KURU Waterproof Atom shoes

I reviewed the KURU Waterproof Atom online after I’d worn a pair for a few weeks. Here’s what I said:

“Sturdier and studlier than expected. The ATOM lets me maintain my center of gravity and for that I'm grateful. Not to mention that my feet stay dry in the incessant Pacific Northwest rain - I fear no puddle!”

- Steve G.
★★★★★

So it’s no secret that I like the shoes, but it’s not for any reason the company mentions, or from any activity they say the shoes are for - I wear them biking. In fact, the KURUs have pretty much replaced my regular bike shoes.

Their waterproof feature is a big reason for that, as I live in the Pacific Northwest and ride rain or shine year round. Just today I had to walk through swampy terrain and a few shallow creeks. No longer do I have to put my feet in plastic bags to keep them dry - the shoes themselves do the job.

An equally big reason is the structure of the shoes. The sole is stiff enough to pass my pedaling energy through to the pedals, and the sole material is so tough that the little pedal spikes to hold the shoes in place don’t even scratch or poke the soles. I’ve tried regular tennies and their soft soles are shredded after about 50 miles.

The KURU ATOM has been the company’s most popular shoe and now they’ve gone one better by making them waterproof. You can find KURU ATOM Waterproof $180.00 online at https://www.kurufootwear.com/

They offer a shoe finder quiz to see what KURU thinks is the best shoe for you and what your activities are.

ZEROFIT BASELAYERS

If Japanese base layer Zerofit has its way, the concept of base layering in cold weather will be a thing of the past. All you need is one of their multi-fabric shirts and a jacket. I have to say it works for me and my biking 10-25 mph through our current mild winter. It goes down to 35 degrees F now and then. I’ve always explained to non-biking friends that to bike through the winter in the Northwest you just need to dress for skiing, and that's what these shirts are made for..

Zerofit started in Japan in 2005 and recently expanded into North America. Two of their particularly good shirts are the Heatrub Move (blend of three fabrics, $76) Heatrub Ultimate Base Layer (five fabrics including 7% Merino wool, $90). Both are mock turtlenecks. The company also has hoodies, leggings, arm covers, beanies, socks, neck warmers, golf gloves and face masks.

So what does “Heatrub” mean? As opposed to regular layers, Zerofit shirts actually generate heat as soon as you put them on. The claim is that their patented knitting process and “heat threads” on the inside generate heat without pressing on your skin. I don’t understand all that, but it sure does work for me. They start warming as soon as I put them on. Find more info at https://zerofitusa.com.

Web manager Steve Giordano, past president of the Society of American Travel Writers, is a veteran ski and travel journalist & photographer whose work has appeared in newspapers, magazines, books, radio and television and many places around the Internet. He's written numerous travel books. Steve is the designer and technologist of HighOnAdventure.com and was the online and guidebook editor of SkiSnowboard.com. He is a member of the North American Snowsports Journalists Association and can be reached at rsgiordano@gmail.com.