In the great outdoors, where the rhythm of the four seasons unfolds, hiking up mountains in winter and wading through streams in summer has become a common part of life. In mountainous areas during the summer, walking along the stream or under the shade of trees, enjoying the refreshing breeze from the valley, makes river activities a popular outdoor sport. This unique environment gave rise to upstream shoes, which have now become an essential part of our outdoor gear.
Upstream shoes, as their name suggests, are designed for walking in water. They must meet three basic requirements: drainage, anti-slip, and impact resistance. The use of quick-drying fabric enhances comfort during wear. There are generally three types of upstream shoes:
1. Upstream sandals – suitable for daily wear and leisurely river routes.
2. Upstream hiking shoes – made with flexible non-slip rubber, featuring deep and small treads that provide better grip than military boots.
3. Felt-bottom upstream shoes – derived from rock fishing shoes, currently one of the best options for slip resistance.
The Clorts Loctite SD-207B falls into the first category: upstream sandals.
Brand: Clorts Loctite | Model: SD-207B | Tag Price: 549 RMB
After many years of outdoor exploration in the southern mountains, I’ve become familiar with various wild environments and developed strong survival skills. I also have extensive experience evaluating outdoor gear.
I recently received the Clorts Loctite SD-207B upstream shoes, and my first impression was very positive. The design is stylish, with a camouflage pattern that blends elements of hiking shoes and casual sandals, making them perfect for summer commuting.
The upper is made of PU leather, which is hydrophobic and slightly stretchy. The tongue uses breathable mesh fabric, significantly improving airflow. The inner lining is made of elastic Lycra, offering a more comfortable fit against the foot. The shoe features elastic laces and Velcro straps, allowing for quick on-and-off wear. What stood out was the asymmetrical lacing system, a rare feature in upstream sandals. The brand’s attention to detail is impressive, balancing the laces and toe area to ensure a smooth walk and better comfort.
The toe cap is made of rubber, providing excellent protection when running over rocky terrain. The heel strap is reinforced with two reflective webbings, offering enough space for movement and even serving as temporary slippers.
Looking at the sole, the EVA midsole offers good cushioning, while the outsole has a shallow groove and a non-slip pattern. The shoe fits well around the feet, especially for wider Asian feet, and feels comfortable in normal sizes.
However, the insole and midsole are glued together, and the craftsmanship isn’t entirely satisfactory. It’s unclear if the glue will hold over time, and this will be tested in future use.
From the side view, the midsole is made of EVA for shock absorption, and the outsole is rubber for durability. The curvature of the sole aligns well with the natural motion of the foot, resulting in a high level of comfort during use.
At the front, there are nine drain holes with stainless steel mesh inside, preventing sediment from flowing back while ensuring efficient drainage. The yellow section appears to resemble a keel support, though it's speculative without further dissection. Anyone with more knowledge is welcome to share insights.
The front of the outsole has a deep non-slip pattern, while the rear features four suction points and a forward-slipping pattern.
To test the real-world performance of these shoes, I wore them for daily use and took them on two specific trails in Shenzhen: Wutong Mountain (Ma Shui Feng half course + Chaqin Stream) and Qiniang Mountain (Maoli River Valley). Both are ideal for testing grip on slippery terrain.
During daily wear, the shoes felt stable and comfortable. On Wutong Mountain, the trail was open and sunny, with dry stones that provided good traction. The soles didn’t feel overly stiff, and the shoes maintained a good fit.
In the wading section, the shoes handled water well, unlike some models without drainage holes that require extra effort to step through. The drainage system worked effectively, keeping the feet dry.
On the dry climbing section, the shoes performed well, but during a second ascent with a 12kg load, I heard an unusual sound from the heel stitching. A 2mm thread collapsed, but it didn’t come off during the rest of the trip and didn’t affect usability.
In the moss-covered sections of the Qiniang Mountain trail, the grip was still solid, comparable to hiking shoes on icy paths. Though I used gloves and moved carefully, I still got minor scrapes on my legs. I recommend using felt-bottom shoes for technical routes with heavy currents and limited sunlight.
After a day of hiking, the shoes dried within an hour. However, I noticed some redness on the inner ankles due to friction from the hard rubber lining. After returning home, the skin on my right foot was worn and healed after five days. On the next trip, I heated the shoes with a hair dryer, and although there was some initial friction, no further damage occurred.
Through challenging trails, surrounded by cool mountain air, the beauty ahead always made the journey worthwhile.
**Product Advantages:**
1. Stylish and colorful design that suits modern aesthetics.
2. Combines the look of sandals and hiking shoes, making them versatile for daily wear and beginner-level river routes.
3. Excellent drainage, anti-slip, and impact resistance. Quick-drying and supportive, making them ideal for non-technical routes.
**Areas for Improvement:**
1. Improve overall craftsmanship.
2. Reduce friction by using softer materials.
3. Strengthen the stitching and rubber parts, as they may be prone to wear over time.
4. Enhance the sole pattern for better grip, especially adding more suction patterns on the front.
This review is based on my personal experience, and all images are original. Any legal issues arising from the content are the responsibility of the author.
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