Hey,
Today I’m going to review one of the more interesting products on the market today: the Zhik “boots you wear when you don’t wear boots.” 50.
Now supposedly these boots are some of the most innovative peaces of neoprene $30USD can buy you. They offer padding and grip, plus for another $12USD you can get ankle straps, basically watch bands that clamp it to your shin (but they’re ankle straps?) Now for $42USD you have padding, hiking support, grip, and a small amount of warmth.
I will rate all gear on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the best.
It will be based on 3 categories:
1.) Immediate Quality/Functionality
2.) Neat Factor
3.) Longevity/Durability
Immediate Quality: Wow! (Not WoW.) These things are awesome. I opted to use them with the regular wide seitech strap, as I figured it was cheaper and the boots would last longer. The grip was great, especially in 41 knot southerlies. I didn’t lose grip all day long because of the boots…(?) If you have a hard one day regatta, these are it.
Neat Factor: At first glance, one might say, in more or less words: “WTF? Why would I want a boot that isn’t really a boot: It has holes? It won’t keep me warm or offer support or keep me from bending back another toenail.” But it really takes an innovative and especially daring company to come out with these. They are just like your ace bandages from the ’80s and they work even better. They’re neat.
Longevity: I bought these boots from APS Mid December for a Laser Clinic. Now, on 01 June 2008, these things are out the door. They are ripping mid boot and the “Zhikgrip” is wearing off. The small patch of Zhik rubber on the bottom is totally slick, devoid of any initial grip. 5 months life expectancy. Keep in mind this is not 5 months sailing every other day. This is 5 months with a total of maybe 22-26 outings. Probably less.
In conclusion, these get an 8.6. They are really awesome for the time they last, but they just don’t. I recently emailed sales@zhik.com about this, and they said, quote:
“The boot-50’s are good, but we agree they could be better. We are working on making them more durable, with stronger rubber etc, so they last longer. You can bet this will happen in later productions, next season.”
So you can count on these getting even better, just as the latest Volume 5 was a major improvement over Volume 4 for zhik. Go to www.zhik.com/ to see their new website and their new boot 450, powerpads, and hybrid gear.
pics of damage upon request, or if I get time.
