Skora Form Running Shoe

Now available for ordering, this inventive spin on a running shoe comes from Skora, a new footwear maker playing in the neutral running scene. The off-balance, asymmetrical lacing runs along the outer slope of your foot, which reduces lace tension that could cause discomfort from more traditional lacing when the laces put pressure on the tendon running from your big toe to the ankle. This construction also enables the shoe to be make without a traditional tongue, which allows for an even tighter, glove-like fit. The zero-drop shoe provides a modest 9mm of cushioning—and the additional 4mm liner can be removed for a closer-to-the-ground feel. Abrasive rubber offers grip on the pavement, an anatomical last caters to a foot’s natural movement, goatskin leather uppers add armor to the outside, and the sheepskin inner lining means you can easily go sockless. We’ve got a test pair on their way, and we will report back this fall.
The shoes also come in warmer, synthetic mesh with new models slated for spring 2013.

$185

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Outdoor Retailer: Patagonia Preview

While some brands aim for exponential expansion in spring 2013, others will hone in on what they do best—and then do it all over again. And we’re happy to report that Patagonia’s footwear line will follow that latter strategy. Focusing in on trail running, they’ve culled input from a cadre of high-performance athletes to refine and revamp their trail runners. They’ll introduce the EVERmore ($110, pictured), which boasts a 4mm drop and will be the lightest shoe in their line at a modest 7.8 ounces (men’s model). Durable, breathable mesh uppers join forces with drainage ports, a soft heel, flexible mid- and outsoles, and an integrated footbed to perform on a variety of terrain. Even though it’s a shoe catering to mid-strike running, it’ll still have ample padding, with 10mm in the heel and 6mm in the forefoot, along with a rock plate for long-distance protection.

We also like the look of their new multisport-inspired mountain shoe, the Fitz Sneak ($100). The punchy, low-key sneaker should provide all-day comfort, with a sticky rubber sole and a cushioned EVA midsole that could be a solid, go-to travel shoe. We also like the graphic, which integrates the Fitz Roy silhouette across the uppers.

On the casual side, they’ll introduce the C-Street collection—relaxed suede and textile sneaks that look to be eminently packable (prices start at $80). And they’re unveil two new women’s models in their Advocate line, vegan-friendly Mary Jane slip-on ($70) and a lace-up sneaker ($75). We’re looking forward to ‘em both, in part because the shoes will come in a blast of fun, funky colors, and also because the Advocate line showcases Patagonia’s partnership with 1% for the Planet—something that’ll never go out of style.

Prices vary.

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The New Salomon Sense Hydro S-Lab Set Introduces an Innovative Hydration Solution for Runners

Runners will find staying hydrated a lot easier as of spring 2013, thanks to Salomon’s new Sense Hydro S-Lab Set. This innovative hydration system involves a short sleeve of soft fabric (that’s both breathable and wicking) that slips over the hand like a cross between a wrist guard and a fingerless glove. A thin elastic strap at the wrist secures a soft flask in your palm. Another thin elastic cord loops around the mouth of the water bottle so it’s nestled snugly into your palm, without requiring any effort from you. The water bottle does not bounce while you run, and you no longer have to employ a vice grip (or…any kind of grip) on your water bottle while clocking the miles. Salomon athletes are testing them out right now in all variety of conditions. They’ll be sold by the pair, and will come in small, medium, and large sizes; each comes with a PVC-free 250-ml bottle, but the Hydro S-Lab can accommodate any Salomon soft flasks from 150 to 1,000 mls.

$40

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Columbia and Mountain Hardwear Introduce Clothing Designed to Keep You Cooler

The Omni-Freeze ZERO sweat-absorbing rings (left) and the Freeze Degree Short-Sleeved Crew

Last month, Columbia Sportswear and its subsidiary brand Mountain Hardwear unveiled a new technology that will serve as the cornerstone of both company’s spring 2013 apparel lines. Designed to be the ultimate solution to living the active life in hot climates, the advancement involves laminating small blue polymer “sweat-activated” rings on the inside of polyester apparel. As you exert yourself, these donut-shaped rings absorb your sweat and then the shirt drops in temperature, cooling off the wearer before the moisture evaporates. Columbia calls it Omni-Freeze Zero, and Mountain Hardwear dubs it Cool.Q ZERO, but the innovation is the same—and it marks the first time a tech feature will be highlighted by both brands.

The specific science behind the cooling sensation remains a tightly-guarded secret, but we’re happy to report that it works. We tested out several pieces of Omni-Freeze ZERO apparel while mountain biking in Sedona and on a multi-day backpacking foray into Havasu Falls, Arizona. In those arid climes, our sweat typically evaporated before the rings could fully absorb it; but we did notice cooling in less-vented areas like the small of the back, and when we soaked a neck gaiter made out of the material, it kept our neck and head refreshed and cool in the punishing mid-day Arizona sun.

But back in the over-humid heat wave that plagued the Mid-Atlantic in late June, the shirts really performed. We were noticeably cooler anywhere the Omni-Freeze ZERO fabric touched our sweat-drenched skin, including running, hiking, and biking in 100+-degree temps with record-break humidity. Treadmill runs echoed our in-the-field testing, though the shirts become a bit too stretchy when they were fully saturated.

This innovation may be a seismic shift for the outdoor industry. In addition to uses in the active wear, Omni-Freeze ZERO and Cool.Q ZERO could have far-reaching applications, including in travel apparel, EMT and rescue worker uniforms, and pretty much any situation where hot temperatures are a reality.

We’ll continue to test out these products throughout the summer and report back. Right now, the Freeze Degree Short-Sleeved Crew (which combines the Omni-Freeze Zero tech with panels of Columbia’s Omin-Wick tech) and the Freeze Zero Neck Gaiter (pictured above) are tracking as must-haves.

Varies

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Saucony Kinvara 3 Running Shoes

www.saucony.com, 7.7 ounces
Running footwear is personal, but here’s some straight talk. The minimalist craze is not for everybody; most people will find those shoes uncomfortable once the initial glow wears off. The Kinvara 3 is still extremely light (just under eight ounces per pair), but also boasts a supportive sole with excellent flex pattern that makes running relatively effortless. The original Kinvara was one of the first natural-motion running shoes; this upgrade maintains the four mm heel-to-toe offset that positions the runner’s foot during impact to create a greater range of motion than traditional running shoes (most have a 12 mm heel-to-toe offset). Basically, this allows your foot to flex more, creating a more powerful running stride. For people who’ve never worn these ultralight marvels, the difference is astounding. The upper is made of the company’s proprietary FlexFilm—basically a lightweight, highly dynamic flexible film that’s welded onto the breathable mesh upper to stabilize the foot. Additional security is provided by a memory foam heel pod and exposed EVA foam midsole that maximizes rebound and flexibility. Under the protective outsole are strategically-placed XT-900 carbon rubber pods that increase durability without increasing weight. Our testers, who have logged literally hundreds of miles in the Kinvara 1 and 2 applauded the new, reengineered outsole, with its beveled heel that improves the shoe’s natural rolling motion from heel to toe.

$100

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