Baffin’s PUR Gobi Men Shoe: Ideal Casualwear?

It’s difficult to find a casual shoe that has enough stylistic versatility to be considered just as good for going to pick up groceries as it is in a business-casual setting.  But that’s exactly what Baffin’s Pure Gobi Men Shoe accomplishes with a simple and classic look that’s bound to leave anyone staring at it jealous.  Not that anyone should really be staring at your feet.

The beauty of the Gobi Men’s shoe is that it’s simple – there are no extra frills or un-necessities that typically plague shoes of this kind and make them unbuyable.  The leather is smooth and folded over itself only as many times as is necessary in order to create something that will stay on your foot.  And the shoe’s so easy to slip on that it can definitely be regarded as the most casual of casual shoes; in essence, it’s nearly a slip-on.

That’s not to say that the Gobi Men’s isn’t versatile enough to suit a more ambitious wardrobe.  In fact, its leather laces help assert its value in formal settings, and the three available classic colors are vivid yet subtle enough to make just about any type of outfit come together.  If you’re looking for a casual shoe that’s able to deliver comfort and versatility on a daily basis, look no further than the Gobi Men shoe.

At a price of around $150, the shoe is of course not exactly a slip-on.  But it will last longer than your slip-on and it will be able to pair with more outfits than your slip-on.  The net result? A shoe that’s as comfortable as it looks – for once.  If that’s what you’re looking for in a casual shoe that can pull off just about any look, Baffin’s Pure Gobi Men shoe is where your feet need to be.

The What
This shoe is called: Gobi by Baffin PUR
Color tested: Worn brown

The Why
Buy them if: your mind tells you that your footwear should have a conscience too.
Forget them if: you’re into complicated shoes that use WAY too many materials and processes.
Tested on: date night.
Highest and best use: any outfit will do.

Tip: these shoes are made of vegetable tanned low-impact leathers.  Instantly broken in, so be prepared and be careful because your feet might be shocked.

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

Milo has a friend named Otis, and so do I, thanks to Chaco.

While most shoes aim to provide a combination of both comfort and style, the role of the boot is a little more complicated.  Sure, it has to look good and it has to fit right, but it also has to be durable enough to handle rougher terrain and rustic enough to look like it was meant to do just that.  Chaco does all of that and more with this boot.  Choconians, you already know what I am talking about – for everyone else, keep reading.

Chaco’s Otis Boots are a perfect example of a boot that handles every variable to the “T”.  A suede leather upper portion provides the exact look of stylish elegance that you would want for a boot – unless, of course, you think wearing snow boots everywhere will get you in every exclusive joint around.  Also, a pigskin lining doesn’t only provide durability and moisture resistance, but a level of support and comfort that’s unusual for a boot.

Combine this with a Vibram® outsole destined for handling the outdoors, and you’re left with a boot that is capable of handling just about every social situation, whether it’s outdoors or indoors.  The additional arch support is also a feature we can’t neglect to mention; rarely do boots feel this well-contoured to the foot.  Right out of the box these boots feel like they are already “broken in”.  Eventually you may just come to view the Otis Boots as another casual shoe – that’s how comfortable and durable they are.  The result of the entire boot’s construction is a strong-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside combination that’s irresistible to many boot lovers who never seem to find a boot that handles both so well.

The Chocolate Brown and “Regular” colors (“Regular” resembles somewhat of a pale teal), these boots do a good job of fading into the background while still communicating a basic sense of style.  At $140, the price is reasonable enough for you to consider making this your everyday boot.  Of course, you may just feel tempted to make this an everyday shoe.

The What
This boot is called: Otis by Chaco
Color tested: Bungee.  Not jumping, just the color.

The Why
Buy them if: you are wearing your Chaco sandals year round.  (Your feet will be much warmer in these.)
Forget them if: um……..
Tested on: my feet, and they were really, really happy.
Highest and best use: business, pleasure, anytime and anywhere.

Tip: The arch support is extraordinary! These boots fit true to size and right out of the box comfort!

*Disclosure: shoes provided by Chaco (MSRP $140). If you have a pair of shoes that need to be featured on shoesoftheday.com, contact us at reviews (at) shoesoftheday.com.  Photo copyright shoesoftheday.com

Freewaters Self-Employed Shoes for the Self-Employed

Photo credit freewaters.com

For the self-employed, a casual shoe is an enigma. Do you wear something that looks good with a lot of outfits, and sacrifice comfort and ease of use in the process? Or do you simply opt for comfort, putting on a pair of slippers in the morning and not taking them off until it’s time to bed?

If you answered either of the above, you know just how hard it can be to find a casual shoe that matches style, comfort, and convenience in a synergistic way. But there is one shoe that accomplishes just that: Freewaters’ Self-Employed shoes – a shoe that certainly lives up to its name.

At first glance, you’ll notice that the Freewaters Self-Employed simply look comfortable. That’s because they are. They’re a little puffy around the ankles, designed to be snug and warm in case you’re heading out and running errands on a cold winter day. But they’re also designed to be functional, as is the case with the front zipper: simply open it up and you’ll be able to let the heat out.

Stylistically, the shoes succeed: the colors are warm and not so outlandish that they draw attention to themselves – if you’re self-employed and looking for a comfortable shoe, that’s a good thing. They’re also soled strongly enough that you can get around on pavement, driving a car, and generally handle any manner of daily outdoor tasks without feeling that you’re pushing the shoes to the limit.

You might not have to be self-employed to enjoy the Self-Employed, but it’s clear that this is a shoe that doesn’t mind being worn by those who need something that works both around the house and around the neighborhood. At just $80, these shoes also leave enough room in your pocketbook to pay those quarterly estimated taxes.

The What
This house shoe is called: Self Employed by Freewaters
Color tested: DGY (Dark Gray, or Dude. Get. Yours.)

The Why
Buy them if: you are self-employed. Price check.
Forget them if: you still haven’t worn those sheepskin slippers granny gave you for Christmas ten years ago.
Tested on: carpet, tile and wood flooring.
Highest and best use: loafing.

Tip: Use the zipper for cooling your feet, or for storing small items.  If you like the Magic Carpet by Freewaters, you’ll love these!

*Disclosure: shoes provided by Freewaters (MSRP $80). If you have a pair of shoes (or house slippers) that need to be featured on shoesoftheday.com, contact us at reviews (at) shoesoftheday.com

Vasque Taku GTX Hiking Boots: The Real Deal?

We’ll admit it: the physics of hiking boots means there’s only so much that can be optimized. A good hiking boot is: light on your feet, doesn’t drag you in the mud, has a solid grip on the ground and wet surfaces, and keeps your feet dry even in adverse weather conditions. It should also be comfortable and – hey, why not?  Best of all, you’ll probably look really good while doing some measure of all the qualities listed here.

The Vasque Taku GTX Hiking Boots do all of this to the “T”. In short, this is an amazing hiking boot, the kind of hiking boot you’ve been searching for all along. Not only does the boot do a great job of actively keeping your feet protected, but it’s such a lightweight and natural fit that you hardly feel like you’re wearing “hiking boots” at all – you might feel like you’re out for a walk in your casual shoes.  How long does it take to break them in? About as long as it takes to heat up your portable stove.

Heck, the Vasque Taku GTX even succeeds in other areas, such as keeping your feet breathing in warmer temperatures with a thin but sturdy combination of nylon and leather. The Gore-Tex liners not only stop water from getting in, but actually allow water vapor to get out – a seeming impossibility that makes these boots all the more magical.

With the classic combination of rubber outsoles to maintain good footing and rubber toe bumpers to protect the boot at its edges, this hiking boot is also built to last. It’s the kind of hiking boot that will make you wonder why anyone else even bothers making them a different way.

The price of $170 is perfectly justified – and indeed will cost a pretty penny less than a lot of the “upper-end” hiking boots you might see elsewhere. Don’t believe the hype for the pricey shoes: these are where the quality’s at.

Yes, this hiking boot is the real deal!

The What:

This is called: Vasque Taku GTX hiking boot.
Color tested: Slate Black/Estate Blue

The Why:
Buy them if: you want a hiking boot that feels like a regular shoe and are interested in wearing one of the lightest Gore-Tex boots on the market.
Forget them if: you like hiking boots that take a long time to break-in.
Tested on: Rocky Mountain trails covered in snow, mud and rocks.
Highest and best use: hiking, hiking, hiking.

Tip: True to the Vasque brand, these boots won’t disappoint.  Again, don’t be afraid to size-up if you wear thicker socks.

*Disclosure: shoes provided by Vasque (MSRP $170). If you have a pair of shoes that need to be featured on shoesoftheday.com, contact us at reviews (at) shoesoftheday.com

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