Hello, this is Yosshi from Circles Tokyo! Sudden change of topic, but this photo of Goshikinuma pond, taken from the summit, is from my hike up Mt. Issaikyo in Fukushima Prefecture the other day. Known as the "Witch's Eye," the crystal-clear blue lake is created by high concentrations of fine aluminum silicate particles in the water, and it completely washed away the fatigue of the climb.
In contrast, this is a photo from when I went playing in the mountain streams of Tanzawa, Kanagawa Prefecture. The crystal-clear water flowing down, unspoiled by dirt, was cold, and escaping from the sweltering heat of Tokyo was the right move.
Spending my first summer in Tokyo in this way—staring at maps to find places that aren't crowded and seem fun—I've been reminded of just how incredibly easy to use my BEDROCK SANDALS are whenever I go out for these adventures, so I'd like to share a review!
Mt. Issaikyo hike with the Cairn Evo C
This hike takes about an hour and a half to reach the summit of Mt. Issaikyo from Jododaira, the peak of the Bandai-Azuma Skyline, and then about three and a half hours in total including the walk around Kamanuma pond. I tried walking it in the new Cairn Evo C.
Positioned as the comfort model in the series, it uses a new EVA foam footbed with excellent cushioning. Its flexibility and cushioning made the walk along the wooden paths in the first half incredibly comfortable, as you’d expect.
On the rocky terrain from the middle section to the summit, the soft sole gripped the rolling rocks as if it were suctioned to them, and the latest Vibram® XS Trek EVO compound on the outsole provided solid grip.
This is true for all Bedrock sandals, but the unique mechanism that allows you to adjust each of the three straps, centered around the O-ring on the instep, allows for a precise fit.
As a result, it feels like it holds firmly at the ankle, and even for someone like me who weighs 80kg, there's no issue with the strap digging into the space between my toes on a descent when weight shifts forward—a reminder of how truly excellent they are.
The Cairn Evo C is so comfortable that I wear it almost every day; it really is a sandal that can bridge the gap between the city and the mountains.
Tanzawa stream play with the Cairn Evo Pro
For my trip to the Tanzawa streams, escaping the 35°C+ Tokyo heat, I wore the Cairn Evo Pro. Features of this Pro series include the use of Vibram® Megagrip on the outsole and the adoption of G-hooks on the heel strap.
Vibram® Megagrip is truly reliable for activities where you might walk on wet rocks. I get nervous walking through streams while carrying a large SLR camera for shots, but the grip that securely holds onto the rock gave me peace of mind while photographing.
Also, the thinner outsole of the Cairn Evo provides plenty of ground feedback, and being able to feel exactly what the soles of your feet are catching adds a sense of security when you can't see your footing.
Everyone plays in their own way. I’ve introduced two models here, but Bedrock offers further variations, so surely you can find something that fits your adventures, from the city to hard-core activities.
"The feeling of the sole clinging to your bare feet."
I often hear users say this, and I think it describes Bedrock perfectly. Please try them out for yourself and experience that feeling of spreading your toes and gripping the earth.
Of course, we have a full lineup waiting for you at Circles Tokyo as well.
