Chrome’s new Truk Pro don’t actually reflect light but for those who want to ride to work in stylish shoes and walk straight into the office these shine out in so many other ways. The SPD compatible shoe allows riders to clip in while on the bike but be able to walk around those hardwood floors that so many converted loft offices now have these days. The shoes are even available in black and grey and cost less than $100. And since these feature 1000 denier Cordura you don’t even need to shine them up for them to look so good.
Tag: Shoes
Get Crazy, Get Quick
Adidas has introduced its new Crazyquick performance footwear line, which the company touts as being the latest innovation designed specifically to help make athletes quicker. This includes a line for basketball, football, running and training; and each gives athletes better controlled flexibility, better traction and optimal foot lockdown. So while it is good that Adidas is thinking of the “Quick” part, there are a whole lot of athletes that probably don’t need any help on the “crazy” part.
Keen Goes Light
This week Keen announced 20 new lightweight shoe models for spring. To say that the CNX line has something for everything might be a bold statement, but the lineup includes models for kids, women and even kids. All the shoes are reportedly under 10 ounces, and feature a low-profile 4mm drop so that feet are planted “more naturally” with each step. It all has us counting the days until spring.
Cycling Inspired Shoes
We see a lot of cycling shoes, and we’ve been noticing a trend in shoes meant for cycling that look like dress shoes. Now Sidi has a street shoe that resembles a cycling shoe. The Frame looks just like a road shoe, but is actually meant for walking – and not just to the podium.
It features highly breathable synthetic uppers with 3D coated mesh, and even Velcro closures. Available in three colors including yellow – for those who may never don the jersey but want to feel like they’re leading the pack.
Serious Under Armor
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!
STABILicers Grip the Ice
This winter does not appear to be repeat of last year when the snow and ice were far and few between. For those who want to get out in the wilds but not end up flat on their backs there is the new STABILicers, which transform any winter boots into grip ready shoes.
Developed by Maine-based 32 North the STABILicers can be worn over most boots and feature snow tire studs for your feet. The STABILicers Lite are recommended for those who work outdoors and need to trek through snow and ice, while the STABILicers Sportrunners are for those who like to partake in winter activities. While the Lite model feature non-replaceable multi-directional steel cleats, the Sportrunners are designed with replaceable cleats to ensure years of gripping the snow.
Either model should help you trek across a frozen and iced over driveway!
Vibram CEO to Make a Run With Topo
Tony Post, former CEO of Vibram, who can be credited with getting the barefoot running craze started, is launching a new company for the New Year. Last week he announced that Topo Athletic will be up “up and running” for 2013.
“Post’s new company marks the latest chapter in his ongoing quest to develop innovative products that help athletes become better, faster and stronger,” said a company press release. The company will debut its product line at the Outdoor Retailer winter market tradeshow in Salt Lake City on Jan. 23, 2013.
Topo Athletic Official Website
Outdoor Retailer Show Official Website
Holiday Gift Idea: Overshoes for Cycling
It is easy to get “cold feet” when riding a bicycle in the winter. Not cold feet of the “I don’t want to do this” variety but literal COLD FEET! Cycling shoes are designed to breathe and that isn’t good when the temperature dips down. However, the Rapha Neoprene Cycling Overshoes, which as the name implies feature 100 percent neoprene sleeves and a reserve coil zip and Velcro ankle closure to provide a secure fit. These will keep the feet toasty – so the rest of the body can get cold first!
Nike Free Trainer for More Than Running
Nike Free isn’t the same as “sugar free” but it unfortunately does have that ring to it. But rather it isn’t about being without Nike but about being free. We’ll stop trying to figure it out and move and say trainers aren’t just for running, and that’s where the Nike Free Trainer 3.0 will come in when it comes out in January. This lightweight shoe will offer a Free outsole, an upper mesh with polyurethane support and a Dynamic Fit system to cradle the midfoot and provide a snug fit. Hence these shoes still provide freedom along with support. We don’t know what these will cost, but it will be something more than free we’re guessing.
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
Latest Air Jordans Take Flight
Michael Jordan has been off the court for a while now, but don’t expect his signature “Air Jordans” to come down anytime soon. The shoes, which were first launched in 1985 have evolved over the years, and the latest have been spotted – a bit like a UFO. The Air Jordan XX8 fittingly has an “other-worldly” look thanks to the Schoeller mesh that provides a snug fit. Designed for serious basketball, these feature a molded carbon fiber heel counter and Jordan Flight Plate that will help wearer’s react on the court. The Air Jordan XX8 will be ready to take off this winter.
Chuck Taylor Made for Maine Weather
The ionic Converse Chuck Taylors aren’t as common on the basketball courts these days, but the shoes remain popular off the court for skaters and anyone who wants a shoe that could survive for seemingly ever. One thing the canvas shoes have never been so good in is snow and mud. But the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Made in Maine Boot looks as if it could endure just about anything. The only catch is that the company is releasing just 80 pair that will be made available at select Converse and First String retailers. However, we did note that Converse has a lot of other boot options ready for the holidays.
Snow Running Shoes
Dashing through the woods in winter means dealing with snow, frozen mud and terrain that may look familiar but will feel quite different to the feet. This is where the Solomon Snowcross CS comes in. This lightweight trail running shoe features a water-resistant zippered gaiter, with second skin material, and one-pull laces. There are ankle pads to protect the feet and ankles from twists and turns on the path, while carbide metal spikes in the sole will bite into the ice.