Posts Tagged travel shoes
Teva Ion-Mask Mush Frio Packable, Lightweight Travel Shoes
The first time I saw a pair of Teva Mush Frio Canvas lace shoes, it was at a company booth at a trade show. They caught my eye because the shoes were hovering in the air, each one held up by a single helium balloon. That’s how light they are. Each one is just 3.4 ounces, so the pair is less than a pound. I’ve been checking out its predecessor, the Ion Mask version, which is slightly heavier but comes with waterproofing.
Oviously packing a pair of these shoes is not going to ding your weight limit, plus they smash up flat so you can easily fit them in a bag that seems like it can’t hold another pair of shoes. As for comfort, they feel like a pair of slippers, even the first time you put them on. But something this thin doesn’t come with any real arch support. So I wouldn’t use them for walking around in all day on city sidewalks, but for kicking around at the end of the day (especially after skiing or hiking) they’re terrific.
The “Mush Frio” part of the name is meant to imply you can wear these shoes when it’s not flip-flop weather. When you have to put away the flip-flops and put on real shoes, you don’t give up any comfort. They’re light enough and breathable enough to wear all year though—part of the upper is canvas, but the whole tongue part is stretchy padded mesh and there are two eyelets on the side. Plus you get an anti-bacterial treatment on the insole and shoe lining, so they shouldn’t get stinky when the weather gets warm.
The insole is nice and squishy and after a while will conform to your feet. They really fit like a glove though, so go one size up from your usual if you don’t have narrow feet. Otherwise there’s not much margin for error.
This slightly advanced Ion-Mask version has waterproofing, which they probably added to the original version after realizing that marketing this as a winter item while letting it soak up melted snow was probably a bit incongruous.
I’m not sure these will last you five years, but they’re about as light as you can get for something so comfortable and the price is right. This pair lists for $65 at Teva.com, or shop around at Zappos or Amazon.
You can lop off at least $10 and get a lot more color choices by removing the “Ion-Mask” part of this—the waterproofing. You can get the even lighter Teva Mush Frio direct from Teva for $50, or shop around by following these direct links to Zappos or Altrec. The version (pictured to the right) comes in six colors, so check Amazon, where some color/size combinations are currently going for under $35.
See more Teva Footwear reviews on Practical Travel Gear.
Posted by Tim L. in General Gear, Travel Light on May 16th, 2012
Adidas Terrex Formotion Women’s Hiking Shoe
I’m picky about my hiking shoes. As an avid hiker and past Search and Rescue volunteer, I’ve gone through quite a few pairs. I’ve rarely been completely happy with any of them: cheap shoes are too stiff, or too heavy, or just too flimsy, and top-of-the-line models may fit like a glove, but tend to come with too steep a price tag. Then I tried Adidas’ Terrex Fast X Formotion hiking shoe, and immediately felt like Goldilocks: they were just right.
What sets the Terrex Fast X Formotion Mid Gore-Tex hiking shoe (what a mouthful!) apart is the fact that it’s extremely lightweight for a mid-height shoe, yet completely protects your foot. Hiking over uneven, muddy terrain this spring, I’ve never felt likely to turn my ankle, and my feet never get wet, yet I don’t feel as if I’m wearing a clunky boot.
When Adidas says these shoes are waterproof, they’re not joking. Aside from my winter snow boots, the Terrex is the only pair I can wear all day through rain, puddles, and wet trail and still keep my feet dry. Since they’re not bulky, I’ve been reaching for them not only for trekking, but for my kids’ soccer tournaments (during which I’m guaranteed to stand on wet sidelines for hours) and weekend trips to (soggy) Portland.
The Gore-Tex membrane is breathable, too. During my first test hike on a trail heavy with snowmelt, I paired the shoes with wool hiking socks, and my feet didn’t get sweaty. I also really like the ‘speed lacing’ elastic lace construction, which makes getting them on and off a breeze (they stay tight, too). The grip on the tread is comprised of Traxion, which made for more controlled descending on slopes. My only complaint is that the sole is pretty flat; if you need a very supportive arch, this may be a problem, but it didn’t deter from my comfort.
The Terrex Formotion is available on Amazon for $159.95 and comes in blue or magenta. In addition to the mid-height shown (and reviewed) here, Adidas also makes a low-height (ankle cut) hiking boot.
Posted by Amy in Adventure Gear on May 8th, 2012
Cushe Evo Mocc Casual Men’s Shoes
My travels keep me on my feet quite often as I have to hit the ground running when I land and am often walking long distances from place to place. I typically wear loafers or casual business shoes, and even the best brands like Johnston & Murphy’s have developed holes or peeled-back soles quicker than expected for such expensive shoes. Quite the disappointment.
When I had the opportunity to try the Cushe Evo Mocc comfortable shoes, I was excited yet concerned that they may appear too casual. On the contrary, they were perfect for not-too-dressy cities and were well-paired with both jeans and even dress khakis. I even received a few compliments on my shoes and comments that they looked very comfortable.
The shoes are crafted from leather with a neoprene sock and mesh interior that make them comfortable and ventilated for high energy use (whether its athletic hikes or long business walks). I appreciated that the look of the shoe is not too earthy (I don’t travel with a bandana to wear to business meetings!) and the rubber sole is not as noticeable as you might expect. That sole, by the way, is like an air cushion making you feel like you are wearing tennis shoes without the intensely casual look of a pair.
One day while walking in the rain, they got a bit damp on the outside, but the moisture did not permeate the shoe and it dried very quickly.
Various colors are available, and the ease to slip it on and off at security checkpoints or on board an airplane make it a frequent traveler’s friends. Cushe has a host of other rugged, soft-footed shoes, but this is one of the best options for travelers. While not ideal for business travelers who must don a suit and tie daily, this is a great gift for many whether vacationing through the streets of Europe or careening through crowded airport terminals in a hurry, heavy bags in tow.
Available for about $100 at Zappos or REI, this is not the kind of cheap shoe you want to drag through the mud although it cleans easily with the wipe of a damp towel.
See more reviews of Cushe footwear and other good travel shoes.
Posted by Ramsey in Adventure Gear, Business Gear, Travel Light on April 30th, 2012
Teva Fuse-ion Shoes
Water-friendly shoes often come in two forms: big clunky sandals and neoprene booties. Usually, that means you’re changing your shoes to something that looks a little nicer when you do anything other than hit a beach bar after your outdoor adventure. But with the Teva Fuse-ion, you can keep your water shoes on for your urban adventures as well.
Designed in a cool sneaker style, the Fuse-ion uses ion-mask, a liquid-repellant technology that keeps the shoes lightweight (at 11 ounces), breathable and stain resistant. The perforated upper lets water drain out, so you’re not sloshing around when you’re on dry land. Even if you’re not jumping around in the water, that same perforation allows for maximum ventilation for your feet.
The Spider Rubber + JStep sole has good traction, whether you’re walking around on the deck of a boat, or hopping rocks in a river. The hundreds of small pods independently move and flex, offering a more grippy sole than many other water-friendly shoes.
The footbed and the tongue are padded, to make your adventures a little more comfortable. The collapsible heel lets you slip the shoes on and off easily (aided by the heel pull loop), but equally important for travelers, it makes the shoes collapse flat so they’re easy to pack. And speaking of packing, since the Fuse-ion can cover outdoor and urban adventures equally, you can lighten your load and bring fewer shoes on your travels.
Teva Fuse-ion shoes list for $90.00 on the Teva website. A men’s version is available for the same price. They’re also available at Amazon and Zappos.
See more reviews of travel shoes on Practical Travel Gear.
Posted by Jill in Adventure Gear, General Gear on April 13th, 2012
Sanuk Rasta Pouch Shoes
We’ve sung the praises of comfy Sanuk shoes on this travel gear blog a few times. They epitomize “kicked-back and comfortable,” like a Jack Johnson song on your feet.
This new Rasta Pouch style I’ve been trying out is no exception. They’re loafers great for loafing, with a comfy cushioned sole that keeps your feet from getting tired no matter how many trips you need to make to the store to buy more beer.
Part of their Sidewalk Surfers line, these Rasta Pouch shoes feature the usual emphasis on comfort, with a thick “foam pit” sole that has plenty of give, plus an embossed footbed made From recycled TPE. The environmental efforts don’t stop there. The upper is make of hemp, the liner from recycled PET, and the sole is 48% recycled rubber. No animal products used, if that’s important to you.
What’s important to us is, are they good for travel?
Yes indeed. They weigh in at only 11 ounces, despite all the cushioning, and the upper compresses down easily when you’re packing. They’re comfortable enough to wear around all day without your feet getting fatigued. The insole is patterned in a way that puts a little air between it and your feet, which is especially useful for going sockless in hot places.
But here’s the secret weapon that vaults them above many others for travelers: the “pouch” in that Rasta Pouch name.
This pouch, located in between two layers making up the flap that goes over the top of your foot, is so well hidden that nobody would suspect you’ve got cash stashed in there. So for an emergency twenty dollars (or emergency dong, rupiah, or pesos), these shoes provide a good backup plan for if you get robbed while strung out at a full moon party on Ko Pha Ngan. Or if you’re worried about pickpockets in Rome or Rio, it’s a pretty safe bet they won’t be pawing your shoes.
The Sanuk Rasta Pouch loafers list for $72, but you may find them a bit less at online retailers. Follow these direct links to find them with free shipping at Zappos and Amazon.
See more reviews of travel shoes.
Posted by Tim L. in General Gear, Travel Light on April 5th, 2012
