The V-Lite Infinity HPi is out shortly, but we've had a pair on the go for six months and we like them.
New in for review, but looking strangely familiar is a pair of Hi-Tec's new for spring 2011 trail-running shoes, the V-Lite Infinity HPi – a lightweight shoe designed for running off road on trail-type surfaces.
The familiarity is because we've been using a pair of pre-production Infinities since last summer and outwardly at least, the production version is completely identical. It's Hi-Tec's first serious trail-running shoe and has been in development from 2006 with input from some top athletes.
The first thing you'll notice is that the shoes look stunning – as good as anything from top running brands with a one-piece, seamless upper with a combination of graduated, breathable mesh with a transparent plastic reinforced overlay in places and neat, contemporary graphics.
It's all state of the art underfoot as well, the outsole is a custom-designed Vibram unit for all-round grip, there's an EVA mid-sole unit, stability plate, and dual density EVA to minimise pronation. It's all based on some serious bio-mechanical research.
Last but not least, the shoe uses Hi-Tec's Ion Mask treatment, a permanent, full shoe, water-repellent technology, which reduces water uptake in wet conditions and means the shoe dries a lot faster – Hi Tec's figures suggest an almost 90% reduction in water uptake.
Our Impressions So Far...
We've been using our test Infinities since about July last year and we're impressed. For a start, these are proper running shoes, which might sound obvious, but a lot of outdoor footwear companies tend to produce heavy, clumpy, 'multi-sport shoes' that aren't really suitable for sustained running.
They're light, a pair of size 9s weighs in at a genuine 606 grammes on our digital balance and though the term is overused, the seamless uppers and smooth inner lining give a close, instantly comfortable, glove-like fit. Sorry, but it's true – snug and comfy.
That's important off road because a loose fit leaves your feet sliding about inside the shoe on rough ground and reduces precision. In terms of underfoot cushioning, they fall somewhere between the minimalism of, say, an inov-8 trail shoe and more road-orientated running shoes.
There's enough cushioning to soften the ride on harder surfaces, but not enough – particularly in the forefoot – to impact on stability and precision. We reckon they're a really good compromise and we've used them a lot for runs which mix up road and off-road sections.
Grip is impressively tenacious on rock, grass and typical trail surfaces. They're not fell shoes and aren't as grippy on softer terrain, but they do seem to hold on longer than you'd think.
Finally, while the Ion Mask treatment won't keep water out of your shoes if choose to run through a section of boggy upland moor – don't ask how we know etc – it does mean that the shoes dry more quickly than you'd expect and are raring to go again next morning.
We need to check whether the production shoes are identical to our long-termers, but they look and feel identical, and then we'll get a full review with spec and prices up.
In the mean time check out this YouTube video for more information - www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzYeeZI75sw or wander over to www.hi-tec.com/infinity/uk/
