Shoes Of The Day

July 13-15, 2009 marked the 32nd anniversary of the Badwater ultra-marathon.  Globally recognized as “the world’s toughest foot race” this “mara-ultra-long” (as we call it) features 90 of the most amazing athletes on this planet.  The race starts in Badwater, Death Valley – the lowest elevation in North America at 280 feet below sea level.  The race finishes at Mt. Whitney Portal at 8,360 feet.  In total, 135 non-stop miles, 217km for all you metric people. The course covers three mountain ranges totaling 13,000 feet of vertical ascent, and 4,700 feet of cumulative descent.  Oh, and one other detail; you only have 60 hours to finish, and only 48 hours if you want the legendary belt buckle.  But wait, that’s not all…if you act today, you might even get temperatures up to 130F!

Yes, we actually know, and for purposes of this article will claim close relation to one of the runners who participated, and most importantly finished this mega-amazing, ultra-marathon!

What does it feel like to run 135 miles in 44 hours?  These shoes of the day do!  More important than the shoes, we want to pay special tribute to the person who was wearing them - congratulations to #17, Leigh!

We had an opportunity to interview her and ask a few questions about this amazing race:
What was your time?  “44:17 for my finish - that is what earned my buckle.”
What kind shoes did you run with?  “New Balance 479.”
Did they meet your expectations?  “Yes they always do.”
Why did you choose these shoes over all of the other brands/styles out there?  “I have been running in these trail shoes for over two years.  I bought a pair right before I ran the Western States 100 mile Endurance Run.  The expensive trail shoes that I had been buying would hurt my feet and about 40 miles and beyond and I would cry from the pain.  As a last resort, I picked these shoes up at a sports chain-store and they were really inexpensive.  They worked great.  I felt like I was running in slippers.  I have worn them ever since, even when I did my stage race in Morocco.”
You used all 4 pairs in this race, right?  “I brought 4 pairs - one pair I could not get my feet into on the second day due to swelling.  But I also had my pink crocs and I put those on two different occasions; I ran in them too.”

135 non-stop cheers for the New Balance 479 shoes, belt-buckle, a pair of crocs and other accouterments of the day!  Congrats once again Leigh!

The last review was about a shoe with rich history.  Today’s shoe review is more about the future.  No, we’re not talking the Nike McFly, we’re talking TNF (The North Face) glue-less kicks.  Glue is not for shoes according to a press release issued today by The North Face.  You’ll have to wait until 2010 to slip your feet into a pair of these sweethearts.  So, how do they do it?  We’re glad you asked.  It’s a little secret TNF calls “snap-and-lock TPU connectors”.  What this means in shoe-English, they don’t use glue - they sew everything together.  The Shoes of the Day along with the Environment, want to congratulate TNF in doing their part to drive oil prices down by removing the need for petroleum-based shoes.

Now for the names of these glue-less shoes.  Women can choose two styles from The North Face Suzy Q-Zy collection.  Men, well you get a name that is more fitting and not so cute-z.  Men deserve a nice strong bruit name like “Kyoto”.  The Kyoto collection features two flavors in a lace-up and slip-on.  Enough with the everyday shoes, I am excited for the new release of their technical trail running shoes, multisport shoes and hiking shoes.

Do you think glue belongs in shoes or should it just stay in the classroom?  Personally, I like the glitter glue.  The Shoezy-Q-Zy’s of the day, TNF Suzy Q-Zy and Kyoto-Quasimodo.  You can read the press release here.  For more information on The North Face, check out thenorthface.com.

Now I really feel justified, I’m going to test drive that big sport utility vehicle.

Are you searching for an eco-friendly, handcrafted, organic pair of canvas shoes with more history than your high school text book?   Look no further than the Espadrilles.  This Spanish shoe is the oldest of all of our shoe reviews and has been in use and in style for over 4,000 years.  The shoes name “Espadrille” is derived from “esparto” which is a kind of plant that was originally burned then braided to make the soles.   Each shoe is entirely hand-sewn especially for your feet, in a small Spanish town named la Rioja, in Northern Spain.

Speaking of history, if you remember “The Hoff’s” show “Night Rider”, and wore “OP” cord shorts, had a collection of 8-tracks, or you rode in a wood-paneled vehicle, then you will remember these shoes were also hot in the 80’s.  They are again back in style along with Sperry Topsiders, penny loafers and Vans.

Shoe Type: Comfortable Casual
Shoe Construction: The soles are made of jute and rubber.  The sole will mold to your feet and allows your skin to take deep breaths in the summer heat.  The upper is constructed of canvas that is hand sewn to the sole.
Comfort: We give them 4 out of 5 shoes.
Shoe Fit: Initially the fit is snug, however they will stretch.  Feel free to leave your socks in the drawer when you wear these shoes, unless you’re into braided belts.
Buyer’s tip: These shoes come in whole sizes, so make sure when you order, round up.  If you’re not into flip-flops, then these are your perfect alternative summer shoes.  Men and women both wear these shoes.  Men, stick to the Espadrilles without ribbons.

The shoe is simple and will complement any summer wardrobe, the shoes of the day, Espadrilles with stripes, Ole!

Buy them here!

On July 1, Nike announced a new limited edition transformer shoe line.  Don’t expect them to transform before your eyes, or turn into anything other than their current structure, but you can expect them to turn some heads.  There are three different styles that will transform any wardrobe: The Nike Sharkalaid - Soundwave (to view click on the below) , Nike Zoom FP - Bumblebee and finally, Nike Zoom Flight Club - Megatron.

Transformers Basketball Shoe Collection

We think they did a great job on the unique packaging.  The shoes (that will make you look and feel like a true action figure) of the day: the Limited Edition Transformers Basketball Shoe Collection.