Every week there are dozens of new and exciting pieces of gear. But are they actually worth buying? Trust the team at Cool Material to help you find the latest and greatest releases in a recurring column: What We’re Buying.
The Taylor Stitch Moto Boot
“These boots are like fine wine or Rafa Nadal. They get better with age. I’ve had these boots for two years running, and the more wear and tear they get, the better they feel and look. Made in Mexico from sturdy snuff swede and Goodyear Vibram soles, these boots are tough and good-looking. They are my go-to shoe for all seasons, and put your jeans onto another level. Get a pair and cross ‘need to buy boots’ off your list for the next few years.” Buy: $348
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OtterBox Wireless MagSafe PowerBank
“Having the most advanced phone on the market guarantees one thing first and foremost–it’s going to run out of juice before you want it to. That’s where the OtterBox Wireless MagSafe PowerBank comes in. It quickly snaps onto your phone or OtterBox case for an extra boost of MagSafe power, but it’s also built with two-way charging so it can be wirelessly charged itself or charged separately (or simultaneously) with a mount. If you’re carrying a MagSafe-capable phone, this is the best mobile charger on the market.” Buy: $56
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Official Swiss Railways Wall Clock
“Wall clocks remind me of sitting in an austere room in high school taking standardized tests. Unpleasant memories. But the Mondaine Swiss Railway Clock in black metal is eyecatching and downright classic. I wanted a clock for my new home office, and this fit the bill perfectly. At just under ten inches, it’s not too big or too small. The white hour and minute markers, white hands, and red lollipop second-hand pop nicely against the matte black dial. The Seiko quartz movement keeps excellent time, and the mineral crystal is tougher and higher quality than any standard clock glass you’ll find. It’s the centerpiece of my office, for sure.” Buy: $235
– Amos Kwon, Auto/Watches Editor
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Sabah Leather Loafers
“With vacations booked on the horizon in the upcoming months, it was the perfect excuse to buy some new shoes. I wanted something that could transition from after-dinner drinks to slightly drunken midnight beach walks seamlessly. Enter Sabahs, handmade leather shoes based on a traditional Turkish design. I opted for Baleen Blue and out of the box, they’ve been a winner. Comfortable and perfectly crafted, they’re the kind of shoes that only get better with age.” Buy: $195
– Brett Braley-Palko, Style Editor
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Garphyttan Fixar Pile Fleece Jacket
“I know spring is just around the corner but for those slightly cooler days or chilly evenings, it’s nice to have an in-between layer. Something that’s warm enough but still comfortable as temperatures rise. I was recently introduced to Swedish outdoors brand Garphyttan and absolutely love their aesthetic vision and purpose-built engineering. The Fixar Pile Fleece Jacket is rugged and durable so it’s perfect for cold weather camping, but I find it’s just as useful going on a bike ride around town or doing some chores in the backyard.” Buy: $139
– John A. Paradiso, Managing Editor
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Avoalre Travel Yoga Mat
“I spent two weeks in Mexico recently and wanted to bring a yoga mat with me. Mine didn’t fit in my luggage so I picked up this folding mat from Amazon. It wasn’t as compact as I had hoped, but it’s well-made and was comfortable to use. So comfortable that I’ll likely make it my go-to mat at home as well. And the fact that it folds up allows me to easily store it under my bed.” Buy: $20
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