Shoes Of The Day

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

Ahnu’s Men’s Woodacre: A Shoe For Uneven Terrain

If you’ve ever been trail running before, you know how easy it is for a pair of shoes to let you down. Maybe they’re not secure enough around your feet in order to stay stable. Maybe they can’t handle a little excess moisture. Maybe they slip too easily – and that’s a serious one, because you don’t want to skimp on injury minimization.

The Ahnu’s Woodacre for men is a shoe that looks to fix all of these problems when it comes to being outdoors and on unstable terrain. Ahnu could have produced a shoe that’s easy to ride on treadmills and concrete, but there’s no doubt the Woodacre is a little more ambitious than that. There’s plenty of shock absorption and protection here – you won’t feel small stones, for example – that lets you know Ahnu is serious about making this your go-to pair of shoes for outdoor, unpredictable trails.

A price of $120 is reasonable given the current trail running shoe market, and if you can get enough use out of it, it’s reasonable for this pair of shoes, as well. Considering that the Woodacre is designed to take you a multitude of places, it will really be your responsibility to put this pair of shoes to the test and make sure you get your money’s worth.

Of course, you won’t notice if you’re getting your money’s worth on steady, even terrain, so don’t be afraid to give these shoes what they were designed for – mother nature. Take them out on the trails, test some different terrains, and enjoy yourself. After all, what’s the point of trail running if it just leaves you hating ever having bought trail running shoes? There’s certainly enough protection and padding in this shoe to leave you comfortable after a good run – it will be up to your own motivating forces to make sure the entire run isn’t so comfortable.

Be prepared for some looks too – people can’t keep their eyes off the Aurora.

This trail running shoe is called: The Woodacre by Ahnu.
Color tested: Aurora.  Yes, similar to the Disney princess although these sweethearts can handle a lot more dirt.
Buy them if: you like things that include the word multi; multi-colored, multi-terrain and multi-vitamins.  Yes, your feet need nutrition too.
Forget them if: you’re stuck on the old, but deep down you know you need something Ahnu.
Tested on: acres and acres of wood-filled, dirt trails.
Highest and best use: trails in the 100 acre wood.  (Yeah, we thought we would stay with the Disney theme).

Tip: Wide feet and stubby toes will do well in these shoes.  Don’t be afraid to hike in these shoes either.

http://www.ahnu.com

*Disclosure: shoes provided by Ahnu (MSRP $120).  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

Go Light on the Trails with a GoLite TaraLite Shoe

If there’s anything that people who enjoy hitting the trails love, it’s minimalism. Going out to hit the hiking trails gives them the scent of fresh air, maximum exercise, and most importantly – a chance to get out of the house. So it’s only fitting that this type of person also enjoy a minimalist shoe that’s able to combine simplicity in design with high-performing features. That’s what the GoLite TaraLite attempts to do. Does it succeed?

The simple answer is yes. The TaraLite is dubbed the “latest evolution in BareTech trail running shoes,” and with a name like “BareTech,” it better be good.  This shoe was inspired by sandals in the Tarahumara tribes in Mexico, and is a shoe that gives the greatest amount of leeway to your feet while also supplementing your foot’s natural abilities like any good minimal shoe would, could and should.

How is this accomplished? You have an internal thong (it’s not what you think it is) to add stability and consistency in the uncertain terrain, solid protection from the outside elements, and very little extraneous details that would otherwise get in the way of your foot and subsequently alter the way you exercise.

As stated, if you enjoy trail running in the first place, there’s a good chance you don’t need a shoe with 100 gadgets and features embedded therein.

At $115, this shoe will cost you what you might expect from other shoes across several markets, meaning it’s a fair price. But what if you’re a trail running enthusiast who wants a shoe with even more minimalism? Well, tie a sandal to your feet and start walkin’, but there’s no guarantee that your contraption will perform nearly as well as a shoe designed for both minimalism and unexpected terrain.  The outsole is sticky, holding on mightily to sandstone rock.  Check out the picture of the tread in the sand.  The GoLite TaraLite is designed to support and enhance without altering – and that’s all you should be asking out of your trail running shoe.

This trail shoe is called: TaraLite by Golite
Color tested: Orange/Black/Gray.
Buy them if: you want a no-lace, zero drop heel, natural feeling trail shoe.
Forget them if: you don’t have any toe socks that will accommodate the thong.
Tested on: sand, slick-rock, dirt and rocky trails.
Highest and best use: broad mix of trail terrain.
Tip - they fit exactly to your regular shoe size.  Don’t add – keep it minimal.

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

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.

Keen Shoes Review
Before I share my candid shoe review, first let me say that I am pretty keen on Keen shoes.  In fact I currently own 3 pair.  Late last year, I purchased the Keen Shellrock WP for winter trail running.  The WP – it stands for waterproof, “KEEN.DRY” style.   The Keen “right-out-of-the-box” comfort was there, but the promised Keen performance was missing.

Pros:  The water-proof works and I put the KEEN.DRY to the test.  I ran until the snow got too deep, then strapped on snow shoes and kept running.  My feet remained dry.  I would be remiss if I didn’t give a little credit to my wool socks.  These are great everyday shoes during the rainy season or when you want to keep your feet dry.  The ubiquitous keen toe protection really does what it says.

Cons: They are extremely heavy.  They have zero traction for trail running and  I like meaty traction.  The S3 heel support structure is alright, but the low cut heel leaves your heel slipping and sliding on every ascent.  Also, if you suffer from the “my-second-toe-is-longer-than-my-big-toe-coolness” like I do, then you will want to find another shoe too.

Buy them if: they are on sale, they are not worth $120.
Forget about them if: you want real trail running shoes.

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.

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.

Last weekend my friend Matt ran the Wasatch 100 mile endurance run and finished in the top 30!  Congrats Matt!

The shoes of the day: Matt’s Hardrock trail runners by Montrail.