Earlier this yr, Arc’teryx launched their first line of footwear designed fully in-house. That is one thing of a departure for Arc’teryx, as they’re a part of the Salomon model who’s famend for his or her path and mountain climbing footwear. This new in-house method has resulted within the addition of a number of new footwear of their lineup and thrilling updates to a few of their classics. For this season, Arc’teryx has up to date their path runners, climbing method footwear, and informal line. Within the mild mountain climbing division, the Kopec is taking on from the beforehand standard Aerios.
We reviewed the mid-cut Kopec GTX, but in addition accessible is the low-cut model. The Kopec GTX is as near a operating shoe as you’re going to get in a light-weight hiker. It’s constructed for these mild quick days if you end up travelling mild and want stability however not inflexible mountain climbing boots. That is shoe that may deal with some quick packing and even operating.
The Kopec are a really comfy mild hiker straight from the field, and I didn’t have a breaking in interval, though I did put on them to work as they’re tremendous wanting! Not solely have been they immediately comfy strolling round city, I used to be capable of hike and run for hours by way of scree slopes, uneven rocky mountain climbing paths, and over boulder fields. I joined some mates for an extended distance path run/ hike and these footwear have been spot-on and versatile sufficient to deal with some hilly path operating.
Whereas the midsole of the shoe offers some degree of stability on uneven surfaces, the relative flexibility additionally means they’ll transfer shortly over uneven floor. The meals mattress could be very comfy, not a lot completely different from my trainers, however the added help of the molded collar gave further help and safety in opposition to ankle rolling with and with out a day pack. The lacing system ensures a cosy match and the roomy toe field labored completely for my ft.
The Kopec is made to be sturdier than a path runner, therefore the codura uppers, Vibram megagrip sole with 4mm lugs that by no means slip, and the gore GTX lining to maintain them waterproof. They have been good for a day hike with a few showers and stored my ft dry. Regardless of these options, they’re mild, weighing at about 310 grams for a ladies’s measurement 9.
Presently the Kopec are my favorite pair of sunshine hikers. They’re good for all the things from day hikes to quick packing, and so they look nice with denims round city and for lengthy days at work or journey.
Reviewed by Nikki Marks, a longtime backcountry fanatic based mostly in Ontario.
