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

The Top Three Reasons to Buy the Men’s Tuba II Herringbone

As the Bard once said, what’s in a shoe?

Okay, so William Shakespeare didn’t really write that, but if you’ve meandered your way through the Internet and have landed on this article, there’s a good chance that question is exactly the one that’s on your mind. Specifically, what’s in the Men’s Tuba II Herringbone sneaker, and is it worth the $60 price tag that comes with it?

Well, if you’re an eco-minded shoe connoisseur, there’s a good chance that’s a perfect price for you. While the Tuba II Herringbone sounds like something you might see someone using at band practice, this shoe is able to marry a casual, relaxed style with an organic cotton/linen blend and certified organic cotton shoe laces. Admit it – you never applied your environmental consciousness to tying your shoes before, right? Well, now you can.

But let’s talk about the details. The stuff at the bottom of the shoe – you know, the stuff the bottom of your socks will touch – is both biodegradable and foamy, making it just as comfortable as you would hope in any shoe without being made out of the nasty stuff you wouldn’t wish on nature. It’s also a partially recycled shoe, because the rubber on it is made partially from old car tires.

It sounds unappealing, sure, but the result is just about the same as any other $60 shoe you can find. Even if you don’t care about the environment, the rubber works well and, hey – it can’t hurt, right?

Is this the shoe for you? Well, let’s get down to the nitty gritty here, and do what the title of this article promised: explore three reasons why you should probably buy this shoe:

1. It’s stylish and attractive. It comes in black, charcoal, and rock grey – which actually resemble black, grey, and khaki. Those are the most versatile colors you can find out of a shoe like this, and they each look perfect for sauntering down the street.
2. It’s eco-friendly. You don’t have to sound like such a hypocrite when you talk about the environment in these shoes – when someone asks about the evil stuff you’re wearing, you can break it down for them: even your shoelaces are legitimate organic.
3. The price is right. You might expect something this eco-friendly to drive up the prices, but that’s not the case here. Instead, it’s a stylish, comfortable, solid shoe and you can’t really go wrong with it. Quoting Shakespeare, on the other hand, will be a little more difficult.

Run Away From Your Shoe-Related Problems in a Fast2 Fulcrum Ride

There are generally two types of runners: the runner who goes for endurance, testing the limits of their soul while not giving a flip about speed, and the speedster who doesn’t care about the tortoise’s strategy if it can clock in at the speed of the hare. Neither approach to running is necessarily wrong, of course, but the shoe we’re talking about today is built for one of you: the hare.

Coming in at bright colors like neon green/yellow and some sort of blazing orange, these shoes look like they were lifted out of Usain Bolt’s experimental laboratory and made available for Internet distribution. There’s nothing quite like feeling fast in a flashy new pair of shoes, but it’s really the performance that matters, isn’t it?

In the case of this shoe, it’s all about that outsole: the part of the shoe where the rubber hits the road. A blown rubber and carbon rubber outsole make for a light, springy step that will make you feel faster once you fasten these shoes on your feet – you might even start having more fun just skipping around during your warmups. Just be careful of who you allow to see you skip.

But make no mistake: these shoes aren’t for everyone that wants to get faster. They’re a little pricy, coming in at well over a hundred dollars, and are definitely designed for someone who’s already got a lighter step – in other words, the non-fatties amongst you shoe lovers. And while some people run for endurance, as we said, it’s the pursuit of speed that motivates the target demographic for this pair of shoes.

Should you buy them? If you fit the bill of potential buyers for this shoe, be sure that you really do want to focus on performance rather than actual training. If you’re looking for a shoe to help you train, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you want to win a race, these might be right down your alley.

Trick or Sweet?  Newton’s Gravitas: The Running Shoe that Will Keep You Going!

If you ask me, running shoes often get a bad rap. They’re seen as one-hit wonders, as specialty shoes, and certainly not shoes you’ll want to take to formal occasions. But these are the shoes that we wear out the most often, provided we actually stick to those New Year’s resolutions, and they will certainly take the greatest beating. So why is a great pair of running shoes so low on the list of stylish or important clothing options?

Well, because they look like Newton’s Gravitas, a pair of running shoes that offers high-level functionality for the 2011-2020 decade but look like they’ve been plucked out of the 1980’s. Not that there’s anything wrong with a little retro-style, especially when it comes to the timeless exercise classics that came with the rise of brands like Nike.

If you’re a runner, of course, you couldn’t care less. Shoes like the gravitas are why you run – you want to customize your own level of endurance, and you need a shoe that can take you ten miles a day just as easily as it can take you a mile. That’s what the Gravitas provides with extended heel durability, excellent fit and plenty of flexibility. There are some shoes that would seek to change you with all that they do to your foot – the Gravitas is not one of those shoes.

At $175, these shoes do come down on the pricy side, which can be especially tricky if you’re a college student and need the exercise but also need the money. Die-hard runners might – forgive the pun – gravitate to a shoe like the Gravitas more readily, especially if those runners are the ones who have been around a while, have some money, and need a shoe that reduces stress on their feet and legs.  Looking to build your calf muscles?  These are the shoes.  These shoes will keep you on your toes – literally.  I asked a triathlon expert “what do you think about the newton shoe experience?  He responded, “I wont run in anything thing else.”  Take it from us and a tri-expert and try a pair for yourself.  No trick, they’re sweet!

Should you get a pair? It’s certainly worth a look if you want a quality running shoe. And, heck, if you were looking for stylish shoes in the first place, you wouldn’t have finished this article because you’d already be reading GQ.  Or, you’re still staring and the shorts and not the shoes.

The What:
This trail running shoe is called: Newton’s Gravitas.
Color tested: Blue. Orange. White. Sliver.

The Why:
Buy them if: your calves need some serious toning, and your running form needs honing.
Forget them if: you already have perfect running form.
Tested on: asphalt of the blackest pigment.
Highest and best use: for the shoes?  Running.  For the Shorts?  Halloween.

Tip: If this is your first pair of Newtons, work them in slowly to you run.  These shoes will keep you on your toes!  (The shorts probably will too.)

newtonrunning.com

(Model and shorts not included with the purchase!  However, both the shoes and model were used with permission)

*Disclosure: shoes provided by Newton Running MSRP $175).  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

Vasque’s Mindbender: Does It Really Blow Your Mind or Just bend it?

It’s fair to say that when you take a really long run, strange things can happen to your mind. You might not hallucinate, sure, but with endorphins surging through your system there’s no telling as to how you can feel as the tenth mile rolls around. Vasque’s Mindbender is not only built around that premise, but titled around it: it really wants to take you on some kind of mindbender.

Of course, you can’t do these things to your brain unless you start out by focusing on your feet. And your feet need a lot of comfort if they’re going to go on some sort of mystical journey and test the endurance of the human spirit. One of the keys to a great trail running shoe, however, isn’t how much it does, but how much it allows your foot to do without getting in the way. You have to be lightweight in order to pull this off, and the Mindbender certainly succeeds on that front, coming in at a weight of just 11.5 ounces.

Available in five colors for 2012 that look built for someone with an outdoorsy sensibility – and no one else – the appearance of the shoe is functional and…well, just functional. Not that you need to be particularly stylish as you fight off your stomach grumblings on mile number 12 and pray that you don’t lose control of a certain bodily function before you can reach a bathroom, but it’s something to be aware of.  The two new colors for ’12 will definitely brighten up the earth-tones from the ’11 line-up.

Shoes of this caliber need to focus on something more practical anyway: durability and comfort. If you’re going to be putting your mind through a bender and your feet through a lot of miles, you’re going to need a shoe that can take the constant stress and last as long as you can. Vasque’s Mindbender succeeds at delivering the goods where it counts.  Goods delivered, mind blown.

This trail running shoe is called: Mindbender by Vasque

Color tested: Olive Branch/Peat.

Buy them if: you want a trail running shoe that can do it all – including mind bending.

Forget them if: you like shoes that eat up your feet when you are eating up the trail.

Tested on: mind-bending, steep and winding, dirt, and rock trails.

Highest and best use: all the trails your mind, body and feet can handle.

Tip: If you have wide feet, you will love all the room in the toe box.  This is the perfect endurance shoe – these shoes can handle whatever you throw at them.  And if you change your mind, you can also take these shoes for a hike.

http://www.vasque.com

*Disclosure: shoes provided by Vasque (MSRP $100).  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