After months of solid use in the bush, at the track and everywhere in between, the Vans MTE Crosspath XC Gore-Tex have gone from pit footwear to my every day runners. They’ve copped mud, water, rocks and plenty of kilometres on foot, and so far they haven’t put a foot wrong (like what I did there?)
We Liked
Comfort These things are ridiculously comfortable. The UltraCush midsole lives up to the name and makes long days on your feet easy, whether you’re walking tracks or standing around all day at the races.
Durability Nothing has broken, torn or worn out. The upper still holds its shape and they don’t look like a flogged-out pair of shoes after months of abuse.
Grip The Vibram outsole is unreal. Wet rocks, loose dirt, slippery clay doesn’t faze them, they just hang on and give you confidence no matter where you’re walking.
Waterproofing The GORE-TEX lining does exactly what it’s supposed to. My feet stay dry in mud, puddles and creek crossings.
Build Quality They feel solid and sturdy without being uncomfortable. You get that supportive, planted feel without sacrificing day-to-day wearability.
We Didn’t Like
Price They’re not cheap. You’re paying for the tech and materials, but it’s still a decent hit to the wallet.
Entry The speed lace system is great for tightening, but loosening them off to get your foot in takes a bit of effort. With the sturdy heel support, you really need to open them right up to get your foot in easily.
Verdict
These things are seriously good. I’d go as far as to say, they’re the best pair of shoes I’ve owned. Comfortable, tough, grippy and properly waterproof, they’ve handled everything we’ve thrown at them without complaint. Aside from being a bit pricey and slightly fiddly to get on, there’s not much to fault. If you want a do-it-all shoe for the bush, track and everyday wear, these are hard to beat.
RRP: $299.95
WEBSITE: www.vans.com.au
