LYRA MAG.

Getting aways to anywhere via public transport - demand multi-tasking, thoughtful clothing. No checked baggage or single purpose anything-head to toe apparel/footwear needs to function in many environments. No wonder outdoor brands are becoming urban mainstream labels.. .that stuff is made to last, weather tough-and now-fashion-y enough-for today's casually dressed traveller. Not an item to wear-but a traveller's essential...the multi-tool pocket 'knife.' Raise your hand -a round of applause.if you've had yours confiscated by TSA. via GIPHY OKAY THAT WOULD BE EVERYBODY. Solution- Victorinox Swiss Army multi-tool less the blades-travel ready-TSA okay. YAY. Award winning Jetsetter@work Alex knife  $70 has a removable 3.0/3.1 USB stick (on the left) with 16 GB of storage (ideal to store all those pictures you're gonna take w/o having to access a cloud service)-plus six functions-scissors, bottle opener, wire stripper, Phillips screwdriver0/1 m...

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

SAUCONY, SEBAGO. OluKai, OBOZ via GIPHY Lightweight, cushioning,  sport functioning-and lifestyle good looks-there are plenty of worthy choices by dress and athletic brands... that narrow down footwear travel needs to a pair or two. SAUCONY LIFE ON THE RUN. .. lifestyle collection-uses brand's cushioning and long lasting proprietary foam length of the midsole that is long lasting. Pictured-LiteForm delivers July 1, 2017. Insanely lightweight- all day comfort-stretch mesh upper-breathable -and lacing system assures great fit as does footbed inside cards the foot with just enough support...really could do a trail hike, day jog, or sight-seeing journey... in this one kick. Sebago-started out in Maine as the original hand sewn Dockside boat shoes...for Spring- we're loving this Docksides Ariaprene™ (neoprene-like) genuine moccasin construction kick- with non-corrosive nickel free eyelets -  with toggle-elastic bungee closure system for great fit...re imagined water ...

via GIPHY source jezebel.com Ready for whatever twists outdoor music fun conjures up-comfortable footwear that withstands the elements...by OBOZ, ROCKPORT, CHACO, TREKSTA finally- OBOZ ---who makes our fav waterproof/supportive and cute(!) winter boots the MADISON Bdry-has a collection of flip-flops for Spring 2017...with the label's legendary BFit. deluxe footbed, spring EVA midsole and rugged outsole..applied to these easy to wear, webbed thongs.  carbon rubber pods on outsole OBOX Ocoee  and Selway  flip-flops for women-$55

SLC/NYC CHACO, LA SPORTIVA, KHOMBU, SKECHERS, ADIDAS OUTDOORS, OBOZ A few years back-females' shoe swappings (flats/sneakers to heels) outside of fashion shows, day time office buildings, nighttime bars/clubs=pretty standard visuals in Manhattan. Not anymore...and it's not just that those teetering stilettos are maybe  hidden in work cubicles. Nope-from what we can see- the foot wardrobes of the ladies -are mostly fashion comfort- and functional all-terrain kicks - performance shoes/sandals including decidedly outdoorsy silhouettes-ALL THE TIME. These kicks-are paired up with frilly dresses, dressier denim and athleisure wear looks that increasingly get worn M-F / 24/7. And it makes sense-especially for trail-and rugged water shoes...with their beefed up grippy outsoles, cushioning midsoles and supportive insoles with anti-odor, moisture wicking, and stability features would find favor with those who toil the urban canyons. Plus, digital printing makes those upper...

 OR/SLC Many ( many ) of the techy performance footwear and apparel companies in the outdoors and work market segments...are now directly pitching their wares-new and re-packaged 'old'( like Carhartt ) to a more casual bunch of consumers....who do not need the most tricked out piece of clothing or kicks for their everyday activities, to and fro'. .. At the most recent OR show-we saw a lot of 'this'---new offerings for the large urban population -that needs/wants a blend of functionalities and performance materials in goods that can be worn, well --- on the streets-  off the slopes-or for day style jaunts-indoor and out-when the temps dip. OBOZ -a "True To The Trail" Montana company worshiped by hikers and trekkers for their burly and light weight day footwear aimed at the mountain bound-showed off a fab new Insulated Collection for lower altitude destined humans...incorporating their DNA of supportive BFit Thermal insoles, BDry waterproof linings, 3M...

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 Besides catching up on SERIAL podcasts...our other pastime on the subway-is checking out the footwear of other passengers. Depending on the time of day...certain types of lace-up boots/flats/sneakers/oxfords/slip-ons dominate female and male feet---pointing to lightweight function over pure fashion in a city where walking is a given...but where style is also a big deal . FYI-swapping into heels-at an office... common  ... Around 2-3PM -when construction/infrastructure guys -finish up and head home...we see them attired in burly protective workboots -along with their Carhatt jackets. From the leader in protective kicks- Wolverine makes sense we saw so many new looks---  from hiker -chukka-low almost trail runner looks----loaded with comfort and OSHA required musts that are super impressive...especially given the prices. EDGE LX Waterproof nubuck leather EPX™ work boots feature a footbed (removable) of dual density PU EPX™ anti-fatigue, energy returning-for ...

Hikers set to go places-need lightweight low cut boots-that are comfy enough to wear on an air bound plane  as well as on earth bound trails... A pair of these will last longer than the trip...all durable, wearable kicks that will last years. from Montana based OBOZ -this lightweight 9.3oz/quick dry mesh , minimally seamed hiker has that label's signature  protective TPU overlays + grippy Hyalite outsole-with protective ESS overlays-toe bumps and durable buuild-yet as comfy as a trail running sneaker. Fit-true to size...  BOA dial-micro adjustment makes this TREKSTA lightweight hiker easy on/off and guarantee don't have to re-tie laces that always seem to not stay tied! With a grippy Hypergrip® outsole, form fitting  EVA insole for arch support, and highly breathable mesh-waterproof (Gore-Tex®) upper-all day comfort NestFit system cradles feet + Ice Lock grips-whether strolling streets, sidewalks or trails. Fit wise-we found run a tad big -about a h...

Ahnu's new YOGA SPORT-yoga performance footwear-for pliable needs..extremely flexible outsole-Yoga Split low impact $99.95 -Yoga Flex $119.95 high impact- all collabs with Blake Brody. Inside EVA midsole, EVA heel cup-both cushioning, dual-density memory foam footbed, non-marking carbon tread outsole.   NYC-SLC Outdoor boots for trails and treks---are more functional than fashionable.  For good reason...we've done enough tough terrain jaunts that eventually led to a big nail to turn black -and falling off...to know that we could not care less what our foot performance gear looks like-if it doesn't do its job in a well fitted manner. From under the radar brands...impressive selections that go the distance-comfortable, protectively rugged, waterproof and durable -for 2015...some delivering soon-some available now. Highlights: SUGARPINE WP $140....lace-up hiker delivers in a lot of fun colors. waterproof/breathable upper of mesh, leather and suede AHNU ,...