Shoes Of The Day

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.

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!

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.

*Image use by permission from espadrillestore.com

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!

What are the best recession-proof summer shoes?  SUV’s.  No, we’re not talking automobiles – although these are the cleanest, most fuel-efficient SUVs that we could find on the road.  What are all of our readers are telling us?  This is the best, most comfortable shoe for the summer.  Yes, we have reviewed these shoes before and here is what you need to know about these Sanuk’s:

• 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, by shoesoftheday.com.

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

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true shoe love said to me, no more Uggs just give me…..12 drummers drumming!  Drummers will love this for Christmas:
Playstation – PS3 Rock Revolution Bundle w/ Drum Kit (One Color) – Electronics
Eleven pipers piping,  the real pipers shop at piperlime.com and will enjoy: Fantastic Finds Under $75 at Piperlime, Ten lords a-leaping, Get Max Air when you leap with this pair of basketball shoes:Nike – Air Max Elite II TB (White/Deep Forest-Metallic Silver) – Footwear
Nine ladies dancing, Dancing ladies’ tired feet need shoes that provide long-lasting comfort and relief like these: Salomon Women’s XT Wings WP Running Shoes
Eight maids a-milking, These are the optimal milking shoes: Women’s shoes: Vince Camuto Emala – Butterscotch
Seven swans a-swimming,  Seven out of ten people prefer these shoes while swimming: Rubber Duck – Snow Joggers (Gold Patent) – Footwear
Then there’s six geese a-Ugg-ing, 5 Gold-Ugg Pearles!  4 golfing Uggs,  3 Uggs – Coquettes, 72 degree uggs and a pair of Uggs with a Cedar shoe tree.

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

On the sixth day of Christmas shoes of the day gave to me, 6 geese a-Ugg-ing, 5 Gold-Ugg Pearles!  4 golfing Uggs,  3 Uggs – Coquettes, 72 degree uggs and a pair of Uggs with a Cedar shoe tree

If geese were to lay Uggs, I think they would look something like the Croc Mammoth Clog.

So really, where does the name “Ugg” come from?  Ugg, is the phonetic way Austrlians pronounce “hug”.  That is something that we can all share this holiday season -buy Uggs and give some Hugs.

On the 5th day of Christmas shoes of the day gave to me, 5 Gold-Ugg Pearles!  4 golfing Uggs,  3 Uggs – Coquettes, 72 degree uggs and a pair of Uggs with a Cedar shoe tree.  The Ugg – Pearle (Gold (Leather)) – Footwear‘ slipper from UGG Australia displays traditional style in fashion right colors. Rich lambskin metallic leather upper featuring the UGG Australia logo embossed on the side. Fully lined with in ultra soft fleece for snuggly comfort and warmth. Embossed rubber outsole for added traction, stability and exceptional peeling-out. Great for both indoor and outdoor wear.

If you are looking for a slipper that will cover all five of your toes individually, check out the Vibram Five Finger shoes!