Shoes Of The Day

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?

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!

The last review was about a shoe with rich history.  Today’s shoe review is more about the future.  No, we’re not talking the Nike McFly, we’re talking TNF (The North Face) glue-less kicks.  Glue is not for shoes according to a press release issued today by The North Face.  You’ll have to wait until 2010 to slip your feet into a pair of these sweethearts.  So, how do they do it?  We’re glad you asked.  It’s a little secret TNF calls “snap-and-lock TPU connectors”.  What this means in shoe-English, they don’t use glue – they sew everything together.  The Shoes of the Day along with the Environment, want to congratulate TNF in doing their part to drive oil prices down by removing the need for petroleum-based shoes.

Now for the names of these glue-less shoes.  Women can choose two styles from The North Face Suzy Q-Zy collection.  Men, well you get a name that is more fitting and not so cute-z.  Men deserve a nice strong bruit name like “Kyoto”.  The Kyoto collection features two flavors in a lace-up and slip-on.  Enough with the everyday shoes, I am excited for the new release of their technical trail running shoes, multisport shoes and hiking shoes.

Do you think glue belongs in shoes or should it just stay in the classroom?  Personally, I like the glitter glue.  The Shoezy-Q-Zy’s of the day, TNF Suzy Q-Zy and Kyoto-Quasimodo.  You can read the press release here.  For more information on The North Face, check out thenorthface.com.

Now I really feel justified, I’m going to test drive that big sport utility vehicle.

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 shoes are you wearing tomorrow? I am sure you may have asked yourself this question, as yesterday was “Earth Day”  Well, what will you wear tomorrow, if you didn’t wear these today? Look no further.  Nothing like reviewing “tomorrows” shoes today.  Everyone is talking green — green this, green that. If it says “green” it will somehow be better for the planet, right?  Now Simple, the shoe company is doing their part.  Simple has launched a shoe line called “green toe.”  Now, I have heard of “having a green thumb”– but green toe?  Green toes…isn’t that bad?  Not only are these shoes made from recycled tires (and other items that you might find in your local dumpster) but they look like they are made with recycled material.  Can’t they make these look a little better?  Just think about the Toyota Prius, what a mess!  Can we make a hybrid car that doesn’t look like a hybrid car?  It’s part car, part blender!  Well, enough for today, get these on your feet toe-morrow!

These simple shoes feature:

•    Cushioned felt heel pad
•    Molded latex outsole provides comfort and flexibility
•    Jute laces add natural flair
•    Unfinished brass hardware looks rustic and stylish
•    Removable natural latex pedbed with cotton canvas cover
•    Natural crepe rubber midsole is fashionable and environmentally friendly
•    Water based cements
•    100% post consumer paper pulp foot forms

The Shoes of the Day: the simply Simple, Toemorrow:

Does anyone have a granola bar I can chew on – these jute laces are way too chewy!

Happy Earth Day!  Well, we made it!  You felt okay walking up to that tree and giving it a long deserved hug, didn’t you?  Tomorrow you won’t have to feel guilty driving to work watching all of those earth-conscious bike riders pedaling alongside you, thinking you should be doing the same. Or continue to worry about all of the plastic-wear you used in the break room to make that single cup of whatever that stuff was – as long as it was thrown in the recycling bin.  You know, we are all for saving the earth and we are trying to do our part.  In fact, today we kept the office lights off all day!  Now we want to help you to do your part and feel good about your next shoe purchase, buying a shoe that keeps on giving, giving back to you and to our mother earth.  We decided to review a pair of eco-friendly and earth friendly shoes.  Because we care about you, your feet and the one and only planet that we share, Earth.  The organic, natural, farm-fresh, vegan, and fungal in color, shoes of the day: The Macbeth* – Eliot Vegan (Fungi/Black) – Footwear

•    Vegan friendly textile uppers
•    Original pennant logo
•    Contrast cable stitching
•    Vegan icon art on heel pennant
•    Vulcanized construction
•    Synthetic outsole for traction
*We have no historical proof that Macbeth was vegan  – what we do know is that the famous play written by Shakespeare has been adapted to several entertainment mediums including: television, opera, comic books and now shoes!

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

No, we’re not talking Wayne Newton, if so this would be a cowboy boot review. We’re talking Sir Isaac Newton and a company that has built their shoe brand around Newton’s first law of Motion. Yeah, the law that states that an object at rest remains at rest and an object in motion remains in motion…etc. Shoes that remain in motion?

I don’t know about you, but I have yet to wear a pair of running shoes that say, “come-on, keep on going, you’re not tired, you feel great.” These days, I get tired just lacing up my running shoes. I just want to know, where were these shoes when I had to run the timed mile run in 7th grade 20+ years ago– probably in Coach Swenson’s “secret closet.” Jeff, you were there. Yeah, that’s for another day.

It is interesting to read and hear about trends and buzz-words in the news: “green” in building, “organic” in food, and “barefoot” in shoes. Get off your heels and run on your forefoot – that is what they say at Newton Running. (Running-man stick-figures not included.) However, if you run in cowboy boots, stay on your heels and just be careful to not damage your spurs.

Be prepared to spend a minimum of a Benjamin and a Grant for this shoe technology. Better yet, get your grant, pay for these shoes, and go running.

Enjoy the shoes of the day that stay in motion….the MEN’S CUSHION RACER by Newton Running.