Shoes Of The Day

Ecco’s Tahoe: A Multisport Shoe for all Seasons?

Today’s multisport shoe doesn’t only have to be versatile enough to handle a variety of outdoor activities, it has to be able to handle a variety of outdoor conditions without making you feel weighed down, wet, or causing any combination of discomfort. That’s why Ecco’s Taho multisport shoe is such a success, of course.  But as you’ll read, the truth about what makes a great shoe is what’s found in the details.

First, the big stuff. Yes, the Ecco Tahoe is stable and able to grip on wet surfaces – to the extent that rubber can.  The shoes also feature a “sporty” outdoor look that many outdoor enthusiasts will probably find irresistible. Put on a pair of Tahoes and you’ll likely feel like getting outdoors, even if you didn’t before. And the material is high-quality, featuring a combination of leather and textiles to offer flexibility and stability.

But we can’t forget about the smaller details as well, including one characteristic of a multisport shoe that so many people often forget: the “inner climate,” as Ecco so delicately puts it. If you’re going to be using a shoe for multisport endeavors, then you’re going to be perspiring, not least of all inside the shoe, where your feet are snugly protected from the outside elements.

The issue of sweat is handled best by the best shoes, and the Tahoe does exactly that by keeping moisture out and allowing the water vapor in your shoes to escape. That’s a great combination for warm weather, of course, but it’s also surprisingly a major factor in winter as well.

At a price of $150, you can’t go wrong with using Ecco’s Tahoe as a multisport shoe for your next adventure. Sure, there’s only one color available, but if you’re like us, that’s all you need.

The What:

This is called: Ecco Tahoe multisport, constructed of YAK leather and textile.
Color tested: Moon Rock/Ice White.

The Why:
Buy them if: you want a sporty outdoor shoe that you can wear comfortably on the trail and fashionably around town.
Forget them if: you’re a member of the YPC (Yak Preservation Club).
Tested on: Rocky Mountain trails and around town.
Highest and best use: light hiking.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to size up if you wear thicker socks.  The YAK leather is incredibly supple.  These shoes are soft against your feet and tough against the terrain.  For more, check out Ecco’s performance technology here.

*Disclosure: shoes provided by Ecco (MSRP $150). If you have a pair of shoes that need to be featured on shoesoftheday.com, contact us at reviews (at) shoesoftheday.com

Get Altitude: The Hi-Tec V-Lite Altitude Ultra API Hiking Boots

The modern-day hiking boot requires versatility. After all, people who go hiking also have access to technology  like cars and GPS – it’s easy to alter one’s chosen terrain on a whim. That’s why hiking boots have to follow suit and meet all demands…at least if the boot is going to be worth the cost. Does the V-Lite Altitude Ultra API hiking boot deliver on these demands, or is it simply another way of strapping your feet in?

First, we should evaluate the most important aspects of a hiking boot: keeping moisture out and keeping you upright. This means that both grip and strength of waterproofing are high priorities. The V-Lite Altitude succeeds with high grades on both of these fronts with a high grade of leather that covers your feet and ankles incredibly well. On the grip side, there are no complaints: the Vibram outsole is, of course, awesome Vibram rubber.  Enough said.

What’s great about the V-Lite series is that the shoes all come up high along your ankle without constricting your movement, thus providing extra protection from the elements without really messing with your stride.  This will actually make it tempting to place a little extra wear and tear on the boot, and depending on your perspective, that can either be a good or a bad thing.  For a hiking boot, they are light-weight but don’t worry, they don’t scrimp on durability.

Ultimately, this hiking boot is exactly what many people are looking for. At $150, it’s right about where you would expect a solid hiking boot for the season to cost. It provides great waterproofing and its high ankle support not only makes it durable, but comfortable. It would be great if this boot came in more colors than simply chocolate/light taupe, but chances are if that you’re buying one of these boots, you don’t need a ton of extra frills to get your thrills.

The What:

This hiking boot is called: V-lite Altitude Ultra WPI by Hi-Tec.
Color tested: Chocolate/Light Taupe.

The Why:
Buy them if: you like (thumbs-up) light-weight hiking boots.
Forget them if: you already have your “hydro-management” merit badge.
Tested on: Rocky Mountain trails.
Highest and best use: we say, take a hike!

Tip: The fit is true to size.  Hi-Tec has come along way, and these won’t take that long to break-in.  This hiking boot is not as rigid as the typical “waterproof” leather uppers.  They seem to mold easily to your feet and the boots have plenty of padding to protect your ankles.

*Disclosure: shoes provided by Hi-Tec (MSRP $150). If you have a pair of shoes that need to be featured on shoesoftheday.com, contact us at reviews (at) shoesoftheday.com

Vasque’s Multisport “Rift”: Is this the Do-Everything Shoe?

The idea of a multisport shoe is not a new one: after all, versatility has always been a quality we demand of our shoes. But being confident enough in a shoe to take it canoeing, camping, hiking, bicycling, or simply walking means that you need to make an investment in a shoe ready to handle all of the challenges the elements bring in your local geography. Does Vasque’s Multisport shoe Rift handle these challenges?

The short answer: yes. The long answer: there’s actually a lot of detail and preparation work that go into building a shoe this versatile while keeping it light enough to not be a drain on your time and energy.

Slipping this shoe on and hopping in a canoe feels as natural as slipping it on and going for a long hike. In fact, the shoe’s shape is so conventional that it’s easy to forget you’re wearing multisport shoes.

The first quality we like is that the Rift is indeed light – less than two pounds. The laces are traditional and make it a snap to lace up and start enjoying whatever of the multisports you enjoy most. The caps on both ends also make it durable, providing a protection against wear and tear that too many “casual” shoes simply ignore.

There are also quite a few colors to choose from, and none of the color combinations lack pizzazz. You can try their “pesto/beluga,” for example, or their “Slate Black/Scuba Blue” if you’re feeling a little more aquatic. Some of the color combinations look positively 1990s, which is good if you just finished listening to Pearl Jam’s Ten.

At $120, these multisport shoes are reasonably priced and considering how much dirty work you might give them, can be considered quite the bargain indeed.

The What:
This multisport shoe is called: Rift by Vasque.  Coming spring 2012 to a store near you!
Color tested: Chili Pepper (with a hint of black pepper too)

The Why:
Buy them if: you want to be trail ready, ALWAYS!
Forget them if: you love your Velcro lacing system.
Tested on: red-rock, asphalt, concrete, lava rock, sand, motorcycle pegs, rock, gravel, bike peddles, carpet (still want more?)
Highest and best use: for everything….except  bowling – these shoes are way to sticky to slide.  And those bowling people work hard to keep their wood floors scuff-free and shiny.

Tip: This shoe is for you if you just cant decide between the trail shoes and hiking boots. If this is your first pair of Vasque shoes, you won’t be disapointed.  For us, these shoes offer out-of-the-box comfort and they delivered on all promises.

*Disclosure: shoes provided by Vasque MSRP $120). If you have a pair of shoes that need to be featured on shoesoftheday.com, contact us at reviews (at) shoesoftheday.com