BRITISH brand Karrimor can trace its roots all the way back to 1946 when the then Lancashire-based company started producing bicycle bags.
However these days the company is under the ownership of discount sportswear chain Sports Direct.
For 2013 Karrimor has launched a series of running shoes aimed firmly at the higher end of the running market, with the D30 series being their flagship models in both trail and regular running formats.
As I am always looking to expand my running and fitness I decided to give their D30 Trail shoes a try and get myself off the beaten track and into some typically British mud and gloop.
To aid my adventures off-road, the D30s feature a rubberised outsole with deep lugs which really helped me find traction when the going got really muddy.
They also have uppers made from a material called Event which makes the shoe waterproof and easy to clean.
The D30 gets its name thanks to the use of D30 technology in the sole of the shoe — this provides great shock absorption under foot for a really comfortable run.
Like most trail running shoes, the Karrimor shoes are also equipped with a quick lace system, which uses a pull toggle to keep the shoe tight — this proved easy to use, but did require a good stretch of the elastic laces, which are far stronger than they appear.
Other features on the D30 include a padded and shaped ankle collar, TPU arch shank and microbe shield technology to keep odour at bay.
Overall, the D30 trail running shoes have performed really well, providing real confidence when the trail ahead gets slippery, add to this the fact that these trainers can be found a nearly half their recommended retail price, means you can now get a great performance trail shoe for less than £100.
Key features:
Elastic laces with pull toggle
Padded, shaped ankle collar
Aegis microbe shield technology
D30 technology
Full length softer density ride line
Rear and forefoot gel technology
Dual density midsole
TPU arch shank
Rubberised outsole with deep lugs
Karrimor logos
Synthetic/mesh upper, textile inner, synthetic sole
