Vibram has made a name for itself in the minimalist shoe market, and at this week’s Outdoor Retailer Show it proved that barefoot-style running can be a year around thing. The company introduced the toe-segmented Bikila EVO WP, which is made for running through snow and on icy surfaces. It features a special rubber compound on the soles to provide a “snow tire” type of grip. The shoes won’t be ready for this brutal winter however.
Tag: barefoot running
Topo is Off and Running
Earlier this year Tony Post, former CEO of Vibram, unveiled his new company, and now it seems that Topo is off and running. While Post helped get the barefoot running craze started it is clear that Topo will ensure that it goes the distance.
Among this year’s offerings are the M-RR (above), a barely-there 6.5 ounce running shoe. It is minimal in that it appears it doesn’t even have laces. Instead users can dial it in with the Boa Closure System for that snug fit that just feels nature.
Truly Minimal
We’ve seen minimal shoes but then there is the Merrell Vapor Glove Shoe, which its makers call “the most minimal show Merrell has ever made.” It is reportedly half the weight of weight of a regular running shoe at just 6 ounces on each foot. It thus gives a true “barefoot” feel while still providing protection from sharp rocks and other debris you might encounter. In other words this could be for the runner who wants to go barefoot but isn’t quite there.
Weekend Reading List (03.30.2013): Dam Crowded, Book Run, Winter End, Cycle-Friendly Lorry
Dam Crowded
From BikeRadar: Too many bikes in Amsterdam?
Are there too many bikes in Amsterdam? Not enough spaces to park them, narrow lanes clogged with swelling ranks of cyclists and a growing tension with moped drivers have raised an interesting problem for the city famed for its love of the bike. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (03.30.2013): Dam Crowded, Book Run, Winter End, Cycle-Friendly Lorry
Little Big Foot
Is it ever too early to start barefoot running? Many kids probably ditch the shoes for the summer, and not just those who live in the back hills. But now Vibram FiveFingers shoes are available in kid sizes, which will offer some protection from the cement and still allow barefoot styled running. Best of all it will let the kids get the barefoot feel and keep the feet clean in the process.
Vibram CEO to Make a Run With Topo
Tony Post, former CEO of Vibram, who can be credited with getting the barefoot running craze started, is launching a new company for the New Year. Last week he announced that Topo Athletic will be up “up and running” for 2013.
“Post’s new company marks the latest chapter in his ongoing quest to develop innovative products that help athletes become better, faster and stronger,” said a company press release. The company will debut its product line at the Outdoor Retailer winter market tradeshow in Salt Lake City on Jan. 23, 2013.
Topo Athletic Official Website
Outdoor Retailer Show Official Website
Barefoot Winter Shoe
Time and tide wait for no man and when the snow falls you can either wait until spring or hit the treadmill to get in a run. Or you can add some layers and endure a run in a winter wonderland. But what if you prefer the barefoot running? That doesn’t seem to mix with ice and snow.
But Vibram FiveFingers still has your feet covered while offering that minimalist style with glove-like fitting shoes designed for the winter. The Lontra feature a multi-layer laminate upper with fully taped seams to provide insulation and water resistance, while the micro-pile fleece liner is soft against the skin. The neoprene heel cuff will keep out snow and debris as well. Continue reading Barefoot Winter Shoe
Minimalist Shoes Goes to Almost Nothing
Zero is essentially nothing, but the Xero Shoes, which were invented by Boulder, Colo. Resident Steven Sashen, are just slighting nothing more than nothing. These feature no laces, no upper at the toes and offer just a 6mm thin layer that protects the feet from the ground. It is like running barefoot but still having a layer between the foot and the ground.
Sashen reportedly based his designs on shoes worn by the Tarahumara, Native Americans who were renowned for their long distance running. The Tarahumara wore huaraches – a type of sandal that was likely made of a leather weave – but Sashen’s modern take features a rubber sole. It won’t add much cushion but it will be enough to keep your feet off the dirt. Video after the jump
The Sense of Salomon
Some things just make sense, and Salomon has made the S-Lab Sense, a new shoe developed through collaboration between designers and trail runners. The Sense, which we first spotted back in February, are now ready for those looking to hit the trails. And this makes sense to us as the shoes offer the benefits of protection on the feet against stones and dirt for those who like to do the barefoot running thing. Video of Kilian Jornet with the Sense
Review: Adidas AdiPure Trainer Toe Shoes
I was recently given the opportunity to try out the new Adidas AdiPure Trainer Toe Shoes and give my opinion on what I thought of them. So, I figured why not give it a go.
At first glance you can already see that it will be a new and interesting experience. I have never tried the minimalist toe style shoes in the past and was intrigued on how it would be. I pulled the shoes out of the cloth bag that they came in and was caught off guard by their red color and unusual toe design. I immediately took off my socks and slid the shoes on to my bare feet. I found it a little difficult, at first, to get all of my toes in to the areas of the shoes in which they belonged. But, once I did I found that they were very comfortable on my feet. It was almost like wearing gloves. Continue reading Review: Adidas AdiPure Trainer Toe Shoes
‘No Shoes, No Entry’ – Not with Adidas!
Summer is ending, and the days of going barefoot will soon give way to snow boots and parkas. That might be a stretch, but it is certainly going to be shoe weather soon. But now Adidas has a way to drag out the feeling of going barefoot with a new shoe – the adipure Trainer.
What makes this new offering from Adidas unique is that it is not designed for running, it is designed for use at the gym. The adipure Trainer promotes the ’natural movement’ of the body by harnessing the natural mechanics of your own body and uses that to strengthen the muscles, build balance and promote dexterity.
“A lot of engineering went into making your foot a high performance machine,” said Mark Verstegen, founder of Athletes’ Performance. “To achieve your full potential during a workout, focus on how your foot interacts with the ground in the same way you think about how your hand interacts with a ball or a bat. Using your foot’s natural power and movement will help you strengthen muscles you never knew you had in your feet, lower legs and throughout your core.”
(Video after the jump) Continue reading ‘No Shoes, No Entry’ – Not with Adidas!