I'm planning to develop a certain shoe, so I'd like some advice
That email arrived last fall
Although I became a Workman ambassador for this site last year, I continued to write gear reviews, just like before. I'm not particularly dissatisfied with that, but I wanted to try doing more things that only I could do in this position
With a faint hope in mind, I headed to the office where the meeting was to take place. The first thing that came out of my mouth when I arrived was, "We're going to make shoes that can be used for hiking for 1,900 yen, so we'd like to hear your opinions on what kind of shoes you think would be good." "Hmmmm..." I was speechless for a while
Although not full-fledged mountaineering boots, they are also suitable for a certain degree of hiking, and cost 1,900 yen... I've never heard such a convenient story, at least not until now. I've worn many expensive, high-performance mountaineering boots costing tens of thousands of yen, but even those shoes are hit or miss when it comes to outdoor shoes. Shoes that must combine safety and comfort in the harsh outdoor environment require higher functionality and durability than everyday shoes, and that inevitably comes at a corresponding cost. In other words, at least this time, I realized that I, an outdoor enthusiast, would not be able to create the ideal outdoor shoes for me
table of contents
- I can't participate in making the perfect hiking boots, but I can participate in making the best 1,900 yen off-road shoes
- Workman's High-Durability Active Hike Shoes: Here's what's great about them
- Active Hike: A detailed review of the durable shoes
- Summary: If you know the characteristics and don't ride on technical terrain, these are off-road shoes that you can wear out without worrying
I can't participate in making the perfect hiking boots, but I can participate in making the best 1,900 yen off-road shoes
But then, wait a minute
Of course, there is a minimum level of quality that must be maintained, but that doesn't mean you can't climb mountains unless you wear shoes made by a specialist mountain manufacturer, and there are many shoes that are expensive but don't suit you, or that are merely stylish but mediocre in function
Tools always have a use or purpose, and whether a tool is good or not depends on whether it has the functionality and quality required for that purpose. In other words, to put it bluntly, the issue of whether a shoe is good or not is not the price, the number of functions, or the high specs alone
Even if I didn't take on the project now, someone else would eventually complete the shoes. It's not often that a small website like this gets to participate in product development. So, I thought, why not take this opportunity to fully communicate my ideals and see what kind of shoes come out as a result? If the ultimate 1,900 yen off-road shoes are born as a result, there's nothing more exciting than that
At first, I was feeling uneasy about the delicate topic, but as we continued talking, I found myself feeling strangely excited and positive
So the completed Active Hike (scheduled for release in late August to early September 2020) is the first item for which Outdoor Gearzine was able to provide input from the development stage, and some of the feedback we received at the prototype stage was incorporated into the final product.
This time, ahead of the release of the final version, we will be sharing a review of the product after trying it out on a hike in the low mountains near Tokyo during a break in the rainy season in July
Before reading the review
With the above in mind, I would like to share something with you before you read this review
Although Workman's products have become increasingly high quality despite their low prices in recent years, these shoes are obviously not "mountaineering boots" made by a manufacturer specializing in mountaineering. In other words, although they have features that make them suitable for hiking, they are not designed for use in "mountaineering" where tough and severe conditions last for long periods of time, nor are they recommended for use in such situations. Users should be fully aware of this point before using them
However, I don't think that this means that Workman's equipment should never be used for mountain climbing. This can be understood by thinking about it the other way around. No matter how expensive and high-spec "mountain climbing equipment" you have, if you use it incorrectly or act in a way that is beyond your capabilities, accidents and getting lost can occur. No matter what kind of equipment it is, if the person using it does not handle it correctly, risks cannot be avoided
In that sense, as we have been saying since we first started featuring Workman on this site, we want you to know that Workman items are not the kind of tools that beginner mountain climbers can use with confidence without worrying about anything, but rather that they are items that are only valuable when the user understands what is usable and what is not, and uses them at their own risk, taking into account their own abilities and how they will be used
Whatever the tool, the important thing is that it suits the purpose and level of each user. There is no single correct answer. Don't dismiss it just because it's not a specialized brand, but rather, the joy of devising your own optimal use of various tools is also one of the joys of the deep world of the outdoors
I'm talking at length and sounding like I'm being arrogant, but I think my diligent readers already understand without me having to go to the trouble of repeatedly telling them. However, with the boom in mountain climbing in recent years leading to an increase in the amount of information people are unaware of, I thought it would be best to explain again how to enjoy Workman's items and what to be careful of, given our position as a site that provides reviews of items intended for use in the potentially dangerous activity of mountain climbing, and so I decided to write this at the beginning
Workman's High-Durability Active Hike Shoes: Here's what's great about them
Here is ◎
- Amazingly low prices
- Sophisticated design
- Comfortable to wear even for long periods of time and with heavy loads
- High cushioning due to the thick midsole (less fatigue)
- Outsole with a good balance of stepping, grip and braking
- Durable and water-repellent Cordura upper fabric and reinforced parts
This is what I'm curious about
- Breathable
- Water repellent but not waterproof
- Slipperiness on wet, hard terrain
Active Hike: A detailed review of the durable shoes
Sophisticated design
When creating new walking shoes, the first thing we discussed was the appearance
They're not proper hiking boots, but they're also not sneakers for trail running. They're off-road shoes that allow you to walk safely from the city to nearby nature. The first thing that came to mind when thinking about the characteristics of these shoes was "approach shoes."
Approach shoe image (Google Image Search)
These shoes were originally developed for climbers to walk on short trails and rocky ridges leading up to the base of a rock face, and although there are subtle differences in their specific uses and purposes, they all share the same characteristics: all-weather, suitable for a variety of terrain, and a sophisticated design that can be worn in the city as well. They can be considered outdoor shoes with a simple hiking boot-like feel, and I've been using them as my everyday shoes for quite some time. Setting functionality aside, I thought the good balance between comfort and a sophisticated design was perfect for the shoes I was trying to make
Fortunately, the person in charge seemed to like my idea, and we immediately started creating several prototypes based on this discussion. After narrowing it down from several candidates and making some fine adjustments, we settled on this design
The asymmetrical shoelaces that extend all the way to the toes are reminiscent of approach shoes
My role in terms of design was to roughly state the direction, so ultimately it doesn't exactly match my personal ideals, but I think the sophisticated look that doesn't feel cheap at first glance is enough to pass muster
The shoelaces that extend almost to the toes, a characteristic of approach shoes, are not only a design accent, but also contribute to the fit when tightened
By the way, I haven't touched the color scheme, but while I like the calm black, the camo pattern that is typical of Workman initially made me slightly repulsed, but the more I wear them, the more they develop their own character, and I'm surprised that I end up getting used to it
Available in camo and black, it's a design perfect for the city
Comfortable to wear even for long periods of time and with heavy loads
Outdoor activities often involve walking for longer periods of time than everyday activities, so maintaining comfort even when walking for long periods of time is an important factor. In particular, for users who are not used to walking, it is best to reduce the risk of injury caused by walking for long periods of time
For this reason, even though these are low-cost shoes, I was careful to provide many personal opinions regarding comfort. Of course, they cannot be made with an abundance of high-tech materials and techniques that make full use of the latest technology, so it is inevitable that they will not be as good as full-fledged hiking boots, but I feel that the finished product is quite good
The first thing you notice when you put your feet in is the overall softness, thanks to the mesh liner, tongue, and ample cushioning around the ankle. Considering the price, this is an exceptional luxury
There is as much cushioning as possible around the ankles to ensure comfort and prevent blisters
The shoe last is EEE, which is quite wide. Personally, I have a slightly narrower foot shape, so it's not a perfect fit, but the toe box is roomy, allowing for stress-free movement of the toes, and most Japanese people shouldn't feel too cramped
This time, I had the entire heel from the heel to the ankle made a little deeper, but not so deep that it made walking difficult. This gives a better hold on the heel, makes it easier to walk, makes it less likely to slip off, and keeps pebbles from getting in. Personally, I tend to twist my ankles easily, so having a slightly higher ankle supports walking, making it safer and less stressful
The heel to ankle area is deep even for low-cut shoes, with safety and low stress in mind
Although the work shoes that Workman has made so far are for a different field, they are designed for the same harsh environments as outdoor shoes, so in that respect, you can see the attention to detail everywhere, even without me having to say it. For example, the tongue part of the upper is integrated with the shoe liner, making it easier for the upper to fit the foot
The shoe tongue is integrated with the upper liner, which improves the fit and makes it less likely for debris to get in
Furthermore, this time, instead of the regular flat insole that was initially provided, a cushion was added to the arch area
I explained to them that the arch support was weak and my feet tended to slip around inside the shoes, and at the last moment they finally managed to get me to slip them in. This was a simple change, but it made the shoes much easier to walk in and less tiring, further improving comfort
The raised arch was added during the final stage of testing, which gave the shoes a passing grade for ease of walking
Another thing that shouldn't be overlooked is how light the shoes are. They may seem a little bulky, but when you put them on, they're surprisingly light, weighing just 328g (measured per shoe, size 26.5cm). You can walk easily
The shoes are lightweight despite their volume
Mid-thick midsole with emphasis on cushioning
Even if you are doing a light hike, you will still be carrying some amount of luggage, so shoes for outdoor use need to have enough cushioning and stability (no wobbling) to support the weight of your feet, even when it is the combined weight of your body and your luggage
The thick midsole absorbs some of the impact from gravity and the force of the ground
The sole of this shoe is a bit thick, which is a trend these days. It's a bit hard for its thickness, but it absorbs the impact of weight well. It's also not too cushioned, so it doesn't easily become floppy or unstable. If you walk a very long distance, you'll notice some imperfections, but it's comfortable enough for a day trip or a few-hour hike
Deeply carved lugs for a sturdy outsole
Regarding the outsole, I didn't have any specific requests other than that it be as slip-resistant as possible on a variety of terrains. The final outsole appears to have a pattern that strikes a good balance between mud shedding, traction, and braking. The lugs are also slightly deeper, and there are notches in the toe and heel to improve traction and braking power
The well-balanced sole pattern and deep lugs make it easy to walk on gravel and dirt
When I actually walked on them, I had no problems walking on so-called off-road terrain, which was covered with gravel and twigs, and I was able to walk comfortably. Even on slightly muddy dirt trails, they shed mud well, and compared to sneakers, they were much less slippery and had a firm grip on the ground
Be careful of slipping on hard rubber on wet rocks
However, on the other hand, when walking on wet rocks, tree roots, log stairs, or deep mud, the boots do not have the same tenacity as high-end hiking boots, and those who do not know how to walk in the mountains can easily slip, so caution is required. The finer the grain of the rock, the more slippery it becomes when wet
Be careful when walking on wet rocks or tree roots
Although they look like approach shoes, they don't function like approach shoes, and are weaker than expected on wet rocks. However, even serious mountaineering boots generally have difficulty with such slippery terrain, so this isn't to say that these shoes are particularly inferior. This is the limit of low-cost shoes, and conversely, it shows how the rubber sole material used in serious outdoor shoes is a technically superior and expensive component. In short, you shouldn't expect the grip performance of Vibram Megagrip from shoes that cost one-tenth the price
In particular, if you know that the adventure will involve crossing a river like the one below, don't overestimate your abilities and wear them with caution and be prepared
Be careful and don't be overconfident, especially on routes that involve crossing rivers
Durable and water-repellent upper
There was no need for us to criticize the durability of Workman, who has been making work boots that wear out in harsh conditions for many years. The fabric is made of highly reliable Cordura fabric, making it highly durable
The upper fabric is made from highly reliable Cordura
The upper is wrapped in a lightweight protective resin film that protects the shoe and your feet from minor impacts and scratches
A lightweight, durable resin is pressed around the shoe
In addition, the upper fabric has been treated with a special durable water-repellent coating, which means it repels water from small splashes or light rain (although the tongue still lets water through, so the shoe as a whole is not waterproof)
Of course, it would be desirable for serious hiking boots to be waterproof throughout, but this excellent durable water-repellent treatment seems to make up for that disadvantage to a large extent
However, the "high durability + water repellent" material doesn't offer any breathability at all. The only place it breathes is through the mesh on the tongue, and even there, the ample cushioning prevents air from passing through
In fact, this was something we were aware of during the development stage and decided was unavoidable. It wasn't a big deal when we tested it in the fall and winter, but it does feel a bit stuffy when worn in the summer
Summary: If you know the characteristics and don't ride on technical terrain, these are off-road shoes that you can wear out without worrying
Of all the outdoor gear available, I believe shoes are one of the most important, yet difficult to choose the perfect solution for. That's why I may have been quite cautious in my review. However, putting aside the fact that I was involved in the product's creation, I can simply say that I'm amazed that they were able to produce such a product at this price
You need to be aware that they are not completely waterproof and that they can be a little slippery on technical terrain such as wet roads or smooth rocks, but other than that, when going off-road close to the village, I feel that they are comparable in all respects to regular hiking shoes in terms of fit, cushioning, ease of stepping in, durability, etc. That said, when it comes to shoes that will be used for long periods of time, such as mountain hiking, it is just as important that they fit your foot shape as they are to perform well, so don't forget to try them on before purchasing
Finally, as I've said many times before, no matter how good the cost performance, it's not like everyone will need just one pair, and unless you're a fairly experienced hiker, it's probably best to think of these as something you'll only use for camping, nature walks, and short hikes in mild terrain. For those who are into that sort of thing, this is sure to be an unbeatable bargain
Furthermore, if you're serious about getting into the outdoors, you should definitely have a pair of hiking boots that perform to your needs, but for beginners and above who already own such boots, the high cost performance of these boots, which can be worn out without hesitation, is irreplaceable, and they'll make you feel like it's worth having a pair. They're scheduled to go on sale at Workman stores nationwide from late August to early September
With that in mind, whether you're an outdoor veteran, a beginner, or someone looking for everyday use, if you're interested, be sure to pick one up and give it a try!
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