Part 2
MERRELL, FIVE TEN, ALTRA, HI-TEC
Pops of color-in laces and outsoles...upper trims with metallic shine, quilted tops or in good ole' full grain leather -durably welted hiker hybrids and waterproof boots are practical for all week wear-ideal for urban dwellers with limited closet space and budgets.
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 MERRELL's retro hikers in the Waitsfield Collection-including pictured the SUGARBUSH XCD Waterproof (there's a guy version too)...hails the company's 35th year anniversary with bright blue laces-a brand signature color-but tech featurs-bringing these kicks into the 21st century. |
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FIVE TEN-has a new approach shoe collection...that brings a snazzy urban influence to this bunch of kicks-from the now Adidas owned company that invented this category of footwear. IMO-appeals to climbers, cross fit types as well as Yeezy addicted wearers- with the hydrophobic water worthy Eddy $100 (also an Eddy Pro $120 with an exo skeleton)- eye candy mix of breathable uppers with bright yellow and black rubber rands and versatile outsoles. REALLY lightweight makes these choice multi-taskers for many sports. Detail-holes on back heel part prevent dirt and water from accumulating adds stability-toe caps protection.. As par for this brand-the tech rubber will grip, dusty trails, slippery rocks while canyoning and slick cement city streets of urban canyons.
via GIPHY |
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| FIVE TEN-note full rubber brand is all the way around-for edging but looks cool too-approach shoe has good looks of a sneaker with tech rubber, toe protection and durability/and grip friction-like the brand's acclaimed bike shoes. NICE |
ALTRA has come a long way since its launch a few years back-and now
make our fav trail running the award winning cushioned Superior 2.0 sneakers that are so lightweight-we should have worn those vs our regular running kicks on a slippery sopping wet, over ankle deep water pools' of a mud mess-rock run course-during a recent triathlon.
BONUS for those wanting the comfort and correct support for wherever wear- a new line of lifestyle shoes for guys... might make wearers relegate their other desert boots to the back of the closet. It's all in founder Golden Harper's observation that "...the technology in the human foot can adopt if it is not caged."
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| ALTRA's DESERT BOOT $120 10.2 oz-moderate cushioning, FOOTSHAPE™ toe box, with cushioned Zero Drop Platform™ so feet can move better naturally, allow for a stabile -push off-this desert boot style-guys only, follows the MO that "...shoes should be invisible in a lot of ways..." Midsole dual layer EVA with A-Bound™top layer, insole 5mm contoured footbed---comfort for everyday wear. |
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| FootPod™ Outsole is grippy enough and obvs-expertly mimics how a foot actually-the distinct brand DNA...based on the best selling running shoe outsoles. |
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| ALTRA's Desert Boot @120 come ins three shades... |
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| FootPod™ Outsole-color's synch up with premium leather upper shades |
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| HI TEC |
HI-TEC®
MO="Inspired By Life"-is a millennials' marketing dream of a shoe line-an affordable collection of outdoor traditional hikers and outdoor crossover lifestyle kicks with a lot of tech features-inside and out including a made in Europe serious backpacker boots and a new partnership with rubber masters Michelin-for durable tough outsoles based on the French company's tire smarts..
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| The Trail OX Lite i in charcoal -really does "take you closer to the urban environment interns of style with all the same tech under the hood..."made with unique burly nylon canvas that fits our version of city shoe-but that repels dirt and debris of a mountain trail. The energy rebounding midsole is 12% lighter than the standard EVA-and is inspired by Adidas Boot technology,A value at $100-weight 17.3 oz Men's |
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| How adorable are these-yet we could easily strap on our snowshoes and head out for the snowy woods-as well as lace up and pair up with leggings/wool sweaters for casual night out. KONA ESPRESSO Waterproof High top comes in brown/stone...with Dri-Tec, i-Shield, comfy Ortholite Impressions insole, treaded outsole, cozy faux fur lining $120 |
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| Kona Espresso-also comes in charcoal-pictured in the back |
PART 3
MERRELL's retro hikers in the Waitsfield Collection-including pictured the SUGARBUSH XCD Waterproof (there's a guy version too)...hails the company's 35th year anniversary with bright blue laces-a brand signature color-but tech featurs-bringing these kicks into the 21st century.
