LYRA MAG.

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...

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...

TIMBERLAND, KAMIK, MERREL  Versatile good looks-with crossover appeal...several heritage brands including the aforementioned...celebrated the well designed lace-ups  that got the whole company started... new colors on the lace-ups-waterproof styles...shades of booze (Wickett&Craig collections), wheat and dark chocolate add up to tasty modern options... on the subway-his and his son's- matchy matchy Timberlands-in the original 'wheat nubuck' boot- with Primaloft Eco insulation, seam sealed waterproof construction, rust proof hardwear and anti-fatigue construction for on the feet all day comfort, padded collar... TIMBERLAND throws back to it's classic styles with more comfort inside for today's casual wearer -who needs some weather protection...like the father -son duo-we saw on the #1 train... FUN-A head to toe capsule collection inspired by what we wore-back in the day... TIMBERLAND SIENNA $119.99-KAMIK- fabs -this cold weathe...

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...

Outdoor Retailer/SLC M-CONNECT "Feel Your World," Apparel-Outside, Trail, Urban and BAREFOOT Running/Trail Shoes words/images Judith Ecochard MERRELL's Spring 2013 apparel and footwear continues this brand's commitment to performance fashion---with the "M-Connect" ethos---to get moving. HIGHLIGHTS: Functional pieces-with contemporary style- for wearing anywhere (Outside, Trail, Urban)---Merrell's selections include compositions made of pirpose-driven fabrics, amped up with its  proprietary technology-including Opti-Shell™-2.5 or 2 layer fully seamed, waterproof, breathable garments, Aeroblock™-wind resistant breathable,  Opti-Wick™moisture management, Opti-Warm™ synthetic insulation-warmth without the bulk, and Adventure Rest™---travel jackets that stuff into a neck pillow via a specialized pocket. First up-outdoor runner separates (Naturally Mobile) for gals on the go- in pretty blues inspired by the sea. Afton short-self fabric tie wa...