End Footwear : The PBJ and The Stumptown

Technological cleverness is obvious in the thoughtful use of materials in END Footwear. END stands for Environmentally Neutral Design. End's original concept was to make responsible high-performance running shoes that were made so "people and planet friendly" that you'd be able to toss them in your compost when finished with 'em. In the process of reaching that goal, the company is making fantastic, affordable, thoughtful shoes.   Here's what they all have in common:

All End shoes are created using materials that are partially recycled.

As an example, 30% of the rubber in the outsole is recycled, significantly reducing environmental impact, while still being long lasting and durable. Their outsoles are made of three pieces, and their uppers are made of one piece. By using a single piece, End uses much less toxic glues, creates less waste, and reduces the workers' exposure to nasty chemicals.  Also, END shoe boxes are made of 100% post-consumer waste. They're constructed out of a single piece of material. The boxes contain no glues, so there's less energy spent on manufacturing. They're also printed with a single color soy ink.

In the Road category, my favorite shoe is the PBJ. Weighing 8.75 ounces, these shoes are all about both freedom and support. They're incredibly light and durable, they sport the perfect heel cup, and I love the shape of the toe box which is created  by an anatomically thoughtful single stitch that starts on the outside of the foot and comes in at just the perfect arc to the toe. This makes for just the right amount of room and support. No toe slipping or crunching. The PBJ is very cushiony for such a light shoe, and I love the evident medial support since I recently had ACL surgery and really appreciated both cushioning and stability.

The lacing options give me a custom fit, and the low key yet eye-catching colors are definitely women specific and sporty but don't look out of place in the city. (They're available in men's colors and styles, too.)

In the Trail category my pick is the 12 oz. Stumptown (pictured).  This shoe makes me feel fast because it's so well built and so lightweight.  It performs as well or better than much heavier, much more built-out shoes.  I love the tread because it's very grippy, and it doesn't seem to get all caked up in the mud season here in Crested Butte. The Stumptown is roomier in the forefoot than the PBJ; making them great on the trail, but comfy on city walks, too. The slightly sticky, stiff outsoles are perfect for dry, dusty trails but also feature a trusty tread that can hold on spring trails, too.

The tonal toe box and "exoskeleton" of the shoe not only provides thoughtful shape and support to the upper. The material is soft, yet incredibly strong and durable.   The shoe looks good and athletic and not space-agey due to the considerate use of materials. These are the shoes I grab when I'm going for a hike or a trail run, and am impressed with their longevity and durability.

END donates all test prototypes and encourages us all to donate still wearable shoes to www.solesforsouls.org in order to make a healthful, significant difference in the lives of the poorest children in the world who otherwise traverse barefoot through landfills, cities, etc.

Bottom line: Less is more: fewer pieces, less waste, and less weight. And still -- responsible, durable, affordable, high performance, good looking shoes. --S.W. (July 09)

Price: $90, PBJ; $85 Stumptown. Available at: , .

Manufacturer's Site : www.endfootwear.com