Keep yourself grounded with these mid outdry shoe
COLUMBIA WOMEN’S PEAKFREAK XCRSN II XCEL MID OUTDRY SHOE
WHAT
Hiking shoe
SPORT
Mountain hiking and light trail running at jogging pace
HEIGHTM
Mid
PRICE
RM699
AVAILABLE AT
World of Sports outlet
RATING
****
CHOOSING AN OUTDOOR FOOTWEAR
When it comes to outdoor footwear, the choice can be abundant and relatively confusing. When do you choose a trail running shoe? How do you decide a mid-cut or low-cut shoe? Do you choose thick soles for stability or thin sole for ease of movement?
My little experience tells me it all boils down to a person’s agility and the terrain he or she is exploring.
If you are agile and fast, a low cut trail running shoe will give you the speed and traction you need. But if you are not so blessed on the agility side — like me — then a mid-cut shoe would reduce the chances of you twisting your ankles as you venture into undulated terrain.
The Columbia Peakfreak is the latest addition to its array of mountain-climbing shoes. Most of its shoes are low-cut and for this season, the Peakfreak is one out of two mid-cut option.
SUPPORT AND VERSATILITY
Unlike boot-like mountain climbing shoes, the Peakfreak combines mid-cut support with versatile foot movement, thanks to its Omni-Grip non-marking traction rubber.
The outer sole isn’t thick so movement is faster and it’s great if you like to feel the earth you walk on.
What’s not great is when you are walking on rugged terrain with sharp edges because you’d feel these under your feet, which you would not if you use a thick-sole hiking boots.
Still, this pair serves me well through my hike up Laban Rata from Timpohon, perhaps because the ground is easy.
Despite the thinness of the sole, the shoe comes with adequate support and cushioning with high energy return, and the Techlite midsole makes your walk bouncy, not heavy.
The waterproof and breathable construction using OutDry will keep you dry, comfortable and in control so that you can concentrate on your hike.