CALIFORNIA RUNNING SHOES

allbirds: San Francisco-based allbirds makes running shoes out of merino wool.  I am enjoying my pair – it’s like running in high-end slippers.  They are feather-light, and the wool flexes with my feet and regulates their temperature better than synthetic materials can.  But Note: The insole isn’t built for hard use.  You’ll need Superfeet (see below) to run long distances.  

OluKai: Irvine-based OluKai makes comfortable, well-put-together, Hawaiian-inspired footwear for people who spend a lot of time at the beach.  According to their website, they also make a running shoe, the ‘Eleu Trainer.  Based on my experience with OluKai’s other products (and on a quick survey of on-line reviews), I’m guessing that the ‘Eleu is good quality for the price.

North Face: Alameda-based North Face makes pretty much everything an outdoors-enthusiast could want, including running (a.k.a., “training”) shoes.  Judging by everything I’ve bought from them so far, they probably make their shoes really well. 

Honorable Mention – Superfeet: Superfeet Worldwide is not a California company.  I consider their insoles essential, however, to any activity that requires long-distance travel by foot.  And – as far as I can tell – there is no Californian substitute.  The good news is that Superfeet is based in Washington State, which (generally speaking) shares the values that I consider California’s best