Reviews by User: Golite Storm Dragon (1)

ASs posted on backpackinglight.com "My first impression was not good. Received them on Friday pm and put them on Saturday morning straight from their box for a 30 km walk at Wilsons Promotory.........formed tracks, broadwalks, rocky steps, some muddy track, some beach walking and a creek crossing. Before I left the car park when putting the shoes on I managed to pull the lace on one shoe thru an eyelet and then when fitting the gaiters, one of the side slides pulled away...........it was glued but not sewn into place as the other slides were. A disappointing start to the day. With regard to fit I found these to be the most comfortable shoes I have backpacked in. The toe box is wide and suits my foot, there could slightly more arch in the sole. The sole lugs definitely cushion the foot form ground impact. I had one creek crossing with total immersion of both feet and found the shoes very efficiently expelled what water did ingress. Combined with Injinji socks after 30 kms and 7 hours no blisters or hot spots on my feet. On the foot on which the gaiter was intact there was no ingress of mud, sand or debris......my white Injinji sock on that foot was still white. The following weekend and a 20km 4.5 hours beach (sand, rock and creek crossings) sees me still happy with foot comfort apart from wishing for slightly more arch support. Whilst I didn't slip on the wet rocks, I had an apprehension that these shoes could slip. Externally there is now evidence of wear on the undersole lugs and the upper sole where the toes flex looks like there is some fabric wear after only 50kms of use. I have noted in the BPL Forums comments re GoLoites new range of shoes and that the 2007 or 2008 models have been improved and will monitor BPL awaiting updates from other users as for me this shoe is SO COMFORTABLE but I want a shoes that will last a couple of hundred kilometers. I would be prepared to pay more for better quality.perhaps Golite should make them in the USA rather than China. As I live in Australia and purchased the shoes over the internet, haven't bothered with the effort to return them to Golite....no doubt they monitor this website and will see my comments that they need to improve the quality of their product as I think the sizing and theory is great, but sorry only a 2..just"