Unique Lifestyle Shoes

Published on 06/11/2012

By Peter Reese

A good pair of shoes to wear around town is essential.  When you want everyday comfort blended into a casual style, try one of these three pairs of shoes.

EVOLV CRUZER

Tote a second pair of non-technical sandals or shoes that cover all possible scenarios.  Lightweight comfort is the baseline, while some traction and loads of style are near the top as well.

Climbing shoe leader Evolv leads the second-pair pitch with CRUZER.  Serious grip with the Trax outsole is bonded to a suitable EVA midsole to scramble to a waterfall or shuffle into the local watering hole.  Testers appreciated the form-fitting overlapping tongue and just-right lace length.  Easy to pack and wearable with or without socks, CRUZER’s duck uppers are microfiber lined for a touch of cush.  Active Junky rates this one at the top for fast travel – and the ability to dance out of difficult situations when needed.  Take a look at the BOLT if a nubuck and ballistic nylon upper (and more edge support) are essential in a more technical globe trotting shoe.

Earn cash back on the Evolv Cruzer

ECCO URBAN XPLORER

Transitioning from hanging out to blitzing through airports, train stations and chicken buses.  Footwear capable of crossing the line between urban navigation and rest days includes lots of contenders but few clear winners.  Poor traction can be a problem and taking scrapes and scuffs in style leaves most begging for mercy.

Enter another ECCO model, this one tagged with the “San Diego” modifier.  URBAN XPLORER slips on, stays on, and uses RECEPTOR technology to keep feet energized all day.  Active Junky testers had trouble taking them off even when kicking back as the XPLO works sockless as well.  Oil nubuck and oil suede uppers repel moisture and dirt as the rubber outsole generates stopping power on asphalt and concrete alike.  Removable insoles wash and dry quickly to keep rolling down the road.  While touching the higher end of casual, XPLORER covers the waterfront from trunks to shorts to jeans and khakis.  What’s more, the durability that Ecco built in provides lasting value and reliable performance, passport or not.

Earn cash back on the ECCO Urban Xplorer

ECCO BIOM LIGHT SUEDE SHOES: WOMENS

Kick off the hiking boots and find some comfort and style for the night ahead – without filling the pack with a plethora of footwear options.  Sandals are perfect in some settings but can comprise foot protection, traction and warmth in breezy conditions.

Ecco’s BIOM LITE shoes called out to female testers from the start.  With toe and heel bumpers to preserve the shoe’s life, the warm grey suede uppers stretched and breathed without feeling sloppy.  The Biom’s support structure is engineered with function at the core, so longer walks didn’t become tired, foot-dragging efforts.  Here, the style says fun, feminine and athletic to transition from open-air markets to non-stop sessions on the dance floor.  This is a case where the manufacturer has taken the lead to keep a lifestyle shoe relevant to the serious traveler hungering for lasting value.

Learn more about the ECCO Biom Lite Suede