The very day I started a post about GoLite's (Timberland) innovative new trail running shoes, I read this rather unflattering post on "The Goat", one of my favorite outdoor gear blogs. I then started second guessing myself about these great shoes. These shoes are definitely different with their soft yet cleat like lugs. Was there something I missed? Are they too gimmicky? Was I caught up in the hype? I hope not. I'm very passionate about footwear and each new shoe I find an interest in. After determining it's intended or best use I ask myself a lot of questions:
- I pick it up, bend it; does it bend where my foot does (at the ball NOT the arch)? CHECK
- I twist it torsionally; is there enough support here? CHECK
- Pinch the heel counters; is an ankle going to be stable here? CHECK
- Turning it over, the sole; wide enough in the heel, rocker right, tread pattern match the use? interesting but CHECK
- Durability in materials and construction; midsole durometer firm enough to hold up yet soft enough to absorb shock, too much stitching, how are the bonds, and is the lining going to hold up? CHECK, great new laminated upper with little or no stitching and tough in key areas
- Fit and sizing; for what type of feet is this best suited, high or low volume, wide or narrow, neutral, pronator or supinator? once again, interesting but CHECK (see PreciseFit)
- Entry and egress; for it's intended use, is this shoe easy enough to get on or off? CHECK
- Looks; does it look as bad as a pair of Croc's? NO, not a huge fan of the yellow and gray but, CHECK
- Weight; I'm no weight weenie, but shoes shouldn't weigh a ton. CHECK
- Is it a me too? nope unique, CHECK
Alright, these are checking out on all points. I was even able to try a pair of these on and take them over a short, fake trail. I have to say that the concept worked. The soft lugs on the sole worked very similar to those on an off-road bike or truck tire, molding around small rocks and inconsistencies on the trail, all while keeping me straight and stable. Without having a pair for the long term, I can't give a full review here but these are promising shoes. I have to give these kicks a thumbs up so far and give credit to the folks at Timberland for finally looking more towards function than fashion. You can hear an interview with VP, Doug Clark about the inception of this new line. Download golite.mp3
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