Vasque’s Ambitious Latest Release, Here, Is a New Kind of Everyday Shoe

One unexpected reverberation from the pandemic is that it changed outdoor footwear forever. During the lockdown, when one of the few activities left to be enjoyed was getting outside and back to nature, folks took to their local trails and recreational spots wearing whatever they had in laying around — like a pair of bouncy running shoes.

Brands across the outdoor industry took note, and lately we’ve seen a number of adventure-ready shoes with a decidedly fitness-inspired aesthetic. The latest brand to join the movement is Vasque, with its brand-new Re:connect Collection.

The first shoes of the collection to launch are the Here family: the Here Low and Here Mid. The Here utilizes lightweight, sustainable materials and is oriented around walking — it’s not a technical trail runner, it’s not a hiking shoe and it’s not your standard running shoe. The Here is really geared toward moving outside, whether that’s strolling to your local coffee shop or walking around the lake at camp.

Vasque

What did Vasque do differently with Here?

Beyond its intent and aesthetics, both of which are a departure for the hiking brand, the Here Low and Mid each feature elements that differ from the typical Vasque style. The Here family is built on an anatomical last — the shoe wraps around the foot for a secure fit that allows you to move confidently.

The upper is an ultra-breathable mesh that, while comfortable and cooling, is definitely not made for wet weather; it’s so breathable that if you wear colorful socks with these shoes, you’ll see them through the mesh. That means as much water has the potential to get in, as heat does out. The tongue is thin and meant to be form-fitting, cutting down on potential hot spots whilst walking. The XLite outsole’s lugs are designed for enhanced, micro multi-directional traction, so you can easily transition from sidewalk to trail.

Vasque

What does all this mean? The Here is built to walk, comfortably, in both rugged and urban outdoor environments. It’s not meant to be a running or long-distance hiking shoe, but if you’re looking for something comfortable, capable and more stylish than a typical walking shoe, this is it.

First Impressions of the Here Low

I’ve been walking in the Here Low for a couple of months now, and I have lots of thoughts.

First, it’s as comfortable as advertised — I’ve walked in these for hours at a time and never felt foot fatigue or hot spots. The outsole is just grippy enough to handle slick surfaces as well as rough ones, and the shoe looks good enough that it fits in just about anywhere (or anywhere I go, anyway).

Vasque

The thin-ness of the tongue is a double-edged sword: while it’s comfortable, it also has a tendency to get bunched up unless the laces are loosened to an extreme degree while putting the shoe on. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it is annoying.

I live in Southern California, so for me the ultra-breathable mesh upper isn’t an issue; in fact, it’s been quite comfortable during the late summer heat. But for someone who lives in a wet or cold environment, these won’t be your winter shoe of choice.

I like the aesthetic and athletic cues of the shoe; the Here Low especially feels like the ideal merger of fitness and outdoor styles. Although it’s not the most technical shoe in my arsenal, for everyday wear I find myself reaching for it above other options — even some with more features on their resume. Sometimes a product doesn’t need to be super technical to be successful — it’s successful if you want and choose to wear it, and in this case, Vasque hit the mark.

You can find Vasque’s Here collection today on the brand’s site, in both men’s and women’s versions and Low and Mid styles.

Vasque

Vasque Re:connect Here Low

• $130.00 at vasque.com

Vasque

Vasque Re:connect Here Mid

• $5.00 at vasque.com
  $150.00 (97% off)

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