Custom molding is a term most associated with ski boots. But Tecnica is taking that same concept and applying it to hiking boots. They call it C.A.S. Technology, and they’ve applied it to their Plasma GTX low hikers. I got to test out a pair this fall after getting them custom molded to my feet. So do they offer next-level comfort? I’ll tell you, but first the details.
Tecnica Plasma GTX
Tecnica Plasma GTX features:
- Built-in fully anatomic last for out-of-the-box fit and supreme foot hold.
- Overlap collar design to reduce pressure points.
- Self-locking lace and high-tenacity Kevlar loops
- Vibram Megagrip sole
- Gore-Tex Extended comfort liners for waterproof breatheablility.
C.A.S. Technology
So what is C.A.S. Technology? Well, it stands for “Custom Adaptive Shape.” Tecnica’s idea is to get rid of traditional break-in time for new boots and create a system where you get that “broken-in” feeling right away.
To accomplish this, the Plasma GTX features heat-custom footbeds and uppers. Both are heated and molded to the foot by utilizing Tecnica’s C.A.S. footwear machine. While custom footbeds are nothing new, Tecnica’s custom uppers is an industry first.
The C.A.S. Experience
After receiving a pair of Plasma GTX boots, I walked around the block with them. Honestly, they felt stiff and hard. So I went and got them fitted with the C.A.S. machine. The experience is very similar to getting fitted for heat-moldable ski boots. I sat down while the foot beds were heated. Then I put my feet onto the footbeds inside these large bags which are then inflated tight. This created a snug fit that locked my feet into place.
After the shoes themselves were heated, the process repeated only this time with my feet and footbeds inside the shoes, which in turn went inside the bags for another session of inflatable fitting. The pressurization compressed the shoes around my feet and molded them to my specific foot-shape. The whole process took around 20 minutes and I walked away with shoes that felt totally custom. In fact, I dare say they now felt slipper-like.
The Test
With my Tecnica Plasma GTX shoes customized, I went out for some fall hikes. Besides the newfound comfort, one thing I immediately noticed is how burly the soles are. They may be low-cut, and at first-glance seem made for light hiking and street wear. But the Vibram soles have backpacking boot DNA. The Megagrip soles really do grip the trail… um… megaly. The tread is deep with chunky teeth and sticky rubber. If these shoes were high-topped with ankle support, I could totally see myself backpacking many miles in them.
Along with the impressive soles, the shoes have a very stable platform to walk on. They’re downright confidence-booting. Rocks, roots, and wet leaves on the ground – nothing stood in the way of these shoes.
But my favorite part (besides the custom fit) is the overlap collar. Instead of a standard tongue that all hiking shoes have, Tecnica thought outside the box. Much like an overlap-style ski boot liner, the Plasma GTX upper laps around the ankle. The result? no pressure points whatsoever. Remember that slipper-like feel I mentioned above? The overlap collar is a huge part of that feeling. What also makes this a better design is there is no tongue that moves around and shifts while hiking, which always drives me nuts. Problem solved with these shoes.
Where To Buy
The Tecnica Plasma GTX are only available at specialty retailers who have the C.A.S. machine. Here in the Wasatch you can get your pair at two places: White Pine Touring and Gorsuch in Park City.
Final Word
If you’ve ever had your ski boot liners custom molded, then you know how much more comfortable they are. Apply that to hiking boots, and you’ve got the most comfortable hikers you can imagine. It’s no joke, the Tecnica Plasma GTX with C.A.S. are a game-changer.
The only downside? At $180 per pair they may be the most expensive low-cut hikers I’ve ever tested. However, you get what you pay for and I found that it’s worth it for custom fitted, burly hiker that should last for many trail miles to come.
For more information visit tecnicasports.com
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