thieuster
Active Member
Normally I wouldn't write on an open forum about a 'below par' product. Certainly not about a personal gear item in relation to Laser sailing. However... in this case there's a connection (pun intended) between the shoes and the boat.
For years, Zhik Hiking straps were readily available and were a great product. Until they stopped producing them and replaced them for the Grip II: a strap with a 'velcro-ish' underside. The idea was (is) to combine the hiking strap with a pair of Zhik's 360 Grip II shoes. The shoes have a velcro-ish upper layer. You guessed it: the sticky parts interconnect.
The idea is great: the contact between one's feet and the hiking strap is better, providing better hiking. And in real life, it works perfectly. But...
...the quality of the shoes ( 150 euros) is abominable! They last one month before they fall apart.
Then they look as if they've been run over by an Abrams Tank. Everything gives up: laces, sole, upper parts. Fresh water, salt water. No matter what. The construction of the shoes' inner side is worse than the outside. As if the inside of the shoes isn't well designed and not strong enough. In general, Zhik produces good stuff: they wetsuits, PFD's etc are all well worth the money. They last two seasons (with 100+ days sailing/year). But this is garbage.
All's quiet on the Aussie (Zhik) side of things. Emails aren't answered until now. Currently, the shoes are unobtainable. There's talk about a new shoe in September. All I know that it's more expensive...
There you have it: one cannot use other shoes with the Grip II hiking strap. So, think before you buy a new hiking strap for your Laser!!!
Menno
For years, Zhik Hiking straps were readily available and were a great product. Until they stopped producing them and replaced them for the Grip II: a strap with a 'velcro-ish' underside. The idea was (is) to combine the hiking strap with a pair of Zhik's 360 Grip II shoes. The shoes have a velcro-ish upper layer. You guessed it: the sticky parts interconnect.
The idea is great: the contact between one's feet and the hiking strap is better, providing better hiking. And in real life, it works perfectly. But...
...the quality of the shoes ( 150 euros) is abominable! They last one month before they fall apart.
Then they look as if they've been run over by an Abrams Tank. Everything gives up: laces, sole, upper parts. Fresh water, salt water. No matter what. The construction of the shoes' inner side is worse than the outside. As if the inside of the shoes isn't well designed and not strong enough. In general, Zhik produces good stuff: they wetsuits, PFD's etc are all well worth the money. They last two seasons (with 100+ days sailing/year). But this is garbage.
All's quiet on the Aussie (Zhik) side of things. Emails aren't answered until now. Currently, the shoes are unobtainable. There's talk about a new shoe in September. All I know that it's more expensive...
There you have it: one cannot use other shoes with the Grip II hiking strap. So, think before you buy a new hiking strap for your Laser!!!
Menno