Reviews > Footwear > Trail Shoes > Kamik Chase > Jodi Cornelius > Initial Report

KAMIK CHASE TRAIL SHOES
TEST SERIES BY JODI CORNELIUS
INITIAL REPORT
July 15, 2006

TESTER INFORMATION

I have been backpacking for 3 years now and before that I car camped quite a bit. I consider myself somewhat new to backpacking and was on my way towards becoming a lightweight packer. However, I find that I prefer my little extras and so am trying to move towards being a "midweight" packer. I tend to use a Hennessey Hammock since my only tent is a bivy tent. I prefer the hammock to a tent as the hammock leaves me swinging gently in the breeze with no hard spot from rocks on the ground. Nor do I need to dig troughs for my hips and shoulders (side sleeper) so I can practice LNT (Leave No Trace) much better.

INITIAL REPORT

PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: Kamik
Year of Manufacture: 2006
Manufacturer's Website: Kamik
Listed Weight: N/A
Measured Weight: 11.76 ounces (?? grams)
Other details: Women's size US 7.5

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

The shoes arrived in a standard shoe box. The color I received was Burgandy. I have to admit I was a bit concerned about the sizing issue. I am "officially" a woman's size US 7.5. However, I have discovered that when it comes to shoes (not just hiking shoes) that my size ranges from 7 to 8.5, depending on how the shoe is made. But I took a chance and ordered my true size and was VERY pleased to discover that they fit! The shoes looked very well made and I couldn't find any rough spots or bad stitching or anything else.

One thing I DID notice and a co-worker said was being done to a lot of sneakers was the fact that the rubber on the shoe had "speckles" in it but only in one spot. My co-worker said it was "recycled rubber" but I don't understand why it'd only be in the one spot. I have an email out on that and when I get the answer, I'll put it in my Field Report.

The shoes are made with 1.6mm Suede Leather Upper if you get the Burgandy (which I received), Orange, Green, or Blue colors, and Suede & Nylon Leather Upper if you get the Natural or the Moss colors.

The features per their website:

* 1.6mm Suede Leather Upper (BURGANDY, ORANGE, GREEN, BLUE)
* Suede & Nylon Leather Upper (NATURAL, MOSS)
* Moisture Wicking Lining
* Elastic Gore Tongue
* Thermoplastic Heel Counter & Toe Box
* Integrated Stability Shank
* Antibacterial Footbed
* Strobel Lasted Construction
* Compression Molded EVA Midsole
* "HORIZON" Non-Marking Rubber Outsole

I am looking forward to putting their Antibacterial Footbed to the test. Especially since my feet tend to sweat when hiking. They also get hot while I'm at work standing on concrete floors.

TRYING THEM OUT

After putting on the shoes and discovering they fit, I decided to wear them the rest of the day at work. I could not believe how comfortable they were. There was no initial hot spots, no undue snugness or rubbing. Also, with wearing them on concrete floors, I would find out real quick if there were any to be found. To my pleasant surprise, there were none. Plus, they were extremely comfortable on the floors at work. One of the "odd" things I found was the, according to the website, elastic gore tongue. I think the elastic is used to help hold the tongue in place but I also feel that it helps the shoe to wear better. I feel it snugs the shoe to my foot without pinching.

Another thing I like is the tread on the shoe. As you can see in the picture the tread is designed with what I call "grippers". And they worked REALLY well on the slippery concrete floors where I work. I had to push a heavy wooden pallet of paper with a pallet jack and usually my feel slip while I try to get the pallet jack moving. This time, my shoes gripped the floor and allowed me to get the jack moving a lot quicker than any other pair of shoes I have worn there. I am looking forward to using these in the woods on slippery leaves and mud.

TESTING STRATEGY

I will be wearing these shoes almost daily, both at work and at home.

One thing I liked when looking at this shoe on their website is the anti-bacterial foot bed. My feet sweat terribly when I hike and having that type of foot bed may help keep the stench down.

These shoes will be used in different types of terrain. Mostly the terrain will be rocky and brushy. There will also be mud and creek crossings.

The uppers are made of 1.6 mm suede with nylon. These are also wicking - that will be interesting to see how well the wicking works with suede. I am also curious as to cleaning these shoes. Does the mud and dirt just brush off? Also, do I need to treat the shoes with a suede protection spray?

I have found that the foot bed is removable - is it cleanable and if so, does it need any special treatment when cleaning? How well does the anti-bacterial foot bed hold down the smell of MY sweaty feet?

The treads on these shoes looks really good for hiking where I like to hike. There is a reason why my trail name is Skids - no matter what the terrain is, if there is even a tiny twig on the trail, I'll slip or trip on it. So having good tread on the bottom of my hiking shoes is important. How well does the tread grip the ground/rocks/fallen trees that I have to climb over? How well does the tread last? Do rocks and sharp twigs/sticks cut the soles?

How comfortable are they? Is there any anti-shock built into the shoe? Any arch support? Do my feet slide around when my feet get sweaty? I will be wearing the shoes with socks at all times.

Testing conditions

I will be testing this product in the mountains of NW Pennsylvania where the terrain will range from flat and smooth going to inclines with brushy trails, to rocky trails, water crossings, and some maintained trails. These trails include, but are not limited to, Johnnycake, Tracy Ridge, Morrison/Rimrock, and parts of the North Country Trail.

The temperatures will range from current temperatures at 85 F/30 C, to the mid-90s/32 C, possibly higher, depending on our spring/summer. The weather will range from beautiful sunny days (I hope) to rain/storms and from now on there shouldn't be any more snow.

SUMMARY

All in all, these shoes have all the appearance of being exactly what I've been looking for in a trail shoe. I can't wait to try them out on the trails!

Reviews > Footwear > Trail Shoes > Kamik Chase > Jodi Cornelius > Initial Report