LYRA MAG.

70's Funky Platforms + 90's  Foot Stompers Dr Martens get fiercer...more colorful and a bit taller with a reboot from Vibram's customized-repair  SOLE FACTOR service. Thinking of a spring wardrobe refresh...grab a fav pair of sandals or shoes a bit worn underneath-go online to select from a plethora of colors/thicknesses-weight/grip-traction---or leave up to the professional cobblers at Vibram...fill out the downloadable SOLE FACTOR form....mail away...and wait 2-3 weeks for your customize. ONLINE INFO  and contact #.

It's Not What You Think... via GIPHY No -we're not talking $ plastic surgery-but a much easier+wallet friendly way-to turn back the clock-5-15 years(+) for something   maybe   more important than your selfie enhancement procedure--- customizing a  fav pair of shoes . YES! A new lease on life- retrofit ...of any footwear (just about)...no healing required-for those Sex In The City era pumps,  Burning Man-runway worthy comfort sandals,  moto boots that have lost their grrrrr, athletic boots worn of their functional pop... and for even added snazzy swagger of drab dress shoes for truly personalized work-to-play style.  VIBRAMs SOLE FACTOR Program and current tour is the solution. Simple to Follow Custom Repair Steps: peruse the Vibram outsole option types - available online. ..and mail or bring in a pair to one of the many designated cobblers-available coast to coast-who can add serious sass  (eye-candy patterns -colors)  serious grip (th...

A coveted secret of footwear addicts.. .and well know performance outsole musts for outdoor enthusiasts... Vibram's rubber soles are unique (patented) takes on the best underfoot protection... via GIPHY  fyi-shoes aren't heated... ...acclaimed for durability, protective,  cushioning abilities- and grab appeal (the latest-Arctic Grip-is practically a 'miracle on ice')... but are also fashion statements. 

Limited Edition-Hand Crafted Boots by a legendary men's shoe maestro celebrates 80th anniversary of iconic Vibram's Carramato lug design. Timeless too -Vibram's Italian born Megagrip rubber lug outsole...is a game changer...for those wishing to remained upright when on the move in incremental weather. YUP-those hand wrought details abound in this men's only (wha????) lace-up brush leather suede lace-up hiker hybrid-by cult fav Japanese streetwear label...VISVIM-the  Jibari -takes a day to make. $1200 DESIGNER HIROKI NAKAMURA credit J.Dicuollo. Where: Pop-Up shop at 180 Duane Street-Tribeca-a spacious white gallery with those soaring ceilings-brick walls of areas cast iron architecture...temporarily aligned with retro-style hand crafted apparel/footwear-a stunning fusion of folklore, an urban -cool Asian aesthetic-plus world friendly silhouettes (like the handsome kimonos having a fashion moment-again). VISVIM -has a huge fan club that travels-give...

Checking out subway passengers' footwear-(vs addictive smartphone screens) ...it's clear that woven knit uppers atop sport/lifestyle kicks have become the style of choice... shared with workboots-depending on the hour of the day. Athletes all? Nope-clearly commuters are opting for trendy comfort ---partially why THAT shoe market niche -looks-wise-boast straight off fashion forward runway handsomeness and functional driven outdoors' details of techy components that are fit fab+ durable. via GIPHY One of the 'hot' brands out there... BRANDBLACK -a 'lifestyle'  men's apparel/footwear company that would synch  just right  if purveyed by  Dover St. Market -as easily as adorning the uncompensated forms/feet of off duty b-ball pros. This may be a smirk inducing take on the Birkenstock/sock Grandpa phenomena-but we bet there's a consumer base for this ONE PIECE Tabi  $140 sandal/sock merger. The unibody construction is unique-woven tubular knit ...

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...

Wolverine unveils the Wolverine Workshop, offers custom options for the Original 1000 Mile Boot-and new RTW Spring styles Wolverine introduced the first 1000 Mile boot in 1914; using a secret tanning method to create leather that was soft, flexible and durable, the shoe was advertised as “comfortable and durable enough to give you 1000 miles of wear.” With a focus on quality, craftsmanship, durability and comfort in footwear, the Wolverine 1000 Mile boot changed the industry standard forever. Now you can design your own Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots online at  wolverine.com/custom  and the Wolverine Company Store -  254 Elizabeth Street, New York,  New York- for truly original kicks -made in the USA. The premium materials  Custom boots available in men’s and women’s sizes-including selecting   m aterial for the quarter, vamp, heel, tongue, foot bed and hangtag (13 options) o utsole ( 3 options in men’s sizes, 1 in women's ), e yelets (6 optio...

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 .

Wolverine 1000 Mile Cafe Collection Java LOVE like Springtime- is everywhere -inspiring a primo Footwear,  a fav Beauty Scrub, Cold Brew Drinks The limited edition Wolverine 1000 Mile Café Collection-takes inspiration from Michigan based, Madcap Coffee Co., for five new men's styles...available now. CAFE COLLECTION-WOLVERINE 1000 Mile Meticulously handcrafted in the  Big Rapids, Michigan factory.   the Café Mocha, Café Miel, Cappuccino, Cortado, and Espresso-priced  from $360-$400  boast time honored details like- durable (re-soleable) Goodyear Welt construction,  matching tongue / heel combinations that contrasts from the rest of the boot,  ‘LTD’ monograms on the tongue, Horween leather uppers and/or trims, and either a leather or rugged Vibram rubber outsoles. via GIPHY source adventuresofajavajunkie.tumblr.com

EARTH RUNNERS, VIBRAM, OOFOS, FREEWATERS Recovery shoes-that cushion-massage the feet and absorb stress- are musts for athletes. Also though - barefoot style-minimalist shoes (running sneakers) - def not for everyone-still are worthy as footwear---for other endeavors...as many humans believe  walking barefoot is a great way to strengthen feet-legs. Close-imo-opting for minimal type shoes for strolls on shock absorbing surfaces like dirt/sand-stress free way to build up those muscles too. via GIPHY source julings.tmblr.com Highlights: From Earth Runners-a minimalist outdoors sandal company...is very cool. A build your own custom sandal (more or less 'cushioning' options)-is offered-aimed at different outdoor activities ...from trail running-to camping-travel-or approach shoe etc. We use ours-vegan model-quick drying rubber with it's custom molded minimalist 8mm Vibram® outsole- as the perfect beach shoe. The fit-(it comes with detailed instructions on how to adjus...

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...

VIBRAM SOLE FACTOR "We've Got Sole, You've Got Options" Customize Upgrade Repair aka our latest obsession Chuck Taylor All Stars-Converse (Nike owned) are not only worn by many-their rubber toe/outsoles influenced the looks of loads of brands...including those who got sued by the company. NYC One of the most enduring footwear trends of late =  the snazzy urban-work appropriate fashion -comfort selections from brands-aiming to attire the feet of humans who would rather be wearing sneakers/trainers. And not just guys, either. SO-the white foxing-outsole pops underfoot every style-from dressy men's oxfords to flatform sandals...is a multi-year phenom. Ho-hum... by now though. .. a much better style option comes courtesy of Vibram outsoles ---with their brilliant have -it-your way outsole option program- whereby practically every shoe in one's wardrobe can get so much better-look wise - and durability wise (after all this is from Vibram-the...