Shoes Of The Day

The Top Three Reasons to Buy the Men’s Tuba II Herringbone

As the Bard once said, what’s in a shoe?

Okay, so William Shakespeare didn’t really write that, but if you’ve meandered your way through the Internet and have landed on this article, there’s a good chance that question is exactly the one that’s on your mind. Specifically, what’s in the Men’s Tuba II Herringbone sneaker, and is it worth the $60 price tag that comes with it?

Well, if you’re an eco-minded shoe connoisseur, there’s a good chance that’s a perfect price for you. While the Tuba II Herringbone sounds like something you might see someone using at band practice, this shoe is able to marry a casual, relaxed style with an organic cotton/linen blend and certified organic cotton shoe laces. Admit it – you never applied your environmental consciousness to tying your shoes before, right? Well, now you can.

But let’s talk about the details. The stuff at the bottom of the shoe – you know, the stuff the bottom of your socks will touch – is both biodegradable and foamy, making it just as comfortable as you would hope in any shoe without being made out of the nasty stuff you wouldn’t wish on nature. It’s also a partially recycled shoe, because the rubber on it is made partially from old car tires.

It sounds unappealing, sure, but the result is just about the same as any other $60 shoe you can find. Even if you don’t care about the environment, the rubber works well and, hey – it can’t hurt, right?

Is this the shoe for you? Well, let’s get down to the nitty gritty here, and do what the title of this article promised: explore three reasons why you should probably buy this shoe:

1. It’s stylish and attractive. It comes in black, charcoal, and rock grey – which actually resemble black, grey, and khaki. Those are the most versatile colors you can find out of a shoe like this, and they each look perfect for sauntering down the street.
2. It’s eco-friendly. You don’t have to sound like such a hypocrite when you talk about the environment in these shoes – when someone asks about the evil stuff you’re wearing, you can break it down for them: even your shoelaces are legitimate organic.
3. The price is right. You might expect something this eco-friendly to drive up the prices, but that’s not the case here. Instead, it’s a stylish, comfortable, solid shoe and you can’t really go wrong with it. Quoting Shakespeare, on the other hand, will be a little more difficult.

The Comfortable Outdoors: Enjoying the Juxt Multi-Sport from Vasque

When most of us think about going outdoors to enjoy some rough terrain, we don’t think about comfort. Sure, some of us enjoy being out of our typical comfort zones – and some of us would prefer exercise that can occur in a single place, like a treadmill. But there’s no reason you can’t have the best of both worlds, so long as you have the shoes that can deliver on both counts. Vasque’s Juxt Multi-sport shoes look to do just that by combining endurance and versatility with the comfort you’d expect from an everyday shoe. Does it succeed?

Short answer: yep. In fact, it’s one of the most surprisingly comfortable outdoor shoes you’ll find on Planet Earth, wrapping securely around your foot and staying secure with what Vasque calls a “sticky rubber sole.” That’s about all you need to justify a hike when the weekend comes, but if you find it in you to test the limits of not only your shoe, but your comfort zone, you might be surprised at how long these puppies last with you into the wilderness.  In fact, beware that these shoes will make it feel like you’re taking it easy on yourself.  And, just for you we tested them on the slick rock of Moab and the rocky terrain of the Wasatch.

That leaves plenty of room for die-hard weekend warriors to test this shoe’s limits, and you certainly should when a shoe like this is designed just for that. It’s not a specialization shoe, which means it’s not aimed at any one particular activity, so give it a shot on cycling jaunts, hikes, runs, and even your friendly neighborhood stroll.

Availability might be a concern, as these shoes can be hard to find in every location under the sun, so make sure that you’re able to actually secure a pair of these shoes before you get so excited that you have to bookmark their shopping cart.

The What

This trail running shoe is called: Juxt by Vasque.
Color tested: Aluminum/Chili Pepper.

The Why

Buy them if: you want more than “juxt” a regular shoe.
Forget them if: you prefer scrambling in your sneakers.
Tested on: slick rock, shale and rock trails.
Highest and best use: yes, please.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to run in these shoes.  Seriously, these are some of the most comfortable multi-sports on the market.

http://www.vasque.com

*Disclosure: shoes provided by Vasque (MSRP $95).  If you have a pair of shoes that need to be featured on shoesoftheday.com, contact us at reviews (at) shoesoftheday.com

Magicarpet from FreeWaters: Great Flip-Flops or Greatest Flip-Flops?

If you’re like me, you probably like to indulge your inner nerd every once in a while and give objective ranking assignments to art that can only be subjectively measured. Greatest symphony of all time? Beethoven’s Ninth. Greatest painting of all time? The Mona Lisa. Greatest flip-flops of all time? The FreeWaters Magic Carpet.

Image used by permission from freewaters.com

Of course, in order to be called the greatest of all time, you usually have to do a bit of genre-defying. Beethoven did it by bringing in a choir to sing on his symphony. The Magic Carpet accomplishes its own respective feat by making a flip-flop that looks like a flip-flop but is capable of the kind of performance you’ve never even thought of attempting in similar-looking shoes. In other words, this might be the rare instance that a pair of flip-flops is actually “running-ready.” Or, as FreeWaters puts it, “a running shoe disguised as a sandal.”

While the overall design might appear to be that of an ordinary flip-flop, there are some subtle things here that make this the kind of flip-flop that Bruce Wayne would keep around in the Bat Cave. Consider the reduced pinching of the neoprene flex panel, or an underbelly that not only splashes out water like a car tire, but keeps the foot cool for the summer excursions you’ll no doubt be enjoying in these things.

But the overall result of all the effort placed into the Magic Carpet is not only a great flip-flop, but a flip-flop that essentially transforms when you run: it fits well with your foot and even provides some nice spring-action for your steps, similar to the way a running shoe would. You know how they say don’t run around the pool? Well, you still shouldn’t, so be wary of the temptation to do it when you snap these sandals on.

How highly can we recommend these? Well, if the comparisons to the Mona Lisa and Beethoven’s Ninth were too subtle for you, we’ll just say that the Magic Carpet is probably as close to a perfect sandal as you’ll find in a generation – when, we’re assuming, they’ll actually be able to lift you out of Earth’s orbit and serve you lunch. Until that technology arrives, this flip-flop is the pair to own.

Fit Perfect.  Special Build.  Don’t Stink.  Quick Dry. Clean water for people who need it (for 1 year).  ‘Nuff said.

Magic Carpet on Moonlight Beach, Encinitias, CA

This sandal is called: Magic Carpet by Freewaters.
Color tested: “BKB” (Black, Blue, Grey)
Buy them if: you want to  provide clean drinking water for one individual for one entire year.  Or, you just want to own the most comfortable flip-flop on the planet – or in orbit.  We like to call this a “win-win.”
Forget them if: ….well, we say don’t forget ‘em – that would be a sad vacation.
Tested on: sand, dirt, asphalt, beach sidewalks, city sidewalks, busy sidewalks.
Highest and best use: Wherever, whenever.  (Well, in the winter you might consider a sweet pair of toe socks.)

Tip: Perfect recovery footwear after your long trail run.

http://www.freewaters.com

*Disclosure: Sandals provided by Freewaters (MSRP $60).  If you have a pair of shoes that need to be featured on shoesoftheday.com, contact us at reviews (at) shoesoftheday.com

Patagonia Men’s Larry Shoe Review

Well Larry, it has been a great year.  So, we decided to finish 2010 with a post about you, Larry the shoe.  First of all, we must disclose that we are big Patagonia fans.  Not only does Patagonia care about our planet, but they make extraordinary gear and also care about your feet (and apparently a guy named Larry.) Now on to the shoe review.

Larry is internationally inspired. The Patagonia Men’s Larry was inspired along the beautiful Italian Portofino Coast.

Larry is light-weight. No need for a New Years diet here, it’s only 9 ounces.  The shoe is extra light because of the high quality comfort provided by an Italian wool upper.  Larry should  keep you dry.  Remember, wool and feet are a good combo.

Larry is stitched – he won’t come un-glued. Nope, this shoe doesn’t require any sticky solvents or adhesives, because the Larry has an elegantly stitched outsole.

Larry also recycles. The midsole is 20% recycled EVA.  Take comfort both physically and mentally.

Larry’s got mudflaps. With this shoe you can transition from town to trail.  Actually its nubuck leather mudguards provide extra protection for your feet.   Keep on truckin’.

There you have it,  Patagonia really does care about you, your feet, planet earth and Larry.

The Shoes of the Day, The Patagonia Men’s Larry.

Patagonia Men's Larry Shoe

Buy them if: Your name is Larry.  You know, love and trust the Patagonia brand.  You like mudflaps.

Forget about them if: You like heavy, uncomfortable, glue-laden and 100% un-recycled shoes.

Happy New Shoe Year Larry!

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Brooks Green Silence Running Shoe Review

Brooks Running is a well known running and sport shoe company whose latest shoe release is the Green Silence. This shoe couples the best of running shoe design concepts with environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing. At 6.9 ounces, the Green Silence is a light, flexible shoe that feels natural when worn and provides the thinnest possible comfortable barrier between foot and road.

The entire Green Silence shoe has eco-friendly shoe design incorporated, starting with the basic structure of the shoe made of 75% post-consumer recycled materials. To decrease energy exerted during manufacturing, the Green Silence is made up of about half as many shoe components as similar models. All glues and adhesives used in the making of the Green Silence shoe are eco-friendly and water based and, overall, over a third less solvent was used in general. Even the dyes and colorants used to finish off each shoe are completely non-toxic.

Brooks doesn’t lose site of the importance of function with these environmentally friendly runners. The Green Silence is as effective, powerful and comfortable as any other running shoe. The midsole heel has a thickness of 18mm and the forefoot thickness measures 10mm. The Green Silence also has one of the lowest heel-to-toe drops compared to other Brooks shoes.

Brooks Green Silence

Brooks has reported that this shoe design has been in planning stages for many years. The product of their brainstorming has proven to be a stylish, comfortable, durable and flexible shoe. With the amount of eco-friendly materials used, this shoe is equally great for you and the environment you run in.

• Pros: They are made by Brooks with the environment in mind.
• Cons: They’re red.  I thought this was a green shoe?
• Buy them if: You care about the planet and your feet.
• Forget about them if: You don’t want to draw attention to your feet.

Do you want to run green?  Wear red.  The shoes of the day: Brooks Green Silence.  Shhhhh….

Terra Plana EVO Review

EVO!  That’s the name of my phone.  No, this is not a cell phone review.  The EVO is also the name of a new minimalist barefoot shoe by Terra Plana.   I hefted a pair tonight.  Initial thoughts: incredibly lightweight, and your toes won’t feel any separation anxiety – at least mine didn’t.  The “Vivobarefoot” technology, launched in 2003 and claimed the original getting back-to-the-basics barefoot shoe.  You’re almost barefoot with an ultra thin puncture resistant sole, and you will feel free but with plenty of protection.

Terra Plana EVO *image courtesy of vivobarefoot.com

• Lightweight? Check.  The EVO weighs about 8 oz.  (My phone is still lighter)
• Toe co-habitation in a barefoot world? Check.  No toe estrangement here.
• Expensive? Check.  These EVO’s will run you one Benjamin and three Jackson’s.  ($160)
• Vegan? Check.  I guess if you get really hungry….
• APPs? None here.  Check the Android Market.

What do you think about this whole barefoot minimalist “get- shoes-off-my-feet-but-don’t-make-it-hurt” movement?

Update: Terra Plana and VIVOBAREFOOT are going their separate ways.  More here.

Kigo Footwear  Shoe Review

Looking for a light-weight minimalist shoe for your fall wardrobe?  Check out Kigo Footwear.   Founded in 2006, Kigo is a minimalistic, environmentally and eco-friendly shoe company that sells comfortable, fashionable, durable footwear for both the indoors and outdoors, city life and country adventures. Kigo shoes average 5 ounces because they are made from such lightweight materials and have such a simplistic design. Unlike other shoes that are up to hiking and outdoor activities, Kigo shoes are also attractive and subtle enough to be worn as everyday footwear. All Kigo shoes are designed with foot and overall health in mind.

Kigo currently sells four types models of shoe: the Shel and the Edge for both men and women, perfected for outdoor activity; and the Star and Curv for women, designed for outdoor and as well as everyday wear. The Shel and the Edge offer full foot coverage to keep feet protected in the outdoors, but are notably lightweight and flexible, giving you the joys of going barefoot without the dangers or discomforts.  The Shel in particular has become popular in the minimalistic running community for its comfort, durability and simple design. The Star and Curv are typical Mary Jane shoes but are made with unique eco-friendly materials and crafted with an emphasis on durability. These two models are also extremely flexible, able to be nearly folded in half, making them easy to pack and super comfortable to wear.

All Kigo insoles are antibacterial and removable making them easy to pack, wash and wear. The eco-friendly aspects of Kigo shoes include the very materials every shoe is made with, including EVA insoles. The uppers on all styles of Kigo shoes are made from post-consumer waste, also known as recycled materials. Even the dyes and stain treatments used to finish Kigo shoes are certified non-toxic. This environmentally friendly aspect of Kigo footwear makes them even more popular among outdoor enthusiasts.  What eco-friendly minimalist shoes do you dig?

Men’s Z7 Breathe footwear review

Shoes that help improve your health just by lacing them up? Then, who needs a gym when you have these shoes?  There is a ton of hype right now around shoes that get you in shape just by wearing them. MBT shoes were the first to market shoes that would subconsciously engage your muscles as they were made to mimic walking barefoot on a sandy beach. Sketchers entered the scene and have hired Joe Montana as their spokesperson, yawn. One of the companies who has recently entered the market and done their research is Z7Footwear.

Who is Z7Footwear?  The 26th letter in the alphabet is Z.  There are 26 bones in the feet.  Enter; letter Z.  There are 7 major muscle groups in your lower body that are used when you walk. Enter; number 7.  Add footwear and you get the name.  Their theory is simple, by wearing their shoes, you can burn more calories, create better muscle tone, and develop a greater sense of balance over time.  Below is an info-graphic that highlights this statement.

*image courtesy of Z7Footwear

I received a pair of shoes from Z7 this spring.  I have had a chance to wear test these new shoes and when I first laced them up, I was fully expecting to feel off-balance or uneven on my feet.  That didn’t happen at all, in fact on the first wear test they were surprisingly comfortable.  The theory behind the Z7 is mimicking the feel of walking on a cobblestone road.  Find your natural path to balance with a pair of Z7′s.

The shoes of the day: Z7Footwear’s Breathe.

*image courtesy of Z7Footwear

Some people think it is a gimmick, others think it is the latest and greatest.  If you are looking at purchasing a pair of these new toning shoes, we recommend z7Footwear.  Why?  Because they are the only “toning shoes” that look like they belong on your feet and not at the circus.  We like them.  What do you think?

Disclosure: I received these shoes complementary from Z7Footwear.  If I didn’t like them, I wouldn’t have written about them.

We have done a Vibram Five Fingers review but, we continue to hear about them. My aunt sent me an email, “hey, you should review these shoes.”  Next, a good friend; “you’ve got to review these again.” Finally, when I saw Sergey Brin wearing them comfortably in a directors chair, I had to write about them again.  After all, if these shoes are good enough for the co-founder of Google, they deserve a second review.

image courtesy John Biggs crunchgear.com

VibramFiveFingers.com “recommend(s) wearing FiveFingers for exercise, for play, and for fun. Stimulating muscles in your feet and lower legs will not only make you stronger and healthier, it improves your balance, agility and proprioception.”

Do I own a pair? No.  Remember, I suffer from “the-my-second-toe-is-longer-than-my-big-toe-coolness.”  Perhaps Vibram will make a custom pair for me with an extended cab!  If you are done with socks and your toes are tired of co-habitation, get them their own space with the Vibram Five Fingers “Floves.”

New England Footwear recently sent me a pair of GoLite “Fire” shoes to test and review.  Today I completed my final trail test-run with the recently released shoes.   This shoe review will contain mostly pictures and some commentary, in an effort to show you how these shoes performed in each circumstance; from packed trails, to slick sandstone and hard mountain rock.  We reviewed several other pairs of trail running shoes, but only one pair was chosen for an all-expenses paid road trip trail shoe review.

Let’s begin the review at Delicate Arch in Arches National Park.  Ranger Bill at Arches told us that you must stay on the marked trails, otherwise you are “busting the crust.”  We assure you and Ranger Bill that there was no busted crust while at the park.  The GoLite Fires handled the slick rock, dirt and red sand without any slips.

Next we go to Goblin Valley, Utah.  This State Park is an incredible scene to behold.  The entire park is covered with small sandstone structures that look like thousands of aliens who set up shop in the middle of Utah for a family reunion.  You can’t help but run from structure to structure, scaling the dusty sandstone just to see if you can identify any of your relatives.

Next we go to the Manti LaSal National Forrest.  Three pictures show the topography that was thrown at the shoes this time.  The shoe proved to have incredible stability on the uneven surfaces, and yes, they handled the plain old packed trail just fine.

Next, Rock Canyon.  This canyon is well, rocky.  The shoes handled the uneven, rocky terrain with ease.

The final trail run was Grove Creek Canyon.  Every kind of terrain imaginable is on this trail: gravel, dirt, rocks and shale.  Of all the trail runs, this had the steepest terrain and the most rugged off-road conditions.  The shoes exceeded our expectations here, too.

Miles driven for this review: 880 miles.

National Parks: Three. (Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef.)

State Parks: Two.  (Dead Horse Point and Goblin Valley)

Shoe Test Miles: 29 total miles running, walking, scrambling and just looking good.

Now for the shoe highlights for all the non-visual people:

• We loved the customizable antimicrobial footbed, it provided the precise fit for my narrow foot.  The insole design allows for perfect customization for narrow, medium and wide feet.
• The all new “glove fit” integrated with the tongue and laces made my foot feel secure and snug.  At first, there’s a feeling to adjust your socks when you slide your foot in the shoe, but when you tie the laces, you’re glad it’s there.
• The shoe offers optimal balance of cushion and torsion.  GoLite’s trademark “NeoFoam” wraps around the entire shoe and offers protection and support.  It also cleans up nicely.
• The best “Trail Claws” and “Paw Pads” provide more surface contact with the ground.
• Gripstick™ rubber is an exclusive high-grip compound that offers extra traction on slick surfaces.
• The heel cradle keeps your heel right where it belongs.
• Ample toe protection – see the pictures!
• It has incredible light-weight performance: the shoe is true to the brand, weighing in at only 14.00 oz.

Shoes of the day: GoLite’s Fire.  We think even Smokey the Bear would like these Fires!  But don’t Go-lite any fires without his permission.