New Soles and Shades for Spring Flings
Even if you’re not quite out of those ski boots (many in our mountain towns will be skiing through flipflop season), there’s a certain something about lacing up new kicks for spring trail running and hiking that feels practically revelatory after a big winter. That sentiment goes for donning a fresh look aside from the goggles. There are hundreds of shoes and sunglasses on the market, but here is a selection for your eyes and toes that we feel warrant a second look
adidas Terrex Agravic Boa®
The Boa® lacing technology on this trail runner is the draw here and responds well for those long days in the hills. The Boa button on the side works like a cap. Just push it down to lock the lacing closure and pull it out to unlock it. The beauty of the lacing system is that it you can tighten it easily with the button by turning it clockwise and by pulling the button out to unlock the closure. The midsole and outsole are supportive on steep terrain, and when the need for speed presents itself, the sock-like construction provides the stability you need to haul up the mountain without looking back. Durable and comfortable from road to trail, this sticky soul/sole is seen here in Ash Gray + Solar Yellow for women and is available for men too
$150
Mammut Saentis Low GTX
What do you want in a trail runner? Lightness, grippiness, and protection so you can feast on the mountain trails whether they are sloppy, slick, or smooth. This multifunctional shoe is prepared for technical training and speedy descents. Built with a Michelin® sole, it’s an excellent choice for training and hiking with its hefty upper mesh, which helps keep your feet protected from rocks and GORE-TEX® which makes it a reliable trail partner in the rain. Seen here in Light Titanium/Dark Zen for women, it’s also available for men
$159
Salomon Speedcross 5
If you haven’t tried a Salomon Speedcross, you could be missing out on finding true love. Salomon has made its mark as a performance shoe and a favorite for adventure racers and those who search out rough conditions. The Speedcross has huge arrow-shaped lugs (6mm) and these bullies enjoy the road in mud and snow. A slightly softer upper mesh than in previous iterations and slightly heavier, its refinements also include a raised midsole for better heel support. In an array of colors for both men and women, test it in any terrain and find out why this is the top trailing runner shoe worldwide
$130
Vasque Breeze LT Low GTX
Three words: protection, comfort, durability. This high performance hiker with its stable midsole and new VIBRAM® Lightbase technology, which saves 25% in outsole weight could become your ‘go-to’ for day hiking and weekend adventures and a bit of trail runner as well. Its outsole is equipped with Vibram’s Megagrip which provides for stability and durability in diverse conditions and with light and “breezy” uppers, there is reason to believe these could be the all-around winner you’ve been looking for for everyday excursions
$150
Costa Rinconcito
Hey there Rinconcito, you’re looking mighty fine!” This frame is “the little brother to Costa’s popular Rincon frame” named after a Southern California break. Merging both style and performance, these lifestyle frames feature Costa’s patent color-enhancing 580 lens technology in both Lightwave® glass and impact-resistant polycarbonate. With 100% UV protection and in four frame matte colors (Atlantic blue, black tortoise, and gray), these adventurers are sure to turn heads both on and off the water. Featuring bio-resin construction, this medium fit style is for men and ranges in price from
$179-$229
Sunski Gondola
Pretty, pretty gnar. Reduce glare from all the elements with Sunski’s perfectly striking silhouette that includes removable Magni-Snap Sidekicks, (look for the message written in Morse code). Made from recycled plastic (sourced locally and saved from a landfill), Sunski is member of 1% for the Planet. Seen here in Champagne with a choice of lens tints in Indigo and Ocean, the polarized Gondola makes a statement with its bold shape and come with a lifetime warranty
$89
Zeal Optics Boone
Well, hello Boone. Nice to meet you. In matte black, smoke, maple, and tortoise, with lenses respectively in horizon blue, dark grey, copper, and rose, these lookers weigh less than an ounce and are lighter and stronger than you’d imagine. Made from 100% plant-based materials, enhance your world with this polarized timeless shape that effortlessly combines sustainability and technicality into one good-looking frame
$149