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Most boots are built to last. But work boots go above and beyond: They’re strong, long-lasting and just warm enough to stay on your feet for most of the colder months. (Waterproof work boots are a plus if you plan to, well, get wet.)It’s no surprise the style was more or less perfected half a century ago. Editions since expand on certain features to cater to certain customers or emphasize comfortability — since work often requires a lot of standing.
The no-frills lace-up style protects the lower legs and feet and usually features a durable lug sole. A steel toe is ideal, but it’s rare you find an affordable boot with one. Protective toes are another thing entirely: They prevent stubbing when you kick a crate or topple a tree log.
Find a boot with a high rise: 6 inches or taller. These are the best bet against all floor-level debris, whether it’s dangerous or not.
Material
Leather boots are best because the material is more durable than rubber, mesh, nylon or cotton canvas.
Protective Elements
Steel toes are the end all be all of protective footwear features, but a reinforced toebox will do if you can’t spend the extra dough. As for on the bottom, always get a lug sole. The thicker the better, in my opinion. They should have slip-resistant tread, too — like that on Red Wing’s Moc Toe boot.
Construction
Goodyear-welted boots can be resoled if you wear through them, making your work boots last longer.
Price
An expensive boot is almost always worth it as long as the feature warrants the price — not just the aesthetics. They’ll last longer, look better as they age and prevent the annual re-up we all dread.
If you just want to know which work boots to get, the Red Wing Iron Ranger is it. The brand’s reputation is built on its Goodyear-welted boots and its Iron Ranger is among its most iconic. It features a protective cap toe, cork misdole that adapts to the wearer’s unique foot shape, speed hooks and resolable Goodyear-welt construction.
The pull-up leather (tanned by Red Wing) is beautiful from the start, even more with time. You’ll need to step into them knowing about the tough break-in period, but fans will tell you it’s totally worth it.
Slip-resistant Dainite sole helps you stay on your feet
Resoleable if you run into issues
Cons
No steel shank, which helps support your step
No protective toe, meaning you risk damaging your feet
Not waterproof
I wouldn’t go sloshing around a wet worksite in these, but jobs done in a studio or small- to mid-sized factory? For sure. These are Viberg’s most iconic style, with a history stretching as far back as 1931. They’re cut from hard-wearing Chromoexcel leather, feature a Dainite sole and brass hardware.
When Timberland introduced its now-iconic work boots in 1973, it was a revolution. The cement construction made it among the first boots to be truly waterproof and the design has remained much the same since. The nubuck uppers are constructed with quadruple needle stitching and outfitted with PrimaLoft insulation padded ankle collars and tough rubber lug soles.
Membrane blocks smells, helping these stay fresh longer
Cons
No protective toe, which leaves your feet exposed
Technically a hunting boot, the Irish Setter Elk Hunter Boot works even in a zombie apocalypse — just ask Joel from The Last of Us. These are his on-screen boots of choice, even though a costumer picked them out.
But they made the right choice. These are tall and comfortable, durable and 100 percent waterproof. Plus, they have a memory foam footbed and a scent-blocking membrane.
This is Wolverine’s 1000 Mile Boot. It’s named after the number of miles you can put on a pair, but you can probably add even more. This one is modeled after the original’s pattern, which was first produced in 1914, and made in Big Rapids, Michigan. Unlined, the boot’s upper is made from premium Horween leather and there’s a leather outsole with a Vibram heel, too.
Sizing is different — most should order a half size down
When Red Wing introduced the Moc Toe, it was designed for outdoorsmen — people trekking through mud and over rough terrain, who needed to strike a balance between comfort and courage. This version of the venerable boot is made with a Gore-Tex membrane, making it entirely waterproof. You won’t sully your feet should someone splash or a puddle surprise you. Plus, they’re plenty comfortable still.
This Ariat boot is one of the brand’s more affordable options, but that doesn’t mean it can’t do the job — whatever it may be. It’s a six-inch, lace-up boot with a rubber Ariat sole and a heel tab for easy removal. You won’t find a steel toe here, but you can add one for ~$50 dollars. Some customers have cited a discrepancy between this version and pricier Ariat boots, but you get what you pay for — and that’s plenty still.
A very tall boot — 10 inches — that protects your legs
Resoleable for longevity
Cons
Pricy for folks working true blue collar jobs
Whatever the job requires, Wesco’s Jobmaster gets it done with full-grain leather uppers and a hunky Vibram lug sole which boost it to 10 inches tall. With effectively indestructible build quality, full-leather insoles and midsoles, and brass eyelets that get better with age, it’s worth considering the price jump from our top pick.
Composite toes are generally less protective than steel and thick leather
Keen’s San Jose Boots are the same height as Timberland’s classic wheat work boot, but they are way lighter. Keen opted for aluminum instead of steel, creating tough toes that weigh 35 percent less. But less weight doesn’t mean these are any less protective: They come with Keen’s KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane, are both safe from Electrical Hazard (EH) and Electric Shock Resistant (ESR) and feature a siped outsole that drains faster, giving you better control on wet surfaces.
The 350 Cutter was originally designed by then White’s owner Otto White, who famously took a chainsaw to a taller boot to make something loggers could wear on off days. The upper’s waterproof and there’s a mini Vibram outsole, plus each pair is both resoleable and rebuildable.
At the Volkswagen Wolfsburg plant, an escape room is helping employees learn how the company’s electric vehicles are made. The new ‘eMotionRoom’ was developed to help the plant’s 22,000 workers prepare to start assembling the popular ID.3. Volkswagen’s team set it up as part of a one-day training program which will help teach technicians about EV manufacturing. Now, three intricately designed rooms challenge employees to solve various puzzles and problems to ‘escape’ to the next room. Working in teams of four, they’ll have 20 minutes to complete the requests in each room. Workers in the company’s Zwickau and Emden factories previously experienced the same eMotion Room, and the company hopes to have guided all 22,000 Wolfsburg employees through the course by 2025.
Today we’re taking a look at a new limited edition G-Shock, a wooden flask and survival raft. This is Today in Gear.
Today in Gear is our daily roundup of all the latest product announcements, drops and news from Gear Patrol Studios. Send your most pressing product questions to [email protected].
Enter to Win the New Wu-Tang x G-SHOCK
Wu-Tang Clan
The new watch will launch in honor of Wu-Tang Clan’s 30th anniversary, and pays homage to the first Wu-Tang x G-Shock released back in 2012. Fans can enter to win the GM6900WTC22 ($280) until February 26, 11:59 p.m. EST. At that point, winners will be randomly selected, and their new watches will be shipped out. The new model boasts an elevated stainless steel black IP bezel, and the dial is encircled by the iconic words, ‘Cash Rules Everything Around Me C.R.E.A.M.’
This conversation starter will give you a perfect excuse to say, ‘you know, that bourbon was actually aged in American White Oak.’ It’ll also make you look like an absolute pro, and comes with an affordable – $45 – price tag. Autumn Woods’ Wooden Flask is handcrafted in Maryland and wraps real wood around a stainless steel core. Designed to comfortably carry up to six ounces, the flask is all you need to elevate every ‘quick and easy swig.’
Bedrock Sandals now offers a leather Mountain Clog ($175) made for hiking, strolling and exploring. A premium one-piece oiled Ecco Nubuck leather upper will keep your feet cozy, while an ‘extra sticky’ Vibram Megagrip outsole gives you all the traction you need to tackle slippery terrain. The oiled leather is also water resistant, while the clog’s footbed is amply cushioned and ‘anatomically molded.’ Available now in unisex sizing, these clogs will look just as great around town as they will at your campsite.
Looking to Treat the Special Gardener In Your Life?
Horne
Do it with Menu. Their three-piece Pallarés Plant Tools kit ($300) gives fans a set of premium hand tools they’ll cherish for years to come. Boasting a trowel, hand rake and hoe; each piece has been hand forged from carbon steel for peak strength and sharpness. The ergonomic handles are made from beechwood and feature vegetable-tanned leather safety straps. Each set comes packaged in a wooden storage crate, and can be complemented by the brand’s favorite pruner ($150) or shears ($130).
Originally designed for military use, this efficient raft has now hit stands for more, recreational, fans across the country. Tubers, boaters, fishermen and classic backcountry folk can easily inflate the Rapid Raft ($479) in seconds before throwing it down on the water. The ultra-lightweight raft packs up just as easily and can quickly become life-saving gear in the event of a flood or other emergency. An easy win for every survivalist, this versatile raft should be in every waterfront cabin.
The Best Tools to Carry In Your On-Bike Repair Kit
Which tools should you carry while riding your bike? With a plethora of options to choose from, we narrow down which essentials you should always have in your bag.
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If you interact with something long enough, sometimes you lose sight of the obviousness of the thing; it’s a fairly common phenomenon, especially when it comes to products. Once you’ve used your camping stove for a few months, you forget that it was tricky to just the right amount of fuel and flame to cook your food. After you’ve spent a few seasons camping, your tent setup goes from cumbersome to muscle memory. Familiarity can take many forms, but once we become comfortable with something, we tend to forget either our initial struggles with it or what makes it special.
Take a bicycle, for instance. If you ride, maybe you ride every day. The wheels turn, the brakes engage, your morning commute continues day in and day out. At some point, you may even forget that the bike you know and love is actually a machine, and machines break down. This realization may come in the form of a flat tire on the side of a busy highway or loose handlebars after you take a spill on the trail. If a repair is necessary and you’re not prepared, familiarity quickly goes out the window, to be replaced almost instantly by panic, frustration and finally, resignation. After all, there’s nothing like a flat tire to make you appreciate when your bike is working.
If you’re an avid rider and you haven’t already put together a simple toolkit to carry in your bike bag, we suggest you get one together before your next ride. A quick Google search will reveal quite a few recommendations on what to carry in your bag and when; if you don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.
Before we get into tools and accessories, it’s important to note that you should always have a communication device (for most of us, that’s a cell phone), your driver’s license or alternate form of identification and your house or car key. You can keep all of these stashed together in a waterproof container, like a plastic bag, to keep them safe and easily accessible.
Should I have separate kits for my road bike and mountain bike?
You won’t need a separate kit for your road and mountain bikes, respectively, but any on-bike repair kit should be suited to the specific bike you’re riding. That means any multitools, wrenches or screwdrivers should fit with the screws and other hardware on your bike. If you’re running tubeless tires, make sure your kit caters to that: you can leave the spare tube at home. When putting your kit together, it’s all about what you’ll find useful out on a ride: some tools will be universal in all kits, but each rider’s supplies will be unique and suited to them.
Make sure the valve is the correct type for your wheel: A Presta valve won’t fit a Schrader, and vice versa. Check that the valve stem is the correct length for the wheels you’re running and verify that the tube you’ve just packed is the right size, as well.
If you’re running a tubeless setup on either a road or mountain bike, a small bottle of sealant is a non-negotiable. Liquid sealant is applied through the valve, and seals and repairs small holes that could turn into holes or punctures. There are two types of sealants: latex-based and latex free. If you’ve got a small hole or puncture in one of your tires, this is what you’ll use to get going again.
Multi-tools aren’t just great for your EDC kit — they’re also incredibly useful to have on bike rides, as well. Make sure you’re investing in a multi-tool that’s designed specifically for bikes: common tools on a bike multi-tool include screwdrivers, hex keys, a torx driver, chain splitter, spoke wrench and tire lever, among others. There are as many multi-tools as there are bike models, but we like Blackburn’s for its simplicity, minimal profile and affordability.
When it comes to filling your tire with air (assuming you don’t run tubeless at this point), both the traditional hand pump and the CO2 inflator have their place. A CO2 inflator can inflate your tire in a minute; much faster, and easier than a hand pump. However, a CO2 inflator will run out of air at some point, depending on its capacity; a hand pump may take longer and require more effort, but you’ll always be able to inflate your tires (and your friends’ tires, if necessary) without coming up short.
If you’re into bike racing, a CO2 inflator is probably the better choice — it’ll get you back in the game faster and more efficiently. Most CO2 inflators can fill two tires; they’re not refillable, so if you’re eco-minded and have a little more time on your hands, a traditional hand pump is never a bad idea.
Tire Patch Kit
Amazon
Best Tire Patch Kits
Park Tool GP-2 Pre-Glued Super Patch Puncture Repair Kits (Pack of 3 Kits)
The most common problem cyclists face is a flat tire; as the other tools in this guide suggest, it’s important to be prepared, because more likely than not, at some point you’re going to get a flat. A tire patch kit comes in handy when you’ve got an inner tube in need of repair: you can either patch it on the go or slip in a new tube and repair your punctured one at home. Repairing inner tubers prolongs their shelf life, saves you money and keeps unnecessary inner tubes out of the landfill.
Again, as tubeless setups become more prominent, tools to complement the design do so as well. Once installed, the tubeless tire’s beads are constructed to be airtight against the rim of your bike’s wheel, and as such, it makes it almost impossible to get off if you need to change a tire. That’s where tire levers come in: these small but mighty tire change accessories make it much easier to lift the tire from the rim, allowing you to remove and install tubeless tires without damaging your wheel. The best tire levers aren’t necessarily the strongest, by the way: it’s the most ergonomic designs that end up being the most useful.
Today’s Best Deals: Blundstone Savings, a Beats By Dre Bundle Deal & More
Welcome to Deals of Note, where Gear Patrol captures the five best deals of the day.
Presented ByBlundstone
Published
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Welcome to Deals of Note, where Gear Patrol highlights the five very best deals of the day. You can also visit GearPatrol.com/Deals for all the deals we cover and constant updates on the latest deals discovered by our team.
Shop the Beats Fit Pro, our favorite wireless earbuds for running and working out, and you’ll get a free $25 Amazon gift card. These earbuds have similar features to the AirPods Pro with a unique earhook design that will keep them in place.
At less than $1,000, the Breville Barista Express is everything you could want in a high-end espresso machine, from the built-in grinder to adjusting the microfoam milk texturing. And it’s an even sweeter deal at $150 off.
Inspired by the design of a classic Chelsea boot, this all-weather footwear has the comfort of sneakers combined with the ruggedness of a good hiking boot. The boots are waterproof and moisture-wicking with a grippy sole for surviving any type of weather.
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The Ultraboost family from Adidas has stood as one of the brand’s most iconic stables for many years — and for good reason. The innovative foam makeup of each design generates a rich sense of plushness and comfort, one that’s often envied by other running shoe brands. Still, the impactful and popular profiles have been at the mercy of one factor: weight. These comfy kicks can be great for creating a pillow-like aesthetic underfoot, but the heavier fill doesn’t necessarily lend itself to more efficient, less clunky training scenarios.
Well, it appears the three-striped brand has listened to the critiques and answered with its latest launch — the Ultraboost Light. Boasting a slimmed down frame designed for more performance-oriented pacing, this all-new silhouette aims to serve as a testament to Adidas’s constant strive to take its innovations to the next level.
It’s fitting that this new kick falls on the 10th anniversary of Boost technology, too, showcasing the brand’s dedication to the running discipline while also understanding the enjoyment that can be had with well-equipped sneakers.
“Running with tired or heavy legs can be uncomfortable, and heavy shoes may play a role in this sensation for some people,” says Doctors of Running founder and chief editor Dr. Matthew Klein. “Lighter shoes, however, tend to make running more efficient, meaning they can potentially improve performance for both elite runners but also entry and everyday runners.”
The Ultraboost Light Is a Direct Response to Customer Feedback
We’ve jogged and trained with a number of Ultraboost silhouettes since the brand first unveiled the technology 10 years ago. While there’s a resounding sense of coziness and underfoot comfort, these profiles are by no means meant for the long haul. There’s simply too much weight across the shoe, making pickups and toe-offs quite the challenge once mileage begins to stack up. It’s not just us that feel this way, either — weight issues have always plagued the Ultraboost family, limiting their wearability across more extended running modalities.
Thankfully, though, the brand has heard these qualms of athletes, and as a result, designed an all-new material for this latest sneaker — Light Boost. Coming in 30 percent lighter than its predecessor, this revamped composition is poised to deliver the same comfort and cushioning with an elevated sense of energy return and responsiveness.
Adidas
Other Features You Should Note About the New Adidas Ultraboost Light
Of course, Light Boost is not the sole innovation at play with the all-new Ultraboost Light. the silhouette also houses a redesigned Linear Energy Point across the sole for added responsiveness in each stride. This reworked tech was designed to work in tandem with the latest Light Boost composition, promoting a better energy return for the most efficient running experience possible.
Adidas
The Adidas Ultraboost Light also showcases a Primeknit+ Upper for improved breathability — another testament to this sneaker’s higher mileage capabilites — as well as a Continental Natural Performance Outsole for boosted grip and traction. Lastly, the Ultraboost Light is the latest example of the brand’s continued sustainability efforts, boasting a 10 percent lower carbon footprint when compared to previous Ultraboost iterations.
AdidasAdidas
Adidas Poses a Challenge to Athletes with the Ultraboost Light Launch
While the all-new silhouette is certainly enough to cheer about, Adidas is taking it a step further by challenging all athletes of any running experience to get out and move this March. The Just You and Your Run challenge runs from March 2–12 with the goal of tallying 3,000,000 kilometers (1,864,113 miles) across all participants through the brand’s companion running app.
If you contribute to this challenge, you’ll receive a complementary Ultraboost Light badge within the platform. According to the brand, members of the AdiClub rewards program also have the chance to win a pair of personalized Ultraboost Light shoes.
Adidas
Where to Buy the Adidas Ultraboost Light
Starting today, the Adidas Ultraboost Light is available online as an early access for select Adidas rewards members for $190. Full availability is set for Friday, March 3. According to the brand, there will be three colorways available at the start — a white/solar red/core black profile, a solar red/core black/night metallic sneaker as well as a 10th anniversary black and yellow silhouette.
It’s always nice to see brands innovate as a result of customer feedback. Here’s hoping the Ultraboost Light is an example of innovation for the good of a product and not just marketing fodder.
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Whether you’re working from home or the office, chances are you have a laptop and monitor setup. It allows you to have the big screen when you need it, but also the flexibility to take your work on the road. The problem with this is if you have to work away from your monitor setup for too long, you start to miss it. And you become less productive.
If you need an extra screen for your laptop more than you need it for your desk, a portable monitor could be the solution. It’s cheaper than buying a tablet (many of which can double as portable monitors) and it provides the extra screen space that you’re used to with the external monitor. It’s also thin, lightweight and travel-friendly, so you can take it anywhere.
Size: The vast majority of portable monitors come in similar sizes to most laptops. On the low-end, you can get a 13-inch portable monitor. And on the high-end, you can get a 17-inch monitor. The larger the screen, the more expensive it’s likely to be.
Connectivity: Most portable monitors these days connect to your laptop via USB-C, but there are some that require a HDMI connection. Some can do both, too, which could free up an extra port on your laptop (specifically if you have a Windows laptop).
Kickstand: This is a low-key, really important thing to consider before buying a portable monitor. Some come with integrated kickstands right in their body, which is really convenient. Other portable monitors, however, come with attachable stands that are less ideal because they aren’t always the easiest things to figure out.
Battery: Portable monitors can come with or without built-in batteries. The ones with built-in batteries are a little more expensive, but they can last for several hours before stealing power from your laptop. Portable monitors without built-in batteries need to be plugged into a power source. This can mean your laptop, of course, but it will cause your laptop to lose power faster.
Screen: As with laptops, portable monitors vary in their display quality. You can get ones that have a higher resolution, higher refresh rate or even have a touchscreen — but all those add to the price. The majority of portable monitors max out at a 1080p display.
Speakers: Some portable monitors come equipped with their own built-in speakers. It’s a nice feature, especially if you have an older laptop with not-so-great speakers or you’re using the monitor with a gaming console (like a Nintendo Switch). However, if your laptop does have built-in speakers, you might find it annoying when the audio keeps switching to the portable monitor’s speakers (in which case, you can just adjust this in your laptop’s settings).
The below portable monitors were used mostly in a work capacity — as a replacement for the external monitor in a setup with a laptop and portable monitor. We tested the portable monitors in split-screen and mirroring modes and judged them on brightness, image quality, ease-of-use (connectivity), their kickstand and any other features (like speakers and Wi-Fi connectivity). All the below monitors were tested with either a 2017 MacBook Pro or 2022 MacBook Air.
To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.
The Lenovo ThinkVision M14 is a small and lightweight, portable monitor. It’s got a bright and vibrant screen and has a highly adjustable kickstand. And it’s relatively affordable, although it lacks an integrated battery and varied port selection of higher-end options. It’s a simple option that’ll work with most USB-C laptops. The kicker is that it can be mounted (via a 100×100 VESA), which could come in handy if you want to use it even when not traveling.
The Dell C1422H is actually nearly identical to the ThinkVision M14 (above). Again, it’s a smaller portable monitor that’s fairly straightforward to use and will work well with most USB-C laptops. It delivers maybe a little brighter picture in our option and does a better job at blocking out reflections. But other than that, it has the same ports and a great integrated kickstand. It doesn’t have a built-in battery, however, meaning it’ll take power from your laptop or it’ll need to be plugged into a wall outlet (power adapter not included) while you’re using it.
Asus makes several different models of its ZenScreen Go — so be aware of which one you’re buying — and its MB16AWP is one of the nicest (and most expensive) ones you can buy. It’s a 15.6-inch monitor with a 1080p display (and 60Hz refresh rate) and it has an integrated battery that can last between three and four hours. Maybe the neatest thing about this ZenScreen Go is that it has built-in Wi-Fi, so you can extend or mirror your laptop’s screen without using a wired USB-C or HDMI connection.
The ViewSonic VX1755 is portable monitor that’s ideal for gamers who are looking for a big extra screen. It’s 17.2-inches, making it one of the biggest portable monitors you can buy. IT also supports several much-have gaming features such as a very high refresh rate (144Hz) and support for AMD FreeSync Premium Adaptive-Sync (to fight latency when playing FPS and fast-moving action games). It is definitely on the pricey side, but the ViewSonic VX1755 makes a great partner for smaller gaming laptops or even people who bring their consoles with them on the road.
The Asus ROG Strix XG16AHPE is another high-end yet pricey portable monitor that’s optimized for gaming. Like the ViewSonic VX1755 (above), the Asus ROG Strix XG16AHPE has a high refresh rate panel (144Hz) and supports AMD FreeSync Premium Adaptive-Sync, which are two must-haves for gaming. The difference is that this portable monitor is slightly smaller and more expensive, but it does have a built-in battery — and at 7,800mAh, it’s pretty sizable — meaning it won’t such the juice from your laptop when using it.
• Asus ZenScreen Touch (MB16AMT): This is a portable monitor that’s basically a touchscreen version of the Asus ZenScreen Go (MB16AWP) that’s on this list. The catch is, however, it’s not compatible with Macs.
• Lenovo ThinkVision M14t: This is essentially a higher-end, more expensive and touchscreen version of the non-“t” ThinkVision M14 that’s already on this list.
• Desklab 4K Touchscreen: This is one of the few portable monitors out there that has a 4K display (max) and a touchscreen. It’s also quite expensive.
Today in Gear is our daily roundup of all the latest product announcements, drops and news from Gear Patrol Studios.
Presented ByThompson Cigar
Published
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Updated
Fan favorite adidas has unveiled a wave of new Major League Soccer kits for the 2023 season. With revamped jerseys for everyone from the LA Galaxy to the Philadelphia Union, there’s a little merch for everyone. Interesting standouts include the new Seattle Sounders FC ‘Community jersey’ which pays homage to Bruce Lee, and the New York Red Bulls kit, where the team tapped luxury sports designer Daniel Patrick to draw in a little streetwear-inspiration. Meanwhile, the Minnesota United FC jersey pulled tones from the aurora borealis and the Colorado Rapids’ ‘New Day kit’ was created to boost mental health awareness and promote relevant initiatives throughout the season.
Today we’re taking a look at a sleek portable fireplace, running gear and a durable Jungle Boot. This is Today in Gear.
Today in Gear is our daily roundup of all the latest product announcements, drops and news from Gear Patrol Studios. Send your most pressing product questions to [email protected].
The Ultimate Sampler for Cigar Beginners
Thompson Cigar
No matter where you fall on the spectrum of cigar enthusiasts, from beginner to aficionado, Thompson’s Cigar Starter Kit is for you. This all-inclusive cigar kit is perfect to get your collection started as a beginner, featuring 10 handmade cigars, a cutter, a lighter, and a 20-count humidor. For the smoker who is further along in their cigar journey, this is an opportunity to get 10 90+ rated cigars, along with some extra cigar storage. The 90-rated Macanudo Café is a smooth-bodied blend featuring a Connecticut wrapper and the 92-rated Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real is grown in Ecuador and also features a Connecticut wrapper. You can’t find this value at a more affordable price. Secure this for you or a friend today!
Looking for a sleek, safe alternative to a roaring open fire? Meet the Dome – Ground Low ($1,995). Designed by Le Feu and made in Denmark, this simple – lightweight – portable fireplace will keep you just as cozy in your living room as it will on a roof terrace. It features a ceramic fiber burner which runs on bioethanol and comes equipped with Safeburn Technology (so even if you turn the burner upside down, it won’t spill). As it stands, Le Feu is Scandinavia’s best-selling bio fireplace – and we can see why.
Real gear-heads have probably heard of Definitive Technology. The California-based audio company has spent the last 30 years releasing high-performance speakers, and now, they’re ready to launch the new Dymension series. The nine-speaker lineup features everything from two flagship towers, the powerful DM80 ($2,400 each) down to the wall-mounted DM95 ($799 a pair). Built for ‘room-filling cinematic sound,’ fans can learn more about the full kit at the link below.
While the two brands originally joined forces to release the popular Gibson 3-Eye derby, now, they’ve got a hardy boot in mind. Releasing today at 11 a.m. ET, the new ‘Jungle Boots’ are made with a blend of black leather and olive canvas and come equipped with thick rope laces. Durable, Goodyear-welted black lug soles ensure a comfortable trek in any direction, while the overall feel harkens back to Solovair’s military heritage.
How do you create more technical gear? Hone in on the materials. That’s exactly what lululemon did with their recent SenseKnit collection, which centers around a new, highly technical performance fabric. The new men’s Running Jacket ($248) is one clear standout, and offers breathable, thermal comfort, plus integrated stowable mitts and a cinchable hood. Meanwhile, the sweat-wicking, quick-drying women’s High-Rise Running Short ($148) offers the comfort of bike shorts flanked by water-repellent outer panels.
The Thompson Cigar Starter Sampler is the perfect place to begin your cigar journey.
Thompson Cigar
Presented ByThompson Cigar
Published
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Updated
No matter where you fall on the spectrum of cigar enthusiasts, from beginner to aficionado, Thompson’s Cigar Starter Kit is for you. This all-inclusive cigar kit is perfect to get your collection started as a beginner, featuring 10 handmade cigars, a cutter, a lighter, and a 20-count humidor. For the smoker who is further along in their cigar journey, this is an opportunity to get 10 90+ rated cigars, along with some extra cigar storage. The 90-rated Macanudo Café is a smooth-bodied blend featuring a Connecticut wrapper and the 92-rated Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real is grown in Ecuador and also features a Connecticut wrapper. You can’t find this value at a more affordable price. Secure this for you or a friend today!
Blundstone’s Original Chelsea Boots offer durability and versatility for everyday comfort.
Blundstone
Presented ByBlundstone
Published
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Updated
The Blundstone Chelsea is an iconic boot for a reason, made with premium materials, they’re built to last and provide unmatched comfort and durability. If you’re new to the brand, now’s your chance to score an iconic pair for 25% off, like the Men’s Originals in Black/Plaid. This colorway has a touch of personality while still being incredibly wearable day to day. Take into consideration the intelligent construction that includes a TPU outsole, cushioned midsole, SPS Max Comfort system for shock absorption, and steel shank for stability. These are certain to become your go-to boots.
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From the ’60s onwards, coaches — from NFL stars to little-league heroes — wore various styles of the lightweight nylon jacket, emblazoned with team logos. And today, countless brands are making updated versions of this classic style, and for good reason: utilitarian and good looking, the coach jacket’s simple design complements a multitude of different aesthetics.
The jacket, which features a pointed collar and snap front, is a cornerstone of windproof outwear. Usually made from lightweight nylon, it can withstand whipping winds, light rain and, if you’re lucky, the splash of celebratory Gatorade.
How to Style a Coach Jacket
Pair one with a button-down and chinos or your favorite tee and washed jeans for a light layer against a breezy day. Or, you can go full NFL coach: pair the sportswear staple with similarly soft, stretchy stuff. Try it overtop a polo, with sweatpants or track pants and your finest white sneakers.
Lean into the style’s retro roots with Nike’s aptly titled Retro Coach Jacket, which features Nike’s big, orange original Swoosh on both the front right chest and across the back. It’s otherwise all-black with contrasting buttons and two big slant pockets. It isn’t nylon, though, but softer, tightly woven 100 percent cotton.
Fear of God’s sportswear slant stems from designer/found Jerry Lorenzo’s upbringing as the son of a professional baseball player (Jerry Manuel). Now, his high fashion brand makes a number of sport-friendly styles: flowing sweatpants, sneakers, a hell of a lot of hoodies, hats and, now, Coach Jackets, too. This one has cinched cuffs, an oversized collar and a standard nylon body.
Moonlighting as a tee-ball coach? Try this look on for size, but for less. Pro Club’s super-simple Coach Jacket costs less than post-game soft serve, and it’ll last quite a while, too. It’s the ideal shape and size, and it comes with all of the traditional features: a drawstring hem, cinched cuffs, front snaps and a normal-sized collar.
Uniqlo is a good place to start when you know the style it is you want but don’t like the price points you’ve seen thus far. Per usual, Uniqlo’s colorful Coach Jacket is sold for much less than competitors’ iterations, but the brand doesn’t make sacrifices in order to do so.
Dickies doesn’t just do workwear, but it does use those pieces as a starting point. The Oakport Coaches Jacket looks a lot like the iconic Ike Jacket, for example, but it deviates in terms of both shape and finishing touches. It’s slightly slouchier and the front features snap buttons, not a zipper. It’s also made from nylon, not cotton.
Do you favor all-black outfits and fresh-out-of-the-box Air Force 1s? Translated: Is your style more streetwear than not? Fashion brand Represent has the right Coach Jacket for you. It’s printed with the brand’s logo on both the front and back, but the front hit is tolerably small. That being said, if you like how it looks, there are matching pants.
While nylon coach jackets abound, fleece ones are harder to find. They’re less traditional, arguably even less practical — wind and rain will wreck them — but Gap does a good job of making one that looks good enough to ignore its technical inferiority.
Not a Nike fan? Adidas does a classic Coach Jacket, too, albeit without the retro flair. It’s a simple, black, nylon design with an Adidas logo on the chest and back, but it doesn’t have cinched cuffs or a drawstring hem.
Corduroy is a versatile material, but you rarely see it applied to sportswear. This corded Coach Jacket from Canadian sportswear brand Reigning Champ changes that, though. Sure, it won’t stand a chance on a rainy sideline, but the style crossed over plenty into the fashion sphere, and this is further proof.
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Made with recycled ripstop polyester fabric, this rugged duffel is weather-resistant and water-repellent. It’s perfect for a weekend getaway or more adventurous travels, and it really is made to last.
One of our favorite travel mugs you can buy, Zojirushi’s vacuum-insulated stainless steel mug comes in a whopping 24 color options. And right now, you can score it for a rare $9 off.
Unlike other popular sneakers, the Waffle Ones are usually in stock and sometimes even on sale. If you’re looking for a slim, stylish and comfortable shoe in the color of your choice, then these won’t disappoint.
Pelican makes one of the best small, hard-sided coolers around, and this 14-quart option is great for personal use. Plus, at 50% off, you won’t find a better price.
Two iconic brands, Huckberry and Danner, came together to create this rugged, handsome boot. With side panels made with waxed canvas from our favorite trucker jacket, this exclusive boot is worth the splurge, especially at $128 off.
The 19 Best Sofas and Couches For Every Budget and Style
Mid-century modern, contemporary and plenty of the classics, this list is your personal lookbook to the most important piece of furniture that’s not your bed.
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The couch is the centerpiece of a home. It’s a place you, guests and roommates are naturally drawn. Thus, a good couch pulls double duty: not only does it have to be comfortable, but it also has to look good. There are so many options when it comes to sofas whether it’s the fabric, style and size. Luckily, shopping for a new sofa is easier than ever. Instead of having to go to stores to buy a sofa, you can easily shop online for one that meets all of your needs. So whether you’re balling on a budget or not, these are the best sofas and couches to squeeze through the front door.
One of the most important factors for considering which sofa is best for you is by looking at what it’s made up — in particular, its upholstery. Your lifestyle and budget will likely dictate which sofa you’ll want, so here’s a quick rundown of some common sofa upholstery materials.
Leather: Quite possibly the most popular upholstery fabric, leather is durable and easy to maintain while adding a luxurious touch to your home. A good-quality leather should break in beautifully over time, developing a patina that’s unique to how you live and it’s suitable for heavy usage. On the downside, leather is quite expensive, can easily be punctured by sharp objects and may require a break-in period to soften up the leather. If interested, we’ve also covered the best leather couches on a budget.
Faux Leather: Imagine all of the goods of real leather sofas but for a cheaper price, and that’s the benefit of a faux leather sofa. However, it won’t last as long as real leather, so that initial lower price may not be worthwhile.
Polyester: Sofas upholstered in polyester are cheaper than their leather counterparts while being breathable, soft and easy to clean. The material, however, may stretch over time and create a sagging effect over the cushions.
Velvet: Velvet has a luxurious feel to it because of its super-soft texture and the way it reflects light, making it look like it’s glowing. Sofas available in velvet usually come in exceptionally beautiful colors you wouldn’t find in other upholstery materials, though some downsides to the material include its price and difficulty to clean.
Chenille: While not a type of material but rather a type of weave that can be made up of any combination of fabrics, chenille is a soft, fuzzy-like material that comes from the French word for “caterpillar” (because of its texture). The weave has a tendency to trap debris, the material can stretch over time and it’s hard to clean.
Olefin: Made from melted plastics that are fashioned into yarn, olefin is an incredibly strong material that’s resistant to staining. It’s typically reserved for outdoor furniture because of its resistance to natural elements.
Linen: A natural fiber you’d often find as a clothing material, linen is a smooth and strong upholstery material that has a highly desirable slubby texture. Cleaning linen is quite difficult, and the material is notorious for wrinkling.
Cotton: Cotton, in general, is a very popular material, and it’s a great fabric for upholstery. It comes in a wide variety of colors while being breathable and soft. On the other hand, it stains easily and absorbs liquids, which can cause bad odors over time.
Types
First off, “sofas” and “couches” are interchangeable terms. But there are different types of sofas (or couches) that you may need some help distinguishing. Here are some common sofa styles to know.
Traditional Sofa: A traditional, or standard sofa, can come in anywhere between six feet to eight wide, with either one, two or three seat cushions.
Loveseats: These two-seater sofas are good for those who live in small spaces or who want a traditional sofa at a cheaper price (with a little less sitting room). They can range between four feet and six feet wide.
Sectional: Sectionals are modular sofas that can be configured into an L or U shape to give you more seating space in your home. This is ideal for those with open floor plans or generally large living rooms.
Sleeper Sofa: A sleeper sofa is exactly what it sounds like: a sofa that you can sleep on. The sofa will recline or sit fully flat to double as a bed.
Futon: A futon is a type of sleeper sofa, but more specifically, it’s like a folded-up mattress that can be laid flat atop the sofa frame.
Styles
Sofas come in a bunch of shapes and sizes, but they can usually be broken down into one of the following design styles.
Mid-Century Modern: Defined by clean lines, a low profile and straight, tapered legs.
Modern: Encompasses mid-century modern — so includes a lot of the same ideas like clean lines and simple profiles — but also includes minimalist and Scandinavian design styles.
Lawson: A boxy style of sofa in which the back cushions are separate from the sofa back.
Chesterfield: Features rolled arms that are the same height as the back of the sofa.
Bridgewater: Has a low profile with low arms and detachable cushions.
Tuxedo: Typically a boxy shape with a non-detachable back cushion.
Camelback: Features a hump in the back, with the middle of the back of the sofa curving to its highest point before sloping downward to the arms.
Sizing
Determining how large or small you want your sofa to be depends on a lot of factors, and there’s no right answer for everyone. You will, of course, want to consider how many people will be sitting on it regularly. For example, a family of four might prefer a sectional, while someone who lives alone might go for a loveseat. You should also consider the space you have available and what style of sofa might better suit your needs. Someone living in a smaller space could go for a multifunctional sofa that can also serve as a bed for guests or has hidden storage. Purchasing a modular sofa is always a safe bet because you can configure it to fit your space and even add segments if you need to. Our biggest piece of advice is to be sure to check the dimensions before purchasing — because furniture can often seem bigger or smaller than it really is when purchased online.
Ability to choose the fabric and leg color as well as arm style
Cons
Not the most cushioned seating
Material: Olefin fabric
Options: 5 colors, 6 leg finishes and 3 arm styles
Burrow offers the best combination of all possible features in a couch or sofa that’s not wildly expensive. It’s sturdy, comfortable, customizable, modular and ships within a week of ordering. On top of that, its upholstery fabric is remarkably stain-resistant, there’s a charging cable built into it and its quietly mid-century aesthetic is pretty easy to fold into most living situations. It does all of this and keeps the price for a full-size, fully customized sofa just under $1,600.
Shipping is faster than most custom sofas at 6-7 weeks
Cons
You can get similar styles for less than $3,000
Material: Fabric or leather
Options: 8 sizes, 61 materials, 2 cushion styles and 2 leg finishes
Benchmade combines a massive array of customization options with sound build quality and, critically, relatively quick delivery. Made-to-order Benchmade sofas are made delivered between six to seven weeks after ordering them (compared to other custom sofas taking up to eight months), and the brand also has ready-to-ship models that will go out in two days (plus shipping time). The Catwalk sofa features generous cushion size and slim, airy legs. This combo makes for a cozy couch that doesn’t cramp your style.
Ability to change the sofa's size/shape and add sections
Removable, machine washable cover
Cons
Colors look slightly different in person, according to reviewers
Material: Tallmyra (cotton and polyester)
Options: 6 covers
One of Ikea’s many budget-minded sofa offerings, Finnala’s strength is modularity and the use of a cotton-poly blend rather than straight poly, like the more popular Vimle.
Back and arms of the couch are only 26 inches high
Material: Polyester and linen
Options: 2 colors
Midwestern, modern, original furniture for prices that are not completely eye-watering. That is a special combination of attributes, and Blu Dot’s Mono sofa is possibly the sneakiest value the brand offers. For under two grand, you get a maple hardwood frame, down- and feather-filled cushions and pillows and, as always, a very pleasing shape.
If affordability, size and a more contemporary aesthetics are priorities, this extremely affordable three-seat with chaise is worth considering. Cushioned armrests, color options and 101 inches of napping space for under $600 isn’t a bad deal.
Not kid- or pet-friendly (heavy stains require professional cleaning)
Only 2 color options
Material: Polyester and acrylic
Options: 2 colors
This beautifully textured bouclé loveseat is perfect for a secondary sofa or if you’re dealing with a smaller space. With a sleek, simple design, it’s a steal for less than $1,000 and on top of that, assembly is very minimal and hassle-free. The only downside is the limited color options of ivory and gray, and parents (pet parents included) should be aware that anything beyond treating small spots will likely require a professional cleaner.
Though Zinus is best known for its ultra-cheap mattresses, the company makes ultra-cheap sofas, too. The wood-frame Sunny Modern Sofa features tufted foam cushions, a 100-day trial period, free shipping (all in one box!) and a soft hit on the wallet. In short, it’s a nice first couch, and the perfect stand-in until you arrive at greener pastures.
Most direct-to-consumer furniture brands opt for generic sofa designs that appeal to as many people as possible, hence the wealth of mid-century modern, boho and “traditional” sofas on this list and in showrooms. Coddle’s sofa is chunky and cozy-looking while maintaining a clean shape, making it something of an outlier in a very crowded category. Like other DTC brands, though, it comes with features like modularity, USB plugs built-in and stain-fighting fabric.
You can feel the base beneath the cushions in certain spots
Material: Faux leather or linen
Options: 11 colors and armless version
This ridiculously cheap sofa probably won’t last a lifetime, but it’s the perfect stand-in until you get to upgrade. Oh, and what’s that? It converts into a bed? For under $400, this thing is a no-brainer.
Feather-filled cushions are heavy and require frequent fluffing
Material: Linen weave
Options: 148 special-order fabrics (in-stock options vary by delivery location)
The RH Cloud Sofa has always been a popular high-end sofa, but TikTok and Instagram helped to escalate its adoration, and it’s a hit among the celebrities. It all makes sense — sitting on the Cloud really feels like you’re sitting on a cloud (without plummeting from the sky). Enjoy supreme laid-back lounging and sink into a couch that’s as deep as the wallet it takes to afford it.
Cushions are very firm and don't allow for prolonged sitting
Material: Faux leather
Options: 5 colors
This is a luxurious sofa without a luxury sofa price tag. The faux leather makes this great for vegans (and those on a budget), plus it just looks really good. Subtle touches like hand-stitched corded edges and a tufted seat make us wonder why this isn’t double the price — oh wait, it’s because it’s Wayfair.
With more structure than the RH Cloud Sofa, Albany Park’s modular Kova Sofa offers a lot of flexibility to fit your space, while still being a beautiful statement piece. This sofa’s cushions are ultra deep for maximum comfort, and its simple yet sturdy design makes the sofa a breeze to set up for the first time. Plus, you can score a matching ottoman for some extra leg room.
At 22 inches deep, some reviewers say the seat is too shallow
Material: Polyester and nylon
Options: 3 configurations, 6 colors and 3 bases
Well-made, no-nonsense furniture that ships easily and looks just a touch different from everything else out there — that’s the quickest way to describe Floyd’s value proposition. Its sofa breaks down into a pile of very packable pieces. As such, it’s probably the most shipping friendly unit on the market. Thanks to a bench frame and armrests that double as pillows, it’s very much its own thing.
Options: 4 colors, 2 fabrics and a sectional version
Although the back of this couch doesn’t recline, it’s about as close as you’ll get to the coziness of a recliner with this classic style, thanks to the retractable foot rests beneath it. The Keating Collection comes in a variety of colors in an armchair, loveseat and sectional version — all with this game-changing detail. So kick your feet up and relax in style.
Narrow and short dimensions make it a better secondary sofa
Material: Polyester
Options: 4 colors
Very, very cheap furniture that looks decent and ships fast is Wayfair’s (the company at the wheel of AllModern) calling card. This sofa features a C-shaped body with a seat that seems to float on its own. Get this for its retro look and stay for the comfy seating.
You wouldn’t know by looking at it but this super chic loveseat is also a sleeper sofa. Unlike a lot of bulkier sleeper sofas, this one from CB2 is very simple to transform and doesn’t require you to pull it out from the wall.
Lots of customizable options, including colors, fabrics and legs
Available in sizes ranging from 2-8 seats with multiple configurations
Cons
Assembly can get complicated
Material: Fabric or leather
Options: 9 colors, 2 fabrics and 3 leg finishes
If you’re buying a non-modular sectional, then you’re furniture shopping wrong. Add seating if your household grows or change the orientation to conform to new living environments. Allform’s sofas are clean, classic and look similar to another recognizable direct-to-consumer brand.
The hefty Urban sofa from West Elm is as family-friendly of a couch as you can get. The plush top-grain leather cushions and solid pine hardwood frame can withstand your kids’ wrestling matches and days-long The Wire binges alike. Plus, any spills can be wiped away somewhat with ease.
Wayfair
Best Sofa with Storage
Kitsco Gunnar 85″ Wide Reversible Sleeper Sofa & Chaise
Assembly itself is not too difficult but may require extra tools
Cushions are very firm
Material: Polyester
Options: 5 colors
If you’re looking for a starter sofa that does it all, then look no further than this one from Wayfair. Not only can the couch easily convert into a bed for overnight guests, but the top of the chaise also lifts up to reveal internal storage. And this multifunctional sofa will only cost you a little over $700.
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According to spirits writer Chantal Martineau (How the Gringos Stole Tequila: The Modern Age of Mexico’s Most Traditional Spirit), most tequila should be sipped neat, preferably with a wine glass. But if you were to ignore her advice, today would be the day. After all, it’s National Margarita Day — and that means something to someone. If that’s you, then you’re going to need some good tequila to mix up your marg.
But what makes the ideal tequila for a margarita? There are a few traits you should look out for. For one — and this goes for all tequilas, whether they’re going into a cocktail or not — you’ll want to make sure that it’s made with 100 percent pure agave. This offers the purest flavor of the spirit and is a more premium product compared to the cheaper “mixto” tequilas that include as little as 51 percent agave with other cheaper ingredients tacked on. Those mixtos are a recipe for a hangover and should be avoided at all costs.
Next, of the three most common expressions of tequila on the market — blanco, reposado and añejo — we like to settle in the middle with a lightly aged reposado to bring the perfect amount of punch to our margs. Martineau agrees, saying, “I love making a margarita with a reposado. It brings more spice and an extra layer of flavor.”
Martineau specifically calls out Cimarron Reposado for margaritas and other cocktails, citing its flavor, quality and affordability. “I don’t know why it’s so cheap: it’s very well made by a prolific distiller,” she says. “Because it’s so mellow, it’s also the perfect pour for someone who thinks they’re not into tequila because of that one bad experience in college.”
Now that you’ve nailed down your tequila, you can still ruin a margarita by mixing your premium spirit with a bottle of pre-made marg mix. Eschew convenience and instead opt for fresh, premium ingredients by using the following recipe:
squeeze out 0.75 ounces of fresh lime juice (should be around 1-2 limes)
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If you’re looking to liven up your space ahead of spring without spending a fortune on new furniture and decor, we’d suggest a rug. Whether to bring a pop of color or tie together your existing style, a rug is a functional way to spruce up your space while also protecting your floors. And if you haven’t heard of Ruggable, then you’re missing out. The brand’s extensive collection of beautifully-patterned rugs are completely machine-washable, eliminating the need for professional rug cleaning or hassle-filled Sunday resets. And right now, you can score a rare 15 percent off sitewide and free shipping at Ruggable with the code PRES23 — but hurry before the sale ends today.
You can shop seemlingly countless options of the brand’s classic line of lightweight, low-pile rugs as well as its new premium medium-pile rugs for a little extra cushioning. Shop by color, shape, size and collection with the confidence that all are completely machine washable. (You can even check the care instructions and Ruggable will tell you what dimensions fit what size washing machine.) The brand also sells furniture, including washable chairs that feature machine-washable fabric.
Ruggable makes cleaning your rugs convenient and easy, and it doesn’t skimp on style either. Hurry before this rare discount ends, and consider joining the brand’s Spill Club for an even bigger discount of 20 percent plus other perks.
Running Around Los Angeles with HOKA’s New Everyday Shoe
We spent the day with Ja Tecson to test HOKA’s new shoe designed for city dwellers who love a last-minute adventure.
Presented ByHOKA
Published
·
Tackling everyday life can sometimes be all you need to work up a sweat. From work to family to passion projects, balancing it all can be a sport in itself. The new HOKA Transport is geared toward those who want a shoe that’s capable of tackling a busy day’s to-do list and is also ready for a quick run, hike, or whatever other physical exercises you can squeeze in. The Transport lives at the intersection of lifestyle and performance and to test it we spent the day attempting to keep up with Ja Tecson.
Ja Tecson, Runner & Photographer
Gear Patrol Studios
Ja Tecson is an artist, husband, father, and runner living in Los Angeles, CA. His life often feels like a sport that he has learned to accept and appreciate. “There are so many challenges and obstacles that come from work, parenthood, training, and recovery,” he says. “The magic is learning to balance or juggle it all while falling in love with that process every day.” Tecson runs 6 times a week, strength trains 2-3 times a week in between school drop off and picking up his kids, planning date nights with his wife, and, taking pictures for personal work and clients. In his words, he is “living the dream”, so who better to test out the new HOKA shoe designed to run, bike, hike, and commute than the man who seems to do it all.
Q: How important is it to do something active every day?
Ja Tecson: I understand that life is short. I feel a high every time I train or do something for myself. It could be the hardest kettlebell workout, a 3-mile recovery run, a bike around the neighborhood with my camera, or just running around with my kids and playing volleyball in the backyard. Every high is different and you just have to try and find out what works for you. Just have fun at the end of the day.
Q: Any advice for squeezing in a run or a brief hike?
JA: Wherever you are in life, just do things a day at a time. Run with friends or with a run club in your city. Just getting out in nature by yourself is so freeing. Whatever the goal is, we can get in our own heads about gaining momentum and we stop ourselves in our own tracks for no reason at all. You gotta change it up and have fun with it.
Q: What is your typical workday like?
JA: I’ve always preached to do work that you love. Fortunately, at this point in my career, I love shooting any subject matter that has meaning and depth. This is a lifestyle that has brought adventure to my life. Right now, I’m inside a coffee shop people watching, while also creatively writing for my next personal project. Tomorrow, I’m directing and shooting children’s portraits for a non-profit hip-hop organization called Culture Shock Los Angeles. Tomorrow I’m going to walk around with my dad around LA and just shoot film with no particular creative brief but to spend time and explore the city. I love the unpredictability of work. It gives me life.
Q: Talk to us about your style and balancing comfort and looks with what you wear? What’s your strategy here?
JA: I love layers, tonal or monochromatic tones, one-of-a-kind heritage pieces, and comfort. You know when you try it on and it feels right. I think just like a lot of things, when you find out why certain designers made certain pieces, you appreciate and become a fan of their work. Clothing can become like art in that way from simple to loud pieces. This is how I try to have fun with it.
JA: In my neighborhood from Silver Lake to Frogtown.
Q: What is your favorite thing to shoot in LA?
JA: Anything that makes me want to pull over while I’m driving, biking, or running.
Q: How did you find the transport shoes?
JA: Clean design. Very comfortable shoe. Easy to style with.
Gear Patrol Studios
HOKA Transport
The ideal shoe for your every day no matter what you have planned. Designed with lifestyle and performance in mind, this commuter-friendly shoe is jam-packed with features to keep you comfortable all day long. The quick-toggle laces allow you to easily slide in and out at a moment’s notice while the 360 degrees of reflectivity keep you safe when the sun goes down. The shoe employs a 30 percent sugarcane EVA midsole, a Vibram® EcoStep Natural outsole that uses 90 percent oil-free components, and Cordura® RE/CORETM with 100% rPET. It’s a city-savvy shoe with performance in mind so you can adventure anywhere and everywhere.
Two crossovers will join the Lyriq. And we may have spotted one of them.
Cadillac
Per Automotive News, two of the new Cadillac electric vehicles will be crossovers. One will be a large crossover that slots above the midsize Lyriq. The other will be a smaller compact crossover that slots below the Lyriq. The SUVs are unlikely to replace their combustion counterparts
Autoblog obtained spy shots of what appears to be the larger Cadillac crossover doing testing in camouflage. The vehicle appears to be more of a three-row XT6 crossover-like EV than an Escalade EV. And it looks as though it will share some design language with the Lyriq.
The new SUVs should ultimately replace their combustion XT counterparts. But the XT models may be sold concurrently until the end of their model runs.
Broadening the lineup will presumably coincide with Cadillac expanding its EV production capacity; Cadillac only delivered 122 Lyriqs in 2022.
One of the new SUVs will be the electric Escalade
Cadillac
Automotive News says the electric Escalade will launch in 2024. It may be branded the Escalade IQ. An electric counterpart to the extended-wheelbase Escalade ESV, the Escalade IQL, will follow in 2025.
But will all of these electric SUVs carry Cadillac branding?
Cadillac
An anonymous GM source told Car and Driver that GM is considering branching out Escalade (along with Corvette) into a separate brand. That report also noted the possibility of a large Esacalde-branded crossover.
Right now, you can pick up the 2022 Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro for $200 off the retail price at Amazon, dropping it down from $1,799 to just $1,599 — making this the lowest price we’ve ever seen on it thus far.
This iPad Pro features the Apple M2 chip for unmatched performance, a Liquid Retina XDR display and Face ID for security and Apple Pay. It also has a couple of the best cameras you can get on a portable device (12MP Wide and Extra Wide, as well as a 10MP Ultra Wide back camera), plus immersive augmented reality capability (courtesy of onboard LiDAR). And it’s all supported by a massive (for a tablet) 1TB hard drive, offering plenty of storage for all your apps, pictures and even movies.
Zojirushi’s travel mug is excellent — it’s consistently one of the best travel mugs we’ve tested. The obvious and more ubiquitous strengths include its vacuum insulation and multi-walled body, but it’s the smaller details that set it apart: The lid, for one, won’t spill or drip its liquid cargo even if dropped, knocked over or placed upside down. It’s also slim enough to fit in the cup holder of your car which, strangely enough, isn’t the norm.
Right now, you can save almost 30 percent on the 16-ounce mug, bringing the price down to just over $21. And if you’re really set on getting a fancy colorway, there are a number of options all in a comparable price range. In fact, the champagne gold one (arguably the showiest) doesn’t even break the $26 barrier. If you’re in need of a new travel mug, don’t pass this deal up.
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It was virtually impossible to buy a webcam just a few years ago (in 2020) when the avalanche of video calls made many of us realize just how bad our computers’ built-in webcams actually were.
Fortunately, the price spikes and shortages are now (mostly) over, and right now you can quite easily get a great external webcam for a reasonable price. And you’re going to want to do so because video conferences and remote work don’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon.
For anybody with a laptop or desktop that’s more than two years old (from 2020 or before), chances are that its built-in webcam isn’t very good. That’s because up until the pandemic, when people started working remotely and taking more video calls, it just wasn’t a high priority for manufacturers. A lot of older computers have a webcam that’s capable of capturing a 720p image (or worse), which frankly isn’t very good.
Now that we live in a hybrid working world and video conference calls are a common practice, a good webcam has become rather important. Instead of replacing your entire computer to get one with a solid webcam, you can just an external webcam. It’s the cheaper option. Plus, many of today’s external webcams are higher quality and have unique features than the built-in webcams of new computers.
What to Look for
4K, 2K or 1080p resolution: Most older desktops and laptops have built-in webcams with not-so-great resolution — think 720p or less. So when you upgrade to an external webcam, you typically have the choice of resolution. The higher-resolution webcams are, as you’d expect, more expensive.
Make sure it’s compatible with your computer: Not every webcam works with every computer, which is why when researching which to buy you want to make sure it’s compatible with your Mac or Windows PC. Some webcams have companion apps that allow you to customize various settings, such as frame rate, resolution, brightness and more. And if these companion apps aren’t available on your computer, then you’re not going to get the most out of your webcam.
Field of view (FOV): This is simply how much of you — and your background — the webcam captures and keeps in frame. Typically, a webcam’s FOV can range from 60 degrees to over 100 degrees. The wider the FOV, the more that the webcam is able to capture. Some webcams allow you to switch between several FOVs, too, which is usually done via companion software.
Built-in microphone and speakers: There are quite a few webcams that are designed as all-in-one solutions, meaning they also come with built-in microphones and speakers. This tends to jack up the price of the webcam and can be unnecessary (and inconvenient) if you already have external speakers or an external microphone that you already use.
The more features, the higher the price: Each webcam is a little different. They have different design features, such as privacy shutters, built-in mic, speakers and lighting. Additionally, there are some webcams that have special features for zoom, pan and tracking. And some have companion software that allows you to adjust things like lighting, ISO, shutter speed and more.
How We Tested
Tucker Bowe
There have been a lot of new webcams released in the last few years (in large part due to the fact that there are more remote workers who need them) and we do our best to test the best and most popular ones. When testing a webcam, we judge a number of things including its ease of use, picture quality, software and features, whether it has an integrated speaker or mic (which can sometimes be a good or not-so-good thing), and its compatibility with various video conferencing apps. Below, you’ll find our favorites or 2023. This list will continue to change and be updated as new webcams hit the market.
Connectivity: USB-A (comes with USB-A to USB-C adapter)
Optimized apps: Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype for Business
Compatibility: Mac or Windows
Dell’s UltraSharp Webcam is a true 4K webcam (a rarity) that connects to your computer via USB-C. You can adjust the resolution and the frame rates of the captured video — it can capture 4K at 30fps or 24 fps, and 1080p video at up to 60fps — and it also has some neat AI tricks to keep you in frame and in focus. It’s certified to work with most video conferencing apps, including Zoom and Microsoft Teams. The only real downside is that, considering its fairly steep price, it still lacks a built-in mic.
Optimized apps: Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Hangouts
Compatibility: Mac or Windows
Released at the tail-end of 2022, the Logitech Brio 500 is one of the company’s newest webcams and it’s effectively an updated version of the company’s C922 Pro, which was previously one of our favorites. The Brio delivers similar picture quality — 1080p at 30 fps or 720p at 60 fps — but has some nice upgrades. Specifically, it has a new ultra-wide lens and some more advanced autofocusing capabilities to help keep you in frame. But the neatest thing about the Brio 500 is its new cylindrical design, which integrates a rotating privacy shutter that you can manually open and shut as you see fit. It also does come with a built-in microphone, in case you were looking to kill two birds with one stone. All in all, the Brio 500 is a great all-around option for those who don’t quite want to dish out the extra cash for a true 4K option.
The Logitech Brio 500.Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol
You have to learn gestures and features to get the most out of this webcam
Resolution: up to 4K (at 24, 25 or 30fps)
FOV: 67 or 79.5 degrees (fixed)
Connectivity: USB-C
Optimized apps: Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype
Compatibility: Mac or Windows
The Insta360 Link is a seriously awesome webcam. It’s a 4K camera that rests on a three-axis gimbal, which allows it to pan left and right, up and down, and track your movement so that you stay in focus and in frame. It also has several other AI-based abilities that make it even more versatile. There’s a “whiteboard” mode for presentations, a “portrait” mode that gives you a 9:16 crop for better mobile viewing, and there’s even an “overhead” mode where the webcam tilts downward and gives a top-down view of your desk.
Optimized apps: Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet
Compatibility: Mac or Windows
The Logitech Brio 300 is one of our new favorite budget-friendly webcams. It’s basically half the price of the Logitech Brio 500 (above), but delivers basically the same exact 1080p picture. The difference between the two is that the Brio 300 lacks the same quality built-in microphone and fancy auto-tracking capabilities. Plus it obviously has a different and more compact design, although it still has a really neat privacy shutter that you can manually rotate open and shut.
Optimized apps: Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, Skype
Compatibility: Mac or Windows
You can think of this as the upgraded version of the (now antiquated) Logitech C920S Pro HD, as it has a similar horizontal design, an L-shaped mounting clip and an attachable privacy cover. The big difference is that it’s one of the few webcams that is capable of capturing 4K video. It supports premium features like autofocus, auto light adjustment and motion tracking with high dynamic range. And you can choose between three different-field of-views (65, 78 and 90 degrees) via the companion app. It also has a surprisingly good integrated microphone. The only real downside (but not really considering you can spend a lot more on a webcam) is that it’s far from cheap.
The Logitech StreamCam was released in 2021 making it one of the company’s older webcams now. But it’s still a great all-around option, especially because it’s frequently discounted. The webcam shoots 1080p video (at up to 60fps) and connects to your computer via USB-C. It was designed with streamers in mind as it works with companion software that gives you a lot of customization options; you can adjust the usual features like picture resolution, frame rate, exposure and autofocus, but you can also easily add effects like filers or text overlays. It even comes with two mounts — one that works for your computer or monitor and another that works as a standalone tripod — so you can use it in several different ways.
Optimized apps: Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype for Business
Compatibility: Mac or PC
The Dell Pro Webcam is a newer and more budget-friendly version of the company’s UltraSharp Webcam (above). It has pretty much the same exact cylindrical design, but it maxes out at 2K (which is still slightly better than 1080p) instead of 4K. The other slight trade-off is that the Pro Webcam rests slightly lower on your monitor and the mounting system isn’t quite as adjustable. The good news is that the Pro Cam actually has a built-in microphone — which the UltraSharp Webcam lacks — and it’s nowhere near as expensive.
Optimized apps: Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype
Compatibility: Mac or Windows
The Elgato Facecam is a fan-favorite webcam among streamers because it lacks autofocus (so there’s no need to worry about strange autofocus issues) and there’s no integrated mic, which is helpful because most streamers use their own external microphone anyway. That said, the Facecam captures an impressive 1080p picture (thanks to its high-quality Sony sensor) and its companion software gives you some DSLR-like controls, like the ability to adjust ISO, exposure and shutter speed.
All-in-one solution with integrated speakers, microphone and glow light
Works with most video conferencing apps
Cons
Requires a separate power source
It's huge
Quite expensive
Resolution: 2K (at 30fps)
FOV: 65, 78 or 95 degrees
Connectivity: USB-C
Optimized apps: Zoom, Skype, Google Hangout, Microsoft Teams
Compatibility: Mac or Windows
The AnkerWork B600 Video Bar is unique because it’s an all-in-one solution. It’s a 2K webcam that packs its own speakers, microphones, glow light and shutter. If you’re somebody who already has a good external microphone and speaker system, then you probably need to spend this much on a non-4K webcam. But if you want a device that can solve all your work-from-home needs, this is the package.
“You look tired.” We’ve all heard it before, whether it was said to us or a friend. But what does it really mean? Your hair is a little unkempt? There are dark circles under your eyes? Maybe your skin’s a little dull? No matter what they might’ve meant, it’s hard to hear the comment without acknowledging its negative connotations.
But is there any truth to “looking tired?” Is that even a thing? According to dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo MD FAAD, yes it is — and studies have shown those who get less sleep are ultimately seen as less attractive.
“A 2013 study published in the journal Sleep found that people who had been sleep-deprived were seen as having more wrinkles, more dark circles under eyes, puffier and sagging upper eyelids, duller skin and more downward turn of the corners of their mouths,” Dr. Ciraldo says. “Another study from Sweden showed photos of the same people, either after a good night’s sleep or after 5 hours of sleep. When the very same people had less sleep the observers rated them as less attractive and less healthy in appearance. This is probably because when we sleep our skin and other organs undergo cellular DNA repair. When we miss the full cycle of this nightly repair mechanism we actually look worse the next day.”
A-ha! So I guess folks’s backhanded concerns were warranted all along. We really do look different when we get less sleep. But Dr. Ciraldo says there are a few easy ways to halt these changes before they even happen.
How to Look Less Tired
First, she says you should “start to sleep at least seven, preferably eight hours every night.” Easy enough. She argues there’s nothing that will help reduce the prevalence of tired eyes or bags like getting longer, better night’s sleep. But she says you could also “change your pillowcase often since our pillow case collects dust mites that can get rubbed into skin and worsen appearance of eye skin and wrinkles; use a satin or silk pillowcase; sleep on a couple of pillows if you are prone to puffy eyes since gravity will lessen morning puffiness; [and] massage and/or apply ice to facial or eye puffiness if you have this in the morning.”
Sure, these steps might make your bed look a little weird or add a few extra steps to your morning routine, but they’re well worth it when you consider what you could look like completely refreshed. As it is with most things, though, skincare isn’t just about, well, skincare. It’s about the products you do or do not apply, yes, but it’s clearly about the kind of sleep you get, what you’re eating and drinking and doing during the day, too.
“For most of us, alcohol will worsen or sometimes even create dark circles in the AM,” Dr. Ciraldo adds. Late nights and drinking typically go hand in hand, and that’s a hellish combination for your skin. But there’s a surprising drink Dr. Ciraldo says is proven to make less of an impact. “If you are prone to these, try to drink white wine spritzers instead of straight alcohol or red wine.”
Cutting alcohol, she says, helps — not only now but in the long run, too.
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