The Tecnica Viper excels as a cross-training trail shoe
The Viper is built for speed hiking, and we take that to include trail running. Many Saturday morning hikes up Indian Truck Trail in the Cleveland National Forest of Southern California, include a combination of uphill trudging ,loping, and quick walking up sections and full-on running along the area’s many fire trails. The Viper is a well-rounded trail shoe that let’s you run confidently on uneven terrain and provides great foot suspension that soaks up and distributes shock evenly across the foot.
The Technica Viper laces up nice and snug, and came with a pair of extra (black) shoe laces. Our test pair were black and orange with orange shoe laces. It’s a bold color combo with the bright orange theme that runs throughout the shoe. The Viper Anatomic Ortholite footbed is comfortable and cushions the foot well. TRS Active tecnigrip outsoles have plenty of lug-and-cleat traction in many types of terrain.
Indian Truck Trail is primarily rutted, filled with gravel and dirt with high-chaparral terrain. The trail climbs up to sub-alpine and pine forest, and crests at a place called Santiago Peak. The terrain is a constant ascent up fire trail-like roads that used to be wide enough for carts and horse-drawn wagons in the days of yore.
We liked how the Viper snugs onto your feet and provides a running platform for fast moving capability that’s built into the shoe. Cushioning and foot support are great in this shoe. One hot-spot on the right heel occurred on the first outing, but the synthetic socks were the culprit. Switching to an organic sock-fabric, we’ve never had a blister or chaffing event since. Tecnica Viper is one to consider if you intend to hike rapidly or run through sections of your excursion.
By Rick Shandley
Specifications: Men’s size: 7-14 Footbed: Anatomic Ortholite Midsole: Phylon EVA Outsole: TRS Active tecnigrip Upper: Polyurethane textile Lining: Textile Weight: 365 grains Colors: 014 Green – Black 006 Black – Orange 007 Black – Silver MSRP: $110.00 U.S.