Bike Shoes That You Wouldn’t Know Are Bike Shoes

Bike shoes have gotten a lot more stylish in recent years, and while there have been bike sandals and other casual footwear that can be used when riding, the truth is that bike shoes are bike shoes. But now San Francisco-based DZR is looking to introduce some bike footwear that doesn’t look like bike shoes, yet features a platform for pedal cleats. Video after the jump

Adidas Tees Off With Retro Samba Shoes

The Samba shoes made their mark on the soccer pitch in the 1950s, and with more than 35 million sold over the years the Adidas shoe has made its mark. Now for 2012 the company is bringing the Samba to the golf course with a range of iconic colors. The first pair made their debut in March, and more are on deck to tee off this spring and summer! Continue reading Adidas Tees Off With Retro Samba Shoes

Adidas CLIMACOOL Might Seduce You

The shoes are reportedly beloved by Katy Perry, David Beckham, Lionel Messi and others. And from what we’re hearing what’s not to love. The Adidas CLIMACOOL Seduction Shoes offer 360-degrees of ventilation to help evaporate sweat and keep the feet cool. The Coolever mesh upper manages heat, while the lining and molded perforated midsole provide comfort and lightweight cushioning. The adiWEAR outsole further offers high-wear durability so these can go the distance. More images and video after the jump

Run Me Like a Hurricane

When a well-recognized publication gives a company accolades, that company would want to publicize it to the world, of course. That’s what Saucony did when Runner’s World named the $140 Hurricane 14 as “Best Update” in the magazine’s 2012 Summer Shoe Guide. Both shoes are part of Saucony’s Geometry of Strong collection, in which another pair, the Guide 5, recently earned an “Editor’s Choice” in Runner’s World 2012 Spring Shoe Guide. Continue reading Run Me Like a Hurricane

Obama Receives Custom Kicks from New Balance to Highlight Domestically Produced Goods

Being the president of the United States comes with the good and bad (although it seems like more bad than good, these days) but put this in the former. President Barack Obama received a pair of custom-made gray New Balance 990 running shoes, embroidered with “President” on the left shoe and “Obama” on the right. The president received the size 12D shoes at a campaign fundraiser at the Portland Museum of Art in Portland, Maine.

But the shoes came with a catch, of sorts. They were presented to him by Maine Representative Mike Michaud of the Second Congressional District, who is urging the president to require the Department of Defense to give service members shoes produced in the U.S. Boston-based New Balance makes shoes in three factories in Michaud’s home state, however the law does not require the DOD to buy footwear that are domestically made.

Obama’s new kicks were handmade in New Balance’s Norridgewock factory in Maine by 32 craftsmen. The 990 is the company’s longest-produced running shoe made in the U.S. They also say “Handmade in the United States.” No word,  yet, if the president has been seen sporting his new runners.

Kennebec Journal: New Balance Team Crafts Presidential Running Shoes

Minimal Goes Casual

Who says the concept of a minimal shoe should be confined to running? Much like compression clothing, minimal footwear now represents relaxation and recovery as much as it does competition.

With a scant 4mm drop the New Balance NewSky certainly qualifies as a minimalist shoe, whether it’s worn about the house or as an everyday shoe. At four to five oz. you may decide to throw away your favorite house slippers, and who could blame you? They have a decidedly fun and yet urban look. Video after the jump

Running With the Goat

While many companies have introduced shoes that offer barefoot style running, a new player from Portland, Oregon looks to take on the big boys in an all-out foot race. Skora has introduced a new line of “zero drop” midsole shoes. These offer no rise in the shoe from toes to the heel area to provide that so-called “natural” running experience. The new fashion oriented Form line is a lace up model made with goat leather. Continue reading Running With the Goat

Nike Golf Aims for the Moon Again

While not technically aiming for the moon as our headline suggests, Nike Golf has introduced a line of limited edition Lunar Control Footwear for the 2012 Masters. These will be worn by most Nike Golf athletes at the first major championship of the season, The Masters.

“It’s fun to do something special for our athletes – to help them enjoy this occasion and mark the moment,” said Lee Walker, Nike Golf’s Footwear Product Director. Reigning Masters Champion, Charl Schwartzel, will be wearing the limited edition shoe as well as Paul Casey, Kevin Chappell, Stewart Cink, Simon Dyson, Ross Fisher, Lucas Glover and Francesco Molinari.  The footwear complements this season’s Tour Performance apparel, providing the athletes head-to-toe style and tour proven performance.

The new shoes promise exceptional cushioning for walking the course and the Flywire stability for powerful golf swings.  The shoes feature Lunarlon foam midsole proves durable and highly responsive yet offers the underfoot comfort and ground feel players desire. This Nike Limited Edition Lunar Control shoes (street price: $150) are crafted of premium full-grain waterproof leather enhanced with brogue details on the vamp and quarter. Each pair of limited edition Lunar Control includes a shoe bag to protect the footwear between rounds.

With all these pros wearing the shoes, it seems Nike Golf might actually be aiming for the stars as well.

Nike Golf Official Website

 

Shoes That Suction

Sometimes with shoes it is good to get a grip, and the OluKai Maliko shoes are certainly about getting such a grip. These feature a sticky rubber sole along with an aggressive traction pattern that also includes suction cups. But the foot print on these is unique in that these offer a double toe as well, which is designed to provide greater balance and dexterity. This is done by separating the big toe from the rest of the toes and along with the suction cups provides more traction on slick and wet terrain, but reportedly should give a grip on dry terrain as well. Continue reading Shoes That Suction

Toe Motion Flip Flops

We’ve seen a big trend in barefoot running shoes that fit the feet like a glove, and now Sazzi is taking this to a new direction with the “Toe Motion Footwear” system, which includes four toe posts (for all five toes). The company, which gets its name from the ancient pueblo dwelling of the Anasazi people, was founded by Mark Thatcher, who previously launched Deckers. This time around he’s creating footwear that is actually based on the Anasazi’s tribes traditional footwear – albeit with a modern twist.

Where the original Anasazi featured two toe posts to help make for stability over rough terrain, Sazzi takes a cue from the barefoot running style shoes. The company calls this the “quad post lateral stability system,” or QPLS, and it is meant to provide control and comfort for negotiating obstacles on land and river, while still providing a flexible open feel. Continue reading Toe Motion Flip Flops

Don’t Change the Boots – Change the Soles

Being surefooted in the winter can be tricky. What works on ice might not work so well in slush or deep snow. Instead of changing the boots you can now change the soles with the Korkers , wading boots that can do double duty in a variety of winter conditions. Continue reading Don’t Change the Boots – Change the Soles

Nike Readies for Summer of Competition with New Gear

Now that the winter that never really happened starts to get closer to spring, Nike is announcing several new styles and updates on shoes, uniforms and other products. The spring is about to get into gear. Continue reading Nike Readies for Summer of Competition with New Gear

SIA: Lizard Footwear X-Spin Boots

Last week at SIA we saw a number of skis, snowboards, accessories and boots that aren’t quite in production. One thing we liked was the new X-Spin boot from Lizard Footwear. The boot was incredibly light, yet durable enough for some rugged winter adventures.

Continue reading SIA: Lizard Footwear X-Spin Boots