LYRA MAG.

part 2 Amundsen Sport s' collection of tech performance head to toe apparel separates/shoes/boots-have rightfully earned 'BEST OF..." from outdoors'y media royalty... After all... This Norwegian collection-made in those special European locales with expertise -boasts top of the line performance/protection fabrics (like Schoeller ), and materials ( Vibram's Arctic Grip ) etc. But what really grabbed our eyeballs beyond the multiple hangtags  -is the label's stylish fusion of the best retro looks that ooze city cool (think '90s iconic J Peterman selections)...with high-end functional travel-trek-mountain scaling pieces usually reserved for global jaunts in remote locales. Where your outfits are often key to surviving the elements. Highlights: MOUNTAIN MUCKS ILUJJINIQ Waxed Cotton zip front water-tough gaiters (snap shut top with logo patch)-atop lace-up leather boots.Limited edition-in dark oak/natural. Comes with 2 inner boots (standard ver...

PERFORMANCE and STYLE The best kicks for comfort, durability and versatility-are-light supportive all day trail shoes. Throw in good looks and it's no wonder-the Adidas Terrex Free Hikers are best sellers since their intro' (W) Free Hiker available now Just in time for an autumnal vacay season (for those not tethered to school schedules)...these soon to launch Free Hiker (M) in camo are our top pick for all day sock like fit, major style, the exclusive BOOST cushioning (really lives up to its 'endless energy' billing). Ideal for urban outdoor adventures...on the trail or streets-with the added bonus of a form fitting lightweight water resistant Primeknit textile upper. BOOST cushioning on board, protective molded  TPU heel+ toe cap and those logoish 3 side stripes +torsion bar-reinforce foot stability. At average of 13.5 ozs (M) -the Free Hiker steps out with a natural flex- and are abrasion resistant too.,  Continental™ Rubber outsole for wet/dry wea...

A recent Puerto Rico Ironman 70.3-had us appreciating (experiencing) the clean ocean waters. Which is partially why we heart big time...that plastic bottles -retrieved and recycled by non-profit Parley For The Oceans - end up as uppers in the continuing popular collaboration with the sport-performance-fashion giant,  Adidas.  (Other reasons-comfort, good looks, functional). The snazzy looking Parley kicks' collection has sold over a million-and counting. New Spring additions for ADIDAS OUTDOORS- feature quick dry climacool® woven uppers made from recycled yarns and outsoles boasting the brand's grippy Traxion®or Stealth® rubber outsoles (in Boat and Voyager $90-$120 ).  via GIPHY Great Pacific Garbage Patch- world's largest mass of ocean garbage-now 2x the size of Texas TERREX CC VOYAGER PARLEY -has toe protection+lightweight EVA midsole for long term cushioning drainage system through midsole sidewalls Stealth® rubber grippy outsole (from si...

L.L. Bean, Adidas Outdoors, Carhartt, ULU Boots, OBOZ Slush, snow, ice-for a few days-or a few weeks-require focused footwear.  Top picks for weather beaters, boot wise-with enough style to wear weekdays-week-ends. via GIPHY

The buzz words 'heritage' and 'authentic' tossed around lately-rarely get applied to what's underneath one's feet but in reality, that part of one's footwear is one of the most important component of shoe construction. via GIPHY For anyone standing/moving upright, that is. The first unique outsole-CARRARMATO by Vibram -has been around for 80 years...now delivers in colorful shades/patterns Hence-a big birthday celebration to 'senior citizen' VIBRAM-an Italian company with proprietary rubber compounds that grip the ground in all sorts of conditions-allowing everyone from adventurists mountain scalers to casual  strollers-the ability to see the scenery from a vertical perspective, with ease .

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....

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. 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. 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  upp...

old ad -never out of style boot-from Wolverine store A subway ride around 3:05PM  on certain lines- gets filled with construction workers ...at the end of their work day. One thing in common-durable protective footwear that can take whatever elements or hazardous conditions a building site might provide. While the uppers always look beat up-inside...a good multi-purpose workboot (and outdoor boot) requires a lot of footwear construction know-how. via GIPHY source simpsonworld.com At Wolverine ...we recently saw the layered foundation/structure that goes into their  best selling work+outdoor styles...empowered by the brand's new  DURASHOCKS® Comfort Technology -a fully integrated energy returning technology. Wolverine™ maximum energy return- H-Plate-treaded durable  abrasion resistant rubber lug outsole impervious to slick water-oil, heat and chemicals (a workbook must), compression pad on heel absorbs shock and returns energy H-Plate™ suspensi...

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...