Karrimor KSB Trek-Lite II eVent
26th Nov 2011
I wanted boots that would be lightweight but up to the job of uneven terrain, soggy conditions and long days walking and that is what I got from the Karrimor KSB TrekLite II eVent. They provided good support around the ankle and bridge of the foot, and were still comfortable at the end of long days of walking. I have not had any problems with blisters or sore patches. They are so lightweight (a pair weighs 924g) which contributes to their usefulness on journeys, active holidays and long treks.They have been watertight and performed well in wet conditions, staying dry when I have walked through shallow streams. Their breathability has been excellent. I have not had problems with sweaty feet in hot weather. Clearly these boots are not made for very cold weather and are not made for winter hiking use. The Vibram sole is good enough, but does slip on steep wet grass and there is more slippage than I would like on deep mud- I am not sure a boot can mitigate for everything though!
When thinking about long term use the TrekLites resistence to abrasion has been good and they have maintained their level of support. I do have a concern that the upper has stretched quite a bit; the lace loops are getting closer together and I feel as if I have to really pull the laces to get a snug fit. However, the performance of the boots has not changed since I first bought them. Karrimor's description sells these boots for more lightweight walking (the Karrimor description says " these are an excellent choice for gap year travellers, for for adventures closer to home when you need less weight, more breathability than your usual boots, with more ankle support than a sandal.") but I used them for some pretty tough terrain and I think they are more robust than this suggests. Their lightness can be deceptive!
