Shoes Of The Day

Trick or Sweet?  Newton’s Gravitas: The Running Shoe that Will Keep You Going!

If you ask me, running shoes often get a bad rap. They’re seen as one-hit wonders, as specialty shoes, and certainly not shoes you’ll want to take to formal occasions. But these are the shoes that we wear out the most often, provided we actually stick to those New Year’s resolutions, and they will certainly take the greatest beating. So why is a great pair of running shoes so low on the list of stylish or important clothing options?

Well, because they look like Newton’s Gravitas, a pair of running shoes that offers high-level functionality for the 2011-2020 decade but look like they’ve been plucked out of the 1980’s. Not that there’s anything wrong with a little retro-style, especially when it comes to the timeless exercise classics that came with the rise of brands like Nike.

If you’re a runner, of course, you couldn’t care less. Shoes like the gravitas are why you run – you want to customize your own level of endurance, and you need a shoe that can take you ten miles a day just as easily as it can take you a mile. That’s what the Gravitas provides with extended heel durability, excellent fit and plenty of flexibility. There are some shoes that would seek to change you with all that they do to your foot – the Gravitas is not one of those shoes.

At $175, these shoes do come down on the pricy side, which can be especially tricky if you’re a college student and need the exercise but also need the money. Die-hard runners might – forgive the pun – gravitate to a shoe like the Gravitas more readily, especially if those runners are the ones who have been around a while, have some money, and need a shoe that reduces stress on their feet and legs.  Looking to build your calf muscles?  These are the shoes.  These shoes will keep you on your toes – literally.  I asked a triathlon expert “what do you think about the newton shoe experience?  He responded, “I wont run in anything thing else.”  Take it from us and a tri-expert and try a pair for yourself.  No trick, they’re sweet!

Should you get a pair? It’s certainly worth a look if you want a quality running shoe. And, heck, if you were looking for stylish shoes in the first place, you wouldn’t have finished this article because you’d already be reading GQ.  Or, you’re still staring and the shorts and not the shoes.

The What:
This trail running shoe is called: Newton’s Gravitas.
Color tested: Blue. Orange. White. Sliver.

The Why:
Buy them if: your calves need some serious toning, and your running form needs honing.
Forget them if: you already have perfect running form.
Tested on: asphalt of the blackest pigment.
Highest and best use: for the shoes?  Running.  For the Shorts?  Halloween.

Tip: If this is your first pair of Newtons, work them in slowly to you run.  These shoes will keep you on your toes!  (The shorts probably will too.)

newtonrunning.com

(Model and shorts not included with the purchase!  However, both the shoes and model were used with permission)

*Disclosure: shoes provided by Newton Running MSRP $175).  If you have a pair of shoes that need to be featured on shoesoftheday.com, contact us at reviews (at) shoesoftheday.com

Salomon XT Wings 2 Shoe Review

Rocks?  Not a problem.  Uneven surfaces?  Bring them on.  Bright and orange?  All you can look at.  Meet the Salomon XT Wings 2 Trail Running shoe.  When these shoes arrived, a fresh snow storm had just dusted the trail.  These Salomon’s didn’t slip, slide or even miss a step.  Right out of the box, I put 8 and 1/2 steep trail miles on them.  If you are expecting a solid no-nonsense trial shoe with decent cushioning, this is it.  If you want a little more cushion, stay tuned we have more trail running shoes coming up!

The Salomon XT Wings 2 running shoe offers outstanding athletic benefits. This running shoe features the Quicklace system. The lacing system allows you to put on and take off these trail running shoes with ease.  Really, lacing has never been this simple (except for Marty Mcfly’s auto lacing Nike shoes).  It is a well-cushioned shoe with the upper portion constructed of breathable mesh. The Sensifit system on the Salomon XT Wings 2 running shoe molds to your foot for a snug, yet comfortable fit.

The Salomon XT Wings 2 also features the Agile Chassis System, which gives balance, control, cushioning and energy return.  Other features that an outdoor athlete would find particularly useful are the protective toe cap and mud guard – think mud flaps on your dream pickup truck.

The OrthoLite is a sockliner that helps to keep your feet cushioned and dry.  It will also help you feel greener, as it is made from recycled tire materials. The Running Contagrip feature allows for excellent traction on many types of running surfaces with increased stability, which is why we tested it for you on wet rock and slick rock.  You’re welcome.

Get your pair of Salomon XT Wings 2 running shoes and get the advantages that other athletes on the trail only wish they had!  While they have to stop and lace, you’re already on your way.  

This trail shoe is called: Salomon XT Wings 2

This color is called: X Games / Autobaun / Black

Buy them if: this may be your only chance to have anything to do with the X Games or the Autobahn

Forget them if: like to use the traditional method of shoe tying

Tested in: the Wasatch mountains and on the slick rock of Moab

Highest and best use: you better believe it, trail running

Disclosure: We received these shoes complementary from Salomon.  If we didn’t like them, we wouldn’t have written about them.

Air Jordan, the man and the 23 shoes that changed footwear forever.

Nike 23Air Jordan Shoes

March madness is right around the corner, and you are sure to find a pair of Nike Air Jordan’s on many college athletes.  Before we start with Michael and his shoes, let’s rewind a few years, talk about Nike and how it all came about.  The year was 1959 and Phil Knight had just written a paper, not just any paper but one which became the blue-print for Nike.  Nike’s mission is to make great shoes for remarkable athletes.  Who would have thought it all started with a boring kitchen appliance – a waffle iron.  For the founders, no shoes were good enough or light enough.  Guess it was time to pass the syrup.

In Greek the word “Nike” means victory.  Carolyn Davidson designed the logo.  35 dollars is all that was paid for the now infamous Nike logo.  In English, I think that means “good deal.”

Michael Jordan never wore a pair of Nike’s until he signed with them and scary to think that he almost signed with Adidas.   On this the 23rd of February, we wanted to feature the first 23 pairs of Air Jordan shoes in the number 23.  Most of these shoes entered the market in February and we thought it was only fitting.  From the beginning of the “2” to the bottom of the “3” are some of the most incredible shoes on the planet.  We will highlight a few of our personal favorites, and the rest are for you to enjoy.

Air Jordan I.   The first pair of Jordan’s made their debut in March of 1985.  The first and last shoe to bear the Nike Swoosh.  Black, red and awesome.

Air Jordan II.  Released in November, 1986, designer Bruce Kilgore ditched the logo and Michael flew from the foul line winning the dunk contest!

Air Jordan III. Released in February, 1988.  Tinker Hatfield was the designer for the 1988 Jordan III.  Tinker, if you are reading, thank you.  Thanks for designing this shoe and the iconic logo figure we all know as the “jumpman.”

Air Jordan IV. Released in February, 1989 (My personal favorites) I remember the occasion well.  I had to convince my mom that I needed these shoes.  Somehow after much persuading, begging and promising, we walked out of the store with my new pair.  Although they are worn, tattered and barely intact I still have them today.

Air Jordan V. Released February 1990.  I remember first seeing these shoes featured on a full-page ad in Sports Illustrated.  They couldn’t come soon enough.  Tinker, thanks again.  His design inspiration came from the P-51 Mustang fighter Air plane.  I thought I could fly like one too.

Air Jordan XI.  In November, 1995 came the Air Jordan #11,  This was Jordan’s tribute to formal dress.  With Patent leather on the front, not only was this the shiniest shoe on the court, but became the most iconic of all the Nike Air Jordan’s.  It even became fashion appropriate to wear a tuxedo.  While Jordan was dominating the court, “boys to men” were dominating something else as the first to wear the shoe with a tux.

Air Jordan XX3.  February, 2008 Michael Jordan’s Air 23 arrive.  These Jordan’s featured Michael’s thumb print, slightly modified, so no one could copy it – phew, those guys at Nike think of everything.   Some people waited in line for FIVE days when these shoes were released.  Us?  Well, we just waited long enough for them to be listed on eBay.  The Air Jordan 23’s are most successful shoes in all of sports.  Mr. Hatfield said that the 23’s are the most beautiful shoes of all of the Jordan shoes.  Remember, he’s a designer, so we better take his word for it!

Here is to you Mr. Jordan the 23, Jumpman, shoes of the day!

Is it the shoes?

Nike Lunarglide+ 2 Shoe Review

The Nike Lunarglide is a shoe made just for runners with New Years running resolutions and who dig rocket science.  However, runners with different types of running style will benefit from this shoe too. Are you an overpronator, underpronator or a “don’t know” pronator? It mattereth not fellow earthling; the Nike Lunarglide will comfortably accommodate your feet!

The Nike Lunarglide+ 2 features an upper portion of mesh with a microfiber layer overlay, making the shoe breathable without compromising support. Lightweight and comfortable, the Nike Lunarglide has a sockliner beneath the left midsole where the Nike+ sensor is stored. The innersleeve of this running shoe wraps your foot in comfort and support.  The reflective markings on the shoe make the runner visible even in the darkest conditions – including your evening moonwalks.

The Nike Lunarglide is an amazing shoe with so many little “extras” that any runner would appreciate.  Searching for serious comfort and support for your daily jog, run, trot or lunar leaping?  Check out the Nike Lunarglide + 2. Reasonably priced, phenomenal and phast!  Phar-out.

image copyright shoesoftheday.com

Buy them if: you need another comfortable, everyday, light weight shoe because your moon boots are just about worn out.

Forget about them if: there is plenty of wear left in your Star Wars Adidas Shoes

New Year +  New Shoes = New You.

All of us set goals.  Most of us make it through the first couple of weeks.  Some of us make it months and few of us make it throughout the year.  We have some advice:  make resolutions a pursuit not a one-time event!  Goals should look like this picture of all these marathon shoes in circle:

Image courtesy Nike

Start at the top, and don’t give up half way around, see your goals all the way through.  Be specific and make them attainable.  Too often, we set a goal “I want to lose weight.”  That is a noble goal.  However, it isn’t specific enough.  The goal should be I want to lose 10 pounds by the end of March.  Give yourself a specific goal and a deadline.  Tell other people.   You will be surprised how some will take an interest and help cheer you along.  When you reach your goal, take time to celebrate your success and then pat yourself on the back.

This month we will be providing reviews on running shoes, not just any running shoes – but the best running shoes for 2011.   We want to help you keep your New “Shoe” Years resolutions.  Stay tuned.  Daily.

Here is what we recommended in years past:

For 2010 you needed New Nike Training Shoes For 2010

In 2009 we thought that You Need A Diet Packed With SHOES!

We wish you all a healthy and prosperous 2011 – thanks to all of you who visit shoesoftheday.com!

Leave your thoughts on New Year’s goals below!

Just like the web, everything deserves a 2.0.  Looking for something that will help you feel lighter after the heavy holiday feast-ivities?  Your search has ended here.  Check out the shoes of the day; the new Adidas Originals – Jeremy Scott  JS Wings 2.0 Leather shoes.   A few months ago, these kicks were released from the coop.   Now, why didn’t Nike think of this for the Air Jordan?  Perhaps the drawing is stuck in a sketchbook entitled “shoes that Michael will never approve.”

image courtesy of hypebeast.com

Nike sells Air, and Red Bull may give you wings, but these shoes might give you both.  You can find out more here.

Wow.  Wings.  White. Word…2.0!

Nike Free Run+ Men’s Running Shoe Review

Not quite ready to run barefoot?  Nike has a solution for all those who desire to join the minimalist running revolution but aren’t quite ready to toss out shoes altogether.  The Free Series by Nike combines the concepts of improving foot strength and emphasizing toe and mid-foot contact over heel contact. Unlike other minimalistic shoe designs, the Nike Free Series look just like regular sneakers and the magic is in their structure and design.

Nike released their first “Free Series” shoe in 2005.  Since then, the new models released each year have been refined and improved versions of the original.  The first model closely resembled a real bare feet feel and more recent models have added arch support to prevent injury and strain.  The shoe’s overall goal is to support and strengthen your entire foot (Yes, even shoes set goals now days.)   Asymmetrical laces relieve pressure on the top of your foot and grooved soles to encourage you to incorporate your toes in each stride, encouraging you to put less pressure on your heel.  Notice the laces?  Look a little closer.  See the text?   The “lace up and save lives” campaign is geared towards helping to fight AIDS in Africa.

Back to the shoes.  Every runner knows that heel stomping is a no-no, but that doesn’t make it any easier to avoid – after all your brain is a long way from your feet.  Another one of Nike’s aims with the Free Series was to build a shoe that actively encourages runners to use their metatarsals, toes and arch, while minimizing heel stomping when running. The shoes achieve this by simply decreasing the amount of rubber in the heel of the shoes.  Genius.

The Nike Free Run+ is a particularly lightweight and flexible.  Your feet will immediately feel at home in the cozy, yet firm and comfortable fit.  Nike has also made a point of increasing mid-foot support in particular to decrease the soreness many barefoot runners experience.

Come on, set your feet free with these shoes!  The shoes of the day:  Nike – Free Run+ (Neutral Grey/Black-Sport Red-White) – Footwear

Nike Free Run+ Men's Running Shoe

Pros: Light. Weight-less. Nike. Always a plus.
Cons: Everyone’s got ‘em.
Buy them if: You want the feeling of running  barefoot, but your feet still need some convincing.
Forget about them if: You’ve had enough, and just want to go barefoot.

Oh, and Dallin, thanks for allowing us to take a picture of your foot.

We hope your 4th of July weekend is filled with tasty BBQ food and shoes….all in one meal.

photo credit: Courtesy of Olle Hemmendorff via delish.com

Happy 4th from all of us at Shoes of the day!

Just in time for your “shoe years” resolutions, Nike has introduced three new training shoes to help you with your 2010 weight training program. Whether you are trying to loose or gain weight, these will look great on your feet.  The name of the new Nike training shoes are: Nike Lunar Kayoss, Nike Trainer1 Low, Nike SC2010. Each of these shoes are designed to provide a durable and lightweight shoe for your New Year. That’s right, shoesoftheday is committed to helping you achieve your athletic goals, one shoe at a time.  Go ahead and click on the links below – come on start clicking, your fingers need exercise too!

Nike Lunar Kayoss

Nike Trainer 1 Low

Nike Trainer SC 2010 

Images courtesy of Nike Media

Enjoy the Nike training shoes of the day for your 2010.

Meet the new Lebron VII.  LeBron released his new shoes last week in Akron, Ohio.  Here is what LeBron had to say about his shoes “The new LeBron VII takes my signature line to a new level of innovation,” said LeBron James. “As the demands of my game evolve and increase, Nike consistently designs and develops shoes helping drive my on-court success.” Does he need more success on the court?  Talk amongst yourselves.

image courtesy of nike

Now to follow suite from the previous shoes review, we would like to highlight the designer.  These kicks were designed by Nike designer Jason Petrie.  Not only does Jason draw shoes for Nike, but he also collects them.  Nice work Jason.

Buy them if: You have $160.

Forget about them if: You don’t.

The shoes of the day the new Nike Air Max LeBron VII.