Outdoor gear item for Aug. 15
Multipurpose shoe
THE SITUATION: Finding a shoe that has the features to handle the demands of outdoor treks can be a challenge. Finding one that’s stylish enough for street wear, too?
AN ANSWER: Leave it to the Europeans to figure it out. Lowa, a German-based boot company that’s ISO certified for quality, offers a hybrid trail/travel shoe that has both form and function in its men’s San Francisco GTX line.
Made with a Gore-Tex Surround lining that provides the breathability and water resistance the material is known for, the San Francisco GTX can handle whatever the elements bring. It won’t replace a heavy duty boot for backwoods adventures, but it definitely holds up better than most other trail shoes on the market.
THE DETAILS: The shoe has a Nubuk leather upper for durability, and a TPU Monowrap sole construction that stabilizes feet and provides superior traction when you hit a slippery spot. Its specially designed temperature-regulation system, with vented sides that release heat without letting in moisture, keeps feet cool and sweat-free.
They are available in colors brown/orange, gray-black/blue and green/red, and in men’s U.S. sizes 7.5-12, 13 and 14.
PRICE: $225.
AVAILABILITY: To purchase or find a list of retailers, visit lowaboots.com.
Shelby Sheehan-Bernard, Tribune News Service
This story was originally published August 14, 2015 at 6:40 PM with the headline "Outdoor gear item for Aug. 15."