Category: Running

BUG-like Grip

ANIMA2-BUGripOne good thing about winter is that runners don’t have to deal with a lot of bugs, and while insects generally can’t get a grip on ice the ANIMA2 BUGrip shoes offer sure footing in most winter conditions. Made by Icebug of Gothenburg, Sweden these feature 19 sharp studs that are embedded into the shoe’s rubber sole.

These 1mm long studes can dig in to provide traction when there is snow and ice on the ground and provide decent traction. These aren’t fully waterproof but they provide enough water resistance to keep the feet dry in icy and snowy conditions. While not ideal for concrete or indoor use these will help runners get through the long winter ahead.

Icebug ANIMA2 BUGrip Official Website

Rock on With the Crampon

Hillsound-Trail-Campron-UltWhile we hope the worst of winter is behind us, we know there are still two full months to go, and if you’re tired of hitting the treadmill and want to get out for a run you’ll likely end up face down or worse on an icy road. However, Hillsound’s Trails Campron Ultra could just provide the grip runners might need this winter. This is like putting snow chains on tires but for the feet. It features 18 spikes under each foot, providing serious grip on ice and snow.

Hillsound Trail Campron Ultra Official Website

Razor Blade

Springblade-RazorThis month Adidas launched its Springblade Razor, the next generation of “explosive energy under your feet.” These new running shoes, which are now available for pre-order, are the the first shoes to feature blade technology to help propel you forward.

The Springblade Razors feature a unique web design over sock-like Techfit technology that helps lock your feet in place and enhances breathability. The shoe’s 16 individually tuned blades instantaneously react to any environment, compressing and releasing energy. The shoes are also available in four colorways for men, including Solar Blue/Tech Grey Metallic/Black, Black/Tech Grey Metallic/ Light Scarlet, Metallic Silver/Black/Light Scarlet and Light Scarlett/Black/Metallic Silver, and three colorways for women including Solar Blue/Tech Grey Metallic/Black, Black/Black/Vivid Berry and Bahia Pink/Metallic Silver/Black.

Adidas Official Website

Weekend Reading List (01.19.2014): Grab On, Hub Bub, Mill Run

Grab On

snowboard

From GearJunkie:’Slob’ To Chicken Salad… Snowboarding Grab Terms (on one handy chart)
Oh the colorful dialect of the park and pipe world! Thankfully, we have diagrams to help. I suppose some of these are dated as the language evolves as fast as the sport of snowboarding itself, but this gem of a diagram from Wikipedia might help those watching the Olympic pipe competition understand the terminology…a bit. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (01.19.2014): Grab On, Hub Bub, Mill Run

Peekaboos Donates Proceeds in Hats for Hope Program

peekaboos_hope2Peekaboos, the maker of fitness hats for women that allows a ponytail to poke through the hat, has partnered with MS Run the US. A special knit orange cabled hat is being offered under the Hats for HOPE line, and 50 percent of all sales of Peekaboos orange HOPE hats will be donated to help improve lives and find the cure of those living with multiple sclerosis. Continue reading Peekaboos Donates Proceeds in Hats for Hope Program

Weekend Reading List (01.04.2014): Trek Makes the Cross, Runner Resolutions, 2014 Apps

Trek Makes the Cross

Trek-Boone

From Bicycle Retailer: Trek unveils IsoSpeed ‘cross bike
Trek unveiled a new line of cyclocross bikes that feature the company’s IsoSpeed decoupler, previously used on its Domane endurance road bikes. The decoupler isolates the seattube from the toptube to increase comfort. The unveiling was done with Trek-sponsored athletes including Katie Compton, and world champion Sven Nys in Baal, Belgium. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (01.04.2014): Trek Makes the Cross, Runner Resolutions, 2014 Apps

Holiday Gift Guide: These Waterproof Socks Fit

Showers-PassShowers Pass has a new line of waterproof yet breathable socks for runners, cyclists, skiers and anyone else who might risk some cold, wet feet. The new Crosspoint WP socks offer moisture control while still feeling a regular old pair of socks.

These feature three-layer bonded construction that includes an Artex waterproof-breathable membrane that is sandwiched between the knit outer layer and moisture-wicking Coolmax FX nylon lining, while some Spandex ensures a snug fit even after multiple washings.

Showers Pass Official Website

Smart Shoes Ready to Run

Smart-RunningThere are smartphones and smart watches, but now developers at the Institute for Photonic Microsystems (IPMS) are looking to create smarter shoes. The “EU Project RUNSAFER” concept utilizes specialized running shoe packed with a micro-controller, a radio frequency (RF) module, accelerometers, GPS sensors and a battery.

The system is designed to capture biomechanical signals from the body and transmits them via Bluetooth to the a runner’s smartphone, which then evaluates the data and offers feedback to the runner on how they can improve performance.

“Pulse-rate watches and chest straps record only vital signs like breathing and heart rat,” said Dr. Andreas Heinig, a scientist at IPMS. “In contrast, our running shoe medically evaluates and moni- tors training while jogging. It informs the runner for example of incorrect foot position, asym- metric loading, or warns of exhaustion or overload. There has never been a comparable device before.”

A prototype of the running shoe has already been developed, as has a mobile smartphone app. The researchers are now working on a smaller version of the microelectronics and sensors, which remains the bigger challenge, particularly since the system must be waterproof, light, and durable.

[Press Release: High-tech athletic shoe for pure running pleasure]

Weekend Reading List (12.07.2013): London Dying, Holiday Run?, Cycling Summits

London Dying

London

From Gear Junkie: Thousands Of Cyclists ‘Die’ In London
The protest took place outside the offices of Transport for London, the transportation authority for the city where 14 people have died in cycling related accidents during the past year including six during the two weeks leading up to the protest. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (12.07.2013): London Dying, Holiday Run?, Cycling Summits

Newton Looks to Pop

NewtonMinimalist running shoe maker Newton has proved that you can always add more without actually adding too much. This is true with the company’s line of 2014 running shoes. The company promises “more pop than ever,” and this includes the new +ONE lug platform, which adds a fifth lug to provide more cushioning, greater responsiveness and a broader, more stable base for the runner.

The company’s entire line of 2014 shoes will be ready to hit the road or trail in February.

[Press Release: Newton Running 2014 Speed and Mileage Trainers Offer More Pop Than Ever]

CES Innovations Award: Magellan Echo

EchoIt is November and while that means Thanksgiving with Christmas just around the corner, it is also the time when we start to hear about the International CES Innovations 2014 Design and Engineering Awards. For the upcoming show, the Honoree in the Wearable Technologies category includes the Magellan Echo, the first smartwatch dedicated to running by connecting smartphone fitness apps to the wrist. It utilizes Bluetooth Smart to wirelessly connect with a smartphone and provides users control over their favorite fitness app and displays running metrics where it can be easily seen.

Magellan Echo drives integration with the world of sport and fitness apps, and has support from Strava, MapMyFitness, iSmoothRun and Wahoo Fitness. Echo features a ruggedized design, water-resistance to withstand adverse conditions and a replaceable battery that lasts 6-11 months.

Magellan Echo Official Website