Compiled by TOM KELLY
Tramp-it Jump ShoesThese are like a domestic version of the spring-loaded blades used by some paraplegic sprinters, such as South Africa's Oscar Pistorius, if a little less hi-tech. And they might also look like an accident waiting to happen to some more cautious eyes. Tramp-its have a flexible strip on the sole that gives you quite a serious spring in your step, up to 20 per cent more the makers claim. In effect, you've suddenly got a touch of the Roo about you.
One way or another, they’ll get you around a lot quicker that you might expect or indeed, perhaps want. And despite the fact that they might appear to be toys, Tramp-Its go up to size 10 and can take up to a 100kg bouncer (about 15 stone in Irish weight).
You can imagine the sort of work-out they’ll give you, burning calories and having a bit of fun, like being able to bring a trampoline on holidays. They’re said to help your balance and co-ordination too, but it might be best to be well-equipped in that department before tramping the light fantastic, otherwise you could be taking one in the nose. For kids, of course, it’s no big leap and they can master them faster than you can say “watch out”.
Adjustable straps make them easy to pull on and off, you can tweak the shoe size from three basic models, small, medium and large, and set the tension too. Go leap.
Cost£110 for mediums, from amazon.co.uk
Timberland Radler Trail Camp shoesIf you're so past Crocs and well, flip-flops are just not enough of a shoe, here's a new option for apres hiking footwear from Timberland. These Radler Trail shoes have rugged treaded soles and uppers of durable water-repellent ripstop synthetic. Their party trick is hinted in a zipper that goes all the way round: fold them over in half and they can zip up into a neat pair of what Timberland describe as pods. Two shoes now pack away into the space taken by one. Moreover, they've each a loop at the back that can be clipped onto a rucksack so they don't even have to be packed.
Inside they’re softly fleece-lined, with a cinch-up lacing system for one-handed tightening, leaving the other free for that rehydrating cold one. The soles are made from 42 per cent recycled rubber, so there’s half a nod to ecoland. At about 220g each, they’re pretty lightweight and although the Radlers are not for actual trail-walking, they’re substantial enough for everyday use too if you’re an urban outdoorer. In a range of colours; unisex style.
Cost$65 (€45), from timberland.com, though not available yet.
Polaroid GL10 mobile printerHow many of us never see an actual printed photo anymore, even though there's never been a time when so many are being snapped?
And it seems no one can be bothered with the specialised photo printers that were all the rage as pressies not so long ago. None satisfy the immediacy that modern digital life demands, the instant gratification.
Polaroid took up the challenge in the last couple of years, having seen off its instant camera heritage, with the PoGo, a pocket-sized printer for use on the go with smartphones and digital cameras.
Now it has launched the next generation under the eagle eye of product design guru, Lady Gaga. Yes, the poptress supreme, with a penchant for an occasional raw meat dress and massive head furniture.
Nothing so radical here, with the very discreetly styled GL10. It synchs up beautifully via Bluetooth to a range of smartphones, including Blackberrys as well as Android and Windows-based models, but – gasp – not the iPhone. A USB cable works with cameras.
The printer itself is rechargeable and you’ll get 35 photos from a full charge. The smarts are all in the ink. Or rather the lack of it. Zero Ink Themal Technology, Polaroid calls it, which delivers fairly water-resistant, smudge-proof, hard to rip 7.5cm x 10cm prints. Neat. A Polaroid you can pocket.
Cost€139, from Firebox.com
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