Auri Desert Rat Shoe : A Step Ahead

I've always lamented the fact that most men's shoes in this country are pretty conservative. What's a guy to do who wants a little color in his life?

Well, if you can't afford a trip to Europe, where you can find plenty of funky and fancy colored shoes, you can check out Auri, a new footwear company that's trying to step up the fun in footwear.

Their Desert Rat Shoe, which is actually categorized as a boot on their web site, is a casual, ultra-comfortable mix of a trail shoe, tennis shoe, and urban sneaker. The rubber sole has decent treads that provides traction, it's thick enough to protect my feet from impact, and it has gel padding in the heel and forefoot. The Desert Rat also has a molded nylon shank through the arch and a heel stabilizer, so I get the stability I want in a shoe that's lighter in weight than most of my trail shoes. All of these technical features mean that I can spend a lot more time on my feet, pounding the pavement, because my feet don't get sore or fatigued.

I appreciate the removable insole, so I can use my own custom-made footbed. I also love the heal and toe protectors that take the abuse so the gorgeous Italian suede uppers stay bright and bold. Most of all, I love the simple, stylish design of this shoe. No gimmicks, no strips, nothing extra.

The low profile eight hole lacing system is a nice touch--it gives the shoe an elegance and separates it from clunky trail shoes or flashy athletic shoes. The laces are black, with tiny specks of white, an appealing contrast to the deep red suede. I was surprised that I liked the tapered toebox. I have a wide foot, and usually go for shoes with round toe boxes, but the Desert Rat is designed to accommodate feet while preserving style. My shoe is plenty wide enough, and fits where it needs to fit. The shoe runs a bit long to allow for the tapering. So, my feet get the room they need, and the shoe keeps its good looks.

Colors: Chocolate, Olive, Red, Black (smooth leather), Chocolate in smooth leather.

Sizes: 8.5-14 (At this point, Auri only makes men's shoes.)

Bottom Line: What a winner. I love my new red Rats. Finally, an urban shoe with energy and elegance that's great with casual wear, perfect for all-purpose vacation use, and a step ahead of the rest.

Price : $169.99

Manufacturer's Site: www.aurifootwear.com

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