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.
Wolf & Shepherd's Crossover Hiker WTZs
“Transitioning footwear from fall and winter’s work boots to something more spring-friendly isn’t easy for me. I’m not ready for no-show socks and white sneakers just yet. I grabbed a pair of Wolf & Shepherd’s Crossover Hiker WTZs, and they’re just right. The modern urban hikers are supremely comfortable and properly supportive thanks to the memory foam footbed. The ToothGrip outsole provides sure footing while providing a nicely aggressive look. The Italian leather uppers are just the right thickness and, combined with the sleek profile, they even work with a blazer and jeans. Perfect for the office.” Buy: $299
– Amos Kwon, Auto/Watches Editor
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Dredge
“After earning positive reviews and plenty of social media shoutouts, Dredge is deservedly an early contender for certified indie darling of the year. This relatively short and simple game combines the calming nature of a fishing simulator with the visceral terror of Lovecraftian horror. Sounds like a match made in heaven. In practice, Dredge is a relatively linear experience with a strong narrative, engaging gameplay, and, as mentioned, Cthulhu-esque terror. It’s an excellent game that is well worth the few hours it’ll take to finish the game.” Buy: $25
– John A. Paradiso, Managing Editor
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Rust Belt Burlesque: The Softer Side of a Heavy Metal Town
“‘Rust Belt’ and ‘burlesque’ aren’t normally words that I would group together. And then I read this book by Erin O’Brien with photos by Bob Perkoski. Turns out there’s a whole lot of burlesque history in Cleveland, with early iterations of shows going back to the late 1800s and steamier acts put on since the early 1900s. The book is an illuminating look at the rise, fall (thanks, decency laws), and rise again of Cleveland’s modern ‘neo-burlesque’ scene. The historic and modern photos tell a story all on their own, but the tales of the battle for burlesque and the profiles of performers make it a book you’ll want to carve out plenty of reading time for–even if you’ve never been to Cleveland.” Buy: $25
– Nickolaus Hines, Features Editor
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The Shark "Super Space Saver & Garage Door Organizer"
“For reasons I still don’t fully comprehend and defy all logic, this product is named The Shark “Super Space Saver & Garage Door Organizer” as opposed to “the pair of pommel horse style clips that clamp to your garage door and hold all of your long, pole-y type stuff.” No joke, if you have a standard 21″ garage door (if you have a garage door, it’s that size), you just screw in some bolts and wing-nuts, throw in your long pieces (fishing rods, push brooms, squeegees, the list goes on) and go about your day. It holds all your long, oddly shaped pieces whilst still leaving them accessible whether the door is up or down, and you free up all kinds of floor space in your garage.” Buy: $31
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Grovemade x Blackwing Pencil Kit
“When I found out that Grovemade and Blackwing have a new collab out, I had to get my hands on it. Grovemade makes design-forward desk and home accessories and only they could do justice to the cult favorite that is Blackwing. Featuring a compact wood stand with six pencil slots and a sharpener, it’s as stylish as it is functional, and perfect for anyone who still enjoys handwritten notes as much as I do.” Buy: $120
– Brett Braley-Palko, Style Editor
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Adidas SP0060 Sunglasses
“I don’t like to look like the Terminator when it comes to wearing sunglasses to work out, but my military-esque driving sunglasses aren’t great for active endeavors. I got a pair of adidas SP0060s that work perfectly because they’re super-light, remarkably comfortable, and they also happen to be stylish aviators. The frame flexes, and the aluminum temples are both featherweight and ergonomic. The nosepads are also soft and adjustable. There’s just enough tint and excellent visibility in the hi-contrast lenses, too. They transition really well between sunny trail runs and backyard cookouts.” Buy: $150
– Amos Kwon, Auto/Watches Editor
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