Gear review: The Hi-Tec Multiterra Targa HPi and Antigua Sport Jr.

The new Multiterra Targa HPi from Hi-Tec

www.hi-tec.com

THE GEAR:

The Multiterra Targa HPi is an all around outdoor shoe. The water repellent hikers are designed to handle trail running and hiking on a variety of surfaces including dirt paths, cement, rocky trails, or even creek beds. The shoe uses ion-mask hydrophobic technology to keep feet dry. The Multiterras also feature stretch cord lacing, EVA midsoles, full grain nubuck leather with neoprene upper, and Comfort-Tec contoured sock liners.

The Antigua Sport Juniors are a versatile kid's water shoe. The shoes are crafted with neoprene and synthetic materials; cinch up with a locking toggle system, and feature rubber toe guards for additional protection. The carbon rubber outsoles provide dependable traction on wet and dry surfaces.

THE TEST:

My daughter and I have been using the Multiterra Targas and the Antigua Sport Juniors for a variety of activities over the past 3 months. We've gone hiking, disc golfing, walking through town, and even climbing through the Oneonta Gorge in them.

A couple of things to note about the Multiterra Targas: They are not waterproof. They work best repelling morning dew or even a light mist or rain. The shoes will not keep water out if you have to walk through puddles or a steady rain. They are however more breathable than Goretex, thanks to the mesh TPR windows. They also dry out quickly after a good soaking.

While the sides of the shoes are supple enough to prevent rubbing on the side of the foot, the uppers have trouble spots. There is some poking and pinching, and I don't care for the lacing system. The stretch cord cinches tight around the ankle, while the lacing over the rest of the foot can remain loose and uncomfortable. Though the uppers are light, the soles feel clunky and rigid around the toe.

The Antigua Sport Juniors that my daughter has been wearing have been flawless however. Purchasing outdoor shoes for her is troublesome to say the least. Most shoes tend to provide little in the way of support, pinch her feet somewhere, and wear out in under 2 months. None of those issues have been a problem with the Antigua Sport Juniors. In fact, they are her favorite shoes and have shown almost no wear after 3 months of daily use.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

The Hi-Tec Multiterra Targa HPi shoes are indeed versatile, and surprisingly durable. At around $80 I would consider them good bang for the buck, were it not for the uncomfortable uppers and lacing system. They do break in well, and last a long time however.

The Hi-Tec Antigua Sport Jr shoes are among the best all around shoes my 8 year old daughter has owned. The can be used for school, hiking, and traipsing through water. At about $45, they are competitively priced with other children's shoes in the same category.

PRODUCT FEATURES:

The Multiterra Targa HPi:

• ion-mask™ hydrophobic technology
• Full grain nubuck leather and neoprene upper
• Stretch cord lacing with locking toggle
• TPR windows with thin mesh to keep debris out
• Rubber toe cap and heel for protection
• Overlasted design
• Comfort-Tec contoured sockliner
• CMEVA midsole for cushioning
• MDT carbon rubber outsole

Mens sizes 7-12, 13

Cost $75-$85

The Antigua Sport Jr.

• Aqua friendly neoprene and synthetic upper
• Stretch cord w/ locking toggle for secure fit
• Molded rubber quarter panel for structure
• Rubber toe guard and heel abrasion-resistant panel
• Full length molded EVA sockliner
• Overlasted construction
• MDT Carbon rubber overlasted outsole

Kids sizes 10, 11, 12, 13, 1-7

Cost $40-$55

www.hi-tec.com/us/

For more of Adam's writing, reviews, and photography, visit AdamSawyer.com