Northside Mens Cedar Rapids Hiking – Honest Review
ReviewNorthside Cedar Rapids Hiking Shoe: Your Wallet-Friendly Summer Sidekick?
Okay, confession time: I’m a bit of a gearhead. Always on the hunt for that sweet spot where performance meets a price that doesn’t make my bank account weep. This summer, the Northside Men’s Cedar Rapids Hiking Shoe landed on my radar. Northside? They’re not exactly synonymous with cutting-edge innovation, are they? But they do have a reputation for delivering decent value, especially if you’re watching your pennies. So, I decided to give them a whirl.
First Glance and the Nitty-Gritty:
Popping these shoes out of the box, they give off a “ready for anything” vibe, albeit in a simple, no-frills way. That air mesh upper? Instantly appealing. It screams breathability, which, let’s be honest, is non-negotiable when you’re sweating it out on a summer trail. And those embossed PU overlays? They seem like they’ll toughen things up a bit without adding a ton of weight. Smart move. Plus, I’m a sucker for that elastic drawstring lacing system. Quick adjustments and a snug fit? Yes, please!
Hitting the Trail (and Taking a Dip!):
I’ve put these shoes through their paces on a few mini-adventures now. First up, a pretty standard hike on some trails near my place. The multi-directional rubber outsole did its job, gripping the hard-packed dirt and gravel just fine. Would I tackle Everest in these? Nah. But for everyday trails, they definitely held their own.
Then, I thought, “Let’s see what these babies really can do!” So, I took them on a kayaking trip that involved some awkward, rocky portages. That quick-drying air mesh upper? A total game-changer! My feet got soaked, naturally, but the shoes drained like champs and didn’t stay squishy for long. The molded EVA insole seemed to help with airflow and water escape too. Bonus: I even wore them while wading in the river, trying (and mostly failing) to catch some trout.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind:
Heads up: these aren’t waterproof. So, if you’re expecting a monsoon or plan on wading through a swamp, look elsewhere. That toe and heel counter? It offers some protection, sure, but it’s not the Fort Knox of foot protection you’d find in a pricier hiking shoe. And while they’re comfy enough for shorter jaunts, I’m not convinced I’d want to log serious miles on a multi-day backpacking trip with these.
The Final Word:
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Bottom line? The Northside Cedar Rapids Hiking Shoe is a solid pick for anyone hunting for a budget-friendly, lightweight shoe to get them through the summer. Think easy-to-moderate trails, splashing around in the water, and chilling at the campsite. Sure, they might not boast all the fancy features of a top-of-the-line hiker, but they deliver serious bang for your buck. If you’re keeping an eye on your spending and need a versatile summer shoe, give the Cedar Rapids a look. You might be pleasantly surprised.