Shoes Of The Day

Magicarpet from FreeWaters: Great Flip-Flops or Greatest Flip-Flops?

If you’re like me, you probably like to indulge your inner nerd every once in a while and give objective ranking assignments to art that can only be subjectively measured. Greatest symphony of all time? Beethoven’s Ninth. Greatest painting of all time? The Mona Lisa. Greatest flip-flops of all time? The FreeWaters Magic Carpet.

Image used by permission from freewaters.com

Of course, in order to be called the greatest of all time, you usually have to do a bit of genre-defying. Beethoven did it by bringing in a choir to sing on his symphony. The Magic Carpet accomplishes its own respective feat by making a flip-flop that looks like a flip-flop but is capable of the kind of performance you’ve never even thought of attempting in similar-looking shoes. In other words, this might be the rare instance that a pair of flip-flops is actually “running-ready.” Or, as FreeWaters puts it, “a running shoe disguised as a sandal.”

While the overall design might appear to be that of an ordinary flip-flop, there are some subtle things here that make this the kind of flip-flop that Bruce Wayne would keep around in the Bat Cave. Consider the reduced pinching of the neoprene flex panel, or an underbelly that not only splashes out water like a car tire, but keeps the foot cool for the summer excursions you’ll no doubt be enjoying in these things.

But the overall result of all the effort placed into the Magic Carpet is not only a great flip-flop, but a flip-flop that essentially transforms when you run: it fits well with your foot and even provides some nice spring-action for your steps, similar to the way a running shoe would. You know how they say don’t run around the pool? Well, you still shouldn’t, so be wary of the temptation to do it when you snap these sandals on.

How highly can we recommend these? Well, if the comparisons to the Mona Lisa and Beethoven’s Ninth were too subtle for you, we’ll just say that the Magic Carpet is probably as close to a perfect sandal as you’ll find in a generation – when, we’re assuming, they’ll actually be able to lift you out of Earth’s orbit and serve you lunch. Until that technology arrives, this flip-flop is the pair to own.

Fit Perfect.  Special Build.  Don’t Stink.  Quick Dry. Clean water for people who need it (for 1 year).  ‘Nuff said.

Magic Carpet on Moonlight Beach, Encinitias, CA

This sandal is called: Magic Carpet by Freewaters.
Color tested: “BKB” (Black, Blue, Grey)
Buy them if: you want to  provide clean drinking water for one individual for one entire year.  Or, you just want to own the most comfortable flip-flop on the planet – or in orbit.  We like to call this a “win-win.”
Forget them if: ….well, we say don’t forget ‘em – that would be a sad vacation.
Tested on: sand, dirt, asphalt, beach sidewalks, city sidewalks, busy sidewalks.
Highest and best use: Wherever, whenever.  (Well, in the winter you might consider a sweet pair of toe socks.)

Tip: Perfect recovery footwear after your long trail run.

http://www.freewaters.com

*Disclosure: Sandals provided by Freewaters (MSRP $60).  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.

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.

Air Jordan, the man and the 23 shoes that changed footwear forever.

Nike 23Air Jordan Shoes

March madness is right around the corner, and you are sure to find a pair of Nike Air Jordan’s on many college athletes.  Before we start with Michael and his shoes, let’s rewind a few years, talk about Nike and how it all came about.  The year was 1959 and Phil Knight had just written a paper, not just any paper but one which became the blue-print for Nike.  Nike’s mission is to make great shoes for remarkable athletes.  Who would have thought it all started with a boring kitchen appliance – a waffle iron.  For the founders, no shoes were good enough or light enough.  Guess it was time to pass the syrup.

In Greek the word “Nike” means victory.  Carolyn Davidson designed the logo.  35 dollars is all that was paid for the now infamous Nike logo.  In English, I think that means “good deal.”

Michael Jordan never wore a pair of Nike’s until he signed with them and scary to think that he almost signed with Adidas.   On this the 23rd of February, we wanted to feature the first 23 pairs of Air Jordan shoes in the number 23.  Most of these shoes entered the market in February and we thought it was only fitting.  From the beginning of the “2” to the bottom of the “3” are some of the most incredible shoes on the planet.  We will highlight a few of our personal favorites, and the rest are for you to enjoy.

Air Jordan I.   The first pair of Jordan’s made their debut in March of 1985.  The first and last shoe to bear the Nike Swoosh.  Black, red and awesome.

Air Jordan II.  Released in November, 1986, designer Bruce Kilgore ditched the logo and Michael flew from the foul line winning the dunk contest!

Air Jordan III. Released in February, 1988.  Tinker Hatfield was the designer for the 1988 Jordan III.  Tinker, if you are reading, thank you.  Thanks for designing this shoe and the iconic logo figure we all know as the “jumpman.”

Air Jordan IV. Released in February, 1989 (My personal favorites) I remember the occasion well.  I had to convince my mom that I needed these shoes.  Somehow after much persuading, begging and promising, we walked out of the store with my new pair.  Although they are worn, tattered and barely intact I still have them today.

Air Jordan V. Released February 1990.  I remember first seeing these shoes featured on a full-page ad in Sports Illustrated.  They couldn’t come soon enough.  Tinker, thanks again.  His design inspiration came from the P-51 Mustang fighter Air plane.  I thought I could fly like one too.

Air Jordan XI.  In November, 1995 came the Air Jordan #11,  This was Jordan’s tribute to formal dress.  With Patent leather on the front, not only was this the shiniest shoe on the court, but became the most iconic of all the Nike Air Jordan’s.  It even became fashion appropriate to wear a tuxedo.  While Jordan was dominating the court, “boys to men” were dominating something else as the first to wear the shoe with a tux.

Air Jordan XX3.  February, 2008 Michael Jordan’s Air 23 arrive.  These Jordan’s featured Michael’s thumb print, slightly modified, so no one could copy it – phew, those guys at Nike think of everything.   Some people waited in line for FIVE days when these shoes were released.  Us?  Well, we just waited long enough for them to be listed on eBay.  The Air Jordan 23’s are most successful shoes in all of sports.  Mr. Hatfield said that the 23’s are the most beautiful shoes of all of the Jordan shoes.  Remember, he’s a designer, so we better take his word for it!

Here is to you Mr. Jordan the 23, Jumpman, shoes of the day!

Is it the 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