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New York Times
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- New York Times
The Very Best Deals Under $100 from Amazon's July Prime Day
Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Offline By Aerie The Hugger High Waisted Legging — Best For... American Eagle deal price: $41 (with store pickup); street price: $55 What we like: The best reasonably priced leggings for low-impact workouts and lounging. Lightweight, super soft, and stretchy. Well-priced and ultra-comfy for all-day wear. Gently compressive and feel nice to the touch. Good for lighter-impact activities or lounging. Three small waistband pockets. Other things to know: Don't look or feel quite as sophisticated as our other picks. Fabric is a touch warm, and certain colors (particularly light colors) shows moisture readily. Available in most sizes, ranging from sizes XXS (000) to XXL (20) and three lengths (24¾ inches, 26¾ inches, or 28¾ inches). Nowhere near as good as the deals we saw during October Prime Day and Black Friday, but a decent sale if you want these leggings now. Select store pickup to avoid shipping fees. Read more: The Best Leggings for Workouts and Everyday Wear Teva Women's Original Universal Slim Sandal — Top Pick REI deal price: $42 (with store pickup or REI membership); street price: $60 What we like: Our top pick for casual sandals with slim straps. Everything we love about the classic Tevas in a slightly more streamlined, stylish package. Still comes with EVA cushioning, arch support, Velcro straps, and treaded soles. Other things to know: Not as rugged as originals. Only available in orange straps, neon yellow straps, and blue straps with blue soles. Select store pickup, or get free shipping with REI membership (or by adding it to a larger order). Read more: The Best Sandals New Balance 471 (unisex) — Top Pick New Balance deal price: $64 (free New Balance membership required, price reflects in cart); street price: $100 What we like: Our top pick off-white sneakers with a breezy, vintage vibe. Made with mesh and suede. Have a slim, tapered shape. Ultra-light, but still springy and supportive. Other things to know: Runs narrow. Materials may be tricky to clean. Deal available on select colors and sizes. Select sale colors may have nylon uppers, rather than mesh. Free New Balance membership required, price reflects in cart. Read more: The Best White Sneakers Everlane The Dream '90s Shift Dress — Top Pick Everlane deal price: $67 (price includes shipping); street price: $95 What we like: Our top pick for the best versatile, well-priced black minidress. Simple, fitted A-line cut looks great on lots of bodies. Soft, stretchy double-knit material is especially comfortable. A blank slate that you can layer and accessorize to suit many settings and climates. Other things to know: May be too simple for some tastes — though if you ask us, that's part of what makes it so versatile. Armholes are cut a bit deep, so a bra with higher sides may show. Might be too 'mini' if you're tall. Sizes XXS to XL, though limited sizes remain. Deal price includes $8 shipping. Read more: The Best Little Black Dresses Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter Kiehl's Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash (16.9 Ounces) — Upgrade Pick Amazon deal price: $47 ; street price: $67 What we like: Our upgrade gel facial cleanser pick for oily or acne-prone skin. Cleanses efficiently, rinses easily, and makes skin feel soft, refreshed, and squeaky-clean. Won points among testers for its luxe plastic bottle and 'lovely, clean, and natural' fragrance. Other things to know: Pretty expensive, even on sale. Pump requires effort, but a single push was enough for a thorough wash. Doesn't match the over-50% drop we saw last month, but still a good deal, especially if you need face wash now. Read more: The 8 Best Facial Cleansers EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser (5 Ounces) — Upgrade Pick Amazon deal price: $28 ; street price: $35 What we like: Our upgrade foaming facial cleanser pick for sensitive skin. Cloud-like formula feels light, luxurious, and mild on your hands and face. Sulfate-free soft foam fully removes dirt and grime and leaves your face feeling deeply clean — but not at all stripped. Just one pump emits a dollop that's just the right amount for face-washing. Other things to know: Pretty pricey. Five-ounce bottle. Contains 28 ingredients, making it harder to determine if one of them triggers a sensitivity or irritation. Mostly fragrance-free (with slight hints of coconut and medicine). Read more: The 8 Best Facial Cleansers La Roche-Posay 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum — Best For... Amazon deal price: $34 (updated 12% formula); street price: $45 What we like: The best rich, skin-smoothing vitamin C serum drops, in an updated formula with 2% more vitamin C. Pretty impressive for a drugstore brand. A hearty 12% ascorbic acid gel that seemingly melts into skin to leave a sheer, touchable finish. Ingredients include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and salicylic acid. Other things to know: Testers didn't love the baby powder–meets–medicinal scent. White dropper can get gummy, discolored, and dingy over time, and it doesn't always deliver a precise portion. At 1.01-ounces, it's pricey for a drugstore brand. We tested this at a 10% concentration, but the updated 12% formula otherwise remains largely the same. Read more: The Best Vitamin C Serums Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Treatment Lip Balm (Tint Your Hydration Bundle) — Best For... Ulta deal price: $25 (with store pickup); street price: $35 What we like: A bundle including the best splurgy, luxe lip balm that offers lasting hydration and two travel-size tinted balms we like. Luscious blend of seed oils in a beeswax base. Sturdy twist-up metal tube. Ultrasmooth glide. Citrus-forward scent. Leaves dry or irritated lips not just temporarily quenched, but also plump and conditioned for days. Other things to know: Looks and feels more luxurious and expensive than our other picks, because it is. Melty. The abundance of botanical ingredients could further irritate severely damaged lips. Comes with a full-size Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Treatment and two travel-size Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments in rosé and bloom shades. Choose store pickup to avoid shipping fees. Read more: The Best Lip Balms Photo: Michael Hession KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Pot Holder Set — Also Great Amazon deal price: $9 (deal on beige); street price: $13 What we like: Our pick for a bigger pot holder that comes in a wide range of colors. Larger and more rectangular than our top pick. The divided hand pocket gives you more control. Comes in a variety of muted, trendy colors as well as brighter options. Other things to know: Its thicker material and large, square corners make it a little more clunky than our top-pick pot holder. However, the corners do add more surface area that can be helpful when you use the pot holder as a trivet. Lowest price is for the milkshake beige color, but the beet red and ink blue colors are also on sale for a dollar more. Read more: The Best Oven Mitts and Pot Holders YouCopia StoraLid Container Lid Organizer (Large) — Staff Pick Amazon deal price: $14 (deal on large size); street price: $18 What we like: A lid organizer loved we love for keeping cabinets tidy. Keeps food storage container lids organized and easily accessible with minimum human effort. Adjustable tabbed dividers for separating lid sizes. Other things to know: Only as useful as your willingness to use it and organize. Needs large empty space to fit in cabinet. Deal for the large size, better than typical sales we see. Read more: This $20 Lid Organizer Has Tamed the Chaos Inside My Kitchen Cabinets Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry Food Storage Containers (10-Piece Set) — Top Pick Amazon deal price: $48 (10-piece); street price: $60 Target deal price: $48 (free Circle membership required, 10-piece); street price: $60 What we like: Our top dry food storage container pick. Durable Tritan plastic containers with a tight seal. Held up through multiple drop tests and trips through the dishwasher. Stack neatly and efficiently into cabinets. Other things to know: Only recommended for storing dry ingredients. Includes two half-cup, two 1.3-cup, two 3.2-cup, one 6.6-cup, one 7.8-cup, one 12-cup, and one 16-cup container with corresponding lids. At Target, free Circle membership is required. Target Circle cardholders get an additional 5% off. Read more: The Best Dry Food Storage Containers Starbucks Blonde Espresso Roast Nespresso Pods (Pack of 50) — Top Pick Amazon deal price: $23 (pack of 50); street price: $33 What we like: Our light roast Nespresso pods top pick. A mild, rich espresso. The only unanimous favorite in our tests. Notes of brown sugar, citrus, and chocolate. Toasty yet bright. Makes a well-balanced shot. Good for light and dark roast lovers (especially if you're working late cause you're a singer). Other things to know: Starbucks pods are the only third-party pods we tested that are actually manufactured by Nespresso, which might have some advantages. Not the same light roast you'd expect from a third-wave roaster. Deal is for a 50-pack. Read more: The Best Nespresso Pods You Can Buy at the Grocery Store Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter Amazon Kindle (2024) — Top Pick Amazon deal price: $85 ; street price: $110 What we like: Our new top pick for the best e-reader for most people. Affordable price, portability, bright display, 16 GB of base storage, and USB-C charging compatibility check the most important boxes. Pocketable 6-inch display. Excellent battery life. USB-C support. Other things to know: Not waterproof. More expensive than previous entry-level Kindles. Lockscreen has ads. Recycled plastic body scratches easily—protecting your Kindle with a case is a good idea. Downloading EPUB files requires some extra steps. One-year warranty. First worthwhile deal we've seen this year. Read more: The Best E-Reader TP-Link Tapo Wire-Free Magnetic Security Camera — Top Pick Amazon deal price: $55 ; street price: $70 What we like: Our top outdoor security camera pick. Offers the best array of customizations and top-shelf features for the money. Cheaper to own and use compared to our other picks. Flexible and simple installation. Excellent 300-day battery life. Recordings can be stored locally or in the cloud. Other things to know: Amazon Alexa and Google Home compatible. Recordings are less sharp than those from Arlo and Eufy models. We strongly recommend paying for the Tapo Care cloud subscription (starts at $3.50 per month or $35 annually for one camera). Not as good as previous deals we've seen, but a decent discount if you need a camera now. Read more: The Best Outdoor Security Camera Amazon Fire HD 8 Android Tablet (12th Generation, 32 GB) — Budget Pick Amazon deal price: $55 ; street price: $100 What we like: Our budget Android tablet pick. Same 8-inch display, MediaTek processor, and 13-hour battery life as its predecessor, with more RAM for slightly faster performance and a mildly higher-megapixel rear camera. Ideal for streaming video or using as a family tablet. Other things to know: Ad-supported lockscreen. 1280×800 screen resolution is much lower than our other picks, so text and images are visibly less sharp. Running content-heavy websites or multiple apps can cause lagging and freezing. On sale in the 32 GB size. Read more: The Best Android Tablets Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet (32 GB) — Budget Pick Amazon deal price: $65 (deal on blue or purple); street price: $120 What we like: Our budget pick for the best tablets for kids. Solid option for watching videos. Durable and more drop-resistant than our top pick. Good parental controls. Two-year warranty. Other things to know: Worse screen and a much more limited app selection compared to our top pick but a fraction of the price. Deal is for the 32 GB in blue or purple. Read more: The Best Tablet for Kids Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter Apple AirTag Bluetooth Tracker (4-Pack) — Top Pick Best Buy deal price: $68 ; street price: $80 Walmart deal price: $68 ; street price: $80 Amazon deal price: $68 ; street price: $80 What we like: Our top Bluetooth tracker pick for iPhone users. Also recommended in multiple Wirecutter gift guides. Leverages Apple's extensive Find My network and is impressively accurate in pinpointing an item's precise location. Replaceable battery. Water-resistant. Other things to know: Doesn't have any way to ring your phone. Cannot attach to your stuff directly. Sales on four-packs typically offer the best price per tracker but we've seen four trackers sell for as low as $65. Read more: The Best Bluetooth Tracker Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Soundcore Space One Noise-Cancelling Headphones — Budget Pick Amazon deal price: $66 ; street price: $100 What we like: Our budget over-ear noise-cancelling headphones pick. Impressive noise cancellation and good sound for under $100. Comfortable and lightweight. 40-hour battery life with ANC on. Offers dual-device connectivity, hear-through mode, and quick-charge feature. Other things to know: The three noise-reducing microphones can make voices sound compressed and somewhat distant to callers. Layout of physical control buttons makes sense, but they're small and take some practice to master. Customizable sound via Soundcore app. Read more: The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones EarFun Air Pro 4 Earbuds — Budget Pick Amazon deal price: $54 (use promo code EAIRPRO4, deal on black); street price: $80 What we like: Our budget noise-cancelling earbuds pick. Good sound quality. Active noise cancellation is on a par with pricier sets. 11-hour battery life. Customizable touch-based controls. Three sets of microphones deliver clear phone calls, even when it's windy or noisy. Other things to know: May take time to memorize the series of taps and holds necessary to access the full suite of controls. Lacks the clarity and sense of space of our top pick. May not stay in place if you have very small or deep-set ears. On sale in black. Use code EAIRPRO4. Within $5 of the lowest price we've seen. Read more: The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Bluetooth Speaker — Top Pick Amazon deal price: $70 ; street price: $80 What we like: Our longtime top portable Bluetooth speaker pick. Fun and practical, with great sound for its small size. 11-hour battery life. Incredibly tough — it's dustproof, has an IP67 water-resistance rating, and survived a 5-foot drop test onto concrete. Plus, it floats. Other things to know: This latest version comes with USB-C charging (finally). The design has not changed, so it's still a little chunky and can feel slightly ungainly when packing. Read more: The Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker JBL Go 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker — Best For... Woot deal price: $35 (free shipping for Prime members); street price: $45 What we like: The best tiny, ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker. By far the smallest of our picks; fits in a coat pocket. Produces satisfying, reasonably full sound for music and podcasts. IP67 dust- and water-resistant. One of the first portable speakers with Auracast Bluetooth technology. Other things to know: Has a strap for hanging. Only 6.85 ounces. Less bass because of size, but still sounds pretty good. About an 85-foot Bluetooth range in our tests, with about five hours of battery life in standard mode but nearly nine with Playtime Boost. Deal available in black, white, or camo. 90-day Woot warranty. Free shipping for Prime members. Read more: The Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker Ultimate Ears Miniroll Bluetooth Speaker — Worth Considering Best Buy deal price: $50 (deal on beige); street price: $80 What we like: A versatile ultra-portable travel bluetooth speaker worth considering. More expensive and a little larger than our best for pick, the JBL Go 4. Fuller sound. Features a handy integral strap that lets you strap it to a pole or chair or hang it from a hook. Other things to know: IP67-rated, so it's waterproof and dustproof. Max volume is about the same as the Go 4's. Battery typically ran for about 8.5 hours in our tests. Only available at the deal price in beige. Read more: The Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter Bissell Little Green Portable Carpet Cleaner 1400B — Top Pick Amazon deal price: $82 ; street price: $120 What we like: Our top portable carpet and upholstery cleaner pick. Light and reliable, with good cleaning power. Useful if you have pets or young kids. Completely removed wine and chocolate stains with handheld suction brush, hot tap water, and cleaning formula. Other things to know: A bit clunky, and its hose is rigid. Tanks have an awkward design that makes them tough to clean. Designed to tackle small areas only. One-year warranty is shorter than competition. Read more: The Best Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner Black+Decker 20V Max Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Cordless Pet Hand Vacuum HHVK515BPF07 — Pick Variant Kohl's deal price: $70 (deal on vacuum w/ base charger and extra filter); street price: $80 What we like: A variant of our best handheld car vacuum for pet owners. The motorized brush effectively picks up pet fur, especially on upholstery. Built-in extendable crevice tool reaches into nooks and crannies. Filters are washable and replaceable. Large bin volume. Other things to know: The brand says it charges in four hours and runs up to 24 minutes — a bit slower to charge than our tested pick, but roughly the same runtime. Two-year warranty. Comes with base charger and extra filter. Read more: The Best Handheld Vacuum Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Frontgate Resort Collection Bath Towel — Top Pick Frontgate deal price: $34 (use promo code WCJULY25); street price: $44 What we like: Our top bath towel pick. The softest, warmest, and most comfortable plush towel we've ever tested. Feels like a luxury hotel towel. Holds up for years and feels fuller and plusher with each wash. Comes in a wider variety of colors than any other we've found. Other things to know: If you prefer thinner towels, this isn't the pick for you. Bulkier to store and wash. Use code WCJULY25 to get deal price and free shipping (remove any existing discount code to apply this one for a better price). The price of the Frontgate towel has increased recently, and so has the deal price. Read more: The Best Bath Towel Onsen Waffle Bath Towel (Set of 2) — Upgrade Pick Huckberry deal price: $74 (use promo code WCSETJULY, set of two); street price: $100 What we like: Our upgrade pick for a quick-drying lattice-weave bath towel. Lighter, drapes better, and dries faster than any terry towel we tried. Has a minimalist, upscale look. Comes in a wide range of color options. Made of 100% US-grown Supima cotton. Other things to know: Relatively expensive, but costs a fraction of the price of similar lattice towels imported from Japan. Waffle towels are prone to snags. The texture might not be for everyone. Use code WCSETJULY to get the deal price on a set of two bath towels. Read more: The Best Bath Towel Amazon Basics Solid Wood Saddle-Seat Stool (Set of Two) — Staff Pick Amazon deal price: $60 (deal on white); street price: $90 What we like: Saddle-style stools recommended in our barstool and counter stool guide. Inexpensive but have stood solid with daily use for almost four years in one staffer's home. The seats are thoughtfully designed and easy to build. A metal bar protects the front footrest. Especially good if the lip of your kitchen island is narrow. Other things to know: Requires IKEA-style assembly. The edges can feel a bit sharp, and the depth is narrow. You need to add the floor protectors yourself. Returns accepted within 30 days of delivery, one-year warranty. Deal for a set of two 29-inch tall barstools in white. Read more: Our Favorite Barstools and Counter Stools Target Threshold 400 Thread Count Solid Performance Sheet Set (Queen) — Budget Pick Target deal price: $33 (free Target Circle membership required, with store pickup or Circle Card, queen); street price: $55 What we like: Our budget pick for the best cotton sheets (and outdoor movie screen). High quality at a fantastic price. Warm, thick sateen is softer than many pricier sets we've tried. Great for a kid's or guest room bed. Fits mattresses up to 18 inches thick. Comes in tons of colors. Other things to know: Less breathable and wrinkles more than other sateen sets we've tested. Street price has just risen again. Listed deal price is for queen, but all sizes are on sale. To avoid shipping fees, choose store pickup, purchase with Circle Card, or add to a larger order. Read more: The Best Cotton Sheets Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Banana Bike GT Balance Bike — Budget Pick Walmart deal price: $41 (deal on yellow); street price: $73 What we like: Our budget balance bike pick. Low stand-over height enables skittish youngsters to keep balanced. Well-engineered curved frame. Handlebars and seat are easily adjustable. Air-filled rubber tires work fine on paved, dirt, and carpeted surfaces. Other things to know: Took an hour+ to build, the longest of our picks. Shows wear and tear. Less-treaded tires creates a slightly less smooth ride and can lead to slipping around corners. No handbrake. No warranty. On sale in yellow (a good color for a self-declared banana bike). Read more: The Best Balance Bikes Boden Printed Long-Sleeved Nightie — Top Pick Boden deal price: $42 (use promo code 3V47, price includes shipping); street price: $54 What we like: The best high-quality cotton-blend nightgown for kids. A soft, cotton-blend nightgown. Comfortable and durable. Features fanciful and charming prints that helps make this it fun, not frumpy. Meets the CPSC's children's sleepwear flammability standards. Other things to know: On the more expensive side but these nightgowns last a long time. Use code 3V47, price includes shipping. Read more: The Best Kids Pajamas Bentgo Kids Lunch Box (3-Pack) — Top Pick Costco deal price: $30 (Costco membership required); street price: $40 What we like: Our top pick for a well-organized bento lunch box for younger kids. Has thoughtful (yet small) compartments, making it easy to pack an appealing lunch for preschool-age kids. Leakproof. Has sturdy clasps. Slightly more durable than the larger Bentgo Fresh lunch box. Other things to know: Recommended for kids ages 3 to 7 years old. Only fits about 2½ cups of food and the five compartments are fixed. Multiple long-term testers have needed to replace them about once a year. A set of three is on sale for Costco members. Read more: The Best Kids Lunch Boxes Educational Insights Kanoodle Gravity — Gift Pick Amazon deal price: $14 ; street price: $17 What we like: An affordable 3D brain puzzler gift pick for 7-year-olds. Small, lightweight, and compact. Easy to pack for travel. A great stocking stuffer. Part of a series of Kanoodle brain teasers. Other things to know: Kids can take turns or work their way through a booklet of increasingly difficult puzzles on their own. Read more: The 34 Best Gifts for 7-Year-Olds Puro Sound Labs BT2200-Plus Kids Headphones — Top Pick Puro deal price: $75 (use promo code BTWC25); street price: $100 What we like: Our top kids headphones pick for music and videos. Limits volume to safe range. Fits most preschoolers to tweens. Kid testers preferred the more grown-up style. At least 20-hour battery lift. Daisy-chain capability connects several pairs, so multiple kids can listen to the same device. Other things to know: No ability to change tracks or call up a digital assistant through the headphones themselves. Auto-shutoff feature will not activate if headphones are still connected to a powered-on device. Use code BTWC25 to get the deal. Read more: The Best Kids Headphones The Wirecutter Deals Team
New York Times
4 days ago
- Automotive
- New York Times
The 10+ Best Deals From Walmart's Anti-Prime Day Summer Sale
Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Cosco Finale 2-in-1 Booster Travel Car Seat — Top Pick Walmart deal price: $50 ; street price: $60 What we like: A top travel car seat. This no-frills seat converts from a forward-facing five-point harness for kids 30 to 65 pounds to a high-back booster for kids 40 to 100 pounds. FAA-certified and easy to install on an airplane using the plane's seatbelt. Other things to know: It weighs just 12 pounds. Has lower height limits (52 inches) than some boosters. LATCH straps were not easy to use. Read more: The Best Travel Car Seats Lego Creator 3in1 Magical Unicorn 31140 — Staff Pick Walmart deal price: $8 (with store pickup or Walmart+); street price: $9 What we like: A bite-size brick set staff pick in our guide to kids birthday party favors that aren't junk. The lower-price mini builds make perfect party favors. This Lego kit can transform from a unicorn to a seahorse to a peacock. Other things to know: Lego recommends this kit for kids ages 7 and up. 145-pieces. Opt for store pickup from Target or Walmart unless you have a Target Circle Card or Walmart+. Read more: 31 Kids Birthday Party Favors That Aren't Junk Joystar Totem Kids Bike — Budget Pick Walmart deal price: $106 (deal on blue or multicolor finish); street price: $140 What we like: Our budget pick for the best first pedal bike was the top contender among the sub-$200 bikes we tested. Simple to put together, sturdy, and unfussy. Geometry was comfortable enough for our younger testers, and allowed our experienced 7-year-old tester to accelerate quickly and charge up hills. Other things to know: Coaster brake isn't ideal, but it was the best option we found when testing budget bikes. Its steel frame makes it much heavier than our other picks (20.5 pounds), and likely to be more difficult for smaller children to maneuver. Available at the deal price in the blue or multicolor finish. Read more: The Best First Pedal Bike Banana Bike GT Balance Bike — Budget Pick Walmart deal price: $41 (deal on yellow); street price: $73 What we like: Our budget balance bike pick. Low stand-over height enables skittish youngsters to keep balanced. Well-engineered curved frame. Handlebars and seat are easily adjustable. Air-filled rubber tires work fine on paved, dirt, and carpeted surfaces. Other things to know: Took an hour+ to build, the longest of our picks. Shows wear and tear. Less-treaded tires creates a slightly less smooth ride and can lead to slipping around corners. No handbrake. No warranty. On sale in yellow (a good color for a self-declared banana bike). Read more: The Best Balance Bikes North States Easy Swing & Lock Baby Gate — Runner-Up Walmart deal price: $49 ; street price: $55 What we like: Our runner-up baby gate pick. Easy to use and installation only took 20 minutes. Secure the gate can be lifted up and out of a little holder piece to open, and closed with a firm push. While the hinges are plastic they held up to our rough testing. Other things to know: Has a lot of plastic in the lock, so lacks strength of all-metal system. Can't be set up at an angle. Not a huge discount. Read more: The Best Baby Gate
New York Times
27-06-2025
- Health
- New York Times
4th of July Sales Are Already Happening. Here Are the Best Deals Available.
Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter To keep your skin looking dewy and protected, this formula spreads easily without leaving behind a white cast, even on darker skin tones. It goes on like a makeup primer and won't look oily or sticky if reapplied over makeup throughout the day. Other things to know: Water-resistant up to 40 minutes. Greasy texture (like a watery petroleum jelly) may be off-putting to some. Pricey. This deal doesn't beat the rare single-day 50%-off sale, but it's still a great value. Price reflects in cart with free Bluemercury account. Read more: The Best Sunscreens for Your Face Supergoop Every. Single. Face. Watery Lotion This broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen soaks into dry skin to hydrate while it protects. It can also serve as a good primer for dewy makeup looks without being oily or greasy. At just 1.7 ounces, it's not cheap, but one bottle is surprisingly long-lasting. Other things to know: Very watery. If you prefer a more matte look or have oily skin, this is probably not the sunscreen for you. Sweat-resistant up to 40 minutes. Price reflects in cart; a free Bluemercury account is required for free shipping. Read more: The Best Sunscreens for Your Face Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 (18 ounces) Other things to know: Rated SPF 50. None of Wirecutter's testers experienced a white cast, but some reported that it left them feeling greasy. The 18-ounce jug is the most affordable size on a per-ounce basis. Price reflects in cart; a free Bluemercury account is required for free shipping. Read more: Supergoop Sunscreen Is Worth the Splurge EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser This cloud-like cleanser feels light, luxurious, and mild on your hands and face. Its sulfate-free soft foam formula fully removes dirt and grime and leaves your face feeling deeply clean but not at all stripped. One pump produces a dollop that's just the right amount for face-washing. $35 $28 from EltaMD Other things to know: Pretty pricey. 5-ounce bottle. Contains 28 ingredients, making it harder to determine if one of them triggers a sensitivity or irritation. Mostly fragrance-free, with slight hints of coconut and medicine. At the EltaMD site, use promo code SKIN20 to get the deal price. Read more: The Best Facial Cleansers Imagine a piece of carry-on luggage with the durability and insulation of a rolling hard cooler. Unlike our top rolling-cooler pick, the Yeti Tundra, the Roadie has a telescoping handle that changes its center of gravity, which may make it easier to maneuver in some situations. Other things to know: It's in our cooler guide's Competition section, but we like it at a deep discount. Typically pricier than the Tundra, and the difference in maneuverability wasn't immediately clear during tests. Holds 76 cans versus the Tundra's 82. Price reflects in cart. Read more: The Best Coolers Yeti Camino 35 Carryall Tote Other things to know: A touch larger than our top pick, but a similar capacity. Its interior pockets are zippered, and zippers don't play well with sand. The smaller-size Camino 20 is also on sale. At REI, membership is required; single-use discount on full-price Yeti item reflects in cart. Read more: The Best Beach Bag REI Co-op Wonderland 6 Tent A redesign of REI's beloved Kingdom 6, this is a spacious, wagon-shaped tent with a massive interior and a room-divider for added privacy. The updated pole design has increased stability against wind, the only major weakness of the old model. $500 $350 from REI Other things to know: Partial fly. No vestibule but an attachable mudroom sold separately. Already-large tent may not be ideal at campsites with limited space. We are still in the process of long-term testing. Read more: The Best Camping Tents Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter With a robust polycarbonate outer shell, aluminum corner guards, and an aluminum frame around the center seam that reinforces the body of the luggage, this isn't just a trunk — it's a traveling fortress. The two TSA locks close with a satisfying latch. Other things to know: Due to the design, some travelers consider trunks to be easier to pack and to maneuver. Does away with the standard zipper closure. Doesn't have a ton of built-in organization. Lifetime warranty. Use code WIRECUTTER. Read more: The Best Suitcases for Checking Away The Trunk This trunk has a clamshell design similar to that of the Monos Hybrid, for a similar price — but it has a zipper, instead of latches. It's available in 14 colors. Other things to know: Ideal if you prefer zippers over latch closures or you want a trunk to match your other Away luggage. We're fans of Away's luggage generally, but this trunk doesn't feel as robust or satisfying to use as our Monos pick. Enter your email address at the top of the sale page to generate a single-use discount code. Read more: The Best Suitcases for Checking Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 Backpacks A great starter option for one-bag travel, this backpack is simple to pack and the easiest to carry of all our picks. It's built for travel but designed for hiking, so you'll be comfy on journeys by trail or TSA. $185 $120 from Amazon With a slightly smaller capacity and lower shoulder straps, the Fairview 40 is a great carry-on backpack for people with smaller torsos. It's just as durable and well made as the Farpoint 40, and the slight design difference doesn't change the fact that it's the easiest bag to carry out of all of our picks. Other things to know: Backed by Osprey's excellent lifetime warranty. Capacity is a little less spacious than it seems. Laptop and tech gear pocket isn't positioned directly against your back, shifting the center of gravity and making some loads feel heavier than they should. Lifetime warranty. The Fairview is on sale for $1 more at REI. Read more: The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks Tommy John Air Mesh Mid-Length Boxer Brief 6" (add five) Travel can be uncomfortable, but these boxer briefs won't be. Quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and easy to wash on the go, they felt like a fine-tailored garment and moved with the body, scoring higher than any other pair we tested. We loved the front pouch, which lacks seams that can chafe. Other things to know: Leg length is 6 inches, 2 inches shorter than that of our official pick version, but it's otherwise the same. Fly opens from the top, not the side. Deal price is on five single pairs; add five pairs to cart and use code WCSUMMER. Read more: The Best Underwear for Travel Maki Yazawa/NYT Wirecutter For cooking simple microwave dishes quickly and reheating leftovers well, we like these glass containers. Their airtight, leakproof lids each have a venting knob that you can open or close to capture or release steam as needed, and their rounded metal edges are safe for the microwave. You can store leftovers in the same dish, so cleanup is easy. $60 $45 from Anyday For college students with dorm microwaves, small-kitchen cooks, or meal-prepping aficionados, this square glass cookware can be great for cooking simple microwave dishes and reheating leftovers, as well as storing food. Each airtight, leakproof lid has a venting knob that you can open or close to capture or release steam as needed. $106 $75 from Anyday Other things to know: Dishwasher-, oven-, and freezer-safe. Not ideal for developing more-complex flavors. Each set includes two glass containers and their corresponding lids; use promo code WCROUND to get the deal price on the round set or WCSQUARE to get the deal price on the square set. Read more: These Glass Containers Made Me Hate the Microwave a Little Less Vornado ARA Oscillating Tower Fan Quiet and reliable, this tower fan has an energy-efficient DC-powered motor that moves air at up to nearly 13 mph on high. It also works as a lamp, providing pleasant and warm ambient lighting. We don't usually like tower fans, but this one surprised us. $250 $190 from Wayfair Use promo code WIRECUTTER Other things to know: Expensive. Not easy to clean. Comes with Vornado's reliable five-year warranty. Use promo code WIRECUTTER. Read more: I've Tested Dozens of Tower Fans. And I Hated Every Single One of Them — Until Now. Windmill AC with WhisperTech Other things to know: You can't open your window while using it. Typically more expensive than our top pick, and a little louder. Window support bracket not included. You can't control the direction of the fan. Use code WIRECUTTER25 to get the deal price, which includes shipping. Read more: The Best Air Conditioner Blu Dot Cache Sofa Generously cushioned, this cute tubular-aluminum-framed outdoor sofa comes fully assembled and built to last (ours from 2021 still looks practically new). The sturdy, rounded cushions are upholstered with durable Sunbrella fabric over a dry-fast, mildew-resistant foam. $4495 $3147 from Blu Dot Other things to know: The foam can be a little noisy. Cushion covers are not removable, but have been easy to wipe down in our experience. Five-year warranty. Use code WCSUMMER. Read more: Our Favorite Outdoor Sofas and Chairs Ring Alarm (2nd Generation) 14-piece home security system kit Reliable and fast, this easy-to-use security system also works with Amazon Alexa and other Ring devices, plus add-ons like cameras. It also offers the biggest bang for your buck when it comes to professional monitoring and 24/7 customer service. $300 $200 from Amazon Other things to know: Does not include a built-in Eero router, as the Pro model does. Optional Ring Protect Pro monitoring plan is $20 per month. Kit includes one base station, two keypads, eight contact sensors, two motion detectors, and one range extender. Amazon Prime membership required. Read more: The Best Home Security System Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter Linen sheets can be a game-changer for hot sleepers, and our longtime favorite set is durable, breathable, and one of the softest we've tested. The set includes a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases, but you can also purchase by the piece. $445 $351 from Cultiver Use promo code WCSUMMER (queen) Other things to know: Like any linen sheets, these wrinkle easily. More limited sizing than sheets from other brands. No warranty, and a pretty standard 30-day return policy. Deal price is for the queen size, but all sizes are discounted with code WCSUMMER. Street price has risen in recent months. Read more: The Best Linen Sheets 280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set (queen) With a durable construction that only gets softer with each wash, it's no surprise these supple sheets have ranked among our favorites for years. They remain the most crisp and breathable percale sheets we've tested. $169 $144 from Other things to know: Percale can feel too textured to those who prefer smooth, drapey sateen sheets. Not Oeko-Tex–certified. Set includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. One-year return policy. Code WCSUN15 can apply to all sizes, and all sizes qualify for free shipping. Read more: The Best Cotton Sheets Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter Meet the best sub-$50 earbuds we've tried. They have impressive sound and features for the price, as well as an IPX7 dust- and water-resistance rating and high-quality background-noise-reducing microphones that rival those of more expensive models. $40 $26 from Amazon Other things to know: They lack active noise cancellation and a hear-through mode. Sound quality isn't as balanced as that of our top pick. Use code EAFRE2SF to get the deal. We once saw a $16 lightning deal for these earbuds, but we doubt they'll drop that low again. Read more: The Best Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds Samsung The Frame QN65LS03DAFXZA LCD TV (2024 model, 65-inch) Want a TV that isn't just another big black box? The Frame is a great option for people who prefer a living room that doesn't look like it's dedicated to television. Although it resembles a framed piece of art when not in use, it still delivers the same bright, excellent image quality as many of Samsung's upper-tier QLED TVs. Other things to know: A subscription is necessary to access the full range of art options but not required for regular TV functionality. This is the 2024 model. It comes with a one-year Samsung parts-and-labor limited warranty, and free shipping for Amazon Prime members. Read more: The Frame Is a Delightful TV That Transforms Into Artwork Eero 6 Wi-Fi router (one unit) This compact router is easy to set up and smoothly delivers solid internet performance, even while several people are using the connection. It's also one of the easiest routers to hide, on account of its tiny size. You can expand its network by adding Eero extenders or routers or Echo Dot speakers. Other things to know: Slower overall than our top pick for heavy downloaders and gamers. Most suitable if you're subscribed to a low- to mid-tier internet plan (under 500 Mbps). Two Ethernet ports. Read more: The Best Wi-Fi Routers Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter Our testers gave these versatile Levi's the highest overall score among straight-leg styles — even over pricey high-end options. They're not only comfy, booty-flattering, well-made, and under $100, but also made in a wide range of sizes and three inseams. The cotton-elastane blend is structured but fits comfortably on the first wear. Other things to know: Testers with more defined waists found these jeans true to size; others should consider sizing up. Deal available on select washes: Space to Think, Christina, and Neither Here Nor There. Free Red Tab membership required for free shipping. Read more: The Best Women's Jeans Evelyn Bobbie Defy Bra This smooth, stretchy bralette actually comfortably supports large breasts without any metal wires, clasps, or sliders — a near-miracle. Its high-back design and seamless edges create smooth contours, the sizing was spot-on, and we like that it's soft enough for lounging and supportive enough for active days. $98 $65 from Evelyn Bobbie Use promo code WIRECUTTER Other things to know: Not the cutest, and not ideal for low-cut or strappy tops. Some testers found it too hot and stifling. Not the easiest to pull on. Removable cups may slip out in the wash. Sizes S to 3XL (C to K cup, 30- to 52-inch band). Use code WIRECUTTER. Read more: The Best, Most Comfortable Bras Harper Wilde Base T-Shirt Bra (pack of three) A pleasure to wear all day long, this comfy underwire bra creates a smooth, defined silhouette. It's set apart by small details, such as the strap-adjustment sliders' location on the front, which allows the wearer to easily move them up and down without having to reach behind their back. Other things to know: We wish it came in more sizes beyond 32A to 42F. Straps are thinner than those of our other picks, and for people with heavier breasts, they may dig into the shoulders. Add three bras to cart and use code WCSUMMER to get the discount on the tan, brown, or black color, plus free shipping. Read more: The Best, Most Comfortable Bras Harper Wilde Bliss Triangle Bralette The thoughtful details of its wire-free pull-on design and adjustable straps make this comfy bralette tough to beat. The silky, pleasantly stretchy microfiber fits like a second skin, and the plunging neckline and low back work with a variety of tops but still provide ample coverage. $45 $27 from Harper Wilde Other things to know: Medium support may not be substantial enough if you have heavier, larger breasts. Lacks full nipple coverage. Doesn't provide much shaping. Available in sizes XS to 5XL. On sale in steel and tan with code WCSUMMER. Read more: The Best, Most Comfortable Bras ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Uplift Plunge Bra This pretty plunge bra is a sexy, supportive option offering outstanding comfort. It comes with removable push-up pads for a little extra oomph and is available in larger band sizes and half sizes. Other things to know: May not be supportive enough for larger busts. Sizes AA to H cup (including some half-cup sizes) and 32- to 44-inch band; not every cup size is offered for every band size. On sale in rose dust, amethyst, or coral with code LUV-WIRECUTTER. Read more: The Best Bras Saxx Non-Stop Stretch Cotton Boxer Brief (pack of three) Other things to know: Waistband is as close to perfect as we've found, but it rolled in certain situations. Machine-washable. Comes in sizes XS to XXL, with a 5-inch inseam. Use code PR-WCTRAVEL to get the deal price for a three-pack. Read more: The Best Men's Boxer Briefs Editor's note: The photo at the top of this article may reflect previous deals that are no longer valid and have been removed. Check out our Deals page for more great discounts on Wirecutter's expert-approved picks. This article was edited by Janie Campbell and Nathan Burrow. Here's what the Wirecutter Deals team is looking for when they hunt for the best prices on Wirecutter picks every day of the week. The Wirecutter Deals team breaks down a few simple ways to save money all year long.
New York Times
27-06-2025
- Health
- New York Times
My Doctor Recommended Crocs. So I Tested and Ranked Them.
Despite the fact that Crocs were medically recommended for my personal circumstances, they aren't necessarily the best footwear choice for every person, injury, or occasion (style or otherwise). You should speak to your doctor before investing in Crocs and changing your footwear routine, especially if you're dealing with any kind of foot injury. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter To better understand what exactly about my situation necessitated Crocs, I interviewed my own podiatrist, Robert Fridman, DPM. (Fridman has no financial relationship with Crocs, but I must disclose that he does have a financial relationship with me, in that I have paid him for treatment.) He — a runner himself — has worked closely with athletes and runners to diagnose and treat chronic pathologies like my own. 'Every tendon in the body has to have an opposite, there is a push-pull,' Fridman tells me. 'The antagonist of the plantar fascia is the Achilles tendon, which attaches to three muscles in your calf.' Imagine your legs dangling off the edge of a dock or a kitchen stool. Neither the Achilles nor the calf muscle is working, so your feet are just hanging mid-air. Fridman explained that when the foot is hanging unimpeded like that, the toes drop, the heel lifts, and the foot naturally finds itself at a differential of about an inch between the heel and the toes. That differential, Fridman said, happens to be almost exactly the heel-to-toe drop of Crocs. According to Fridman, a shoe that can hold your feet in this position (with a little cushion beneath it) can help a foot recover from high-impact activities like running or even long days of walking. Walking around barefoot on hard floors and wearing thin-soled shoes on pavement can be hard on feet, and the plush soles on a pair of Crocs can help provide a softer landing. That being said, Fridman stressed that even in cases like mine, Crocs aren't meant to be worn all the time, or for extended walks. They're great for around the house, idle times, and for short trips to the grocery store, but not for a day of trekking across New York. Crocs can often be very loose on the foot, and in order to keep one's foot securely in them, Fridman said that wearers instinctively begin to make countless micro-adjustments using small muscles — an unnatural overreliance that can further exacerbate foot pain. More importantly, Crocs are not a cure-all, and in cases like mine, they're merely a single piece in a multifaceted approach to treating foot and ankle pathologies. If you find yourself relying on something like Crocs to tolerate even minimal walking, a larger issue might be contributing to your pain. 'If you have an inability to be comfortable and safe without a very specific piece of footwear, that would be a case where I would probably consult a medical professional, and we would say, all right, what's going on with this individual?' Ryan Chapman, director of the biomechanics and wearables lab at the University of Rhode Island, said in a video call. So if this is your situation, you may want to speak with your doctor before relying on Crocs for pain management. I am not unique in my journey through foot pain: Fridman mentioned that he saw a notable uptick in cases of plantar fasciitis following the first pandemic lockdowns, likely stemming from more people working from home and walking around barefoot on hard surfaces for far longer than they previously ever had. Armed with the science, the message was clear: To reduce pain and return to running, I had to wear Crocs. The brand has dozens upon dozens of styles, some being only subtle variations on each other. In order to narrow down our list, we focused primarily on models that I felt could be incorporated into my own daily wardrobe, making sure to include popular styles, classic offerings, and styles across a spectrum of categories, from sneakers to slides. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter We also made sure to test styles that used the two most common types of foam footbeds offered by Crocs: Croslite and LiteRide, both of which are proprietary materials. Croslite is the classic Crocs foam. LiteRide is a newer, far softer material typically used only in the footbed, as seen in some of Crocs's more recent, popular styles, like the Echo Clog. But not all LiteRide and Croslite foams are the same; in my testing, I found that different clogs made of the same material still felt different underfoot, especially in terms of firmness. I confirmed this by testing the hardness of each footbed and sole using a Shore durometer — a small tool that gauges hardness on the Shore A scale (something like a pencil eraser has a hardness of around 40 Shore A, and an automobile tire might have a Shore A reading of roughly 70). The Crocs shoes we tested had Shore A readings that ranged from 24 to 70 — a huge swing for materials that are purportedly the same. The InMotion clog, left, and the classic clog, right. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Over the course of several weeks, I rotated between the different pairs of Crocs, making sure to wear each for several consecutive days. I wore them during my usual daily household routines (especially during long periods of standing, such as when I was cooking), as well as for short walks around my neighborhood. I also wore them as a recovery shoe after long days of walking around New York. I assessed them for comfort and support, especially as it pertained to my own symptoms. All the while, I also tried to incorporate each pair of Crocs into what I felt were cohesive outfits that revolved around my already-existing wardrobe staples (and that I wouldn't be embarrassed to be seen wearing). During my testing, I also identified two types of comfort in each shoe. The first is what I call 'plush comfort,' that sink-in feeling of total compliance, similar to stepping on an anti-fatigue mat. The second is what I call 'orthotic comfort' — the ability of the shoe to hold my foot in the position Fridman described and to provide long-term support, regardless of plushness. Finally, I also ranked Crocs by style — not only which looked best, but which were most easily worked into an everyday wardrobe. Style is, of course, subjective, and in this case, relative not to the overall world of footwear, but to the specific category of clogs. Below are all the Crocs I tried, ranked from my least to most favorite. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Slides have been a perennially popular post-workout-turned-street-style choice since their inception. Crocs's slide lineup runs deep, but many styles appear to be variations on one or two classic models. Given the name, and my need for recovery, the Mellow Luxe Recovery Slide seemed like the right choice to test. Made of the softer LiteRide foam, the Mellow Luxe slides clocked in at roughly 33 Shore A on the durometer, with some outlier readings in the mid-20s. They are decidedly soft. My feet sank into them right away, and the first few paces felt as soft and welcoming as those first barefoot steps on a gym mat in elementary school. This was my first real run-in with the difference between orthotic and plush comfort. The recovery slides have no firm outsole to keep the jiggly, soft LiteRide material in place. As a result, the footbed kind of collapses, and after a while feels like it sits at much less of an angle, which isn't as comfortable underfoot as the classic clogs. I also found that even while walking from one side of the house to the other, the strap dug into the top of my toes as I walked around, which is not the recovery experience I wanted. And then there was the look. The side profile is unique and cool — they look almost like a canoe. But these slides have an adjustable fabric strap that runs across the forefoot, and the mixed materials make them look like the kind of surgical boot you might wear with a torn Achilles tendon or an ankle fracture. Despite the name, they don't look particularly luxe. These slides would be great for activities where you might want a soft mat underfoot, like when standing in the shower, but I didn't enjoy my time wearing them around my house all day, and I didn't find them great for walking around. Plush comfort: 10/10 Orthotic comfort: 3/10 Style: 2/10 Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter The InMotion Clog has a shape similar to the Classic Clog, with a LiteRide footbed. But in my time with them, I struggled to understand who they were styled for. I found them comfortable, but the venting pattern was different from that of the iconic Crocs, in a way that felt arbitrary. The InMotion Clogs look like Frankenstein Crocs made of several different styles, almost like a Crocs prototype. It's a mullet in the front and a mullet in the back kind-of-look. When my brother tried them on at my apartment, the look of disappointment on my sister-in-law's face said it all. In my experience, the footbed lacks the supportive shape of the Classic Clog while trying to imitate its overall appearance. The support felt like it collapsed throughout the day, on par with the Mellow Luxe Recovery Slide. These clogs measured roughly 28 Shore A for the footbed and 42.2 Shore A for the outsole. If you are looking for plush comfort and a modicum of support, these might be for you, especially if you genuinely do not care how you look. But in choosing these, you might sacrifice all elements of thoughtful style. Plush comfort: 9/10 Orthotic comfort: 5/10 Style: 3/10 Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Are these sneakers disguised as Crocs disguised as sneakers? They have great qualities of both and performed better than expected. If I am being honest with myself and with the world, the initial thought of a Crocs sneaker was, frankly, abhorrent. Who wants such a thing? Crocs in disguise are not Crocs. It nearly defeats the purpose. And almost as a rule, I dislike dishonesty in design. But when the InMotion Pacer pair arrived, I begrudgingly changed my mind about the aesthetic. They looked more convincingly like sneakers than I initially anticipated. I probably never would have clocked them as non-sneakers had I not known they were Crocs. They marry some broader aspects of Stan Smith and Air Force One sneakers with some of the material design principles of Crocs. (Although photographs reveal the subtle sheen of foam, they appear more matte in person). And when I put them on, my feet were convinced. They have a LiteRide footbed with a durometer reading of roughly 27 Shore A — very soft compared with Croslite clogs — and a firmer outsole with a reading of about 44 Shore A. This keeps the LiteRide footbed material protected and gives it some stability, while also giving the wearer enough protection to wear the shoes out in the world. They are vented, so they don't trap sweat, and they can also get wet. The sneaker-like design keeps the foot securely in place, so you aren't slipping and sliding around in them — obviating some of the aforementioned foot-strain risks inherent to the clogs. InMotion Pacers are definitely sneakers but also definitely still Crocs. I'd be hesitant to swap out actual sneakers for these entirely, especially for days with a lot of walking, but they would be great beach or pool shoes or summer weekend shoes. They worked best with swim trunks and Lululemon pants for quick jaunts to the store. My one issue is that the shoe itself is narrow. If you have wide feet, the InMotion Pacers might not be for you. Plush comfort: 8/10 Orthotic comfort: 6/10 Style: 5/10 Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter I struggled when selecting an item from Crocs's Echo line. My eye was, of course, drawn to the Echo Wave — a slip-on clog with curved, stylized ridges reminiscent of stillsuits from Dune. They are also beloved online. But, in being honest with myself, I knew there was no path towards successfully incorporating the Wave with my own wardrobe or in my day-to-day life without feeling absurd. The Echo Clog seemed to me a happy medium — it has a bulky-yet-elegant, semifuturistic silhouette while also looking like a shoe I could wear. They look and feel like off-road Crocs. The Echo has a LiteRide footbed within a firmer Croslite shell. (The footbed's hardness is roughly 32 Shore A, and the outer shell is roughly 47 Shore A.) Unlike the Mellow Luxe Recovery Slide, the Echo Clog's softer footbed feels like it is stabilized by the firm outer shell, which gives it a feeling of comfort and support similar to that of the classic clogs while retaining the far squishier footbed of the LiteRide models. After extended wear, I did feel the LiteRide begin to collapse under my arch, but not as quickly as it did with the slides. But the Echo Clog looks and feels ginormous. They look like elephant feet. And, stomping around in them, I felt like an elephant. Due to the outer shell, they're roughly an inch longer than classic clogs of the same size. For the shoe to have reasonable proportions, you would have to size down significantly, which would introduce other biomechanical issues. I also found that the shoe had a little too much jiggle. It didn't really hug my foot, and was roomier than any other size 10 clog I put on. I tried a size 9 at a store and found that the pressure from the strap buttons against my foot made them uncomfortable to wear almost immediately. The back strap is also not adjustable. Few Crocs are actually adjustable, but the Echo Clog has a cloth back strap that looks deceptively like it can be tightened, and I was disappointed to learn that this wasn't the case. If I had been able to cinch the strap around my heel, the Echo Clog would have immediately been more wearable for longer periods of time. It was also a challenge to create outfits with the Echo Clogs; in the end, they worked best with heavily textured materials that contrasted with the strangeness of the shoe's shape, such as ballistic nylon trousers or tapered linen pants in dark colors. Rebecca Hartje/NYT Wirecutter Rebecca Hartje/NYT Wirecutter Rebecca Hartje/NYT Wirecutter Ultimately, these clogs are stylish, but sizing is odd, and while they provided a lot of comfort, it wasn't the ideal type of comfort for my feet. Plush comfort: 7/10 Orthotic comfort: 7/10 Style: 7/10 Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Think of the Dylan Clog as a more plush cousin of the Birkenstock Boston clog. It's a stylish, understated clog that, from afar, is virtually unrecognizable as a pair of Crocs, and, more importantly, disguises its foam composition relatively well with a pebbled texture intended to resemble leather, which is semi-convincing at a distance. At the time of publication, the Dylan clogs are the only pair of Crocs that have been previously recommended by Wirecutter, and we've liked them for good reason. They're comfortable and relatively supportive, and they can be seamlessly integrated with many actual outfits you wouldn't be at all ashamed to wear to work or to a bar. When I wore the Dylan Clogs with a pair of cuffed and creased Dickies 874s, my wife said I looked like an Italian architect from the 1930s, and my sister-in-law said it looked like an outfit from The Bear . With olive trousers, they had an 'if Dickie Greenleaf was an 'Autumn'' vibe. The Dylan Clogs are geometrically similar to the Classic Clog, made of the same Croslite material, and have a similarly shaped footbed. If you are used to classic Crocs, these feel like a nearly identical but ever-so-slightly lower-arched version of the originals, but they tend to run a little roomy (I am a 9 in the Dylan Clogs and a 10 in the Classic Clogs). The issue for me is that the Dylan Clogs are firm, especially to start out with. My durometer readings of their footbed were, on average, 42 Shore A, similar to the roughly 40 to 42 Shore A of the black Classic Clogs. Even more surprising, my white Classic Clogs and my wife's lavender Classic Clogs had roughly 34 Shore A readings, even though all four of these clogs are purportedly made of the same Croslite material. This exposed a slight hitch in the Crocs lineup: black Croslite Crocs may be firmer than those in other colors. Although I personally haven't had this problem, many people also say that the lack of venting and the airtight material can create a mugginess in the forefoot. My Dylan Clogs have slowly broken in, and I found that running hot water over them helped soften the material slightly, but if you need supreme plushness underfoot, the Dylan Clogs may not be for you. Plush comfort: 3/10 Orthotic comfort: 6.5/10 Style: 9/10 Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter The first time I saw someone in my life wearing Crocs Classic Clogs was when my high school cross-country captain wore them after practice one day. His were bright orange; they were great for recovery, he said. With love, we all made fun of him. In retrospect, if I'd known what my team captain knew (and what Fridman told me about how effective Crocs are as post-run recovery shoes), I might have had a more effective recovery routine myself and skirted many an injury over the years. (And if I'd had the self-possession to wear bright-orange shoes in high school, I might also have been slightly more at peace with myself, but that is another issue.) Are the Classic Clogs an attractive shoe? No. But also, not no. They were certainly unique and visually striking when they first entered the world. They made a bold statement and did so unapologetically. They have a clarity of purpose and vision. Crocs Classic Clogs have even earned a coveted spot in one of the Museum of Modern Art's design exhibits. Over the last several decades, the clogs have cemented a social and aesthetic language of their very own. They have such an inherently strong identity as a class of shoe such that in 2025, nobody sees someone wearing a pair of Crocs and asks what they are, or has any doubts as to why they are being worn or what function they are serving. They are a thing in and of themselves. And that, whether you like it or not, is style. There's a reason so many celebrities, like Justin Bieber and Pharrell, have been spotted wearing Crocs, and why the overall design and material composition of Crocs has been cribbed by brands from Yeezy to Nike to Merrell. They feel like they belong to another planet, and at the same time, have the inimitable laidbackness of someone strolling out of the house for their morning coffee with the morning paper. They're shoes that could easily have been worn by Jeff Bridges as The Dude. There's also a reason nurses and chefs (and cross-country runners) wear them: They are comfortable. They are great for long hours of standing, and they come in countless colors and fit nearly every foot from a toddler's to a men's 13. The Classic Clogs cradle my foot at just the right angle to provide the relief I need. The moment I slip them on, I feel the strain of my daily footwear wash away, as if my feet are exhaling for the first time all day. Wearing them, I understand right away why they make great recovery shoes: They have excellent airflow and let the foot breathe. They never get too stuffy. The material is soft and compliant yet still supportive. The lightly textured footbed feels something like a massage underfoot. Although they have become my de facto house shoe, I have, at times, worn them for longer walks, while driving, and on long flights. When I was at my absolute worst (foot-wise), they were the only things that gave me any real feeling of relief, and there have been entire weeks when my beleaguered feet only wanted to wear the Classic Clogs. The black clogs have a durometer reading of roughly 40 Shore A, which is higher than the mid-30s Shore A readings of my stucco-colored clogs, and my wife's lavender-colored clogs (again, my suspicion is that black Croslite is firmer than other colors). Plush comfort: 6/10 Orthotic comfort: 8/10 Style: 8/10 Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter I've never felt particularly drawn to orthotic-style clogs. They always looked too bulky, too curvy, too elementary-school art teacher. But upon seeing these on my feet for the first time, I was beguiled. The On The Clock LiteRide Work Slip-Ons look like shoes you might find in a professional kitchen, but they didn't make me feel like I was wearing a costume. They had a sleek yet paradoxically heavy silhouette that gave them an ugly-duckling charm, putting them in the same category as something like Birkenstock Boston clogs or Blundstone boots while also being something distinctly their own. They are also the only pair of Crocs I tried that have a removable insole. They have a hard, black shell with low-profile, glued-on treads. The bright-orange insole, made of LiteRide material, had a hardness reading of roughly 28 Shore A, and the outsole treads had a reading of roughly 68 Shore A — a combination that provides significant plushness alongside greater foot protection and durability, as well as a bit more stability for the LiteRide material. These kept my feet snug and in place even during longer walks through the park, and they also seemed to escape my notice entirely when worn around the house; I felt as natural walking in them as when I was barefoot — a feeling of freedom that no other pair of Crocs was able to deliver. The LiteRide insole is shaped to deliver subtle arch support. It is tapered in a way that allows it to keep its shape well throughout the day. I never felt the nagging fatigue of the LiteRide material collapsing under my arch (like what I felt with many other LiteRide models). These had the gym-mat softness my feet loved but with the support of regular Crocs. The On The Clock slip-ons worked with tapered jeans, casual cuffed trousers, workwear trousers, shorts, linen pants — almost anything I threw at them. They had the insouciance of slippers and a bulky charm of something similar to Paraboot shoes. In short, I loved how they felt, and I loved how they looked. I encountered only two problems when testing them. The first is that the vent holes are only minimally useful. These clogs are basically completely closed, and the material does not breathe at all. Sweat accumulates over the course of a few hours, and things can begin to feel muggy (and smelly). To keep these fresh, I'd recommend rinsing them out with soapy water now and then and letting them dry after every wear. It's also probably wise to remove the insole and wipe it down after a long period of wear. The other problem has to do with my own wide foot and high instep (top of foot) — a combination that effectively means my foot takes up a lot of space in a shoe. The shoe's opening pinched the top of my left foot just slightly, and without socks, I'd probably have blisters by the end of the day. I don't imagine this to be a huge issue for people with medium or low insteps. I also anticipate that the glued treads on the sole will be the first point of failure, especially if worn out and about on concrete, but this has not yet happened to my pair. Plush comfort: 9/10 Orthotic comfort: 8/10 Style: 9/10 My feet and my own personal style tell one story. Yours may tell another. And life is also about sacrifice: style for comfort, breathability for style, support for plushness. Even in my own journey, I waffled between looking good and feeling good. My foot is not all the way healed, but with the help of time, rehab, and Crocs, the pain has waned significantly. Recently, I went on a weeklong trip, walking 9 miles a day without any notable discomfort — a true feat, given that short jaunts down the block once felt like walking barefoot across gravel. After those long days, I always reached for my Crocs and slowly felt the sensation of wear and tear begin to slip away. Not all Crocs gave me the type of comfort and support that my doctor seemed to recommend, nor did they have the panache I look for in a pair of shoes. The Mellow Luxe Recovery Slide and the InMotion Clog will probably never make their way into my rotation, while the Dylan Clog and the On The Clock LiteRide Work Slip-On have been integrated into my daily wardrobe. I've grown attached to them; they are more to me now than a recovery shoe. I find myself dreaming up new ways to style them, and on occasion, I might even look down at a pair of boots I'm wearing and think to myself, reluctantly, 'This outfit would have looked better with a pair of Crocs.' This article was edited by Hannah Rimm and Maxine Builder. The best shoes for you are the ones you won't think about much once you're on the road. Finding them may involve trial and error. Here's how to get started. The hype for Hokas is nearly as sky-high as their signature stacked soles—which has nothing to do with whether they're a superior running shoe. For post-run rejuvenation, I swear by the Roll Recovery R8 , a spring-tensioned clamp with grooved rubber rollers on each side that squeeze and massage limbs.
New York Times
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
How a Broadway Veteran Tackles Stains, Snaps, and Rips Backstage at Boop!
Evans's supplies, including safety pins and her neck light, are scattered on the vanity backstage at Boop! The Musical. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Evans stores thread, needles, scissors, pins, and other seamstress accessories in a hanging shoe rack. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter A bottle of Bioderma micellar water, bandages, false eyelashes, and nail clippers are just a few of the tools in Evans's kit. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Evans examines a white satin dress that is prone to getting smudged with lipstick during costume changes. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Evans's supplies, including safety pins and her neck light, are scattered on the vanity backstage at Boop! The Musical. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter The quirks of caring for individual costumes can vary wildly across shows, Evans told me. A stain on Marty McFly's puffy vest is going to call for a much different cleaning strategy than a mark on Gypsy Rose Lee's sequined bodice. 'In some shows, costumes are custom-dyed, and the priority is preserving the color,' Evans told me. Other times, she explained, the most important aspect is delicately handling fragile costumes that cannot be laundered. 'Weeks can go by between professional cleanings,' she said, 'but we still need a way to maintain a costume's fresh look.' Wardrobe supervisors and dressers like Evans rely on spot-cleaning to keep costumes looking fresh — at least from a distance. 'Onstage, we have the benefit of five feet and moving,' Evans said, explaining that stain removal for the stage does not need to be perfect. Evans leans on a number of stain removers and stain-removal techniques backstage. But for makeup stains on the Boop! costumes, she uses an unusual solvent: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water. 'Unlike some other stain removers, Bioderma dries clear — there's no discolored ring left on the costume, which makes it perfect for spot-cleaning,' she said. To remove stains using Bioderma, Evans squirts some onto a washcloth, and then she uses it to delicately rub and blot the stain. Sometimes it takes a few tries. Evans reminded me that even though this method makes a garment acceptable from a distance, it still needs to be fully cleaned eventually. Jasmine Amy Rogers (Betty Boop) and Ainsley Melham (Dwayne) in Boop! The Musical, a new production directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell and composed by David Foster, with lyrics by Susan Birkenhead, and book by Bob Martin. Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman Jasmine Amy Rogers (Betty Boop) and ensemble in Boop! The Musical, a new production directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, composed by David Foster, with lyrics by Susan Birkenhead, and book by Bob Martin. Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman Jasmine Amy Rogers (Betty Boop) and Ainsley Melham (Dwayne) in Boop! The Musical, a new production directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell and composed by David Foster, with lyrics by Susan Birkenhead, and book by Bob Martin. Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman Last summer, I tested the Bioderma method by cleaning purse liners. And I agree that it works, especially in a pinch. Bioderma isn't the only stain-removing weapon Evans wields. When working backstage at the musical Gypsy , she spot-cleaned stains using a combination of Stingray Instant Spot Remover (a fragrance-free stain remover) and — if you can believe it — cloth diapers. (It turns out that cloth diapers are actually great at mopping up excess cleaning solutions.) To clean with Stingray, Evans recommends saturating the stain with a few spritzes and then blotting excess liquid with a cloth diaper. Like the Bioderma makeup remover, Stingray also dries clear. I tested Stingray at Wirecutter, and it's quickly become a favorite. But be warned — it does contain a very small amount of ammonia, though the scent is faint and barely detectable. Stingray and other cleaners that contain a tiny bit of ammonia (less than 2%) are safe to use and nonhazardous, a representative from the American Cleaning Institute, a nonprofit trade group, told me. (Do not mix Stingray or other products containing ammonia with other cleaning products, since this could create hazardous fumes.) Stingray is not the only spray bottle you'll find in Evans's backstage lair. To manage odors lingering on costumes backstage, Evans employs a well-known industry hack: spraying them with cheap vodka. She keeps a spray bottle filled with vodka (labeled, of course) to use on any malodorous fabrics she encounters. 'There's a debate within the industry about whether or not to use vodka, but I avoid using anything with potentially irritating perfumes backstage,' Evans told us. Though the vodka initially smells, it dries scent-free and leaves no discoloration on costumes. At Wirecutter, I often use vodka as a deodorizer. It does the job and dries quickly, and it's inexpensive. For some fine fabrics — especially those that are custom-dyed and not colorfast — contact with even a small amount of fluid risks their destruction. When she's handling oil stains on such fabrics, Evans swears by the Janie Dry Stick On-the-Spot Garment Cleaner. The Janie Dry Stick is a chalky stain stick that can safely absorb oils from a range of delicate textiles, without the help of soap and water. In my informal testing at Wirecutter, I was impressed by the Janie stick's ability to handle moderate oil and grease marks on silk and satin. Writer Lesley Stockton, who is also a fan of the Janie stick, said she successfully used it to get oil stains out of a suede bag. Many actors use heavy-duty antiperspirants onstage because of the hot spotlights. Deodorant stains can be a chore to manage. But Evans has an ingenious hack for tackling deodorant residue on the costumes that Jasmine Amy Rogers wears: She uses Braza Wipe Out Deodorant Erasers. Removing deodorant with a Braza Wipe Out sponge is easy: You simply use it to brush off deodorant residue. Yet be sure to manage your expectations. Evans said this trick is helpful as a quick fix, but it doesn't always work.
