In Search of the Perfect Sandal: Freewaters™ MAGIC CARPET

Daniel Burnham once said, "Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood."  Towards those ends, Freewaters™ has combined patent pending technologies and innovative design features to forge the Magic Carpet - a sandal that has plenty of magic to get your blood flowing.

Like the pride of a racing stable, the Magic Carpet leads the pack in performance, comfort, and style. This hi-tec innovative sandal goes places you never thought a sandal could, so get used to the idea of never taking it off. 

Patent pending neoprene flex panel straps are so comfortable you’ll forget they’re even there.  These innovative straps demonstrate that pressure and pinching derived from the foot flexing forward need not be a part of your flip-flop experience.  Moreover, during those rare moments you remove the Magic Carpet sandals, the straps retain form.  While this may seem like a tedious detail, few things can prove to be more insufferable than toe wrestling a flattened strap when you just want to get up and get out.  Did we mention they are also water and vegan friendly? 

Freewaters has raised the stakes in the world of flip-flop design by incorporating running shoe technology into this sandal.  The Freewaters team accomplishes this through an Exclusive Response Arch Shank which creates torsional flex resulting in a spring type action reminiscent of your favorite athletic kicks.  Coupled with the midsole’s 'toe spring' which helps eliminate toe drag, the response arch shank generates an efficient transfer of energy within every stride resulting in greater ease whether you’re strolling the beach or making that long walk to the BBQ to flip the burgers.

Amidst a forest of innovative design features, there was one part of the Magic Carpet that truly resonated with our crew:  A recycled eco-rubber outsole with aggressive tread and siping providing traction that would impress the Michelin Man.  This sticky, water-channeling sole moves water away from the bottom of your sandal ensuring secure footing on slick and sketchy surfaces so you don’t have to hold back when your pistons are firing.

When constructing an outsole that excels on the land and longs for the water, the Freewaters design team put equal effort into fashioning a eva foam footbed that serves as the ultimate welcome mat for your feet.  A brushed non-slip footbed keeps you locked in and comfy cruising through life’s waterparks.  The 3D molded footbed matches your foot's shape and cushions your steps while keeping your feet cool on even the hottest summer days.  

While this sandal seems to lack the impressive arch support of the Freewaters Cruz Control, the Magic Carpet still delivers rock steady support and massive comfort for which your body will be grateful.  At a time when more than one company lays claim to an “out-of-the-box-no-break-in” fit, once again, Freewaters is king of the hill in that category.  Good news for you, because when the sun is out, you don’t want to waste any time breaking in new sandals. 

Bottom Line…

They say that the elegance of art is that it enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.  If that is indeed the case then the Magic Carpet from Freewaters is the essence of art for the feet.

Exit Note...
If there's one thing we like more than a quality sandal, it's a quality sandal with a humanitarian heart.  The purchase of one pair of Freewaters allows ProjectFreewaters.org to provide clean drinking water for one individual for one entire year.  So go purchase your Freewaters sandals, you'll be doing your feet and the world a lot of good.

Vasque Taku GTX: Master Your Mountains

Light-footed, slender, and clever, Hermes is the great messenger of the gods in Greek mythology. An Olympian god, he is the patron of boundaries and of the travelers who cross them – the god of all those who must move quickly or make fast getaways.

While the crew at Vasque has not yet confirmed the rumor… we feel confident in saying that Hermes himself was charged with crafting the light weight Vasque Taku GTX.

With the wisdom of Athena, the Vasque design team (aka Hermes) crammed a slew of mountain-mastering features into this waterproof, breathable, mid-high boot without weighing it (and you) down when the going gets rough.

Waterproofed, 2mm thick nubuck leather uppers with air-mesh nylon panels at the collars keep boots light and breathable in warm temperatures aiding your quick pace on the trail.  This is especially helpful for those moments you hear the Sirens song seducing you into setting up camp before reaching your destination. 

When Zeus attempts to dampen your day with thunder and rain, take heart knowing the Taku GTX utilizes the power of breathable Gore-Tex, shedding water.  The fully breathable Gore-tex boot means you need not dread crossing Poseidon controlled creek beds.

The design of the Taku GTX not only ensures a light, agile and blister free boot, but was crafted to promote comfort and durability.  Beefed up rubber toe bumpers help protect uppers and feet from abrasion and premature wear meaning even the Greek god of time, Kronos, won't outlast these boots. 

The Taku’s molded EVA midsoles offer lightweight cushioning and flexibility that is so comfortable that you’ll never want to return to your chariot. Thermoplastic urethane plates help control flex, reduce ankle strain, enhance stability and protect feet from rough terrain.

Vasque’s Arc Tempo Last construction creates an agile, athletic fit that promotes quickness and agility over technical ground and has an asymmetrical curve that’s great for higher arches. The additional benefit of the Arc Tempo Last is that it directs more power to the toe during foot push-off ensuring an efficient transfer of energy with every stride resulting in greater ease for rocky, barely-there trails.

The Taku GTX rides on a Vibram® sole keeping your feet on the trail whether you are eating up miles on a week-long trek or picking your way through shale slides as you shimmy to the top of Mount Olympus. This confidence-inspiring traction is not only durable but is engineered with an athletic stance that’s ounces lighter than a typical hiking sole. The result: if you can handle the terrain so can this boot.

The Bottom Line...
Responsive and snappy, the waterproof Vasque Taku GTX Hiking Boots are as easy on the eyes as Aphrodite, yet tough enough to get you to the top of Mt. Olympus for your tangle with the Greek gods.

KEEN Has One Question: Got SOX?

As an outdoor enthusiast you have high expectations for your footwear.  You demand that your shoes provide a comfortable and secure fit while delivering the nimble support needed for all of your outdoor escapades.  Why then have we lived our journeys with lesser expectations from socks? 

If you want socks that will keep your feet comfortable, dry, blister-free in every activity then KEEN may have your answer. 

The creative minds at KEEN have now put their innovative efforts towards crafting a better sock.  But in the traditional unique styling and attitude of KEEN, these aren't just socks... no my friend, these are SOX.

With seamless cushioning, soft renewable materials, and special designs specifically for your right and left foot KEEN has produced a line of socks that that will have your feet ready to conquer that mountain or blaze your own path in comfort.  Our Gumption Crew took a look at the KEEN Boulder Canyon 1/4 Ultra Lite and Boulder Canyon Crew Mids.

In crafting the SOX, KEEN has taken advantage of two specific design elements that guarantee a soft and supportive fit that will have your feet saying “I love you.”

First, KEEN takes utilizes one of Mother Natures’ most perfect fibers – merino wool.  Unlike synthetic fibers, merino wool 'air conditions' your feet naturally, optimizing your physical temperature to atmospheric conditions.  Merino wool fibers feature a complex moisture management system, able to both repel and absorb moisture, keeping feet dry, comfortable and blister-free.  For additional comfort KEEN has also precisely engineered air-flow sections to provide extra cooling power.   

The second feature is KEEN’s seamless innovation.  KEEN knits their sox counter clockwise providing a seamless bunch-free superb fit.  And since you’re shoes and hiking boots are specifically designed for your right and left foot, KEEN implemented a specific right and left foot specific design resulting in a higher level of comfort and fit.

Because your life isn't one dimensional, KEEN has introduced a wide array of category specific SOX ranging from Lifestyle, Kids, Performance and Service.  So whatever you’re need, they’ve got you covered.

Your feet work hard on your behalf.  Go reward them with SOX. 

Keen Targhee II: Ready for your Voyage of Discovery

Marcel Proust once said, "The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes."

When living your own voyage of discovery, whether it be courtesy of a fast and light day hike or a simple stroll through your local national park, the Keen Targhee II will lend a helping hand in granting you access to those new landscapes.

As you scamper across waterfall misted trails or stomp through puddles, these shoes keep your feet dry with KEEN’s proprietary waterproof, breathable membrane. KEEN.DRY™ lets vapor out without letting water in, allowing you to traverse unspoiled trails without getting slowed down by sogginess. The waterproof leather upper blocks out moisture so your feet stay toasty and dry.

Webbing pull loops at heel and tongue allow easy entry and exit; while padded, gusseted tongues keep out debris and moisture while relieving lace pressure. KEEN also does a quality job of incorporating reflective trim on the Secure-Fit Lace Capture System – always a worthy safety feature no matter where your journey takes you.

Aggressive 4mm multidirectional lugs along with KEEN’s legendary toe protection ensure that this hiker looks as though it was forged in the heart of the wilderness. The gnarly lugs clutch whatever Mother Nature throws your way and pushes you deeper into the forest. The ESS shank provides torsional stability keeping you upright on uneven and muddy terrains as well as sketchy scrambles.

Despite all these great features, it’s the interior of the Targhee II that truly impresses.

A removable metatomical footbed quickly molds to your foot's shape for personalized comfort while supporting your arches, preventing those midday aches and pains.

The shoes also feature KEEN’s S3 Heel support. The S3 (shock, suspension, stability) system is engineered to support the foot on impact, dissipate shock reducing the odds of wrecking your ankle when you miss that gnarly root playing sniper on the trail.

In early field tests our Gumption crew member was suffering from a deep heel bruise -- OUCH! Yet the compression-molded EVA midsoles coupled with KEEN’s S3 Heel support offered maximum padding and shock-absorption without feeling soft and spongy. The result was an ability to rack up major mileage points in spite of the painful heel.

Room For Improvement…
The aggressive multidirectional lugs are a nice touch but have more of a ‘grip’ than ‘stick’ factor. For the $120 price tag, we would like to see KEEN go with a Vibram outsole that provides a little more confidence when your feet are dashing across slick mushy moss or hugging glassy granite.

The other matter pertains to sizing. KEEN’s own website points out that the Targhee II runs approximately ½ size small. Not a problem if you traditional fit is in the 7 to 11 range, however, if your foot is more Sasquatch in nature (size 12 or above) you’ll be forced to go a full size larger which could leave your toes swimming in a sea of toe-box. The other option is to stick with your natural size leaving you with a tight fit in the toes resulting in toe tight travels and uncomfortable downhill blitzes. As such we’d love to see KEEN either make the shoe a more precise fit or introduce half sizes beyond 11.5.

Final Analysis…
Flexible and comfortable like a shoe but with a durable, burly tread that devour trails like a boot, the KEEN Targhee II is a gumption ready trekker that will carry you gracefully across scores of trails and terrain.

In Search of the Perfect Summer Sandal: SOLE™ Casual Flips

If you’ve spent your life strolling around on the traditional one-size-fits-all flip flop then you’ve been living your life on little more than a flat cardboard platform.  While you thought you’re feet were gaining freedom, the reality is that you’ve been forcing your body to work harder to keep those flips on, aggravating any existing biomechanic problems you may have. 

Enter SOLE™, a footwear company out to shatter the traditional one-size-fits-all flip-flop paradigm.  

SOLE understands that like fingerprints, your feet are unique. As such the've created a casual styled flip flop that provides custom support and cushioning courtesy of the SOLE Wear Moldable™ footbed which molds to your unique foot shape, providing unmatched comfort and support.

On Style and Performance…
Who knew that living an eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle would also allow you to look so chic?  A gender-specific strap is composed from 50% hemp and 50% recycled polyester.  Both the men and women’s version come with patterned/embroidered straps that give these flips the definitive "sweeeet" factor when you first pull them from the box.

The magic ingredient of the SOLE casual sandals is cork.  Yup… cork.  SOLE has been researching cork and working on developing products with it since 2008.  Through their research SOLE discovered that they could replace some petroleum-based foam with cork and not reduce the performance of their footwear.  Using 35% cork in the footbed and midsole, the Casual Flips reduce impact on your feet and the environment.  Our field testers were truly impressed by give and natural shock absorbing qualities of the cork footbed.

More than being stylish and environmentally friendly, the SOLE casual flips are a great sandal for your tired feet after any adventure.  The full and roomy shape, contoured cork footbed and deep heel all combine to holistically support your feet in their natural and free form. It’s this free and full support that shapes and molds to your foot over time supporting the body and allowing your feet to recover.  In other words, this flip not only wows at summer BBQ's, it's the perfect post workout sandal for runners and weekend warriors alike.

And when the rubber hits the road, the non-marking rubber outsoles boasts tremendous traction.  In fact the traction on these casual flips exceeded that of some “performance” based flips we’ve tested.  The grip smooths out your step on gravely roads, uneven boardwalks, and unexpectedly rough cement steps outside your local organic grocery store.

Room for Improvement…
The SOLE casual flip is changing the way that people view the traditional flip flop for the better.  The design team at SOLE deserves a great deal of credit for the craftsmanship of this flip, although our testers felt that there was one foible: the double stitching on the underside of the strap. 

The 50% Hemp/50% Recycled Polyester strap was comfortable, and wicked away moisture like a shammie, however the double stitching proved to be unforgiving on the back end of the toes.  As a result we were left with tender tootsies and dubious dorsals until these flips were fully broken in.

Bottom Line…
You have certain requirements of flip flops. For one, you like a polished, sophisticated look, and the stylish upper and cork wrapped footbed fit that bill. You also demand comfort and support; the SOLE casual comes through with a first class moldable footbed that cradles and supports your body.  Like your favorite baseball glove or a fine wine these flips will only get better with time.  So whether you’re a fellow outdoor enthusiast or a flip flop connoisseur, you’ll revel in the SOLE line up of casual sandals.

You can get them from the SOLE store for $70 by clicking here.

Long Term Durability Review – 2XU 2008 V:1 Velocity Wetsuit

When the Top-of-the-line 2XU wetsuit arrived on the shores of the United States in 2008 words like revolutionary and game-changing rolled off the tongues of triathletes across the country.  The wetsuit not only looked fast, but has since proven to be fast.  

Along with use of new materials, the V:1 incorporated numerous new and proprietary innovations not seen together in previous wetsuit designs. Some of the innovations were obvious and others were not.  The new innovations included:

·         High Velocity Strakes –  Grooves on the front torso to channel water and stream water flow

·         Aquatic Membrane Arms  – for Neutral Buoyancy and improved feel for the water

·         Concave Water Entrapment Zones  - on the forearms

·         Roll Bar – improves buoyancy and helps with a higher body position

When buying a wetsuit, there are three important questions to ask, 1) how does it fit? 2) How does it perform? 3) How long will it last?

On the Fit Factor…

After 3 years of use, the suit still fits like an expensive glove. In comparison to other suits at the time, the thinner and more flexible neoprene around the shoulders improved movement and reduced shoulder fatigue. The neck is comfortable. Occasionally, however, the Velcro on the back of the V:1 rides high and chafes the back of my neck.

On the Performance Factor…

My body position in the water, both while wearing the suit and swimming without it, has improved tremendously. Sure, a lot of the improvement can be tied to coaching and swim sets, but I credit a lot of the early improvements in my body positioning to wearing the suit for hours on end amidst the challenges of the open water environment.

The 2XU was the first in the industry to offer Velocity Strakes that channel water for greater water stability resulting in less sideways movement in choppy conditions. In still conditions offering a channeling water process for greater lift and cleaner water flow movement will result in more speed through the water.

While improvement in body positioning can be tied in part to coaching and training, I credit a significant portion of early improvements in my own body positioning to wearing the suit for hours on end amidst the challenges of the open water environment.

On Durability…

Including both competitions and training sessions, the V:1 has been worn approximately 20-25 times a year since 2008.  Over the last year however, the V:1 has begun to show its age.  During an open water swim in the cold Spring 2010 waters of Santa Cruz, upon exiting the water my suit and two tears along the seams where the shoulders and torso meet.  

I’ve had the tears sealed by professionals on several occasions, but to no avail. Now, after every use, my V:1 faces a repair session with a  $12 patch-up kit.

I’ve talked with many V:1 wetsuit owners. Most are pleased with the suit, but some owners have expressed frustration with purchasing an expensive top-of-the-line wetsuit only to later have problems with its durability. At least with the subset of V:1 owners I've talked with, perhaps the V:1 is better reserved for race days, while a second wetsuit can be used (and purchased) for training.

Revolutionary design and innovative gear often comes with an equivalent price tag, and as a competitive athlete you hope that price tag also results in long-term durability.   

There is little doubt that my V:1 wetsuit has been an invaluable tool serving me well in numerous triathlons and training sessions.  However the longevity factor leaves something to be desired.  When spending over $500 on a wetsuit, it should last longer than 3 years before it starts to come apart at the seams.

As 2XU continues to break new barriers in the design and performance of wetsuits, I hope the design team spends equal amounts of time improving the durability side of future iterations. 

Platypus Hydration Re-Imagines the Hydration Pack

The Dictionary defines “variety” as (1) The state of being varied or diversified; (2) a different form, condition, or phase of something.

We can’t prove that Cascade Designs, Inc., had this definition in mind then they set out to redefine the hydration pack, but it wouldn’t surprise us if - like when Rocky trained for his fight with Drago - they had it stuck in the frame of their mirror keeping them ever mindful of the task set before themselves. 

Drawing on years of expertise in the hydration category, Platypus Hydration (part of the Cascade Designs family) set out to re-design and re-imagine the traditional hydration pack.  When they put pen to paper, there were no rules, no boundaries, just a vision of what a Hydration Pack could, and more importantly, should be. 

The result is a series of low-profile and highly efficient packs fit for a variety of athletic undertakings.  This post reflects our initial impressions on both the Origin 3 and Origin 22 after spending a few short weeks with the packs. Over the next five to six weeks our team of outdoor experts will continue putting the packs to the test to see if they truly offer the best performance, comfort and customization available for your outdoor endeavors.

First Impressions…

A lightweight, puncture-resistant, Platypus Big Zip™ SL reservoir is the cornerstone of every pack in the Origin lineup.  The designated hydration compartment is constructed to easily accommodate both the two-liter and three-liter sizes without affecting the capacity of the pack itself.  Platypus utilizes unique toggle mounts for the Big Zip SL reservoir. These mounts take a bit of getting used too, but they make for a more stable, secure fit. 

The leak proof antimicrobial reservoir keeps water fresh and taste free and opens as easy as a bag of chips for stress-free filling and cleaning.  Another quality feature is the on/off position on the bite valve which helps ensure that the water stays in the reservoir and not all over your shirt, jacket, or car trunk.

Equipped with the cool BioCurve ventilated back panels and SoftTouch stretch-woven harness, the Origin packs are constructed to attack the most demanding trails while comfortably supporting the weight of your water and whatever else you carry with it.

The ergonomic shoulder straps are a soft, stretch-woven surface stretched over a ventilated foam padding.  Over the course of our long term field testing, our team will give distinctive attention to the design of these straps because we are interested to see if they effectively compare to the more standardized mesh straps used on comparative hydration packs.

One thing that separates the Origin series from other hydration packs is the variety of hydration hose options which allow the wearer to find the most effective placement for their chosen adventure. 

When it seems that an increasing number of brands are moving towards the integration of raincovers for their packs, the Origin series again splits from the pack by sporting waterproof, 10,000mm-coated fabrics, welded, all-weather zippers and heat-taped seams.  These materials contribute to an overall minimalist sleek design that is easy on the eyes and sure to draw attention. 

Everyone knows the importance of a good first impression and after our first few dates the Origin 3 and 22 packs left us with the warm fuzzies.  Next step we’ll put this relationship to the test through the literal peaks and valleys of our relationship to make sure the Origin packs have gumption necessary for a long-term relationship.  

Exclusive First Look: Hi-Tec Total Terrain Mid-Profile Hikers

Nature is constantly changing.  The trail you took yesterday is not the same today.  For the ever changing dynamics of an outdoors world Hi-Tec is introducing the Total Terrain Waterproof Mids.  These mid-profile hikers emphasize breathability, comfort and support during high-exertion action. 

This new addition to the Hi-Tec lineup includes some of the following features:

- Waterproof suede and mesh uppers

- Ghillie and double eyelet lacing system
- CMEVA midsole for lightweight cushioning
- MDT carbon rubber outsole

While there’s still no official release date for the shoe, the good people at Hi-Tec afforded our team an exclusive first look at these athletic inspired hikers. So, in order to provide a proper christening, our crew headed into the Tahoe National Forest for a week of rock hoping, crisscrossing streams, assailing gravel laden fire trails, and cruising the historic streets of downtown Truckee. 

First item of note was the lightweight compression molded EVA midsoles which provided out-of-the-box comfort.  The support and cushion granted our feet the hall pass necessary to ramble blister free across any mountain line we set our eyes upon.  The lightweight and agile nature of the Total Terrains ensured that daily treks along abandoned fire trails were devoid of any cramping or stiffness.

Large mesh panels maximize comfort and breathability on days when the mercury was rising and still provide ample warmth on cold nights spent rustling up ingredients for smores around camp.  The waterproof suede and mesh uppers shield your feet from sudden drizzles or unexpected puddles without leaving you with hot, clammy toes. 

The carbon rubber outsole bit into challenging and varied terrain while the multi-directional tread and deep lugs virtually exterminated traction loss and delivered solid braking on grit, gravel, sand and mud all while maintaining a nimble and flexible feel.

Despite the worthy performance of the tread, one issue did arise during the review process.  As demonstrated by the picture, some of the multi-directional lugs are coated with a green rubber protective layer.  It was this layer that demonstrated a tendency to chunk away from the outsole in small bits during more aggressive pursuits raising some concerns about long-term durability of the outsole.  However after consultation with the Hi-Tec team, we are hopeful that this wear is due to the fact that our test pair of Total Terrains are a pre-production test sample.

Time is money. The lightweight and sturdy Hi-Tec Mids are designed to adhere to that mantra delivering top-performing trekking technology at a stellar price.  If you're looking for an agile hiker that will get you out and back with ease, the Total Terrain has one direct message for their future owners: “Stomp through mud and puddles and we will keep your feet dry. Scramble on a hot day, and we will keep your feet cool.”  So keep your eye out because once these hikers hit the market, you're going to want a pair.

In Search of the Perfect Summer Sandal: Freewaters™ CRUZ CONTROL

After designing wetsuits and snowboard boots for over ten years, two longtime friends have set up shop in a small studio outside of Marin California.  There, nestled deep amongst the redwood trees, the Freewaters™ team has set before themselves a two-fold mission:  First, improve the quality of life through superior product experience by creating quality and innovative footwear, and second through creative humanitarian initiatives.

As fans of companies with big bold visions, we were thrilled to have our first introduction to the Freewaters brand via the Cruz Control Flip, part of the Freewaters™ Bizness class line up:

Every brand of sandals, every pair of flips, has a different fit and personality.  More often than not, that personality begins with the fit and feel of the straps.  If the straps aren't comfortable then little else matters.  So when we first slipped our feet under the Cruz Control's "fitperfect" synthetic leather straps, it was a foreshadowing of great things to come.    

Water friendly performance leather straps with eco-smart lining crafted from recycled PET bottles are not only ready to rumble poolside, but provide tremendous next-to-skin comfort.  Moreover, they legitimately provided that break-in feel straight out of the box. The Cruz Controls' straps are the perfect marriage between the snug fit of a performance flip and the more relaxed  fit of a casual flip.  No bickering in this marriage, just zen-like bliss for the top of your foot.

The Cruz Control features an injection molded midsole that makes up the cornerstone of what Freewaters refers to as their Heelium Series.  This feather light midsole provides a sophisticated contoured footbed at half the price and weight of what's available elsewhere.  Better yet, this exclusive midsole technology doesn’t skimp out on the comfort and anatomical arch support you need to support your feet, knees and back when you’re wearing these flips all day -- and trust us -- you'll be rockin' these bad boys for days and weeks on end.
 

The drop in non-slip quick dry EVA foam footbed is perfect for water dwelling mammals while insulating the foot from the daily bumps and grinds encountered by our more urban centric friends. 

A 4-way flex outsole with a grooved tread keeps your feet stable, agile and slip free.  And when you need to shift gears, the Cruz Control's flexible outsole provides running-shoe-like spring and a rebound that you can actually feel with every stride. 

Together with the contoured footbed these features virtually eliminate toe drag as well as the strain and stress placed on feet, knees and back one would normally expect from wearing flips all day.

As an added bonus the Freewaters design team has thrown in a feature that we believe should be mandatory for all flips: a recycled eco-rubber patch stashed right where you need it most - the high wear heel area.  
 

While they may look like your traditional flip, a combination of patent pending design features, thoughtful craftsmanship and quality construction ensure that the Cruz Control flips are not only Gumption approved, but an absolute steal at $38. 

At a time when more than one company lays claim to an “out-of-the-box-no-break-in” fit, Freewaters seems to have actually accomplished that feat.  A noteworthy accomplishment that alone merits a special place in your closet for these flips. 

And considering that the purchase of one pair of Freewaters™ allows Project Freewaters to provide clean drinking water for an individual for one entire year, the Freewaters team may be well on their way to conquering the global clean water pandemic as well.  Check out this video that talks more about the Project Freewaters initiative.

In Search of the Perfect Summer Sandal: KEEN Waimea H2

Eight years ago Keen made one simple yet visionary design change from the traditional sandal that has reshaped an entire outdoor industry and re-imagined the way people approach their own outdoor adventures.  Since introduction of the Newport, Keen has continued crafting innovative products that are not only functional but inspire the individual to get outside and let their outdoor soul thrive.  

So when KEEN decided to take on the traditional flip-flop, rest assured they added their own unique style and attitude.

Here’s the deal, too often the summer months seem to force an unwanted decision upon us.  The comfort of flip-flips or the more rigorous summer adventures of hiking, biking and just general exploring.  If you've ever found yourself in that position, then fear not for the KEEN Waimea H2 Sandal perfectly blends the worlds of comfort and adventure together in one seamless package.  

This flip-flop uses KEEN’s patented rubber toe protection and quick-drying polyester webbing straps so you can wade through the river without a worry. This lightweight sandal includes a shaped EVA footbed for comfort and support.  And speaking of comfort, the Waimea's EVA midsole absorbs shock with ease relieving pressure on your heels, back and hip joints. 

Both the midsole and neoprene liner are treated with the Aegis Microbe Shield for odor resistance.  In other words, your sandals won't smell like the roasted pig at your next Luau which is a good thing when you're trying to meet that little hula dancer.

It was once said, "the place where you lose the trail is not necessarily the place where it ends."  For those moments when the trail goes on this is the flip that you'll want to have with you.  Like its namesake, the Waimea offers kick around style along with tremendous support and protection for roaming wherever your trail may take you.
 

Our Gumption Crew's favorite feature?  The Waimea's multi-directional lug pattern on the non-marking rubber outsoles.  Simply put, it provided the best traction in any flip tested to date ensuring solid footing on slick shoreline rocks and boat decks alike.

The only critique from our field team about the Waimea was a belief that the heel cup errs on the narrow side, but otherwise this flip felt true to size in every other aspect.

With little doubt the Waimea is one of the most versatile and adventure ready flips the Gumption Crew has had the pleasure of testing.  Add to that the comfort, stability and sticky grip and the Waimea H2's ensure that no longer will you be forced to choose between summer comfort or adventure.  The Waimea H2 from KEEN ensures that you get both in one great package.  

In Search of the Perfect Summer Sandal: Chacos Hobo Flip EcoTread

Let’s be honest, during theses summer days you don’t just want to be comfortable, you want to look good.

Towards those ends we were privileged to check out the Hobo Flip EcoTreads from Chaco® for our review series “In Search of the Perfect Summer Sandal.” These flips not only feature anatomic support to ensure extra comfort and less fatigue they offer the flash of style you demand for your summer ensemble.  Whether you're cruisin' the beach or simply relaxin' at your neighbor's backyard BBQ the Hobo Flip EcoTread will make your feet feel right at home.

On Performance & Style

The sleek and dynamic lines of our Hobo Flip EcoTreads not only support your feet and back, but reminded our crew of the smooth and strong body lines of the great American muscle cars. The biomechanical footbed and cupped heal cradle of the Hobo EcoTread keep your feet feeling fine from dawn until dusk. A buttery soft microsuede footbed wrap not only provides a water resistant function but ensures that your feet feel like they are stepping into their summer vacation home every time you slide them on.

A Non-marking EcoTread™ outsole is simple but effective in design providing enough sticky traction and cushioning for a mix of terrains from the city market to the lazy river. And speaking of the lazy river, the grooved channels on the outsole help move water away from the flips thereby ensuring secure traction on wet surfaces.

These Chaco flips are chalk full of techy goodness. From Chaco’s “Custom Adjust'em Fit” to the ChaPU™ polyurethane midsole to the goodness of the Chaco LUVSEAT™, every aspect of these flips make you feel as though Chaco custom designed them just for you. And with an outsole that contains 25% recycled content, you'll get the warm fuzzies knowing that the Chaco design team loves planet earth as much as your feet.

At this point it’s worth doting a bit on our favorite feature, the LUVSEAT™. In broad brush terms the LUVSEAT™ is the curvature of a Chaco footbed. More specifically the LUVSEAT™ footbed ensures a supported, comfortable stride in any activity, and as a result, has been awarded the Seal of Acceptance by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). If you want to learn more about the incredible benefits of the LUVSEAT™ technology then you need to watch this video. Trust us, it's a must watch.

Room for Improvement?
The biggest critique our Gumption Crew had was the extended break-in period of the Hobo Flip EcoTread. Our crew felt as though these flips had a substantially longer break-in period than some of the other sandals we’ve tested. That being said, when the Hobo’s had their moment of transformation they hit their full stride and after a few weeks they truly became more comfortable with each passing day. Weighing in at over 20 oz or size 13 flips were also the heaviest sandals we’ve tested to date. While the weight took a bit of getting used to, the benefit of the heavier EcoTread™ outsole is greater protection against the gravely world underfoot.

Closing Thoughts…
After the break-in period, the Hobo Flip EcoTreads delivered all-day comfort with a quality style and casual fit that will stand up to your active lifestyle. In fact these flips may just make you a Chaconian for life. In the instance you doubt these flips will be with you for a lifetime to come fear not my friend, for the ReChaco process ensures these flips will be with you for many moons!

Hi-Tec Roaring River Softshell: Light, Agile & Ready to Rumble

Along with the Northern Lights or powder exploding like freshly opened bubbly, softshell materials can be savored as one of nature’s true miracles. 

Softshells use sophisticated stretch woven fabrics with tight layered weaves and durable water repellent treatments to guard against wind, rain, and snow in all but the most severe weather conditions. 

In other words, a Softshell keeps weather out like a Hard Shell, but breathes like fleece allowing you to regulate your temperature much more effectively and remain comfortable during rigorous activity. 

Yet when searching for one of these jackets, it can seem as though finding the quality, durability and flexibility you want at an affordable price can also be one of nature’s other true miracles.

Enter the Hi-Tec® Roaring River men's softshell jacket.  Engineered to handle unforeseen conditions when the weather changes in the blink of an eye, this softshell jacket combines low-bulk design with excellent wind-and-water protection.  This three-layered laminated, four-way stretch softshell provides the warmth and weather resistance of hard shell with the lightweight coziness and comfort of your favorite hoody.

One of our favorite design elements? The reverse-coil zippers with a contoured rubberized zipper pull.   Why?  First the reverse-coil zippers provide smooth and catch-free usage.  Moreover, the durable rubberized zipper pull with tight gridlock pattern tells us one thing: when a design team puts this much thought into a simple zipper system you can be assured that the rest of the jacket has been crafted carefully and thoughtfully to provide all-around performance for any active pursuit. 

With sleek styling and a classic cut, the Roaring River is equally at home on a night out at the pub as it is on a bright day of snowshoeing in the backwoods.  Finished with a buttery soft brushed Tricot lining, our crew felt the inside of this jacket beat the ever popular North Face Apex Bionic jacket for against the skin comfort.  The clean-finished interior also slides comfortably over layers.
 

The two zippered hand warmer pockets are not only soft, but designed to heat frosted hands in the harsh cold.  With Cadillac-esque roominess the pockets provided plenty of room for stashing virtually all of the treasures you would need for a day out and about on the trail. 

While testing in the field our gumption crew took the jacket to an exposed ridgeline at 10,000 ft.  With gusts of wind strong enough to test the will of an eagle, our Roaring River jacket kept us warm, comfortable and well protected from mother nature’s more aggressive side.  One tug on the single-hand drawcord adjustable hem created a secure barrier between the bottom of the jacket and the elements.

Overall our testers gave high marks to the fit, finish and design of this jacket but there were a few tweaks they suggested.  While the nonbulky design allows for comfortable layering, we would like to see a more athletic fit in the midsection and our hope is that Hi-Tec introduces a series of “Tall” sized fits as well.  On the "large" sized test jacket the sleeves provided plenty of length for both our 6' and 6'4" testers, but fell a little short on the waist.  Finally, the addition of Velcro adjustable cuffs would be an ideal inclusion for future iterations.

Whether scrambling up the side of a waterfall or traversing an exposed ridgeline Hi-Tec’s Roaring River soft shell jacket moves with you serving well as a stand-alone jacket or a layer.  The Roaring River is a stellar addition to Hi-Tec's line up of apparel offering an affordable and adventure ready jacket that refuses to skimp on details.