Posts Tagged footwear
Baffin Judy Boots
Spring is here, but that doesn’t mean the snow is gone. When it comes to keeping your feet warm in winter conditions, it’s often hard to find the right balance between functional and stylish. Baffin Judy Boots handle both in perfect order.
When it comes to stomping in the snow, flimsy shoes and boots won’t do. The second your feet get cold or wet, you’re just plain miserable. Rated to -40 degrees Fahrenheit and constructed with a seven-layer inner boot system and Thermaplush liner, these boots will keep your toes warm and dry when other boots quit.
The Judy includes the same cold resistant EVA-compound tread and cozy liner as other traditional Baffin boots, but swanks it up with 15-inch height and fur-collar design. It’s the tallest boot in the Baffin Drift series of all-around winter boots. The speed-lacing toggle closure is easy to adjust, even with bulky gloves or mittens. Each boot is 1.3 pounds, contains an integrated arch support and removable inner boot liner—so you can pull them out to dry overnight.
The suede leather upper kept my feet warm and dry over a long snow weekend of stomping around. Plus, the leather upper and faux-fur trim make the lace-up boots a stylish match with “normal” clothes, and not just that snow stuff you take off the second you get indoors. I wore them recently in Aspen, and the boots got a handful of compliments everywhere I went.
The Baffin Judy Boots list for $184.99 CDN from the Baffin website. They’re also available on Amazon, ranging from $49.50 to $140.24, depending on size and color.
Posted by Jill in Adventure Gear, General Gear on March 23rd, 2012
Women’s Outdoor and Travel Sock Round-Up
A few weeks back, Tim posted a hiking sock round-up for men, and now it’s our turn! If you’ve been shopping for all-weather socks for outdoor activity, you know just how many brands and styles are out there. Early this year, I asked performance sock brands to send me the best they offer for skiing, hiking, and running/biking. After incasing my tootsies in Merino wool (non-itchy and a renewable resource!) and wool blends just about every day for the past two months, I bring you my top style picks from each brand.
Dahlgren:
What they do best: design (both aesthetic and functional). Dahlgren’s Sno sock uses their patented Dri-Stride technology in conjunction with soft alpaca and merino wool to absorb moisture in the toe, heel, and mid-foot section using what they call ‘wicking rings’ and ‘wicking channels’. What’s really cool is the way the sock pattern designs (cherry blossoms in the women’s, neon stripes in the men’s) are actually cleverly disguised ‘super highways’ of moisture removal, helping to keep your feet dry and warm.
This puts a whole new spin on ‘form meets function’! The sock is lighter weight than other wool ski socks I’ve tried, yet just as warm. Plus, the shallow part of me really appreciates the unique designs…you won’t find the same-old, same-old ski sock patterns here! The only downside: the Sno Sock has a habit of sliding down my calf during the course of a ski. I’ll admit: this irks.
Also of note: Dahlgren’s hiking sock line includes five designs from backpacking to ultra light trail running, all made with similar Dri-Stride technology. I tried their Hiking Mid-Weight sock, featuring a fully cushioned leg and foot with the aforementioned ‘wicking rings’ and ‘wicking channels’ around the foot (even more useful in the hiking sock than in the ski and snow-sports sock, in my opinion). I wore these on a winter hike in Southern Oregon, where they performed well, keeping my feet dry (even more important to me than warm) as I exercised.
Bottom line: go with Dahlgren’s for serious warmth in a hiking sock or three-season wear in a sno sock. At $22 for the sno sock and even less for the mid-weight hiking sock, Dahlgren’s is a great value. But you might have trouble picking just one color! See all the colors and styles at Zappos.
Fox River:
What they do best: construction. I’m going to go ahead and play favorites: Fox River’s Outdoor Adventure Strive Ankle women’s sock in their Cross Terrain family is my top pick for an all-activity outdoor sock. It’s padded and substantial without suffocating my feet, and to date, has survived a dog attack (ours loves wool). No, it won’t work for skiing, but name just about any other outdoor activity, and this sock can perform. I’ve worn the Strive running, hiking, and around town all winter and spring. It’s made of nylon, wool, and recycled polyester, features memory-knit construction that helps it keep form (no worries about stretching in the wash), and has spandex compression zones that ensure it won’t slide down and give you a blister on your heel. If ankle-length isn’t for you, never fear: multiple lengths are available. They make a kids’ version as well.
Also of note: Also in the Fox River line is the Outdoor Hiking sock. Thicker than the cross-terrain (and no wonder, at 75% Merino wool), the hiking sock comes to mid-calf, and is incredibly warm, making it a winner for mid-winter, but not so hot (no pun intended) for multi-season wear.
Bottom line: Go with Fox River for a multi-season, multi-purpose sock. The Strive is my go-to sock I snag out of the drawer first, and that says more to me than a bunch of stats or facts. It’s survived many washings, and is only a few months old. You can find all Fox River styles, including the Strive, on at Zappos and the Strive in particular in several colors on Amazon for under $12.
Search Fox River socks at Campmor
Darn Tough Vermont:
What they do best: Well, I can’t decide. Construction? Check: Darn Tough uses the industry’s densest knitting. Design? Check: their colors and patterns are appealing and fun. The minute I saw their run/bike sock, it was love at first sight, with its thin mesh and ultra light construction (while still remaining tough as nails…they’re not kidding about that company name). I took the Mesh No-Show Run/Bike along for a 10 mile run, and when I returned, my feet (and the socks) were bone dry. I made my husband feel the socks for himself so he’d believe me! Darn Tough’s Hike/Trek sock performs just as well (despite the way my hiking boots normally overheat my feet), and it’s the only sock of its category I’ve found in to come in ankle-length instead of mid-calf without sacrificing any insulating bulk.
Also of note: It is darn tough to make my picky 10-year-old happy, but darn it, Darn Tough did it. He hates wearing socks because his feet get very sweaty (gross, I know!) but reported the same dryness I experienced while wearing the Kids Hike. Plus, they’re ‘cushion-y’ and cozy (no itches!). The designs are colorful, too.
Bottom line: Without doubt, I’d opt for Darn Tough for a running or biking sock, or any time a major workout is on the books. As a bonus, Darn Tough socks are unconditionally guaranteed, and though you probably won’t need to test them on this policy, it’s nice to know it’s there. Pick up many of their styles, including the run/bike at Amazon for around $14, or at many outdoor specialty sites. For example there’s a wide selection if you get Darn Tough Vermont at Campmor.
Posted by Amy in Adventure Gear, Kids and Family on March 20th, 2012
Spenco Insoles for When the Ones in Your Shoes Are Crap
Replacement insoles are a lot like their neighbor, socks. You don’t often hear people gushing on about their new insole purchase and you probably won’t see these Spenco products pinned on anyone’s wish list collection on Pinterest anytime soon. As with quality socks, however, a relatively small amount of money spent on an unglamorous item can make a huge difference in your comfort level. Especially after a full day of walking.
I care about insoles so much that I have three pairs of custom orthodics. I frequently pull out whatever came with the shoes and put those in instead. These came about from having a father-in-law who was a podiatrist, however. Not everyone can be so lucky. After wearing around two versions of Spenco insoles though I think you can get pretty close to the same experience with these—for a whole lot less money.
See, for every pair of travel shoes we review here that comes with a great padded, supportive insole, there are even more than come with insoles that are an afterthought at best. They’re thin, cheaply made, and prone to falling apart or compressing over time. If you shoes are not so comfortable anymore, this may be your main problem. The best way to get a lot more life out of them is to change the insole. Suddenly they’ll feel new again.
Sometimes I toss the insoles immediately because I can tell they’re crappy. The list price of the shoe has little correlation to the quality of the insole. I’ve been trying these two from Spenco out in shoes that were either old or came with lousy insoles of their own.
Polysorb Total Support
These serious insoles pictured at the top are meant to hold up to the punishment athletes dish out. With five layers of support molded together, they’re super-supportive and have cushioning that varies to shield high-impact areas more. Part of that is an EVA layer that extends the length of the foot, plus a low-friction top cloth with anti-microbial odor protection. I’ve been wearing these between two pairs of shoes I’ve had for over a year and there’s a huge difference in the comfort, especially after miles of walking. They need to be hand washed, but at least they can be washed—unlike ones of mine that got wet a few months ago and disintegrated.
These retail for $35, which is as much as a pair of shoes in a Payless store, but of course you can use these for multiple pairs of shoes. Whether you’re a runner, a tennis player, a trade show warrior, or just a traveler who’s going to be hitting a lot of museums, your feet will thank you for this purchase. See the dealer locator at Spenco or order them from REI.
Spenco Polysorb Flow
Most of the technology that goes into shoe inserts is not very apparent except by feel. No so with these Flow Cool performance insoles. They look a bit different because they are: they’re meant to allow air to flow through and heat to dissipate so your feet stay cooler.
This sounds like some kind of infomercial gimmick, but the claim isn’t based on one single solution. There are holes in the insole to allow air to move, channels on the top and bottom to keep air from getting cut off under a squashed foot, and an EVA/magnesium oxide blended material that helps the heat dissipate. On top of that, the moisture-wicking top part is also treated with anti-odor properties.
In my tests, it worked surprisingly well. It’s not going to bring the temperature inside the shoe from 110F to 95, like there’s a miniature fan in there or something, but it did make a noticeable difference when I replaced regular insoles with these on a hot day’s walk or puttering around the house. My feet didn’t seem to sweat as much and I felt cooler. Naturally that hot air needs somewhere to go too, so these will work better in athletic shoes with a mesh upper or at least something utilizing a membrane from Gore-tex or a competitor.
If you have the reverse problem—your feet are always cold—Spenco has you covered there too. Check out this Flow Warm version.
These list for $35 too, but order the Flow Cool insoles from Zappos or Amazon and you might shave a bit off the price.
Related review: Spenco TotalSupport Sandals
Posted by Tim L. in Business Gear, General Gear on March 15th, 2012
Some Light Hiking Socks for Your Consideration
Socks are important. For most weather, they’re vital. For travelers doing a lot of walking and hiking, they can make or break how well your feet hold up. Spending $100+ on your hiking boots is only going to get you so far if you’ve covered your feet in cheap socks underneath.
There’s just one problem with socks when it comes to a travel gear blog. There’s only so much you can say about a single pair.
So here’s a rundown of some fine footwear I’ve been using over the past year, from a variety of companies you probably haven’t heard of but should check out. For about 1/5 the cost of your average pair of shoes or hiking boots, these quality socks can really make you a lot more comfortable and keep your feet from breaking out in blisters.
Point6
Point6 makes a lot of great socks for men and women, from heavy-duty ski socks to fashionable pairs for everyday use. I’ve been using their Hiking Tech Medium merino wool ones, which mix that thread with nylon and a little Spandex. With merino you get a lot of useful properties for travelers: temperature management, odor-resistance, and warmth without the itch. Point6 pairs have also got all the properties you’ll find in a quality pair of socks like mesh ventilation where you need it and reinforced cushioning where you don’t. This is a great all-around pair in four sizes and six colors, running $16-$18 a pair at Amazon.
Bridgedale
Another hiking sock I’ve gotten a lot of good use out of is the X-hale Trailhead from Bridgedale. This is an international brand: based in Ireland, sold in 40 countries, and my pair was made in South Africa. They claim their “loop-within-a-loop padding” gives their socks more loft and cushioning with a light weave. If found them supremely comfortable for hikes or long walks in multiple kinds of shoes. and the blend of synthetics and merino wool wicked well. These list for $17, but this is apparently last year’s model though, because it’s on sale for under ten bucks at Altrec.com.
Dahlgren
Dahlgren makes a lot of great socks using using a variety of materials, including alpaca. I’ve been trying out their light hiking socks with Dri-Stride Alpaca, billed as softer, drier, and blister-free. Look at the details though and alpaca has but a supporting actor roll, playing behind nylon, polyester, and merino wool in differing mixes in different sections. I’m not sure who’s going to notice as these are comfortable, cushioned in the right places, and don’t seem to get sweaty. Hey, they look cool too and they’re made in the USA. You can get the men’s version or women’s version from PlanetShoes for $18 or a 3-pack from Zappos.
Teko
Last on the list for this hiking socks rundown is Teko, a company that distinguishes itself through its environmental cred. These socks are made from merino wool grown on organic farms, chlorine-free, and produced in the USA with wind power. But they don’t stop there. The plastic-free packaging is recyclable and part of your purchase supports The Conservation Alliance and the John Muir Trust.
But how ’bout the socks? These have a higher merino wool content than the others above, with 71 percent. These have seamless toes, reinforced heels and has “light cushion only in footbed, flat knit throughout the rest of the sock.” And like the others here, these list for about 18 bucks. You can buy them at Backcountry.com.
You can toss any of these socks in the washing machine, but I wouldn’t recommend putting them in a dryer if you can avoid it. They might come out fine, but in my experience there can be some shrinkage after a while.
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Posted by Tim L. in Adventure Gear, General Gear on February 16th, 2012
Keen Emerald City 3-Point Sandals
It can be difficult to pack the right pair of shoes for a trip that includes both walking around a lot and dressing up in the evenings. Usually, you’ve got to bring different shoes for each activity. But with the Keen Emerald City 3-Point Sandals, you can narrow that packing list down to one pair of shoes.
The leather sandals have a cushion sole, which is perfectly comfortable for hoofing it through city streets. The 3-point structure makes the sandals far sturdier than flip-flops and you don’t have to overwork your toes by gripping onto a little piece of leather all day. After spending all day walking, my feet felt just as good at the end of the day as they did in the morning.
The heel strap is adjustable and a little stretchy, so you don’t have to wear them exactly as they come out of the box. The placement of the strap’s buckle is in a spot that didn’t rub on my foot. That saves the Band-Aids for better uses.
The rubber outsole gives you the right traction to avoid slipping on wet cobblestones without looking burly. And the heel height is only 1 inch, which is enough for a little height without sacrificing function.
For sandals that are so comfortable to walk miles in, they also look good for evening — when you don’t necessarily want a chunky travel sandal. The slim, elegant look lets you pair them with pants, shorts, skirts and dresses equally. Isn’t that one of the best requirements for travel shoes?
The Keen Emerald City 3-Point sandals list for $65.99 on Zappos. They’re also available on backcountry.com for prices ranging from $59.47 to $84.95, depending on color.
Posted by Jill in General Gear, Travel Light on February 10th, 2012
