down soles do not mean that the shoes lack stability, however, as they feature multidensity EVA midsoles along with thermoplastic urethane and injection-molded nylon shanks with EVA forefoot plates. In terms I can understand that means the shoes are supportive (even torsionally), provide shock absorption and cushioning, and disperse pressure while protecting the feet.
This performance enhancing stuff was felt while on a speed hike up Granduer Peak with the dog, as the Tecnica Viper Low shoes practically flew me up the mountain. In fact, not only were the shoes fast, they were also fun!
Breathability is also a nice feature. The Tecnica Viper Low shoes have mesh vents that somehow act like wind tunnels. The slightest breeze could be felt on my toes and running only amplified the effect. This is vital, since the shoes are black and would be otherwise too hot in the summer months. Of course this venting means the shoes are not water resistant at all, as small creek crossings in the canyons provided proof.
The Tecnica Viper Low shoes do have a bit of a break-in period, at least they did for me. The first few days I wore them, I got hot spots on the back of my heels, especially when things got sweaty. The polyurethane microfiber lining inside the shoe can get slippery. But after a few hikes, the shoes were dialed in and fit true to size with no threat of blisters. I’d chalk this up to the fit with my feet and not an issue with the shoes themselves.
On the whole, the Tecnica Viper Low cross-trainers are dependable, well built shoes with features that make them light and quick without sacrificing too much stability, but may need some break-in time before those all-day hikes. They are also only appropriate for light hikes and trail runs for the summer months when there is no forecast of rain. Here are the specs from Tecnica:
Upper Syntetic PU/ textile
Lining Textile
Outsole TRS Active tecnigrip
Midsole Phylon EVA
Footbed Anatomic Ortholite®
Size US 7 – 14
Weight 365 gr
You can purchase the Tecnica Viper Low cross-training shoes at REI.com
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