Toxic Shoes

Micro-G-Toxic-SixThe Micro G Toxic Six Running Shoes from Under Armour look like they could have an infectious disease, but if you can get past the look these might be what the kids call “sick” in other was. These minimalist shoes offer an ultra-flexible, anatomical Micro G midsole that allows the wearer’s foot to move naturally, while the glove-like upper provides a snug fit. The shoes offer molded MPZ panels that provide additional support, while the asymmetrical lacing system reduces pressure on the top of the foot. All this could make the Micro G Toxic Six one infectious shoe.

Under Armour Micro G Toxic Six Running Shoes Official Website

Vapor Wear

NIKE-MERCURIAL-VAPOR-IX-SE-Nike is paying homage to its 1998 Nike Mercurial soccer shoe, which was designed way back when for soccer legend Ronaldo. The new Nike Mercurial Vapor IX SE features the latest tech from today in the classic shoe. However, only 1,998 pairs are being made – so catch one if you can.

Nike Mercurial Vapor IX SE Official Website

Pivot Point

Pivot-PilotSandal maker Teva has entered the mountain bike shoe area with its new Pivot. At first glance these seem to be just another pair of casual shoes – but like many new shoes we’ve seen – there is more than meets the eye. These provide a recessed sole for cleats and the Pivot works with Shimano’s SPD as well as Crankbrothers pedal systems.

This makes the shoes ideal for commuting to work, while the Spider365 Rubber soles will grip all sorts of surfaces. The composite midsole plate makes it ideal for pedaling efficiency and walkability.

Teva Pivot Official Website

Truly Minimal

Merrell-Vapor-GloveWe’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.

Merrell Vapor Glove Official Website

Love Lace

Castle-BrookeThe Castle Brooke Paralaces are laces to love. These hand-crafted bootlaces are reportedly the toughest around, and feature a seven-strand construction with 550 pound-tested Nylon Kernmantle rope, and aglets made from polyolefin plastics. Those bind and mesh with the nylon fibers to become one with the lace. These are even available in a variety of colors including the old standby in black.

Castle Brooke Official Website

Smaat-Aleck

SmaatThe Smaat running shoes certainly look quite smart, and for this season the company has introduced three colorful models, including the Midlander, Lolander and Splitlander – and each is focused on the minimalist running shoe trend.

The Midlander is designed for those just looking to take their first step into minimalist running, and can help provide the move towards reduction. From here the Lolander offers progressive minimalist runners split toe tooling that enhances flexibility and allows the foot to flex and have a more natural experience. The Splitlnader takes this the rest of the way and provides even more flexibility that encourages greater balance during toe off.

Smaat stuff!

Smaat Official Website

Get IT

Nike-Koston-2-ITIT might just be the next great golf shoe and it comes via a skater. That is the Nike Koston 2 IT, which was designed with collaboration from pro skateboarder Eric Koston. This shoe features a leather upper based on the Integrated Traction technology – hence the “IT” part of the equation. This provides a stable footing with a Swingtip outsole, while Lunarlon inserts provide comfort. There are even flexible spikes that react to the pressure from the foot to help grip the greens. It probably wouldn’t be a bad skateshoe either.

Nike Official Website

Running at 50

ECCO-BIOM-running-shoeDanish footwear brand ECCO – which according to reports is the second-largest shoe maker in the world and has produced more than 350 million pairs since 1963 – celebrates 50 years in business. While the company makes casual and dress shoes, we’ve seen many of its golf, running and outdoor models.

What makes ECCO unique is that it is a vertically integrated with its own leather tanneries and factories, and of course high-end retail-end establishments. We say congratulations to ECCO and hope we’ll see continue to go the distance.

[Via Gearjunkie: 2nd Biggest Shoe company in World (celebrating 50 years in business)]

Cross and Kix

Crosskix-IIEVA or ethylene vinyl acetate is a great material for footwear because it is essentially waterproof and durable. It has been used more for clogs and sandal type footwear but Crosskix is looking to create an athletic shoe, and has looked to Kickstarter to “kix” things out.

The Crosskix aren’t meant to replace team sport shoes where cleats are worn, but could be good as a light training shoe, and certainly as a post-workout recovery shoe. If these get dirty there is no problem, as these are made of EVA the Crosskix can be hosed off and are ready to wear. Video after the jump

Newton Transitions With Energy

Newton_Energy2Newton Running is a running shoe company that’s made a name for itself by creating running shoes with a minimal design. That is a shoe that works with the natural running motion – which the company says is toe to heel. Newton will release the Energy running shoe in July, which is a transitional running shoe that will help those wearing conventional shoes on the road to better adapt to the natural running motion. Continue reading Newton Transitions With Energy

Mako or Breako

Easton-MakoThere are skates for just skating around and then there are the Easton Mako Skate, which for hockey is something that help the player make it. It features an active guard that allows for more natural movement, with asymmetrical pattern that allows the skates to stay in line with direction of travel to generation more speed and power. These also offer an aggressive blade pitch to create more force on the ice. And by that we don’t think Easton means of the Hanson Brother’s variety . Video after the jump

Shoes and Skins

CleatSkinsIn team sports it is often “shirts and skins” but Cleatskins could change that to “shoes with skins” – as in flexible compression-molded rubber soles that can slip over existing cleats to provide a way to walk in the shoes without damaging the shoes, the cleats or most importantly the floors. These are designed for a variety of shoes – from football to cycling.

Cleatskins Official Website