Trail (UK)

Dare2Be Raptare

- www.dare2b.com

weight; price; outsole lugs; good running performanc­e

not waterproof; upper support and durability; sole stiffness

An exceptiona­lly lightweigh­t shoe with a fast and light running bias to its design. It has a studded sole, but the lugs are not as deep as some and there is no heel breast. Toe-to-heel flex is nice and smooth, but it’s less resistant to pressure in the middle of the forefoot than other shoes. The upper is synthetic mesh with some reinforcem­ent at the toe and heel, but overall the upper is softer than others. There is no waterproof lining. 3/5

The size range is 6-12 for men but there is no women’s version. It fits closely with some nice space to wiggle toes, while the heel cup clasps the foot securely and the tongue fits neatly around the foot. The fit does feel quite narrow compared to others, so those with wider feet may feel this is a little too restrictiv­e. 4/5

You do feel pressure from the laces across the top of the foot, as there’s less padding on the tongue, but as the upper is soft and flexible it’s generally a comfy shoe. The upper protects the foot less from stray rocks on rough ground, and you can feel stones through the sole more than others. You do get a good sole flex for running, but your feet have to work quite hard on scrambles. 3/5

This is intended as a trail running shoe and for this it works well, due to the studded sole grip and the toe-to-heel flex in the sole. Good cushioning in the heel allows for comfortabl­e heel strikes on hard surfaces, but you can feel jagged boulders through the sole and the upper is less durable than others on rocky ground; it’s not waterproof either. Others are better for walking. 3/5

The price tag is good but you are getting a less suitable shoe for trail walking and backpackin­g. 5/5

A very lightweigh­t shoe that is good for trail running, but others are better for walking on rougher terrain where durability and 3.6/5 support are needed.

 ??  ?? £80 /676g (pair, size 11)
£80 /676g (pair, size 11)

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