by Mackenzie Lobby
Top shoe companies are throwing ever more technology into their soles, lacing systems, and overall construction. Part 2 of our series on 2010 footwear looks at trail shoes (essentially below-the-heel hiking boots); multi-sport shoes, which combine features of multiple sports categories; and miscellaneous outdoor footwear like the Vibram FiveFingers line that didn't fit in other categories.
Previously: Boots and Climbing Shoes. Coming up in Part 3: Trail Runners and Outdoor Socks.
Trail Shoes |
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Women’s-specific design using Ahnu’s NPS (neutral positioning system) technology to promotes balance and performance. Materials: Mesh and leather |
Ahnu NPS design with oiled Nubuck suede and moisture-wicking mesh lining to keep feet cool and comfortable. Materials: Nubuck suede and mesh |
Fast Trail features ultra-sticky rubber bottom and a dual-density EVA midsole for traction and cushion. ECCO’s Receptor technology is designed to mimic natural foot motions. Materials: Mesh upper |
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Waterproof light hiker using Ecco's Receptor system. Quick-pull laces won't come untied. Materials: Mesh and Gore-Tex |
Light hiker built on a running-shoe last with a grippy Vibram outsole. Materials: Mesh and leather |
Hiker vented for breathability in warm weather. Gore-Tex version will be available for those who hike in wet climes. Materials: Mesh and leather |
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Low-rise hiker optimized for tough terrain and backpacking. Features Kayland's Contact asymmetrical lacing system. Materials: Water-repellent suede upper |
Waterproof low-cut hiker with outer soles designed for a high level of comfort and traction. Materials: eVent Cocona membrane |
Low-cut selection from new Col collection, which weds classic hiking performance with the latest technologies. Versions of the Col include Gore-Tex or proprietary waterproof liners and Ventilator uppers for high breathability. Materials: Full-grain leather |
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Low-rise hiker built for fast-packers, thru-hikers and other demanding trail users. Gore-Tex version also available. Materials: Nylon mesh upper with thermoplastic weld support bands |
Light hiker/approach shoe incorporates trail-running technology to reduce weight, sustain comfort. Gore-Tex version also available. Materials: Suede and synthetic upper |
Suede ribcage snugs the midfoot to support hikers and adventure travelers in a lightweight package. Gore-Tex version also available. Materials: Suede |
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Waterproof, all-suede design combines comfort of trail shoes with traction of approach shoes. Materials: Suede with Gore-Tex |
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Multi-Sport Shoes |
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Flexible lacing design for trail or town travels. GoLite says its "Soft Against the Ground" technology supports like a clog and rides like a sneaker. Materials: Synthetic upper |
Ventilated hiker with sole support and deep lugs for trail running and peak bagging. Materials: Double layer abrasion resistant mesh |
Oboz brings the "bootie" design of its trail runners to a versatile trail-and-travel shoe. The slip-on bootie construction has no tongue and is built to snug firm against the foot. Materials: Synthetic leather |
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Designed as an everyday comfy shoe, the Juxt is trail-ready with a firm midsole and Vasque's sticky OTG (Off the Grid) outsole for footing on slippery surfaces. Materials: Synthetic mesh |
Mesh uppers build breathability into a hiker designed for shifting into adventure mode at a moment's notice. Opportunist line also includes a waterproof low-rise shoe and mid-ankle boot. Materials: mesh upper |
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Miscellaneous Footwear |
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The Cloud Lite clog matches PawPad hiking soles for traction and Soft Against the Ground technology for comfort. Women's version is the Moon Lite. Materials: Synthetic leather |
Airy, protective sandal employing GoLite's Soft Against the Ground technology and PawPad II hiking sole. This is a men's only sandal. Materials: Leather |
This "recovery shoe" is a shoe/sandal hybrid to wear before and after races, traveling, and everyday recreational outings. Materials: Synthetic fibers |
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Orienteering shoe with tread spikes for winter outings. Metal dobs meet terrain only when absolutely necessary, ensuring traction on slick surfaces. Materials: Synthetic fibers |
Shearling lined for cold and rainy conditions. Lightweight, warm and waterproof; Wintergarden outsole for maximum traction. Materials: Shearling lined |
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Fitness-training version of Vibram's barefoot-travel shoes. Outsole not designed for extended outdoor use. Men's version is the Moc. Materials: Perforated leather
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The Trek is a beefier upgrade of Vibram's KSO barefoot-style trail walkers. New outsole and tread design increase protection and traction on rugged terrain. Materials: Kangaroo suede leather |
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Vibram FiveFingers KSO TrekPreviously: New Boots and Climbing Shoes for 2010.
Next week in Part 3: Trail Runners and Outdoor Socks
