New Balance is adding to the Minimus collection with the introduction of the edgy NB Minimus Ionix 3090v2. This update continues to push the envelope with vivid designs and superior technical features from the first edition but with key improvements. The inspiration for the original Minimus Ionix 3090v1 was the geometry of a molecule, the smallest…
Category: Running Gear Reviews
New Balance Minimus Road & Trail v2 Updates
New Balance is launching updates to its existing Minimus style – the original Minimus Road (MR10/WR10) and Minimus Trail (MT10/WT10), which we wear tested and reviewed over two years ago. New Balance Minimus 10v2 Designed for the minimal road runner who requires the perfect balance of protection and proprioception, the Minimus 10v2 is the result…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 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…
TESHUB Twitch and 5T Sleeve Review
TESHUB (Oakland, CA) is led by former professional baseball player Samuel Taylor. Taylor played nine years with the California Angels and Cincinnati Reds. His career was cut short due to continuous injuries to his foot, ankle, and patella. Taylor recognized the critical importance of athletes maintaining their short term and long term health and…
Sneak Peek: Brooks Pure Drift
The next evolution of Brooks Pure Project will be here very soon. The long awaited new model, the Pure Drift, will be available Jan 1, 2013. I’m really looking forward to wear testing this model! Spread those toes with two split grooves that allow your forefoot to flex through its three functional units. A hardly-there…
Nike Total Blackout Collection – Finish Line EXCLUSIVE
A holiday collection of footwear designed exclusively for Finish Line. Total Blackout joins Nike performance and technology with premium colors and details throughout the shoe. For her, the swirls of color become a blur as you run. This collection embodies swag with the speckled midsole and tech laces that remind you of strength. The tongue…
Latest Minimalist Shoe Rankings
Just in time for the holidays, we’ve released our first ‘by-my-gut’ minimalist shoe ranking or ratings as wear tested by us. See the complete list of all the running and fitness minimal shoes. We will be adding more categories and shoes in the next few weeks. We currently have over 150 shoes wear tested and…
Mizuno EVO Levitas Review
Mizuno is launching two different zero drop shoes next year focused on midfoot striking and connecting with the ground. Their new EVO collection, consisting of the Cursoris and Levitas, is a brand-new line designed from the ground up for the midfoot runner. According to Mizuno Footwear Director, Rod Foley, “EVO is tailored to optimize your…
Born 2 Run Road Review
The Born To Run (B2R) movement began with Eric Swartz (Ironman triathlete, runner, entrepreneur) who had suffered multiple injuries while training and kept him away from the sports he loved. When Swartz read Christopher McDougall’s best-selling book, Born to Run, he realized the cause of his injuries and he wanted to make it right. So,…
GoLite Footwear TR63 Review
Take to the trail confidently in the new GoLite TR63 trail shoe. Engineered for the varying demands of single-track trail running, this pull-on men’s outdoor running shoe features a breathable mesh and stretch nylon upper with a four-guide lacing system to ensure a glove-like fit. The Zero Drop construction keeps you low to the ground…
Sneak Peek: Mizuno Evo collection
From Mizuno comes the EVO collection, their brand-new line designed from the ground up for the midfoot runner. EVO is tailored to optimize your natural stride and form, and features the light, responsive protection of Wave Technology. Mizuno Wave Evo Levitas – Zero drop, about 15mm stack height. 7.5 ounces. MSRP $110.00 Mizuno Wave Evo Cursoris – Zero drop,…