Breakdown Shoes

01M-shoesMost shoes will break down in time, but the 01M shoes are designed to biodegrade in months. The Spanish-made footwear, which offers a true minimalist design that could be ideal for barefoot running when you still want some coverage on the feet, are made of a vegetable-based plastic material. This means when the shoes start to show wear they can go in the compost bin and won’t end up a landfill.

01M Official Website
[Via GearJunkie: Shoe Made of ‘Vegetable Plastic’ Can Biodegrade in Months]

Newton Goes the Distance

NewtonMinimalist shoe maker Newton looks to have its Newton Running Elite team put in some serious miles to demonstrate that the company’s Distance Elite shoe is ready for the loneliness of the long distance running. It features race-specific fit and a streamlined midsole, creating a lightweight, highly responsive shoe that tips the scales at 7.2 ounces for men, 6.2 ounces for women.

It features highly breathable, fast-drying mesh upper that employs minimal stitching, an asymmetrical lacing system and welded support strapping over the midfoot. The Distance Elite further offers the same outsole/midsole package as the Distance Light Weight Trainer, which has a 2mm drop from heel to toe, as well as Newton Running’s dynamic four-lug cushioning to protect the runner from impact.

Runners won’t have to wait long to try out this minimal long distance shoe. The Distance Elite will arrive in stores on November 1 for $155.

Newton Running Official Website

The Maximum Shoes

Fresh-FoamWe’ve seen much made in the way of the minimalist shoes, but this fall there is a lot of traction being made on the other end of the spectrum with “maximum-size” shoes. Leading the pack of running shoes is the New Balance Fresh Foam, which offers a fresh take on shoes that can provide support as well as absorb shock.

This shoe features a sole that is 16mm in the heel and 12mm at the forefoot, and this might offer a feeling of running on air. The shoe also features a unique diamond-shape pattern in the foam that New Balance claims further adds stability while keeping the cushioning plush. The New Balance Fresh Foam was introduced this summer at the Outdoor Retailer Show and should be hitting the road soon.

New Balance Official Website

Weekend Reading List (09.07.2013): Treasure Chest, Toilet Time, Football to Football

Treasure Chest

BikeCase

From BikeRadar: $50,000 Fairwheel Bikes travel case
Say you’re a wealthy Swiss cycling enthusiast who just bought an incredible custom Crumpton road bike – you would, of course, want to take it with you on business trips. When just such a customer approached Arizona retailer Fairwheel Bikes for a custom travel case, they developed one in carbon fibre. For $50,000. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (09.07.2013): Treasure Chest, Toilet Time, Football to Football

Stable Boost

adidas-adistar-BoostAdidas has announced that its adistar Boost is now available and ready to pound the pavement. This is the first stability shoe featuring BOOST, adidas’ revolutionary cushioning technology and the highest energy return in the industry. It features a seamless Techfit upper helps hold the foot securely in place, and help runners go the distance.

Adidas Official Website

Weekend Reading List (08.24.2013): Upcycled Roof, Kobe Goes Anti-G, Cycle Cross

Upcycled Roof

Metrodome

From Gear Junkie: Metrodome Stadium Roof Material Made Into Luggage at Duluth Pack
In 2010, after a major accumulation of heavy snow in a storm, the roof of the massive Metrodome stadium in Minneapolis collapsed. More than three acres of the roof material, a Teflon-coated fiberglass fabric, had to be replaced. The material was headed to the landfill. But two people associated with the team made a deal to purchase the material for future use. Unveiled this past week, Minnesota brand Duluth Pack will construct a limited run of bags from the old Metrodome roof. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (08.24.2013): Upcycled Roof, Kobe Goes Anti-G, Cycle Cross

PROTKT and Serve

WahooTaking that iPhone on a ride is cool, especially as it can be used with a variety of apps, but you’ll want to make sure it survives the ride. This is where the Wahoo Fitness PROTKT comes in. This iPhone bike case is sleek and slim, yet weatherproof and shockproof – providing users a simple and secure solution to accessing their iPhone through rain, dirt, snow and of course – sweat.

It even comes bundled with the Wahoo Fitness App for cycling – transforming the handset into a powerful fitness tool – which you can combine with fitness sensors to wirelessly monitor all your crucial information. It can also be used with a neoprene hand band for use while walking, running or hiking.

Wahoo Fitness PROTKT Official Website

Pathfinding Shoe

VibramThe Vibram Smart Concept Sole could help you find your way after dark. Introduced at the recent Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City these shoes feature a remote controlled LED lighting system that allows the soles of the shoe to illuminate the ground.

The concept was inspired by the need of military, law enforcement and firefighting personnel but it could be ideal for those who look to run after the sun goes down – or before it comes up. The shoes’ LEDs offer three brightness settings, and even a flashing red LED tail light so runners can be seen as well as see where they are going.

Vibram Official Website
[Via GizMag: Vibram Smart Concept Sole gives footwear headlights]

High Energy

NewtonSir Issac Newton didn’t really consider the role of energy in this theory of gravity, but he’d likely still appreciate that Newton Running Shoes is inspired by his research. Understanding all of Newton’s (the brilliant man) concepts can be difficult for novices, but so can running with a pair of Newton shoes. The Newton Energy NR Guidance Trainer is designed to facilitate a seamless transition from conventional running shoes to the Newton way. These shoes will be ready to hit the road later this month.

Newton Energy NR Guidance Trainer Official Website

Weekend Reading List (08.10.2013): Velo Repair, Social Run, Courting Technology, Solar Life Saver

Velo Repair

Boulder-Valley-Velodrome

From Bicycle Retailer: RecoFit donating portion of Armcoolers sales to velodrome
RecoFit Compression Gear is donating $3 from the online sales of its Armcoolers sleeves to help with the completion of the Boulder Valley Velodrome in Erie, Colorado.

The outdoor wooden velodrome was due to open later this month. However it was heavily damaged by a wind storm on Saturday. Its opening has now been pushed back indefinitely. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (08.10.2013): Velo Repair, Social Run, Courting Technology, Solar Life Saver

Up a Creek

Creek-BedIf you’re going to be doing any running along a river bed don’t be caught without the Creek Bed Wolverine Multi-sport shoe. It can handle its fair share of mud and water as it features a quick dry breathable mesh upper and C3 footbed that can provide traction even in wet conditions. These shoes can channel water out while fresh air circulates back in.

Creek Bed Wolverine Multi-Sport Shoe Official Website

Echo Base

EchoMagellan has long been there to help you find your way, and now the company has announced its first smart running watch. The Echo utilizes smartphone fitness apps and takes these to their full potential by wirelessly connecting it to your wrist. You can view and control the fitness app but keep the phone tucked away.

With the watch you can get data including distance, pace and heart rate sent straight to the wrist and not have to worry about dropping the phone. Video after the jump

Weekend Reading List (07.27.2013): Pure Cycling, Speed Thrills, Fat Breath, EVO-lution, ING Out

Pure Cycling

BikePure

From Bicycle Retailer: LeMond Revolution sponsors Bike Pure team
LeMond Revolution is becoming a supplier and co-title sponsor of the Australia-based anti-doping organization Bike Pure and its road racing team. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (07.27.2013): Pure Cycling, Speed Thrills, Fat Breath, EVO-lution, ING Out