Run, swim, kick, swing, shoot. These are all things that summer allows us to dive into. After the winter we had, every New Yorker is grateful that the beautiful weather has finally settled in. So get outside and improve your forehand, half court shot, running form, whatever you strive to perfect. Here are some of the best items from our favorite sport stores in the Big Apple. Check them out!
Though renowned for their insane-looking extreme sport and prescription glasses, few can leave their Broadway location without also being tempted by their athletic apparel. But back to the eyewear. Here are two pairs that we like:
1. These look like something from a Tom Cruise movie. The Uranium Collection Prizm Road Rader EV Path sports glasses are top-of-its-class eyewear that has an extended range of view for greater peripheral vision. The Prizm lens also enhances visual clarity and makes natural colors pop and become more vivid. ($190, oakley.com/prizm-road-radar-ev-path)
2. Aptly named, Conquest is a pair of sunglasses for the active woman, as we hope you are, especially during the summer. An updated, modern take on the aviator that's a bit more streamlined, they come loaded with UV and impact protection. ($150, oakley.com/conquest)
Oakley is currently located at 560 Fifth Ave., 212-741-5236; 1515 Broadway, 212-575-0960; and 113 Prince St., 212-673-7700.
Nothing is better than a backhand winner in the middle of summer. The largest and most complete racquet sport store in the city, NYC Racquet Sports has everything from items for squash to tennis. Tournament-quality stringing is available, even for same-day service. Grab a coupon, stop by, and ogle the following:
1. Akin to playing chess while sprinting, competitive tennis can be brutal. For players who want the most out of every match, no choice is better than Babolat’s Pure Drive. It has the perfect balance between power and control, weighing only 10.6 oz. ($189.95, babolat.com/pure-drive)
2. Inspired by the U.S. Open, the New Balance 996 offers premium responsiveness and cushioning. And a lot of green (or “high-visibility yellow,” whichever you prefer). Your fans will have no trouble pointing you out on the court. ($109.99, newbalance.com/us-996)
NYC Racquet Sports is currently located at 157A W. 35th St. Call 212-695-5353 or visit nycracquetsports.com for more information.
Staffed by dedicated and professional instructors and helpers, Golfsmith wants to help all players of all skill levels improve their game. They carry most major brands and have done so for over 45 years. If golf is your game, there's no better place to stop and browse. Here are a couple of essentials to ask about when you visit:
1. Speed is just as important as power. This is the philosophy behind Nike’s Vapor Speed Driver golf club. Its lower center of gravity creates a higher launch and the signature FlyBeam structure maximizes ball speed, creating a potent tool. Plus, it looks really cool. ($349.99, golfsmith.com/nike-vapor-speed-driver)
2. Distance has been made simple. The Bushnell neo-XS GPS Watch comes preloaded with over 33,000 courses in 30 countries so you will always know precisely where you stand. Best of all, you just have to pay for the watch; there are no membership or download fees. Ever. ($149.99, golfsmith.com/bushnell-neo-xs-black-gps-watch)
Golfsmith is located at 641 Lexington Ave., 212-317-9720; and 420 Fifth Ave., 212-221-7931. Visit golfsmith.com for more information.
A venerated shop that has been “standing sideways since 1997,” Burton’s flagship store in SoHo carries a large selection of top outdoor brands. They are famed for snowboarding, but also offer a wide variety of camping and summer gear. Here is one of our favorites:
1. While Burton is known for their snowboarding collection, their summer items are just as high quality. Case in point: the Tinder backpack. For many, summer means camping, hiking, or simply going for a walk through the woods. This rucksack styled backpack with faux leather and a vintage feel will make any excursion easier. ($89.95, burton.com/tinder-backpack)
Burton is currently located at 106 Spring St. Call 212-966-8070 or visit burton.com for more information.
Over 6,000 square feet of camping and exercise equipment = a dream come true. Tent & Trails is the most complete outdoor equipment store in all of New York City. Summer is almost here so visit, get $10 off, and inquire about these picks:
1. Pound the pavement and start getting in shape now that the snow finally melted. The TomTom Runner Cardio Watch is the perfect companion to a long workout. It has a built-in heart rate monitor that allows you to get the most out of every run. (On sale for $161.50. Normal price: $269, tenttrails.com/runner-cardio-watch)
2. The Burn Ridge Outfitter 4 was built to be beefy. The super durable fabric and thick zippers make for a tent that can go through all of the seasons without wimping out. It won’t blow away in the wind, we swear. ($299.95, tenttrails.com/burn-ridge-outfitter-4)
3. Even in the summer, the mountains can be frigid at night. The Cheops Dryloft sleeping bag has the best European goose down available at 775-fill power (sounds fancy, right?). You will feel swaddled like a newborn baby. ($475, tenttrails.com/cheops-dryloft)
Tents & Trails is currently located at 21 Park Place. Call 800-237-1760 or visit tenttrails.com for more information.
