By Stuart
First some info from the Obōz website:
The Ignition II is an updated version of the shoe Outside Magazine calls “Rookie of the Year”. The dynamic bootie construction wraps around your foot to keep trail debris out while the forefoot cage locks your foot down to provide a secure fit.
- Synthetic Leather and 3D Air Mesh Upper
- Dynamic Bootie Construction
- Floating Forefoot Cage
- 3 Part Midsole
- Dual Density EVA
- EVA SupeSkin Plate
- Nylon Shank
- Ignition Outsole; 2 Density EVA Midsole – higher density heel perimeter for stability, lower density elsewhere for cushioning
- Underfoot EVA SuperSkin for torsional stability and stone bruise protection under the metatarsal heads
- Heel TPU clip for stability and upper/outsole integration* Multi-directional high friction outsole
- Graded nylon shank for lateral and torsional flex control
- Strobel Lasted
- 3D Injection Molded Asymmetrical External Heel Clip; our external heel counters are 3 dimensionally injection molded. Unlike a flat molded heel counter common to most outdoor footwear, they provide long term support, motion control and heel lock. The heel counters are engineered gender specific to account for the differences between men’s and women’s feet: different heel-toe/heel-ball length ratios, different forefoot/midfoot girths, different Achilles heel attachment points, and different feet entirely.
- BFIT Tri-Density Footbed; our B-Fit insoles are designed with multiple densities of foam, providing support throughout the plantar fascia, and a defined and formed heel cup, these are after-market quality insoles, installed as original equipment.
After 50 Dusty Miles
I have over 50 miles on these shoes now, which is not a lot, but, as a guestimate, about 10-15% of their useful life of 400 miles.
The shoes are well constructed and gender-specific. They have a ventilated mesh upper which is composed of two different types of fabric. Rather than eyelets for the laces, they have loops which are located on the top of the eyestays that are in turn secured around the quarter panel to the sole of the foot and heel cup. There are four eyestays that extend under the mudguard that rises up from the outsole of the shoe. The final loop at the toe end of the shoe removes the option for gaiters which initially was a deterrent, given my love for Dirty Girl Gaiters (the idea of a gaiter is to reduce debris from entering your shoe and causing irritation/blisters). There is a solid toe cap which seems to be double layered for extra protection. I sized up half a size to an 11 and they fit great out of the box. They have quite a roomy toe box and, despite their narrow look, they fit my foot very comfortably. The heel is not restrictive and the cupping is nicely supportive without pinching anywhere.
The Unique Bootie Design
The most unusual feature of this shoe is that there is no tongue. The opening for the foot is a elasticized opening that is designed to envelop your foot (see above). The top of the ‘tongue’ sits at the approximate height as it would do normally and is soft enough to roll/fold with the motion of your foot. There are well-secured loops (I gave them a good tug) on the tongue and heel to allow you to get your foot in.
Grip Pattern
The sole has a solid grip pattern and is perfectly comfortable when walking on concrete and tarmac. I wore these around the house etc. for several days prior to taking them to the trails. Above, you can compare the sole pattern with a retired pair of Wings. As you can see, they have plenty of grip and a nice torsional shank. The shoe is not overly cushioned, and the ride quite low, which is a combination that might appeal to anyone who is trying a more minimalist approach to trail running footwear. They keep you in contact with the trail nicely and you can feel your way along without exposing your foot unnecessarily, but provide enough protection to absorb the gnarlier of obstacles. The weight of the shoe is well within the usual ranges that you’ll find for trail shoes at 13.5 oz.
Clean Feet!
Of specific interest was the shoe’s ability to resist dust and sand entering through the uppers. Typically after a long run, my socks and feet look like I have been running without socks, so I was pleasantly surprised to see how well my Ignitions resisted dirt. I wore these on Sunday night and fully expected to see the usual dusty dawgs once I removed my shoes, but, after removing my shoes, my socks and feet were actually remarkable clean! This is a great feature, as debris in your shoes can be an absolute nightmare, as most trail runners will tell you. However, this may mean that they are a little warm, although this is not something I have specifically noticed.
Given the nearly complete absence of water at the peak of a southern California summer, I have not been able to yet test the shoe’s water resistance or drainage.
So, in conclusion, if you are looking for a pair of trail shoes and the thought of parting with $120 (retail price for a pair of XT Wings) makes you blanche, the Obōz Ignition II could be a great alternative. Comfortable out of the box, gender specific, great at keeping trail muck out of your shoe, not too bright (if you’re looking for a more neutral color), and grippy on the trail. What’s not to like?
Women's Ignition II
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