OR 2012: Summer Stoke-Worthy Picks - Running

Published on 08/10/2012

From sidewalk to slick rock trails, these stoke worthy selections from the Summer Outdoor Retailer will make your feet fly faster and will ensure that you look good while doing it.

Darn Tough Light Cushion Socks MSRP $14.00 for no-show, $17.00 for quarter length (Spring 2013)

Darn Tough socks are exactly that. They’ll last for ages, and if you trek enough miles to wear them out Darn Tough will replace them without question. American-made in Vermont, Darn Tough uses a merino blend, packing in 1,441 stiches per square inch. In sock talk that means they are thick, cushioned (this reviewer, despite being blister-prone, has never gotten one in a pair of Darn Tough’s), and yet despite the high density they remain ultra low-volume. One rad detail on their new sock is the articulated cuff that keeps your socks from slipping off your heel, which is arguably one of the most annoying things ever. The Light Cushion provides the same seamless comfort as their thicker models while stepping it up to a new level of sleek.     

Salomon Sense Mantra (Spring 2013) MSRP $120.00

While barefoot running and freedom for one’s feet might be an exploding market, not everyone wants to bare their toes to the elements. Salomon created this shoe to allow for natural motion in the foot while providing the support and protection your feet want. The lower heel drop of the Salomon Sense Mantra creates a foot strike on the midpoint or forefoot, which helps your muscles to take more of the weight than your joints, increasing running efficiency and balance. Weighing in at 8.4 oz (men’s size 7) means they’re light enough to accompany you for serious mileage on the trails while the breathable mesh keeps your foot ventilated and comfortable.

La Sportiva Helios (Spring 2013) MSRP $120.00

These fresh colors of the Helios may remind you of your favorite childhood candy, and your feet will thank you for the treat. La Sportiva makes some of the best trail running shoes out there in additional to their top-notch climbing shoes, and at 6.75 oz these will feel lighter than cotton candy. The HyDrain Nylon Mesh makes water dissipate fast, and the MorphoDynamic midsole gives your arches the right amount of cushioning while easily adapting to the bends and bumps in the trail. These kicks will serve you well on light roadside stretches as well, keeping your feet cozy above the concrete.  

Smart Wool PhD Seamless Strappy Bra (Spring 2013) MSRP $60.00

Finally, a way to avoid that annoying (how do we say this in a classy way?) gathering of condensation in your cleavage: the latest and greatest sports bra from SmartWool uses a seamless knit merino wool interior and classily integrated ventilation system to keep you dry and comfortable. The thin, adjustable straps and subtle uplift from the engineered knit cups will make you look good under your yoga tank, and the ribbed knit side panels add for even further support. With a poppy range of colors (spearmint, lilac and charcoal) and using Smart Wool’s 4-Degree elite fit system, this is a bra the girls will be sure to love.

Mizuno Wildwood Tights (Spring 2013) MSRP $55.99

80’s throwbacks continue to surface, much to our delight, and the mesh racing stripe accents on these add just enough style to draw the right kind of attention while giving your gams the ventilation they crave. Perfect for a long fall run or brisk winter jog, the Mizuno Wildwood tights are minimalist yet manage to provide the right details. A small zippered back pocket provides storage for any trail-side goodies you might need, and the leg zippers making slipping in and out of these easy. Made with Mizuno’s Drylite moisture management fabric, the Dynamotion Fit design was made to flow with a runner’s stride.