Hot Foot

Cold feet should be reserved for such things as getting married or jumping off a cliff. Cold feet for hiking in the winter or just shoveling the snow is another matter entirely. Fortunately the ThermaCell Heated Insoles are designed to ensure that the feet stay warm even in the worst conditions. These are powered by a rechargeable lithium polymer battery that is embedded in the insoles and can provide heat up to 110 degrees, making for a hot foot you’ll be happy to have!

ThermaCell Heated Insoles Official Website

Snow Running Shoes

Dashing through the woods in winter means dealing with snow, frozen mud and terrain that may look familiar but will feel quite different to the feet. This is where the Solomon Snowcross CS comes in. This lightweight trail running shoe features a water-resistant zippered gaiter, with second skin material, and one-pull laces. There are ankle pads to protect the feet and ankles from twists and turns on the path, while carbide metal spikes in the sole will bite into the ice.

Solomon Snowcross CS Official Website

Nike to Lunar Control

There is no bad moon rising today. Nike seems to have things solidly in control, in Lunar Control as it happens. The new Nike Golf Lunar Control footwear will be available on New Year’s Day and the shoes will feature full-length Lunarlon cushioning system, for lightweight comfort with optimal ground-feel, and all-day support. The Lunarlon cushioning system is Nike’s proprietary technology that promises to deliver comfort and stability to golfers.

The Lunar Control shoes also feature Nike Flywire technology, which wraps from the midfoot to heel to provide targeted support and lightweight structure. Wearer’s might think these shoes are out of this world.

Nike Golf Official Website

Slip On and Clip In

We’ve seen a trend in cycling shoes that don’t look like cycling shoes, but DZR has introduced the Jetlag Nero, the first and only (at least for now) SPD compatible slip on shoe. The company admits it is the “ultimate companion for the lazy cyclist,” but can you really call anyone who takes the time to have special shoes that clip in lazy?

Even the company admits this is a bit of an oxymoron, but either way we like that it is a slip on, clip in and go sort of shoe. Could be perfect for those who commute to work and don’t want the hassle of bringing multiple pairs of shoes – or worse riding on flat pedals!

DZR Jetlag Nero Official Website

Go Back to Berkeley to Get Low Down

They say you can’t go home again, and while we don’t know what they mean or who even “they” might be, we do know that you can get Back-To-Berkeley and even do so down low, or rather Back-To-Berkley Low Down via a trip to North Face.

The outdoor retailer is offering these hiking shoes, which could allow you to walk back home or to the back woods. These feature retro looks, but include some current technology, such as waterproof suede, polyurethane coated ballistic mesh upper and inner HydroSeal waterproof membrane liner, PrimaLoft Eco insulation and Winter Grip rubber outsoles. There are also IcePick temperature-sensitive lugs. Continue reading Go Back to Berkeley to Get Low Down

Under Armour Offers Ankle Support

In Greek mythology Achilles was invulnerable in all his body except his heel – and as the Ancient Greeks opted to not to wear armor on their feet this proved to be a fatal flaw for the seemingly invincible warrior. But athletes today wear specialty shoes to increase performance and protect against injury. Fittingly there is even a type of athletic armor for the feet, as Under Armour has introduced a new basketball shoe called the UA Charge. Continue reading Under Armour Offers Ankle Support

These Boots Were Made for Hiking

We’ve seen a lot of innovative technology in boots – heat coils, synthetic materials and all sorts of waterproofing. But sometimes you can’t mess with a good thing. And that’s why the Danner Mountain Trail Left Bank boots seem so classic. These evoke style that is often missing today.

These are constructed of Horween Russet Chomexcel Leather from Chicago’s Horween Leather Company, and are fully lined to endure a hike in the woods and so much more.

Danner Mountain Official Website

The Philosophy of Socks

Socrates was a thinker, not a warrior but the Socrates socks could be called clever because they utilize a few “army” tricks like military spec elastic to keep them from falling down the legs, along with carbon threaded and Kevlar-carbon matrix in the toes and heels so these won’t wear out. Developed by Cameron Carter, a 23-year-old U.S. Air Force Academy graduate who works as a contracting officer and business advisor for the U.S. Air Force in Europe, the socks are for business-casual but we could see this as making a leap to fitness as well, as these should be seriously durable. 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

Interbike 2012: Empire Builder at Giro

Giro has built a not so small empire with its line of helmets and shoes, and at Interbike last week the company unveiled the Empire, a new custom shoe developed specifically for Taylor Phinney to use in the 2012 Giro d’Italia and Olympic Games. Video after the jump

Interbike: Put a (Foot)Brake on It

Bicycle shoes are great for riding a bike. Clipping into the pedals provides better use of the pedal stroke, and actually helps make for a more stable ride. But walking around in cycling shoes is hardly fun. And sometimes after a long time on the bike it is nice to get out of the shoes. Of course bare feet aren’t going to work but the Footbrake will have you covered. This is a foldable sandal like shoe that can tuck in a cycling jersey pocket and be there when you need it.

Sounds like a plan to us!

Footbrake Official Website

 

 

60 Days Try Out

Not sure if the natural running shoe thing is for you? Well, now you can try the shoes for two months and decide if it is right for you!

Newton Running has introduced a special program beginning this week, which will run through October 31. It is the “60 Days of Better,” a program to encourage runners to try out the natural running shoes. Customers purchasing a pair of Network Running shoes from now until the end of October has 60 days from the date of purchase to return the shoes if they aren’t satisfied. Continue reading 60 Days Try Out

Nike Goes to Court

We’ve seen a number of Nike shoes this year, but the Nike SB Challenge Court is aimed at two seemingly different types of athletes. As Nike shows in the video below it can appeal to both Gino Iannucci, Nike Skateboarding team rider, and tennis champ Jon McEnroe alike! Continue reading Nike Goes to Court