Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar II Event Low Review

What the reviewers like:

• Waterproof yet breathable
• Very comfortable memory-foam sock lining, plenty of cushioning
• Gender-specific athletic lasts
• Light weight (less than 2 pounds per pair)

What the reviewers don't like:

• Not for carrying backpacking loads over about 25 pounds
• Available only in medium width
• Not as durable as leather boots

Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar II Event Low review highlights

A review in Backpacker magazine compares dozens of new hiking shoes and boots, based on the field testing of each pair by several testers in a variety of rugged conditions. (The Hi-Tec Radar II shoes were tested on snow, mud and rock.) We found only a light sprinkling of owner-written reviews of the Hi-Tec Radar II, but these highlight the versatility of this hiking shoe. It's interesting to see that retailers bill these as cross-training shoes and athletic shoes, as well as hiking shoes.

According to reviewers, the low-cut, lightweight Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar II hiking shoe merits first consideration for hiking on smooth trails. The Hi-Tec shoes earn top marks for breathable waterproofing, due to their eVent membrane, sailing through extensive field tests at Backpacker magazine and earning the editors' recommendation as the best buy in a light-duty hiking shoe. Tests there find the Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar hiking shoes supportive for backpacking loads up to 25 pounds, as well as comfortable in both light snow and summer heat. If you prefer a shoe that's not waterproof but drains water and dries fast, reviews recommend the Montrail Flow (*est. $90), another best-buy hiking shoe suitable for light backpacking.

Also see full report: Hiking Boots

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Backpacker Magazine
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2008 Gear Guide
Editors of Backpacker magazine
Mar. 2008

Based on extensive field tests that compare dozens of new hiking boots, Backpacker magazine's annual Gear Guide issue recommends the Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar II Event Low as the best buy among hiking shoes for loads up to about 25 pounds.

2. Cabelas.com
Hi-Tec Men's V-Lite Radar eVENT Low Hiker
Contributors to Cabelas.com
Not Dated

So far, there's only a single review here for the Hi-Tec Men's V-Lite Radar II, but this owner-written review reports that he wears them for fishing trips, since they're waterproof even when fully submerged.

3. Buzzillions
Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar Event Low Reviews
Contributors to Buzzillions.com
Not Dated

This brief review praises the Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar hiking shoes for their comfort and traction, finding them comfortable enough for everyday wear. Right now, there's only a single review here, but hopefully more will be added.

Also see full report: Hiking Boots