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
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