Shoes Of The Day

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

Vasque’s Mindbender: Does It Really Blow Your Mind or Just bend it?

It’s fair to say that when you take a really long run, strange things can happen to your mind. You might not hallucinate, sure, but with endorphins surging through your system there’s no telling as to how you can feel as the tenth mile rolls around. Vasque’s Mindbender is not only built around that premise, but titled around it: it really wants to take you on some kind of mindbender.

Of course, you can’t do these things to your brain unless you start out by focusing on your feet. And your feet need a lot of comfort if they’re going to go on some sort of mystical journey and test the endurance of the human spirit. One of the keys to a great trail running shoe, however, isn’t how much it does, but how much it allows your foot to do without getting in the way. You have to be lightweight in order to pull this off, and the Mindbender certainly succeeds on that front, coming in at a weight of just 11.5 ounces.

Available in five colors for 2012 that look built for someone with an outdoorsy sensibility – and no one else – the appearance of the shoe is functional and…well, just functional. Not that you need to be particularly stylish as you fight off your stomach grumblings on mile number 12 and pray that you don’t lose control of a certain bodily function before you can reach a bathroom, but it’s something to be aware of.  The two new colors for ’12 will definitely brighten up the earth-tones from the ’11 line-up.

Shoes of this caliber need to focus on something more practical anyway: durability and comfort. If you’re going to be putting your mind through a bender and your feet through a lot of miles, you’re going to need a shoe that can take the constant stress and last as long as you can. Vasque’s Mindbender succeeds at delivering the goods where it counts.  Goods delivered, mind blown.

This trail running shoe is called: Mindbender by Vasque

Color tested: Olive Branch/Peat.

Buy them if: you want a trail running shoe that can do it all – including mind bending.

Forget them if: you like shoes that eat up your feet when you are eating up the trail.

Tested on: mind-bending, steep and winding, dirt, and rock trails.

Highest and best use: all the trails your mind, body and feet can handle.

Tip: If you have wide feet, you will love all the room in the toe box.  This is the perfect endurance shoe – these shoes can handle whatever you throw at them.  And if you change your mind, you can also take these shoes for a hike.

http://www.vasque.com

*Disclosure: shoes provided by Vasque (MSRP $100).  If you have a pair of shoes that need to be featured on shoesoftheday.com, contact us at reviews (at) shoesoftheday.com

Diablo MAX Ms: The Devil’s in the Details

There’s a certain personality type for which only one kind of shoe will do: the trail blazer. If you are the kind of person who likes to get in the outdoors and test the limits of their endurance, while also testing the integrity of the nature trails that play host to their scampering feet, this is your shoe.  It’s hot, and the name says it all.  The Diablo MAX Ms are the pair of shoes that look to support this kind of intrepid personality, supporting a trail running habit by keeping feet comfortable and offering the unique kind of support that an uncertain terrain requires. Quite simply, this is the shoe that delivers the goods.

Image used by permission from Tecnica

At a reasonable weight of only 360 grams, they stay out of the way in terms of weight, allowing you to build a natural flow to your trail running rhythm that you’ll quickly get used to. With a steady grip on the outsole (TRS Max Technigrip by Tecnica, if you can speak gibberish) and a nice synthetic mesh on the upside to keep things relatively clean, the shoe is versatile enough to handle trails in a variety of environments – and the variety of weather that you’ll likely want to subject them to.  A serious trail running habit does require a serious shoe, and that’s exactly what these MAX Ms provide.  This shoe also offers an over-sized rocker profile that has a 55% greater toe and heel rocker height that optimizes energy transfer and propulsion.

The price is $130, which is not unheard of for an upper-end shoe of this caliber. If you’ve ever heard the phrase “you get what you pay for,” then you’ll certainly see the wisdom in springing for a few extra bucks in order to get a shoe that lasts. And if it means that you’ll run the trails more, it could also be considered an investment in your psychological and biological health.

But try to buy these shoes if you’re serious about hitting the trails – don’t let them go to waste in your closet as you focus on exercising with ping pong and Nintendo Wii. However, if you feel like getting out on a regular basis, this is the pair of shoes for you.

This trail running shoe is called: Diablo MAX Ms by Tecnica.
Color tested: Anthracite.  Yes, we went ahead and found the definition for you so you don’t even have to leave the page  (Anthracite (Greek  (anthrakítes)  “coal-like” compact variety of mineral coal that has a high luster.”)
Buy them if: you are into more cow bell – like 30% more.  Yes, more is more as this shoe offers 30% larger footprint.  Remember, this is the shoe that delivers the goods.
Forget them if: you are into treading lightly or you are completely off your rocker.  Remember, this shoe offers an oversized rocker that may help keep you on yours.
Tested on: rocky, dirty, muddy and snowy trails.
Highest and best use: “all-your-feet-can-eat” trails.

Tip: These shoes like trails and my feet really liked these shoes.

http://www.tecnicausa.com

*Disclosure: shoes provided by Tecnica (MSRP $130).  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.

Newton Running has jumped up on the barefoot running bandwagon. How does a shoe company join the barefoot revolution? By sticking to the principles of the movement – foot strength, forefoot strides, faster sprints, and more overall support – but perfecting them with the ideal shoe structure. The Newton Gravitas  is snazzy, effective and, unlike other minimalistic running shoe models, looks just like a regular shoe.

Gravitas are different from other minimalist running shoes trying to mimic and expand on barefoot running concepts because of the unique technology they employ. Instead of choosing chunky heels like running shoes used to have, Newton’s shoes feature slim heels rubber lugs protruding from the outsole, right under the ball of your foot. This design helps you run faster by propelling your forward each time you lift the toe of your foot for another stride. When bringing your foot down, you push the lugs into the midsole and when you begin pushing off the ground for your next stride, the lugs decompress and propel you forward.

This might seem like a complicated mechanism for something as natural and basic as running, but remember that your feet have been adapting to normal shoes since birth and never built up the right foot strength for running. Gravitas give a comfortable, stretchy fit that doesn’t cramp your feet and will never beat up your toes. Earlier Newton minimalistic running shoe models had even less heel, but the Gravitas are perfect for anyone whose feet are still getting used to minimalistic running shoes.

New Balance MR993 Review

Chronologically advanced people – this shoe is for you!   Younger (or those of you who think you aren’t very old) these shoes are not just for grandma either.  Try a pair on yourself and you will know why you should own a pair.  Why hasn’t New Balance changed the look in, well forever?  Like the finer things in life, good things get better with age.  This is one of THE most comfortable running shoes on the market, ever.  Yes, we just said the four letter word – EVER.  New Balance did it right with the 993, when they were created  in 19-whenever.   In fact, one of my favorite pairs of New Balance shoes were worn completely out and I went searching for another pair.  I was unsuccessful.  Not the 993 by New Balance, they aren’t going anywhere.  If you have shoe attachment problems, this is your shoe.

These shoes naturally keep you on the ball of your foot and almost propel you forward without a thought.  So you aren’t a runner, you the walker type?  Not a problem, we understand.  These shoes feel great below the speed limit too.  The words you need to know associated with this shoe are: comfort, ABZORB®, comfort and comfort.  The shoes of the day, the new/old New Balance MR993:

Image courtesy Zappos

Buy them if: you’re old-school but need some new-school.  Cool?

Forget about them if: you just can’t be seen in public with your “Gramps” running the same sneakers down-low.

Best use: 1. Running.  2. Walking. 3. Both 1 &2 – we call that a “jog-trot”.

Find more New Balance reviews here.

Happy 1.11.11!

ASICS® Gel-Nimbus 12

ASICS® has an extraordinary reputation for making quality running shoes.  Hey, my first pair of running shoes were ASICS®!  The “Gel” has a way of molding to your feet for a perfect fit.  Made especially for the under-pronator, the ASICS® Gel-Nimbus 12 offers extra cushioning and increased stabilization for those long, long runs. The “I.G.S.®” which stands for “Impact Guidance System” improves on the runner’s foot movement naturally.

Made from breathable mesh, and a synthetic leather upper, this lightweight (only 11oz.) running shoe has it all.  The Biomorphic Fit® may help reduce the irritation that many athletes feel after a long run. The Asymmetrical Lacing Design looks a little funny at first glance, but  provides an optimal fit that may also aid in reducing foot discomfort.
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 12 also features a sock liner, known as the Removable ComforDry™.  This technology helps to, well, keep the foot cool and dry – a nice way to say it has the potential to not stink!. The P.H.F. or “Personal Heel Fit®” is made from memory foam, which gives the runner the feeling of an extreme custom fit. The Asics Gel-Nimbus 12 offers all of this and more, such as gel cushioning and 3M™ fancy reflective markings on the running shoe.

image courtesy Zappos.com

This running shoe comes in a variety of colorful options – we dig the orange and black.  Comfort, stability, traction are the top features in this shoe.

The shoes of the day: The ASICS® Gel-Nimbus 12

Buy them if: your an ASICS®-for-life person, you know who you are!

Forget about them if: they just don’t have the color combo to match your workout gear that you got from grandma.

Nike Lunarglide+ 2 Shoe Review

The Nike Lunarglide is a shoe made just for runners with New Years running resolutions and who dig rocket science.  However, runners with different types of running style will benefit from this shoe too. Are you an overpronator, underpronator or a “don’t know” pronator? It mattereth not fellow earthling; the Nike Lunarglide will comfortably accommodate your feet!

The Nike Lunarglide+ 2 features an upper portion of mesh with a microfiber layer overlay, making the shoe breathable without compromising support. Lightweight and comfortable, the Nike Lunarglide has a sockliner beneath the left midsole where the Nike+ sensor is stored. The innersleeve of this running shoe wraps your foot in comfort and support.  The reflective markings on the shoe make the runner visible even in the darkest conditions – including your evening moonwalks.

The Nike Lunarglide is an amazing shoe with so many little “extras” that any runner would appreciate.  Searching for serious comfort and support for your daily jog, run, trot or lunar leaping?  Check out the Nike Lunarglide + 2. Reasonably priced, phenomenal and phast!  Phar-out.

image copyright shoesoftheday.com

Buy them if: you need another comfortable, everyday, light weight shoe because your moon boots are just about worn out.

Forget about them if: there is plenty of wear left in your Star Wars Adidas Shoes

Mizuno Wave® Rider™ 14 Running Shoe Review

This handsomely constructed  shoe is perfect for the athlete who needs everything in a running shoe. This running shoe is a winner in the technology, performance and style departments. The Mizuno Wave® running shoe outperforms other running shoes due to its unique construction of gender engineering.  Since men and women are quite different in size, shape and body mass, the Mizuno Wave® Rider™ 14 is one of the Mizuno running shoes that is constructed differently. For the men, this running shoe was made wider to increase their stability upon ground impact.

The Mizuno Wave® Rider™ 14 also features what they refer to as the Mizuno Intercool™ system. This offers ventilation to the entire foot, which encourages your foot to stay cool minimizing moisture to the foot. Good air-flow and ventilation in a running shoe is a relief and a must-have for the serious runner.

As with many well-constructed running shoes, the Mizuno Wave® Rider™ 14 features cushioning and the support that is essential when running. Other beneficial features of this running shoe are the SmoothRide™ Engineering, Dynamotion Fit technology, which reduces stress on the foot, extra cushioning for comfort and much, much more.

*Image courtesy of Zappos

For an awesome running shoe that is comfortable and has received great reviews amongst top runners, this is your running shoe for 2011: the AIRmesh™-Dynamotion Fit technology-Intercool™ -Wave® technology-VS-1™-heel-cushioning-SmoothRide™ X10™-carbon-rubber-outsole shoes of the day,  the Mizuno Wave® Rider™ 14 Running Shoe!

Buy them if: you want a shoe that doesn’t skimp on quality or technology.

Forget about them if: you’re still trying to figure out how pronounce the word Mizuno, and what all the ®’s and ™’s listed above really mean.

New Year +  New Shoes = New You.

All of us set goals.  Most of us make it through the first couple of weeks.  Some of us make it months and few of us make it throughout the year.  We have some advice:  make resolutions a pursuit not a one-time event!  Goals should look like this picture of all these marathon shoes in circle:

Image courtesy Nike

Start at the top, and don’t give up half way around, see your goals all the way through.  Be specific and make them attainable.  Too often, we set a goal “I want to lose weight.”  That is a noble goal.  However, it isn’t specific enough.  The goal should be I want to lose 10 pounds by the end of March.  Give yourself a specific goal and a deadline.  Tell other people.   You will be surprised how some will take an interest and help cheer you along.  When you reach your goal, take time to celebrate your success and then pat yourself on the back.

This month we will be providing reviews on running shoes, not just any running shoes – but the best running shoes for 2011.   We want to help you keep your New “Shoe” Years resolutions.  Stay tuned.  Daily.

Here is what we recommended in years past:

For 2010 you needed New Nike Training Shoes For 2010

In 2009 we thought that You Need A Diet Packed With SHOES!

We wish you all a healthy and prosperous 2011 – thanks to all of you who visit shoesoftheday.com!

Leave your thoughts on New Year’s goals below!