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 problem with shoe shopping online is that you can never guarantee the fit. Or can you? A new system from Shoefitr makes it possible to get a good fit when virtual shoe shopping. The tool lets users see a visual fitting comparison, which allows shoppers to determine fit. One store, SoccerPro, has seen a 28 percent reduction in its return rates since implementing the virtual fitting app last year. 
Michael Jordan has been off the court for a while now, but don’t expect his signature “Air Jordans” to come down anytime soon. The shoes, which were first launched in 1985 have evolved over the years, and the latest have been spotted – a bit like a UFO. The Air Jordan XX8 fittingly has an “other-worldly” look thanks to the Schoeller mesh that provides a snug fit. Designed for serious basketball, these feature a molded carbon fiber heel counter and Jordan Flight Plate that will help wearer’s react on the court. The Air Jordan XX8 will be ready to take off this winter.
We’ve seen a lot of unique – even “signature” – basketball shoes but we have to admit, we’re not sure what to make of the Nike Kobe 8 System Basketball Shoes, which were developed in collaboration with Bryant. These are made of Nike Engineered Mesh and feature a graphic snakeskin print – thus evoking Kobe’s Black Mamba nickname. Of course you might need to play like Kobe to pull these off.
The ionic Converse Chuck Taylors aren’t as common on the basketball courts these days, but the shoes remain popular off the court for skaters and anyone who wants a shoe that could survive for seemingly ever. One thing the canvas shoes have never been so good in is snow and mud. But the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Made in Maine Boot looks as if it could endure just about anything. The only catch is that the company is releasing just 80 pair that will be made available at select Converse and First String retailers. However, we did note that Converse has a lot of other boot options ready for the holidays.
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!
You put your shoes ON your feet but soon you might be putting On on your feet. Swiss startup shoe maker On has just introduced a new line of running shoes that feature absorbers that company refers to as “clouds.” These are small rubber circles that act as tread but also provide some bounce. These flex and even cave in to absorb shock when runners land on each stride. The company’s tag line “Probably the fastest in the world” is unique, but hopefully we’ll get to put a pair “on” in the near future and see if it is indeed like running on a cloud.
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.
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.
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.
Wear these in a running race and your competitors shouldn’t hear you coming, but you’d probably have to hone up your ninja skills. However, if you just want to look like the Japanese assassins the shoes will do the job. The Zemgear 360 Ninja Split-Toe Running Shoes offer the barefoot running experience while still keeping your feet covered. These feature a split-toe design (as the name suggests), a phylon outsole, tech bands to provide greater stability and a round-toe pattern for increased flex. The Gecko-Grip rubber pods will provide plenty of traction as well, and these weigh in at just 2.5 ounces. And they look pretty stylish as well.
We’ve been hearing a bit about Nike’s new offerings for winter, and these include the Nike Zoom DK QS Double Tongue Snowboarding Boot. That’s quite a name, but it is also quite a boot. It was developed with collaboration with snowboarder Danny Kass so it can stand up to the worst that winter can throw at it.