Dimension One Spas

by Ami Kealoha

Committed to design innovation and quality, there's a reason why Dimension One is known as the Rolls Royce of hot tub-makers. Their award-winning products consider art, science and technology, reflecting over 30 years in the business and an excess of 30 patents. When D-1 invited me out to California for a visit to their showroom and factory earlier this year (see images below), these values were apparent in everything from senior designer Victor Walker's enthusiasm to the first-rate experience of being in one of their tubs to their eco-minded approach.

Dimension One's line ranges from the ultra-luxurious Sarena Bay model with 86 jets and seating for seven to their new Aquatic Fitness System, which offers a total body, low-impact workout. All tubs in the line feature trademarked components that are designed around comfort and the therapeutic effects of the jets. They're also customizable with fountains, lights, music and various trims as part of D-1's goal of creating the ultimate hot tub experience. What's more, the engineers use superior insulation. pump and purifying techniques for more energy-efficient systems with less harsh chemicals. Their UltraPure system, after zapping the water with their patented ozone process and UV light, actually uses the heat generated by the purification process to also heat the water.

While their standard backyard spas update the '70s hot tub lifestyle for today's customers who are looking for health benefits and relaxation, D-1's Aquatic Fitness system is a next-level take on hydrotherapy. Like other pools designed for swimming, users can swim against the current for endless laps, but they also have a system of bars, ankle cords, resistance bands and other add-ons, all designed to work with water pressure for a complete "underwater gym." Though it felt a little awkward at first, it was easy to get used to, I was surprised by how challenging the workout was and pleased by the lack of harmful impact to the body.

While Dimension One spas are on the pricey side (spas start at $15,000 and Aquatic Fitness models are $25,000 and up), it's the kind of investment worth making if you're serious about hot-tubbing! Contact Dimension One for more info and to find a dealer.

Cowboy Junkie: Saddle Stool

by Phuong-Cac Nguyen

Feel like saddling up? Brazilian furniture designer Fernando Akasaka just dropped word about his new Cowboy Junkie concept stool, an unusual merging of two seating options. Anyone sitting on the stool will inevitably feel like they've just rode in by horse and are saddling up right up next to the kitchen bar. It's great for a thirst-quenching drink before riding off into the sunset, or more likely the next room — if only it had wheels!

Inspired by the band, The Cowboy Junkies, the stool features a signature F. Akasaka jumping saddle designed in soft leather imported from France and comes in black, brown, hazelnut and oak bark. It's bouncy, made to withstand any horsey shenanigans that riders put it through and the saddle can be removed to give the stool stand a rest for the night. The stirrups and base are made of stainless steel.

Contact Akasaka for pricing and ordering information.

Also on Cool Hunting: FA Designs

Ten Boat Shoes With a Twist

by Doug Black

We've had an enjoyably nautical summer, so we can actually speak to the proper uses of deck shoes. (If you hadn't noticed, the preppy resurgence has made the style a persistent streetwear option as well.) Whether on dry land, aboard a 46-foot racing yacht or a rowboat, we've come across several updates to the classic pairs that are suitable for either. The current crop of boat shoes all provide the proper traction to keep you from falling off a slippery deck with an added new stylistic approach.

Rogues Marlin Deck Boot ($460)
While Portland, Maine's Rogues Gallery did release a more conventional low-top version of the deck shoe, we're more interested in the vaguely militant boot incarnation (pictured right). They're constructed entirely in Maine using leather and a non-marking boat shoe sole. Available in both black and green, purchase them from the Rogues store.

Journal Standard Deck Shoes ($95)
These shoes (pictured above left) come from a collaboration between Journal Standard, the Japanese label and shop, and Danassa, an enigmatic Portuguese designer. They take the direction from the iconic Sperry Top-Sider and add a spectrum of new colors and a soft suede upper. Colors include red, blue, gray,burgundy, green and slate.

Billionaire Boys Club Boat Shoe ($360)
BBC recently released their version of a boat shoe (pictured above right), adding only subtle variations to the archetype — notable restraint for a brand marked by ostentatious flourishes. They have a full-grain leather upper with a rubber vulcanized sole, leather laces and reinforced leather heels. Other than a stately BBC laurel design on the heel, they're a clean and simple choice.

Patagonia Tenzing ($90)
Adding a couple high-tech design elements to the mix, Patagonia's Tenzing (pictured at left) is not an average boat shoe (nor is it for the style-conscious). While it looks more well-suited for trail running, this incredibly light sneaker is tailor-made for wet conditions. Both the heel and forefoot feature small ducts that drain water before it can collect. The collapsible synthetic upper is quick-drying and the dual-traction sole grips slippery surfaces well. For serious sailing, the Tenzing is the way to go.

Yuketan
More well-known for their boots, American shoe maker Yuketan produced these handcrafted leather boat shoes (pictured above left) exclusively for Barney's NY in Japan. A more classic and timeless take, the high-quality construction is what sets these apart. Here's to hoping they decide to bring them stateside. via Classic Apparel Journal

SeaVees Vamp Oxford ($165)
Inspired by 1960s California, SeaVees has a whole series of shoes that could be used on the boat, but our favorite is the Vamp Oxford (pictured above right). Applying the Eames philosophy of using the appropriate combination of materials, a perforated leather upper and a calfskin inner makes for a breathable and comfortable shoe. And the gum rubber toe bumper adds extra protection which could come in handy while running around on deck. Only 45 pairs are available but you can find some online at SeaVees.

VisVim Hockney (€134)
A completely fresh take on the boat shoe, the Hockney falls somewhere between shoe and sneaker. It's extremely light but rugged, made of hand-sewn leather. Stretch mesh gore-tex inserts from tongue to sidewall make for a great fit and an EVA pylon outsole provides extra cushioning and comfort. We can say from experience that VisVim products are usually well worth the sticker shock. Purchase at a reduced price at Firmament.

Vael Project Deckard
Vael's Deckard uses aged leather for good-looks while also staying functional. A slightly curved sole and worn in leather provides extreme comfort, while the leather tab on the heel makes it easy to put on and take off. No word on price or availability but check with Vael to get your hands on these.

Timberland Gatcher 2-eye ($70)
A classic from one of the OG's in outdoorswear, the Gatcher is a traditional two-eye boat shoe. A bent upsole ads comfort and feel on the deck but the overall look is clean, neat and simple — just the way we like it. Available directly from Timberland.

Converse Sea Star Ox ($45)
Converse took the silhouette of the traditional deck shoe and morphed it together with elements from their iconic sneakers (pictured at right). Featuring all-canvas construction and their standard rubber sole, the two-hole uppers include wrap-around lacing on the heel for extra security. The Sea Star Ox is available at select Converse stores.