Emerging Gear: Extra-Minimalist Boot, Rich Roll Running Gear, and More

Altra just launched its first shoe developed with an Olympic runner, Kara Goucher. The Paradigm 6 ($160) provides “next-level support” with Altra’s new Ego Max grooved foam midsole. The supportive shoe also boasts a trimmed-down arch, engineered mesh upper, a slimmer, less “boxy” look, and a stack height of 30 mm. It’s available in women’s and men’s shoe sizes and four colors each.

It’s October — time to break out all the fleece layers. This newer fleece jacket from Backcountry’s Stoic brand not only looks epically comfy, but it’s also practical and versatile. It has a reversible design, two hand pockets, and one media pocket (one side). The Reversible Mixed Media Sherpa is made with 100% ripstop polyester fleece and is available in men’s jacket ($85) and women’s vest ($75) styles.

Ten Thousand just dropped an eco-material running collection designed and developed in collaboration with ultraendurance athlete Rich Roll. The Ten Thousand x Rich Roll FAR Collection (from $38) includes a short-sleeve tee, a long-sleeve tee, lightweight shorts, and a beanie. The shirts are 100% recycled, the shorts are 89% recycled (88% recycled shell and 90% recycled liner), and the beanie is 72% renewable-wood-sourced fibers.

Danner already has a slew of Campo styles, but the brand keeps one-upping itself. The Trail 2650 Campo GTX, launched this month, uses GORE-TEX’s Invisible Fit Technology membrane as its waterproof-breathable sock-like upper, with added TPU overlays. The Trail Campo GTX also has an updated heel, open-cell OrthoLite footbed, and an EVA midsole with drainage ports. The GORE-TEX membrane ups the MSRP to $190. This shoe is available in men’s and women’s.

YETI is back at it again with a hot new color: Sandstone Pink. “It’s inspired by the pastel canyons found in the Valley of Fire,” YETI stated. However, it’s a limited-edition color — once it’s gone, it’s gone. Find Sandstone Pink on YETI’s Rambler drinkware like mugs and wine tumblers (from $25). And, now through Oct. 22, YETI is offering free text and monograms on its Rambler drinkware in all colors, including Sandstone Pink.

Janji’s Runterra Bio Tee is the brand’s first synthetic shirt that biodegrades like natural materials. How? The Runterra Bio ($48) is made with 37.5 polyester that can break down into bio-based compounds faster than conventional synthetics. The fabric is also odor-wicking and thermoregulating thanks to added volcanic ash. (The Runterra can break down in under 4 years, compared to conventional polyester that takes 400 years, Janji explained.) The shirt is available in men’s and women’s sizes.

We know, we know — vitamins aren’t the most exciting piece of “gear.” But Gnarly Nutrition’s new Baseline Series of supplements, specifically the iron tablets, are something our editor has enjoyed adding to her morning routine. The Gnarly Nutrition Baseline Iron+ ($15 per 30 tablets) is a vegan-friendly mineral supplement with active ingredients like non-heme iron bisglycinate, vitamin C (to improve iron absorption), and active vitamin B12.

Nathan’s new top-secret product is now out of the bag. Nathan’s Running Sunglasses line ($50) includes the Adventure Polarized Running Sunglasses, which we’ve had in testing since this summer. The materials are fairly standard — premium TR90 frames, polarized lenses with 100% UV protection — but the design is top-notch for running. Also, the internet doesn’t do the bronze/gold lenses justice — they look even more glam in person.

There are lots of EDC wallets on market, but none as customizable as this one. American-made MGear Gadget Wallet (from $50) has a customizable carbon fiber faceplate, machined aluminum frame, carbon fiber side panels, a slot for up to five cards, and a band for cash. Custom add-ons include an EDC pen, EDC flashlight, or USB card. And, if you order before Oct. 30, you’ll get a free magnifying lens, emergency survival guide, and RFID-blocking card included.

The Switchback is minimalist-footwear brand Softstar’s first “dedicated hiking boot.” The Switchback ($240) is made with a waterproof SuperFabric textile upper (instead of a full leather upper) with sealed trim, a 100% Oeko-Tex Standard-certified merino wool lining, zero-drop 3.5mm midsole, zero-drop Vibram Megagrip sole, and 6mm grippy lugs. Softstar’s shoes all have a natural, “primal” design. The boots are 100% American-made in Philomath, Ore.