Gear Crush: Ice-Gripping Adidas Outdoor Libria Boot
I'm from Minnesota and grew up crossing slick oceans of ice in parking lots, on sidewalks, encompassing sledding hills, everywhere. Slipping on the ice was a mortifying prospect of growing up. It was just a matter of when. And it always bruised more than just the ego.
The Adidas Outdoor Libria is a lifestyle boot and light hiker with an antidote to ice slipping. Not only are they a flattering, water-resistant knee-high boot, but they're filled with cozy, water-resistant PrimaLoft. The outside is breathable softshell with a reinforced toe and knee cuff for extra warmth. But it's the outsole that really got us. It's made of gripping TRAXION and has strategically placed blue lugs (made of a material called Temperature Sensitive Compound) that actually harden when temps drop to freezing. So they really grip the ice. It's like having your light hiker sole transform into ice cleats just when you need them. We haven't tried them out yet (no snow here in New York City (boo)). But we're optimistic. Available in August for around $130. —Mary Anne Potts
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