Five:Ten, Sebago, Altra Running, Danner, OluKai, Helly Hansen, DZR, Hollowrock, Ridgemont Outfitters
Essentials for motoring travelers...
Pitching tents in remote locales accessed by dirt roads- or driving along well worn pavements to outdoor cabins or campgrounds -and everything in between (say, en plain air music festivals)...outdoor life experienced in a car/RV-is an American tradition.
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And there's no better time than late summer or Fall for hittin' the trail...
Take along= multi-tasking, functional essentials to take along for the ride...
Part One:
The Kicks=Urban Performance-Outdoor Lifestyle
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Hiking, climbing and cool looking urban kicks-by Five:Ten. Sure, better known parent Adidas is the hot label-but we prefer the functionality of these-with the brand's proprietary STEALTH sticky rubber outsoles (grip galore-for technical edging and durability) plus comfy arched footbed, reinforced toe caps, breathable, perforated upper-and kinda mid-cut hit-delivering a city slick approach shoe that takes wearers scrambling, bouldering, hiking-or sidewalk cruising . Fit-the exoskeleton lacing system (color lace options) keep it secure-so no twisted ankles on the descent, cushioning EVA midsole-absorb shocks of hard surfaces...imo half size up from dress shoe size.
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| Sebago Litesides collection easily go off the boat-onto dry land with practically featherweight comfort. These leather casual slip-ons ($100) (M/W)...deliver in colors that are season-less-with on trend white foxing. Built in all day features include padded cupped EVA heel, dual-density, cushioning memory foam removable footbed, non-marking, slip-resistant outsole. |
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| For runners who never like to miss a day-there is nothing like a solid pair of trail shoes-that can ride all surfaces-from asphalt to dirt, off/on roads -and are comfy/stabile enough to double as day hikers, peak baggers + street strollers-on the concrete. Our fav-ALTRA...imo best fit, just enough support in the upper (TPU overlays)- and burly durable grippy on the wet stuff, Vibram MegaGrip® outsole in their KING MT. shoe (M/W). FUN-the print on the quick drying ripstop fabric upper---and ez the mid foot straps lock in feet on the steeps. ALTRA brand highlights=no drop (mid foot strikers must)- fully cushioned ZeroDrop™ platform, FootShape™ toe box-wide enough for natural spreading out of toes on the push off, and the toe tough Stoneguard zone. Even in a car-if travelers only have room for one pair of kicks -these King MT are good choice-works for most climates-except the snow. Men's and women's specific silhouettes. |
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| Vibram MegaGrip® outsole-some well done-mimics the real structure of feet...ensures that each step ideally supported. |
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| Forever favs...gorgeous leather DANNER hiking boots. Made in Portland collection-made to last...built by hand-by skilled crafts persons. |
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| On the road hikers-men's DANNER Mountain 600 (low profile 4.5 inch height-pictured in front-on sale $140/navy $160/saddle tan))-have the iconic handsome Danner good looks, plus waterproof-without clamminess- protection, handsome full grain leather uppers, energy returning Vibram® SPE midsole + rugged Vibram® Fuga w/ MegaGrip® outsole, plus anti-stink, cushioning removable OrthoLite footbeds. Slightly heavier kicks-perfect for snow/slush too-are the classic stylish Featherlight 917 $240 (and Vertigo 917 boots $220) men's also available now... ideal road tripping' choices for city-national parks destinations-Fall-Spring weather. Waterproof/breathable w/ Gore-Tex® liners, full grain leather uppers, exclusive Vibram® 917 outsole featuring XS Trek rubber for great grip, durability +traction on city streets or trails. As usual-lightweight Vibram® SPE midsole energy returns and absorbs shocks for underfoot stability and comfort aided by cushioning-odor eating' Otholite® footbed-that's removable. 5.5 inch height, 37oz (5" for Vertigo 917-35oz)-hits high/low enough..NICE. |
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| OLUKAI's Hawaiian inspired woven slip-ons...easy wear shoes that are tad dressier than sneakers but just as comfy-the women's Perhuea $80 in magenta but available in 14(!!!) colors and in leather too (LOVE-five colors $100) has Olu- Kai's patented Drop-in Heel®, breathable upper, and removable footbeds for faster drying times...cute for surf turf and other laid back strolls. |
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| Heading for rainy terrain...Chelsea boots aka demi-cut wellies rain boots..are iconic silhouette-that crosses over into sunny day wear too. These Helly Hansen Karoline are a bargain at $55- available now in black and blue mirage- feature sturdy gum rubber sole outsoles, rubber upper with easy tab pull-ons. Whole sizes... |
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| San Fran based DZR clipless shoes are new for us-but every pair we saw at a press preview-including pictured Jetlag Nero'- are made for bikers-who get off the two wheel vehicles- to go to other city places too. Handsome-the snazzy sleek kick- on trend uppers are trendster chic-barely hear the cleats slapping along hard sidewalk surfaces either. |
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| SPD compatible slip-on sneaker-Jetlag Nero $89-with variable shank technology, reflective heel badge and natural rubber outsole. With a cool design!!! |
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| HOLLOWROCK-makes activewear 'gear' ideal for Cross Fitters-or cross country-goers. Footwear wise, imo their 14.3oz Benchmark Flexion Trainers are form/function worthy-the one piece woven uppers eliminate the need for constant tongue adjustments-are on sale now for $60. Wear out of the gym=they're breathable, lightweight-and if ya need more footy warmth-just wear heavier socks. |
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| Ridgemont Outfitters-kicks-are cult label-we think has plenty of basic hip stuff...well done-doesn't try-or need to go flashy. These hikers-street savvy lace-ups--- Outback 11( $135) in black/gray-has eye candy over-stitched foxing, vulcanized construction, are waterproof-with waterproof 2mm waxed-oiled full grain leather upper w/ DWR coating, and comfort wise-has an EVA-cush-open cell anti-microbial insole and lateral stability. M+W versions. |
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| hi density lugged rubber outsole |
