In the great outdoors, where the rhythm of the four seasons shapes our experiences, hiking up mountains in winter and wading through streams in summer has become a common routine. In mountainous regions during the summer, walking along streams or under the shade of trees brings a unique joy—experiencing the cool breeze that flows through the valleys. This natural setting has made river hiking an enjoyable outdoor activity, and with it came the development of upstream shoes, which have now become an essential part of our outdoor gear.
Upstream shoes, as their name suggests, are specifically designed for walking in water. They must meet three key requirements: drainage, anti-slip, and impact resistance. The use of quick-drying materials enhances comfort during wear. There are generally three types of upstream shoes:
1. Upstream sandals – ideal for casual walks and light upstream trails.
2. Upstream hiking boots – featuring flexible non-slip soles, deeper treads, and better grip than military rubber.
3. Felt-bottom upstream shoes – derived from rock fishing shoes, known for excellent traction.
The Clorts Loctite SD-207B falls into the first category—upstream sandals.
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**Product Information**
Brand: Clorts Loctite
Model: SD-207B
Tag Price: 549 RMB
**Experience Info**
Equipment Cool ID: Arctic Sirens
Microblog: Arctic Sirens Ts
With years of experience hiking in the southern mountains, I’m familiar with various wild environments and have developed survival skills and extensive knowledge of outdoor equipment. This review is based on real-world testing and personal experience.
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**Product Experience**
I recently received the Clorts Loctite SD-207B, and my first impression was very positive. The design is stylish, blending camouflage patterns with elements of both hiking boots and casual sandals, making them suitable for summer commuting.
The upper is made of PU leather, which is low in hydrophilicity and offers some flexibility. The tongue uses a breathable mesh fabric, significantly improving air circulation. The inner lining is made of elastic Lycra, providing a more comfortable fit against the skin.
The shoe features an elastic system with adjustable Velcro straps and elastic bands, allowing for easy on-and-off. One notable feature is the asymmetrical lacing system, which is uncommon in upstream sandals. The balance between the laces and the toe area ensures a smooth gait, enhancing overall comfort.
The toe cap is made of rubber, offering good protection against sharp objects while running.
The heel strap is connected by two reflective webbings, giving enough space for movement and even functioning as temporary slippers.
The EVA midsole is visible, with a non-slip pattern and shallow grooves. The fit is slightly loose, accommodating wider feet comfortably.
However, the insole and midsole are glued together, and the craftsmanship is not fully refined. It’s unclear how durable this glue will be over time, but we’ll monitor it in future use.
From the side view, the midsole is EVA for shock absorption, and the outsole is rubber for durability. The sole's curvature aligns well with the natural bending of the foot, resulting in a high level of fit when worn.
At the front, there are nine drain holes with stainless steel mesh to prevent sediment from flowing back without affecting drainage. The yellow area resembles a keel support, though its exact function remains speculative.
The outsole has deep treads at the front for grip and a forward-sliding pattern at the back. The rear also includes four suction areas for added stability.
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**Field Testing**
To test the performance of the SD-207B, I used them for daily wear and took them on two routes in Shenzhen: Wutong Mountain (Ma Shui Feng half course + Chaqin Stream) and Qiniang Mountain (Maoli River Valley, a slippery terrain for testing grip).
During the trip, I walked from home to the valley entrance, then switched to the upstream shoes. As soon as I put them on, a colorful butterfly flew over curiously, watching me for a moment.
On the open trail, the stones were dry, and the grip was stable. The soles didn’t feel too rigid, and there was no distortion. The support and upward lift of the shoes were good.
In the wading section, the shoes performed well, with stable entry and exit from the water. Unlike other shoes without drainage holes, these allowed water to escape easily, reducing effort per step.
In the dry climbing section, the shoes remained comfortable, but during the second climb, I noticed an unusual sound from the heel stitching when applying force. A small thread collapsed, but it didn’t fall off and didn’t affect usage.
In the mossy sections of the Qiniang Mountain trail, the grip was still strong. Even without felt soles, the shoes performed well, though I did get minor bruises on my legs. It’s recommended to use felt-bottom shoes for technical or slippery routes.
After lunch, the shoes dried within an hour. However, I experienced some discomfort due to friction on the inner ankles. The hard rubber lining caused redness, and on the right foot, the skin was worn but healed after five days. After heating the hair dryer, the friction was reduced but not eliminated.
Despite the challenges, the journey was rewarding, with beautiful scenery ahead in every step.
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**Experience Summary**
**Pros:**
1. Stylish design with bold colors that appeal to many users.
2. Combines sandal and hiking shoe functions, making them versatile for daily use and beginner-level upstream trails. Perfect for summer, they are both cool and functional.
3. Excellent drainage, anti-slip, and impact resistance. Quick-drying and supportive, they are highly recommended for non-technical routes.
**Areas for Improvement:**
1. Improve construction details.
2. Reduce friction; while Lycra is used, the rubber at the webbing could be better.
3. The lace system is good, but the stitching and rubber may be prone to breaking after long-term use.
4. The outsole pattern could be finer for better grip, especially on the front part, and more suction areas would enhance heel stability.
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