Verdict from 1 expert and 87 user reviews
5 reasons to buy
- About half of those who have reviewed the Arc’teryx Konseal AR adore the shoe’s high level of comfort.
- This is a highly durable approach shoe, based on a small number of reports.
- According to less than a handful of users, the Konseal AR has a minimal break-in period.
- Its grip performance is nothing short of phenomenal, a few patrons claim.
- A couple of wearers are impressed with the enchanting looks of this approach-specific piece from Arc’teryx.
2 reasons not to buy
- Someone who has given the Konseal AR a shot is not a fan of the shoe’s heaviness.
- An owner finds the hiker’s collar a bit too rigid. He sustained blisters around his Achilles heel because of it.
Bottom line
It appears Arc’teryx hit the mark yet again with the Konseal AR. Indeed, they are able to craft something remarkably comfortable right out of the box in this approach-centric hiker. And this is without mention of its excellent durability and surface grip yet.
The shoe, however, might disappoint those looking for a considerably lightweight pair or those who have sensitive heels. Overall, criticisms aside, the Konseal AR is a brilliant approach shoe in both utility and form.
Good to know
-The Arc’teryx Konseal AR is purposely built for agile adventurers who need a combination of stability, support, and comfort in tackling technical approaches. It is engineered capable of performing adequately, even under the weight of a loaded pack.
-It comes armed with a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) film and a midsole chassis for improved ground stability. It also sports a Vibram outsole for surface traction.
A low-cut approach shoe for men and women is the Arc’teryx Konseal AR. Wearers may get a dialed-in lockdown in it using the shoe’s to-toe ghillie lacing. This closure system comes with a pair of extra eyelets at the top, allowing for an even more intimate fit around the ankle when used.
The Konseal AR from Arc’teryx promises to deliver the right amount of slip and skid resistance over a variety of terrain with its Vibram Megagrip outsole. The rubber compound—Megagrip—on which it was based gives it the ability to stick to most types of outdoor surfaces, be they rough or smooth, wet or dry. Since it has a combination of circular studs and blocky lugs, users can expect to have enhanced traversal control over loose soil on it.
With its compressed midsole, the Arc’teryx Konseal AR gets to provide sufficient cushioning and stability underfoot, whether on or off the trail. It is made entirely of ethylene-vinyl acetate or EVA—a kind of material known for its high resilience and rebound rate. The tough yet supple construction of its heel delivers adequate shock absorption upon each landing.
Helping the hiker’s stout midsole in supplying users the right amount of comfort is a 4-mm thick, 3D-molded footbed from Ortholite. Aside from extra cushioning, this plush subcomponent also grants additional support around the heel and arch zones.
The Arc’teryx Konseal AR shoe wraps the foot in its 1.7-mm thick nubuck suede leather upper. Both its ankle cuff and tongue are padded to provide the wearer with additional cushioning. The sides of the hiker’s tongue are gusseted, shielding the footgear’s interior from intrusive debris. Arc’teryx designers furnished its forefoot with a 3D-molded toe cap for bump and knock protection. They also reinforced the shoe’s heel with practically the same material to improve its structural integrity.
Plated holes and synthetic loops make up the Konseal AR’s eyelets. They work in conjunction with a synthetic lace to lock the foot in place. A synthetic pull loop is placed at the shoe’s heel to make on and off a quick affair.