In the past few years, a trend of super-sizing sports equipment like tennis racquets, golf clubs, and downhill skis has caught on with consumers. Whether it’s more power, more speed, or an ease-of-use upgrade, there’s little wonder why the enlargement effect has resonated in American culture, where “bigger-better-faster!” verges on a national theme.
This leitmotif historically has not flown in the footwear world. Until now. Coming from an Italian company known domestically most for its downhill ski-boot line, Tecnica this spring unveiled a spread of mega-size shoes made for running on trails outside.
Touted to have oversize geometry, copious cushioning, and a 30-percent bigger footprint overall, the Tecnica trail-running shoes come in men’s and women’s models. Benefits to the uber-shoes, Tecnica cites, include greater stability, better absorption, and a “rolling transition” sole design that promises more propulsion as you run.
I tested the Diablo MAX shoe model, one of the giants in the line. It has a bulbous appearance, and at first glance I was almost embarrassed to wear them outside. The Tecnicas looked like “toning” footwear, a shoe category with rocking-chair-like soles now popular with people trying to lose weight.
Sucking in some pride, I trotted out for a trail run one day. As a dedicated runner, as well as an adherent to lightweight shoes and a soft-on-the-feet stride, I had low expectations for the Tecnicas. On my scale, each Diablo MAX shoe (men’s size 12.5) registered at 14.6 ounces — as heavy as some hiking boots I own.
But on that first run the Diablo MAX shoes exceeded my expectations by a big margin. Though I felt high off the ground — they have extra-thick soles — the shoes never felt unstable. They gripped the trail with tiny rubber lugs. The extra cushiness underfoot protected from bumps and sharp rocks.
