HOKA One One
Speedgoat 4
Named for HOKA Athlete Karl Meltzer, “The Speedgoat” is designed to attack all kinds of technical trail. The Speedgoat 4 is a durable, stable shoe that’s comfortable across any terrain. Complete with a wider forefoot, midsole and toe box, and a gusseted tongue, the Speedgoat 4 has enhanced heel support and midfoot lockdown in the upper as well as “seatbelt” support on each side. Add in Vibram MegaGrip lugs, and the Speedgoat 4 provides grip and traction in even the most rugged conditions. For 2020 they are finally adding wider widths to the Speedgoat (EE), which is excellent news since I found them to be a bit narrow for my splayed toes. They lugs are still 5mm deep, but the pattern been changed to a stepped design to improve traction during climbs and descents.
For further information, refer to hokaoneone.com.
They’re now going to be using the GORE-TEX membrane across the waterproof trail lineup.
The Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX is a mid-cut hiking boot that is well cushioned and gets an updated lug design and texture for better grip on the trail. They also narrowed the rear waist for an improved and more supportive fit.
Challenger ATR 5
In its fifth iteration, the Challenger furthers its reputation for versatility. Fast and light on the trail, its midsole geometry ensures a smooth ride on the road. While the distinctive multi-lugged outsole leaves you in no doubt as to its trail heritage. Arranged closer together towards the heel for a smoother, more consistent ride, the lugs have a wider spread in the forefoot to help with grip on the trail and in wet conditions. The Challenger ATR 5 also features a modified midfoot design for improved lockdown as well as a supportive heel counter for lateral and medial security. It looks fast and goes fast.
OOFOS
OOahh Sport Flex
The OOahh Sport Flex is a versatile and innovative adjustable slide sandal that features a Velcro strap closure that allows the wearer to get their optimal fit. OOFOS footwear has been scientifically proven to reduce stress on the body by reducing energy exertion in the ankles by up to 20%. Each pair features the brand’s proprietary OOfoam technology that absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foams and a patented footbed design that cradles and supports the arches, aiding in the recovery process. MSRP $79.95
- Velcro strap closure- utilizes a stitched Velcro area that provides flexibility for fit- allowing the wearer to adjust to their desired width
- Unisex footbed
- Available in sizes Men’s 6/Women’s 8 – Men’s 16/Women’s 18
- Available in 5 colorway options: Black/Black, Black/White, Black/ Sapphire, Black/Red, White/Black
For further information, refer to oofos.com.
OOmg Mesh
The OOmg Mesh shoe follows in its brethren OOmg Fibre, but instead of the Fibreflex fabric, it uses a more open weave Mesh, which will offer more breathability and comfort during the warmer months. And the OOFOS technology aids in the recovery process and creates an incredibly comfortable shoe you can wear anywhere.
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Reduces stress on sore feet, knees, and back
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Enables more natural motion
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Minimalist construction for lightweight
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Machine washable, plus moisture and bacteria resistant
- OOFOS are made in whole sizes. We recommend sizing down if you are a men’s half size.
Vasque
Breeze LT Low GTX
The Breeze Lite Low GORE-TEX is a waterproof hiking shoe for fast and light adventures. One shoe to do it all spring through the fall. They feature synthetic microfiber upper with abrasion resistant mesh, dual-density compression molded EnduraLast EVA midsole and Vibram Ground Control LiteBase outsole with Megagrip compound. It also comes in a high top version. $159.99
For further information, refer to vasque.com.
Breeze AT Low GTX
The Breeze All-Terrain Low GORE-TEX is a waterproof hiking shoe that does it all, from the Great Lakes to alpine scrambles. Features reinforced 2mm waterproof Nubuck leather upper with Air Mesh, All Terrain Compound midsole with EVA cushioning pods and Vibram Contact Grip outsole with Megagrip compound. It also comes in a high top version. $159.99
Talus XT Low GTX
The Talus Extended Terrain Low GORE-TEX is a supremely stable and supportive hiking shoe that thrives in tough terrain and weather. Features 2mm waterproof Nubuck leather upper with molded rubber toe and heel bumpers and abrasion resistant mesh, molded Polyurethane midsole and Vibram Mega Nusaioutsole with Megagrip compound. It also comes in a high top version. $189.99
SCARPA
Rush
Introducing a new sole technology that simultaneously increases traction and allows for more shock absorption on the trail, the SCARPA Rush handles everything from high-mileage runs to fast-and-light hikes. SCARPA’s new Interactive Kinetic System (IKS) sole features concave impact zones that compress and absorb energy as they impact the ground, allowing secondary lugs to then come in contact with the trail, increasing traction. A dual-density compression-molded EVA midsole with an 8mm drop combines with a TPU heel stabilizer on either side of the heel, cupping the back of the foot for excellent lateral and rear-foot stability. A medium volume fit with a more rounded toe box provides versatility and comfort. The uppers are synthetic leather and fabric, and feature SCARPA’s SockFit construction, which employs a stretchy softshell material rather than a traditional tongue, which reduces bulk, improves breathability and allows the shoe to more readily adapt to a user’s foot. 13.4 ounces (42). $139.
For further information, refer to scarpa.com.
Spin Ultra
The perfect choice for moderate to ultra distance runs, the award-winning Spin Ultra, introduced in 2018, offers an extremely lightweight, highly cushioned platform that’s stable and has ample upper protection. The Spin Ultra features a 6 mm drop in a dual-density EVA midsole, along with a cushioned 24.5/18.5 mm stack height. A TPU midsole insert adds torsional stability. Unique features include a Vibram Litebase sole with Megagrip rubber, which sheds weight thanks to a thinner sole base — half a millimeter as opposed to 1.5 mm — while retaining normal-sized lugs. On the uppers, micro-nubuck and mesh construction offer breathable durability, paired with a TPU toe cap for protection. SCARPA’s Sock-Fit LW construction in the tongue wraps the forefoot in a stretchy softshell material, hugging the foot and providing responsive fit with reduced weight. 9.3 oz. (42). $149.
Maverick Mid GTX
Created for fast-and-light trail missions, the Maverick Mid GTX combines a pronounced sole rocker for efficient walking, a lightweight upper package, a comfortable, forgiving last shape, and a modern, athletic design. The result is a dynamic, nimble trail shoe for everything from day hikes to lightweight overnighters. Details include a dual-density compression-molded EVA midsole with TPU heel stabilizers for rear-foot stability without the added weight and a proprietary SCARPA HDR outsole, which delivers higher friction, durability and excellent rebound for an energetic feel. The upper is synthetic leather and fabric with a stretch fabric auto-fit collar for comfort around the ankle. A medium-volume last shape and a comfortable, rounded toe box provides out-of-the-box fit. Details include a TPU toe cap and low-profile webbing lace loops. 15.7 ounces (42). $169.
Kalipe
The SCARPA Kalipe is a high-precision approach shoe that handles fifth-class moves and rugged hikes with equal aplomb. Suede uppers and lacing to the toe provide technical fit atop an EVA midsole for lightweight cushioning. Rubber rands wraps over the midsole at the toe and heel, giving protection, durability, and friction in critical zones. Underfoot, the Vibram Exagon outsole with Megagrip compound uses hexagonal-shaped lugs and sticky rubber to keep friction on point. A stretch fabric collar provides comfort against the ankle. 13.5 ounces (42). $139.
Veloce
The first rock shoe of its kind on the market, the Veloce offers soft, form-fitting comfort in a more aggressive, downturned design that has higher precision. It was built with a variety of different climbers in mind — beginners at the climbing gym who don’t want to settle for beginner shoe, intermediates who are looking for higher performance paired with comfort and durability, and more advanced climbers who need a training shoe for extended periods. The Veloce progresses the concept SCARPA pioneered with super-soft climbing shoes — high-performing shoes that, by virtue of their soft-yet-supportive design, also happen to be exceptionally comfortable. Despite the Veloce’s super-soft and comfortable feel, it offers a serious performance uptick thanks to a narrower, downturned form-fitting design, a strategically placed Flexan midsole in the front of the shoe, a tensioned rubber randing system for power and support, and new SCARPA 5-72 rubber, which is a very soft, sticky rubber that is also durable. A microfiber upper offers stretch without stretching out. Comfort is further bolstered with details like a seamless toe panel and SCARPA’s Pressure Absorbing Fit (PAF) heel, a design that reduces pressure on the heel without reducing performance, thanks to sophisticated construction that creates a soft, form-fitting heel pocket. The Veloce is the only shoe in its class to offer a design that moves seams away from areas where pressure points are common on the toes, along with providing a toe box design that retains downturned performance while allowing more room for the toes — crucial in increasing comfort. The Wave closure system offers the convenience of a strap closure with more effective volume control. 7.4 ounces. $139.
Booster
The most versatile climbing shoe in SCARPA’s specialized performance collection, the Booster is sensitive yet supportive, powerful yet precise — built for all manner of steep, demanding terrain. A complete re-tooling of the former Booster S, the Booster features a new last that is more comfortable without detracting from its ultra-high performance. Details that make it stand apart from the competition include seamless toe box construction pairs with Alcantara in the big toe area. Alcantara is a high-tech synthetic material that offers the features of leather at less weight, with more durability, and with a higher-friction surface. Moreover, Alcantara adapts to the shape of the user’s toe for a custom-molded fit over time, further increasing precision. Another unique feature is SCARPA’s Pressure Absorbing Fit (PAF) heel, a design that reduces pressure on the heel without reducing performance, thanks to sophisticated construction that creates a soft, form-fitting heel pocket. That pairs with an advanced rubber-rand system surrounding the foot, pulling on either side of the shoe to maintain power to the toe area without putting excessive pressure on the Achilles. In the midsole, an ultra-thin, specially designed Flexan insert provides support without detracting from sensitivity or natural movement. The upper is made with a 1.6 mm microfiber that is embedded with a hexagonal ceramic material that retains durability while allowing the upper material to be thinner. Details include 3.5 mm Vibram XS Grip2 rubber underfoot and a dual-strap closure. 210 grams. $189.
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