Footwear | Evolving Consumer

Tubbs Hits the Snow

Winter appears to be resilient this year, and if you’re itching to get out you might need to do some hiking in the snow. Fortunately Tubbs Snowshoes has you covered. This winter the company introduced the FLEX VRT and FLEX RDG snowshoes.

The FLEX VRT (Vertical) offer a new DynamicFit Binding with a Boa Closure system, that evenly distributes tension around a user’s boot for ultimate precision; while the FLEX Tail design puts less stress on the joints.

The FLEX RDG (Ridge) is engineered to give footing for all-mountain terrain, and these offer the company’s new CustomWrap binding with Boa Closure System, which also incorporates the heel-strap into the binding’s construction, creating exceptional precision with the simple twist of a dial.

Tubbs Snowshoes Official Website

Weekend Reading List (03.01.2014): Stay at Home Workout, Squirrel Hole, Looper

Stay at Home Workout

From GearPatrol: Great Home Workout Programs
Despite Mother Nature’s best laid plans to keep winter in full swing, spring and summer are on their way. Dropping some extra winter weight (we’re looking at you, Christmas and Thanksgiving) now can help jumpstart your fitness goals for summer, especially if you’re staring down something crazy like your first Ironman 70.3 or GORUCK Challenge. Sure, you could shell out some cash for a personal Jillian Michaels or Tony Horton lookalike at your local Globo Gym, but unless you want to feel like a boot camp recruit or Biggest Loser contestant, there are better options. We’ve been testing a few home workout programs this winter to help keep our edge. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (03.01.2014): Stay at Home Workout, Squirrel Hole, Looper

Gone Fischer

The perfect fit can make all the difference on the slopes. This is where Fischer’s Vacuum Fit technology comes in. This line of ski boots utilize heat molding technology that provides a true custom fit, where the Vacu-Plast plastic outer boot material are heated and then molded to fit the curves of your foot, ankle and even lower calf, while the Ultralon liners are also heat molded. In just 45 minutes the boots are customized to the degree that they’ll feel like an extension of the leg! Video after the jump

Custom Shoes for Millar’s Final Rides

David Millar has had a colorful career on the bike – to say the least – and for his final season as a professional rider he’ll be wearing custom shoes from Fi’zi:k to honor his accomplishments. The company is actually releasing a pair that will be auctioned off for charity for the Small Steps Project.

Unique fi’zi:k R1 shoes raced by Pro Cyclist David Millar
Small Steps Project Official Website Continue reading Custom Shoes for Millar’s Final Rides

Heel Spur

A heel spur is something most runners fear but the LightSpur designed by Nathan Sport could be something no runner will want to be without after dark. It clips around the heel of a shoe and grips against it while providing an LED light that can help drivers and even cyclists see you at night. The LightSpurs are fully waterproof and powered by a replaceable CR2031 watch battery that should provide more than 100 hours in flashing mode.

These spurs won’t make you run faster but they’ll help ensure you aren’t run down after dark.

Nathan Sports LightSpurs Official Website

Made in America: Sneaky Move

J.Crew is now offering a limited-edition colorway of the New Balance 998. These American made suede shoes come from Showhegan, Maine and feature ABSORBZ rubber soles to provide comfort and traction.

J.Crew New Balance 998

Nike Looks Rather Fly(Knit) With Lightweight Shoe

Lighter is better. At least that’s the thinking that Nike designers have when it comes to running shoes. But the Nike Flynit Lunar2 aren’t just light, these are also stronger than the average running shoes. These utilize the Lunarlon cushioning to provide a responsive, fluid platform that will have you feeling like you’re running on air, while the Flynit provides a light but very supportive upper. One the company calls a “magical combination.” Video after the jump

Shark Attack

The Nalini Shark road shoe looks ready to strike this year. This shoe features a full carbon sole with both 3-hole Look and 2-hole SPD mounting options, and the Shark further offers a seamless microfiber upper, supportive heal cup, and micrometric closure system with Nalini’s “Fly” aluminum buckle, and two Velcro straps. The insole also offers a planter arch support along with breathable air-flow technology.

Nalini at Albabici

Kross’ing Guard

It is hard to get the barefoot running experience this time of the year. For one the temperatures are so cold you probably wouldn’t want to run barefoot and second running on snow and ice probably is never a good idea. The Kross M Winter shoe from Lizard Footwear lets runners get the feel of minimalist running in the winter.

This lightweight, flexible shoe still provides protection from the cold and features a Vibram IceTrek outsole to grip mud, rocks and wet terrain. The upper is made of Schoeller tight fabric or leather and ClimaSkin membrane that makes the shoe water resistant. The Primaloft padding also insulates the feet from cold, which is something we’ve had just about enough of this winter!

Lizard Kross M Winter Shoe Official Website

Sidi Gets Casual

We know Sidi for their hardcore cycling attire and shoes, but apparently the company has a more relaxed side. This is apparent as the company has introduced a line of casual, urban shoes as part of its 2014 Side Sport Collection.

These new “sneakers” are called Insider and are both technical and fashionable at the same time. These feature a rubber sole that provides grip on a variety of surfaces along with ankle bones and toes that provide for a reinforced and protected fit. The Insider even offers a removable insole that is closed with laces and suede uppers. The shoes are available in gray, black and camouflage (above). Any way you choose these can’t be missed.

Sidi Sports Official Website

Super Shoe

Just in time for the big game – and by that we mean the Super Bowl – Nike has released a special edition of its Nike Vapor Carbon 2014 Eliteb football cleat. It features a low profile and a combination of bladed and conical cleats that mean less weigh but better grip on the field. These offer dynamic Flywire that wraps the foot and provides superior – yet lightweight – support. Super indeed!

Nike Vapor Carbon 2014 Elite Super Bowl Edition Football Cleat Official Website

Donkey Does It

Cycling socks come in two varieties: there are the plain Jane socks that have no style and then there are the over-the-top patterns that could be considered a little too much. Donkey Label is offering something in between with its new Merino wool socks, which are constructed with high quality fabrics but in a flat-knit crew style.

These also feature a single stripe of color that runs along the heel, providing an eye-catching accent. In addition these are designed to control bacteria and prevent odor for repeated street and office wear.

Donkey Label Official Website

Outdoor Retailer Show: Cold Weather Boot

At last week’s Outdoor Retailer Show Winter Market Kamik introduced a boot that will keep your feet dry even when fly fishing or trekking through wet terrain. The Cold Creek won’t keep you high and dry exactly, but the 17 inch height of the boot is high enough for fairly deep water.This American made boot is waterproof and features neoprene and rubber. So maybe with it you will be actually high and dry.

Kamik Official Website