Shoes Of The Day

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….

Today’s shoe review: Asics Gel-Trabuco® 12 WR.  Trail running shoes are hot this time of year, specifically these new runners from Asics.  The first pair of running shoes that I purchased were Asics, as they came highly recommended from a female track-star (we think both of those qualifications are sufficient validation for any running shoe purchase.)

The Gel-Trabuco® all-weather design offers all-trail protection.  They are incredibly light-weight at only 9oz.  The Gusset design keeps out all the stuff that you don’t want in your shoes.  The forefoot rock plate helps protect your toes. Water-resistant upper keeps the water out, but still allows your foot to breathe.  The unique recipe for the grip of the sole is intended to provide excellent traction.  This may be the ideal shoe for your outdoor running, as the spring weather is always unpredictable.  Keep your footwear predictable with these Asics.

Shoes Of The Day?  Ascis. Gel. Trabuco®. 12. WR.  Period.

How many miles have you run so far this year?  Leave us a comment if you are still holding true to your shoe-year resolutions.

Happy Valentines Shoes Of The Day.

Maybe next year you’ll buy her the heels she wanted instead of the running shoes you thought she’d love.

Thanks for the priceless picture Dan – today was awesome!

If you want our take on running shoes – read our running shoe reviews

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.

It’s time for another trail running shoe review.

Meet Keith.

See Keith at at 11,722 feet.

Meet Keith’s shoes that got him to the top.

Keith’s shoes of choice, Montrail Vitesse Trail Running Shoe.

He likes Montrail shoes and here’s why: “since purchasing my Montrails in July I’ve run the Bair Gutsman trail race, numerous trail training runs, and a 6-mile off-road section of the Red Rock Relay in them.  This past weekend he had the opportunity to pace a friend over the final 25 miles of the Wasatch 100-mile Race in Utah’s Wasatch Mountain Range from Layton to the Homestead Resort.”
Here are some specifics from Kieth about his Montrails:

• Thick and stiff outsole protects my foot against rocks
• Gusseted tongue helps keep dirt and debris out
• An outrigger feature on the outside of the sole helps prevent ankle rolling on uneven trails
• Light weight means I get all the protective features with minimal fatigue

Thanks Keith and happy running!

Happy Labor Day from Shoes Of The Day.  There isn’t a better time to get out and trail run – the leaves are changing, the air is perfectly crisp, and soon there will be snow.  This September we are going to exclusively review trail running shoes, and we wanted to share 10 tips for finding the perfect trail running shoe for you and your feet.

1. Breatheability.  Let’s be honest, your feet are already pretty cool – that’s why you’re here.  No need for your feet to heat up on your trail runs.  Look for a lightweight mesh or some other breathable material in an upper.  Not only will your shoes be cooler for you when you run, but when you step in water, they will dry out much quicker.  Get breatheability.  If you can’t stay out of the water, abandon this bullet-point altogether and get something that’s stuffy and waterproof.

2. Integrated tongue. If you like dirt, rocks and other debris snuggled up with your feet, stick your tongue out.  For those who don’t, make sure your next trail running shoe has an integrated tongue.  Extra padding in the tongue will make the top of your foot happy.

3. Toe protection.  No steel toe is required, just some nice tough rubber, urethane or other material to protect your toes.  When trail running, chances are you will kick some rocks or tree stumps.  To reduce the risk of angry toes, keep them happy and protected with extra on the front of the toebox.

4. Cushion.  Nothing more, nothing less.  Find the right amount of cushion for you depending on the terrain that you run on.

5. Traction.  Bowling shoes are meant to slide.  Your trail shoes shouldn’t.   Remember pavement is flat, the trail isn’t.  Look for an outsole with climbing and descending traction. You need something that has some “meat on the bone” and offers durability in the high wear areas – look for meaty lugs!  Also, consider the variety of surfaces that you will encounter – rocks, mud, grass and dirt.  You never know what mother nature will toss your way – make sure your shoes are ready with adequate traction.

6. Light-weight.  You’re carrying enough, that might be why you’re running.  The last thing you want is clunky heavy shoes to add weight to your ascent or descent.  Lighten up, and you can start with your shoes.  Most good light-weight trail running shoes are between 11-15 ounces.

7.  Notice the laces.  Think seatbelt.  Right, I didn’t wear one in the 70′s either.  But think how nice it would have been to stay in one place when that vinyl seat heated up in the Chevelle and you started to slip.  The same goes for your feet; you don’t want your feet moving around without your permission.  Look for integrated lacing for your foot’s safety and security.  Buckle up, it’s also the law.

8. Leave some room for the toes.  Think first-class in an airplane – make them comfortable and they’ll become frequent fliers.  Remember, when you run, your feet will swell and when it heats up in the toebox, its like flying coach…you didn’t claim the armrests and it’s a 4-hour flight.  Typically you want a trail shoe that is 1/2 size larger than you normally wear.

9.  Gotta have the look.  Pick the right color, even if you have to pay a little more.  Guys, those hot pink shoes are probably on sale for a reason.  You need to like to look at them on the shelf and especially when you’re running.

10. Above all, gotta love the way they fit and feel.  Try a pair on.  Get the right fit.  Buy Shoes at Zappos.com and take advantage of Free Overnight Shipping – you like ‘em, keep ‘em – you don’t, send them back.

Now go put them to use and Happy Trails.

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!

Happy Valentine’s Day from  the shoes of the day.  Since today is a day filled with hearts and love, it reminded me of an ad that I saw recently.  The ad compared the cost for a new pair of shoes to the cost for major heart surgery.  A pair of walking or running shoes: $80-100 .  Bypass Heart Surgery: $20,000.  Go and buy some shoes – as you can see, a new pair of shoes is much cheaper than any future medical treatment.  Looking for another benefit?  Just think, if you wear out your shoes you can also justify staying current with the newest shoe fashion trends.

Back to hearts.  Here is an idea for you: if you need some additional inspiration or motivation to work out, take your current shoes, get out a red marker and draw a big heart on your shoes.  This will remind you every time you lace these sweethearts up, your heart and maybe the love of your life will thank you.  If neither of those are a good enough option for you, then just think it will make for a great conversational piece, especially if you are looking for love.  Send us a picture of the hearts on your shoes, a story of why you put hearts on your shoes and the reaction.  Your shoes may even be featured on shoesoftheday.com

Back to shoes.  Here is a picture of my shoes, I am committed – for the love of shoes!  Enjoy the shoes of the day: Shoes that I Heart!

You don’t need a new diet, you need new shoes.

January is the beloved month for resolutions.  This year I made three simple resolutions and yes, I have already completed them.  Done, short and sweet.  Now I am on to my next set of resolutions.  Most people start with a monster list of things that they want to accomplish – which is great.  However, what I would recommend is starting with a short list of things you would like to accomplish and then…..drum-roll please…… actually do them!  If you miss a day, make it up!  Success is mini victories – small things consistently repeated that equal great results and make the biggest difference.  By now you are probably thinking, “Good GRIEF – I thought this was a shoe review site!”  It is, just hold tight, and continue reading; I am getting to the shoes!

Most people want to lose weight and not pay the price – we all want a quick fix.  Well my beloved readers, here is the secret: if you want to lose weight here are three simple things that you can do:  1. Eat less.  Whoa, novel idea I know.  But, it actually works.   2. Exercise more.  3. Buy a new pair of shoes.  Yep, that’s right buy a new pair of shoes!  Every time you stare at those new runners it will remind you to GET ACTIVE and remember the small commitment that you made, especially when you’re looking at the double-decker-fudge-chocolate-marshmallow-triple-dipped-pleasure-ice-cream-delight.  If you’re not sure what exercise shoe is best for you – I recommend a new shoe gem that I just found.   Click on the shoe for additional views.  Buy yourself a new pair and have them shipped for free right to your front door.  The Shoe to review: The Ecco Mudslinger II.
Ecco Mudslinger Running Shoe:

Ecco is a trusted brand and comfort echoes when you say the name.  This upper is highly breathable and 100% waterproof thanks to the GORE-TEX® material.  Ecco has constructed this shoe with their RECEPTOR® technology.  What is RECEPTOR® technology? It mirrors human motion and the foot’s sensory nerve-ending cells, or receptors.  Yes, receptors similar to what your taste buds do when you look at ice cream.

This shoe is ideal for running on or off road.  Enjoy the shoes of the day to start your New Year and 2009 resolutions off right, the Ecco Mudslinger II.  By the way, I have already lost 5 lbs.