LYRA MAG.

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. via GIPHY 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 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...

PART 3 KHOMBU, K SWISS, RISEWEAR, EDDIE BAUER, TREKSTA, DANNER Urban outdoors is a reality-especially for mass transit commuters -living in city sized dwellings...who head out to city or massive national parks on days not spent indoors. Three season kicks- lifestyle sneakers and winter worthy fashionable boots -dominate precious closet space (or under the bed)...vs the most dressy of dressier shoes that rarely get worn these days. via GIPHY source: gifbay.com Some highlights: Khombu is raking in the retail accounts these days (and customers) for good reason-the value and eye candy proposition just REALLY work...esp. for F/W waterproof takes on their stylish molded one piece duck boots bottoms paired with fun textile/woolen uppers in terrific tweed and ethnic patterns. Pictured Julliard (left -ultra fun with comfortable insole $109) and Jazzy center, right $95 a wedge heel is the easiest walkable way to add height and still feel the ground-the Ashao comes in 5 colors....

Heritage Brands: Danner, HanWag, Sporto, Khombu, Sebago Rugged and durable, name brand kicks and boat shoes made by acclaimed labels famous for their quality construction know-how...are practically moved to the side as an afterthought- by more upscale lifestyle-streetwear selections-made for walking-delivering Fall/Winter 2016. via GIPHY  The result---the original DNA of these companies...get a few stylish-fashion-y makeovers...that surpass their original functions...without losing their original design personalities . HIGHLIGHTS: DANNER-(1932) Hardcore hiking, hunting, military and work boots crafted for guys... large casual side of Danner...including these MADE IN THE USA Mountain Pass Horween Rio Boot-(other men's and women's versions-$350-360)-takes style clues from MountainLight signature hiker-paired with modern aesthetic-and made of Horween Leather FROM HANWAG-a German heritage brand of sturdy hikers-since 1921...has a bunch of "urban winter...

Outdoor Retailer, SLC words/images Judith Ecochard We didn't have an appointment to preview the Lacrosse/Danner footwear but having past by their spot on the tradeshow floor-we popped in ---and we really liked what we saw. women's Whitney™II Pac Boots 100% waterproof rubber bottom/1000 denier nylon upper-with a lockable top gusset + Snow Grip™ outsole Established in 1897, Lacrosse started life as the Lacrosse Rubber Mill Co...in Lacrosse, Wisconsin...and what drew us in-are these heritage inspired rubber boots and updated double insulated Pac boots...all 100% waterproof. removable cuff 3 eyelet lace-up  design for secure fit up top cuffs are removable for multi-season wear FUN----designed in-house, textile knits on these vulcanized rubber boots in bright colors. And the fit is secure---Lacrosse Ankle-Fit™ design with a narrowed ankle pocket that grips the foot better without being restrictive...plus removable EVA mi...