FootJoy is the latest big player in golf footwear to jump into the minimalist footwear movement (barefoot golf) with the launch of their M:Project collection. Company officials say the M:Project delivers more comfort and flexibility and can help develop better balance. With over 18 months of product development, the M:Project expands and complements the company’s…
Author: Nicholas P, Chief Reviewer
Nicholas Pang is a competitive Northern California track & field athlete, runner, and Editor-in-Chief of the most comprehensive minimalist shoes and running accessories review site, Minimalist Running Shoes. He is also the author of 'The Minimalist Runner' and 'Wear Tested', books focusing on how to transition to barefoot-inspired minimal shoes and developing good running form. Nick is a member of the USA Track & Field organization.
Vibram Five Fingers Lontra & Speed XC
Two new models from Vibram Five Fingers (VFF) that are released for winter (wet and cold) runners are reviewed here: VFF Speed XC and VFF Lontra. Vibram Lontra The all-new Lontra makes cold weather running in minimalist footwear a breeze. A multi-layer laminate upper with fully taped seams provides insulation and water resistance. The micro-pile…
Barefoot B.E.R.B.S.: A barefoot-style golf shoe with spikes
[jbox color=”green” title=”From the Desk of Robert Yen“] Minimalist Shoes Wear Tester – Golf Robert is a second-generation native of Phoenix, Arizona. When not practicing law, he can usually be found playing–as he has for the past 44 years–one of the nearly 300 golf courses in and around the Phoenix metropolitan area. Robert Yen’s reviews [/jbox]…
Ten questions for Tony Post, Topo Athletic
Tony Post, a 30-year footwear veteran of Rockport and Vibram USA, is Topo Athletic founder and CEO. Post first gained notoriety in the footwear business when he ran the 1990 New York marathon in a pair of Rockport’s dress shoes – reposted by my NRC colleague Bill Katovsky at Zero Drop. Topo Athletic believes that products…
Introducing Topo Athletic…
Topo Athletic introduces a new kind of athletic shoe, one that brings a subtle but sophisticated technology to the instinctive movement of the human foot and body. The primary focal point is the split–toe. The split toe creates a unique anchor point in the forefoot thus offering more security and a stronger connection to your…
Puma Toori Run C Quick Review
Bright colors, bold shapes, overall a plain in-your-face unique design. PUMA’s Toori Run Collection has reared its head as the new art inspired training shoe. Influenced by famed anime comic strips and the bright lights of Tokyo, the Toori Run makes a bold statement both in and outside of the gym. These street-prepped trainers are…
Magellan GPS Switch Review
Running watches with GPR, heart rate monitors, and other bells & whistles are one of my favorite toys. I’ve previously reviewed the Garmin 610 and the Motorola MOTOACTV. Recently introduced from Magellan GPS is the Switch and Switch UP. The Switch series of crossover GPS watches are perfect for athletes who run, bike, swim, or…
Top 3 super-minimalist running shoes of 2013
The latest trend in running shoes is towards lightweight and slightly-cushioned minimalist shoes. It seems to be the reverse for those already transitioned to minimalist shoes with going totally unshod or barefoot as the next logical step. But there is a good news for these advance minimalist runners with the upcoming super-minimalist running shoes. These…
earhoox earbuds comfort & secure system
I’ve always been a supporter of small companies and start-ups, especially those that make your life better. Being involved with many start-ups in Silicon Valley for over 20 years, I know how hard it is to get funded and survive for many years without a steady salary. earhoox is one such company that caught my…
Barefooters Classic Shoe Review
Barefooters are shoes designed to make you feel great. Anatomically engineered for an au natural, barefoot feel, these made-in-Italy shoes are made from shock absorbing, flexible, and antimicrobial CorksiLite; an all-natural blend of cork and silicone. This one-of-a-kind material allows for a seamless design that coddles your feet in breathable comfort. Say hello to blister-free,…
Knuckle Lights Version 2 Review
About a year ago, I reviewed the initial version of Knuckle Lights. Ever since then, I’ve been using it for running in the evenings and early mornings. And for walking my dogs every night with the Knuckle Lights. Knuckle Lights safety lights are worn across the knuckles in perfect position to light a path during…
Wear Tested Top 7 2013 Picks
We’ve recently published the Wear Tested 2012 Top 7 Ranked Minimalist Running Shoes based on the shoes availability nationwide. In the next few weeks, some of the long awaited 2013 minimal shoes will be coming into the market followed by the rest in July or August timeframe. 2013 promises more lightweight cushioned minimal shoes but…
Asics GEL-Excel33 2 Quick Review
Asics America updated technology debuts in Version 2 of the GEL-Excel33 with footwear that adapts and responds like nothing runners have ever experienced before with its FluidAxis technology. Asics claimed to have revolutionized running shoe design. Until now, running shoes have been traditionally designed around the up-and-down movement of the ankle joint. But the foot…
Brooks Running Pure Drift Review
Experience the next thing to naked feet with the hyper-light Pure Drift. That is how Brooks Running describes the latest addition to the Pure Project collection of minimal shoes, the Pure Drift. The Pure Drift is the lightest shoe in their collection and is designed to ‘further amps up the runner’s connection with the ground…
Eagle Creek Pack-It Packing Solutions
I bought two large Eagle Creek Load Warrior Wheeled Duffel 30 from eBags over 6 years ago for family travel. This bag features expandability so you can pack 15% more when you need it, exterior and interior compression straps to compress and stabilize your load, and a laundry chute to keep your dirty and clean…
yurbuds Inspire For Women Review
yurbuds, maker of the sport earphones guaranteed never to hurt or fall out, recently launched its new “Inspire for Women” line, the perfect training partner for any female athlete. Inspire for Women was designed by Annie Karayiannis, yurbuds creative director. Karayiannis spent time researching female athletes to gain a better understanding of the earphone size,…
Skechers GOrun 2 is now available!
Available now, the follow-up to Skechers top selling running shoe, GOrun 2 is better than ever. Major updates are: lighter weight, softer & more breathable mesh, and custom-fit removable insole. I like the GOrun 2 for speed training and running on roads. They come in a variety of both loud and muted colors for both…
The Hype is Real: etnies Launches the Marana One Year Early
The Hype is Real: etnies Launches the Marana One Year Early (via Zappos) When Ryan Sheckler speaks, his fans listen. That’s why when the 22-year-old pro skater sang the praises of the new etnies prototype shoe he’d been rocking, skaters from all over took to social media to show their unwavering desire to get their…
Book Review: APE – The 800 pound gorilla of publishing?
This is my review of the book, APE: Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur – How to Publish a Book, by Guy Kawasaki and Shawn Welch. I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of his newly published book and decided to take on this review because I know a lot of runners and athletes out there are…
The Running Event 2012 – Wrap Up & Best Products
The 2012 Running Event just ended December 6. It has been an exhaustive but thoroughly enjoyable three days at the Running Event (TRE) and Austin, Texas! I intend to make this pilgrimage every year as long as I’m still involved in running gear and running education. The Summer Outdoor Retailer Show is another major tradeshow…
The Running Event 2012 – Day Three
The last Running Event day is usually quiet and last minute deals are finalized between buyers and vendors. Vendors network with each other. Retailers network with each other. It’s a small community and everyone knows each other. Read my complete The Running Event: On The Floor – Day Three report… You can see all my Examiner.com articles…
The Running Event 2012 – Day Two
Continuing with what we saw on the floor on TRE Day One yesterday, it’s shoes galore! Read my complete The Running Event: On The Floor – Day Two report… You can see all my Examiner.com articles here.
The Running Event 2012 – Day One
Greetings from Austin, Texas! This is my third year attending the Running Event in Austin. The Running Event (TRE) is a conference and expo for over 1,000 running specialty store buyers and featuring over 225 vendors including mainstays Adidas, ASICS, Brooks, Mizuno, and Nike. TRE will showcase premier and up-and-coming products in the $800 billion…
Altra Zero Drop Superior Review
With a removable StoneGuard system and CheckerTrail sticky rubber outsole, The Superior trail shoe is Altra Zero Drop‘s latest offering. The Superior is designed to give incredible protection and stability on loose dirt and rocks – you can tackle the toughest trails with this rugged shoe. The Altra Superior lightweight trail shoe offers a zero…