Gear Geek: Footwear Trends

As loyal readers may know, the Gear Geek occasionally pauses on the routine round-ups of the latest and greatest in all things travel and product to highlight a few emerging trends that will resonate in the coming months. And, with spring officially sprung, it’s the perfect time to peak into the world shoes, from new shoe models to strategic partnerships to crazy dress/casual hybrids.
How Cars Influence Shoes
French manufacturer Michelin already made the leap from car and motorcycle tires to bicycles, and now they’re stepping into the footwear game with their new Technical Soles. The focus here? Work with shoemakers to create footwear with soles that deliver grip and reduce weight. I’m particularly excited to check out the new shoe they developed with Salewa, an Italian outdoor equipment-maker that’s already big in Europe and is starting to resonate in the States. The new Lite Train trail runner boasts an aggressive lugged outsole with a sculpted, grooved design inspired by Michelin’s mountain bike and motorcross tires. They shoe also includes Salewa’s “3F Total System,” which is market-speak for a shoe that delivers more support at the mid-foot to increase stability and a more precise fit.
Obviously Michelin tires are built to give vehicles traction in any environment—wet pavement, mud, ice, loose dirt, and gravel. If that grip translates to shoes, it could be a game-changer, especially for shoes focused on conquering variable terrain throughout the world. The Lite Terrain retails for $129, and Salewa also released an Ultra Trail model for people who routinely train in off-road mountain environments.
Salewa
The Triumphant Charge of the Sneakerboot
Think of it as a beefed-up high-top. Or as a chucka with more laces. Or as a streamlined take of the traditional hiking boot. Really, all three really apply to the trending sneakerboot designs hitting the market, and they might sit the perfect sweet spot for travelers who want a bit more coverage and support than an ordinary sneaker without a lot of weight.
Palladium’s new Pallabric HI LC ($95) almost looks like a knock-off Israeli canvas combat boot—only a hell of a lot more fashionable. The linin canvas has been stonewashed for a lived-in look, with a comfortable cotton twill lining and a grippy EVA outsole. They’re not weatherproof stompers, but in hot climates with uneven terrain, you’ll appreciate the extra ankle support.
Palladium