Jan 31, 2011 02:40 PM
168512 Views
I bought a pair of Bata Weinbrenner hiking shoes a few months ago for a sale price of around Rs 1300. Compared with Nike, Reebok, Woodland etc, I felt it was value for money and Weinbrenner is supposed to be a good walking shoe.
The shoes are lightweight and airy with a sturdy sole. I inaugurated them on a long trip to the Nilgiris in December, where I was walking at least 8 to 10km every day. On grassy surfaces or where the path was relatively smooth like tar roads for example, the shoes were comfortable. However on bad road surfaces with a lot of rocky rubble, I noticed after a couple of hours that my feet felt weary. After a few days, I felt that the Weinbrenners ought to have had cushioned insoles.
Previously I have walked considerable distances in these same places with an ordinary pair of Nike Air shoes with thick soles and padded insole. I never felt weary, nor did my feet get tired or sore. It would not have cost Bata very much extra to provide a padded insole. Especially for a shoe that is promoted for hiking, walking and such activities. I will be buying a separate padded insole when I next go on a hiking trip. Fortunately there is enough room in the shoe to insert an insole without making the shoe tight.
