My parents never took us hiking when I was a kid. In fact, I never really went on a TRUE hike until I was in high school. Shameful, I know.
My first hiking shoes were a pair of Hi-Tecs and I pretty much wore them to the ground. And I’ve had at least one more pair of Hi-Tecs throughout my hiking lifespan. It’s a brand I’ve known for a long time.
Their new V-Lite Lightning HPi shoes are like bits of air on my tired mama feet. I’ve been wearing them for nearly a month now and if I could sum up these shoes in ONE sentence, I’d say: I FORGOT I WAS REVIEWING NEW SHOES. They were that darn comfortable.
The Shoe
These shoes are lightweight and good-looking. Officially colored “taupe” and “olive” with a splash of “golden haze” (it’s a bright yellow, ya’ll). Pretty snazzy looking, right?
The main feature that Hi-Tec touts is their “ion-mask technology.” It basically gives these shoes some crazy liquid repellency. The technology keeps things like including water, blood and even chemicals from getting in while allowing perspiration to escape. You know what that means? They stay clean!
Other things I loved:
Multiple “grips” make putting on this shoe easy. There’s a loop and a “tab” on the tongue to grab as well as a wide loop at the heel of the foot. They’re easy to slip on and off without untying the laces. I’m sure the shoe gods are shouting “blasphemy!” but what can I say, I’m lazy and usually in a hurry.
Speaking of shoelaces, some hiking shoes have shoelaces so long I could wrap them around my waist and back down again. These are short but not too short. I’m big on double-tying my shoes when I work out but I resisted when trying out these shoes… just to see what happened. Guess what? They stay put! Out of all the walking and hiking I did with these, I only had to stop and retie them ONCE. Is this trivial? Not when you’re toting around a rowdy three year old and a baby.
They were also true to size, which may sound like a small thing but I’m a big online buyer and I HATE returning stuff.
The Experience
Like I said, these shoes were COMFORTABLE. These kicks were so comfortable from the second I put them on.
The thing I really like about V-Lite Lightning HPi are that they’re so versatile. I wore the shoes in all sorts of scenarios including:
- Walking in the neighborhood
- Running errands
- Hiking on a paved nature trail
- Hiking on an easy dirt trail
- Hiking on a moderate dirt trail
For the more casual walks and hikes, they kept my feet comfy. For the more moderate hikes, they provided the traction I needed. The V-Lite Lightning shoes are supportive when hiking up and down inclines full of tree roots and rocky steps. And they’re just as supportive after a day’s worth of errands. Beyond that, they don’t suffocate my feet which is nice considering summer is coming up.
The Details
Retail price: $85
Size: 5-10, 11
Color: Taupe/Olive/Golden Haze
Where to Buy: Hi-Tec’s website
Hey Ladies- Want a Pair for Yourself?
Oh, yes. Hi-Tec was kind enough to give away a pair of these shoes to a lucky reader. I’m keeping this simple, people. To enter, please do any one of the following and leave a separate comment for each one:
- Leave a comment telling me the first adventure you plan to take with your new shoes (a hike? walk around the block? Disneyland?)
- Follow Hi-Tec on Twitter (@HiTecUSA)
- Tweet about the contest using our Twitter names (@adventuroo and @HiTecUSA). This link goes straight to this post: http://ht.ly/1LYTD
The winner will be announced May 31, 2010 and will be notified via email (and on here of course). If Hi-Tec doesn’t have your size, you can select another shoe from their awesome collection. It’s open to US and Canadians only.
Happy hiking!
Disclosure: Hi-Tec sent me these shoes to review. No other compensation was given. Mmmkay?
{ 73 comments… read them below or add one }
I spent years wearing out my last pair of Hi-Tec shoes and would love to have new ones! They would be perfect for my long walks on Ladiga Trail in Alabama.
.-= Sherry Kerr´s last blog ..Get Back to Basics =-.
I’m looking for the perfect hiking shoe! I’d take these for some hikes at Cherry Lake, just east of Yosemite.
These shoes look great… my boyfriend raves about Hi-Tec! I’d break a pair of these guys in up in the Adirondack Mountains in Northern NY… maybe finally cross Mt. Marcy off of my list!
I would love to win these shoes because I don’t have any hiking shoes and, actually, I’ve never had a pair! Since I just moved into my new house and the yard has not been cared for in over a year – my first adventure would be through my backyard! In addition, my new house is near lots of trails.
I’d love to try these shoes out – they look fun!
.-= Heather´s last blog ..local raleigh review… mobley’s shoes =-.
Twitter: goexplorenature
May 17, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Great review, Mel! I’m also a big fan of Hi-Tec hiking shoes. I’d love to take these to Yosemite where we’ll be taking the kids on multiple hikes — to see tall trees, waterfalls and more!
Would love these for my wife, she is a marathon and trial runner, would get a lot of use out of them for the trails around here.
We’re going to Australia in the fall — I think these would look GREAT in the Outback, don’t you?!
.-= Megan Wade´s last blog ..Monday Rainbows =-.
We’ll be doing a lot of hiking on our honeymoon, so I’d totally where them then! & When we go up to Portland in August, we’ll be doing a lot of camping with my family.
I’m following Hi-Tec on Twitter.
Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/heymego/status/14182824367
I love Hi-Tecs! And I would love to win a pair. Mine are worn out and I’ve had them a looooong time. I would take a new pair to Lassen National Park. Another great thing about Hi-Tecs is that they come in 11. Perfect.
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Hmm. =-.
Twitter: rubber7soul
May 18, 2010 at 9:25 am
I would to take these for a spin in Umstead! I have just discovered its awesomeness even though I have lived in Raleigh for 10 years (sad, I know).
Twitter: rubber7soul
May 18, 2010 at 9:27 am
I am following @HiTecUSA on Twitter.
Twitter: rubber7soul
May 18, 2010 at 9:30 am
I tweeted about your giveaway
.
I’d love to win these shoes. I am just starting to exercise (I have lost 45 pounds so far!! and have 120 to go) and I would use these shoes to walk in. I have just started to go walking at a park that has a mile fitness trail on it. I walked my first 5K last Saturday…took me forEVER! but I finished! I would put these shoes to work baby!
Oooh… I love the colors.
I would go hiking in the Hocking Hills of Ohio most likely!
.-= NatureMom´s last blog ..Happy to Be Home =-.
Followed Hi-Tec on Twitter.
.-= NatureMom´s last blog ..Happy to Be Home =-.
Tweeted about the contest…
.-= NatureMom´s last blog ..Happy to Be Home =-.
I could use a new pair of hikers, mine are worn out and hurting my feet! I would take these on a long walk with my boys to break them in!
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..Label Daddy Review & Giveaway =-.
I follow hitec on twitter as theonlygirl
Living in the Bay Area I am an avid hiker and burn through shoes.
Thanks.
now following on twitter…
Oh, i wish my first adventure would be Disneyland… but I think it would be a nice long walk to the park!
momdram@gmail.com
Following Hi-Tec on Twitter
momdram@gmail.com
I would love to use these for a hike! I love hiking!
mommyfreetime@gmail.com
following hi-tech on twitter
mommyfreetime@gmail.com
MY first adventure in these shoes…THE HOSPITAL. You say they are not only comfy but also repel things like blood and water. I would love having something for my 12 hrs hospital shifts to ward away all the nasty “spills!” And something that would not leave my back and feet in pain!
Twitter: lonetater
May 18, 2010 at 3:43 pm
I had to give away my Hi Tecs due to the fact that I had my 4th baby and my feet flattened out a little and they were too small. I had only worn them a handful of times. I buy Hi Tec for my hubby’s feet and I have sacrificed for him and the kids but I need some new ones as we are going to hike Table Rock, NC, Skinny Dip Falls, and High Falls(also in NC). It will be my 2 year old’s first hike. I don’t want to come home with blisters on my feet.
.-= Sarita Edgerton´s last blog ..Update =-.
Oh, these would be perfect for my trip to South-America later this year- lots of walking to those would definitely great.
Showmemama @ymail.com
.-= Show Me Mama´s last blog ..Presented with The Sunshine and Gorgeous Blog Awards. =-.
Follow Hi-Tec on Twitter @showmemama
.-= show Me Mama´s last blog ..Presented with The Sunshine and Gorgeous Blog Awards. =-.
oooh – fun! I’d love a pair!
they’d be awesome for my upcoming anniversary trip (hiking!!) or just chasing after the little guys on local park trails (one in backpack, one on foot) – count me in for comfort and function! : )
Mel,
I would love a pair of Hi-Tec’s. I just need comfortable shoes to investigate my new neighborhood. We are living so close to Concord Mills, IKEA and all the other great shopping places in North Carolina, but I can’t shop till I drop without my feet hurting. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Keen, but I am willing to try other brands of footwear that can provide me the superior comfort and support I need at reasonable prices.
Becky
I would love a new pair of hiking/walking shoes that I could wear on our family walks on the greenway and in Durant Nature Park.
Are they good for Rock Climbing?
We have been going to the mountains alot lately and are thinking about starting rock climbing?
Have you heard of Rocks and Ropes?
Tweeted the giveaway
.-= show Me Mama´s last blog ..Presented with The Sunshine and Gorgeous Blog Awards. =-.
I love to hike! I would love to win these to wear in the Smoky Mountains!
.-= Ann W´s last blog ..Free 6-month Subscription to Ready Made Magazine =-.
Following on Twitter.
.-= Ann W´s last blog ..Free 6-month Subscription to Ready Made Magazine =-.
Tweeted! http://twitter.com/anncrabs/status/14332955074
.-= Ann W´s last blog ..Free 6-month Subscription to Ready Made Magazine =-.
my first adventure would probably be a day of running errands! I wish I had had them this week in Gatlinburg at the We Blog Conference- I could have definitely used them!
.-= nicole´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday:We Blog Conference Photos =-.
tweeted
http://twitter.com/BTHM1/status/14336145755
follow hitec on twitter under bthm1
.-= nicole´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday:We Blog Conference Photos =-.
I plan to hike around Percy Warner park!
.-= Scarlet´s last blog ..Twitter Hop Thursday- Cool People to Follow on Twitter Who Follow You Back =-.
I followed them and you on Twitter @MWYT
.-= Scarlet´s last blog ..Twitter Hop Thursday- Cool People to Follow on Twitter Who Follow You Back =-.
http://twitter.com/MWYT/status/14357946184
Hmmm, my first adventure with these would probably be going on a walk through our woods! Thanks for the chance!
.-= Reyna´s last blog ..4Prom ~ Dresses and Shoes for Prom! + Giveaway =-.
Following HiTech on Twitter from @Polopony95!
.-= Reyna´s last blog ..4Prom ~ Dresses and Shoes for Prom! + Giveaway =-.
Twitter: pretty_swell
May 20, 2010 at 2:51 pm
LOVE these! My very first pair of hikers were Hi-Tecs, and I’m not embarrassed to say that they’re STILL in my closet, after 16 years!! They’ve been everywhere from the mall to the Grand Canyon. It’s def time for a new pair!
Hmmm … let’s see … my first adventure in a new pair of Hi-Tecs would probably be my Nana’s farm. We’re hoping to head up there this summer, and having shoes that are muck-repellent is a good thing.
Awesome giveaway!!
.-= Suzanne from pretty*swell´s last blog ..Why everyone should care about blood clots =-.
Twitter: pretty_swell
May 20, 2010 at 2:53 pm
Following on Twitter!
.-= Suzanne from pretty*swell´s last blog ..Why everyone should care about blood clots =-.
We go on hikes as a family at least once a week, and hopefully more often with Summer almost here! I’d have to break them in first of course, but I think my first big hike with them would be in one of our local state parks.
.-= Storm´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Serenity =-.
I am following Hi-Tec over on Twitter (@psychotichouse)
.-= Storm´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Serenity =-.
I’d definitely hike along the Mississippi – the dog park! It’s wooded + we love it.
.-= Unplanned Cooking´s last blog ..Planning =-.
I’m following on Twitter. My username is angsaysrawr.
After losing over 50 pounds, am finally able to run (ran 5K this spring) and do outdoor activities with endurance. My first adventure in these shoes would be a great hike in Yosemite. It is actually a goal this summer to be able to do a long hike in the Yosemite Valley. This is something I haven’t been able to do in over 10 years, due to injury and excessive weight gain.
Those are so awesome! My first trip out in them would be some dangerous country!! Me and the stroller would likely brave that wild environment known as – the mall:)
What can I say- motherhood has changed my idea of adventure! But not my love of cozy footwear!!
.-= Shannon´s last blog ..Chris Klein’s Audition tape for Mamma Mia- and it’s BAD. =-.
I am following Hi-Tec on twitter! My twitter Id is milkandcuddles
.-= Shannon´s last blog ..Chris Klein’s Audition tape for Mamma Mia- and it’s BAD. =-.
I would love to go hiking in these! and running.
My husband is the outdoorsy guy. I’ve always enjoyed camping but hiking is not really my thing. He has told me that he really would like us to share this hobby. He will be gone most of the summer and I am going to train and get in better shape so that maybe we could do some hiking when he gets home.
.-= Emily´s last blog ..Multitude Monday:One Thousand Gifts =-.
I would take those bad boys on a long walk with my 5 kids to get them tired out for bed!
.-= Julia´s last blog ..Label Your Stuff ~ Review and Giveaway =-.
Twitter: steet
May 25, 2010 at 10:31 pm
I’d take my kids on a CITO (Clean In, Trash Out) Geocache -> I’ve been wanting to for awhile now but I might as well look good doing it
.-= Stacy of KSW´s last blog ..What My Home is Saying =-.
I would these on a hike this summer!
I love walking my dogs in the park – I could use a new pair of shoes for summer – thank you for the chance! fingers crossed
My family likes to take the dogs on a hike before we take them fishing…It’s a nice little walk but hilly and wooded….Momma gets tired and this would be great. Maybe I could keep up with the dogs……
kidpack05 at yahoo dot com
Oh pu-lease count me in…we love to take the girls hiking and camping! These shoes look really nice and comfy!
Jamie
.-= AForestFrolic´s last blog ..Woodland Party =-.
following Hi-Tec on twitter now, yay!
Jamie
.-= AForestFrolic´s last blog ..Woodland Party =-.
And tweeted about it here… http://twitter.com/ForestFrolic/status/15012161404
Jamie
.-= AForestFrolic´s last blog ..Woodland Party =-.
Twitter: Hobo_Mama
May 30, 2010 at 3:45 am
I want to try them out on our walking path along the beach! I’m trying to go further each time.
.-= Lauren @ Hobo Mama´s last blog ..Giveaway of nursing necklace & children’s book at Hobo Mama Reviews and twiddling tips! =-.
Twitter: Hobo_Mama
May 30, 2010 at 3:46 am
I follow Hi-Tec on Twitter (@Hobo_Mama).
.-= Lauren @ Hobo Mama´s last blog ..Giveaway of nursing necklace & children’s book at Hobo Mama Reviews and twiddling tips! =-.
to take a long walk without getting blisters as I normally been receiving with the cheap shoes I own LOL
dawnsservices@yahoo.ca
My husband and I just moved to South Jersey. There are lots of places I’d love explore while wearing these!
http://twitter.com/prophetwriter/status/15058169681
dawnsservices@yahoo.ca
We are going camping in Big Sur this summer, these boots will get plenty of use hiking along the coast!
MorganSpiker@gmail.com
i think i’ll take a walk or go shopping! nothing too adventorous at first!
follow hitec usa on twitter; @shootingstarmag