Exploring new gear options isn’t just about better materials or cooler colors. When done right, gear can reflect an effort for inclusion, like the new apparel for adaptive skiers from the High Fives Foundation. In other cases, it’s about expanding representation, like the gorgeous footwear options from Indigenous-owned Manitobah.
Or sometimes, it’s simply an attempt at making something new through untried combinations, like mixing a mountaineering shoe with a marathon runner. No matter what outdoor sport you love, you’ll find something to catch your eye in Emerging Gear.
ENDURO MAX Shoe
This is what we call an odd duck — “like La Sportiva and HOKA had a baby,” according to a spokesperson.
Deckers X Lab just dropped the ENDURO MAX, a concept shoe that mixes mountaineering and trail running. Featuring a Vibram Litebase outsole with individual pod cleats, the ENDURO MAX offers a midsole incorporating a V-shaped carbon plate and nitro-infused shell, with lots of cushioning and a heel-to-toe rocker.
With EcoTan suede and GORE-TEX, the shoe aims for both comfort and weatherproofing. It’s available in two heights for men and women, with half sizes available. Prices start at $200 for the ENDURO MAX Low and $250 for the ENDURO MAX Mid GTX edition. Check out all the color options on the Deckers X Lab website.
Tilley x MEC Packable Travel Hats
Meet the Tilley T1 and T3 packable travel hats, a collaboration between Tilley and MEC.
The T1, a modern twist on the iconic Tilley hat, features a lightweight recycled blend that dries quickly and offers UPF 50+ sun protection. With its packable design and wind cord system, it’s ready for any outdoor escapade.
Meanwhile, the T3 boasts similar features with the addition of snap-up sides for versatility and a sweatband for moisture management. Both hats include a hidden pocket for storing essentials, making them ideal companions for explorers on the go. Backed by Tilley’s Lifetime Guarantee, both versions of the hat cost just under $100.
Skida x High Fives Foundation Modalities Collection
The High Fives Foundation is an adaptive sports organization that has supported hundreds of athletes in their return to biking, surfing, skiing, and more through adaptive equipment and camps.
Through an ongoing collaboration with Skida, athletes can support the nonprofit by purchasing products from the Modalities Collection. A portion of the proceeds go to the foundation. From neck warmers and headbands to caps and MTB fenders, there’s likely something in the collection you can use — while showing your support for athletes who have managed to return to the sports they love after a life-changing injury.
Arcade Announces POW x Joseph Toney Collab Belt
Arcade unstraps the POW x Joseph Toney belt. This collaboration with visual artist Joseph Toney supports Protect Our Winters in its mission to aid communities affected by climate change.
Toney’s signature artwork, inspired by the American Mountain West, adorns Arcade’s performance stretch belts, featuring a striking grayscale mountain range and POW emblem. Available at Arcade Belts and select retailers, the belt retails for $35.
Manitobah Spring Collection
Does buying shoes from Manitobah mean supporting a business focused on Indigenous traditions? Yes. But personally, I want a pair because they look flippin’ sweet.
The Canadian company just dropped new products for the spring, including new moccasins and sandals. Each “handcrafted” piece not only pays homage to Indigenous heritage, but also contributes to the empowerment of Indigenous artists and communities, the company said.
Check out the elegant Modern Moccasin ($135), a leather shoe with a berry outsole design created by Métis artist Kaija Heitland, and available for both men and women. There’s also the beautiful design of the Kayak Canyon ($100), with a waxed canvas upper, beadwork by Nimiipuu artist Mikailah Thompson, and a sole designed by Cree artist Heather Endall.
Sullivan in 580 Gold
Costa has launched a new lens: the Sullivan in 580 Gold.
Building upon Costa’s 580 lens technology, the latest version features a lighter Visible Light Transmission and additional scratch resistance for better protection during your waterborne adventures.
Available in over 20 Costa styles spanning professional, hybrid, and lifestyle categories, 580 Gold makes sure you can find a version tailored to your preferences. They look pretty spiffy, too!
Trek Verve+ 1
Trek just introduced its latest comfort-focused e-bike: the Verve+ 1.
The Trek Verve+ 1 offers a step-through, lightweight design, targeting urban commuters, errand runners, or just leisurely riders. Weighing in at 40 pounds, it eliminates the hassle of hauling a heavy bike upstairs after a long day. Equipped with a Hyena hub-drive motor, this bike provides pedal assistance up to 20 mph. Also, the Verve+ 1 comes with a preinstalled rack, fenders, and lights.
Get one today for $2,300.
Hemp Running Shoes
You got any hemp running shoes, man? It’d be a lot cooler if you did.
If Richard Linklater made Dazed & Confused today, it’s easy to imagine one of its Central Texas characters running around the hill country in a pair of hemp running shoes from 8000Kicks.
The company has launched a Kickstarter for a new line of hemp runners aimed at durability and breathability — and with a redesigned bouncing speed board. Following the success of previous hemp products, including shoes and backpacks, 8000Kicks launches the footwear in four colors. Secure your pair at a current 50% discount for just $100.
Hovercraft 2.0 Snowboard x Forrest Shearer
Jones just dropped a hovercraft collaboration with one of its sponsored athletes: Forrest Shearer. That means two limited-edition versions of the Hovercraft 2.0 Snowboard x Forrest Shearer.
These exclusive models, the Hovercraft 2.0 Solid and the Hovercraft 2.0 Split, feature bespoke graphics crafted by renowned artist Geoff McFetridge. Both boards are the same as standard Hovercraft models from Jones, with the only distinction being the Eco-Plastic top sheet instead of the usual Flax top sheet. Get yours today for $600.
Ignik Gas Growler 3.8
Here’s the first look at the Gas Growler 3.8, another solution for portable camping fuel. It’s compact and refillable, simplifying camping fuel usage while offering nearly four times the capacity of single-use bottles at the same price, the company said.
The basic, Naked version costs $80, while the Deluxe version costs $100 and comes with an additional protective case and a 4-foot adapter hose. Tank sizes range from 3.8 to 10 pounds, catering to different needs. With a 12-year valve certification, it’s a reliable addition to any camping kit, Ignik said.
Zone3 Vision Biodegradable Wetsuit
ZONE3 has made the world’s first biodegradable, performance-focused wetsuit: the ZONE3 Vision.
The suit uses Terraprene, a biodegradable rubber developed by neoprene specialist Yamamoto. Unlike traditional nonbiodegradable neoprene, the material decomposes entirely in landfill conditions, with significant decomposition within just 2 years, ZONE3 said in a press release.
At the end of the suit’s lifecycle, users have the option to return the suit to ZONE3 for recycling. It’s available starting Feb. 28 for $600.
