Every month, Cool Material’s editors and writers come across hundreds of products designed to make life more enjoyable. Some live up to their claims, others not so much. Through testing, research, and speaking to the experts, certain products stand out above all others.
This month, we’re looking at Nike’s lightest running shoes, summer-ready shirts for when you’ve run out of camp shirts, a book to liven up your barbecues this year (in addition to mastering the timeless combo of whiskey and barbecue), and a colorful new set of watches.
Black Book: The Cool Material Editors’ Favorite Things Right Now: March 2024
A new must-read whiskey book, classy new Nike Air Ships, and performance pants all make the list.
Nike Streakfly Road Racing Shoes
[Partner] Few brands are as synonymous with athletic performance. For runners, it’s hard to beat the performance of the Streakfly. It’s Nike’s lightest racing shoe, and built for speed while still providing more than adequate responsive cushioning thanks to a full-length ZoomX foam midsole. The outsole is patterned for traction where real runners need it for a solid grip, while the upper has a laterally offset lacing and thin-knit material that keeps the top of your foot comfortable and secure.
Buy: $170
Duluth AKHG Lost Lake Shorts
[Partner] AKHG™ Lost Lake™ Shorts are built for all of it. Made of a UV-blocking, fast-drying fabric that’s as comfortable on the hike out to a swimming hole as it is diving into it. Crouch Gusset® to prevent binding up when you stoop to grab paddle gear. With an Armachillo® fabric liner – same cooling tech found in your favorite Duluth boxers – to keep everything comfortable and contained whether you’re on the trail or out on the water. Colorfast treatment so it looks good year after year, no matter if you’re dipping into pools or saltwater. Plus they’re made with recycled polyester, one way of looking out for the wild you love to wander.
Buy: $55.88
Beardbrand Sea Salt Spray
[Partner] The Sea Salt Spray from Beardbrand provides effortless beach-style waves and volume for your hair and beard, enriched with Dead Sea salt and kaolin. Its unique blend strengthens hair follicles and enhances curls while eliminating toxins, extending time between washes. Balanced with aloe to counter salt's drying effect, it offers a refreshing scent reminiscent of the ocean (a win for everyone).
Buy: $19
Farm Rio Off-White Embroidered Shirt
Farm Rio is perhaps best known for its womenswear, but the sustainability-minded company makes some of the most eye-catching, gender-neutral button-ups as well. This 100-percent linen shirt is off-white with Richelieu embroidery–a cutaway pattern style that’s reminiscent of lace. It fits loose like all of the shirts the Brazilian company makes. Wear it tucked or untucked, or throw it over a tank or tee to be the best-dressed guy at your first summer barbecue or beach day.
Buy: $220
Elysian Juice Dust
The long-running Elysian Space Dust has been a fan favorite for more than a decade. It’s safe to say the Seattle brewery’s beer helped define IPAs as we know them. Now, the company is making “alter egos” of Space Dust. The first was the terpene-heavy Dank Dust in 2022. The latest is Juice Dust, which is brewed with orange juice for a refreshing take on a juiced-up IPA that is approachable for non-regular IPA drinkers and will also satisfy the hops and bitterness IPA regulars crave. It’s the perfect citrusy, warm weather beer (just keep in mind that as easy as it drinks, it still packs a punch at 8.2 percent ABV).
Buy: $13Asada: The Art of Mexican-Style Grilling
Grilling season is here. Asada is the first major cookbook that’s dedicated to all things Mexican grilled meat. Gorgeous photos run throughout, and anecdotes and cultural deep-dives from authors Bricia Lopez (co-owner of LA’s loved Oaxacan restaurant Guelaguetza) and Javier Cabral (James Beard Award-winning editor of L.A. TACO). There are more than 100 recipes with gorgeous photography that will take your barbecues to the next level, of course, but also explainers that will help you set the right atmosphere for the perfect backyard get together.
Buy: $27
Nomos Glashütte Tangente 38 Date Schneesturm
One of the most famous watches from Nomos gets doused in color in these special edition versions of the hand-wound Tangente 38. The German watchmakers recently announced 31 different colorways (for the 31 days in a full month), and each has its own personality. The watches have a 47.7mm lug-to-lug diameter with limited-edition engraving, a look-through back, and a custom French-woven textile strap. All of the color patterns will stand out in a crowd, even if you don’t get your first pick considering each is limited to 175 pieces.
Buy: $231012 Mother’s Day Gifts Your Mom Will Actually Enjoy Receiving This Year
Gift your mom a gift she'll use time and time again this year, from a cooling comforter to sturdy (but classy) wine glasses.
