We recently reviewed Amphipod waistpack hydration systems and after testing extensively in the scorching weather for a full month with Amphipod handheld hydration systems, we have decided to write a follow-up review. We tested out four of Amphipod’s latest handheld systems: Hydraform Thermal-Lite™ (12oz and 20oz), Hydraform Handheld Pocket™ (20oz), and PURErun Handheld™ (16oz). All…
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.
Timberland Radler Camp Trail
Here comes your new favorite camping shoe – the Timberland Radler Camp Trail. You can clip them to your carabiner (when zipped) or pack them in your duffel bag or back pack. You might even fit them in your jacket pocket! This water-repellent and lightweight (7.0 ounces for US Size 10) shoe zips completely into…
HeadSweats Performance Hats
Headsweats is a maker of high-performance, ultra-light, super wicking hats and visors that keep athletes safe, as well as dry. I sweat a lot when I run. And with the heat in the West Coast, I’m always wearing a running hat. But most hats do not keep the sweat off my eyes and face. Until…
Minimalist Running Shoes – Generation 2.0
I wrote last November about the most influential footwear manufacturers in ‘2011 – The Year of Minimalist Shoes‘. The majority of them delivered as promised but a few faded and a few jumped ahead in the pack. Coming late Fall ’11 and Spring ’12, the next generation of minimalist running shoes or as some…
Runner’s World UK – The Making Of A Shoe
In the September 2011 issue of Runner’s World US and the October 2011 issue of Runner’s World UK, both the US and UK editions have the same cover and also cover similar articles except for the Shoe Buyer’s Guide. The US edition ‘Fall Shoe Guide‘ featured 24 new reviews including four minimal shoes – New…
Merrell Barefoot Minimalist Lifestyle Collection
Merrell is kicking into full gear with a slew of Generation 2.0 (Gen2) minimalist running shoes and new models for training, water sports, and wellness: Run, Train, Water, Life. I wrote about the Minimalist Lifestyle almost a year ago and boy, what a difference a year makes! I’ve tested over 50 minimal shoes in running…
Run Real with Skora
As we approach the Spring 2012 shoe announcements and product details from all footwear manufacturers, we are starting a series of articles on ‘Generation 2.0’ (Gen2) minimalist running shoes (or barefoot running shoes) in addition to the ‘State of Minimalist Shoes’ and the whole ‘Minimalist Lifestyle’ which we touched on almost a year ago (see…
Karhu Flow Fulcrum Ride
Karhu is Finland’s legendary running brand that invented the Move Forward technology – fulcrum technology that collaborates with the foot to convert your body’s natural energy into forward momentum. The Karhu Flow weighs in at 7.8 ounces but has a whopping 14mm drop! The upper have an open-face air mesh vamp and closed-face ballistic…
Invisible Shoes Contact & Connect
Want to get as close to barefoot as you can? Huaraches or running sandals, with no uppers (other than laces) and midsole is the probably the only running ‘shoe’ for most runners and especially for those with wide feet. Invisible Shoes recently launched their latest models: Connect 4mm and Contact 6mm Barefoot PLUS. Both…
Brooks Pure Collection: Now Available for Pre-Order
http://weartested.org/brookspure.php
Interchangeable Sunglasses – Ryders, Smith Optics, Optic Nerve
We recently reviewed a few Photochromic and Polarized sunglasses just in time for the Summer but some of our readers prefer Interchangeable lenses. So we are now doing a follow-up review of three Interchangeable sunglasses: Ryders Nitrous Interchangeable, Smith Optics PivLock V90 Max, and Optic Nerve Neurotoxin IC. Interchangeable sunglasses offer a high-performance frame and…
Top 10 Things You Need To Know About New Balance Minimus Zero Collection
There’s more to zero drop than meets the eye. New Balance will be releasing more information about the Minimus Zero collection at the Summer Outdoor Retailer show this week. Here’s a sneak peek at what you need to know. New Balance Minimus Zero will arrive in running stores across the country in March 2012. This…
New Balance Minimus ‘Like barefoot only better’ Ads
A couple of new ads from New Balance promoting the updated Minimus collection – airing on ESPN, Comedy Central and the Discovery Channel.
VIVOBAREFOOT Winter 2011 Collection Video
VIVOBAREFOOT/Terra Plana just posted an amazing video showing off the collection of barefoot running shoes launching next month. I can’t wait for the Neo Trail!!! You can sign up to be notified of its availability on the VIVOBAREFOOT web site. VIVOBAREFOOT AW11 Shoot from VIVOBAREFOOT on Vimeo.
Teva Nilch
Rounding up Teva’s Skinny Dip Collection (the thinnest, lightest, and most minimalistic shoes) is the Teva Nilch. We have already reviewed the Teva Zilch and is pleasantly surprised by its function as a running sandal. The Teva Nilch is about minimalist protection. Blending the benefits of minimalist construction with full foot coverage, the Nilch gives…
New Balance Minimus Cross Trainer
The Minimus Cross Trainer is the latest addition to the New Balance Minimus line of shoes. The Minimus collection is not just about running but shoes for the complete minimalist lifestyle – lightweight, versatile, minimalist footwear, is designed to provide a “better than barefoot” experience. The New Balance Minimus Cross Trainer is designed for serious…
Will the FDA Require Running Shoes to be Tested for Product Safety?
In 1994, seven CEOs from the nation’s largest tobacco companies declared under oath before a Congressional hearing on Capitol Hill that “nicotine is not addictive.” Their testimony was a brazenly defiant refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of several decades of research that proved cigarettes and nicotine were health hazards. Now imagine that in a parallel…
Amphipod Hydration Systems
Amphipod is a company specializing in hydration waist packs and handheld bottles. Amphipod is all about minimalism: carrying as little as needed and everything is fully customizable. There is minimalism beyond shoes… As the weather starts warming up, staying hydrated for long runs on trails is critical for your health and safety. As more and…
New Balance RC 1400
From New Balance comes the FAST and FIERCE neutral racing flat, the RC 1400. Inspired by the 890, the RC 1400 is a lightweight and minimal racing flat that is perfect for running on slick and smooth pavement and track surfaces. When I first heard about this shoe, I wasn’t sure what the differential is…
Merrell Barefoot Sonic Glove
Merrell has added another minimal shoe to their amazing Barefoot Collection – the Sonic Glove (for men). We will review the Lithe Glove for women in a future post. I rotate through Trail Glove and True Glove in Merrell’s Barefoot Collection in my weekly runs when I’m not wear testing other brands. My best classification…
Run Branca Running Sandal
I don’t usually run in sandals or huaraches because of the cold weather. But since it started warming up, I’ve decided to test the Run Branca running sandal during my barefoot running session (one day a week). Of all the huaraches I’ve tested thus far, the Teva Zilch is the current favorite of mine. I’ve…
Teva Mush Frio Lace Canvas & Ballerina Mesh
Teva is diving into the casual lightweight minimal shoes category with their latest Mush Flyweights Collection. We’ve recently reviewed the Teva Zilch from their Skinny Dip Collection and was really impressed. The Mush Flyweights Collection consist of the Mush Frio Slip Canvas and Mush Frio Lace Canvas for Men’s and for Women’s, they have the…
Mizuno Wave Universe 4
The Mizuno Wave Universe 3 (MWU3) is one of the best selling running shoe and racing flat from Mizuno. The updated Wave Universe 4 (MWU4) kept the same midsole and outsole and focused on making the design even better. And loud with a vibrant orange and anthracite uppers! This is my first pair of Mizuno…
VIVOBAREFOOT Ultra
From VIVOBAREFOOT, the lightest running shoe in the world has arrived! The Ultra, an amphibious three-in-one running, walking, camping, and water shoe. Weighing at 3.8 ounces without the insert sock-liner or tongue (0.2 ounces), and only 5.8 ounces with the sock-liner, the VIVOBAREFOOT Ultra is suitable for light trail cross training, water sports, long runs…