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Gee Why

About Gee Why

https://www.pulpconnection.net

Addicted to passions and pulp

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Hoka Transport Chukka GTX

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My online order of the Hoka Transport Chukka GTX arrived quickly but sadly, were also returned quickly. Visually, I don’t mind the style of the chukka – sorta casual, sorta sporty. It’s a good blend. 

hoka-transport-chukka

The nubuck leather upper isn’t bad at all, but i just feel it’s an odd match with the other synthetic sections near the collar. While I understand the benefits of the quick lacing system, I need to figure out a better way of getting a good fit. Of course the top laces cinch easily, but it’s the lower laces that I need to adjust, and the interlocking toggle just seems to get in the way. 

Really though, the fast disapproval for me is simply the fit of the shoe. My foot just does not feel centered in the shoe. There’s a sensation that my feet are sitting on the inner medial side of the Transport Chukkas. It’s just weird, and I didn’t like it, doubtful that I would get used to this feeling.

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New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8 GTX

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Well, well, well, this is a nice surprise. I didn’t think much about trying the 8th (and newest) makeup of the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro Gore-Tex since I recently tried on the v7 model and the similar mid Hierro. But I was wrong.

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I admit that the Hierro v8 wasn’t high on my watch list due to the lack of colorways.  While the non-waterproof version has a few colors to pick from, the Gore-Tex model has one color – black. Technically, black with phantom and magnet, the colorway isn’t bad, just very subdued. Beside the monochromaticism of the v8, the shoe is totally different compared to the v7 and mid. Well, maybe not totally different, but there are significant changes to its design.

The overall aesthetic reminds me of the current NB lineup of the 1080 and More. Chunkier midsole with a more curvy and organic inspired upper. It’s actually a nice shoe and does embody the trail runner aspect of this model.

Where do I begin? Let’s start at the bottom – the outsole. It’s still Vibram produced, but the compound is a lot tackier than the v7 with lots of audible squeaks as each step peels off the ground. And the traction pattern doesn’t feature the chevron-y shapes but rather little islands of grip.

The upper of the Hierro v8 looks much more perforated than the v7 with pinholes covering a good portion of the toebox and tongue and even the inner lining. To me, all the holes would made the Hierro 8 less water proof but the shoe weighs more at 340 g versus 328 g so maybe there’s additional unseen layers for that waterproofness. 

This is an odd one but the shoelaces of the black 8 feel nice – waxy smooth but supple. The v7 laces have contrasty colors for style but feel more abrassive. Does it matter? Probably not. 

The fit is still tight in the toebox, I think due to the rigid Toe Protect overlay. I might have to go wide if I go with these. The arch seems more supportive on the 8 since the midsole appears to extend higher than the 7. I can see my arch falling in the 7 but not so much with the 8. This is usually a good sign for me. 

Unfortunately the Gore-Tex model is not yet on sale unlike the regular Hierro 8. Maybe soon, the $169.99 price tag will see some relief. Even with all its pros, this shoe still costs $110 more than the clearance v7. But so far, the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8 Gore-Tex is my favorite waterproof hiking shoe (keep in mind that I won’t really bet testing the waterproofness of the shoes since most of them would be returns… though waterproof shoes that are not would be grounds for a return…).

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Gore-Tex and Vibram labels
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Plain tongue tag
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GORE-TEX
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Redone outsole
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Outsole of Hierro v7 (top) and v8 (bottom)
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Less of a weird outsole tag
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Hierro v7 and v8
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Toe Protect on both
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Buttery laces
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Not as elegant laces but still good
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Revel in the magnificent outdoors
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Perforations in the liner too

Here’s a little bonus comparison to the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14. To me, the Hierro v8 and 1080v14 share similar design elements. The overall appearance of both are on the beefier side with the thick padding of the Fresh Foam X. This has no bearing on the performance of either shoe, just more of an observation.

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New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 GTX

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Truthfully, the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 GTX was a late addition to my list of waterproof shoes to test. Why? Because I found pairs available at Marshalls for a discounted price of $59.99!

These are GTX aka Gore-Tex and essentially look very similar to the Fresh Foam X Hierro Mid Gore-Tex but in a low top form. The Vibram Megagrip outsole is there along with the odd outsole outcropping in the rear.

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The “no can help” factors are the color way and size. Marshalls only had half sizes of this Hierro model, all in the blacktop/neon dragonfly color way. I actually don’t mind the color way, but it does present that hiking shoe vibe.

Since no size 10 was available, I went with a size 10.5, and that may not have been a bad choice. Yes, the shoe feels slightly long with space in the toe box, but I also don’t feel the side-to-side squeeze as with the size 10 Hierro Mid. I still would replace the insole, and if still too long, I think a pair of Merino wool socks might make up any difference.

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New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 GTX
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Gore-Tex
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GORE-TEX
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I like the tongue tag
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Same Vibram Megagrip
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Only $59.99

The Hierro v7 GTX has a lot in common with the Hierro Mid.

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Same Vibram Megagrip?
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Same extra outsole
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Low versus mid

The verdict: a very strong contender offering the features and look that I’m going for and at a very affordable price. The fit could be better.

Spectrum Service Update Emails are Funny and Irritating

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Okay, I lied. I didn’t stop. Gotta give it to Spectrum to send this Service Update email. Yes, Spectrum, the television, phone, and Internet service provider… not the electricity provider.

spectrum-service-outage

The email is funny stating “Your power company is taking longer than expected” and that Spectrum will provide another update in three hours. I mean that’ll be around 8pm at night. I don’t think I’ll need a Spectrum Service Email to tell me my power isn’t back as I sit in total darkness if power isn’t restored by then.

Two Power Outages in a Day Is Irritating

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First of all, one power outage at home is irritating enough, especially when it happens at lunch time, and you can’t heat up any food and can only drink lukewarm tap water. Compounding that irritiation is HECO’s aggressive service restoration estimate of one hour. Yeah… that was more like two hours from 11:30 to 1:45.

Okay, fine whatever. Power comes back, lunch is eaten, and work is resumed… then the power goes out for a second time today. The HECO outage system says this.

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It’s now 4:53pm.

Yes, this is 2025, the year of irritation.

2025 Is the Year of Irritation

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Just venting, but 2025 must be themed the year of irritation. Only seven days into the new year, and there’s been a fair share of irritation already.

Why are medical referrals done via fax? And what happens when faxes are sent but consistently not received while other faxes are making it through? What does it mean when you have to pick up a printed referral and drive it to the faxed facility because the faxes are not making it?

Yes, this is 2025.

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro Mid Gore-Tex

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Ordered from NewBalance.com, these Fresh Foam X Hierro Mid Gore-Tex were the first to arrive. These are currently marked down 20% to $143.99, and I went true to size with a size 10 in standard width (these are available in different widths).

These shoes look decent, leaning towards a hiking boot appearance. Using Fresh Foam X, I have to assume the shoe is comfortable underfoot. There’s a Gore-Tex label reminding you of the waterproofness while the outsole features a Vibram Megatrip pattern with grippy lugs. 

Fresh Foam X Hierro Mid Gore-Tex

I did a quick wear test around the house and found some issues after a few minutes. The toe box feels a little narrow and doesn’t give, possibly due to the added Toe Protect protection. While the mid cut seems like a good idea for extra water protection, getting a good fit was challenging. The open lace closures are convenient, but when simply walking around, one of the laces escaped the open lace loop. I probably needed to do a better job with my lacing but the (minimal) bulk of the mid top was tough to cinch for a secure fit.

Also, I started to feel some chaffing of the lace closure on my ankle bone. It could just be the shape of my foot, but I think with prolonged wear, that chaffing would become very noticeable.

I would probably replace the stock insole with a third party one like the Move All Day or possibly, the new Baseline. I think the arch support from the All Day is what I’d need. But… that replacement insole might steal a little bit of space in an already cramped toe box. For this Hierro Mid to work for me, I would probably need a wide version or maybe go up half a size to hoping to alter the lace closure placement against my ankle.

Fresh Foam X Hierro Mid Gore-Tex
Fresh Foam X Hierro Mid Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex
I like the laces
I like the laces
I like the tongue tag
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Black with magnet and hot marigold
Black with magnet and hot marigold
Vibram Megagrip outsole
Vibram Megagrip outsole
Weird outsole extensions
Weird outsole extensions
The ankle biter lace loops
The ankle biter lace loops

The verdict: I’m thinking these Fresh Foam X Hierro Mid Gore-Tex from New Balance will be a pass/return even though currently discounted. The fit just isn’t the best.

Researching Waterproof Hiking Shoes

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My hunt begins to find a workable pair of waterproof hiking shoes (or boots) for a future trip. The main criteria are waterproofness and comfort for shorter walks and hikes. I don’t imagine walking for miles while hauling gear, mainly a camera and water in a backpack. Of course, like my other shoes, these will have to have some visual appeal to them, but that’s not the primary focus.

Not knowing any better and after reading a few reviews along with doing a little bit of research, here’s my starting list to test:

  1. Salomon X Ultra 4
  2. New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8 Gore-Tex
  3. New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 Gore-Tex
  4. New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro Mid Gore-Tex
  5. Hoka Transport Chukka GTX
  6. Hoka Elite Terrain System Tor Ultra Lo
  7. Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX

The Salomon X Ultra 4 has received many positive reviews across the Internet as the best all around waterproof hiking shoe, but I’ve never owned a Salomon so would like to try out the fit foremost. Another consideration for the shoes are possible wearability in the Hawaii weather. While these are hiking shoes, I don’t need them to necessarily look like hiking shoes while wearing them out and about.

New Balance has been my recent go to brand of late because of its comfort and looks, especially unique collaborations. Currently, NB’s outdoor offerings consist mainly of the Hierro line, in low, mid, and high top form factors. The high top version seems to make the most sense to keep water out but then again, the high top looks more like a hiking shoe.

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And then we have Hokas… I’ve had a single pair of Hokas in the past, and I still pause when seeing the massive cushioned outsoles of most Hokas. But despite my poor experience looking for waterproof Hokas at the new-ish Ala Moana location, they do have Gore-Tex protected shoes that could fit my needs.

I’ll continue to research other options and find reviews of (and ideally try on) the above mentioned shoes.

 

Bagel & Cream Cheese and Coffee

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I didn’t know I needed this. While this combination of bagel and cream cheese with your coffee sounds odd, I know I’ve had a breakfast of a bagel and cream cheese with my morning coffee. So yeah, not so odd after all.

Unfortunately, this coffee creamer isn’t (and won’t be) widely available and is only available via limited, timed releases.

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