LYRA MAG.

AHHHH..... via GIPHY  Rainy, snowing, sunny and warm- a typical February week ...calls for adaptable footwear that multi-tasks in one week's worth of weather...highlights from new early Spring deliveries that fit the climate challengers. Some Picks: stylish slip-on skimmers ($79) made of waterproof rubber just like their fab duckboots= L.L. Bean with slip-resistant outsole, anti-odor lining, EVA midsole for all day comfort-can even see padded footbed with nice looking plaid pattern..

Outdoor Retailer/SLC  Birkenstock, Khombu, Icebug, Sperry, Merrell, Teva, Under Armour,  Sanuk, Oliberté Whether coined comfort fashion , or stylish performance ...versatile footwear for the outdoors market has broadened its tonal offerings to include many boots/sandals-in white, black and/or in a bold blue akin to Yves Klein's signature. A refreshing break from the tried and true browns-rust, muted tones of typical autumnal colors that typically dominate the shelves. Highlights: DANBURY- Black Suede and White -both available NOW $329-shearling lined knee high boot that riffs the Birkenstock iconic Arizona style-with adjustable buckles on the feet and calves, contoured cork footbed-made in Germany, shoe made in Portugal...like the play on shiny patent and metal-and textured everything else. Buffalo check plaid-in black and white. Arizona - Birkenstock -classic footbed with suede liner, EVA sole-flexible and durable, straps with buckles for great f...

SLC ICE BLOCKS DEMO GRIPPY OUTSOLES-Slip N'Fall Fears Banished VIBRAM- MERRELL-SPERRY-WOLVERINE- HANWAG- ICEBUG- ALTRA-BAFFIN- KODIAK-KAHTOOLA Sloooowly -encompassing the urban kinds of customer (see a 2012 Prez. election voter map for where they live...it's the blue spots)... ...the exhibitors at Outdoor Retailer  -we'd say deftly---cater to the elite winter backcountry extremist - adventurers who have 'the seven summits'  done ---as well as NOW the city types-who more likely "venture out" for day jaunts, travels, indoor fitness centers-including yoga, Cross-Fit and climbing...and who may only see the skies/feel the weather when walking to mass transit hubs. Smart: the authentic outdoors-ness of the brands-remain-for both older and new labels (like Under Armour moving their outdoors bunch to Portland)...an important story to keep on telling to sell to hard core and casual types alike. It's like ...as competitive triathletes...still look...

OR/SLC Functional footwear is  getting  rather specific these days... New additions to the trail running and obstacle races shoe category, Swedish brand-traction masters- ICEBUG showed some task  specific  offerings for Spring 2016-that were very impressive...! We are sure that out cousin who snapped an ankle during one of  the  SPARTAN races will be looking for new footwear to tackle the course. Yikes.   Anima4 RB9X is a  fast and light trail running shoe-that doubles as speed/fitness trainer, outdoors.The fade colored airy upper mesh is actually pretty. Better fitting too-with a toe and heel cup reinforcement  that  is smaller . Ankle collar and tongue padding is slightly thinner for a snug fit and a more direct running feeling. MSRP $159.95.  Anima4 RB9X-outsole is grippy but has flex too Acceleritas OCR RB9X  ensures  quick and safe progression through obstacles. Constructed on a l...

For the gals going global...comfy shoes that travel from trails to city trams...with feminine lasts that makes these lace-up hiker hybrids -stylish. OTBT---aka Off The Beaten Track=lace-up Ritchie Booties $179 burnished leathers on a block trapezoid heel...durable outsole-in 3 colors...pictured Beige Black ( r ) and Dark Brown ( l ) L.L. Bean -low cut   Women's Knife Edge hiking boot in Oakwood $179 -with cozy lining begs for Mother Nature's worst...full grain waterproof leather, Vibram Rubber XS Trek outsole, breathable waterproof membrane (TEK2.5), molded rubber toe cap for extra protection and durability, with cushioned, anti-microbial footbed-is a great après ski choice that looks cute with functional wardrobe staples.  CAT Footwear-Women's waterproof Harper Boot with faux fur trim $150- (also lined with warm Thinsulate-without the fur option too)-with breathable moisture wicking microfiber sock lining, Strobel construction, on a cute just high enough su...

SLC/NYC STORMY KROMER-WOLVERINE, OOFOS, ADIDAS OUTDOOR, ICEBUG, Stormy Kromer-Wolverine collaboration-featuring iconic red/black plaid wool, full grain leather upper from Horween Leather -as part of Wolverine's Fall 2015 collection Location, location, location -this handsome wool leather lace-up hiking/dress shoe hybrid---comes courtesy of Wolverine (founded 1883-by G.A. Krause) and Stormy Kromer (founded in 1903 by George 'Stormy' Kromer)-heritage brands from Michigan's Lower and Upper Peninsulas. Stormy Kromer x Wolverine boot- Love at first site-these made in the USA ($400) got Instagrammed toute de suite---but deserve a second mention...welt construction is obvi-with a rugged outsole, visible hand stitched details, and solid metal hardwear that's old school gone new. OOFOS- --gets major foot time on our feet...the proprietary OOFOAM™ -another genius thing to come out of  South Korea ( seriously -skin care/beauty/Samsung-and their take on...

SLC/NYC The Original MUCK® Boot Company is all about keeping feet dry and warm in all kinds of conditions. Together with other company brands…the selections are both numerous and and purpose driven with unique XpressCool™ fabric inside-that disperses moisture to aid evaporation-more comfort in cold temperatures---and---imparting a cooling effect-good in hotter climates. There are plenty of boots for outdoors and urban folks…we picture a mere sliver of what is and will be available. Breezy Mid in black/floral print can also be had in solid colors, and bold prints. Completely waterproof with ladies fit last and XpressCool™ lining---works in warm days as well as cooler temps. With an EVA contoured molded midsole, 4mm CR flex-foam, EVA rubber pod outsole. Available now. this is a versatile low Breezy Cool Ballet flat version of the above,,,,with a 2mm CR flex foam and flexible rubber outsole…slip-on is cute enough to wear with jeans ---as well as a gardening. Availab...