Karrimor KSB Skye X-Lite event Walking Boot
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

	KSB Skye X-Lite event Walking Boot Vital Statistics: Colours: Brown Sizes: Men 7-13 Women 4-8 Weight: 660 gms SRP: £110.00

KSB Skye X-Lite event Walking Boot

Vital Statistics:

Colours:
Brown

Sizes:

Men 7-13
Women 4-8

Weight:
660 gms

SRP:
£110.00

Features to Note:

Upper: 2.4mm American Full Grain leather
Lining : eVent (waterproof and breathable)
Sole: Vibram Phoenix

In-use Test:

Worn on a variety of tramps around a wet and boggy Peak District, I found the Karrimor ksb Skye x-lite eVents to be really, really comfortable straight 'out of the box'.

I was wearing a pair the same size as my normal shoe size and found that the boots felt slightly big. However, it was easy to correct for this by wearing some slightly thicker socks than usual. Once I'd done this - the fit was good and my heels were held comfortably throughout the day.

I was generally wearing the ksb Skye boots with a typical, early Spring day pack when the ankle support was fine. I've not yet tried them out with a heavier pack but did note that there is a certain amount of both longitudinal and lateral flexibility in them.

The shock absorption on both rockier paths and over long stretches of tarmac was fine - my feet remained comfortably throughout some quite long days. The tread on the soles - although not as aggressive as I'd expect on dedicated high mountain walking boots - did provide quite good traction on rocks, stones, mud and (much) wet grass.

As is not unusual in the Peak District, these boots have been worn in some prolonged heavy rain; as noted above I've also been through lots of long wet grass - no matter what my feet have remained nice and dry.

The toe box is reasonably solid and provided a decent level of protection.

I was slightly disappointed in the laces which I thought were a little thin and also a bit short which made adjusting them wearing gloves a bit tedious.

It's a bit early to comment on durability but they are full leather with a minimal amount of stitching on them - both of which bode well - although there is no rubberised bumper to help protect the lower upper areas.

Buying Advice:

Whilst not best suited for heavy backpacking or high mountain/winter walking, if you're a regular Lake District or Snowdonia walker on a budget, then the classic looking Karrimor ksb Skye x-lite is definitely worth considering - particularly if you need a larger volume boot.

What do you think?

Have you got a pair of Karrimor KSB Skye X-Lite event Walking Boot?

We would love to hear what you thought of it - good, bad or indifferent. Perhaps you simply disagree with the verdict above - or feel an important feature has been negelected.

Let us know by clicking this link - What I think of Karrimor KSB Skye X-Lite event Walking Boot - so we can publish your important views below.

• Brougt pair of Karrimor KSB Sky X-Lite from Blacks on the 17/01/09 started leaking 21/08/10. Returned boots to Blacks who told me to contact Lancashire sports repairs who informed me if the boots are leaking the membrane had failed and can not be repaired. These boots have done only moderate walking and have been regularly waxed and polished. Goodbye to £94.99.

Clive Williams, Bedford

• I bought a pair of Karrimor Mens KSB Skye X-Lite eVent Walking Boots in September 2009. By January 2010 both soles had seriously started to come away for 4-5 inches. New boots were provided by the supplier in March 2010. immediately the right sole came away. These have been returned and I await a refund/new pair. I have been wearing Karrimor boots for more years than I can remember, when they were owned by Lancastrians. Clearly the new owners have cut back to such a degree, through lack of glue, they fall apart!! Do not buy!

Stephen Price, Lancaster