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.

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

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

Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity Pro HPi Review

Looking for a light-weight, high-tech shoe with a fancy name?  The Hi-Tec V-lite Infinity Pro HPi may be your next trail running shoe.  Hi-Tec’s newest running shoe was a pleasant, light-weight and comfortable surprise.  Hi-Tec has come a long way, and these shoes offer right-out-of-the-box comfort.  My test included a 5 mile, 1,000 foot climb, single track trail run.  The terrain was muddy and wet, and these shoes handled every step of the trail.

A few notes from the field.  These shoes run big – as in long.  Typically, with a trail running shoe you want at least a ½ size larger than you normally wear.  With the Hi-Tec V-Lite, you will be happy staying true to your size.  These shoes are also narrow.  If you have a wide foot, you may want to select another pair of trail running shoes.  These shoes aren’t completely water-proof.  The Ion Mask is a “hydrophobic, breathable, lightweight, stay clean, quick dry” material that will keep your shoes clean and your feet happily breathing, but not 100% dry.  The design and color selection make them easy to look at.  You will also be seen with the reflective safety accents.

We loved the Vibram sole, which offers plenty of traction, even on a wet trail.  We also really liked the molded toe-cap, all ten of my toes appreciated the extra protection from the rock-kicking on the ascent.

This trail shoe is called: Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity Pro HPi.
Color tested: Black/Silver/Cobalt.
Buy them if: you want a really light-weight, high-comfort trail runner.
Forget them if: your foot width is best compared to the grade you got in your 7th grade biology class.
Tested on: a muddy, rocky, single-track trail.
Highest and best use: broad mix of mountain trail terrain.

Trail shoes of the day:  Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity Pro HPi.  Now, go run on water – but be safe!  For more shoes and gear visit Hi Tec.com

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

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.

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.

Vibram Five Fingers “Floves” For 2011

In 2011, Vibram will be releasing new and exciting Five Fingers shoes.  Nearly everyone has seen Vibram’s unique line of foot-gloves (a.k.a. “Floves”) known as Five Fingers.  When first introduced in 2006, they were different.  They weren’t like anything anyone had ever seen.  They drew attention for their strange appearance and questions about comfort, durability and versatility.  By now, all types of Five Fingers shoes are well known to be comfortable, heavy duty and long lasting.  They just don’t break down like typical running shoes.  For 2011, and just as flexible and comfortable as their predecessors, the new Vibram offerings include a brand new line for kids and a new adult style designed especially for runners.

The Bikila LS, Vibram’s first of its kind running shoe, is as innovative to minimalistic running as the original Five Fingers was to the  shoe industry.  The “Bikila” named after Abebe Bikila who in 1960 rejected a fresh pair of Adidas shoes and ran bare foot just like he trained.  The Bikila LS is the first Five Fingers model to feature laces, added to provide perfect fit and customization.  This shoe’s sole is also different than the rest of the Five Fingers line, specially designed to propel your forward as you run and literally keep “you on your toes.”

Bikila Sole *Image courtesy of fitness footwear

Vibram’s kid sized Five Fingers are anxiously awaited but the details of this new line remain a mystery.  Parents with kids who love to be barefoot will take solace in being able to protect their child’s feet while still allowing them the pleasure of bare feet.  Vibram has so far released very few details regarding this addition to their Five Fingers line, but parents and kids alike are sitting on the edge of their seats for the release date.  So are we.

Wonder what barefoot dress shoes will look like?

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?