Dunham Tahoma trail running shoes : The Right Fit

For years I've been the scourge of sales people in outdoors stores around the world, sending them back time and again for different sizes and different shoes, surrounded by boxes yet, inevitably, leaving empty-handed. Now, thanks to Dunham, I've found the right fit.

I have very narrow feet, so finding outdoor shoes that fit can be a real problem. In the past I have had to choose between having my heel swimming around in the back of my shoe or having my toes wedged up into the toe box. Either way, I ended up with blisters. Dunham's Tahoma, which comes in a variety of widths, has been a foot saver.

With the narrow width (B, thank you) my heel feels secure, and I have plenty of room for my toes, even on steep downhill stretches. Although the shoes are very lightweight, they feel very stable, particularly in the mid-section, and they have plenty of arch support. They felt comfortable immediately - I felt light on my feet the first time I put them on.

I have worn these shoes on a couple of trails that I would not have risked in tennis shoes and never had any concerns. The heels absorb most of the punishment given on rough terrain, and the Vibram soles, as you would expect, are excellent. Even on rocky sections in wet conditions I didn't lose any grip.

Though you won't catch me running too often, I enjoy wearing trail runners on hikes. They offer a real freedom of movement. I found that the Tahomas were perfect for warmer weather walking. They have no waterproofing, which I often find superfluous and counterproductive. The mesh outer means that the shoes are extremely breathable and cool, and I also found that they dry incredibly quickly, even while being worn. That I have had no blisters while wearing these shoes is testament to their quality and fit.

(Also available in women's sizes.)

Bottom Line:  Finally someone has made a quality shoe in a range of width sizes. If you have had trouble finding the perfect fit in the past, give Dunham a try - I enjoyed the ride.--D.T. (Feb 07)

Price: $85

Manufacturer's Site: www.dunhambootmakers.com

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