The Tecnica Viper Low shoes are good hiking and trail runners that are
light yet stable. Built for speed, these shoes will get you up the
mountains in no time. For testing, they got out on some day hikes in the
Wasatch Mountains, and got in a few trail runs along the way.
The most notable thing about the Tecnica Viper Low shoes is the rounded
sole. Everyone has heard of rockered skis, but these are rockered shoes.
On the trail, this translated to more power when moving forward. It was
almost like the shoes were propelled with each step as compared to
simply stepping down to the ground with boxier, standard soles.
Maybe this is why Tecnica calls these guys “speed hiking” shoes. With
the TRS (Tecnica Rolling System) sole, and relatively light weight at
25.75 ounces per pair, they are pretty nimble. However, the
lightly-lugged soles are not as rugged as your typical hiking shoe. In
fact, sharp rocks could sometimes be felt underfoot.
The stripped-down soles do not mean that the shoes lack stability, as
they feature multidensity EVA midsoles along with thermoplastic urethane
and injection-molded nylon shanks with EVA forefoot plates. This means
the shoes are supportive (even torsionally), provide shock absorption
and cushioning, and disperse pressure while protecting the feet.
This performance enhancing stuff could be felt while on a speed hike up Granduer Peak with the dog, or even walking the streets of Salt Lake City. In the Wasatch, the Tecnica Viper Low shoes practically flew up the mountain. In fact, not only are the shoes fast, they're also fun!
Breathability is also a nice feature. The Tecnica Viper Low shoes have mesh vents that somehow act like wind tunnels. The slightest breeze could be felt and running only amplified the effect. This is vital, since the shoes are black and would be otherwise too hot in the summer months. Of course this venting means the shoes are not water resistant at all, as small creek crossings in in canyon bottoms proved.
On the whole, the Tecnica Viper Low cross-trainers are dependable, well built shoes with features that make them light and quick without sacrificing too much stability, but may need some break-in time before those all-day hikes. They are also only appropriate for light hikes and trail runs for the summer months when there is no forecast of rain. Here are the specs from Tecnica:
Upper Syntetic PU/ textile
Lining Textile
Outsole TRS Active tecnigrip
Midsole Phylon EVA
Footbed Anatomic Ortholite®
Size US 7 – 14
Weight 365 gr
