Emerging Gear: Hands-Free Nikes, Designer Chacos, iPhone Tripod, and More

Never bend over to tie your laces again. Nike just dropped a hands-free shoe. The Go FlyEase ($120) folds open like an envelope and hinges closed when you apply pressure to the “kickstand” heel. Nike says the shoe’s design process was influenced by “input from the disability community.” Adaptive shoes that still have that signature Nike style? Awesome.

Chaco has formed plenty of unique partnerships over the years, but these limited-edition sandals ($105) are the product of the brand’s first international collaboration. U.K.-based retailer Outsiders Store brings its reverence for classic British 4×4 vehicles to the equation, and the result is a new Z/1 sandal with eye-catching straps. The gridded pattern across the straps is meant to represent the grilles and lamp covers found in classic British all-terrain vehicles.

Maurice Lacroix is a Swiss luxury watch manufacturer known primarily for its high-end Masterpiece series. The Aikon #tide ($750-925) is a departure from the brand’s traditional design sense, and it’s made from “upcycled ocean-bound” plastic bottles. The funky-lookin’ timepiece is water-resistant to 10 ATM and comes with a rubber strap.

These sporty sunnies do not go unnoticed. We recently wore a pair during a weekend of rock climbing, and we were often greeted by friends with an enthusiastic “What are those?!” Goodr’s WRAP G ($45) is lightweight, supremely colorful, and impressively affordable. Plus, the anti-fog coating really works. We breathed directly on the lenses in an attempt to obscure the clarity, and the condensation consistently cleared up within seconds.

Honey Stinger made its name with classic stroopwafel-style energy snacks. Now, the brand rolls out an “adult candy bar.” The Nut + Seed Bar ($33 per 12-pack) is made from a nut butter core that’s covered in caramel and rolled in crunchy nuts and seeds. The GearJunkie team recently brought a pack of them on a camping trip. True to the “candy bar” tradition, these morsels are salty, sweet, and downright tasty. Each bar offers 14 g of protein.

Crocs have been around for over 20 years, and their popularity certainly isn’t waning. This collaboration pairs the iconic foam footwear brand with Awake NY, a clothing label that aims to “capture the unique cultural spirit of New York City.” The resulting Crocs ($70) look like Jackson Pollock wore them as he composed Lavender Mist. Decorative Jibbitz and a charm that reads “AWAKE” adorn every pair.

Back in 1915, Ansel Adams hauled over 30 pounds of camera gear into the backcountry just to snap some photos of the American West. Now, most people’s photography needs are satisfied by an iPhone. The Sandmarc Pro Edition Tripod ($200) is designed to support the creative pursuits of smartphone photographers and filmmakers. It has a maximum height of 63 inches, so users can capture footage from elevated angles. Fully collapsed, the tripod is 15 inches long. It’s available to preorder now.

If you’re reading this, you probably aren’t drinking enough water. Many people claim that the convenience of a straw helps them stay hydrated. The Takeya Sure-Grip Glass Water Bottle ($26) comes with a built-in straw and a large finger loop that practically beckons for you to take a sip. To maximize durability, the Sure-Grip bottle is made from “shock-resistant borosilicate glass” and comes with a removable silicone bumper.