We’ve recently reviewed the Vibram Five Fingers Spyridon LS and now Vibram has launched the non-laces version, VFF Spyridon, with a hook-and-loop closure. The Spyridon offers the same great minimalist trail running experience as the Spyridon LS providing the perfect balance of “foot feel” and protection on rugged terrain. With Vibram’s 3D Cocoon technology, the…
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.
SKORA FORM for Women Shoe Review
Following the successful debut of the Men’s performance running footwear collection, SKORA has recently launched the Women’s collection. We were blown away by the SKORA FORM when we reviewed it earlier this year. Now two of my female wear testers get to check them out – my reward for their work! As for the specific…
VIVOBAREFOOT Gobi Casual Shoe Review
Channeling the styling of the legendary Desert Boot (those worn by British forces in the Western Desert Campaign of World War II), the VIVOBAREFOOT Gobi is one of the most versatile barefoot shoe from VIVOBAREFOOT. The ultimate barefoot desert boot or Chukka boot, the Gobi comes in either luxury full grain leather or classic suede. The…
A Minimalist Trail Shoe For The Cold Weather – New Balance Trail 110 All-Season
The New Balance 110 Winter is an enhanced version of the original New Balance MT/WT 110 which we reviewed here last year. The most noticeable feature is a waterproof gaiter that wraps the entire shoe and ankle, locking out water and debris. The New Balance Trail 110 All Weather is a minimum feature, minimum neutral trail…
Salomon Sense Shoe Review
The long awaited shoe designed for Kilian Jornet, veteran and winner of the Western States 100, is finally here. The Salomon Sense is an intuitive running shoe designed in close collaboration with Kilian Jornet for the most demanding trail races on the planet. Salomon’s R&D team went to work on a shoe that would deliver…
Xero Shoes in 4 COOL colors!
Xero Shoes (formerly Invisible Shoes) today announced that you can now get them in 4 WAY COOL colors. And to celebrate, you can also save 20% if you order by October 2nd! In addition to their Coal Black, you can now get Mocha Earth, Electric Mint, Boulder Sky, and Hot Salmon. Combine those with their different…
Nike Fly Knit versus Adidas Prime Knit
Nike won an injunction from the District Court in Nuremberg that prohibits Adidas from selling the adiZero Primeknit. Nike claimed in its suit that the shoes infringe on its Flyknit patent. Nike’s full statement follows, “We are pleased the District Court in Nuremberg has granted our application for an interim injunction against adidas for patent…
Sneak Peek: Nike Free Inneva Woven
Another interesting uppers technology from Nike. Not sure how this compare to Fly Knit as I don’t have either models… Designed to mimic the natural biomechanics of the foot, the Nike Free Inneva Woven is defined by its premium crafted details: a hand-woven upper, dynamic lacing system and natural motion. An intricate 360-degree hand-woven system…
New Balance XC900 Spike-Less Shoe Review
The New Balance XC900 offers an incredibly light, responsive, and sturdy ride without being overprotective or cumbersome with their latest lightweight cross-country flat. Sections in the outsole were perfed out to reduce weight thus creating a cross country and trail running shoe that is high performance and fast. The NB XC900 is for the more…
Adidas Running 20% OFF Sale – Adipure Collection Included!
Adidas Running 20% OFF Sale! Limited time offer valid only from 9/7/12 to 9/14/12. Offer expires on 9/14/12 at 11:59pm (PT). Offer is good for 20% off full price running shoes before tax is applied Use discount code RUN20. Free Shipping on Orders of $49 Limited time offer valid from 8/1/12 to 9/14/12. Offer expires…
Puma FAAS 350 S Shoe Review
The Puma FAAS 350 S is a lightweight and low-profile running shoe that takes a unique approach to stability with no clunky plastic inserts or dual-density materials. The FAAS 350 S features a one-piece midsole made with FAAS Foam. Stability kicks in when the shoe’s lateral release groove is engaged, allowing for a more gradual…
Linge Shoes Ballet Flats Shoe Review
Linge Shoes has recently announced that they are offering ballet flats that are the next barefoot shoe. Runners are well aware of the benefits of a barefoot shoe including a more natural foot position, comfort and a reduced risk of injury. Linge Shoes has taken an innovative spin on the barefoot shoe by providing their…
Sneak Peek: New Balance Minimus HI-REZ
New Balance will add to its barefoot-inspired Minimus collection with the introduction of the innovative Minimus HI-REZ road shoe. This shoe is designed for the minimal runner looking for the latest cutting edge product to enhance a hyper-real sensory running experience. The Minimus HI-REZ is made with 42 independent lightweight midsole pods mechanically bonded to a durable…
Inov-8 TrailRoc 235/255 Shoe Review
Natural running company Inov-8 introduces TrailRoc, a new range of trail running shoes designed specifically for running on loose, rugged and eroded trails. With three different options (Trailroc 235, zero drop; Trailroc 245, 3mm drop; Trailroc 255, 6mm drop) of varying cushioning, protection and differential, there is a new TrailRoc shoe for every trail runner’s…
Ashmei 2-in-1 Shorts Review
We first profiled Ashmei‘s ultimate soft shell running jacket earlier this year in our review of running jackets and was blown away by its performance. Now they’re back with a 2-in-1 running shorts that is a heat regulating, merino wool semi-compression that keeps you cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cold. Ashmei’s goal…
Tifosi Optics Podium Sunglasses Review
It has been over a year since our annual sunglasses review and interchangeable sunglasses review. Rather than waiting for a group review, it is more efficient to not have to depend on availability and review vendors as they come into our pipeline. In this review, we are testing out the Tifosi Optics Podium, a revolutionary…
Sneak Peek: GoLite Elixir and Exhale Recovery Shoes
Coming soon in early 2013 from GoLite Footwear are zero-drop recovery shoes that should be very comfortable for runners. Ahhh Foam Zones in Upper Lightweight, Breathable Mesh Upper EVA Midsole Lightweight EVA, Rubber Outsole Zero Heel Lift Promotes a Natural Stride Women’s Size 7=8 oz Men’s Size 9=10.5 oz
Puma evoSPEED Runner Shoe Review
We recently gave you a sneak peek at the Puma evoSPEED Collection. In this review, we will look at the evoSPEED Runner. Inspired by the competitive performance spikes that Usain Bolt will be wearing during the 2012 Diamond League and at the Olympic Games in London, the BOLT evoSPEED Runner is a light, breathable and…
Merrell Mix Master 2 Shoe Review
Merrell has brought the Mix Master back after fixing a quick tear problem with the uppers when it was first launched. The Merrell Mix Master 2 is a minimal and lightweight trail shoe with a 4mm drop. True to its name, The Mix Master 2 is well-built for a mix of terrains and tempos. It’s…
Sneak Peek: Altra Zero Drop 3-Sum, One, Superior, Instinct/Intuition 1.5
Altra Zero Drop has just launched the next version of their best selling models: Instinct 1.5 and Intuition 1.5. Following that release will be The Superior in October and The 3-Sum & The One by the end of 2012. [jbox color=”yellow” icon=”http://weartested.org/images/on-sale.png” title=”Altra Instinct & Altra Intuition 25% OFF Sale”] With this launch the original Altra…
Sneak Peek: SKORA PHASE & CORE
Something to get excited about for 2013 from SKORA – lighter, revolutionary technology, and lower-priced next generation minimal shoes! The SKORA SS13 collection brings two all-new models with groundbreaking mid and outsole technology and construction techniques to the market. The two new SS13 models, PHASE and CORE, are both built on the revolutionary new R02 unibody…
Sneak Peak: New Balance Minimus 10v2 Road & Trail, 80 Multisport, 20v3 Training
New Balance is expanding and updating its Minimus line in 2013 with the introduction of Minimus 10v2, Minimus 10v2 Trail, Minimus 20v3 Training, and Minimus 80 Multisport. The Minimus 10v2 retains the 4mm drop and is designed for road runner but changes include the addition of a Vibram designed outsole and a modified upper, bringing…
Sneak Peek: Salomon Sense Ultra & Mantra
Salomon is bringing its minimal Sense Ultra (MSRP $180), with a 4-millimeter drop and Sense Mantra (MSRP $120), with a 6-millimeter drop, to the trail-running space, following a successful Salomon Sense launch earlier this Summer. Pricing is much better than the original $200 for the Sense. Both door-to-trail products have the company’s new EndoFit technology for…
Sneak Peek: Columbia Liquifly Minimal Trail Shoe
I’m impressed by this super lightweight minimal trail shoe from Columbia. With a drop of 4mm and weighing 6.9 ounces, it has a breathable, water-draining mesh upper with protective synthetic overlays. Lateral and longitudinal flex grooves that allow for natural foot movement. Available February 2013 for MSRP $90.