Fall Gear Guide: Shoes and Socks

With fall drawing to a close and winter approaching quickly our last couple of fall guides will be focusing on gear that can take you from fall to winter. First up is shoes and socks. Our feet usually take a beating and having good footwear and socks are a must. As always feet are different, go and try some of these products on and find the ones that work and feels the best for you.

Vasque Bitterroot GTX

Vasque Bitterroot GTX is an all leather waterproof backpacking boot, loaded with Vasque’s exclusive Vibram Summit outsole and Gore-Tex, so your feet are comfortable and dry for all of your excursions. Great for all adventurers heading out on the trail, this boot provides solid support on short and long distance treks. Comes with red or blue laces that you can change out depending on your personal style.

Features:

• GORE-TEX® is the ultimate system for durable waterproofing and breathable comfort.

• Vibram sole

• Summit Last – A hybrid last, the Summit uses the heel from the Arc Tempo with a straighter forepart.

• Available in widths

• Weight: 3lb. 8 oz. (1588g)

• Outsole: Vasque Exclusive Vibram® Summit Sole

• Last: Summit

• Midsole: Molded PU/EVA/TPU

• MSRP $190

• http://www.vasque.com/vasque-shoe/7170-vasque/7170-vasque-mens-bitterroot-gtx-slateblack-chilipepper

Wolverine Fulcrum Boot

The Fulcrum is a rugged hiking boot designed by Wolverine to offer lightweight performance and comfort.  The Fulcrum has a Vibram Mutant outsole, waterproof full-grain leather upper and Gore-Tex membrane to keep feet dry throughout any excursion.  With a nylon shank for stability and support, the Fulcrum provides a firm ride, suitable for long hikes with heavy gear.  An OrthoLite performance insert provides arch support, while an organic inner lining naturally reduces odors and wicks away moisture.  The boot also features Wolverine ICS (Individual Comfort Systesm), so wearers can dial in personal comfort by adjusting the gel disc in the boot’s heel.  Backed by Wolverine’s 30-day comfort guarantee, the Fulcrum is available in Brown and Black.

• MSRP $200

• http://www.wolverine.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/26216M/60295/Mens/Fulcrum-Wolverine-ICS-Mid-Cut-Gore-Tex-Off-Road-Hiker

ECCO La Paz Hi GTX

The La Paz Hi GTX is built with durable Yak leather uppers with mesh panels and a Gore-Tex liner to keep the water out. A contoured insole cushions your step and a midsole with Full length Receptor™ technology allows your foot to move naturally over the landscape for an efficient stride. The mid-height protects your ankles and keeps out debris and the lightweight, flexible Ecco Performance Rubber outsole offers durable traction on any surface. From mountain trails to cross country treks, the Ecco La Paz Hi Gore-Tex Hiking Boots are built for your outdoor lifestyle.

Features:

• Direct-injected anatomical PU midsole

• ECCO Performance Rubber – EPR 4.0

• Excellent grip, traction and durability in mountain terrain

• Full length Receptor technology

• Gore-tex lining

• Superior performance and stability through the three phases of every step

• Upper combined of rich Yak leather and textile

• Waterproof construction ensures dry feet at all times

• MSRP:$200.00

• http://www.eccousa.com/shoes/performance/mens/adventure/la-paz-hi-gtx/2976/detail.aspx

Running

Salomon XR Crossmax CS

Have you ever complained about your shoes not breathing well enough, yet you still want some waterproofing to keep your feet dry? Salomon has addressed both of these issues with the XR Crossmax CS. The shoe has the unique Climasheild™ technology which allows lightweight, breathable and quick drying waterproof protection. The technology is based on blending waterproof membrane in the lower tongue and forefoot zones, with a breathable lining in the heel and upper tongue.

Features:

• Upper – Stretch Air Mesh, Protective TPU toe cap, Friction-free lace eyelet, Sensifit™ and Lace Pocket

• Lining -Climashield™ membrane

• Sole Construction – Contragrip LT and HA outsole, OS (oversized) Tendon, 3D Advanced Chassis, Ortholite® sockliner, Triple density Midsole, Compressed EVA

• Weight: 11.8 oz (size 9 US)

• Mens and Womens models

• MSRP $140

• http://www.salomon.com/us/product/xr-crossmax-neutral-cs.html

Treksta Evolution GTX

The Popular Evolution becomes the ultimate four-season shoe with the addition of a Gore-Tex Extended Comfort waterproof/breathable membrane. From wet fall treks to slushy spring runs, the Evolution GTX will elevate your outdoor experience.

Features:

• NestFIT system cradles your feet, accounting for every contour as it follows the natural flow and design of the foot. Upper, insole, midsole, and outsole work together like never before.

• IceLock/Hypergrip outsole provides traction in any condition.

• Gore-Tex Extended Comfort waterproof/breathable membrane keeps your feet dry and comfortable in varying weather.

• 11.4 oz. per shoe (W7)

• Mens and Womens models

• MSRP: $130

• http://www.trekstausa.com/

PUMA Complete Trailfox 4

The PUMA Complete Trailfox 4 reaches a new level of trail running. This low‐profile, technical trail shoe is constructed with a closed air mesh upper, an external heel counter, and scratch rubber around the toe box to keep you dry and secure while navigating tricky trails. The midsole is made with EML Lite, 15% lighter than our previous EVA midsoles. A one‐piece outsole provides a responsive, low‐to‐the‐ground ride, while EverTrack provides extra traction. Directional lugs on the outsole are designed to grip and pull on the forefoot for uphill traction, and to plant and stabilize the heel for downhill traction. With a centered heel strike, the Trailfox 4 is flexible and lightweight, perfect for the neutral runner looking for a high‐performance trail shoe.

Features:

• Comfort Last

• EverRide

• EverTrack

• IdCELL

• OrthoLite® Sockliner

• Abrasion-Resistant Rubber

• Trail Lace

• Directional Lugs

• Mens and Womens Models

• MSRP: $100

• http://www.puma.com/running/products/complete-trailfox-4

Beach

OluKai Kia’i Trainer

Designed with the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, the Kia’i Trainer is engineered to handle the guards’ rigorous fitness training demands from Mauka to Makai. This shoe will help you reach your training goals on or off the beach. Also a portion of proceeds goes to the HLA Junior Guard Program.

Features:

• UPPER  Quick-drying breathable air mesh and abrasion-resistant closed mesh, moisture-wicking  Dri-Lex lining with Aegis Microbe Shield, easy-off lace toggle, and suede and sheet rubber toecap and heelstay for durability.

• Footbed – Anatomical dual density EVA footbed for excellent rebound. Removable and washable.

• Outsole- Non-marking gum rubber outsole with aggressive tread for added grip, and rigid ESS shank plate to protect foot from coral, lava rock, and other unforeseen obstacles.

• Features Dual density medial post for prevention of overpronation, rocker outsole for stability on uneven surfaces, and embroidered HLA island chain detail.

• Mens and Womens models

• MSRP: $110

• http://www.olukai.com/

Cushe Pimlico Thermo

Any adventurous woman wants style, function, and comfort. The Pimlico Thermo has memory foam insoles, rubber gripped outer sole, and looks great on-trail or on the sidewalk.

Features:

• Upper Material: Sanded suede.

• Lining: Thermal fleece lining with a spun-wool sock.

• Midsole: Lightweight phylon moulded EVA with rubber sole for enhanced shock absorption and comfort.

• Outsole: Moulded rubber with “Manuka Honeycomb” grip.

• MSRP: $95

• http://www.cushe.com/US/en-us/Product.mvc.aspx/22069W/48130/Womens/Pimlico-Thermo

Cushe Surf Slipper Chuka

The Chuka is great whether you’re coming off a cool fall surf, or cruising around town admiring the changing fall leaves. Rubber gripping sole with memory foam insole, the Chuka is incredibly good looking and easy to wear.

Features:

• Upper Material: Soft sanded suede.

• Lining: Ventilated mesh with microfiber sock.

• Midsole: Lightweight phylon moulded EVA with rubber sole for enhanced shock absorption and comfort.

• Outsole: Moulded rubber with “Manuka Honeycomb” grip.

• MSRP: $90

•http://www.cushe.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/24868M/56598/Mens/Surf-Slipper-Chuka

Minimilist

VIVOBAREFOOT Neo Trail

Most bare feet can not handle trail running. But the Neo Trail, is a barefoot and breathable off-road performance trail running shoe designed to help protect the foot.. With a durable, lugged outsole the Neo Trail provides traction while on or off the trail.

Features:

• Upper: Hydrophobic Mesh and Microfiber

• Collar/Panel & Lining: Woven Nylon & Polyster

• Insoles: 3.0 mm Press EVA Insole

• Lacing: Lock-lacing system

• Sole Type: Off road grip with Toe Guard

• Outsole Thickness: 3.0 mm Base, 5.0 mm Lugg Height

• Weight w/ Insoles: 9.2 oz.

• Weight w/o Insoles: 8.7 oz.

• Eco-Credentials: 100% Vegan: soles made from recycled rubber; Drilex performance lining with environmentally sustainable Sorona yarn.

• MSRP: $130

• http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/neo-trail-mens-44.html/

ZEM 360 Ninja

The 360 is the feather-light star of ZEMs barefoot collection. The design weighs in just over 2.5 oz. and is equipped with a pliable but abrasion robust phylon outsole ideal for runners and almost any training environment. A new & enhanced tech band design contributes increased lateral hold and stability.

Amazing forward propulsion facilitated by the split toe pattern and the high ‘mold-ability’ of all materials used on the 360 create these amazing SoulSkins.

Features:

• Performance phylon outsole

• Gecko-Grip rubber pods deliver traction.

• Split-toe pattern for ultimate “grip-ability” and barefoot sensation.

• Upper and sole materials mold to your foot and create individualized fit and protection.

• Enhanced and expanded tech bands increase the lateral stability.

• Ultimate light-weight protection.

• MSRP: $59.99

• http://shop.zemgear.com/products/productdetail/360+Ninja/part_number=3620/6944.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.0?mobile=0

Kick back and relax.

Sanuk LumberJack

Can’t live without your Sanuks in the fall and winter? Then check out the LumberJack. It has a faux shearling chill liner to add warmth. Every chill situation has a comfortable solution!

• Mens Sidewalk Surfers

• Super Soft, High Rebound, Molded EVA Footbed featuring

• AEGIS Antimicrobial additive

• Premium Rubber Lug Happy U Outsole for Extra Grip

• Handmade Lumberjack Plaid Pattern Upper featuring Super Comfy

• Faux Shearling Chill liner

• Vegan and Vegetarian

• MSRP: $65.00

• http://www.sanuk.com/lumber-jack-chill