Initial Report: August 23, 2008

Tester Information:
Name: Leesa Joiner
Age: 46
Location: Western Maine, USA
Email: leesaj@gmail.com
Height: 5'7" (1.7 m)
Weight: 155 (70 kg)



Background:
     My outdoor experiences include trips varying in length from one-day hikes to two-week trips.  Most involve my three children. While my style isn't as 'high adventure' as some, I do enjoy the time we spend outdoors.   My load used to be HEAVY - think pack mule.  Now that the kids carry their own gear, plus the two oldest help carry the food, etc, my load is lighter.  I go for durability over weight when selecting gear.
    While outdoors, I spend time hiking, geocaching, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and camping. I spend almost as much time outdoors during the winter as I do during the summer. 

INITIAL REPORT

Product Information:
Manufacturer: Zamberlan
Manufacturer's Website: http://www.zamberlanstore.com/
Year Manufactured: 2008
MSRP: $125.00 US
Measured Weight: 18 oz (510 g) size 9.5 (one shoe)
Advertised Weights:  16.76 oz (475 g) size 8 (one shoe)



Product Description:

From the Manufacturer: A low-cut hiking shoe built on a women's specific last using premium quality Hydrobloc™ treated water-resistant split-leather. The waterproof breathable GORE-TEX® membrane and gusseted-tongue construction keeps water out while still allowing your foot to expel moisture from within.

Upper:                     Hydrobloc™ Premium Split-leather/ Nylon Cordura®
Upper Protection:         Rubber reinforced toe-cap
Hardware:                 High Resistance Treatment
Lining:                      GORE-TEX®
Footbed:                   Zamberlan 3-Action Anatomic Footbed
Padding:                    Zamberlan Air System
Midsole/shank:             Zamberlan Modular Flex GT
Toe & Heel:                Thermoplastic
Sole:                        Zamberlan™ A.M.S. grip rubber sole


First Impressions:

The Zamberlan RICA GT is a low cut, women's specific hiking shoe.  It arrived looking as I expected from the company's web page.   The hikers are two-tone brown and black, made with Hydrobloc™ treated water-resistant split-leather.  The laces feed through reinforced, alternating offset fabric loops.  The tongue is cushioned on the top inside.  

I found the RICA to be very comfortable.  The V notch that is cut out of the top of the tongue, keeps the tongue from rubbing against my lower leg (where it meets my foot).  The back of the hiker also has a notch cut out, that keeps it from rubbing against my achilles tendon.  There is extra padding around the top of the shoe, that so far has kept it from rubbing uncomfortably.  

Having worn the RICA's for a few miles, I find them to be comfortable and they fit well.  I am looking forward to wearing them on many hikes, in many different locations and in different weather.  I am curious as to their ability to handle water, and how well they do on slippery surfaces.   The manufacturer's claim that they 'expel water from within' is interesting.  I am not sure if they mean water that comes in from the outside - such as from when I may step in a puddle, or if they mean perspiration.    Either one would be welcome.