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Earth Runners Adventure Sandals Review

Earth Runners Adventure Sandals
Earth Runners Adventure Sandals

There was a moment a few weekends ago when I was hiking in Boulder Canyon with my Earth Runners Adventure Sandals when my brain experienced a glitch in the matrix. I’m not sure what set it off, but there was something so primitive in that moment of being out in the woods, on a dirt and rocky trail, with these huarache-style sandals that made me feel at one with everything around me. 

When I sat with that feeling and began to process it, what I felt was this sense of connection with the dust and rocks underneath my feet. It wasn’t an unusual feeling. If you’ve noticed any trend in the types of shoes I cover for reviews, they are all minimalist. And I’ve had minimal sandals before. But these sandals by Earth Runners were so rugged and earthy and made in a more primitive style that things just clicked—or glitched—and it felt great.

It makes sense that I experienced what I experienced. A part of Earth Runners mission is to help people connect with their primal side. They are a minimalist sandal company that offer customizable sandal options for every foot and every activity.

Since getting a pair of their Circadian Adventure Sandals it’s been an interesting journey to get where I’m at with them. I chose a model that had a thicker and—at least out-of-the-box—less flexible lace. 

I’m so used to getting a pair of shoes, putting them on, and getting after life. But with these, they needed time, and love, and attention. 

Earth Runners Adventure Sandals
Earth Runners Adventure Sandals

It took me a while to get it. I adjusted the tightness of the laces. I pivoted the anchor lace that went between my first two toes. Part of the issue I was experiencing was that the lace was putting pressure on my second metatarsal which I had fractured 9 years ago.

With continued use, the laces loosened to a point where these sandals have become my go-to. As long as the weather isn’t too cold you’ll find me in them—on the trail, at the office, at home. 

They’re amazing. The only thing I’d caution against is jumping in too fast and falling out of love with them. Go in knowing that it’s going to take some time.

But it’ll be well worth it.

Showers Pass Elements Jacket Gear Review

Showers Pass Elements Jacket
Showers Pass Elements Jacket

A year ago I thought I had discovered the be-all end-all of cycling jackets: their Hi-Vis Torch Jacket. And until this moment, it had been my go-to commuter jacket. Showers Pass has exceeded my expectations with the release of the Elements Jacket.

What sets the Elements Jacket apart from the Hi-Vis Torch or other Showers Pass jackets is it’s design and functionality. Since receiving their product to test, I’ve had the opportunity to wear it on my bike commutes to work, but also on the trail rides. However, since temperatures have been gradually getting colder, I’ve found myself grabbing it even when I wasn’t cycling. It has become a go-to wardrobe element for walks in the cool mornings or playtime at the park at dusk. 

The Elements Jacket is lightweight and extremely packable. There’s been many commutes where it has warmed up considerably by the time that I have to bike home and it easily stashes in my Backpack Pannier.

Showers Pass Elements Jacket
Showers Pass Elements Jacket

Like all Showers Pass products, the Elements Jacket was made for wet conditions with a fully seam-taped, waterproof-breathable performance fabric. The interior is made with a carbon-print lining that provides natural odor-resistance. With these fabrics the jacket is still flexible allowing for free movement. I never felt like the jacket was sticking or pulling on my skin, but I also never felt like I was constrained in my movements.

If you’ve followed our blogs, you know by now that I like to highlight products that have a sustainable or eco-friendly feature. The Elements Jacket does this by using eco-friendly dyes in it’s manufacturing process.

The jacket comes loaded with features: a removable hood, front pockets, reinforced shoulders, and ventilation around the midsection. While it doesn’t have all of the same reflectivity features as the Hi-Vis Torch Jacket, while the days are longer this hasn’t been an issue during my commutes.

Showers Pass Elements Jacket
Showers Pass Elements Jacket

The Elements Jacket comes in both Mens and Womens sizes. I’m 5’11” and 180 lbs and I wear a Medium.