Slippery Boots

Q. Hi

I've just purchased some Karrimor KSB 300, Gortex boots.

They fit fantastic as I have a wide foot and unlike the Burghaus range that I tried, have a UK last and not a european one.

The only problem I've found with them is that in the 3 times I've worn them I've find they slip on wet/damp/rock.

Is this common? - or do they require some kind of scrubbing up?

They are supposed to be this special 'rubber' but I'm concerned as that sounds a bit 'French!!!' (only kidding).

Any help would be appreciated, cheers.

Martin Hodgekiss, Featherstone, S Staffs

A. Vibram have a history of making good quality, slip resistant soles, but apparently the company has gone to the dogs. They now specialise in soles that do the opposite of what you expect from a hiking boot. I suppose the company decided to cash in on its history while using cheaper rubber. Their should be class action about this, but for some practical advice when purchasing a hiking boat: wet the tip of your finger and rub your nail on the base of the boot. If it slips easy or squeaks, you have the inferior, slip-over-on-level-surface rubber. You will notice the denser, stiffer rubber grips your finger nail even when wet. This is the boot that will provide you with some slip resistance.

Nova Sutherland

A. I to have wondered for years why manufacturers constantly provide us with boots which are clearly not fit for purpose. I ride a motorcycle with almost smooth tyres made by Mitchelin and the grip afforded in the wet is not short of phenominal! The life of these tyres on my 1000 cc rocket is superb and I cant help but think the rubber would provide decent grip on a pair of boots? Pherhaps we should encourage Vibram to arrange a deal with mitchelin?

Paul Titterington, Preston

A. I found the Vibram soles so slippery in wet I'll NEVER use them again. One full week of wearing-in and still lethal. IF release agent is the problem, then for heaven's sake Karrimor, sandpaper the blasted things before selling them to me. Whatever the explanations told to me by your company, I do not want dangerous boots. Ever. Solution - The perfect solution is to return the boots as unfit.

Victoria Kinnersly, Channel Mislands

A. The boots I have are Karrimor 300 leather Skye Event boots which have a vibram sole.

I've recently ask this question about the slippery sole to a product manager at Karrimoor.

His reply was...

"I appreciate what you are saying about the sole units. Basically, Vibram have only a few different compounds of rubber. The compound used on trekking boots has to be hardwearing but the compromise is that they won't grip as much as the softer compounds (The softer compounds are used in rock shoes etc). This is the case with all the footwear brands (Scarpa, Meindl etc) and you will find that many brands share the same sole units made by Vibram like the Werewolf sole unit that Berghaus, Scarpa, La Sportiva, Blacks and others use. What you will find is that once the boots are worn a little more then the traction will improve. When a boot is brand new then they can be worse again because a release agent needs to be put on the sole unit mould to allow it to come out. That can make the rubber very slippy early on. You'll find that wet wood, stone, slate and similar is the worst."

I hope this helps

Dave Eaves, Halesowen

Add your answer to THIS question | Ask a NEW walking and hiking question

Return to the main list of Walking and Hiking Questions

Search for an existing Walking and Hiking Question or Answer