Gear Closet: Keen Ambler Hiking Shoes

Despite the fact that the calendar still reads winter, we all know spring is now just a few short weeks away. That means it is time to put away the thick winter clothes and store those bulky snow boots for another year. This spring Keen is helping us make the transition back to the warmer weather with a new pair of light hiking shoes that could help to redefine the category.

The new Ambler light hiker features a very soft waxed suede upper that is both durable and water resistant, helping to keep the shoes looking good and maintaining their overall condition. After breaking the shoes in by wearing them around town I was eager to hit some local trails and after several day hikes in a variety of conditions, I can honestly say that my Amblers still look like they just came out of the box. The suede makes them very easy to keep clean and with a little attention, you'd hardly know that they've been used as much as they have.

On the inside, the Amblers sport a well cushioned footpad that conforms to the shape of your foot, actually becoming more comfortable as you wear them. A moisture-wicking lining helps to keep your feet cool and dry no matter the what the weather throws at you and the lightweight, yet rugged, sole round out the package.

Of course, all of that sounds like what you would expect out of just about any light hiker from just about any company. But as usual, Keen has a few surprises in store for us, not the least of which is how good these shoes actually look. The Amblers have a nice sense of style about them that is unique and truly makes them stand out from a crowded field of competitors that mostly look the same. You can wear these shoes on a trail all day, then go to the local watering hole immediately afterward without a second thought, and I was surprised at how many people made comments on these shoes while I had them on.

We all know that how good a shoe looks is secondary to how well it performs however and we all want our hiking shoes to live up to our expectations. The Amblers don't disappoint in that area either and I was continually impressed with how light and comfortable they were. In fact I regularly had to remind myself that I wasn't wearing a pair of trail running shoes, albeit ones that protect my feet more fully.

The Amblers don't just make a great trail shoe however as their versatility make them perfect for travel as well. When I hit the road I tend to travel light, rarely carrying more than two pairs of shoes with me at any given time. Because these shoes are great both on the trail and around town, they are the perfect option no matter what the destination.

The great looks, comfort, and versatility all come with a great price tag as well. The MSRP on the Keen Amblers is just $100 which is a bargain for quality shoes of this type. From my perspective, Keen has another hit on their hands.

Gear Closet: Wolverine Pulsar Boots

For more than 125 years, Wolverine has been designing boots for the workplace. In fact, when I think of the company, thats what immediately comes to mind – sturdy, rugged, shoes that are popular on logging and construction sites, and a variety of other places. With that legacy in mind, I was surprised when I first saw their new Pulsar hiking boots, which are due out later this spring. Better yet, I was even more pleasantly surprised when I put them on for the first time.

Winter Outdoor Retailer Underway!

The 2012 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market is underway in Salt Lake City, Utah, where all the gear companies, great and small, are now showing off their new products. It is an event that is amazing to behold, as aisle after aisle of drool-inducing gear is put on display. We're talking more packs, boots, and apparel than you could ever hope to see, all in one place.

Having attended the summer version of the show last August, I'm lamenting the fact that I'm not there at the moment. Fortunately, there are several great websites that are helping to keep us all in the know and sharing some sneak peeks at what we can expect to be hitting store shelves in the months ahead.

First, the Gear Junkie is always a great resource for any kind of news related to outdoor equipment and he has posted some images and descriptions of a host of new products in his Winter OR article. Some of the items that the GJ spotlights include new boots from Salewa, an amazing looking jacket from Outdoor Research, and a new GPS training watch from Magellan.

Also doing their usual bang-up job of reporting from the show are the team over at TrailSpace.com. You can find their continually updated OR page by clicking here. They've already posted a first-look at new shelters from Brooks-Range and Snow Peak, as well as a second article that looks and a number of new items, including a nice looking climbing helmet from Mammut.

Outside magazine is also posting their picks for the best gear of the show as well. You can take a gander at their selections by clicking here. Some of the items that make their exclusive list include a new vest from North Face and a jacket from Sierra Designs.

I have every intention of being back at OR this coming August, but for now, I'm just going to have to settle for reading this articles as well. Looks like plenty of good stuff on the horizon.

Gear Box: Korkers SnowJack Boots

Let's face it, innovations in snow boots are few and far between. Sure, they occasionally get warmer and more comfortable, and the designs change with both function and fashion from time to time. But there is seldom any real major changes to this type of footwear, and we usually end up buying something we need, in the price range we can afford, without much consideration for anything else.

Gear company Korkers is looking to change that with a new line of boots that features a truly innovative approach to winter footwear. Their new shoes feature interchangeable soles that can be quickly and easily switched out depending on conditions, making them one of the most versatile pair of snow boots that I've seen in a very long time.

I recently had the opportunity to test out Korker's SnowJack boots and found them to be an excellent option in every way. They are comfortable, lightweight, warm, and rugged, which makes them a great choice for any cold weather outdoor activities. The boots use 3M's Thinsulate to insulate the foot and keep your toes toasty warm, even in sub-zero temperatures, and the design is a nice mix of leather and webbing on the outside, with a waterproof bootie on the inside. The result, is a shoe that breathes well but keeps moisture out – an important combination for extended, active winter excursions.

Of course, there are plenty of excellent winter boots on the market that would match the description above, but what sets the SnowJacks apart from competitors is its sole. Or perhaps I should say soles. Out of the box, the boots come equipped with Korker's patented SnowTrac outsole, which has a solid, dependable feel. This sole is designed for keeping a steady grip in wet, snowy conditions on a wide variety of surfaces ranging from pavement to muddy trails and even powder-covered rocks. But should you find conditions worsen, and you have to deal with icy conditions instead, these boots come with a second sole that can be used be swapped out in times of need. This second sole is called the IceTrac, and it features 32 carbide studs that provide a much better grip when walking across slick, icy surfaces.

Switching between the two different soles is easy and takes just a few seconds, even while wearing gloves. Once the new sole is locked into place, you would never even know that it is removable, and other than a noticeable change in grip on the specific surface that they are designed for, you would think that they are a natural extension of the boots themselves.

Beyond the innovative system for swapping out the soles, I was also impressed with how thin these boots are while still remaining very warm. I'm not a fan of bulky boots of any kind, especially if they make me feel like I'm clumsily plodding along through snow and ice. The SnowJacks don't feel that way on my feet, and while wearing them, I actually still felt nimble and relatively light on my feet. Because of this, these boots are a great choice for winter hiking or snowshoeing.

If you're in the market for a new pair of winter boots, and you're looking for comfortable and versatile footwear for your cold weather adventures, then I definitely recommend the SnowJack from Korkers. The boots carry an MSRP of $159.95, which is actually bargain, since it feels like you're actually getting two pairs of boots at that price.

Gear Box: Cushe Surf Slipper Chuka

A comfy pair of shoes is one of the great joys in life. When you find a pair you really like, you tend to hang on to them – sometimes for far too long. That will likely be the case if you ever put a pair of Surf Slipper Chukas, from Cushe, on your feet. The soft, comfortable shoes may not be designed for hiking or other hardcore outdoor pursuits, but you'll love them for travel or casual outings around town.

Made of soft sandal suede, these slip-on shoes feature an integrated microfiber sock that comfortably wraps around your foot and makes these shoes fun to wear, even for extended periods of time. The Chukas are lightweight and feel more like a slipper than an actual shoe, but Cushe's rubber soles help ensure a secure grip, even on slick, wet surfaces. With a snug fit and flexible design, you'll want to wear them just about everywhere.

As mentioned above, these shoes aren't meant for hiking rugged trails or climbing mountains. They're designed for comfort and convenience, which makes them an excellent choice for travel. Because they are lightweight, and highly packable, the Chukas are easy to carry in a backpack or carry-on bag, and are equally useful lounging around a cabin in the woods, as they are shuffling about town. They're tailor made for relaxing outings to the far side of the globe or just a quick jaunt to the local grocery store, and I think after you wear them a time or two, you'll agree.

I'm impressed with the quality and design that Cushe put into these shoes, and even though they weigh next to nothing, they feel like they will last a long time. Over the holidays, I wore them regularly while running errands about town and visiting with friends, and despite that frequent use, they still look like they just came out of the box.

Even as they do age and show a bit of wear however, I get the feeling it will only add to their character and charm. Long after you've worn them to the far corners of the planet, the Chukas will continue to be amongst your favorite shoes, even if they should have been retired a long time before.

MSRP: $90

Gear Box: Keen Howser Wool Shoes

Keen has built a reputation for creating comfortable and versatile shoes for hiking, paddling, cycling, and more. But their most comfortable shoes of all are reserved for the end of the day, when you're finished playing on the trail, and you're ready to kick back, take it easy, and lounge around a bit. When that moment comes, you'll want to slip your feet into a pair of Howser Wool slippers.

Billed as a "sleeping bag for your feet," the Howser Wools are lined with super-soft microfleece that is both amazingly warm and comfortable. The exterior of the shoe is created out of recycled felt that has been quilted to give them a distinctive look that is not unlike a pair of bedroom slippers in design. But where these shoes separate themselves from those slippers is in the rugged rubber soles, which make the Howsers an appropriate choice for hanging out at home or heading out for a night on the town.

Wearing these shoes is a bit like having a cloud wrapped around your feet, which will make you appreciate the fact that you can wear them just about anywhere, without worrying about ruining them. The water resistant nylon upper keeps the interior of the shoe, and your feet, dry in all but the wettest conditions, and helps to protect them from the wear and tear of regular use outside the home.

Over the holidays, the weather in Austin was both cooler and wetter than normal. In fact, we had a string of gray, gloomy, misty days that were not ideal for doing much of anything outside. On several of those days, I found myself naturally slipping into these shoes and heading out to run errands, meet friends, and go about celebrating the season. During that time, the interior of the shoe continued to change and mold itself to my feet, which actually made them even more comfortable than when I first took them out of the box. The warm microfleece was perfect for the weather as well, keeping my little piggies toasty warm.

Obviously these shoes aren't meant for active pursuits, but they are perfect casual use. I'd recommend bringing them along as a second pair of shoes when traveling or backpacking. They're great for kicking around the cabin at the end of the day or gathering around the campfire before bed. With a price tag of just $65, they also won't break the bank, which makes them an even more attractive for travelers and professional loungers alike.

Order your Keen Howser Wools from TravelCountry.com.

Gear Box: Bogs Jamison Boots

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. One of the most important aspects of any outdoor activity is keeping our feet comfortable and happy. The shoes we put on our feet can definitely make or break our adventures, which is why selecting the right pair of hiking boots is such an important and personal decision. Take for example the new Jamison boots from Bogs. If you're looking for a great new pair of hiking boots to use in the backcountry or when high on the slopes of a mountain, than this isn't your boot. But, if your looking for a solid, comfortable, warm boot for wearing around town and on light hikes, then this just might be the shoe for you.

Bogs is a company that has built itself a reputation on designing and manufacturing a wide variety of boots and shoes for use in the work place, while hunting, or for just wearing around town. Their shoes are both stylish and functional, and are especially popular with several of my female friends, who appreciate their warmth and comfort in the cooler, rainier weather.

The Jamison boots were my introduction to Bogs and I was immediately impressed with the high quality construction that went into putting these boots together. They feel solid, rugged, and tough, and thats before you ever put them on your feet. They also have a nice, understated styling that almost feels like a bit of a throwback, but in a good way. Some companies making boots today seem to feel they have to use unusual colors or patterns to make them standout, and really they just need to make them comfortable to wear and strong enough to stand up to day-to-day abuse.

Slipping the boots on, I immediately found that they were comfortable and warm. , although they had a fit that took a little getting use to. The soles are very solid and a bit on the larger side, which made the boots feel bigger than they actually are. Those same soles provide plenty of stability and traction however, even on wet and slick surfaces, which is where they really shine. The boots are also completely waterproof, and designed for cold temperatures. I can attest to the fact that they are plenty warm, but the Bogs website says they are rated for sub-zero temperatures. That may be true for running around town, but I don't think I'd want to test that rating in the backcountry.

Bogs says these shoes are built for hiking, but I personally don't think they'll be replacing my Asolo's anytime soon. That said, they are a fantastic shoe for wearing in an urban setting, particularly in bad weather. They'll keep your feet warm and dry, while also keeping you standing upright. That isn't to say they don't make a good pair of hiking shoes, as they can transition well from the pavement to the trail for those unexpected adventures, its just that they wouldn't be my first choice to wear on an extended hike. In those cases, I'd prefer something that breathes a bit better and is a bit more form fitting on my feet.

If you're in the market for a comfortable pair of boots for your urban adventures or light hiking activities, the Jamison is a good, versatile option. The fact that they are both waterproof and well insulated, will make them a favorite amongst those who live in cold weather climes, especially since winter has just gotten underway. You'll find they look good, can take a beating, and perform well in rain, snow, and even ice. (MSRP: $108)