Sneakerboots? Ever heard of them? Well then it’s time to get familiar with Forsake. I’ve covered Forsake at Outdoor Retailer in years past, and was struck by their sneaker-like designs melded with hiking boot DNA. Well, for the 2016 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, I got to wear a pair of the Forsake Banks sneakerboots every day on the show floor for a quick test. So, did they stand up to the rigors of all-day, endless walking of convention center aisles? First the details.
The Forsake Banks feature:
- Quick drying upper materials
- Moisture wicking mesh lining
- Metal lacing hardware
- Die-cut EVA midsole
- Nylon shank Peak-to-Pavement™ lug design
The first thing that struck me about the Banks is the look. My wife calls them “hipster” shoes. I think they look “classic.” These shoes have a very old-school feel, and are quite funky with the denim-colored canvas paired with leather and bright orange highlights. Clearly, these shoes will be appropriate just about anywhere you choose to wear them around town, and will work with just about any clothing choice.
At the Salt Palace Convention Center, I walked the hard floors all day for three days, plus cruised the sidewalks around downtown Salt Lake City and found the Banks to be extremely comfortable. In past OR shows, I always came home foot sore. But the Banks are super cushy. Plus, considering that they were brand new, just out of the box when I wore them for miles of walking all day, it’s remarkable that I never got a hint of pain in my feet. No blisters, hot spots whatsoever. These shoes need no break-in time: they are good to go right out of the box and go to work for your feet immediately.
Outside the Salt Palace, temperatures were in the mid 90s, so making my way through town was a hot ordeal. But the Forsake Banks kept my feet nice and cool. Breathability is surprisingly awesome for a leather and canvas shoe, thanks to the moisture-wicking mesh lining. It really works and I was super impressed at how comfortable and dry my feet stayed all day long.
Since the Forsake Banks are “sneakerboots,” I look forward to testing them on actual hikes in the Wasatch Mountains. But based on my Outdoor Retailer test, (which in some ways is more arduous than a gnarly trail) I’m confident that these shoes will perform quite well. Stability is top notch in the sole, and a bit of webbing that connects the shoe to the laces provides a snug fit that helps lock the heel down.
The Good: Classic look, very comfortable, good breathability, true to size.
The Bad: Style may turn off some outdoorsy types, but I find nothing wrong with how these shoes function.
Final Word: The Forsake Banks are damn fine. Sneakers meet boots is right. These shoes will get you where you are going in comfort and style, whether trekking at an Outdoor Retailer convention, or hiking the local trails.