Shoes

German footwear manufacturer Meindl recently added an innovative solution for winter traction to its line. The metal spikes in the Tecvision Spike System provide traction during the slipperiest winter conditions and quickly retract back into the rubber sole when they're not needed. You can tackle all winter conditions with one pair of boots.  Read More

Outside of concrete mafia sneakers, ski boots are the stiffest, most uncomfortable footwear you can possibly torture your peds with. The minute you disengage your ski bindings, you want them off, but you typically have to slog across the base village back to your car or locker. Pakems are casual shoes designed to be carried while skiing so you can change into something more comfy on the spot.  Read More

In an effort to draw attention to their O2 Recycle program, British cellular service provider O2 is upcycling old, unwanted cell phones to give them a new lease on life. The first project sees recycled handsets and vintage footwear combined to create fully functional shoe phones that are also works of art.  Read More

It’s no coincidence that Reebok’s goofy-looking new running shoe, the ATV 19+, shares its acronym with that of All-Terrain Vehicles. Like the wheeled and motorized ATVs, the shoes feature a wide stable stance, big lugs, and independent suspension (within each of those lugs).  Read More

Under Armour has a new basketball shoe that looks rather odd, but offers some useful functionality for basketball players. This sneaker, called the UA Charge, offers the feel and flexibility of a low-top sneaker with the ankle support of a high-top thanks to the top of the shoe functioning like an ankle brace.  Read More

Barefoot shoes have been one of the biggest stories in running over the past few years. Their somewhat controversial benefits include encouraging better dynamics and preventing certain types of leg stresses and injuries. It's not clear if those benefits will transfer over to hiking, but at least one manufacturer is giving it a shot. The new Lizard Kross Scramble is a minimalist hiking shoe designed for trails and rock approaches.  Read More

Certain sport shoes – ski boots, mountaineering boots, SPD bike shoes, etc. – are all necessary for the field but highly uncomfortable the minute you stop moving and start relaxing. Problem is, you can't always carry around a comfy pair of after-sport shoes in your pocket. FOOTbrakes are folding sandals designed for this very purpose.  Read More

British designer Dominic Wilcox has created a pair of prototype shoes which offer to guide the wearer home with built-in GPS navigation. The inspiration for the clever footwear derives from The Wizard of Oz character Dorothy’s red shoes, which famously transported her home with a click of her heels. Naturally, the GPS system within Wilcox’s shoes is also activated by clicking the heels together.  Read More

US-based design studio Continuum Fashion has launched a range of eye-catching made-to-order 3D-printed ladies shoes it calls strvct (as in structure). The range of formal footwear encompasses pumps to stiletto heels and, thanks to the nature of computer aided manufacturing, "everything in between."  Read More