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 terraplana

• 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?

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 Footwear - Shel

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?



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.

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.”

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.

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!

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!

• These shoes are hand-made.  Really.
• Wear them with or without socks.  (If you are over 45, socks are OK with these as long as you have your braided belt on.)
• They feel like a flip-flop but sound like a shoe.
• Get them wet, they will easily dry.  (If you’re the impatient type, hairdryers typically expedite the process)
• A new pair smells like new, an old pair will need washing.
• They taste like….

…well, that pretty much wraps up this review.   In the mean time, send us some to taste test Sanuk and we’ll tell you how close they come to chicken.  The business on top, party on the bottom shoes of the day: Sanuk SUV

You can buy yourself a pair for best deal here.  Or, if you are looking for some additional support, they make a semi-high top called the Sanuk “Outlaw”

My apologies to jetsetcarina, I know you loathe these shoes but, they do come in camouflage so no one would see them on your feet!

Twas the night after shoe Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a person was standing, not even a mouse.
The stinky stockings were hung by the heater with care,
Because a soggy foot and a smelly shoe were filled there.

The children were all passed out from the ghastly smell,
While success stories of Dr. Scholls odor eaters some did tell.
And mamma with her mask, and me clasping my nose,
Had spotted the shoes from whence the smell arose.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the chair to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The spotlights on our house really made it glow,
outlined each shadow of the people below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But all from inside, with febreze and seeking fresh air.

With a serious shoe problem, I needed help quick,
I knew in a moment, shoes of the day would do the trick.
More rapid and rigorous reviews on shoes they came,
And typed in my browser, and shouted, and called them by name!

“Now Nike! now, DC! now, Ugg, New Balance and Kashi!
On, Converse! On, Keen! on, Cole-Hann and Salomon!
To the top of the search results they did fall!
Now shoes away! Shoes away! Shoes of the day away all!”

He spoke not a word, but went straight to the reviews,
Bookmarking this website, finding his new pair of shoes.
Now peeling his fingers off of his nose,
And giving a nod, up from the computer he rose!

He sprang to the porch, to his family gave a loud yelp,
And they came wondering how he received such rapid shoe help.
But I heard him exclaim, a new pair of shoes is in sight,
“Happy Shoe Christmas to all, and to all a ‘shoes of the day’ night!”

Next year save your family from smelly feet – find your
next pair of shoes at shoes of the day DOT com!

Excerpts  from ‘Twas the Night before Christmas Poem
By Clement Moore

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you shoe lovers out there!