Are they good?: Columbia Conspiracy Vapors
My first gear review is for some shoes that I just cannot tell y'all how much I love them, the Conspiracy Vapors from Columbia. These shoes are sort of in between minimalist shoes and conventional trail runners. I've had mine for about the past month and half and let me tell you guys, I have thrown everything that Arizona has, at them! From rocky trails to in and out of creeks to scree filled down climbs, to rugged Arizona Wilderness mountain climbs. I have found NOTHING that these shoes cannot handle.
As far as fit, they are very true to size. I typically wear a size 12 and these fit me perfectly. I got them wet(more like soaked) on one particular hike and as many of you know, hiking in wet feet is usually 'no bueno'. My feet dried in less than five minutes and the shoes themselves were almost magically quick drying. Not only did I not get a blister, I didn't get a hot spot and in fact it was pretty miraculous.
The very next weekend, I wore them out near the Sierra Ancha Wilderness, the 3rd most isolated wilderness in the Continental United States! I admit guys, that I was originally concerned about their grip on descents in loose, rocky scree. No worries are needed. These Vapors actually seemed more 'grippy' than my other actual hiking boots. I never felt like my feet were going to go out from under me, or that I might fall.
The shoes are very light but I just do NOT feel the rocks under my feet as you might think for borderline minimalist trail runners. I've also ran in these on both decomposed granite trails as well as on asphalt. While they aren't as cushiony as other more expensive trail runners, they aren't meant to be, although I have to say, I didn't feel any 'road' shock with them.
All in all, these shoes definitely live up to Columbia's slogan of #TestedTough. If you can find these shoes, I'd even consider buying two pairs, they are that good.
@hikingjason's rating: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
