Reviews > Footwear > Footbeds and Insoles > Shock Doctor Ultra 2 Insoles > John Corrigan > Initial Report

Product Name:

Shock Doctor Ultra2

Personal Biographical Information:

Name: John (Jack) Corrigan

Age: 40 years old

Gender: Male

Height: 5 feet 10 inches (1.8 meters)

Weight: 175 pounds (79 kilograms)

Shoe Size: Men's 9.5

Email: jack@jackquest.com

Region: Fredericksburg, Virginia (Spotsylvania County) 18S 283312mE 4227231mN

Report Date: 11MAY2004

Background:

I have always been one to do the outdoor thing as compared to the organized sport thing. It started as a youngster in the Boy Scouts and continues today as an adult. The majority of my experience has been in Pennsylvania but I have hiked, camped or paddled in New York, California and even Alaska. I am also currently a volunteer search and rescue canine handler. Although search and rescue doesn't always result in an overnight or multi-day trip, I am required to be prepared, equipped and trained for it. Training a search dog results in many hours of trekking through the outdoors.

My "style" is best described as recreational camping, mid-weight backpacking (2-3 day treks), day hiking, flat water paddling, hunting and canine search and rescue activities. My last extended (more than 1 week) outing was the summer of 2001, as a volunteer for the Armed Forces Eco-Challenge in interior Alaska. I also include two of my four dogs in most of my outdoor activities.

Product Information:

Manufactured By: Shock Doctor

Manufactured Date: 2004

Manufacturer URL: http://www.shockdoc.com

Listed Weight: Not Listed

Delivered Weight: 5 ounces (142 grams)

Note: Weighed on a digital 0-25 pound postal scale.

Additional Product Information:

Size: Men's 9.5-10.5

Field Information:

Location:

For the most part, the proposed testing locations will be in the Mid-Atlantic region primarily northern Virginia and northeastern Pennsylvania. Base Camp VA (home) is conveniently located near many local, state and federal recreation areas. In addition the Appalachian Trail and Shenandoah National Park are only a few hours away. Base Camp PA (cabin), which is located in the Endless Mountain Region of Pennsylvania is also located near state parks and state forest areas, as well as lesser known trail systems such as the Loyalsock Trail.

Now that I am living in Virginia trips to our cabin are less frequent, maybe once or twice every three or four months. But Shenandoah National Park, Washington National Forest and Jefferson National Forest are soon to be regular trekking spots.

Description of Location:

The terrain of the proposed testing locations is varied, and ranges from flat low grass and lightly forested regions to mountain "elevations" of 200 to 3500 feet (60 to 1100 meters). Trail systems range from established foot paths to undeveloped logging roads and even the occasional bushwhack.

Weather Conditions:

This test series (initial report through long term report) will be conducted from approximately May through November.

I have lived in Northern Virginia for almost a year now. Summers usually average 85F-98F degrees with humidity. Winters usually average 35-55 degrees with frigid nights and a couple of snowfalls a year. Spring and fall will be very changeable and will most likely be somewhere in between! I am anticipating wet spring, hot and humid conditions during the summer and a mild fall. Then again, I'm not a meteorologist! However, I am an all season, all weather tester and will record actual weather conditions in the specific test reports.

Product Experience:

The Shock Doctor Ultra2 footbeds were received in excellent condition and packaged for retail sale. Two footbeds (one pair) were wrapped by a product package detail card and enclosed in a clear zip closure plastic pouch. I'm sure I will reuse that pouch for stowing something! I also received an additional pair of Ulra2 footbeds but they were size men's 11-13. I'm not quite sure what to do with those.

Both the manufacturer's website and the product package detail card describe in detail the materials used and construction of the Ultra2 footbeds. These footbeds were a bit beefier than what I expected due to being stiffer (due to the Motion Control Bar) and having added cushion (called Shockdome™ Technology) in certain areas.

I will be using the Ultra2 footbeds in a pair of two year old Lowa Renegade hiking boots. I did not have the original footbed, so I began the trim to fit process (according to the manufacturer's instructions) by cutting at the largest size trim line that is embossed on the underside of the footbed. This size adjustment worked out perfect.

My test plan will pay close attention, where possible to the manufacturer's claims climate, moisture and friction control as well as comfort and support. I usually wear out the inside before the outside. These footbeds are definitely not you grandfather's footbed. I'm impressed so far. I already have over 36 active boot hours, but you'll have to wait for the field report!

TEAM JackQuest
http://www.jackquest.com

Reviews > Footwear > Footbeds and Insoles > Shock Doctor Ultra 2 Insoles > John Corrigan > Initial Report