Along with better mouse traps, the search for ever-lighter hiking shoes will likely always be with us. At 9oz (255g) each, the Radler Trail Camp hikers are Timberland's latest tilt at this quest - and when you add water repellent properties and the ability to fold up for storage, you just may have a piece of outdoor gear as essential as the cork screw or pocket knife. At the very least, insurance for cold, wet feet could be only a couple of zippers away.
The Timberland Radler's quick-drying, water-repellent ripstop tops come in red, orange and black and mesh nicely with partially-recycled black rubber soles. A removable/washable fleecy insole provides added padding and warmth, all at a reasonable price point of from about US$50-65 per pair. For those who like to take impromptu hikes or always seem to have the "wrong" shoes for the occasion, these comfy numbers may be just the ticket to next season's adventures.
Zippers are easily damaged, and were never originally designed to be exposed and come onto contact with rough terrain, sand, soil, leaves, vegetation torns, tiny rocks etc etc.
And was there really a problem with stroing shoes? There has been a solution since the plastic bag was invented. This doesn\'t even keep water out and keep unwanted debris from getting into places you don\'t want them to. This is solution that never needs invention in the first place.
The world needs more designers with common sense.