Category: Footwear

SIA Preview: MTN Approach – Backcountry Riders Rejoice!

‘Fresh tracks’… the endless pursuit of most boarders to be the first to descend a mountain full of freshly fallen snow. At most resorts it is tough to be to first on the slopes so this drives the truly hardcore into the backcountry. These people hike up slopes for hours in waist-deep snow just to get one or two runs a day in the virgin snow – a ‘high‘ that is tough to duplicate.

The pursuit of freshies just got a little easier! MTN Approach has announced the first three-part, light weight, folding approach ski. Designed by snowboarders and weighing just 3.5 pounds per foot, each ski has two hinges that allows this 150cm ski to fold down to 53cm (approximately 21”). This might not sound like a big deal, but as someone who has snowshoed all-day to ride on some fresh powder, the use of skis make the ascent much quicker and easier as they do not sink into the snow as deep. Sure, snowshoes work fine to hike up a slope, but they often do not fit snowboard boots very well. This means that more equipment is required to be carried if a second set of boots is needed.

The MTN Approach skis do not utilize traditional ski bindings requiring specific, ridged boots. The MTN Approach skis has bindings that a straps similar to snowboards which allows the use of just about any snowboard boot. These skis also feature metal edges, side cuts and full camber. This permits the rider to perform a more confident ascent of the mountain, especially when traversing a slope. Continue reading SIA Preview: MTN Approach – Backcountry Riders Rejoice!

New Running Shoes Go the Distance

The new BIOM running shoes from ECCO are designed with durable materials to last up to 1.5 times longer than EVA, which is currently used in many other shoes. As a result the BIOM can go the distance, and thanks to the innovation that utilizes biomechanics with the help of University of Cologne, these shoes might help you go the distance as well.

These shoes are inspired by barefoot runners, and ECCO worked on the concept for more than three years, scanning foot profiles of more than 2500 runners to create a replica of the human foot. To date the BIOM is the only shoe on the market that uses a “direct-injection process” to increase the durability of the shoe. Additionally the BIOM features a wide “toebox” design to ensure that the wearer’s toes can spread naturally making for a comfortable fit. The BIOM feature high-traction rubber outsold components to improve grip while making for a lightweight shoe.

Currently there are two models available with a third in development. The BIOM A is produced using traditional textile mesh that allows for greater ventilation and is thus a great “summer” shoes; while the BIOM B utilizes breakable yak leather that offers increased durability. We’ll be curious where the C model fits in, as it could go the distance and more.

BIOM Official Website

Columbia Drainmaker: The Shoe That Won’t Drown

You might be familiar with the Columbia Sportswear Company through the number of TV ads that they run touting their outdoor, cold weather jackets and extensive testing; but you might not be aware that they also make a number of products for the summertime outdoor enthusiast. Columbia has released a shoe to help the fisherman stay out of slick situations and drain quickly when their feet become submerged.

Inspired by observing fisherman in the Florida Keys wearing running shoes in and around the water, the designers at Columbia figured that they could come up with a better shoe. They created a hybrid shoe that combines the lightweight comfort of a running shoe with the quick-dry capabilities of a water shoe. The upper features breathable open cell mesh with a durable TPU toe cap, while the Techlite midsole has built-in drainage ports in the heel and forefoot to allow water to instantly escape. Wet/dry traction is assured by a siped, lugged outsole with Omni-Grip Wet Grip rubber for sure footing on slick surfaces.

Though the Drainmaker ($80 MSRP) is designed for fishermen and fisherwomen (yes, they are offered for both sexes); these shoes are based on the structure of a running shoe, offer lightweight construction and give more cushioning than a traditional water shoe. If your ‘catch of the day’ is to complete an event like the Tough Mudder, you may want to look at the Drainmaker from Columbia and add it to your arsenal.

The shoes feature an open cell sandwich mesh upper with translucent TPU toe cap, micro suede eyestay and Techlite heel, along with Techlite midsole that includes drainage ports in heel and forefoot, and siped, lugged outsole for extra traction made with Omni-Grip Wet Grip rubber. The shoes easily go from the wet to the dry and help your feet do the same.

Columbia Drainmaker Official Website

Made in America: New Balance Shoes

New Balance started producing shoes all the way back in 1906 to help relieve the foot pain of laborer’s and keep them working comfortably on their feet. Through out the years, they started producing athletic footwear with their first running shoes appearing in 1938. Since then, New Balance has been committed to innovating and evolving their footwear to meet the needs of the athletic community for over 70 years.

With the trend of all footwear and most everything else being produced overseas, New Balance started a campaign back in 1992 advertising that their shoes were still being made in the U.S.A. That commitment is still true today. New Balance relies on five different ‘associate’ manufacturers in New England to produce 25 percent of the shoes that they sell in the U.S. or approximately 7 million pair. They are the only manufacturer to still make athletic shoes in the United States. Continue reading Made in America: New Balance Shoes

Nike Goes to the Moon – Sort of…

This week Nike Golf announced that its latest shoes for the US Open, the Lunar Control golf shoes will be available to the public. Traditionally these shoes are usually only created for Nike’s tour athletes, but this year everyone can take a swing at getting a pair.

The Limited Edition Nike Golf Shoes were created and developed with insight from the number 10 golfer in the world and US Open contender Paul Casey. These shoes deliver just the right combination of stability and comfort, while still be the lightest-weight performance shoe on the tour – and they look good too!

The shoes feature Flywire construction; offer ultra light, springy Lunarlon cushioning, and feature waterproof performance leather by Sadesa, so you can hit a full 18 holes without making your feet like they’re on a walk to the moon!

Nike Lunar Control Men’s Golf Shoes Official Retail Site
[ Via BeSportier: Limited Edition Nike Golf Shoes : US Open Lunar Control]


The Force Will Be With These Shoes

Remember how Anakin Skywalker was all melted and eventually become Darth Vadar with that black suit. That has nothing to do with these shoes exactly, but it is hard not to think of that scene when we read about the ForceShoes and see that these are basically high-tech sandals.

In truth the shoes, which were developed by researchers at the University of Twente’s MIRA research institute in the Netherlands are designed to measure precise force and movements when someone walks. These were develoed as a means of facilitating the rehabilitation process from people who have suffered a stroke or had degrees of paralysis on one side of the body. As those patients have often had to learn to walk again, it can be a difficult experience and these shoes can analyze how said patient walks or what forces are exerted to the ground.

Wireless connections transmission data gathered from four sensors modules located throughout the shoe’s soles, and each of these measures the force and movement. While these aren’t commercially available, we hope that these will help patients in the very near future. May the force be with these shoes!

[Via Gizmag.com: ForceShoes enable extremely precise tracking of how their wearer walks]

First Look: adidas So Cool

There is no denying that adidas has some cool shoes, but now the company proves it really knows cool with the ClimaCool Ride, ideal shoes for spring and summer running. This shoes provide 360 degrees of ventilation. The shoes feature suede overlays for lockdown performance, non-woven fabric for comfort and breathability and injected EVA tooling with maximum flexibility and breathability, plus perforated sockliner for even increased breathability. In other words these shoes look cool and will keep your feet cool.

Out of the box we’re impressed by the lightweight design. In our hands on testing these shoes felt like walking (and light jogging) on a cloud. Check back next week for a full hands on of the adidas ClimaCool Ride, and in the mean time enjoy a video with David Beckham.

(Video after the jump) Continue reading First Look: adidas So Cool

Hands On: Hi-Tech Wool Socks

“Wool is warm and stays warm even when it is even wet.” At least this is the type of statement that we heard throughout high school while participating in a Lifetime Activities outdoor program. Instead of playing baseball and football as our sports; we would bike, hike, canoe, go spelunking and rock climb all around Western Pennsylvania, the East Coast and sometimes out even West.

It was often cold and sometimes damp during these activities which is why our instructors insisted on a wool wardrobe for each of us. We would use old wool button down shirts and wool Army surplus pants along with heavy calf-high wool hiking socks. These garments would certainly keep us warm, even when wet, but there was one major drawback – they were itchy! Continue reading Hands On: Hi-Tech Wool Socks

Zumbawear Collection Goes From Gym to Street

Is the just back from the gym look going to be big this year? Could be, at least if Zumba Fitness has its way. The company, which is the creator of the Zumba fitness-party workout, has announced that it has expanded its lifestyle brand with the launch of the 2011 Zumbawear Wonderland collection, which includes apparel, shoes and accessores for both women and men. The new line of attire is inspired by the exotic, high-energy music and choreography found in a live Zumba class.

“When you’re in a Zumba class, you are transformed – you feel energized, bold and sexy,” said Zumbawear Creative Director Melanie Canevaro. “We want our instructors and Zumba fans to enjoy these feel-good vibes all day – hanging out at home, shopping at the mall or partying at a Zumba class in a nightclub.”

Upcoming products will include the Z1 sneaker, a lightweight cardio dance shoe that will let users cut a rug or bust a move on the dance floor, as well as relaxed tees, hoodies and drawstring shorts. All of the clothing is designed to move and breathe while still retaining style that suggests the runway as much as the gym.

Zumba Shop

Shoe Shopping Goes Virtual

Here is a strange twist on buying shoes. Imagine going to the store, but not being able to find just the right athletic shoe. If you’re like most of us, you’ve probably heard, “we have more shoes online.” Well, rather than head to a computer you can head to the wall – as in the adiVERSE Virtual Footwear Wall, which is produced by adidias and powered by an Intel Core i7 processor and features 3D images of the shoes.

Popular shoes feature videos, product specs, game stats and even twitter feeds. Would-be buyers can add product to a virtual cart and check out via the store’s iPad. If the shoe is in stock you can try it on and walk out with it, and if not have it ordered and delivered.

Of course if you can’t try on the shoes, it begs the question why you wouldn’t just check out shoes online, but it is an interesting twist on the shoe store. Think of this as the merging of brick and mortar store with an online shop.

Adidas ClimaCool Ride, Light on Your Feet

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vACznSF9Nq8&feature=player_embedded

The shoe of 2011 is lightweight. You’ll see entries from several manufacturers. Adidas brought out its ClimaCool Ride, an 8.9 ounce running shoe. While the loss of a few ounces is something to talk about, the all-around, 360 degree venting is another star feature of the shoe. Continue reading Adidas ClimaCool Ride, Light on Your Feet

Hands On: Injinji Performance Midweight Toesock

We should call this one a Feet On review. Injinji makes socks with five toes. It’s a little strange at first to have each toe wrapped in sock, but it feels good. I put them on when I had a day of outdoor activity planned and wanted to test them out. It worked out quite well.

The socks are made with a flat-knit weave that eliminates bunching and sagging. The weave, or knit, has loft and stretch so the socks feel almost padded, though not to the point where they’d cause any problems with your feet in their shoes. Each toe is knit seamlessly to eliminate skin-on-skin friction. Lycra in the fabric helps each sock retain its shape and mold to the contours of your foot. Continue reading Hands On: Injinji Performance Midweight Toesock

Run With Ryn Shoes

The rocker shoe craze isn’t going anywhere. Korean company Ryn is among the newer introductions to the American Market. Ho Hyung Lee, who worked at a sneaker factory in Pusan, Korea, developed Ryn footwear. When he had to leave his job for an emergency knee operation, he decided to develop a pair of shoes that would help him recover, and aid others plagued by joint pain and those who want to tone up.

 

Continue reading Run With Ryn Shoes