Anyone else tried the Hi-Tec Switchback shoe? I just ordered a pair and should receive it Tuesday. Features: Outside: Mesh/PU nubuc/satin PU/abrasion PU upper Aluminium lacing eyelets Embossed abrasion toe/vamp detail High abrasion mesh TPU vamp protection Shockmaster heel branding Overlasted upper Exo skeletal print detail Inside: Compression moulded EVA midsole Cushioned core Shockmaster heel insert Springtec forefoot insert Comfort-Tec Max footbed Sole: Herringbone MDT outsole Dual sized herring tread
It was relatively inexpensive: $62.50 at: http://www.squashgear.com/hiswsqramesh.html The total with shipping was under $70.
yup looks great, scary-in-a-nice way, give us a review on the shoe, thinking of asking my uncle to buy one this may when he goes back here for a vacation.
Wow, ordered the shoes on Saturday morning and they arrived today (Monday)! Great service! Anyway, here's the inital review: +On my office hardwood, the Hi-Tec Switchback (SB) have better grip than my Yonex SHB-99LEs (99). +The construction, fit and finish of the SB is better than the 99. +The lacing system is better than the 99, more options, more snug. +With the SuperFeet Green insole in both shoes, the SB has more cushioning and I feel more confident planting my foot, the SB feels more centered. -The 99 feels more comfortable and has more room. I would ideally need a Size: 12.5 SB to compare to the size of the 12 Yonex. -The 99 feels a bit lighter and more mobile. I'll do an update tonight and in about two weeks after I put some time into the shoe. Finally, here's a picture of the SB next to my 99:
wow!! those look great!! i have the same SHB99LE's and your pic just inspired me to purchase those shoes
Update: 3 people at SGVBC asked me to buy the SBs for them since I said I was going to order another pair. I wore the 99 on the right and SB on the left. The SB clearly had more cushioning. The SB is a bit heavier but you don't feel it unless you really try to discern a difference. As I said before, the traction/grip of the SB is better than the 99LE. Comfort-wise, still hard to say. I need to break in the SB more but as of right now, the 99 feels more comfortable. Just less secure/stable. That's about it for now. More as I know it.
I found the grip in the 99Ltd's goes very quickly, any previous hi-tek never needed breaking in and were very comfortable to wear from the off whereas the Yonex models usualy require a breaking in period (although the 99Ltd's were the ones that didn't and seemed ok from the start).
The 99LE grip lasts OK, IMO. Not great but good enough for such a mobile shoe. The SB's definitely need breaking in, I've since purchased a few more pairs for other people and they all (so far) love the shoe but said it needs a break in period.
Hi DinkAlot.. Any updates on the shoe? Has it "broken in" yet? The shoe definately looks very nice. That price looks awfully tempting too...What was weird about the website's checkout system was that shipping (to canada) for one pair of these shoes would cost $12 while 2 pairs would cost $36..... very strange indeed.
Initially the SB was stiffer. It's breaking in now and getting softer. I feel in another 2 weeks I can give a complete review but based on now, the Hi-Tec Switchback vs. Yonex SHB-99 LE, both with Super Feet Green insole: Cushioning: Hi-Tec Lateral Support: Hi-Tec Grip: Hi-Tec Durability: Hi-Tec Maneuverability: Yonex Fitment: Yonex Comfort: Yonex Looks: Yonex Both are excellent shoes. If you need the fastest, lightweight, most comfortable shoe, get the Yonex. If you are a big boy and need more support, get the Hi-Tec.
Oh and for the record, those are my legs, not Howard Bach's. Some people were asking if Howard modelled for the photo (I wish I knew him )...I hope he doesn't have Size: 12-13 feet...LOL!
Just some information. SB is being categorized as Squash shoes on Hi-Tec website. But strangely enough, Jonassen is wearing them recently. I am interested in another model on Hi-Tec website: Vortex 44. But SB and Vortex 44 are still not available in Hong Kong :crying: (It's too risky to get a new shoe model on the web since the fore foot shape might not suit you)
