Review of Kamik Ascender Shoe
By Matt Smith

Kamik, a Canadian brand well known for winter shoes and boots is expanding it's line to include summer shoes and sandals. We got the chance to get a first hand look at the new 2006 line. Among them is the Ascender. The Kamik Ascender is a semi-casual hiker or trail shoe. It was exceptionally comfortable out of the box, and I didn't think it needed much break-in. The Ascender seemed to fit much more like a running shoe, than a casual shoe, or a trail boot. The mesh and leather upper breathes well, and there is plenty of room in the toe box.

The Ascender is a perfect shoe for weekend ventures in the hills, or evening walks along the shoreline trail. The sole lacks the agressive lugs needed for serious hiking or off trail scrambling, though I think the rest of the shoe would perform just fine. The lacing allows for a secrure fit, and I found the shoe to be very stable. Perhaps the feature I liked best about the Ascender is that I could wear it on a morning hike with the kids, and then go straight to a casual business lunch without needing to change. The Ascender has found it's way into my daily wardrobe, because I can wear it pretty much anywhere without wondering if I am going to need an extra pair to shoes to change into later.

Summary: The Ascender is a great all around shoe that you can wear on trails, at the club, or out to lunch. It is comfortable, roomy, and breathes well. Suggested retail on the Ascender will be $79.99

For more information contact:
Kamik
www.kamik.com
1940 55th Avenue
Montreal, Quebec
Canada H8T 3H3
800-341-3950

Matt Smith is a contributing editor, and the canyoneering specialist at GearReview.com