Walking shoes are going though a
phase at the present time to become lighter, many makers are developing the
thin soled fabric lightweight shoes, Inov8, Merrel, Teva amongst some. I have
been somewhat sceptical about these shoes. Are they really going to make a
difference? Will they last? Some people take this lightweight issue to strap on
sandals, but you can go too far!
I looked into the Scarpa Spark which
comes as 600g pair of walking shoes, or should I say running shoes because that’s
what they really are. I got these from Go Outdoors, using both the card and their
November discount they cost £72.
They come in a Waterproof version
which is (slightly heavier and more expensive) or not and this takes us into
another area. Waterproof fabric shoes are often fail after some use, some do
last but most do not as reviews would suggest. The Goretex lined shoe may
become hot and sweaty too. I opted for the non waterproof version with waterproof
socks to get the best of both worlds.
The shoes are loud, not your
typical olive drab colour more like lime green with a grey strapping which do
look very eighties. They have a detailed though shallow tread so they are a 3
season shoe, perhaps?
Wearing them is nice, I say this
because they fit well are light and easy to wear. But that’s not all.Taking them through a regular walk, then are just so light
you think you have nothing on your feet. You can feel the ground underneath,
the cushioning in the heel adding a comfortable landing. A completely different
experience to my other shoes which are twice the weight and more.
The grip in good, as good as any
other shoe I have had, and this has been reported by others too, which was one
reason why this shoe stood out. On the question of seasons, with a waterproof
sock then they should work all year, light shoes dry quick and are easy to
clean too. So 4 season Shoes then. Not sure they have the life of olive drab
shoes.
They need more use but a present
I am amazed at their fit and grip.
They make you walk faster because they are really running shoes.