Reviews

Blister's 2019 casual shoe and boot roundup

Casual Shoe & Boot Roundup — 2019

December 2, 2019 by Luke Koppa

While we love to talk about the newest and most technical footwear, we spend most of our time in much more casual shoes and boots. The good news is that we’re continuing to see casual-looking shoes that are more comfortable, more versatile, and / or more environmentally sustainable, and you can check out our roundup for several of our favorite men’s and women’s options.

Jonathan Ellsworth & Eric Freson review the Salomon S/Max 130 and Salomon S/Max 130 Carbon for Blister

2021-2022 Salomon S/Max 130 and S/Max 130 Carbon

July 18, 2022December 1, 2019 by Jonathan Ellsworth

Blister reviewer, Eric Freson, spent most of last season skiing the Salomon S/Max 130 & S/Max 130 Carbon, and he offers his take on the two boots, how they differ, and where he thinks they excel.

2019-2020 Kastle MX99

January 3, 2020November 29, 2019 by Luke Koppa

We recently received the Kastle MX99, and this ski has many of us at Blister very, very excited. Check out our First Look to see why.

2020 Trek Fuel EX

November 27, 2019 by Banks Kriz

This year Trek overhauled their most popular Trail bike, the Fuel EX, and we’ve started spending time on the Fuel EX 9.8 XT. Check out our First Look and initial on-trail impressions.

Kelsey Opstad reviews the Spark R&D Women's Surge Pro Splitboard binding for BLISTER

2019-2020 Spark R&D Women’s Surge Pro Splitboard Binding

August 9, 2021November 26, 2019 by Kelsey Opstad

Spark recently released women's versions of their "Pro" line of splitboard bindings, and after spending much of last season on the Women's Surge Pro, it received our "Best Of" award. Check out our full review to see why.

1-Ski Quivers: Reviewers’ Selections (19/20)

November 28, 2019November 24, 2019 by Luke Koppa

Check out Part 2 of our reviewers' 1-ski-quiver selections, including additions from Jonathan Ellsworth, Sascha Anastas, Kara Williard, & Paul Forward.

2-Ski Quivers: Reviewers’ Selections (19/20)

November 28, 2019November 21, 2019 by Luke Koppa

The quivers keep getting smaller, and the decisions keep getting harder. We're now asking our reviewers to cut their quivers down to 2 skis, and you can now check out all of their selections.

3-Ski Quivers: Reviewers’ Selections (19/20)

November 25, 2020November 19, 2019 by Luke Koppa

Check out Part 2 of our reviewers' 3-ski-quiver selections, with additions from Kristin Sinnott, Kara Williard, Sascha Anastas, Jonathan Ellsworth, & Cy Whitling.

4-Ski Quivers: Reviewers’ Selections (19/20)

November 28, 2019November 18, 2019 by Luke Koppa

Check out part 2 of our reviewers' 4-ski-quiver selections, including additions from Eric Freson, Kara Williard, Paul Forward, Sascha Anastas, and Sam Shaheen.

5-Ski Quivers: Reviewers’ Selections (19/20)

November 28, 2019November 15, 2019 by Luke Koppa

It’s that time of year — we’re fantasizing about skiing and our ideal ski quivers. We’ll be rolling out a bunch of our reviewers’ personal selections, and we’re kicking it off with our 5-ski quivers.

Insulated Skirt Roundup

November 14, 2019November 14, 2019 by Kristin Sinnott

An insulated skirt may seem like a niche product, but after using several of them this fall, many of our reviewers now consider them an essential piece. Check out our roundup for a bunch of skirts that can take you from your morning run, bike, or ski tour all the way to après.

Blister Brand Guide: Topo Athletic Running Shoe Lineup, 2019

October 13, 2021November 13, 2019 by Gordon Gianniny

Topo Athletic takes a different approach than many brands when it comes to running shoes. They specialize in lower-drop shoes with wider, foot-shaped toe boxes, and their lineup covers a wide range of road and trail shoes. Check out our Brand Guide to figure out which Topo shoe might be best for you.

Luke Koppa reviews the Renoun Citadel 114 prototype for Blister

2019-2020 Renoun Citadel 114

November 10, 2019 by Luke Koppa

Renoun is currently working on adding a wider ski to their lineup, and we recently received a prototype of their new Citadel 114. Check out our First Look for our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions of this lightweight, uniquely constructed ski.

Casual Jacket Roundup — Fall 2019

October 13, 2021November 8, 2019 by Sam Shaheen

It’s that time of year when you really never know what the weather is going to throw at you. A foot of snow? Maybe. 70°F and sunny? Also totally possible. We’ve been using a bunch of casual jackets for women and men that can keep you comfortable in a variety of temps, and do so in style.

David Golay reviews the High Above Lookout Pack for Blister.

High Above Lookout Hip Pack

November 6, 2019 by David Golay

Fanny / hip packs have been making a resurgence, and are no longer limited to 90’s throwback parties or dads on vacation. We’ve been using the High Above Lookout pack, made with modern, technical materials in Bellingham, Washington, and you can check out our full review for more.

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