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Palm Gradient shoe
www.palmequipmenteurope.com
I like these, I mean really like them – they’ve
rarely been off my feet in the last two weeks. I
never owned the original versions from a
couple of years ago, so therefore come at this
completely fresh. Palm have the Gradient for
sale in two versions: a boot and shoe, it is the
shoe we have been using.
There is also a third alternative that Palm have named
as the Camber, which is a little lighter and not as reinforced as the Gradient but with a harder sole for
more general use.
The shoe itself is constructed in a reinforced layered
mesh with double-stitched seams, there is good open
tongue entry for the foot with tabs front and back
and it’s finished off with tie laces. That is perhaps the
only area I would change as I personally prefer a type
of draw system and if I was being really picky, then the
laces don’t have to be so long.
Overall though, these are very minor grumbles on
what is an excellent water shoe, which performs its
job with aplomb.
Like many water shoes now on the market, they can
be worn anywhere and not just for paddling. It all
depends on taste really and as to whether you really
like the bright green detailing or not. If you don’t, well
that’s fair enough – just use them for paddling or on
the river’s edge.
Comfort and grip are the two words that will come
to mind almost immediately and really apart from
that – then what else do you need? Well the Vibram
sole really is very sticky, sure-footed with good tread
for mixed terrain plus stiffness and an element of
protection for the toes. The footbed is nice and wide,
which really suits me and if you need more room still,
then you can remove the insole as the Gradient has a
finished footbed.
https://youtu.be/SLM0HKFcP_E