My first review of Caravan shoes, the C1_02S & C1_DL MID, after 30 years of mountaineering: I gave up my prejudices and tried them out, only to be greeted with a gentleness I'd never experienced before

Caravan Shoes are a well-known trekking shoe brand that has been a pioneer in supporting many climbers for many years since the dawn of Japanese mountaineering culture

Although they are such a classic shoe, to tell the truth, I have never worn them properly even though I have been involved in mountain climbing for over 30 years. Well, of course I have worn them before, but when I was a student just starting out in the mountains, I didn't have much money so I got by with cheap shoes from a hardware store, and even after I started working, I have had little experience with them, so unfortunately I have never really worn them properly

Of course, it's not that there wasn't a reason why we've been passing each other by. Without fear of being misunderstood, I can't deny that I've secretly had the impression that Caravan shoes are "somehow worn by people of the past," "someone with wide feet (they don't fit me)," "their design is somehow unsophisticated," etc. (That's a harsh way to put it). But honestly, I'm sure I'm not the only one who has that impression

The opportunity finally came for me to try Caravan Shoes. I was invited to write a review on this website, which has worn out many hiking boots up until now. They wanted people like me who had avoided them because of preconceived notions to try them out

This is a godsend, so this time we've decided to wear the latest Caravan shoe model, the C1_02S , and the latest lightweight hiking boot model developed based on it, the C1_DL MID , thoroughly and provide a review.

What makes hiking boots "made for Japanese people" different from the Western trekking shoes I've been familiar with? And what about the "old-fashioned" impression I've unintentionally had of them? I'll be giving you an honest review of these two types of hiking boots

Main features of Caravan C1_02S/C1_DL MID

The Caravan C1_02S , commonly known as "Caravan Shoes," is a lightweight hiking boot originally developed by the Japanese Alpine Club's Manaslu summit team for the long journey to base camp. Originating from a prototype developed in 1952, it was revived after a brief hiatus and has continued to evolve to this day. For Japanese people, it is a trekking shoe that is synonymous with hiking boots.

Based on a three-dimensional last (wooden form) tailored to Japanese feet, the included half insole allows for subtle adjustments to the fit. The shoes are designed for maximum comfort and ease of walking, with a roomy forefoot that prevents fatigue even during long walks and a high-cut ankle that combines soft, highly cushioned comfort with easy heel movement. The midsole is equipped with EVA foam for excellent shock absorption, providing a soft feel that prevents fatigue even during long walks. The outsole features the original Caravan Trek sole, which provides excellent grip even on rough terrain, reducing the risk of slipping on wet rocks, mud, and other rough surfaces

On the other hand the C1_DL MID is a lightweight mid-cut hiking shoe designed for lighter activities while maintaining the comfort and walking performance of the Caravan shoes. The upper uses a thinner, more breathable mesh material while maintaining sufficient protection, providing a flexible and light walking feel.

The midsole combines a thin EVA foam with moderate cushioning and 3D stability parts that suppress twisting and wobbling of the entire sole of the foot, achieving both stability and shock absorption while remaining lightweight. The outsole also uses an original LITE sole that combines lightness with grip, and every detail has been carefully considered to achieve the balance between comfort and lightness

Both models feature waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX liners, providing excellent weather resistance and moisture resistance, essential for outdoor activities, making them suitable for a variety of outdoor activities, from day hikes in the snow-free season and overnight stays in mountain huts, to classic mountain climbing and active speed hiking

Favorite and interesting points of C1_02S

Favorite points

• Gentle fit with no tightness
• Luxuriously padded ankle with built-in premium cushioning
• Roomy forefoot and toe box
• Half insoles that can be adjusted to fit each foot individually
• High ankle mobility
• Excellent and stable grip even on muddy or rocky terrain
• Reinforced with leather for reliable durability
• A variety of colors
• Beginner-friendly price

Points of interest

• Good protection but trades off weight

C1_DL MID favorite points and points of interest

Favorite points

• Soft, comfortable lining for stress-free comfort
• Comfortable toe box with ample room for your toes
• Half insoles that can be adjusted to fit each foot individually
• Flexibility that allows for flexible and delicate footwork even at high speeds
• Highly stable midsole
• High robustness despite its light weight

Points of interest

• The ankle area is too wide and the heel area lacks support
• The lugs on the outsole are a little low and lack grip in deep mud

Main specifications and evaluation

Detailed Review

Introduction: Don't assume that wide (so-called) shoes don't fit you

One of the biggest reasons I had avoided these shoes for a long time was the preconceived notion that "wide shoes don't fit my feet." Caravan shoes specifically indicate the width as "3E," so I thought it wouldn't be a problem for people with narrow to normal feet

This was based on a simple experience: when I tried on shoes in a store, a brand that is generally considered to be narrow fit me (or so I thought), and conversely, when I tried on shoes that are generally considered to be wide, my usual size felt loose

So when I started writing this review, I couldn't shake the concern that "Maybe Caravan Shoes just aren't the right shape for me? Maybe I won't be able to review them properly."

However, there is actually a big pitfall with this: it does not check whether the shoes that fit at the time were actually narrow shoes whether they were wide as a result of being fitted correctly , or whether the reason they did not fit was simply because the circumference of the foot was wide or narrow.It is merely based on subjective impressions and speculation.

So, I decided to take this opportunity to measure my foot size again, and tried out the "FEET AXIS (foot shape measurement service) powered by SafeSize" service offered by Super Sports Xebio

This is the latest foot measurement service, where you simply step onto a special measuring device to get a three-dimensional measurement of your foot shape, and get accurate measurements of your left and right foot length, width, instep height, and arch type, including any deviations from the average, all for free (you do need to register for the app). The results came out within an hour of the measurement, and the results were surprising

Assumptions are scary. When I measured my feet with a precision measuring device, I found that my feet were wider and my instep higher than I had thought. My left and right feet were also very different sizes

not only were my feet generally wide and high-arched my left foot was especially wide. What's more, my left foot was nearly 1cm shorter than my right (although I'd vaguely noticed this before), and even my foot width and instep height were all uneven.

In any case, these results suggest that my foot type is probably medium to wide (high arch), and that I would have no problems wearing Caravan shoes

Furthermore, these results suggest that "it's not possible to arbitrarily determine whether your feet are wide or narrow." Human feet vary in length, circumference, instep height, arch height, toe shape, and many other subtle differences, so whether a shoe "fits" or "doesn't" can't be determined by foot width alone. It's entirely possible that, like me, the fit between the left and right feet may be different. In other words, it's important to try out any shoe without prejudging it first

Fit and comfort: I never thought it would be this good... The exceptional comfort of these shoes makes my feet feel so soft and gentle

It goes without saying, but we recommend trying the shoes on to see if they fit

Now, finally, to the main topic. First of all, my impression immediately after putting my feet in the shoes was that the size was different from what I had imagined compared to shoes from other overseas brands

In the Western brands I often wore, I used to wear a size "US9," which is about 27.0 cm, but that felt a little big. So I tried a size 26.5 cm, and it felt more comfortable and similar to the size I had been wearing before. If I had chosen the same size without thinking, I might have ended up thinking, "After all, they're too wide! They're too big!" Of course, some people may not need to make such adjustments, but for those who are planning to try them on, it's a good idea to keep this in mind as an example

No tightness at all. Comfortable fit that gently hugs the entire foot

Caravan shoes are generally said to be "beginner-friendly," but to be honest, until I tried them on, I couldn't imagine why so many people had that impression

However, when I put my feet in, I immediately realized that it was " gentle " in many ways.

With thick leather heavy hiking boots, and even with traditional hiking boots, you inevitably have to "adjust your feet to the shoes" when you first put them on because the fabric isn't yet broken in, but Caravan shoes give the opposite impression. With the C1_02S and C1_DL MID models, there's no sense of unnatural pressure or tightness in any part of the shoe, and the upper evenly wraps around your foot to match the curves of your foot, giving the feeling that the shoes are adjusting to your foot.

The original last shape was designed with Japanese feet in mind, so that it would feel comfortable not only for experienced climbers but also for beginners putting on hiking boots for the first time

The toe box is also spacious and doesn't feel cramped. The balls of the big and little toes don't touch the sides, and the fit is just right, allowing for toes to move freely. However, that doesn't mean the shoes are too loose and your feet move around inside the shoe; they provide just the right amount of support where needed. The shoelaces are flat, easy to tighten, rather than durable round laces, likely with the intention of providing that secure fit. Incidentally, the eyelets on the C1_02S are made of alloy for durability, while the C1_DL MID are made of fabric for lightweight construction.

Durable alloy eyelets and hooks provide smooth tightening and secure hold

I had heard that Caravan Shoes' lasts (wooden molds) were designed to fit Japanese feet well, but when I actually tried them on, I finally understood what that meant

The half insole allows for individual adjustment of the fit. This is extremely convenient for me, as my left and right shoes are different sizes!

No matter how well-fitting a shoe is, it's difficult to get it to fit perfectly. Especially when the size difference between my left and right feet is not small, like mine, it's impossible unless the shoes are completely custom-made

was the included " half insole

In addition to the regular full-length insole, the package also includes a half insole that allows for more subtle size adjustments, which is great for feet like mine, where the size is adjusted separately for each foot

This is a thin insole that covers only the front half of the shoe, from the forefoot to the toes.By inserting this, it fills the space in the forefoot, allowing for individual, subtle fitting for each foot

The half insole has been inserted. The insole will be placed on top of this

In my case, I put this half insole in my left foot, which is shorter, and I felt that the fit between the left and right feet was more balanced. Everyone's sense of this is different, so it's hard to know what the correct answer is, but in any case, being able to fine-tune it yourself means that it can definitely be adapted to a wider range of feet

Soft and gentle lining for a comfortable feel against the skin (C1_DL MID)

The upper of the C1_DL MID is made of soft, thin, lightweight, and breathable mesh fabric. Lightweight yet durable TPU reinforcement ensures safety on mountain trails

the C1_DL MID particularly impressive, and I felt a level of comfort I'd never experienced before. It the C1_02S , which is designed for Japanese people, so the fit remains excellent, but the upper fabric is softer and more stretchy, and the lining is also soft to the touch, giving it a fluffy feel that's incredibly comfortable. The entire shoe is flexible, adhering to the movement of your foot and providing endless comfort.

Luxurious ankle padding (C1_02S)

The opening is padded with ample cushioning for a comfortable fit

the C1_02S , I particularly like the construction around the ankle. The luxurious, soft and cushiony padding around the ankle and tongue minimizes chafing and pressure while walking, meaning I hardly felt any discomfort while hiking. The tongue is also high, which helps prevent pebbles and wood chips from getting in from the outside.

The C1_DL MID may feel a little loose around the ankles

That's why the C1_DL MID 's looseness from the heel cup to the ankle area a bit bothersome. While having high ankle mobility isn't a bad thing, it's hard to ignore the fact that it's so loose that it leaves you feeling unsatisfied with the hold and stability.

For this reason, I decided to try replacing the insoles with third-party ones that provided better heel support, and I was able to adjust the fit to a much better level, so this stress itself can be alleviated to some extent by customizing the shoes to your liking. However, this only applies to mid-cut models, so I haven't confirmed the same for low-cut models

The C1_DL MID features breathable and lightweight padding around the ankle, making it comfortable even during intense activity. The only drawback is that the heel grip is a little weak

Ease of walking and performance: C1_02S is strong on rough terrain, and C1_DL MID has excellent propulsion

Once I had a good feeling about the comfort of the flat ground, I next tried hiking with my luggage on nearby low mountains and mid- to high mountains where snow still remained from April to May

The outsole provides both walking stability and grip on rough terrain, allowing you to place your feet safely not only on regular hiking trails but also on slightly rocky areas

The C1_02S offers an excellent balance of protection, stability, and ease of walking

The C1_02S was originally designed for approach climbs in the Himalayas, and is designed to provide reliable protection and stability even at high altitudes. This is backed up by thick resin and leather reinforcements around the boot's periphery, which protect your feet from sharp rocks and tree branches, and there was absolutely no risk of damage to the boots themselves.

The C1_02S has sufficient shoe rigidity and reinforcement strength around the toe and periphery

Despite this heavy protection, I couldn't help but feel a sense of "gentleness" at how easy it was to walk in, something I would never have imagined

The medium-thick EVA midsole absorbs uneven surfaces, preventing pressure on the soles of the shoes and allowing for a flat, stable step. It also absorbs the impact of landing, supporting comfortable walking on uneven ground. From landing to stepping on, the shoes are surprisingly smooth, even for a sturdy high-top boot, and the toes flex easily without much resistance

This is achieved by a subtle design innovation, where the back of the ankle is cut slightly lower. This allows for flexibility when walking while maintaining support on both sides. Unlike the appearance, these boots are not stiff or awkward, as is common in old hiking boots, and I was able to walk more lightly and smoothly than I expected

The collar design has a cutout at the back of the ankle

The cut at the back of the ankle eliminates resistance when moving your foot forward while walking, allowing for smooth weight transfer

Although the C1_02S is a high-cut shoe, the height at the back of the ankle is not much different from the mid-cut C1_DL MID

By the way, the upper part of the forefoot is not entirely made of leather but is partially made of mesh, which not only makes it easier to walk in but also improves breathability

No need to worry about tough terrain or rough roads. Extremely resistant to scratches and dirt

However, as a trade-off for such robustness and comfort, I would be lying if I said that I wasn't bothered by the slight weight of the shoes (for day hiking boots). It doesn't bother me when I'm conscious of taking each step surely, but the faster I try to move, the more I can't ignore the weight

Lightweight and soft, yet stable C1_DL MID

On the other hand the C1_02S , the C1_DL MID is designed for speedy walking, giving it a distinctly sneaker-like feel rather than a hiking boot. The thin and flexible upper responds well to quick and delicate movements, and the polyester mesh material provides excellent breathability.

The highly breathable mesh upper fabric helps to eliminate stuffiness inside the shoe

Even when I bent my the C1_DL MID felt smooth and had little resistance, allowing me to take quick steps without stress. That said, the C1_02S also bends almost as much if I try to bend it, and thanks to the mesh fabric on the toes mentioned above, it can be said to be quite flexible for a hiking boot.

The C1_DL MID is easier to flex when stepping forward, but the C1_02S is not extremely stiff either

The midsole uses a thin EVA foam that is both lightweight and cushioned, and by layering hard 3D stability parts on top of it, this suppresses excessive twisting and provides a sense of stability when landing. This combination gives the shoe a high level of shock absorption and stability, allowing for stable landings and steps even when running fast, despite the shoe's light and thin sole

The C1_DL MID provides a flexible walking feel that allows for delicate landings and steps even on uneven trails

If the C1_02S the C1_DL MID excels in propulsion when moving quickly sideways on relatively mild trails.

However, since the necessary areas are reinforced with foam TPU sheets, I didn't have to worry about damage even on rough roads

Reinforced with lightweight foam TPU sheets placed in the minimum necessary areas

The C1_02S outsole is impressive for its excellent grip even on extremely rough terrain, while the C1_DL MID offers a balance of propulsion and grip despite its light weight

The test took place during the melting snow season. In some places we walked on remaining snow, but in other places there were tough trails with deep mud (ideal for testing). The trails were generally quite slippery, but both models provided a sense of security that comes from having deep knowledge of Japanese mountain trails

We walked on a variety of rough terrain typical of early spring, including trails that had become deep and muddy due to melting snow, trails that were a mix of rocks and dirt, and trails covered in lingering snow

The C1_02S has a moderately tough compound and a lug pattern with deep, wide grooves, which allows for good drainage even in muddy conditions, while providing consistent braking and stable grip.

This outsole is the "Caravan Trek Sole" that was first used in the early model "C1" series released in 2008. It was created by combining the best features of the company's previous mountain-oriented designs and flatland-oriented designs, creating the new Caravan Trek Sole. The only way to achieve a high level of "ease of walking" and "stability" in Caravan shoes was to create an original outsole, so the outsole was developed specifically for this shoe to match the last

When we asked about the development of this original outsole, we were told that the balance was carefully calculated down to the smallest detail to ensure a larger contact area with the ground than for technical mountain climbing, and to be able to handle tougher terrain than for flat ground. The complex lug pattern that was created in this way actually provided grip and stability in all directions on uneven and rough terrain, including dirt and gravel mountain trails, as well as on rough roads except for serious rocky ridges

On the other hand, the C1_DL MID seems to be focused on how to make it as light as possible while still maintaining forward propulsion, braking, and all-directional grip. Perhaps because of the shallow lugs, I didn't feel it was particularly strong on rough roads, but on the other hand, I was impressed by its versatility, as it was easy to walk (run) and stop on any type of terrain.

The C1_02S has deeper lugs that can handle rougher mountain trails, while the C1_DL MID provides better walking stability on flat surfaces

In terms of waterproofing, both boots feature a reliable GORE-TEX liner and a gusseted upper (photo below) that combines the tongue and upper, allowing you to walk comfortably even through puddles and also preventing gravel and pebbles from getting in

The GORE-TEX liner covers up to about the ankle height, and the integrated tongue structure provides sufficient waterproofing

Summary: A companion that protects you from all stress and damage while walking and is tolerant of everyone

Through the testing, I was reminded that there is indeed a good reason why Caravan Shoes have been a long-selling product that has been well-received for so long

The comfortable fit, combining an exquisite foot shape with a perfect balance of secure fit and roominess and fine adjustability, will help a wide range of people avoid the various discomforts and stresses that can occur when walking while hiking

Before actually wearing them, were for beginners and honestly underestimated them, but I was completely wrong. If you get a proper fitting and wear Caravan shoes in the correct size, anyone can experience a completely stress-free and comfortable fit.

Furthermore, this time we found that not only was the classic C1_02S highly functional, but the newly added C1_DL MID to the lineup also combines the comfort of Caravan shoes with the ability to adapt to speeds, making it a shoe that is attractive enough for new hikers.

I would especially like to encourage anyone who has been reluctant to try Caravan Shoes to give them a try. I'm sure you'll have the same eye-opening experience as I did

Caravan C1_02S/C1_DL MID details and purchase information

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