hiking shoes |

Chaco Balmer Reivew

posted by gumptiongear October 2, 2012 0 comments

“Embrace the detours.” – Kevin Charbonneau

Whether ambling through an autumn parking lot with a tray full of pumpkin lattes, or taking the route less traveled along the local fire trail, life is full of detours. These aren’t necessarily moments that require highly technical or specialized footwear. Instead they are life’s smaller adventures, slight detours along the way.

The Chaco Balmer for men is designed to embrace the detours of life. Comfortable enough for the daily grind around town, but ready to carry you comfortably over gravel trails for weekends at the family cabin, the Balmer is ready to help you enjoy the journey, wherever it may lead you.
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Gear Reviews Go Hike Go Outdoors

KEEN Ambler Mesh

posted by gumptiongear May 29, 2012 0 comments

On December 21, 2012 the 5,125 year old Mayan calendar will suddenly come to an end. While many believe the end of this calendar signifies the end time, scholars have gone out of their way to assure us that the end of the Mayan calendar does not signify the end of the world. Instead, they insist it is merely a misrepresentation of the ancient Mayan civilization.

The possibility that the world will end in December 2012 is indeed remote (we are keeping our fingers crossed just in case). However, should that day come, it will be nice to know that if you’re wearing your Ambler Mesh shoes from KEEN to work, any fallen trees or boulders that come crashing into the office will be no match for these nimble low cut hikers.

Gear Reviews Go Hike Go Outdoors

The Chaco Vade: Not Your Grandma’s Trail Shoe

posted by gumptiongear March 21, 2012 0 comments

Our Gumption Gal admits she identifies hiking shoes as being clunky, unbreathable and lacking in grace. In fact, back in the nether regions of her closet, alongside the assortment of other unused equipment lies such a pair of hiking shoes – she has worn them maybe twice in the last ten years.

It’s not that she doesn’t hit the trails. She just prefers to do so in trail running shoes, whether she’s running, hiking or just meandering. Then, with the arrival of Spring, came the fashionable yet utilitarian Vade hiking shoes from Chaco.
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Gear Reviews Go Hike Go Outdoors

Flare: Wolverine’s Low-Cut ICS Hiking Shoe

posted by gumptiongear March 7, 2012 0 comments

Flare [flair] verb, flared, flar·ing, noun: to start up or burst out in sudden, fierce activity, passion, etc.

As winter begins to loosen its grip on the nation and dirt and rock-laden trails begin to reemerge from their snow-covered slumber, it’s time for the outdoor adventurer to start planning the first outdoor excursions of the year.

For that moment you prepare to burst out onto the trail, you’re going to need a solid shoe to take you off the beaten path and back. The Flare from Wolverine might just be that shoe.

Gear Reviews Go Hike

The Vasque Juxt: Conquer More of Your World

posted by gumptiongear January 17, 2012 0 comments

As shoes become more advanced and jam packed with technological innovations, more companies claim their products can conquer all things – from city sidewalks to mountain highs. Yet the reality is that not all “multi-sport” shoes are designed for the expanse of life that carries us from urban realities to more remote retreats. As such, there are certain expectations I have for my multi-sport shoes:

1. They cannot suffocate my feet on the drive to the trailhead;
2. They must be nimble enough to carry me swiftly and securely from from stumps to boulders;
3. And yes, I would like for them to look as good at the mountain tavern as they do on the trail.

Enter the Vasque Juxt – the multisport shoe where versatility is the name of the game. Continue Reading

Gear Reviews Go Hike Go Outdoors

First Look: KEEN Tryon WP Adventure Shoes

posted by gumptiongear October 18, 2011 0 comments

You have an epic new day hike planned, but it requires a lengthy approach over a labyrinth of demanding landscape. If that’s the case, you may want to lace up the lightweight KEEN Tryon Shoe and scramble your way to the mountain top.

These fast and furious adventure shoes are loaded with features that will give you a much needed assist in tearing up the trail.