[Staff Review] For Autumn Days Made for Walking: chausser's Active Series, Leather Shoes That Feel Surprisingly Light

Before we knew it, the morning and evening breeze has turned noticeably cooler, and it's the time of year when you feel like walking a little farther than usual. Heading out to see the autumn leaves, or wandering slowly through a town while traveling. The days we most look forward to going out usually turn out to be days of long walks.

For autumn footwear, we'd like to take another look at chausser's Active series. They have the refined look of proper leather shoes, yet feel remarkably light when you pick them up. A reliable pair you can count on, even through a stretch of autumn rain.

▼Available in two styles. (Tap an image to go to the product page.)

What Is the Active Series?

chausser's TRAVEL SHOES are popular as leather shoes you can wear even on rainy days. Within that line, the Active series focuses on function. They're designed to carry you over muddy ground and gravel paths without having to worry about your footing.

What sets them apart from the original TRAVEL SHOES is the thicker, more cushioned sole. If you tend to reach for sneakers on active days, this is a series we'd especially like you to try.

Placed next to the original TRAVEL SHOES, the difference in sole thickness is clear at a glance.

This Look, and This Light.

Each shoe weighs approximately 325g for the lace-up and approximately 303g for the slip-on (both in size 38). That's lighter than a typical sneaker, and many people who picture leather shoes as heavy are surprised when they first hold them. With such a substantial sole, the lightness is hard to imagine just from looking.

The secret is the lightweight EVA midsole. It keeps the weight down while softening the impact of each step.

The insole, which touches your foot directly, is made of special low-rebound urethane. Cushion pads in the tongue over the instep and around the collar gently wrap your whole foot.

Staff Review:

"I've tried shoes described as 'lightweight leather shoes' before, but the Active series may be the only ones I've found that feel this light with such a substantial sole. I can easily lift both shoes with one hand, and they feel about as heavy as sneakers.

I notice it while wearing them, too. They're leather shoes, yet my feet move easily. None of the sore feet or heaviness I often feel in leather shoes. I could keep walking at a good pace, just as if I were wearing sneakers."

For Autumn Outings and Active Days.

The outsole is Vibram's [MEGAGRIP]. Highly durable with excellent grip, it holds the ground firmly on uneven mountain trails, gravel paths, and even roads made slippery by fallen leaves.

▲Left: Slip-on, Right: Lace-up

A stroll among the autumn leaves, a walk in the park, a day trip a little farther from home. Having leather shoes as an option for the moments you'd usually wear sneakers means you can head out in your everyday outfit, just as it is.

Staff Review:

"For occasions where sneakers might feel a bit too casual, leather shoes with a sneaker-like feel are really handy. For vigorous exercise, sneakers are still the better choice, but for a walk out in nature, these feel just right.

Some sneakers can be slippery depending on the sole, so with the strong grip of the Active series, I can head out with peace of mind."

For Rainy Autumn Days.

A key feature of TRAVEL SHOES is their water-resistant leather. During dyeing, fluororesin is bonded to the fibers to increase strength and water resistance, and the surface is given a waterproof finish as well.

The leather repels water while still letting air through, so moisture is less likely to build up inside. Even during the gray, drizzly weeks of autumn rain, they make it a little easier to step outside.

Staff Favorite Point:

"Something I noticed after wearing them: the higher sole keeps the hems of my trousers further off the ground. I no longer worry about muddy hems on rainy days, and even when I come home in longer trousers, the dirt on the hems bothers me much less than before.

On days when the weather can't make up its mind, I feel reassured knowing these will be fine."

Two Styles, and a Note on Sizing.

The lace-up holds your foot securely in place. It suits days of long walks or outings to places where the footing is a little rough.

The slip-on is easy to take on and off. It's a relaxed choice for visiting temples and shrines while traveling, or for days when you'll stop by places where you remove your shoes.

About Sizing:

chausser recommends choosing your exact size. As they're leather shoes, they may feel a little snug at first, but they gradually mold to your feet. Watching them take on the shape of your own feet the more you wear them is one of the pleasures only leather shoes can offer.

Light on Your Feet, Wherever You Want to Walk.

For sunny day trips and rainy walks around town alike. Having a pair you can choose without thinking about where you're going or what the weather will do opens up a few more ways to enjoy the season. We hope you'll welcome them into your autumn wardrobe as a pair to keep for years to come.

▼Go to the product page for Active TRAVEL SHOES Lace-up Rain TR-026