Barefoot running may be natural, but nature isn’t so kind to the feet. Rocks, roots and other objects on the trail can hurt! German shoemaker GoST looked to this old age problem and used old age technology to solve it. The company created the PaleoBarefoots, which utilize chainmail. The material protects from sharp objects but still gives a tactile sensation of the ground while running. The shoes truly let runners go medieval on the trails!
Category: Low Tech
Bombastic Bottle Opener
OK, this isn’t the most fitness friendly device we’ve chronicled but as one of the last items we’ll call out for 2012 we felt it was worth noting. The Bottle Grenade is as the makers proclaim, “the last opener you will ever need.” Unlike many devices and gizmos that add a bottle opener, this one begins as a bottle opener and offers other functionality.
In addition to the bottle twist opener and bottle cap opener the Bottle Grenade includes a keychain that has a ¼-inch hex, 7/16-inch hex, and can even be used as a bit holder. It can hang on a purse or belt loop as well. So while it isn’t the last multi-tool you’ll want to have, it might be the first and last bottle opener you’ll want to take on the go. The Bottle Grenade’s designer is now looking to raise funds via a Kickstarter project. Video after the jump
Pedal or Paddle?
When we first saw the Moto Bicycles Wooden Urban Pedal we thought it might be a paddle not a pedal. But this wooden pedal from Germany is designed for urban riders (as the name clearly implies). The large platform provides plenty of surface area while the grip tape helps keep the feet where they need to be. Stylish and functional. Video after the jump
Cycling Jacket
There is a real trend in providing cycling apparel that doesn’t feature logos and other artwork, and isn’t skin tight. This new line of apparel offers clothing for those who like to ride to work and don’t want to change when they get there.
The Land’s End Madison Bike Blazer is such a jacket. While we first thought it was inspired by the epic “Madison” track bike races held in Madison Square Garden in the 1920s and 1930s, it was actually named for the bicycle-friendly city in Wisconsin. Continue reading Cycling Jacket
Rack ‘Em Up Artfully
Sturdy bike racks are a necessary component to ensuring that people can ride their bikes to work, but aren’t the most pleasing things to look at. A new “artful” attempt to provide new racks, made of recycled cast iron might just change the way people see the racks.
Last week the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency along with the Yerba Buena Community Benefit District unveiled and installed its first recycled cast iron “artful bicycle racks.” These are the first of 250 to be placed in the Yerba Buena neighborhood, and are meant to help meet the growing demand for bicycle parking download. The racks have been paid for by local property owners, and are designed to give a little more style than the usual utilitarian bike racks.
[Via KTVU: Unveiling “artful” bike racks at Francisco’s Yerba Buena Gardens]
Holiday Gift Idea: Have a Bocce Ball
Bocce ball isn’t exactly a popular game, which is kind of odd given that all it requires is a set of balls and some lawn to play on. While a nice manicured lawn and perfectly flat lawn is best, any space of grass will do. The Terrain Bocce Ball Set has everything you need, and the rules – which aren’t that hard – are printed on the set’s cloth bag.
This could make a festive holiday gift as they almost look like Christmas Tree ornaments, but just don’t try to play indoors. That wouldn’t be recommended.
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
Survival Knife for a Mountain Man
According to movies and TV mountain men were quite rugged individuals and the SK Mountain survival utility knife would probably be something that intrepid individual might want to carry. It is part of a collaboration between Camillus Knives and Survivorman series host and survival expert Les Stroud.
It features a 4 3/4 –inch long by 1/8-inch thick 440-stainless steel blade that offers a 3 ¾-inch cutting surface and one-inch long saw tooth blade. This makes for a handy knife for camping and general outdoor use, while the Carbonitride Titanium bonded drop tip blade is reinforced to survival serious use.
The handle is made of glass filled polypropylene, with visible green thermoplastic rubber inserts to make it easy to grip and easy to find should it end up on the ground. The knife features a large lanyard loop, and rugged steel pommel that can be used as a hammer in a pinch, while hard ballistic nylon automatic lock knife retaining sheath is like a second tool. It features a signal mirror mounted on the fold out compartment, which can also be used to hold small items like a sewing kit or matches, plus it offers an integral pull through blade sharpener, fire starter, miniature LED flashlight and signal whistle. There is also 10-feet of nylon cord that come on a built in wrap area behind the mirror and sharpener.
This might almost be too much knife for a mountain man!
Holiday Gift Idea: Handmade Baseball
Baseball bats come from Louisville – except for those that don’t. But what many fans of America’s pastime don’t likely know is that most – if not all – baseballs are made in Costa Rica or Haiti. In fact most major league balls are produced by Rawling in Costa Rica. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have an American made ball.
Bergino Handmade Baseballs are made in America by the company founded by former sports agent Jay Goldberg. The company makes a range of specialty balls including city maps, and ones with world themes. There are even options for custom balls. So while you may never own a ball signed by Babe Ruth or other greats you can have a ball that is truly all your own.
Holiday Gift Idea: Bike Rack
This isn’t what we had in mind when someone suggested you could get a “bike rack,” but for the serious cyclist who has a bit of a silly streak consider having the handlebars mounted much like a hunting trophy. So instead of a rack of antlers Bicycle Taximdermy can “mount” those bars!
Kangaroo Water Bottle Holds More Than Water
When going for a run it is good to bring along some water, and virtually any water bottle on the market can do that. But what about bringing keys, money or ID? If you like to run without stuffing the pockets that means more stuff to carry.
But the Kangaroo Water Bottle from Contigo can solve the space issue for you as this 24-ounce bottle, which is made from high-impact BPA-free plastic that is also dishwasher safe, offers a compartment that can hold some ID, a little cash and a key. It isn’t a lot of space, but simply having any room for this stuff is great. The bottle also features a carabiner clip so it can hang off a belt or backpack – just be sure the bottle doesn’t get snatched, especially if you have your ID and key inside!
Holiday Gift Idea: Trail Tray
When camping or backpacking you might often times find that there isn’t exactly the right place to set your plate, cup or other items. The typical option is the ground, but that often means waiting for a spill to happen. The Ozen Solo Table from Snow Peak solves the problem as it provides a nice flat surface so you can cook, and have a place to eat. The flat surface can make it easy to get organized as well.
Toe Straps From Down Under
Not everyone wants to clip into their bike’s pedals. This is especially true of commuters and if you’re going to cycle to work in nice shoes why not have some stylish clips. The Patebury Kangaroo Leather Peal Straps, which of course come from Australia, are available for road and track cyclists. Made of natural kangaroo leather with hand hammered solid copper rivets these won’t scuff the shoes, but will hold the foot snuggly on the pedal!