Shoes Of The Day

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.

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.

Meet the new Lebron VII.  LeBron released his new shoes last week in Akron, Ohio.  Here is what LeBron had to say about his shoes “The new LeBron VII takes my signature line to a new level of innovation,” said LeBron James. “As the demands of my game evolve and increase, Nike consistently designs and develops shoes helping drive my on-court success.” Does he need more success on the court?  Talk amongst yourselves.

image courtesy of nike

Now to follow suite from the previous shoes review, we would like to highlight the designer.  These kicks were designed by Nike designer Jason Petrie.  Not only does Jason draw shoes for Nike, but he also collects them.  Nice work Jason.

Buy them if: You have $160.

Forget about them if: You don’t.

The shoes of the day the new Nike Air Max LeBron VII.

We’re all about saving our readers a little dough!   As a follow up to the  STPL X AIRWALK post, we are pleased to offer a $10 off coupon to purchase your next pair.  Now for a little more background on the shoes, and of course your hook up for the coupon is below.   Just in time for the back-to-school season where skate and street fashion trends are hitting classrooms nationwide, Airwalk and street style icon jeffstaple announced the STPLxAirwalk™ brand with its unique skate-meets-street design fusion that incorporates the rich skate heritage of Airwalk with contemporary design influence of jeffstaple.  The new STPLxAirwalk limited-edition fall collection is exclusively available now at select Payless ShoeSource stores and Payless.com for $30 to $50 a pair.

You can read the review here.  You can download your shoe coupon here.

Happy Shoes of the day shopping!

As of August 11, 2009,  you now have 8 new stylish reasons to shop at Payless.  We were selected as wear-testers for the fresh, new Jeff Staple designed “STPL AIRWALKS.”  These kicks come in five very cool styles for men; including the 50/50, the Gambit, the Heaven slip-on and the Terrain.   The ladies get three styles to choose from.  These limited-edition shoes are just in time for back-to-school shopping and won’t break the bank with prices ranging from $30 to $50 a pair!

The samples we received were the Heaven slip-on to wear and review.  The AIRWALK Heaven is a comfortable lightweight, no-lace, slip-on shoe.  We liked the unique and fresh illustrated design and comfy insole.   We didn’t like the slick feel of the non-marking sole.

What? Heaven Twin Gore – MENS STPL X AIRWALK

Why? Because you can get these off and on in a hurry.  Sunny Southern California was the primary inspiration for this canvas upper.  The print on the shoes was created by designer jeffstaple featuring illustrated print of wind, water and waves.  The Heavens are made of fabric, rubber and other man-made materials.

Where? STPLxAirwalk limited-edition fall collection is exclusively available now at select Payless ShoeSource stores and Payless.com.

You need them if: You want a fresh pair of designer kicks that don’t look cheap!

You don’t need them if: You’re “off the wall” about your Vans.

Our take on these shoesoftheday:  Comfortable slip-on shoe and perfect if you’re headed back-to-school, or to California on a budget!

Images were used by permission and nothing we know of was harmed during the writing of this shoe review.  Stay tuned for the official press release and the women’s Airwalk Terralite shoe review.

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!

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.

Are you searching for an eco-friendly, handcrafted, organic pair of canvas shoes with more history than your high school text book?   Look no further than the Espadrilles.  This Spanish shoe is the oldest of all of our shoe reviews and has been in use and in style for over 4,000 years.  The shoes name “Espadrille” is derived from “esparto” which is a kind of plant that was originally burned then braided to make the soles.   Each shoe is entirely hand-sewn especially for your feet, in a small Spanish town named la Rioja, in Northern Spain.

Speaking of history, if you remember “The Hoff’s” show “Night Rider”, and wore “OP” cord shorts, had a collection of 8-tracks, or you rode in a wood-paneled vehicle, then you will remember these shoes were also hot in the 80’s.  They are again back in style along with Sperry Topsiders, penny loafers and Vans.

Shoe Type: Comfortable Casual
Shoe Construction: The soles are made of jute and rubber.  The sole will mold to your feet and allows your skin to take deep breaths in the summer heat.  The upper is constructed of canvas that is hand sewn to the sole.
Comfort: We give them 4 out of 5 shoes.
Shoe Fit: Initially the fit is snug, however they will stretch.  Feel free to leave your socks in the drawer when you wear these shoes, unless you’re into braided belts.
Buyer’s tip: These shoes come in whole sizes, so make sure when you order, round up.  If you’re not into flip-flops, then these are your perfect alternative summer shoes.  Men and women both wear these shoes.  Men, stick to the Espadrilles without ribbons.

The shoe is simple and will complement any summer wardrobe, the shoes of the day, Espadrilles with stripes, Ole!

Buy them here!