6 Posts
A lot of people seem to think that European stuff is always nicer than American. We definitely don’t think that’s is always the case, but sometimes the quality, craftsmanship and elegant design that a piece of European gear has just stands out. Meindl boots certainly fit that bill.
Sneakerboots are becoming more and more popular all the time, with everybody from Timberland to Under Armor getting in on the action. Forsake, a Boston-based outdoor lifestyle brand, makes sneakerboots like no other; shoes that actually look as casual and stylish as an everyday pair of sneakers but don’t sacrifice one lick of performance. Case in point: The Forsake Range High and Range Low.
Think of the year 1892, and what comes to mind? In this case, the Industrial Revolution, and leather making. That’s where the Kenosha Boot, part of the Wisconsin Collection by Thorogood, comes in. Inspired by the designs of Wisconsin master craftsman and shoemaker A. H. Weinbrenner, this collection from Thorogood perfectly captures the spirit of craftsmanship and attention to detail that is behind all the best American-made footwear.
It seems like more tennis shoe companies are entering the hiking boot market. Nike and hiking boots aren't usually in the same sentence. However, Nike has entered the trail shoe market with the introduction of the Nike Air Wild Mid Trail Shoe. You will find traction along with the typical Nike comfort in the Air Wild Mid Trail Shoe...the result is a "sneaker boot."
There is something to be said about low-cut hiking shoes, but when it comes to long-distance backpacking trips, it’s time to break out the big boys. And we’ve worn our fair share of hiking boots throughout the years, but for a heavy-duty pair, nothing really compares to the Salomon Quest 4D GTX. Made with Salomon’s 4D Chassis, these things are sturdy and stable. The outsole is made from Contagrip – Salomon’s version of Vibram – and offers flawless performance in any terrain or condition, whether wet or dry. Parts of the sole that wear out faster are made of harder rubber, while the parts that get less wear are made of a lower density, more flexible rubber.