Gear Review: Summer sports accessories

Rapid Pro Chaco sandals

Launched just in time for summer rafting and other water excursions, Chaco’s Rapid Pro is the company’s grippiest sandal yet. Chaco worked with professional raft guides from Mountain Equipment Research Group to develop the outsoles of these sandals, which feature six times the grip on wet river rock compared to other adventure sandals. Meanwhile, the company included its popular Vibram outsole for traction, along with its signature, podiatrist-certified LUVSEAT footbed, which provides plenty of arch support. Its new, low-profile buckle and completely adjustable straps deliver a great fit from heel to toe, as well as increased secure mobility without foot slippage. They don’t rub my feet anywhere, making them comfortable for walking long distances. I have a narrow, size 7 ½ foot, and, while these only come in whole sizes, sizing down to 7 fit me perfectly. Sometimes back-of-the-foot draggers wear out their heels, so Chaco added a reinforced heel riser to increase durability.

$130, chacos.com

Kari Traa Vilde Air Tights and Sanne Sun Shirt

Available in two pastel floral prints, as well as peach and dusty green, this 40+ UPF-protection sun shirt delivers both function and fashion. It fits perfectly — loose-fitting enough to provide all-day comfort while still flattering the body, as opposed to looking boxy. I love the thumb holes and hood for sun protection while on the water. Plus, its 90% recycled polyester is fast-drying. The Vilde Air Tights are made for workouts and on-the-go excursions, with pockets on the sides and back that seamlessly blend in without any bulge. Speaking of bulging, the high waist and four-way stretch control any extra you might have, resulting in a slim-looking fit from 80% recycled polyester and 20% elastane in the main fabric. Mesh along the legs allows for breathability and extra visual interest. I’m sometimes between a small and medium, so I measured and ordered a medium, and they do bunch just a bit around the knees and upper hips, so for a tighter fit you might want to try a size down. I have very thin ankles, so they don’t fit like a glove there.

Sun shirt, $60; tights, $90, karitraa.com

Neven sunglasses 

High quality meets affordable fashion with extensive options that appease any style through NEVEN Eyewear. If you buy one, you get two free, along with free shipping. I love the way the polarized Passion Bondis, with a 5.55-inch frame width and 1.97-inch lens height, fit my more narrow face. Plus, their tortoise-shell frames are just fun and fashionable. For a different look sporting a metal bridge, I enjoy styles like the Gold Rush Highland, a Yacht-rock kind of contemporary-retro look. Within the Liquid Gold Cambridges, sleek black frames blend with gold lenses. They add a little bada-bling to your day. The 5.7-inch frame width and 1.92-inch lens height sizing is a little big for my aesthetic on my narrow face, but it’s great for larger faces or men, as is the Lowrider Tombstone 68 pair. Designed by NEVEN and Tim Howley of Tombstone Hardware and Fit for an Autopsy, these blend the laidback LA lowrider culture with classic Harley lowrider bikes. Glasses come with UV 400 protection and are available in prescription.

$80, neveneyewear.com

CEP Max Support knee sleeve and plantar sleeve

I snow and slalom (water) ski with knee sleeves for extra support, and this CEP’s Max Support knee sleeve adds fantastic stabilization through its medial and lateral non-slip support, while still allowing plenty of flex and mobility. Various sizes provide a glove-like, breathable, and comfortable fit with beefy — but not stifling — compression. I removed the silicone patella ring because it seemed to cause a little discomfort immediately after snow skiing, and I don’t need extra support in that area. CEP’s plantar fasciitis and ankle sleeves provide foot support; I ordered the plantar fasciitis one a little late, after actually healing from some foot pain, so I couldn’t test it during the height of the injury, but it adds both compression and stability while allowing for plenty of circulation. The sleeves, which can be ordered as a pair or single, are thin enough to seamlessly wear with athletic shoes, and plenty of reviews praise it for relieving pain. The company offers mid-support for old injuries or overuse, in addition to light and max support in all of its sleeves.

Max-support knee sleeve, $69.95, mid-support plantar fasciitis compression sleeve, $29.95, cepcompression.com

Swiftwick Aspire Zero Tab and FLITE XT socks

Last year, Men’s Health awarded the Zero Tab the best no-show training socks, and it’s no wonder: They’re thin, comfortable, and breathable, while still offering nice compression. I enjoy the feel and look of a sock that barely seems like it’s there (if only Margaret had this option in “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret”). It offers more compression, yet less cushion than the FLITE XT, Swiftwick’s most technology-advanced sock. FLITE XT’s AnkleLock Technology supports ankles, and its Proprietary GripDry Fiber in the heel and forefoot grips to shoes to add traction and prevent blisters and other discomfort, so it’s especially good for long hikes and runs and racquet sports; the heel’s nanofibers really help my constant narrow-heel slippage. Additionally, a blend of 23% Olefin fiber and upper mesh wicks away moisture to keep feet feeling dry during hot summer days. Medium cushion and compression support foot arches, while the seamless toe box adds to the comfort. FLITE XT’s 1-inch cuff height bridges the gap between Swiftwick’s Zero Tab and 5-inch cuff lengths. And, Swiftwick manufacturers in the U.S., with a portion of proceeds benefiting people to connect with outdoor recreation.

Zero Tab, $16.99, Flite XT One, $19.99, swiftwick.com