Product
Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity HPi trail running shoes
Promise
Go further, faster, for longer.
Performance
Developed with extensive input from Martin Dreyer (world adventure racing champion) and the shoe of choice for trail runner Mike Fanning, we had to see for ourselves what all the fuss was about with the new V-Lite Infinity trail running shoes from Hi-Tec.
These vibrant-looking trainers have good reason to appear so ‘Hi-Tec’, with exclusive features that are setting the standard for adventure sports performance.
For starters, the waterproofing (not to be confused with the heat seal overlays that add lightweight support and durability) give the trainers superior beading properties with their Ion-Mask treatment.
The question is, what is Hi-Tec’s Ion-Mask hydrophobic technology?
Unbelievably, this futuristic waterproofing technique was originally developed by the Ministry of Defence to make soldiers’ clothes resistant to chemical warfare agents.
These shoes are put into a vacuum chamber, penetrating the fibres with Hi-Tec’s key ingredient. A cold plasma of magnetic fields alongside other bemusing wizardry then activates this ingredient to chemically bond it at a microscopic and even nano level, ensuring your feet stay dry with extremely minimal extra weight. This method not only keeps the product waterproof despite ongoing wear and tear, but is also highly oil and dirt resistant.
Remarkably, the V-Lite Infinity’s are riddled with ventilation to the point your toes feel they are hanging in the breeze, yet water struggles to find its way in until the shoes are literally submerged. The only thing they neglected to treat were the laces and contoured innersole. Still, the uptake of water is reduced by nearly 90% compared to untreated shoes.
The more important specifications of running trainers is where the extensive testing both outdoors and in the lab comes in. Seamless Upper Zone Engineering reduces hotspots and blisters by minimising joins and edges inside the shoe while exclusively-designed dual density Vibram outsoles provide incredible traction and durability on all manner of terrain.
The custom dual density midsole (3D Counterbalance) helps control over-pronation, harnessing the wearer’s energy by distributing the stride force through the pressure in the shoe and maximising the running gait.
A moulded toe cap gives you added protection against off-road toe stubbing, and the lightweight TPU shank with ESS protection gives torsional rigidity and lateral stability.
Verdict
These shoes are a dream to run in, on any surface. They really did have me running further, faster and for longer. Absolutely no hotspots despite over an hour slogging up muddy tracks on my toes and down steep tarmac lanes on my heels. Perfect for mixing up your run en route and taking whatever the countryside throws at you.
