Wandering the floors of the Salt Lake City Convention Center for the next four days, we’ll be bringing you some great new ideas for your outdoor adventures from the 2014 Outdoor Retailers Show. Today, we seemed to be in the “shoe central” section of the building, so we’ve got a number of recommendations for footwear we saw and tried out.
Stick with us as we try to cover the entire hall by this Saturday. There’s lot to see and we’ll bring you as much as we can.
BOA Closure System replaces pesky laces
Forget tying your boots ever again. The new BOA Closure system threads itself through your footwear and a simple twist tightens or loosens them. Available from many major manufactures.
Nite Ize DoohicKey
Now, a serrated blade you can carry on a plane. Shaped similar to a key, TSA friendly and easy to carry anywhere, this DoohicKey includes: a file, a #2 flat-head screwdriver, a box opening point, a serrated edge (to cut through twine and clothing tags), and a bottle opener.
Boreas Sapa Trek backpack
A surprisingly light backpack that holds 55L of gear for your short adventures. The Boreas Sapa Trek backpack looks like a top loading pack, but opens across the top and down the center of its length. A waterproof storage pocket adjusts in size at the bottom, and the internal frame is removable.
Universal action camera mounting system
If you own more than one action camera, you know how it hurts to have to buy duplicate mounting systems for each, just because they all use proprietary mounting brackets. Actio felt your pain and created a system of mounts for any of the following: GoPro® Hero™, JVC® Adixxion™, Sony® Action Cam, Garmin® Virb™ and point and shoot digital cameras. Now in the Accesory Master Pack you’ll get a chest harness, helmet mount, head strap and handlebar mount for well less than the cost of factory originals.
OTZShoes
Inspired by the oldest shoes ever found (think 5300 years old,) OTZ shoes blend natural architecture with cork footbeds that prevent bacterial build up and promote better posture. Linen, goat suede, goat leather, and wax canvas exteriors come in a variety of natural as well as hipster colors to suit any lifestyle. From sandals to tactical boots, OTZShoes are lightweight and great for travel. Consider the Espadrille for easy slip-off slip-on while going through TSA inspections.
Hobie Sunglasses
Hobie sunglasses are synonymous with outdoor fun. We got our hands (eyes) on a pair of their La Jolla collection and already declare them a winner. This is a premium nickel silver frame face with their patented Hydroclean polarized polycarbonate lenses. Adjustable silicone nose pads insure the perfect fit. Available in satin gold, satin gunmetal or satin black.
Smartwool Run PhD women’s running socks
Surprise ladies! Smartwool has engineered a running sock especially for women – Run PhD. With a smaller heel box and toe box, these socks are going to fit measurably better than any others you’ve tried in the past. Strategically placed mesh ventilation zones also provide ventilation for temperature and moisture management.
EC Lync – luggage in a bag
Eagle Creek is introducing a revolutionary new answer to the one-size-fits-all piece of luggage. Essentially a roller bag, this lightweight marvel converts to a backpack when needed and then breaks down flat for quick storage or comes completely apart for long-term storage in a small drawstring sack. Will be available in three sizes and three colors. Watch for it.
Wrap your feet – you bet
Introducing the hottest (coolest) thing in footwear this year. The Furoshiki wrapping shoe from Vibram is based on the Japanese tradition of wrapping, holding and carrying various things with cloth. With its flexible shape and stretchable uppers, you pull it just as tight as you like. Available in multiple colors.
