But isn't the "II" the "studded" strap? Why couldn't you use it with any footwear?
With other footwear, it acts differently: it gets more slippery and therefore more difficult to hike. It's indeed the 'studded strap'.when using it with bare feet.
I know that some other hiking straps leave 'burn marks' on feet when sailing without shoes on. A few years back we went to Bandol with the (then) oppi team. Weather was fine, one of the kids sailed with bare feet. Later that day, one of the accompanying mothers ( she is a paediatrician) had to come into action because bare feet, burn marks and salt water don't mix well!
So, think before you buy a new hiking strap for your Laser!!!
Same here. I've had mine for five years but bought it as a spare much earlier. I almost always use Gill boots with it. (Which are almost 15 years old, and are only now beginning to fall apart.)my original Zhik strap is at least 10 years old and still works great.
I disagree. I am one of the top US junior and sailed for about 6 months with a Zhik II strap and normal zhik boots with no issues. When the normal boots got worn out I got a pair of boots with the grip and they work fine.With other footwear, it acts differently: it gets more slippery and therefore more difficult to hike. It's indeed the 'studded strap'.when using it with bare feet.
I know that some other hiking straps leave 'burn marks' on feet when sailing without shoes on. A few years back we went to Bandol with the (then) oppi team. Weather was fine, one of the kids sailed with bare feet. Later that day, one of the accompanying mothers ( she is a paediatrician) had to come into action because bare feet, burn marks and salt water don't mix well!
No doubt Zhik makes some great stuff. I’m sure I would love hiking on one of their straps. But I would hate for some kid out there to think that they have to have a delux padded strap. Save the money for a good breakfast and regatta registration, or a new sail. I use the strap below with Hiking boots. I found the material in the shed behind my house. Used a hack saw to cut the metal ring off. Burn the holes in the strap with a hot nail.
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Nice!
I disagree. I am one of the top US junior and sailed for about 6 months with a Zhik II strap and normal zhik boots with no issues. When the normal boots got worn out I got a pair of boots with the grip and they work fine.
Perhaps it's a matter of different shoe brands. Windesign and Grip II don't go well together. Apart from the fact that the Windesign are better shoes. (I guess, I'll have to ask the owner of Windesign to come up with stubbed Windesign shoes...)
BTW, what was your end result in Kingston? Any success?