Kahtoola Instagaiter SLs are a low gaiters designed to be used with path runners. They’re differentiated from different widespread gaiters, together with these from Soiled Woman, in that they’ve facet zippers, so you’ll be able to put them on and take them off with out having to take away your sneakers. They’re accessible completely from Kahtoola for $35/pair.
Kahtoola makes a whole lot of gaiters for a wide range of mountain climbing footwear, however all of their different gaiters have straps that run beneath your boots or sneakers, by the arch. The issue is that the outsoles of a whole lot of path runners and mountain climbing sneakers don’t have an arch and utilizing a gaiter that requires one is awkward, and may change into a visit hazard whether it is too lengthy.
The Instagaiter SL’s don’t have an arch strap, however connect to velcro on the heel of path runners. They work finest with the path runners that include a factory-installed velcro gaiter strap on the heel, together with:
- Altra Path Runners ( Lone Peak, Timp, Olympus, Superior, Mont Blanc, Expertise Wild)
- Brooks Cascadia Path Runners
- Merrell Agility Peak and MTL Lengthy Sky Path Runners.
In the event you use a distinct shoe that doesn’t have a gaiter entice, you’ll be able to glue a chunk of velcro onto it to make it suitable with Instagaiter SL. Sadly, Kahtoola doesn’t provide any velcro whenever you buy the Instagaiter SL, so that you’ll must exit of your option to get it.
Along with the velcro on the heel, there’s a hook on the entrance of the Instagaiter SL which clips to your laces or a gaiter ring on the base of your sneakers’ tongue, if it has one. There’s additionally a draw string alongside the highest which helps you to tighten the highest of the gaiter round your calf.
I’ve discovered that the Instagaiter SL works nice with my Altra Lone Peak Trails Runners. They’re made with breathable softshell cloth and actually maintain the rocks and stands proud of my sneakers. Having the zipper alongside the facet is a pleasant comfort, but it surely’s not a make or break function for me.
Whereas these Instagaiters work completely effectively, I feel they’re overpriced for what you get. They’re solely accessible in a couple of colours and value 50% greater than gaiters from Soiled Ladies which has hundred of patterns to select from. Plus Soiled Ladies sends you strips of velcro together with your gaiters whenever you buy from them, so you should utilize their product directly.
Sure, I can advocate the Kahtoola Instagaiter SL, however I’d encourage you to take a look at Soiled Woman Gaiters too should you’re in search of low gaiters for path trainers
Disclosure: Kahtoola donated gaiters for evaluation.
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