Verdict from 1 expert and +100 user reviews
6 reasons to buy
- Wearers in droves are very impressed with the high amounts of comfort the Millet Friction approach shoe offers.
- According to numerous sources, this product provides incredible grip performance.
- The Friction is one super-durable approach shoe, say many of those who have bought it.
- It is a justifiable purchase, based on several reports.
- Some Millet Friction reviews speak of the hiker’s captivating aesthetics.
- This piece of approach-centric gear from Millet has fantastic stability, less than a handful of customers claim.
3 reasons not to buy
- Based on a small number of reviews, the Millet Friction causes blisters.
- Its toe box could be a bit roomier, an approach adventurer says.
- An owner finds the Millet Friction a little too stiff.
Bottom line
Millet shoemakers have outdone themselves yet again with the Friction. Indeed, they have made a great investment of a hiker—one that is remarkably comfy and long-lasting at the same time. Their expertise has also resulted in a gear that sticks to virtually any surface.
That said, this offering might scare away outdoorsy patrons who have extra-delicate feet. Nevertheless, the Millet Friction has enough tricks up its sleeve to give hikers-slash-climbers a confidence boost on their approach journeys.
Good to know
-The Millet Friction is designed for nature travelers who wish to tackle approaches with enough versatility. Dubbed by the brand as a timeless classic, this durable offering has been upgraded to meet the demands of the modern hiker.
-Compared with its pre-updated self, the revamped Millet Friction has a more streamlined upper. Its outer side is still embroidered; however, this time, the “Millet” branding is almost completely spelled out.
-It still has a rockered sole unit (mostly around the forefoot), just like its former self. The presence of this feature equates to smoother transitions, especially during push offs over level terrain.
The Millet Friction is a low-cut shoe engineered for both male and female approach adventurers. The women’s model is built around a gender-specific last. Wearers can expect an extra-snug fit around its forefoot for enhanced precision on low-grade climbs. Its ankle-to-toe lockdown system provides a personalized fit.
The Friction from Millet is capable of producing sufficient traction on a variety of surfaces thanks to its Vibram Mulaz outsole. It is based on Vibram’s Mont compound, which is known for providing low-temperature performance consistently. It has aggressive lugs outlining its borders for traction. It also comes with a forefoot tip that doubles as the Friction’s protective bumper.
Climbing zone and heel brake are two of its key features. The former promises improved surface contact and grip on edge-type terrain, while the latter offers additional slip and skid resistance during descents.
With its firm yet supple midsole, the Millet Friction gets to supply its owners with adequate cushioning and stability underfoot. It has a dual-density construction, which grants the foot zonal comfort and footing security, especially during transitions. Since it is made of EVA or ethylene-vinyl acetate, it can go back to its original shape and thickness after use. This kind of material is also resistant to breakage and has a high rebound rate, even at low temperatures.
Helping the Friction’s midsole in delivering a comfy approach ride is a cushioned insole. Aside from extra comfort, its presence also provides added support underfoot.
The foot is shielded from the elements within the Millet Friction’s split leather upper. Getting in and out of its comfy interior is made relatively easy thanks to its heavy-duty synthetic pull loop at the heel. Both its collar and low-rise tongue are adequately padded for additional cushioning.
To protect the shoe from scrapes and cuts, especially during smearing and edging, Millet designers equipped the Friction’s toe box with a rubber rand. They also furnished the shoe’s heel with enough randing for improved rearfoot support.
The Millet Friction’s to-the-toe fitness management system completes the shoe’s upper equation. It is made up of a round synthetic lace and combination eyelets, most of which are plated for longevity.
The Millet Friction, just like most kicks of its kind, is built for rugged use. That said, it will still require proper care and maintenance for it to have an extended lifespan. The points below are some of the things owners can do to keep the Friction in good condition for longer.
- After every use, remove dirt and debris off of its leather upper with a soft brush. Remove its footbed/insole and rid its interior of foreign materials as well.
- Using a pointed tool (a toothpick will suffice), remove stones and debris stuck between the spaces of the outsole’s lugs and treads.
- If the shoe has been muddied or stained heavily, wash it by hand (not in a washer) with some mild soap and warm water. Remove the lace and footbed before washing.
- Rinse the hiker thoroughly and air-dry it somewhere shaded. Do not use a machine dryer. To expedite this step, stuff it with some clean paper or newspaper.
- As the Friction’s upper is made of split leather, applying some leather conditioner on it can prolong its quality. Before application, ensure that the product is completely dry.
- Store the Millet Friction in a cool, dry place if it will not be used for a long time. Never leave it in direct sunlight or inside the car.
-The Friction has a waterproof counterpart in the Millet Friction GTX.