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

The Comfortable Outdoors: Enjoying the Juxt Multi-Sport from Vasque

When most of us think about going outdoors to enjoy some rough terrain, we don’t think about comfort. Sure, some of us enjoy being out of our typical comfort zones – and some of us would prefer exercise that can occur in a single place, like a treadmill. But there’s no reason you can’t have the best of both worlds, so long as you have the shoes that can deliver on both counts. Vasque’s Juxt Multi-sport shoes look to do just that by combining endurance and versatility with the comfort you’d expect from an everyday shoe. Does it succeed?

Short answer: yep. In fact, it’s one of the most surprisingly comfortable outdoor shoes you’ll find on Planet Earth, wrapping securely around your foot and staying secure with what Vasque calls a “sticky rubber sole.” That’s about all you need to justify a hike when the weekend comes, but if you find it in you to test the limits of not only your shoe, but your comfort zone, you might be surprised at how long these puppies last with you into the wilderness.  In fact, beware that these shoes will make it feel like you’re taking it easy on yourself.  And, just for you we tested them on the slick rock of Moab and the rocky terrain of the Wasatch.

That leaves plenty of room for die-hard weekend warriors to test this shoe’s limits, and you certainly should when a shoe like this is designed just for that. It’s not a specialization shoe, which means it’s not aimed at any one particular activity, so give it a shot on cycling jaunts, hikes, runs, and even your friendly neighborhood stroll.

Availability might be a concern, as these shoes can be hard to find in every location under the sun, so make sure that you’re able to actually secure a pair of these shoes before you get so excited that you have to bookmark their shopping cart.

The What

This trail running shoe is called: Juxt by Vasque.
Color tested: Aluminum/Chili Pepper.

The Why

Buy them if: you want more than “juxt” a regular shoe.
Forget them if: you prefer scrambling in your sneakers.
Tested on: slick rock, shale and rock trails.
Highest and best use: yes, please.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to run in these shoes.  Seriously, these are some of the most comfortable multi-sports on the market.

http://www.vasque.com

*Disclosure: shoes provided by Vasque (MSRP $95).  If you have a pair of shoes that need to be featured on shoesoftheday.com, contact us at reviews (at) shoesoftheday.com

Ahnu’s Men’s Woodacre: A Shoe For Uneven Terrain

If you’ve ever been trail running before, you know how easy it is for a pair of shoes to let you down. Maybe they’re not secure enough around your feet in order to stay stable. Maybe they can’t handle a little excess moisture. Maybe they slip too easily – and that’s a serious one, because you don’t want to skimp on injury minimization.

The Ahnu’s Woodacre for men is a shoe that looks to fix all of these problems when it comes to being outdoors and on unstable terrain. Ahnu could have produced a shoe that’s easy to ride on treadmills and concrete, but there’s no doubt the Woodacre is a little more ambitious than that. There’s plenty of shock absorption and protection here – you won’t feel small stones, for example – that lets you know Ahnu is serious about making this your go-to pair of shoes for outdoor, unpredictable trails.

A price of $120 is reasonable given the current trail running shoe market, and if you can get enough use out of it, it’s reasonable for this pair of shoes, as well. Considering that the Woodacre is designed to take you a multitude of places, it will really be your responsibility to put this pair of shoes to the test and make sure you get your money’s worth.

Of course, you won’t notice if you’re getting your money’s worth on steady, even terrain, so don’t be afraid to give these shoes what they were designed for – mother nature. Take them out on the trails, test some different terrains, and enjoy yourself. After all, what’s the point of trail running if it just leaves you hating ever having bought trail running shoes? There’s certainly enough protection and padding in this shoe to leave you comfortable after a good run – it will be up to your own motivating forces to make sure the entire run isn’t so comfortable.

Be prepared for some looks too – people can’t keep their eyes off the Aurora.

This trail running shoe is called: The Woodacre by Ahnu.
Color tested: Aurora.  Yes, similar to the Disney princess although these sweethearts can handle a lot more dirt.
Buy them if: you like things that include the word multi; multi-colored, multi-terrain and multi-vitamins.  Yes, your feet need nutrition too.
Forget them if: you’re stuck on the old, but deep down you know you need something Ahnu.
Tested on: acres and acres of wood-filled, dirt trails.
Highest and best use: trails in the 100 acre wood.  (Yeah, we thought we would stay with the Disney theme).

Tip: Wide feet and stubby toes will do well in these shoes.  Don’t be afraid to hike in these shoes either.

http://www.ahnu.com

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

Diablo MAX Ms: The Devil’s in the Details

There’s a certain personality type for which only one kind of shoe will do: the trail blazer. If you are the kind of person who likes to get in the outdoors and test the limits of their endurance, while also testing the integrity of the nature trails that play host to their scampering feet, this is your shoe.  It’s hot, and the name says it all.  The Diablo MAX Ms are the pair of shoes that look to support this kind of intrepid personality, supporting a trail running habit by keeping feet comfortable and offering the unique kind of support that an uncertain terrain requires. Quite simply, this is the shoe that delivers the goods.

Image used by permission from Tecnica

At a reasonable weight of only 360 grams, they stay out of the way in terms of weight, allowing you to build a natural flow to your trail running rhythm that you’ll quickly get used to. With a steady grip on the outsole (TRS Max Technigrip by Tecnica, if you can speak gibberish) and a nice synthetic mesh on the upside to keep things relatively clean, the shoe is versatile enough to handle trails in a variety of environments – and the variety of weather that you’ll likely want to subject them to.  A serious trail running habit does require a serious shoe, and that’s exactly what these MAX Ms provide.  This shoe also offers an over-sized rocker profile that has a 55% greater toe and heel rocker height that optimizes energy transfer and propulsion.

The price is $130, which is not unheard of for an upper-end shoe of this caliber. If you’ve ever heard the phrase “you get what you pay for,” then you’ll certainly see the wisdom in springing for a few extra bucks in order to get a shoe that lasts. And if it means that you’ll run the trails more, it could also be considered an investment in your psychological and biological health.

But try to buy these shoes if you’re serious about hitting the trails – don’t let them go to waste in your closet as you focus on exercising with ping pong and Nintendo Wii. However, if you feel like getting out on a regular basis, this is the pair of shoes for you.

This trail running shoe is called: Diablo MAX Ms by Tecnica.
Color tested: Anthracite.  Yes, we went ahead and found the definition for you so you don’t even have to leave the page  (Anthracite (Greek  (anthrakítes)  “coal-like” compact variety of mineral coal that has a high luster.”)
Buy them if: you are into more cow bell – like 30% more.  Yes, more is more as this shoe offers 30% larger footprint.  Remember, this is the shoe that delivers the goods.
Forget them if: you are into treading lightly or you are completely off your rocker.  Remember, this shoe offers an oversized rocker that may help keep you on yours.
Tested on: rocky, dirty, muddy and snowy trails.
Highest and best use: “all-your-feet-can-eat” trails.

Tip: These shoes like trails and my feet really liked these shoes.

http://www.tecnicausa.com

*Disclosure: shoes provided by Tecnica (MSRP $130).  If you have a pair of shoes that need to be featured on shoesoftheday.com, contact us at reviews (at) shoesoftheday.com

Keen Shoes Review
Before I share my candid shoe review, first let me say that I am pretty keen on Keen shoes.  In fact I currently own 3 pair.  Late last year, I purchased the Keen Shellrock WP for winter trail running.  The WP – it stands for waterproof, “KEEN.DRY” style.   The Keen “right-out-of-the-box” comfort was there, but the promised Keen performance was missing.

Pros:  The water-proof works and I put the KEEN.DRY to the test.  I ran until the snow got too deep, then strapped on snow shoes and kept running.  My feet remained dry.  I would be remiss if I didn’t give a little credit to my wool socks.  These are great everyday shoes during the rainy season or when you want to keep your feet dry.  The ubiquitous keen toe protection really does what it says.

Cons: They are extremely heavy.  They have zero traction for trail running and  I like meaty traction.  The S3 heel support structure is alright, but the low cut heel leaves your heel slipping and sliding on every ascent.  Also, if you suffer from the “my-second-toe-is-longer-than-my-big-toe-coolness” like I do, then you will want to find another shoe too.

Buy them if: they are on sale, they are not worth $120.
Forget about them if: you want real trail running shoes.

New England Footwear recently sent me a pair of GoLite “Fire” shoes to test and review.  Today I completed my final trail test-run with the recently released shoes.   This shoe review will contain mostly pictures and some commentary, in an effort to show you how these shoes performed in each circumstance; from packed trails, to slick sandstone and hard mountain rock.  We reviewed several other pairs of trail running shoes, but only one pair was chosen for an all-expenses paid road trip trail shoe review.

Let’s begin the review at Delicate Arch in Arches National Park.  Ranger Bill at Arches told us that you must stay on the marked trails, otherwise you are “busting the crust.”  We assure you and Ranger Bill that there was no busted crust while at the park.  The GoLite Fires handled the slick rock, dirt and red sand without any slips.

Next we go to Goblin Valley, Utah.  This State Park is an incredible scene to behold.  The entire park is covered with small sandstone structures that look like thousands of aliens who set up shop in the middle of Utah for a family reunion.  You can’t help but run from structure to structure, scaling the dusty sandstone just to see if you can identify any of your relatives.

Next we go to the Manti LaSal National Forrest.  Three pictures show the topography that was thrown at the shoes this time.  The shoe proved to have incredible stability on the uneven surfaces, and yes, they handled the plain old packed trail just fine.

Next, Rock Canyon.  This canyon is well, rocky.  The shoes handled the uneven, rocky terrain with ease.

The final trail run was Grove Creek Canyon.  Every kind of terrain imaginable is on this trail: gravel, dirt, rocks and shale.  Of all the trail runs, this had the steepest terrain and the most rugged off-road conditions.  The shoes exceeded our expectations here, too.

Miles driven for this review: 880 miles.

National Parks: Three. (Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef.)

State Parks: Two.  (Dead Horse Point and Goblin Valley)

Shoe Test Miles: 29 total miles running, walking, scrambling and just looking good.

Now for the shoe highlights for all the non-visual people:

• We loved the customizable antimicrobial footbed, it provided the precise fit for my narrow foot.  The insole design allows for perfect customization for narrow, medium and wide feet.
• The all new “glove fit” integrated with the tongue and laces made my foot feel secure and snug.  At first, there’s a feeling to adjust your socks when you slide your foot in the shoe, but when you tie the laces, you’re glad it’s there.
• The shoe offers optimal balance of cushion and torsion.  GoLite’s trademark “NeoFoam” wraps around the entire shoe and offers protection and support.  It also cleans up nicely.
• The best “Trail Claws” and “Paw Pads” provide more surface contact with the ground.
• Gripstick™ rubber is an exclusive high-grip compound that offers extra traction on slick surfaces.
• The heel cradle keeps your heel right where it belongs.
• Ample toe protection – see the pictures!
• It has incredible light-weight performance: the shoe is true to the brand, weighing in at only 14.00 oz.

Shoes of the day: GoLite’s Fire.  We think even Smokey the Bear would like these Fires!  But don’t Go-lite any fires without his permission.

It’s time for another trail running shoe review.

Meet Keith.

See Keith at at 11,722 feet.

Meet Keith’s shoes that got him to the top.

Keith’s shoes of choice, Montrail Vitesse Trail Running Shoe.

He likes Montrail shoes and here’s why: “since purchasing my Montrails in July I’ve run the Bair Gutsman trail race, numerous trail training runs, and a 6-mile off-road section of the Red Rock Relay in them.  This past weekend he had the opportunity to pace a friend over the final 25 miles of the Wasatch 100-mile Race in Utah’s Wasatch Mountain Range from Layton to the Homestead Resort.”
Here are some specifics from Kieth about his Montrails:

• Thick and stiff outsole protects my foot against rocks
• Gusseted tongue helps keep dirt and debris out
• An outrigger feature on the outside of the sole helps prevent ankle rolling on uneven trails
• Light weight means I get all the protective features with minimal fatigue

Thanks Keith and happy running!

You don’t need a new diet, you need new shoes.

January is the beloved month for resolutions.  This year I made three simple resolutions and yes, I have already completed them.  Done, short and sweet.  Now I am on to my next set of resolutions.  Most people start with a monster list of things that they want to accomplish – which is great.  However, what I would recommend is starting with a short list of things you would like to accomplish and then…..drum-roll please…… actually do them!  If you miss a day, make it up!  Success is mini victories – small things consistently repeated that equal great results and make the biggest difference.  By now you are probably thinking, “Good GRIEF – I thought this was a shoe review site!”  It is, just hold tight, and continue reading; I am getting to the shoes!

Most people want to lose weight and not pay the price – we all want a quick fix.  Well my beloved readers, here is the secret: if you want to lose weight here are three simple things that you can do:  1. Eat less.  Whoa, novel idea I know.  But, it actually works.   2. Exercise more.  3. Buy a new pair of shoes.  Yep, that’s right buy a new pair of shoes!  Every time you stare at those new runners it will remind you to GET ACTIVE and remember the small commitment that you made, especially when you’re looking at the double-decker-fudge-chocolate-marshmallow-triple-dipped-pleasure-ice-cream-delight.  If you’re not sure what exercise shoe is best for you – I recommend a new shoe gem that I just found.   Click on the shoe for additional views.  Buy yourself a new pair and have them shipped for free right to your front door.  The Shoe to review: The Ecco Mudslinger II.
Ecco Mudslinger Running Shoe:

Ecco is a trusted brand and comfort echoes when you say the name.  This upper is highly breathable and 100% waterproof thanks to the GORE-TEX® material.  Ecco has constructed this shoe with their RECEPTOR® technology.  What is RECEPTOR® technology? It mirrors human motion and the foot’s sensory nerve-ending cells, or receptors.  Yes, receptors similar to what your taste buds do when you look at ice cream.

This shoe is ideal for running on or off road.  Enjoy the shoes of the day to start your New Year and 2009 resolutions off right, the Ecco Mudslinger II.  By the way, I have already lost 5 lbs.