Shoes Of The Day

Nike Free Run+ Men’s Running Shoe Review

Not quite ready to run barefoot?  Nike has a solution for all those who desire to join the minimalist running revolution but aren’t quite ready to toss out shoes altogether.  The Free Series by Nike combines the concepts of improving foot strength and emphasizing toe and mid-foot contact over heel contact. Unlike other minimalistic shoe designs, the Nike Free Series look just like regular sneakers and the magic is in their structure and design.

Nike released their first “Free Series” shoe in 2005.  Since then, the new models released each year have been refined and improved versions of the original.  The first model closely resembled a real bare feet feel and more recent models have added arch support to prevent injury and strain.  The shoe’s overall goal is to support and strengthen your entire foot (Yes, even shoes set goals now days.)   Asymmetrical laces relieve pressure on the top of your foot and grooved soles to encourage you to incorporate your toes in each stride, encouraging you to put less pressure on your heel.  Notice the laces?  Look a little closer.  See the text?   The “lace up and save lives” campaign is geared towards helping to fight AIDS in Africa.

Back to the shoes.  Every runner knows that heel stomping is a no-no, but that doesn’t make it any easier to avoid – after all your brain is a long way from your feet.  Another one of Nike’s aims with the Free Series was to build a shoe that actively encourages runners to use their metatarsals, toes and arch, while minimizing heel stomping when running. The shoes achieve this by simply decreasing the amount of rubber in the heel of the shoes.  Genius.

The Nike Free Run+ is a particularly lightweight and flexible.  Your feet will immediately feel at home in the cozy, yet firm and comfortable fit.  Nike has also made a point of increasing mid-foot support in particular to decrease the soreness many barefoot runners experience.

Come on, set your feet free with these shoes!  The shoes of the day:  Nike – Free Run+ (Neutral Grey/Black-Sport Red-White) – Footwear

Nike Free Run+ Men's Running Shoe

Pros: Light. Weight-less. Nike. Always a plus.
Cons: Everyone’s got ‘em.
Buy them if: You want the feeling of running  barefoot, but your feet still need some convincing.
Forget about them if: You’ve had enough, and just want to go barefoot.

Oh, and Dallin, thanks for allowing us to take a picture of your foot.

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 terraplana

• 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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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!

Happy Presidents Day!  Each Monday, we go back to work and address our own individual business challenges – your shoes shouldn’t be one of those challenges.   So, each Monday we are going to review shoes that will make your feet look and feel great on the first day of the week.  However, today I was thinking about the oval office and what shoes I would want on my feet if I were the President.  If I were the President for one day, I would want a pair of shoes that would offer a few fantastic features:

• Lighten my load.  I would want shoes that would help lighten the load and evenly distribute the weight which would be on the shoulders of a president.

• Look cool walking around.  I would welcome the increased style in my posture and gait.  Besides, isn’t there plenty of sitting that goes on in Washington already.  A pair of shoes where I could get up, walk around, and look good doing it.

• Built-in wake up calls.  The promised activation of neglected muscles – now that’s a stimulus package that I could believe in!

• Help with the numbers. Increased rear-end( buttock) muscle activity – as I am sure it (the rear-end) gets its share of lactic acid build up and a fair share of kicking.

• Help! my back!  I would love shoes that would strengthen my spine subconsciously.  Consciously, don’t we need more strong spines in Washington?  Well, more spines in Washington would be great, period!  Don’t you agree?

• Consensus – something my whole body could agree on.  A shoe that would activate my whole body while in use.  Let’s get everyone in the House and Senate some of these shoes!

Well President, on this special day that is dedicated to you, we looked long and hard and found a pair of shoes that will do all of the above and more for you!  We recommend the new “business on top, party on the bottom” Karani shoes by MBT.  The MBT Karani’s have a rocking chair style bottom which will keep you rocking all day long.  President Barack Obama already has a pretty district strut – imagine what these MBT’s would do to add to it!  Here is a word of caution, there is required break-in time with these shoes – MBT recommends that you work up to wearing them all day,  take a few hours the first week and get your body used to the unique sole.

Do you want to look Presidential in all that you do, buy a suit and tie and a pair of MBT shoes and you are on your way.   Don’t forget to mention this helpful shoe recommendation from your friends at shoes of the day when you run in 2012.

Take a closer look by clicking on the MBT shoe below: