34 SPRING 2019 • POPSCI.COM by Rob Verger / photograph by Sam Kaplan
PROPSTYLING^BYJJCHANFOR^ HALLEY^ RESOURCESCHOICE YOU PROBABLY DON’T WANT TO WEAR THAT PAIR OF BLOWN-
out Converse All Stars to amble anywhere farther than the corner store. For
long treks, the proper footwear will support your dogs and grip the ground to
prevent sore soles, painful blisters, and mangled ankles. These four choices
will carry you for many miles over different types of terra firma.SAVE YOUR
SOLES
23413
Pavement
The springy, thermo-
plastic foam in the midsole
of the 6.6-ounce Reebok
Floatride Run Fast sneak-
ers bounces back quicker
from the squish of your
strides than the EVA padding
you’ll fi nd in most trainers.
This increased energy re-
turn reduces your overall
workload, while the extra
cushioning protects your
joints from impacts.4
Dirt trails
Hoka designed the tread on
the Challenger ATR 5s
with broad rubber lugs that
bite into turf precisely how
you need them to. The teeth
are spaced farther apart
near the toe, which gives the
kicks more grip, and clus-
tered closer together at the
back, making for smoother
heel strikes that protect your
knees over the course of tens
of thousands of strides.2
Beach or riverbed
Go wading with socks and
shoes on, and the wet stuff
will make your feet all-
too hospitable for blisters
and bacteria. The Merrell
Choprocks can take
submergence. Eight circular
holes in the midsole allow
moisture to effi ciently drain,
while ventilated polyester
mesh uppers let your skin dry
off in a hurry aft er you’re
done forging streams.1
Rocky paths
Stones and boulders
threaten your feet with
jammed and bruised toes.
Salomon covered the fronts
of the X Ultra 3 boots with
molded rubber, creating an
additional layer of protec-
tion between your tootsies
and rocks or roots that come
outta nowhere. The chevron-
shaped lugs on the soles
give you plenty of grip for
ascending and descending.