The Oregon PCT boot by Keen arrived at my door in anticipation of cold-weather hiking; this is a substantial, durable, and comfort-oriented boot intended for multi-day adventures. I tested the Oregon PCT Boot on the trails in a hilly region of South Dakota. Climates have been milder than usual, so I was not able to [...]
If you are in the market for an all-weather, winter hiking boot, take note. The new Delta Boot by KEEN is made for both men and women, and is a very capable option for you winter activities. While KEEN is best recognized for their summer waterfront shoes, their sturdy boots are also very [...]
SANUK! Sannuuuuuuk. Sanuk. If nothing else, it’s just a fun word to say, the way each letter and sound rolls together. It’s hard not to smile when saying Sanuk – and that’s the company’s motto – smile and pass it on. Wearing the Vagabond Chill sandals (yes, I said sandals, not shoes) will definitely put [...]
Obōz (pronounce it with a long “o”) is a cool little company out of Bozeman, Montana that takes their outdoor footwear seriously. The company was not one I was familiar with, so I couldn’t stop myself from poking around their website to see who they were and what they were all about – take a [...]
Normally, winter boots fall into two different camps; those that are stylish, yet not so functional, and those that are industrial looking that are designed to tackle just about any amount of snow. Fortunately, Sorel has blended the best of both camps and created a fashionable AND functional winter boot. Make way for Sorel’s Cate [...]
W SmartWool, based out of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is known for their fun-fashionable use of Merino wool. The Fritter Free Heel Slippers by SmartWool are no exception. The Fritter Free Heel Slippers have a Merino wool and polyester blend upper that is available in 5 different colors, with each color featuring a slightly different design [...]
Orange shoes? Sounds pretty wild, eh? However, I love my new orange Keen Howser slip-ons. First off, Keens calls the color rust, don’t want to confuse you all. If orange is not your color, there are 4 other great colors to check out: mauve wine (purple-ish), English ivy (green), gargoyle (smoke blue), and black. The [...]
Organic cotton, recycled paper, and recycled car tires. When you here these materials you’re probably not thinking that these are the materials that could make a comfy casual shoe. Fortunately, Simple has mastered the ability to make unique products from as much post consumer content (including the box the shoes came in) and organic materials [...]
Looking for a shoe that will help you make the most of everyday chores and errands? Try the 1442′s by New Balance which incorporate their latest rock&tone technology. The rock&tones emphasize heel to toe walking thanks to a rocker board design that engages the muscles of your legs and backside. These shoes are designed for [...]
As a Chaco owner for 8 years, I was stoked to check out a new pair of Z/2 Pro’s. My 8-year-old Chaco Z/2 sandals have seen better days; nicely worn treads which make hiking on slick rock a treacherous exercise, and straps that are gunked down with sand and no longer adjust the way they used [...]
With summer right around the corner, it is time to think about your water-based adventures. Whether hiking through wet canyons, cruising down the river on a float trip, or helping out on your buddies fishing boat, the Cimarron II by Keen, is ready to keep your feet protected. Keen calls the Cimarron II a sandal, [...]
Sandal season is here once again in the Front Range of Colorado. Mild temps, in between spring storms, have provided us with the opportunity to test out the Elsie sandal by The North Face. The Elsie is an incredibly comfortable sandal that provides an open-air feel of a flip-flop, while also offering your feet some [...]
The first time our tester wore the Salomon RX Moc was actually out on a trail run. Early one morning, two of our testers got together for a trail run and our female tester unfortunately wore the Salomon RX Moc in the car (because they were so comfortable and easy to slip on) and forgot [...]
We had the good fortune of not only testing La Sportiva’s FC Ec o 2.0 GTX, a low-top hiker, but also the mid version of the shoe, the Eco 3.0 GTX. Both the Eco 2.0 and Eco 3.0 are constructed of a nubuck leather/100% recycled nylon upper and equipped with a Gore-Tex lining to keep [...]
Once you’ve made your way into these boots, it will take summer to get you out of them! Merrell seemed to have a comfort-oriented, active, yet stylish woman in mind when designing these boots. These no-lace, insulated boots feel like you are sliding your feet into slippers that you can head to the mountains or [...]
Patagonia’s Bly Mid Gore-Tex hiking boot is comfortable on your first hike and requires little to no break in time. If you have ever worn the Bly Low, the Mid will be an easy transition and instant favorite. We tested the Bly on Front Range Colorado hikes and even strapped on a pair of snowshoes [...]
The Hi Tec V Lite Hatha Quick-Zip 2001, what a mouth full, is a waterproof and windproof casual boot with many of the same qualities of an all weather hiking boot. The barrier to the elements is provided by Ion-mask waterproof technology along the nubuck and suede upper. The Hatha’s keep your foot toasty thanks [...]
The Cody slip-ons, by Sorel, are hands down one of the most comfortable casual shoes we have tested. Fall and winter have come early here in Colorado. As a result, we have been turning to the Cody for walks with the dogs in the rain/snow, for around town use, and as post hiking shoes. The [...]
The V-Lite Rapid Aero II HPi is a light weight, breathable adventure sport shoe. This shoe was tested on the trails of North Carolina. I really liked the hydrophobic technology that made them light weight and water resistant. No time was needed to break them in; I went through many puddles and briefly in a [...]
The Omni GV made a spring trip to the Rocky Mountains and was tested in melting snow conditions. Testers feet stayed dry thanks to the Gore-Tex membrane and water resistant suede upper on this shoe. The Omni is a mid weight hiker coming in at 30 oz for a pair. Testers found the Omni to [...]
The Exit Sport 2 is a medium weight day hiker that features a mesh and leather upper which allows air movement and excellent breathability. Testers found this shoe to run a tad on the large side and had to size down ½ to 1 full size. The shoe offers a roomy toe box and flexible [...]
The Shasta is an economical low cut hiker that does not skimp on features or comfort. Testers used this hiker in the Utah dessert and raved about its’ moisture control and ability to provide breathability through the vented upper. The offset lacing system moves the pressure point from tying a knot in the laces from [...]
The Breeze is a low cut supportive hiker from Vasque. The Breeze has a waterproof nubuck leather upper thanks to Gore Tex and wonderful ventilation due to Airmesh nylon fabric. Testers felt that this is a high volume shoe with a very roomy toe box and wider feel; best suited for individuals with wide feet [...]
