Road Trip Ready: Cruising into Spring with new shoes from Deckers X Lab

We are back again with another footwear review from Deckers – a brand that is likely unknown to many, but is really rooted in running culture.

“Jean-Luc Diard, Global VP of Innovation for Deckers, and his team are responsible for the creation of DeckersXLab. Jean-Luc has a lifetime of experience in the sport industry. For many years, he was the CEO of Salomon, a leading athletic equipment company, where he devised the brand’s design center and redefined its core identity. Shortly after, he founded a start-up called HOKA ONE ONE. It began with his desire as a runner to have better cushioning and stability through an oversized outsole. The company is now owned by Deckers Brands. Through his passion for outdoor sports, drive for innovation, and endless need for improvement, Jean-Luc started DeckersXLab on a path to change the footwear industry.”

So while most runners may not be dialed into the Deckers world, the running technology and planning the utilize in their more casual footwear line is no stranger to us.

See all our posts on Deckers here!

The Deckers Lab brings an additional layer into the design mix.  Here’s s description of the idea they are operating from:

Creativity is the act of combining two things that nobody put together before. Craft perfects the seams in-between.  Done right, the combinational result is not addition. THIS+THAT = THISTHAT. THIS+THAT = SOMETHING TOTALLY NEW. New is why Deckers Lab exists. New must have its own place to fail until it succeeds. And to succeed, new must clear a new bar. New must be:

• Engineered for ultimate performance.
• Designed for everyday ultra comfort and timeless elegance.
• Built for a better and cleaner planet.

And most importantly, it must make something new in you when you put it on.

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X-SCAPE RDSTR ($140)

X-SCAPE RDSTR = COMMUTE X ADVENTURE READY

Looks:

I am really enjoying this option from Deckers. What even sets it apart from some of the other styles we have reviewed are that it is more “socially acceptable” in public. Now, I am not about to be constricted by societal expectations of footwear (because, let’s be real, wear whatever makes you happy), but the classic styling visual that the X-SCAPE RDSTR provides really makes this more about the fit and feel than a fashion statement.

The RDSTR comes in six color stylings. We reviewed the Rust version – which is a standard brown colorway. Across their lineup, all options tend towards muted and subdued tones. Even the most “flashy” option, Pink, maintains a low-key take on a salmon colorway, avoiding an overtly bold or in-your-face aesthetic.

Function & Fit:

While the RDSTR’s primary purpose isn’t for running, it’s a fact of life that we can’t always be pounding the pavement. Ensuring our feet stay happy and supported during downtime is essential for maintaining our ability to tackle miles when we lace up our running shoes.

The RDSTR offers a versatile casual option that seamlessly transitions from the track to the streets. Designed with a structure akin to a running shoe, it boasts a Sugarcane EVA Midsole and Meta-Rocker, common features found in many running shoes, promoting a forward-moving stride.

Additional padding on the tongue, including double foam, ensures a secure fit without the need for overly tight laces. While some may desire a bit more security at the top, particularly for casual strolls, the RDSTR excels in its intended purpose of providing comfortable walking footwear.

Construction:

The RDSTR’s construction is noteworthy, prioritizing nature-made materials wherever feasible. As mentioned earlier, the midsole utilizes Sugarcane, while the upper consists of Sorona, a biobased microfiber, embellished with pads of ECOTAN leather in the tongue and heel. For traction, the outsole is crafted from natural gum rubber, 30% of which is recycled. Additionally, the removable insoles incorporate cork, providing both support and extra cushioning with every step.

With a 26mm/20mm drop (6mm), this construction provides ample cushioning for walking, far surpassing the comfort of typical casual footwear.

Overall:

I am really enjoying this option from Deckers. What even sets it apart from some of the other styles we have reviewed are that it is more “socially acceptable” in public. Now, I am not about to be constricted by societal expectations of footwear (because, let’s be real, wear whatever makes you happy), but the classic styling visual that the X-SCAPE RDSTR provides really makes this more about the fit and feel than a fashion statement.

Couple that with the great fit and comfort within, and you have a shoe that I don’t have much bad to say about.

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MAX 40 SPSK Tall ($275)

MAX 40 SPSK TALL = WINTER WARRIOR BOOT

Looks:

I received the SPSK TALL boot in a black and white combo and they look sort of like a cross between a casual high-top skater-style pair of Vans and a heavy-duty snow boot, which I think is the whole point. The sole is thick and the back of the shoe juts out a bit like an ice skate, which really helps keep you upright and stable in your footing.

The black and white option is is the only colorway in the SPSK TALL boot, but there is a tan/taupe color in the SPSK MID, which is shorter.

Function & Fit:

It’s really no wonder why the Deckers website calls the SPSK the “Winter Warrior Boot.” These are some legit boots! These are designed to be warm and to protect you from all cold weather conditions. The Vibram outsole is extra grippy on the ground, which is helpful when it’s slick. They would have come in handy during our January ice storm and I’m looking forward to taking them with me in a few weeks to Bend to play in the snow.

This boot is not only great for a winter boot option, but it’s also functional as a performance sneaker. I’m often at a loss for what to wear if I’m doing a snowshoe race or some other athletic endeavor in the snow, and this boot takes care of that problem. The multi-dimensional grooves make them a good hiking condidate and it’s cushy like a HOKA (which is not surprising since HOKA is a part of the Deckers X Lab family.) Surprisingly, even with that hefty sole,  the boot is surprisingly light, which is a great bonus for the difficult task of trekking through snow.

The boot’s ankle is high and snug against your skin so you’ll be protected from the elements in the cold. However, the foot itself has plenty of room for you to stretch out your toes. This style is anatomic and gender-specific.  Additionally, these are so warm that Deckers X Lab recommends you try to wear these barefoot.

Construction:

The interior of this boot is lined with 10mm of sheepskin, so it’s extra snuggly and cozy. The exterior of the boot is a suede and a ballistic nylon mix and they are weatherproof as a good winter boot should be. The oversized ground platform helps aid in stability and the midsole made of super foam brings in the the extra comfort. They are also bit easier to get on than many other high-top boots thanks to the ultra-sized rear pull tab.

Overall:

The SPSK is a great boot for hiking in the cold. And though the goal isn’t to impress people when your sole purpose is to try to stay warm, it’s nice that these look really stylish too!