tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80306626476722201272024-03-14T01:55:55.919-07:00Unshod and UnashamedBarefoot running adventures, minimalist running shoe and gear reviews, and general fitness musings.ChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030662647672220127.post-19923597158955878502020-05-16T09:51:00.004-07:002020-05-16T09:51:46.595-07:00Minimalist Shoe Review: Birchbury Bramfords Shoe Review<br />
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Birchbury Bramfords Shoe Review</h2>
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Since minimalist shoes became a thing in the running world and
other athletic niche communities, hundreds of different varieties of shoe
models have been produced by dozens of shoe manufacturers in order to meet the
widely-varied needs of active folks with a taste for light-weight footwear that
doesn’t interfere with their natural movement patterns. *deep breath* Having
run either barefoot or in minimalist shoes myself since 2006, I’ve kept a
fairly close watch on the minimalist shoe “industry,” and there’s something I noticed
years ago: There have always been many more options for running and other
sports than there has been for formal situations or the workplace. This gap in
offerings leaves folks to either pay outrageous prices for boutique brands, modify
their fancy (and probably pricey) footwear, or wear clunky, heavily-heeled, inflexible
“traditional” shoes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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That is no longer the case.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Enter: the <a href="https://birchbury.co/?ref=0gi2c54y0rb" target="_blank">Birchbury Bramford</a> shoes. Birchbury is a newcomer
to the shoe market, and they are currently running a Kickstarter-style, early
ordering window to earn discounts on a pair of Bramfords, their first shoe
offering. You can pre-order here. Their website touts their minimalist bona
fides, like a wide toe box, zero arch-support and motion control nonsense, no
stacked heel, and simple construction. Features-wise on paper, they definitely
check all the boxes I personally desire from a shoe of this type. Disclosure:
Birchbury contacted me and provided me with a pair of Bramfords in order to
review here. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>First Impressions<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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I let out an audible “wow!” when I pulled these shoes out of
the box. They just looks great. I’m no leather connoisseur, but the Bramfords upper
definitely feels and appears very high quality. In fact, all of the materials
just feel solid, and the construction appears strong without being overly
bulky. I was impressed. The sole of the shoe is flat as a pancake with a grippy-feeling,
classic, zig-zag waffle tread. I like the use of a black rubber outsole because,
since the outsole tends to get the most abrasion on most shoes, the Bramfords will
likely show less wear over time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One big surprise was the lacing system that is built into
the shoes. The Bramfords sport a flexible lacing system – similar to the Xpand®
system that I use on almost all my running shoes. I absolutely HATE tying
laces, so I was super excited to try this feature out. I did notice that the
system was “fixed”: there is no option for adjustment, which could be a problem
for folks with oddly shaped feet. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The overall appearance of the shoe screams “business casual”
to me. My typical work attire is khakis or slacks with a polo shirt, so I
anticipated getting lots of use out of these shoes if they worked as
advertised.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>Fit and Feel<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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The first time slipping the Bramfords onto my feet was
amazing. The interior feels seamless, and there is nothing to hang up on, which
makes taking the shoe on and off a breeze. Like I mentioned above, I absolutely
despise laces. I resent having to tie shoes every time I put them on for a few
reasons: it adds time to my daily routine, it’s inconvenient if you have to
rapidly slip shoes on for something, and it’s very aggravating when I can feel
that I’ve tightened the laces unevenly – which necessitates that I untie and
retie them to “balance” them like some kind weirdo. This is the reason I have
replaced the laces in almost all of my running shoes with speed laces. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Probably the most delightful part of the Bramfords is the foot
bed, which features a foam, leather-topped insole. It’s cushioned, but not so
much as to feel squishy or memory-foamish. The lack of contour or arch support
is also as-advertised, and that’s great because that is something that is an absolute
deal breaker for me. The overall effect is right in the sweet spot for how I
prefer a dress shoe to feel with each footfall.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One element that is noticeable on first wear is that the
Bramfords are heavier than most of the other minimalist shoes that I
wear regularly, though they are not as heavy as the boots or other dress-casual
shoes I typically wear for work. If someone is used to a wispy, slipper-like
shoe, they’ll probably have to take time getting used to these shoes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>After a Few Weeks<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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I’ve been wearing my Bramfords regularly for the past month
or so, and I must say that I am still in love with this shoe. The leather has
started to “patina” into a lovely, worn look, which is expected. I will probably
use some leather conditioner/protectant on them at some point in the near
future just to keep them looking fresh. The sole shows no real signs of wear so
far, and as I expected, the black outsole stays looking sharp and clean.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One minor problem that I wound up having with the shoe that wasn’t
apparent upon first fitting is that the shoe fits slightly loose over the top
of my foot. This could be blamed on the lacing system and the lack of
adjustability, but it’s worth noting that I have a very long, slender foot
(size 12). Most shoes have to be cinched down nearly as tight as lace
adjustment will allow in order to fit snugly around and over the top of my
midfoot. I spoke with the Birchbury representative about this issue, and they
said that they will provide my feedback to their factory. My solution for my
pair of Bramfords is to swap out the default laces for a set of Xpand laces (which
look almost identical, by the way). Unless your foot is built like mine, I
suspect the Bramfords will fit just fine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>Now for the breakdown: <o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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<b>Pros</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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- Classic styling<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Checks all the minimalist boxes (wide toe box, zero drop,
no intrusive support)<o:p></o:p></div>
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- High quality construction and materials<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Amazingly comfy footbed<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Cons</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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- Lack of adjustment (for my long, skinny feet)<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Slightly heavy <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>The Verdict<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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The Birchbury Bramford meets all the essential criteria for a
minimal, comfortable work and casual shoe. It’s absolutely my favorite shoe for
on-the-job, and it’s worth a look for anyone in the market. You can check out their website and order your pair <a href="https://birchbury.co/?ref=0gi2c54y0rb" target="_blank">HERE</a>. (Note, they're running special promotions in the weeks leading up to the shoe's release, and you can save up to $50 by ordering now.)</div>
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<br />ChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030662647672220127.post-81102707167833641532014-10-11T19:57:00.000-07:002014-10-11T20:11:47.734-07:00A Surplus of Minimalism<div style="text-align: center;">
“Everything should be made as simple as possible, </div>
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but not simpler.” - Albert Einstein</div>
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Running, like life, just has a tendency to get complicated. For anyone who does not take deliberate measures to simplify life, the "noise" and nonsense of the daily grind can easily drown out all the core elements that make existence beautiful. The same is true for one's fitness pursuits. The "Keep it simple, Stupid"- or K.I.S.S. principle - liberally applied, is paying significant dividends by making my fitness pursuits and my life in general much more manageable and therefore enjoyable. This ideology is often referred to as "minimalism," and I have been reflecting on its meaning and utility for a few weeks now. Its application, apparently, touches many different life pursuits and scientific disciplines.<br />
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For anybody who knows anything about automotive history, the name Colin Chapman immediately calls to mind meat-and-potatoes sports cars - cars that have a laser-like focus on performance. Chapman was the founder of and engineer/designer for Lotus, the British racing team and eventual automotive manufacturer. He famously coined the expression, "Simplify, then add lightness." This oxymoronic expression is a clear articulation of the philosophy of minimalism: the idea that less truly equates to more, if you prefer to paraphrase poets rather than race engineers (Andrea del Sarto, 1855, to be exact). Of course, Chapman's ideas have been traditionally applied to the production of extremely successful race and sports cars, but the theme is something that runs powerfully through every competitive enterprise. I also believe many people's lives can be much happier and more successful through liberal application of the "added lightness" principle.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDd9sv1Q9-ZkekD0md-BBGfDxYZ36RPDrmr_UewF3DouKAdGpDUKFRpkS1UUvIeLscu1PRe4f_aTGY2ps21v8gf6nqY_XMMW5PUdTdT-7TlrUtaHnuy2FdI03rIQAPHxqJAb2a077XPS0/s1600/Lotus-Exige.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDd9sv1Q9-ZkekD0md-BBGfDxYZ36RPDrmr_UewF3DouKAdGpDUKFRpkS1UUvIeLscu1PRe4f_aTGY2ps21v8gf6nqY_XMMW5PUdTdT-7TlrUtaHnuy2FdI03rIQAPHxqJAb2a077XPS0/s1600/Lotus-Exige.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a Lotus Exige, a near-supercar with a mere four cylinder engine. The curb weight for the Exige is just north of a ton. To put that in perspective, a 2014 C7 Corvette Stingray weighs over 1200 pounds more.</td></tr>
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To clarify terms, my working definition of minimalism is "the further perfection of anything through the deliberate removal of the less necessary." Liberal application of the "less is more" principle can lead to a few discernible benefits that are easily observable and simple to duplicate. I will identify first the benefits I have experienced when applying minimalist principles to my running habits:<br />
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1. Less to remember<br />
When your whole warm-weather run kit consists of shorts, a shirt, a water bottle, and a watch, it's hard to leave "essentials" behind. Heck, the watch and shirt are even optional (depending on temp and distance). A simple pre and post-run routine can provide comforting consistency and predictability as well. Developing concise, rote rituals gives way for the mind to devote all its power on performance, which leads to improved...<br />
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2. Greater focus<br />
Mr. Miyagi knew a thing or two about accomplishing one's goals. Concentrating on very few things means greater ability get them right. A convoluted approach only leads to lack of determinable progress resulting in confusion and ultimately frustration. I have resolved to apply minimalism in goal setting: one specific, achievable target at a time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2v1Je_ki7oFGXFzwsyJ23nD05b26kcVWm0Kb_ULiTPSHK2lIlF2i0yE927yKyVRjqKsFxAMoWDoWCkEoln9ZQpb-8OY_SfG_rrAvgpNWizGM05MVVitRbO5ZqOo8jyWAGmfhwZkCXRg/s1600/WaxOnWaxOff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2v1Je_ki7oFGXFzwsyJ23nD05b26kcVWm0Kb_ULiTPSHK2lIlF2i0yE927yKyVRjqKsFxAMoWDoWCkEoln9ZQpb-8OY_SfG_rrAvgpNWizGM05MVVitRbO5ZqOo8jyWAGmfhwZkCXRg/s1600/WaxOnWaxOff.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laser-like intensity dedicated solely to fight preparation... along with several hours of free child labor. </td></tr>
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3. Less weight<br />
From a pure performance perspective the sparser one's gear and lighter one's overall load, the greater the potential for faster and more efficient movement. I love the free feeling of running shoeless and shirtless in light-weight (ie. "short") shorts, much to my wife's embarrassment. The reason I enjoy it so much has a lot to do with the clearly perceptible lack of encumbrance. Feels good, Man.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nozama.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54ed05fc2883301543691b54c970c-500wi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://nozama.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54ed05fc2883301543691b54c970c-500wi" height="221" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hey, where are the cup holders?"</td></tr>
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4. Fewer variables<br />
The minimal approach ideally leaves only a small number possibilities to go wrong. An even greater benefit, though, is the ability for runners to assess situations and their performance - or lack thereof - much more accurately when only one or a small number of factors change at a time.<br />
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This leaves us with some legitimate questions: How much can one subtract before the positive effects of simplification diminish? What gear is most dispensable? How much, exactly, do clothing and gear weights matter and/or vary between styles, brands, and sizes?<br />
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The reality is that the journey to maximum minimalism is one of personal discovery, and each of us are likely comfortable with very different levels of trimming down the excess. In my next few installments, I plan to cover other facets of living with less including the benefits of living minimally, the benefits of running minimally, and cases where minimalism has run amok. Should be just enough fun to keep your interest and share necessary information. Just enough and not a word more.<br />
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ChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030662647672220127.post-32876423741420254902014-03-02T15:23:00.000-08:002014-03-02T15:30:32.899-08:00Gear Review: Ensō Muscle Roller<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0p4VckJ2VEdZRR73JIEHlCrIXIU4-ViAWkVqjEKNKm0-s8br_LmY-6nM1sUG4YmXHylCrAL-HnCL6vK5w5zz6s8zMpFITM35zBLvXFNFCMFFlYmhTSwATxc2PBeCY7ECHIeDMbXNbNA/s1600/DSC_0155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0p4VckJ2VEdZRR73JIEHlCrIXIU4-ViAWkVqjEKNKm0-s8br_LmY-6nM1sUG4YmXHylCrAL-HnCL6vK5w5zz6s8zMpFITM35zBLvXFNFCMFFlYmhTSwATxc2PBeCY7ECHIeDMbXNbNA/s1600/DSC_0155.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a><br />
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I have a serious love/hate relationship with my foam roller. Having survived a handful of bouts with dreaded iliotibial band syndrome, I can vouch for the effectiveness of a trusty foam roller in the treatment of inflammation and soreness associated with the condition. Rolling cold muscles before a run has also become part of my standard routine because it makes me feel loose and comfortable on my first step out the door. However, rolling inflamed tendons can be seriously unpleasant - even painful - and it has remained so for me from my first go until today.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh721kBmo48lBfcPsy6gjNg6cqFiNyrzsDUWptET_-UbL31fzqxw3mzyIAz9d6IUgXHEsANKnOaxd3C56SI71kw5ao8-NovgsVjLc3ZddDFS4ufEDBUnMe4XUCsUew00ssQsrd1k2rpELI/s1600/DSC_0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh721kBmo48lBfcPsy6gjNg6cqFiNyrzsDUWptET_-UbL31fzqxw3mzyIAz9d6IUgXHEsANKnOaxd3C56SI71kw5ao8-NovgsVjLc3ZddDFS4ufEDBUnMe4XUCsUew00ssQsrd1k2rpELI/s1600/DSC_0153.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the primary configuration with which I use the Ensō when rolling my back and hamstrings. </td></tr>
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Enter the Ensō Muscle Roller by EvoFit. The Ensō is a new take on the traditional foam roller, and it takes the already versatile accessory in an entirely new direction... several new directions, actually. The Ensō differs from the field of other options primarily in that it is both segmented into individual disks and that those disks are adjustable into a number of positions on an aluminum shaft. The disks are plastic at their center and encircled by a high-density foam outer "tire." Each disk mounts snugly onto the aluminum cylindrical tube and is held in place by a spring-loaded ball detent. For those with experience in the garage, think the same kind of mechanism that a ratchet uses to hold a socket. It is pretty ingenious in its design, and I have had no problems whatsoever with the disks moving around on the shaft. They are very secure. Configuring and using the roller is simple: just set the rollers up in the position you desire and go at it. It's incredibly intuitive, and it works.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_HbL9sVr-f_-rMjCj3QXTgCdgYDM8IJA0WtDLt_Y6XI6cYqTdzoxWb69Hc7HXnxZt6i5NnbqDHtD-M9sRe1bpAIEX0kwXYmsEkW2PwAkuGIwkdiWxdwB4AU3rf-YAoHDFFx-zCs492k/s1600/DSC_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_HbL9sVr-f_-rMjCj3QXTgCdgYDM8IJA0WtDLt_Y6XI6cYqTdzoxWb69Hc7HXnxZt6i5NnbqDHtD-M9sRe1bpAIEX0kwXYmsEkW2PwAkuGIwkdiWxdwB4AU3rf-YAoHDFFx-zCs492k/s1600/DSC_0152.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the configuration I use for rolling my ITB (iliotibial band). This setup focuses a great deal of pressure squarely on the tendon, but it also keeps the leg "bumpered" so it doesn't wander off-center."</td></tr>
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Using the Ensō is much the same as using any other foam roller, but the ability to target specific areas - or avoid specific bones and tendons - is what makes it a truly incredible piece. That ability in and of itself makes the Ensō worth owning, but there are additional ways to use the Ensō that traditional rollers cannot even touch. Placing two rollers together in the center of the shaft makes it operate in much the same way as a trigger point ball. The roller can also be configured with a single or small number of single disks centered on the shaft allowing users to turn the shaft itself into dual handles (think "rolling pin"). So an Ensō roller can do the work of a standard foam roller, a trigger point ball, and other massage stick-type devices - all three. Pretty ingenious.<br />
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For all the really cool features of the Ensō, there are a few drawbacks. First, and probably most importantly, the Ensō is expensive: <a href="http://evofitforlife.com/ens%C5%8D-roller-muscle-roller" target="_blank">$89.00</a>. That is likely to cause a lot of potential buyers to gasp, but you are getting a lot of use in one device. Another issue is that there is a bit of a learning curve to the Ensō. You aren't likely to get the most out of the Ensō without putting some time in actually using it and fooling around with the various configurations. This won't be a problem for the hardcore athletes, but the average user may be discouraged without the immediate gratification out of their new $90 purchase. The final issue I encountered with the Ensō was its overall intensity vs. what I became accustomed to with my cheapie roller. It can be super hardcore on the ol' ITB, intentionally or otherwise. As a general rule, expect the Ensō to double the amount of pressure on any given point that is targeted (completely unscientific "gut" measurement, by the way).<br />
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So, to recap, the breakdown looks like this:<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Pros</u></b><br />
Targets muscles<br />
Super intense<br />
Extremely adjustable<br />
Versatile - replaces several pieces of equipment<br />
Portable<br />
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<b><u>Cons</u></b><br />
Cost - $90!<br />
Learning curve<br />
Super intense<br />
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<b><u>The Verdict</u></b>: The Ensō is an effective - if not essential - tool in the gear bin of any serious athlete looking to pare their collection of rolling, muscular therapy, and massage devices down to one hard-working, supremely versatile device.<br />
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For more info, check out the <a href="http://evofitforlife.com/" target="_blank">EvoFit website</a>. More pics below:<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2V9klaP1cKgiCm9dlrbEQPUAFE3Gf9ecJxAcKGvuDA8yORjF_O7xkdlRJ3-lFC1KY3fiR4kn0PIoktwmyTrnk0IwdFOIPw28jE5_CWrtX3pMirb0LFF8OwIjpFpTtHvpSw1WmuwqIUz8/s1600/DSC_0151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2V9klaP1cKgiCm9dlrbEQPUAFE3Gf9ecJxAcKGvuDA8yORjF_O7xkdlRJ3-lFC1KY3fiR4kn0PIoktwmyTrnk0IwdFOIPw28jE5_CWrtX3pMirb0LFF8OwIjpFpTtHvpSw1WmuwqIUz8/s1600/DSC_0151.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Down the center: If you were packing the Ensō in a travel bag, you can store your socks and some gel in the tube. I'm also fairly certain my Ka-Bar combat knife will fit in there, but don't try to get that through airport security.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj091ILi6v0HJPolQhEJSWa2N27FntJrqmx4BnT5XlWgr9Yv5KXfmoqwa5bMZoM53lGxgW0GtqFtbc5Gc2UCp9P-rx13h-EigWdopZ0ClW7detmUJ8Z9YM4NJhFT8t4wKZuVqbL1pp2uWM/s1600/DSC_0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj091ILi6v0HJPolQhEJSWa2N27FntJrqmx4BnT5XlWgr9Yv5KXfmoqwa5bMZoM53lGxgW0GtqFtbc5Gc2UCp9P-rx13h-EigWdopZ0ClW7detmUJ8Z9YM4NJhFT8t4wKZuVqbL1pp2uWM/s1600/DSC_0156.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of the differences in depth between the individual rollers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWZKuou_DtsyvKAqjgrRUOfuMWtOl3cTJ1FKB9KYtHDJPBDC37eItvjsTiytNbBl1OxuvTrJhDg4O8A2sbJK2jaAkd0WwBWsLA-rsir-5apf8zETxYMRwqokSdJ56bplMzjnGK3WhmOY/s1600/DSC_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWZKuou_DtsyvKAqjgrRUOfuMWtOl3cTJ1FKB9KYtHDJPBDC37eItvjsTiytNbBl1OxuvTrJhDg4O8A2sbJK2jaAkd0WwBWsLA-rsir-5apf8zETxYMRwqokSdJ56bplMzjnGK3WhmOY/s1600/DSC_0150.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of the aluminum "axle" tube and the adjustment radiuses.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSiHYnxQIUDjy7Bvwromc-iUYG2DrWV-8fqw1ZteZua93kc4wn3J-xo430HOFWrFNDwj4fHvwQlTVTEB13AtdkD62yhavys6GZOIFePicFz-68Q_Q4XJuSelLngwmZlnAzprn0-_0MCE/s1600/DSC_0363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSiHYnxQIUDjy7Bvwromc-iUYG2DrWV-8fqw1ZteZua93kc4wn3J-xo430HOFWrFNDwj4fHvwQlTVTEB13AtdkD62yhavys6GZOIFePicFz-68Q_Q4XJuSelLngwmZlnAzprn0-_0MCE/s1600/DSC_0363.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the Ensō fully dismantled. The larger disks are on the right. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5I2yPCPhVs3PgTe-8OtQQx8EeTyIWuT6MMju4OmWGXtsgnh5v44TYIEoGhWZLiZL4WIMnhx0x57EhuU1pTImbMnbuA3DzmB6gNT1C_nQtztO_IOfBHo4ReFUfeN2NfPga_GS1YDF618/s1600/DSC_0365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5I2yPCPhVs3PgTe-8OtQQx8EeTyIWuT6MMju4OmWGXtsgnh5v44TYIEoGhWZLiZL4WIMnhx0x57EhuU1pTImbMnbuA3DzmB6gNT1C_nQtztO_IOfBHo4ReFUfeN2NfPga_GS1YDF618/s1600/DSC_0365.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blue foam roller is a cheapie from J-fit (who?) that I picked up from Amazon for a song a few years back. I included it for a size comparison. The J-fit is 6" in diameter and 18" long.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBd5x2DtR0HEDskuf0ZFT4iyeiIMix_KZgfApe1z9OuchU-JXl_ZGpmvfDtkhPfo0Tn3eSASWWipi6_zNcsr8Tn3IRtXTBHQ6puwoJQFTd8MAc-fxlG2PTslSKkZ3GWxAoz73bCQNXTA/s1600/DSC_0368.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBd5x2DtR0HEDskuf0ZFT4iyeiIMix_KZgfApe1z9OuchU-JXl_ZGpmvfDtkhPfo0Tn3eSASWWipi6_zNcsr8Tn3IRtXTBHQ6puwoJQFTd8MAc-fxlG2PTslSKkZ3GWxAoz73bCQNXTA/s1600/DSC_0368.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVnNQhwfmd8itCHl-uFjiMkhZeRJ8aDWoeg-P5ceJ-eVgNTv5m3rTWRycKdSWjX2Wia2G9Fz7mJ5QbRgD_7rCpWkKRfDsJDTRjeHS45-aGW9PWMv2_KBtNZT3liZKZZgkhM7cjCWVnMo/s1600/DSC_0366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVnNQhwfmd8itCHl-uFjiMkhZeRJ8aDWoeg-P5ceJ-eVgNTv5m3rTWRycKdSWjX2Wia2G9Fz7mJ5QbRgD_7rCpWkKRfDsJDTRjeHS45-aGW9PWMv2_KBtNZT3liZKZZgkhM7cjCWVnMo/s1600/DSC_0366.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the Ensō roller components laid out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Aob1QcES-WLxhCb-c5mM0VN1HlAK6ouBmpKmJaXYSidjdJxu3EcXLMzROdfjmzKxi1CSrIIYzcR2eGf5WJzP1-NmSkHDBxE83hcEJwuoQW3nxJVLLDT2ekRSyRp1kVdzG7Ydkj2nOHQ/s1600/DSC_0367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Aob1QcES-WLxhCb-c5mM0VN1HlAK6ouBmpKmJaXYSidjdJxu3EcXLMzROdfjmzKxi1CSrIIYzcR2eGf5WJzP1-NmSkHDBxE83hcEJwuoQW3nxJVLLDT2ekRSyRp1kVdzG7Ydkj2nOHQ/s1600/DSC_0367.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ensō aluminum center section. Notice the notches for the various disk positions. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cLITWWNX8Q6tCm8hYxCGM6QXPucuWQgmCs3OF78POFWPG_pkjITSx4MbaWHay07o8uUGxB-kFTeBvwMZHJDf7Ig16spxtZ2QdW8E27Qv6-NVjzA5xcFvNrBTWgyuK9QJ4P_Xlcn8fQc/s1600/DSC_0370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cLITWWNX8Q6tCm8hYxCGM6QXPucuWQgmCs3OF78POFWPG_pkjITSx4MbaWHay07o8uUGxB-kFTeBvwMZHJDf7Ig16spxtZ2QdW8E27Qv6-NVjzA5xcFvNrBTWgyuK9QJ4P_Xlcn8fQc/s1600/DSC_0370.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Size comparison vs. 18" J-fit. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQlqVCEDnwf1goMndhYa5BsEoSx1P9hyi8FW1C26gh8_H1XEH0w_hwjZmcmkbdRbfu9t6tBO_-Vk2cSUd7DbPCvLVdp9uaroMOamKoozZhTptmzi0SYs5Stb57paNKOmDUe8A7nB-sMU/s1600/DSC_0371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQlqVCEDnwf1goMndhYa5BsEoSx1P9hyi8FW1C26gh8_H1XEH0w_hwjZmcmkbdRbfu9t6tBO_-Vk2cSUd7DbPCvLVdp9uaroMOamKoozZhTptmzi0SYs5Stb57paNKOmDUe8A7nB-sMU/s1600/DSC_0371.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ensō vs. 18" cheapie foam roller.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7vFSuHYGkpTS5vn19ZTHOZUdSPfRBIG63ikNUuf7ns2Rdq0Vu4-6j8uIvSIzz0wtJxa4h8RQ-zXNTEFvPDhuszs4JWyiS1OCC2OxUMNVIxxJE1dAtAA8gZK0h7bGUYqbuGTv43Vfskc/s1600/DSC_0373.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7vFSuHYGkpTS5vn19ZTHOZUdSPfRBIG63ikNUuf7ns2Rdq0Vu4-6j8uIvSIzz0wtJxa4h8RQ-zXNTEFvPDhuszs4JWyiS1OCC2OxUMNVIxxJE1dAtAA8gZK0h7bGUYqbuGTv43Vfskc/s1600/DSC_0373.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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Next up on gear reviews: I try out some <a href="http://humanxgear.com/" target="_blank">HumanX gear by Harbinger</a> and get my first double-under. Stay tuned!</div>
ChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030662647672220127.post-63462724536223672562013-12-19T19:36:00.000-08:002013-12-19T19:36:14.040-08:00New Gear in the New Year!Sweet! The folks at Harbinger are launching a new line of gear (entitled HumanX) for a broad range of cross training applications, and they have been kind enough to provide me with some samples to review. I am super stoked to put these through the paces and write up my feedback for you guys!<br />
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Here is a couple of preview pics. Stay tuned!<br />
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<br />ChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030662647672220127.post-14022336801609683492013-05-27T23:05:00.004-07:002013-05-27T23:06:21.510-07:00Minimalist Shoe Review: Inov-8 Bare-XF 260<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, I've done it. I have officially gone whole hog into Olympic-style, free weight cross training. Don't worry, though; I have not drunk the CrossFit Koolaid (Not that there's anything wrong with that. /Seinfeld). I have, however, started getting serious about my personal strength, and that means new gear to try out and write about in my blog! This latest review is about a shoe that is completely and totally targeted at the CrossFit sheeple, but, as I found out over the last six weeks or so, Inov-8's most focused minimalist cross trainer is good at more than just box jumps and kettle bell swings.<br />
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<b><u>First Impression: Straight-Up Purpose-Built</u></b><br />
The Inov-8 XF-260 makes no bones about its intentions. Heck, it's right there in the name: the "XF" is a crude approximation/abbreviation of "CrossFit." This, I presume, is because they can't officially use the CrossFit name; Reebok landed the rights to that cash cow a while back. So Inov-8, definitely one of the early favorite shoe makers of CF practitioners, has to flip their terminology like a tractor tire. Certainly, though, no other shoe maker has such a symbiotic relationship with CrossFit. The Inov-8 F-lite 195 and 230 can still be seen on the lower appendages of box-dwelling meat heads the world over - remarkable considering their age. Despite initially offering shoes designed primarily for the trail, the signature low profile and secure fit (along with a lack of similarly-featured competition) have made Inov-8 a crowd favorite for the past several years. The XF-260 carries on that legacy with the addition of a few key features that make it a home run for those looking for pure minimalism in their workout footwear.<br />
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The appearance of the XF-260 is quite no-nonsense and unique amongst minimalist shoes. The pattern is described as "Kettle bell Camo" due being made up from kettle bell profiles in varying shades of gray. The pattern works, too, giving the shoe a slightly military feel - appropriate for its intended application: suffering! It seriously is an eye catcher. If you walk around in these puppies, be prepared for a few glances of familiarity from Crossfitters you encounter. The logo emblazoned in large font on the side can't be missed, either. The 260 is also available in a (less-interesting) gray/black color scheme as well as a more eye-catching blue/black setup.<br />
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Few features are as controversial on a minimalist running shoe as the inclusion of hook-and-loop closures (otherwise known as Velcro®). I have had bad Velcro experiences in the past usually involving limited adjustment range, insecure fit, and/or frustrating lack of wear-and-tear durability. The Velcro on the 260 is quite intriguing and appears to be part of a very well thought out system featuring Rope Tec: Inov-8's system designed to allow wearers to shimmy up and slide down ropes with aplomb while not ripping the uppers or soles to shreds. Also, it adds a futuristic element to the look of the 260.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Criss-crossed for security of fit.</td></tr>
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<b><u>Fit and Feel</u></b><br />
The XF-260 is built upon the same platform as the rest of Inov-8's minimalist offerings: all have the "Bare" prefix, are built upon the same last, and have the same outsole/lack of midsole. The outsole is zero differential from heel-to-toe and only three millimeters thick and siped with a "Metaflex" channel running from one side of the forefoot to the other. This means they are delightfully flexible, especially at the toes where our foot does the most flexing. There is a significant increase rigidity, however, in the heel which I assume is for increased wear resistance during heavy lifts or whatever. It's not noticeable during normal use, though.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The skeletal pattern is a nice touch and included on the sole of all the Inov-8 Bare-X line.</td></tr>
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The anatomical last is nice but not quite the toe box I would hope for. The midfoot and toe box are sufficiently wide - enough to be comfortable in everyday activities, running, and working out, but they could stand to be a tad wider. I would rate the forefoot width and height better than most; they are very comparable to New Balance's Minimus line, but I definitely prefer the volume of makers like VIVOBAREFOOT (Neo, Aqua Lite) and Altra (Adam, Instinct). I have not received any blisters on my toes or elsewhere due to fit, but take into account that I typically wear socks with my 260s. </div>
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So far, the XF-260 does not suffer from any of the three typical hook-and-loop closure issues I mentioned in my initial impressions: lack of adjustment, insecure lockdown, and limited durability. Admittedly my foot shape and how well it matches the last may have something to do with it, but I love how this system works. I have lifted, run, jumped, cut, done plyometrics, performed yoga, and done quite a bit of yard work with nary a slip. *For what it's worth, these aren't the best shoes for use with a shovel.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The triple-closure Velcro is delightfully simple and quite functional. The straps are exactly where they should be for maximally secure fit and placement during high-intensity movements.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Model name emblazoned on the toe cap.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super flexy - as any good "minimalist" shoe should be.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perforated, thin, flat insole. No support, no arch. Perfect.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The unstructured heel cup is quite nice.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zero drop, Baby.</td></tr>
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<b><u>On The Road and Trail</u></b><br />
The XF-260's sole is, as I mentioned above, one of the thinnest in the business, and as such provides outstanding ground feedback for maximum proprioception. The well-ventilated upper breathes nicely aided by the perforated footbed. I have run many times on various terrain and can say that they are right at home on surfaces from smooth sidewalk or pavement to dry, hard-packed dirt or gravel. That is to say, this is not a trail shoe. Making the shoe as nimble and stable as possible in the gym has the tradeoff of limited tread depth and thus limited off-road bite. Nevertheless, I would still describe the 260 as a "versatile" offering.<br />
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One small issue I ran into when doing sprints and plyo in the 260: chafing at the front of my lower leg (at the upper edge of where the tongue is on a normal shoe). I am certainly this had to do with the fact that the top strap was cinched down pretty tightly for the dynamic movement, and I have never gotten the same discomfort since. I typically wear socks with these shoes because that's just how I roll, but the chafing is in a place where my low, crew socks would not have made a difference. I have, however, run and worked out comfortably in the 260 on several occasions with no problems despite its less than buttery-smooth interior.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The perforated insole (as if you couldn't tell by looking).</td></tr>
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<b><u>In the Gym</u></b><br />
This is where the 260 is really supposed to shine, and it is definitely solid in all manner of cross training that takes place on a solid, fairly dry surface. I found the rubber sole to be especially grippy while on the boxes and quite adept at plyometric movements. Jumping rope was a real pleasure in these, but beware the thin upper; you should be okay if the rope hits the to cap or one of the straps, but anywhere else... look out!<br />
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One clever feature that I did not discover until a few weeks after I had already been wearing them:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuElIlMSTREh_aH8nrCrjmvFe213CfVsikFZEsUKzM1wRNuDyontP9F3LcnWcYTtMnIwPZCif-QBHcIU8CXGCrSAwEPhyphenhyphenQmHUZ8ylPqSh19rcSSfLyTPV79DN9BF9CKDncYUOfpaL6REE/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuElIlMSTREh_aH8nrCrjmvFe213CfVsikFZEsUKzM1wRNuDyontP9F3LcnWcYTtMnIwPZCif-QBHcIU8CXGCrSAwEPhyphenhyphenQmHUZ8ylPqSh19rcSSfLyTPV79DN9BF9CKDncYUOfpaL6REE/s640/DSC_0014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's this? Built-in motivation?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbAvTe37_Hhpht_ahfZjogZVvAN1IKVW3IYXMF4ZZmpBcxTkJ3Zye79V8eIizeuZbsD6z3KizP13yVYM8out6lsRkvCJs03eXSYYB9tqCbYdQbXSxCLLryFLJcm0RrYBAux9u2JyW-gA/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbAvTe37_Hhpht_ahfZjogZVvAN1IKVW3IYXMF4ZZmpBcxTkJ3Zye79V8eIizeuZbsD6z3KizP13yVYM8out6lsRkvCJs03eXSYYB9tqCbYdQbXSxCLLryFLJcm0RrYBAux9u2JyW-gA/s640/DSC_0015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's like the soul of my drill sergeant from basic training is built into each shoe strap. Scary thought.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyVNn5vHvMIenIWYiMBkNi2F6e9naHOyApKMzJPbTUrLu9dIONDnBib3xXybO1zc_R-AR2sAIChWCxg_tma1csXSxdJSRcb1RWQljZxKPv_migA5vSqAguHKvM_29y6yWkXJJOfDZROA/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyVNn5vHvMIenIWYiMBkNi2F6e9naHOyApKMzJPbTUrLu9dIONDnBib3xXybO1zc_R-AR2sAIChWCxg_tma1csXSxdJSRcb1RWQljZxKPv_migA5vSqAguHKvM_29y6yWkXJJOfDZROA/s640/DSC_0016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nevermind the grass and debris. That didn't come with the shoes. That was me.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZSwtK48SCOarqh-oCWU9-nLc6MxNzTs9A0eWlfEHrRjn7rr01pHMkQvLdz9JgMYTtqn7DpztbVxsOvbjmzhEO24Eh0PvQ8uAyep9NFR49mopt4-X5Go7m1ePT1Z52yCoBXFdnNKsIms/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZSwtK48SCOarqh-oCWU9-nLc6MxNzTs9A0eWlfEHrRjn7rr01pHMkQvLdz9JgMYTtqn7DpztbVxsOvbjmzhEO24Eh0PvQ8uAyep9NFR49mopt4-X5Go7m1ePT1Z52yCoBXFdnNKsIms/s640/DSC_0017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The upper is almost burrito-like: no tongue to speak of (ya get it?).</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNTKIN_bDfa4l1FJmKjA3_rGEiVIb9Mb9fWtILf4r0iEsnDgcFJCeGx97YQaZY_CBUZuW2XLqJ7dRuRskp2qK1YR0HuM2KUddpG6rUNMzSn5bgjzj5TReahOjpzKpkiLk0h1K0lAsHDw/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNTKIN_bDfa4l1FJmKjA3_rGEiVIb9Mb9fWtILf4r0iEsnDgcFJCeGx97YQaZY_CBUZuW2XLqJ7dRuRskp2qK1YR0HuM2KUddpG6rUNMzSn5bgjzj5TReahOjpzKpkiLk0h1K0lAsHDw/s640/DSC_0018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The upper wraps the foot nicely.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u>The Verdict</u></b><br />
When Inov-8 decided to produce the XF-260, they went out on a limb to make a unique, delightfully minimal, super-focused CrossFit shoe. Mission accomplished, but in the process they also made a very strong all-around minimalist road shoe. I thoroughly enjoy almost everything about this shoe. The only things that may scare away would-be wearers are the Velcro and the "Meet-me-at-the-box, Bro" design.<br />
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<b><u>Pros</u></b><br />
- Unique, unmistakably CrossFit-focused look<br />
- Very innovative design<br />
- Secure fit<br />
- Great outsole/ground feel<br />
- Versatility on the road and the gym<br />
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<b><u>Cons</u></b><br />
- Not so great sockless comfort<br />
- Retail price tag ($140!)<br />
- How do you feel about Velcro?<br />
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Inov-8 XF-260s (along with several other Inov-8 offerings) frequently go on sale at <a href="http://www.theclymb.com/invite-from/chadwilkerson" target="_blank">The Clymb</a> and <a href="https://www.leftlanesports.com/invite/ChadWilkerson" target="_blank">LeftLane Sports</a>. Keep your eyes open, and you can find them for over 50% off!<br />
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Click on the links to sign up and enjoy the savings.<br />
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<a href="http://www.theclymb.com/invite-from/chadwilkerson" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4VuPO9fp3m2MOJg4qwSi-3LCUcIsHBvSmwTUrEmwqQC4d59PID5C0fzxAzZVeljX0rI2OdKNmNdU4qHkhnjHWp-Inyb7_qTfxzKC9AKaThsOnowJsnZ9X8TnRijXlwYJhojSxc-kbww/s640/The-Clymb_logos-W_REG.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />ChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030662647672220127.post-30811108698466701332013-03-26T15:04:00.001-07:002013-03-26T15:05:02.562-07:00Super Simple Shoe SurgeryA few weeks ago while moping slowly blasting downhill on a Land Between the Lakes trail, I found the wrong end of a pointy stick with the top of my foot. The results are below:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sh1M-PvJFuX9QMNGjpKugV4b6DzGL_UWQqjRt1y9UCZMvE5mtXsbz8gj4U_aphUHTj9RrvgPY6jZwT2E8gSk-YQsbBmIuSV077nVN5l8DStUqZl82NqHOLNUpdxj8_LSiIHA4aX-Q6c/s1600/IMG_0056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sh1M-PvJFuX9QMNGjpKugV4b6DzGL_UWQqjRt1y9UCZMvE5mtXsbz8gj4U_aphUHTj9RrvgPY6jZwT2E8gSk-YQsbBmIuSV077nVN5l8DStUqZl82NqHOLNUpdxj8_LSiIHA4aX-Q6c/s640/IMG_0056.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, Noes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7hDBughOesSBMY9AT7h7wSXlySZmXN2e_qxMBfVikFvDeIj8sT3OBnAWUeI02jwZp4vGksk68jn4Q3izLG51DuwlbbmlTFmrzGJil9rfwcyj1uBGQy3OcQltzcLomK-7h2fPehQZqyc/s1600/IMG_0057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7hDBughOesSBMY9AT7h7wSXlySZmXN2e_qxMBfVikFvDeIj8sT3OBnAWUeI02jwZp4vGksk68jn4Q3izLG51DuwlbbmlTFmrzGJil9rfwcyj1uBGQy3OcQltzcLomK-7h2fPehQZqyc/s640/IMG_0057.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, we're going to have to operate. He may never run a trail again!</td></tr>
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Being the frugal fellow that I am, I broke out the thread and needle. The results were rather pleasing - that is, they were hardly noticeable. Everybody has war wounds - on their gear and themselves - if they have spent any time on the trail, but hopefully those gear-busting stumbles will all be as easy to remedy as this one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVS2O2-LixL5_SU7f9VrxZRX3wyTAS5Kvm6n1mdyKnuPIAjkad6YruyB5XP6ge93M51VC29XV2MxvF5Uly5vkoewk_UkhUXcUJDRO7AzuAyl2dA7d_npe_QkYfeEFGMbYbNjjva5k-7_E/s1600/IMG_0058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVS2O2-LixL5_SU7f9VrxZRX3wyTAS5Kvm6n1mdyKnuPIAjkad6YruyB5XP6ge93M51VC29XV2MxvF5Uly5vkoewk_UkhUXcUJDRO7AzuAyl2dA7d_npe_QkYfeEFGMbYbNjjva5k-7_E/s640/IMG_0058.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQcfkh8dRE1LrhAx1lZ6NDVqle6n99IMULRrWE1ydNJG9lQzGfATSnH-3e13WuPNhg5GRs83sFZ4lZu9Hb6oNOU78EK_h-7qhWR6TJqOdcm7yIw9cKWNycHqZ-XirZW9cTrf9fwFkv3U/s1600/IMG_0059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQcfkh8dRE1LrhAx1lZ6NDVqle6n99IMULRrWE1ydNJG9lQzGfATSnH-3e13WuPNhg5GRs83sFZ4lZu9Hb6oNOU78EK_h-7qhWR6TJqOdcm7yIw9cKWNycHqZ-XirZW9cTrf9fwFkv3U/s640/IMG_0059.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkS5FJS3gGmNDUfc-mZGeSnPGF8Cy0TkaXQiABSN6RjeiSL-qOtfAF2bK3_M6EtUxTBCbUmfffTsfHKyEim3MtEl9P8-Upi6t_eJylTP0rjW9VmZ_5NbBpvHPTiB_YlC78tJtNDBGoN3A/s1600/IMG_0060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkS5FJS3gGmNDUfc-mZGeSnPGF8Cy0TkaXQiABSN6RjeiSL-qOtfAF2bK3_M6EtUxTBCbUmfffTsfHKyEim3MtEl9P8-Upi6t_eJylTP0rjW9VmZ_5NbBpvHPTiB_YlC78tJtNDBGoN3A/s640/IMG_0060.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DBcX8pkYjnE27Jd5LoHW4Azcb73Jd2BKjW6-o2vsbi05SFqYXrwcpn92q4CT0yPGsvRXRqCzJwB7NaLfA-bOPFMgJ2h4megncJJm_FdTn0F1sp7ObeFYSm8dcVsyDG_x5l6Jh_FYocw/s1600/IMG_0061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DBcX8pkYjnE27Jd5LoHW4Azcb73Jd2BKjW6-o2vsbi05SFqYXrwcpn92q4CT0yPGsvRXRqCzJwB7NaLfA-bOPFMgJ2h4megncJJm_FdTn0F1sp7ObeFYSm8dcVsyDG_x5l6Jh_FYocw/s640/IMG_0061.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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So, have you every had any gear busters? Post up your stories and pics.<br />
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Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.ChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030662647672220127.post-13092176309927138612013-02-19T10:23:00.001-08:002013-02-19T10:23:35.425-08:00Blog Pimping: The Ethics of Shameless Self-PromotionI have a scenario for you: Your friend or acquaintance keeps pushing you about coming to their _______ party (insert "candle, jewelry, novelty products, etc."), but you have absolutely zero interest in doing so. These requests may be accompanied by a barrage of Facebook links touting the glories of their wares or services. Furthermore, they have created a page entirely for their "business," but they still post links incessantly on their personal page. Annoying yet?<br />
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<a href="http://www.warrenstrategies.com/Portals/164636/images/Vince%20-%20Sham%20Wow%20Edit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.warrenstrategies.com/Portals/164636/images/Vince%20-%20Sham%20Wow%20Edit2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The question is this: How much is too much when a friend is trying to get you to check out this "cool" thing they're really into? How many times can they mention it before you just want them to "shut up already"? What, if any, limits should folks place on social media promotion from their own page while balancing it with sufficiently ambitious entrepreneurship?<br />
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I have been pondering this question at length while trying to grow this blog. My primary reasons for desiring to grow are as follows:<br />
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<b>1) To create discussion.</b> I love talking to people in general (online or face-to-face), but I especially love talking to people about fitness, barefoot running, and their spiritual/life journey. These categories make up well over half the substance of the pie chart of my life passions. I just enjoy people.<br />
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<b>2) To make a few bucks.</b> I am an affiliate with<a href="http://www.xeroshoes.com/go/unshodandunashamed"> Xero Shoes: the best huarache makers out there</a> (No bias. No, no - none of that.) Every sale through my site helps support my running habit. It's not much, but it is certainly worth the effort I put in here. Seriously, they are an awesome company well worth checking out.<br />
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<b>3) To test out cool new shoes and gear!</b> I get to test the occasional pair of shoes free of charge. Whilest I search for the ultimate in minimalist footwear (Xero Shoes are it during the Summer. Current best cold weather footwear is arguable. Check out my reviews to decide for yourself.), I will continue to test any pair of shoes a company is willing to send me. This is both entertaining and enlightening for me. Plus I enjoy reading shoe reviews from other blogs, so it stands to reason that people like me would like to read them here.<br />
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On the one hand, I am very conscientious of how I present my "sales pitch,"which basically amounts to a gentle request to visit this blog. It's usually accompanied with a reason - "If you like "x," then check out what I wrote at this link..." - so it's not just floating out there, an imperative lacking in authority or interest. On the other hand, as my wife has so lovingly informed me, I have been known to overextend and drive people deep into <strike>suicidal ideations</strike> frustrated apathy. This results as one would expect: people tune me out/ignore my posts - the last thing I want to happen.<br />
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This is an area where I could really use some feedback. Post up and let me know what you think.<br />
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By the way, make sure you drop by<a href="http://www.theclymb.com/invite-from/chadwilkerson"> The Clymb </a>to check out their latest deals.<a href="http://www.theclymb.com/invite-from/chadwilkerson"> Inov8 minimalist and trail footwear is went on ubersale this morning! </a> /shamelesspluglolChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030662647672220127.post-52925686745468808372013-02-18T09:52:00.001-08:002013-02-18T09:52:56.200-08:00The Frugal Runner Series: Cutting the Crap on SunglassesWho doesn't love sunglasses? They are just universally cool, and they really take the ocular sting out of a sunny, mid-morning run. The beach would not be the same without shades, nor would the World Series of Poker (for different reasons). But probably more than any other one single piece of clothing or gear an athlete can purchase - except maybe shoes - sunglasses suffer from the most overwhelming tidal wave of marketing BS. This can make it exceptionally difficult to decipher what is real value and what is simply perceived regarding sunglasses' protective qualities.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sunglassesid.com/images/sunglasses/Oakley-Romeo-Tom-Cruise-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://www.sunglassesid.com/images/sunglasses/Oakley-Romeo-Tom-Cruise-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oakley: Making people with disposable income look semi-alien since 1990-something.</td></tr>
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So, where is the dividing line between the facts and the garbage? In my tireless <strike>Google</strike> search for answers, I stumbled across several helpful articles and interviews that have proven very eye-opening (pardon the pun). For the sake of you, my readers, I will attempt to summarize all the most interesting and helpful content from those sources. Links can be found at the bottom.<br />
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<b>1. Sunglasses are important even in overcast conditions.</b><br />
I think most people know that sunglasses help you see better on a sunny day and can protect your eyes from searing sunlight. But as Vissini would say, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_eZmEiyTo0">"Only thlightly leth well known ithz thisth!"</a>: UV rays couldn't give two poops about your beloved cloud cover. They attack with intense ferocity all day regardless of the conditions. Anybody who has gone shirtless at the pool thinking, "No prob. The sun isn't even out," only to wind up with a serious sunburn can attest to this. <a href="http://www.americanscientist.org/issues/pub/sunshine-on-a-cloudy-day">The research further bears it out.</a> You may look a bit douchy, but you can say it's because you're health conscious... while smoking a cigarette and taking a bite out of your 1/2 pounder from Five Guys.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://api.ning.com/files/uL4eYbO55s8dikybIE-WkRGItLgeHKTjge2y10iaUUiNsUJ3Q9DOYmlCYIf*xP1qy6jhmmVVUz8L-UVt*z7l6J-dJu6E1Bav/sunglasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://api.ning.com/files/uL4eYbO55s8dikybIE-WkRGItLgeHKTjge2y10iaUUiNsUJ3Q9DOYmlCYIf*xP1qy6jhmmVVUz8L-UVt*z7l6J-dJu6E1Bav/sunglasses.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Something tells me that these guys aren't primarily concerned with premature glaucoma. <br />Sunglasses indoors? Check. Chinstrap beards? 2/3 check. Wifebeaters and chains? Check. <br />The triumvirate! And we haven't even gotten to the hair.</td></tr>
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<b>2. You don't necessarily get what you pay for.</b><br />
When it comes to features in sunglasses, there is a definite point of diminishing returns. According to Dr. Dr. Jay Duker, chair of ophthalmology at Tufts Medical Center (Great name, right? Sounds like they research toilet tissue.), that means, "for about $40, you can get a pair that offers 100% protection against ultra-violet rays. If you spend maybe $70 you should be able to get a pair with decent quality polarizing lenses that cut out glare. Beyond that, the medical benefits tail off pretty fast" (Arends). If you're paying more than $70 or so for your shades, you are essentially paying purely for style and brand recognition.<br />
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<b>3. There are three kinds of UV rays, but we are only really worried about two.</b><br />
Let me put my lab coat on for this one. The industry usually boils this down to just "UV rays," but <a href="http://www.allaboutvision.com/sunglasses/spf.htm">UVA and UVB rays are both invisible to the eye and potentially damaging</a>. To make it simple, long-range UVA rays burn your skin whereas short-range UVB rays age your skin. Cataracts and macular degeneration are linked to UVA exposure, whereas UVB rays are causally associated with growths on the eye's surface that can cause corneal problems and distorted vision as well as photokeratitis, a painful inflammation of the cornea commonly referred to as "Snow Blindness." Ouch. Make no mistake: you need protection from both.<br />
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Since I know you are curious, the third type of damaging ultraviolet rays are called "UVC." They are the most potentially damaging types of UV rays, but they are thankfully filtered out of the sunlight that reaches us as it passes through the Ozone layer. Makes sense why astronauts wear those highly reflective, dark-tinted shield lenses on their helmets, eh?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47UoFxdBZMqhqoAeTpj6g66YZrBb6__TPYUBgWAQ-Dfy5l168UiNSk82OZ03WDDkISNC_x3o6etOzCe5oT4X_G7awIioQyejnmGbjPlrXcb9RsR67ubL1Tjxidk4LEUDPcs-aTO_TWjhm/s400/+elton+john+round+gold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47UoFxdBZMqhqoAeTpj6g66YZrBb6__TPYUBgWAQ-Dfy5l168UiNSk82OZ03WDDkISNC_x3o6etOzCe5oT4X_G7awIioQyejnmGbjPlrXcb9RsR67ubL1Tjxidk4LEUDPcs-aTO_TWjhm/s320/+elton+john+round+gold.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I wear them purely for their UVA and UVB-protective qualities."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>4. Almost all sunglasses are made and sold by the same people: Luxottica.</b><br />
This further explains why all the "good" ones are so freaking expensive: there is very little competition. Sunglass Hut and other like retailers are also owned by Luxottica. <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2215287/Luxottica-The-eyewear-company-total-domination-setting-astronomical-prices.html">Sound like a Monopoly?</a> Well, it appears that it doesn't matter because Luxottica is an Italian company headquartered overseas. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">And technically it cannot be because Luxottica doesn't control the raw materials production... to my knowledge. </span>Hrm...<br />
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<b>5. The markup on "designer" sunglasses is absolutely absurd.</b><br />
The harmful-ray-blocking and ballistic protection technology in the lenses of most popular sunglasses is rather cheap. Likewise, the materials and production processes for the vast majority of sough-after frames is very low-buck. R&D on sunglasses hasn't advanced much in decades. So what gives? Well, it's called supply and demand. Sunglass Hut will charge the price for those Oakley Half-Jackets that you are willing to pay. Having pro athlete endorsements and other elaborate advertising campaigns only boosts that image and brand recognition, making their product ever more desirable. This is where sunglasses companies spend their money. It's human nature to desire what others universally recognize as cool or associate with elite athletic performance, and ad execs know it well.<a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704615504576172501735382930.html"> Luxottica's gross profits were an absurd 60% last year</a>, but the company's profits after advertising, etc. are factored in are a respectable, but pedestrian, 11%. That's many millions of dollars of advertising aimed right at your eyes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2006/gallery/bwsummertrends/sunglasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2006/gallery/bwsummertrends/sunglasses.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"These have a recognizable logo on the side. We are hip."<br />Uh, those glasses make your eyes look fat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>6. Don't believe labels on those gas station aviators.</b><br />
Testing shows that those "100% UV Protection" stickers often don't tell the whole story... or are outright lies. This may not be limited to the cheapies, though, so buyer beware, and take advantage of <b>helpful fact #7</b>.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>7. You can have your shades' protective qualities checked at your local optician!</b><br />
Who knew, right? Maybe I will grab an arm full of pairs that I like off of the bargain shelf at Wallyworld and tote them over to the Eye Center. I have not tried this and don't know how cooperative a busy optician would be when faced with what amounts to a favor for an non-paying customer. Either way, it's good to know.<br />
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<b>8. </b><b>The color of sunglass tint is almost completely a matter of preference, but some sport-specific applications make sense.</b><br />
Brown, copper, amber blue, grey. It's all about what you like. There is some research pointing to the fact that amber, brown, and copper lenses supposedly allow for better visibility in low light and defining of contours; that is why most goggles on people at the shooting range are of the yellow/amber variety. Also, sports like fishing can make good use of the increase color contrast from such lenses. I personally prefer gray tinted lenses just because I desire an accurate-but-more-tolerable version of "real life."<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3bllmCbjJ1r19t69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3bllmCbjJ1r19t69.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Holy Freaking Crap! My whole world looks like it's 1080p!" This has got to be the most shamelessly idiotic marketing this side of "I can't believe it's not butter."</td></tr>
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<b>9. Polarized lenses are what you want if you are an athlete.</b><br />
Polarization is all about reduced glare, <a href="http://www.allaboutvision.com/sunglasses/polarized.htm">and it works</a>. This is a feature well worth paying for if you intend to wear your shades on the water, in snowy conditions, or in any kind of athletic situation where you may encounter glare. The only real drawback of polarized specs for most people is that there can be some difficulty in reading an LCD screen while wearing them. This may be a problem for cyclists and runners reading their GPS or cycling computer at full sprint.<br />
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<b>10. All sunglasses are NOT created equal.</b><br />
Yes, there are differences between those designer sunglasses and what you may pick up from the rotating tower at Target for $5.00-14.99. Material qualities are likely going to be significantly better, both in the frame and lenses. The UV-blocking elements are typically laminated into the lenses of more expensive sunglasses whereas the cheapies are often simply coated, which may peel or flake. Notice that I use words like "typically" and "likley." Do a Google search with "peeling" or "flaking" and any high-end brand name to see why. However, a simple side-by-side comparison of Oakleys and Jokelys will reveal obvious quality differences in the frame. Worth the price difference? Hell no, but there is a difference.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Takeaway</b>: </span></div>
Don't think that there is some magic ingredient in those celebrity-endorsed, gorgeously-marketed, brand-name specs. If you are buying sunglasses purely for their medically protective properties (ie, you're a great grandparent), there is no reason to spend more than $10 at the drug store - probably not even that much.<br />
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So what is a penny-pinching fellow to do? Well, I am not, as a matter of principal, ever going to pay more than $50 for a pair of sunglasses. Even that seems like silly money for me considering what you get for those dollars and what you can get for considerably less, but I am unwilling to compromise on a few qualities:<br />
<br />
<b><u>1. Polarization</u> - Since they will be primarily for running and bicycling, this is a must. Glare will no longer rule over me! </b><br />
<b><u>2. Fit</u> - I have a skinny face, so many models do not fit me well. This means I will probably have to try them on and buy from a retail location further limiting my choices. (internet = deals).</b><br />
<b><u>3. Looks</u> - Yes, they matter. My tall, skinny noggin' limits my choices.</b><br />
<b><u>4. The "Stays-In-Place Factor"</u> - Again, gotta try 'em out and read reviews.</b><br />
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I have no brand preference whatsoever, but if I can get a "known" brand for the same price as one that is not familiar to me, I will spring for the name recognition. /marketingworkedonme<br />
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My next entry about sunglasses will be about me narrowing down my search and laying down some meager amount of cash...maybe.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Works Cited: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.quora.com/Glasses-and-Sunglasses/Why-do-name-brand-glasses-and-sunglasses-cost-so-much">"Glasses and Sunglasses: Why do name-brand glasses and sunglasses cost so much?" - Quora.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704518904575365362932852610.html">"Are Designer Sunglasses Worth the Price?" - Brett Arends, Wall Street Journal</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.framesdirectblog.com/lens-color-makes-a-difference/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">EYEZONE: the oficial Framesdirect blog</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.fashionising.com/industry/b--why-designer-sunglasses-are-expensive-28412.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"5 reasons why designer sunglasses are so expensive" - Tania Braukämper, Fasionising.com Fashionista Blog</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.kpho.com/story/18080943/are-expensive-sunglasses-worth-the-cost">"Are expensive sunglasses worth the cost?" - CBS5 Arizona</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.americanscientist.org/issues/pub/sunshine-on-a-cloudy-day">"Sunshine on a Cloudy Day" - David Schoonmaker, American Scientist</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: I am not a flippin' doctor. You've been warned.</span><br />
ChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030662647672220127.post-17206526721710839142013-01-16T06:19:00.003-08:002013-01-16T06:20:44.289-08:00Stuff I'm Super Excited About (Part 2)Altra is on a roll! In just a couple years, Altra went from a few drawings and ideas (I distinctly remember the drafts of the Adam being posted on Runner's World barefoot/minimalist running forum asking for feedback) to a name synonymous with zero-drop, anatomically-shaped footwear. They even sponsored the Naked Foot 5k series and Crossfit Games last year. In short, the brand has exploded, and the future is looking even brighter - both literally and figuratively (see below).<br />
<br />
Perhaps Altra's most distinctive key feature is the toe box - a foot-shaped, super wide shape that allows for maximal toe splay. Even now, there is maybe one other shoe company on the market that offers a full-coverage, non-toe shoe that features this kind of free movement (VIVOBAREFOOT). I find that kind of confusing in light of Altra's remarkable growth and success recently, but flat, zero-drop footbeds definitely caught on. Maybe the spacious, anatomical toe box will be the next big shift in shoe design (New Balance and others are already creeping that way).<br />
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Here are a few shots that I scavenged off the web of the new wares: the Altra One (racing flat), and the Altra 3-Sum (Triathlon-targeted racer). I would definitely love to get my hands on a pair for testing, so hopefully I can make that happen and bring the review to you! Enjoy the pics.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcMOEmqBJS9Un8xhgWrj_yzv7cBFOmmzEjIvHiV6mHFhOtdwbsL2vpL5Yi5nuhPBeSpy3O39LZtHtau5TDFhA05wYaGXvXBzVdNUgFzgbrsnN7PPBymB-Wbv7ruDM2bpsjMTWgdLvyt8/s1600/AltraOne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcMOEmqBJS9Un8xhgWrj_yzv7cBFOmmzEjIvHiV6mHFhOtdwbsL2vpL5Yi5nuhPBeSpy3O39LZtHtau5TDFhA05wYaGXvXBzVdNUgFzgbrsnN7PPBymB-Wbv7ruDM2bpsjMTWgdLvyt8/s640/AltraOne.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Altra One.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUvILK4RiLU/UOUKDU287cI/AAAAAAAAJjo/uPYaILb2Xp0/Altra%252520The%252520One_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUvILK4RiLU/UOUKDU287cI/AAAAAAAAJjo/uPYaILb2Xp0/Altra%252520The%252520One_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving the day-glow coloration. Altra began with a very subdued lineup, but you can see that they have left that behind.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rO43HFOHc5IB-QaguQNvVlV9mKNVkfMgTRhwvSGHGhKYOniZFintNe80bv8ENUpfqvaGBr-Orwoei2bPsLPJs8ju7_UUNQewBl2jZWJjxpVOybyRQsfR6wR-4DjRdFt1ixrou09hPUU/s1600/Altra3-Sum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rO43HFOHc5IB-QaguQNvVlV9mKNVkfMgTRhwvSGHGhKYOniZFintNe80bv8ENUpfqvaGBr-Orwoei2bPsLPJs8ju7_UUNQewBl2jZWJjxpVOybyRQsfR6wR-4DjRdFt1ixrou09hPUU/s640/Altra3-Sum.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 3-Sum. Looks like a minimalist triathlete's dream!</td></tr>
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<br />ChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030662647672220127.post-1119518857461855422013-01-05T15:27:00.001-08:002013-01-05T15:41:51.685-08:00More on the SKORA Phase and Core<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was directed toward some more great pics of the SKORA Phase and Core. These shoes really have me stoked. I hope they live up to the hype I have built up inside my brain. The big question for me is the toe box: Will it be wide enough? Let's hope so. Enjoy.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ77RM53ycw9Sfx_33AM7mvorLQ85ihKkCJZcyh5mw_keYH3xh72-cCjgvmwBJujffki_XrgpcmBVe7BnbnOe6R3G7j2eOrBmJa5ciLPtoiz7OwY5b0IbHKHAhPNS1KZeMB-DU2kQ-SWU/s1600/Phase3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ77RM53ycw9Sfx_33AM7mvorLQ85ihKkCJZcyh5mw_keYH3xh72-cCjgvmwBJujffki_XrgpcmBVe7BnbnOe6R3G7j2eOrBmJa5ciLPtoiz7OwY5b0IbHKHAhPNS1KZeMB-DU2kQ-SWU/s640/Phase3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Men's Phase model.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1iFgVpOCpIKkWoUpLTEHyNHcHRiCIMv_x8-l3nE8JhHa9Qr4IzixuipWUOZ3I_yx-XHzM3fNfqXQJhBA2bOE_DMex1f94cif2XdokeDFMb7og-c6CgZAVKOHGKjFDq7DDv89c9LRpow/s1600/Phase1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1iFgVpOCpIKkWoUpLTEHyNHcHRiCIMv_x8-l3nE8JhHa9Qr4IzixuipWUOZ3I_yx-XHzM3fNfqXQJhBA2bOE_DMex1f94cif2XdokeDFMb7og-c6CgZAVKOHGKjFDq7DDv89c9LRpow/s640/Phase1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZ8qf2oUiPQb5_B2wovM91tVZH40NQbbqRwFIo04ppcOTvgeDRK7F5SP_CYlSUJ_wcy9t7zcsnvAuaFIbirsStmyY_0R0PwW3SGnJgkNuMpRqhLhYs24dCtYLqxjM34nVQzB5Lfx2cGM/s1600/Phase2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZ8qf2oUiPQb5_B2wovM91tVZH40NQbbqRwFIo04ppcOTvgeDRK7F5SP_CYlSUJ_wcy9t7zcsnvAuaFIbirsStmyY_0R0PwW3SGnJgkNuMpRqhLhYs24dCtYLqxjM34nVQzB5Lfx2cGM/s640/Phase2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmOfg7fXnGXTNffp3leV6HRnkV08qSsxpMxGu6NRkBFnWBubzGVd07SZ9NfrDqT34Dbp1jKaB4HvZNVyhaJc1-TDpOMG7pBDfXm6n6hp1oDyTRCIZ7cpUbKbt8vYdbRbgOptYgoIjChc/s1600/Phase5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmOfg7fXnGXTNffp3leV6HRnkV08qSsxpMxGu6NRkBFnWBubzGVd07SZ9NfrDqT34Dbp1jKaB4HvZNVyhaJc1-TDpOMG7pBDfXm6n6hp1oDyTRCIZ7cpUbKbt8vYdbRbgOptYgoIjChc/s640/Phase5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women's Phase model.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfIVoDrH0XKVykheVcu98V_gj7WVxph8a5OQjNs-rIwST_xVSFoKMPg4ID1hSe_0qwsTc4Aj1MYFRtQJIgQsnUia4mlLZOe83DjyVoYSPUFPmwPsymV5AgOz8fTQGFQUMP9_uoh_a7f4/s1600/Phase4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfIVoDrH0XKVykheVcu98V_gj7WVxph8a5OQjNs-rIwST_xVSFoKMPg4ID1hSe_0qwsTc4Aj1MYFRtQJIgQsnUia4mlLZOe83DjyVoYSPUFPmwPsymV5AgOz8fTQGFQUMP9_uoh_a7f4/s640/Phase4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrVn3y9HWneuLDS2yVgYESXw_d7vsyGyhecWpTS_Ad0xcfw5q2nujU-YQjdxc-NYglUw3OA8IWXjPyi9Lrxgx1orsGIAyiJWXhQS1jg1fuEUwxNQ_Mljk8OTWUU9iIBR_h5OwdW8-ALE/s1600/Core2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrVn3y9HWneuLDS2yVgYESXw_d7vsyGyhecWpTS_Ad0xcfw5q2nujU-YQjdxc-NYglUw3OA8IWXjPyi9Lrxgx1orsGIAyiJWXhQS1jg1fuEUwxNQ_Mljk8OTWUU9iIBR_h5OwdW8-ALE/s640/Core2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women's Core colorways. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloxt58MmPrs4qdC9TVXACxHnEnIT0fn_YDmmbqsLuIY-KOD10IQsGAC8dNTWvmAhOI2jqOg3euIuGhbDjhuhs1IN2I6yJxOcwqjVoQYGWNaEGch86I_Bt7xtKwMi9P-xeoGOoBhP9yio/s1600/Core1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloxt58MmPrs4qdC9TVXACxHnEnIT0fn_YDmmbqsLuIY-KOD10IQsGAC8dNTWvmAhOI2jqOg3euIuGhbDjhuhs1IN2I6yJxOcwqjVoQYGWNaEGch86I_Bt7xtKwMi9P-xeoGOoBhP9yio/s640/Core1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Men's Core colorways.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />ChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030662647672220127.post-35061764849450279762013-01-01T08:43:00.002-08:002013-01-01T08:43:59.982-08:00Stuff I'm SUPER Excited About in 2013! (Part 1)Things are great for lovers of minimalist shoes right now. Really great, and they are only getting better! Here is the first in a series of posts that will display just a few bits of news that I have scavenged from across the web that really get my blood pumping.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/avatars/skorarunning-94_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/avatars/skorarunning-94_600.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I dig Skora's slogan.</td></tr>
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The rowdy upstart company that goes by the name of Skora burst onto the scene in 2012 with two models of minimalist shoes targeted at zero-drop-demanding athletes and triathletes. The Form and Base, their flagship laced and tri-friendly velcro-strapped offerrings respectively, garnered a strong following with runners ranging from track junkies to the ultra crowd. I was lucky enough to get to review Skora's Base and write about here. Although the shoe was less than perfect (still haven't found one that is), it was an impressive first offering for the new company. (<a href="http://unshodandunashamed.blogspot.com/2012/09/minimalist-shoe-review-skora-base.html">Click to read that review</a>.) I have grown fonder or my Skoras since modifying the strap to allow me to snug them up a bit more, too. They see regular service in my shoe rotation - mostly during barefoot-unfriendly conditions. If they produced such a solid shoe in their first try, I can only imagine how great their follow-ups are going to be.<br />
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There are two new Skora models set for release in February:<br />
<b>The Phase</b> is a lighter shoe with an upper made from synthetic mesh.<br />
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<b>The Core</b> is features a combination of goatskin and mesh upper.<br />
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Both new models feature a new outsole design fashioned from Injection Blown Rubber (IBR) which purportedly provides greater flexibility and comfort without sacrificing weight. Both models also feature asymmetrical lacing, which I totally dig. Skora is not resting on the apparent success of their first line of shoes and is pushing the limits of innovation and design. I am eager to see if these two new models fit my foot a bit better. If so, I'm definitely on board. Perhaps most importantly, price gets the axe on the Phase and Core: $110 and $155 respectively.<br />
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*See more about the Core and Phase at <a href="http://minimalistrunningshoes.org/sneak-peek-skora-phase-core?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=sneak-peek-skora-phase-core">Minimalistrunningshoes.org</a>, or head to Kyle Kranz's blog, <i><a href="http://www.runningonthewhiteline.com/p/skora-running.html">Running on the White Line</a>. </i>Click either link to take you to the preview. While you'r at Kyle's blog, go ahead and check it out. He is an ultra runner who also works with/for Skora as a social media coordinator (I believe that is the official title). His blog is worth exploring, and I am certain he is more than willing to answer any and all questions you may have if you post up on there.</div>
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I forsee great things from Skora in the near future.</div>
ChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030662647672220127.post-74304814391072357392012-12-08T09:13:00.001-08:002012-12-08T09:13:14.297-08:00Christmas shopping alert! VIVOBAREFOOT Sale at The ClymbVIVOBAREFOOT shoes are on sale for 50% off at The Clymb. Of particular interest to me are the (fairly new style) Legacy. Great bowler-esque, semi-formal leather shoe. If you follow this blog at all, you know how much of a fan I am of VIVO. This is a great sale!Click the link below to visit.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theclymb.com/invite-from/chadwilkerson">The Legacy. Sweet shoe!</a></td></tr>
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Go here. Happy shopping!</div>
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<a href="http://www.theclymb.com/invite-from/chadwilkerson"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ScQzqGZNk-POXkjxlU6EF-SUo6rr7iHkYakZ-4Z61VsjFcB4FR_cwT-ErVRIp7DrHR8qPNu-07fAuZglvroen3nxFkiSNIMcJ78k0Xxmbi08mi_H208jj0PIvE2eb8l8dtGGJyXo7Tg/s640/VivosTheClymbSale.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.theclymb.com/invite-from/chadwilkerson">http://www.theclymb.com/invite-from/chadwilkerson</a></div>
ChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030662647672220127.post-1651679252182662842012-11-25T08:29:00.000-08:002012-11-25T08:36:00.651-08:00Minimalist Casual/Dress Shoe Review: VIVOBAREFOOT Oak<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: start;">For the first time in nearly five years, I purchased a pair of shoes for work. It had been scoping out the deal sights like <a href="https://www.leftlanesports.com/invite/ChadWilkerson">LeftLane Sports</a> and <a href="http://www.theclymb.com/invite-from/chadwilkerson">The Clymb </a>for months looking to land that deal, and on the rare occasion when VIVOBAREFOOT did go on sale, I was often too late; they sold out of popular sizes with a serious quickness because they were both great sales - up to 50% off! Fast forward to a few weeks ago - BAM! I was on my computer when the email came through for the new sales, and I pounced.</span></div>
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Anyhow, enough of the back story. On with the review!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clean and understated. I love this company.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yessir! That little red "V" is a nice touch.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sebastian, the bandanna dog, says, "These aren't treats!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasty.</td></tr>
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At first glance, the Oak is very well constructed. The leather appears to be of the highest quality. The Oak is very understated - a characteristic that VIVOBAREFOOT has perfected. Producing shoes that don't possess the "Look at me!" qualities that seems typical of minimalist shoes is likely much of the reason behind their success. I had pined for a pair of <a href="http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/mens/oak-mens-3.html">VIVO Oak</a> or <a href="http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/mens/ra-redbrown-leather.html">Ra</a> shoes for many moons simply for the fact that I wanted comfortable, zero-drop shoe to wear with khakis at work, and the Oaks have not disappointed me.<br />
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The sole of the shoe is made of the neat amber, gum-rubber stuff that I really dig and which VIVO puts on all its brown leather wares. The treat pattern is quite flat, and I noticed that it has changed since I first began admiring it online. <a href="http://www.runningandrambling.com/2009/11/vivo-barefoot-oak-review-and-coupon.html">This review on Running and Rambling</a> shows pictures of the older honey-comb style tread. I like the new one much better from a style standpoint.<br />
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The interior of the shoe is made up of a neoprene-like (it may very well be neoprene) sock liner: no tongue or folds to speak of. The shoe appears designed to hug your foot, but therein lies a minor issue. While the Oak has a gloriously roomy toe box, the rear of the shoe is a bit too loose on my heel. I have encountered this with more than one minimalist shoe manufacturer, but sufficient tightening of laces will will typically allow me to stabilize my foot pretty well. </div>
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You can probably see where I'm going with this: only having two lace loops prevents me from really locking the shoe down. I can sufficiently tighten the collar to keep the shoe from flopping, but if I were to take off in a sprint I would feel pretty unstable. If this were a running shoe, that is likely a deal breaker. However, I have worn theses shoes every week day since they arrived in the mail, and I have not thought about the fit once since my initial fit test.</div>
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In fact, I rarely think about my feet at all during the day. This is a major departure from what I am typically doing: constantly fantasizing about removing my shoes, massaging my heels or arches, and walking around school unshod (and unashamed!). These shoes replace an old Madden-esque bowler shoe (which I am going to try to save in an upcoming DIY project) and a pair of Doc Martens slip-ons. Needless to say, in almost every way the VIVOs are a major upgrade.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption">Can your Doc Martens do this?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbMmA5mczghuZMdB8xtwRiliefWoFZvK1jS1YfWTmV_sPnZD618-NZJ_YWFj5655IjwT4vN4WLV-0nhxQcEzx7EJ0sYa8Crhuki9OIMtmlERA-ADgrFxYsDbzCl-oHur6zIaJvfdh0R8/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbMmA5mczghuZMdB8xtwRiliefWoFZvK1jS1YfWTmV_sPnZD618-NZJ_YWFj5655IjwT4vN4WLV-0nhxQcEzx7EJ0sYa8Crhuki9OIMtmlERA-ADgrFxYsDbzCl-oHur6zIaJvfdh0R8/s640/DSC_0046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removable insole, of course. My feet were swimming without it inserted, though. Make sure you size up if you plan on taking it out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
In conclusion, I don't like spending money unless I am meeting a definite need with exactly the item I am purchasing. The Oak fits that description perfectly. It is everything I want in a semi-dress shoe for daily wear. Keep your eyes peeled on <a href="https://www.leftlanesports.com/invite/ChadWilkerson">LeftLane Sports</a> and <a href="http://www.theclymb.com/invite-from/chadwilkerson">The Clymb </a>for sweet deals. I have no idea when VIVOBAREFOOT shoes will go on sale again, but they have all kinds of great stuff for runners, bicyclists, climbers, and generally active people.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNNHQDNIjFtR6VSoLMgxEuu3jkipQ_nrLjzDdzej0MX5xSJTwL4BHYxel3Btm_YIexGPQfkhyShQZIAkuK524NoX6QlI_ish6zwskzdASQHlNc5aIPgTPIwTqcjLb0x9o80Jnftl5J_0/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNNHQDNIjFtR6VSoLMgxEuu3jkipQ_nrLjzDdzej0MX5xSJTwL4BHYxel3Btm_YIexGPQfkhyShQZIAkuK524NoX6QlI_ish6zwskzdASQHlNc5aIPgTPIwTqcjLb0x9o80Jnftl5J_0/s640/DSC_0027.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">"Thank you, Lord, for minimalist dress shoes. Give us this day our daily treat and belly rub.... and run. Can't forget to run!"</td></tr>
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</div>
ChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030662647672220127.post-24843978306238802002012-11-18T17:42:00.000-08:002013-01-01T08:44:41.810-08:00Top 10 Things I Hate to Encounter on a Run<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4QAkMgBhgr3feFcimHUKMiHw2cSW4B2VcX_kmD6Gzu0bPBbUVImOeA7FiQOTsNQujVylkjH-YCRvb0evA4b38L8uFERqYz-DzCW-ecYTTpMw8hGAKVZYlc9S1LakqNhr5pzD0fEd7XU/s1600/stare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4QAkMgBhgr3feFcimHUKMiHw2cSW4B2VcX_kmD6Gzu0bPBbUVImOeA7FiQOTsNQujVylkjH-YCRvb0evA4b38L8uFERqYz-DzCW-ecYTTpMw8hGAKVZYlc9S1LakqNhr5pzD0fEd7XU/s400/stare.jpg" width="395" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Staredog lacks any sense of social propriety. Return my greeting, ya filthy animal!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Every runner has items that totally burn their buscuits. Here are a handful of mine:<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZdR1LwrhccTvTYjaGXtBbKy7kNT4u5zgruY3UOjckwMFSvsDYDgndD-StLkOwO4sTFyXdOCt3FP55c-A5WjHM-KPK6ZKWeJh0e6VIp2VumG48HqH6K0gemAl5Fpc5gaRHWyEfABJJ0A/s1600/Singing+in+the+Rain+by+Martin+Cankov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZdR1LwrhccTvTYjaGXtBbKy7kNT4u5zgruY3UOjckwMFSvsDYDgndD-StLkOwO4sTFyXdOCt3FP55c-A5WjHM-KPK6ZKWeJh0e6VIp2VumG48HqH6K0gemAl5Fpc5gaRHWyEfABJJ0A/s320/Singing+in+the+Rain+by+Martin+Cankov.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="text-align: center;">10. Rain. Wet runs suck unless it's a light Summer drizzle that hangs around just long enough to cool you and the ground off. Love that stuff.</span><br />
<br />
9. People who try to carry on a conversation with you despite the fact that you obviously have headphones in. I am a very friendly, gregarious person, and I would be more than happy to talk to anybody and everybody, but if my headphones are in I simply cannot hear you... at least not very well.<br />
<br />
8. Starers. That is, people who stare and don't so much as return your hello. Which leads me to...<br />
<br />
7. Shirtless guys who should not be shirtless.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSwDHKZU5Ej1_MUgmMSfPgmY1oMM09VHLA3zB1wXi8Lk707-_ycT_PCD16b4lJtSqm9CoKYaRpBdVxeV4HHlxVDfU-fX2eSSE_ZzhyphenhyphenhcqpJhaoQi58cj7a5WJFxyPMQyTMxbDTizvVv8/s1600/greg-plitt-covermodel-body-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSwDHKZU5Ej1_MUgmMSfPgmY1oMM09VHLA3zB1wXi8Lk707-_ycT_PCD16b4lJtSqm9CoKYaRpBdVxeV4HHlxVDfU-fX2eSSE_ZzhyphenhyphenhcqpJhaoQi58cj7a5WJFxyPMQyTMxbDTizvVv8/s320/greg-plitt-covermodel-body-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Darn you, Greg Plitt. Darn you to Heck.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
6. Shirtless guys who make me feel bad for going shirtless. ><br />
<br />
5. High winds. Feels like you're swimming against the current when it's gusty. This can be especially unpleasant when the temp gets below 50. Cold + wind = exhausting and uncomfortable.<br />
<br />
4. Self-important runners or walkers who are so absorbed in their next step that they can't possibly acknowledge you on the road. Perhaps my shoelessness freaks them out? This happens far less to me on the trail (whilst wearing shoes, of course) so maybe that's it.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTEwT_1WbaDiGbh0bgRFmoUOuohOVI3WlcssTour5mGhyBbzVEp1KnVIB3v-cG4GYv61dhFfifeSOi3g_3KkNfE5jpqee64MtTi7fG18eGMpQAl-pm9KNySoJkcO90Nj-nyn80-w6l8w/s1600/Sidewalk+Car-B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTEwT_1WbaDiGbh0bgRFmoUOuohOVI3WlcssTour5mGhyBbzVEp1KnVIB3v-cG4GYv61dhFfifeSOi3g_3KkNfE5jpqee64MtTi7fG18eGMpQAl-pm9KNySoJkcO90Nj-nyn80-w6l8w/s320/Sidewalk+Car-B.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For illustrative effect. This is not my neighborhood, but about <br />
1/10 of our neighbors park like this. Very inconsiderate.</td></tr>
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3. People parking where they block the sidewalk. You have room in your driveway and/or garage for your Dodge Ram Heavy-Horn Maximus Diesel Dually NASCAR Edition with the special pontoon boat towing package to fit without obstructing my run. The sidewalk is public property, and I have to walk or run into the street to avoid colliding with your monstrous ball hitch.<br />
<br />
2. Gravel or other construction debris that should have been cleaned up by the road crew who dumped it. You mess it up; you clean it up. Didn't your mother teach you anything?<br />
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<br />
And the #1 most aggravating thing that I encounter on a run.....<br />
<br />
1. Unleashed dogs. Why?!?! Your dog, if he or she is in fact canine, has an instinct to chase after anything that appears to be running from him or her. I am that "anything," and I really don't appreciate your Pommeranian nipping at my heels when I'm out for a relaxing afternoon jaunt. Moreso if said Pomeranian is a large breed. Quadruply so if he or she is a Pit Bull. Use some doggone sense, People!<br />
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So what are your running route pet peeves? Post up in the comments below.<br />
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<br />ChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030662647672220127.post-40433286097675963052012-10-12T21:35:00.001-07:002012-10-12T21:35:27.415-07:00Barefoot Running Movie Giveaway Winner!The winner of my giveaway of the film <i>Barefoot Running</i> by Michael Sandler is user "Chris at Barefoot beginner." Shoot me your shipping information via email, Chris, and I will get it out to you as soon as possible. I hope you learn from and enjoy it.<br />
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Thank you to everyone who entered. I hope I can do more of these in the near future.ChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030662647672220127.post-65925191549777386772012-10-11T13:25:00.003-07:002012-10-11T13:25:54.957-07:00Minimalist Shoe Hack - Skora BaseI recently posted my review of the Skora Base, a really neat shoe concept with a flaw that made it a real challenge for me to wear and enjoy. This is largely due to my oddly long, skinny feet. I also previewed how I went about solving this problem.<br />
<br />
Well, here is the full explanation of how I solved my quandary of the overly loose velcro strap.... in picture form.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFlYyS05sd0lYza4DwySr-TM2mPGbBvHVL42PzOcOK3RkfOfRIqUrZBByWosXhyphenhyphenos9E6zCNjcC6UiI1DPPQ7cRb-Cc4s5Dis7XgLyKYsq4RUi2TXg_5QnE2W7adLmj5iSOn8HR5DIIbQ/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFlYyS05sd0lYza4DwySr-TM2mPGbBvHVL42PzOcOK3RkfOfRIqUrZBByWosXhyphenhyphenos9E6zCNjcC6UiI1DPPQ7cRb-Cc4s5Dis7XgLyKYsq4RUi2TXg_5QnE2W7adLmj5iSOn8HR5DIIbQ/s640/DSC_0045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting my newly-acquired sewing skills into practice. I simply doubled over about 1/2 an inch worth of strap material to shorten its overall length.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAClrHLDDeRDaQg2Lb3zc51b3rKUlsoufHjaCqPTu-WEy6jl9XGb0ekj4QUBhXMiUSZJ7WhziZsGK3Y7mkNBNnSIjOjwNvhoIKLN4_VMxtCB4xHnVm3sOx4zaoGiqa93eKnTNbDUx_G7Y/s1600/DSC_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAClrHLDDeRDaQg2Lb3zc51b3rKUlsoufHjaCqPTu-WEy6jl9XGb0ekj4QUBhXMiUSZJ7WhziZsGK3Y7mkNBNnSIjOjwNvhoIKLN4_VMxtCB4xHnVm3sOx4zaoGiqa93eKnTNbDUx_G7Y/s640/DSC_0051.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The aftermath: you can see my understated handiwork on the portion of the X-strap on the outside of each foot. The shoe fits much, much better now with the tighter range of adjustment.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSK9tBplyVZpeFofOr5TMWqep_s4Z5KguoFQwTJklm8H3vwtbdEViEV_yoofATCVwUifIAQp7BzcJ_GzD_394K0onGIploEXJ55xRwHryNQYRBxj64KGlRcnJdkqRwho1aFPemPGT2Zhk/s1600/DSC_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSK9tBplyVZpeFofOr5TMWqep_s4Z5KguoFQwTJklm8H3vwtbdEViEV_yoofATCVwUifIAQp7BzcJ_GzD_394K0onGIploEXJ55xRwHryNQYRBxj64KGlRcnJdkqRwho1aFPemPGT2Zhk/s640/DSC_0052.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up. This was the cleaner of the two sewing hacks.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhr4rLUf9IZ-opL1Ee6GIsUFMHLzUrRcaxf06122_YbHa79W4L6FMxJDwscCnsvvqHWdZ7AZqHkgO2cBc7l-Rp660fvu3HukogXf2C90IQykBUbYRKxvHkde0WWOxPSuTo_o5ovDmFw0/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhr4rLUf9IZ-opL1Ee6GIsUFMHLzUrRcaxf06122_YbHa79W4L6FMxJDwscCnsvvqHWdZ7AZqHkgO2cBc7l-Rp660fvu3HukogXf2C90IQykBUbYRKxvHkde0WWOxPSuTo_o5ovDmFw0/s640/DSC_0053.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More close-up. Not bad, eh?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSu-smNrEz6Vt2LIvVpL-QwFPWfBw33IhBxpjdWjyYOGR4il6bOvB3dnMG7jrI1aI-Uywn5x_HBwDsiUfgxyshR_waAzxYPu5q62pdRd7EWmCVvvV_zg-hlYBywLLuccZNdI5VGzSsbU/s1600/DSC_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSu-smNrEz6Vt2LIvVpL-QwFPWfBw33IhBxpjdWjyYOGR4il6bOvB3dnMG7jrI1aI-Uywn5x_HBwDsiUfgxyshR_waAzxYPu5q62pdRd7EWmCVvvV_zg-hlYBywLLuccZNdI5VGzSsbU/s640/DSC_0054.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The machine tracked a bit off for this side (yeah, it was.... uh.... the machine! that's it, the machine goofed up.). Either way, it still works and is almost unnoticeable.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yFj9KE20mvj3hm2G1qiKJrbteCoN4fc9_-93kVSZLhZ3oQE0k6spKrlCruPbfvnqqK1XObqlbrdAVH2pGZdnHZrdxYUFaACwQkR9AylUHUIYhP-iDUxRLqnLayT71OOai69SF2iFxqM/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yFj9KE20mvj3hm2G1qiKJrbteCoN4fc9_-93kVSZLhZ3oQE0k6spKrlCruPbfvnqqK1XObqlbrdAVH2pGZdnHZrdxYUFaACwQkR9AylUHUIYhP-iDUxRLqnLayT71OOai69SF2iFxqM/s640/DSC_0055.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good look at both shoes together. You can see the difference. :(</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLToBTumx23KTgMiVRiQdqpusPYXVUpfgLG9x49J_4CHx7udnr_15BIqhAB42Ju4Oqr7LdQtEJgq1mde0StHiCUMULcbKdKsyaApAs9eN7aIDVuFMizJGLRttRSBGBfx8SGfvcf1MYEQ/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLToBTumx23KTgMiVRiQdqpusPYXVUpfgLG9x49J_4CHx7udnr_15BIqhAB42Ju4Oqr7LdQtEJgq1mde0StHiCUMULcbKdKsyaApAs9eN7aIDVuFMizJGLRttRSBGBfx8SGfvcf1MYEQ/s640/DSC_0056.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All buttoned down in "on my foot" mode. Fits perfectly with the velcro portion fully... er, velc'd? Cro'd? With all the hooks on the one part hooked into the loops on the other part. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVSeAMLU0lKsqSWNJaYKK5sdL37U_FYU-gSeXyM3UOBFtVWm_IG-512YmOO-jthgyZDKy8jc3EwhKbLFmIumB9QnyScsQUcp_1mPa3UWRKsN81pl3X9sDMBVeKXEzMGtAqtedvz89Cw8/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVSeAMLU0lKsqSWNJaYKK5sdL37U_FYU-gSeXyM3UOBFtVWm_IG-512YmOO-jthgyZDKy8jc3EwhKbLFmIumB9QnyScsQUcp_1mPa3UWRKsN81pl3X9sDMBVeKXEzMGtAqtedvz89Cw8/s640/DSC_0059.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other side.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTijCjVx434V0ahmsDlyFzQJnzBkQ2DvAeFhg3XNws7LwvQPq0DtrPbU1TzWIGcAMKvTh_z_NDilUT3uCQ-SuGUwCNy-iJohxQkL1C25cU4qTglInLoqlVPSeVqHnUMZFlZVndC33OwE/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTijCjVx434V0ahmsDlyFzQJnzBkQ2DvAeFhg3XNws7LwvQPq0DtrPbU1TzWIGcAMKvTh_z_NDilUT3uCQ-SuGUwCNy-iJohxQkL1C25cU4qTglInLoqlVPSeVqHnUMZFlZVndC33OwE/s640/DSC_0061.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see that tightening the straps did not cause the upper to wrinkle too awful badly. That was a concern when I started, but it is not noticeable during normal wear. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So there it is. I took my Skora Bases from almost unwearable for running on my skinny foot to delightfully snug. Also, I discovered that these shoes work better with a medium-to-thick sock than they do sockless. They are going to be my winter shoe of choice.<br />
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Next up: The thumb holes on my rad Mizuno WP (windproof) soft shell jacket are tiny - apparently designed for tiny Japanese runners. I have fatty American thumbs. How will I go about fixing this one? Maybe then I'l channel my inner Krupicka and start hacking away at my New Balance MT 100s that see no use these days.<br />
<br />
Reminder to all readers: my giveaway of Michael Sandler's Barefoot Running movie ends tomorrow evening! Check out <a href="http://unshodandunashamed.blogspot.com/2012/10/movie-review-and-giveaway-michael.html">this post</a> see how to enter. Stay tuned, and until then, happy running!ChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030662647672220127.post-40474490480599177532012-10-07T06:43:00.002-07:002012-10-07T12:23:01.177-07:00Movie Review and Giveaway: Michael Sandler's Barefoot Running<br />
<br />
Oh, boy! The "trend" that is barefoot running has officially hit the small screen. The authors of the book <i>Barefoot Running: How to Run Light and Free by Getting in Touch With the Earth</i> are now the stars of the informational movie by the same name. Barefoot Running is available now on DVD from <a href="http://www.runbare.com/">the RunBare website</a>: a fantastic, well-designed resource for all things barefoot.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.runbare.com/sites/default/files/RunBare_Barefoot%20Running_DVD_new%20front%20cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.runbare.com/sites/default/files/RunBare_Barefoot%20Running_DVD_new%20front%20cover.png" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The movie.</td></tr>
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After a representative for Michael Sandler (it may have actually been Michael, I have no idea) touched base with me about the upcoming release of his movie a few weeks ago, I was pretty stoked to see Michael spreading the good news of barefoot running in an other-than-text media. Obviously video can touch a different audience than books can because of the time and effort one must invest into reading. (I teach 7th grade reading and English; I know a thing or two about this.) I was fortunate enough to get a chance to see the film and have a copy to give away!<br />
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Here is a preview from the website:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/P2Ob9NfOAvo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I thought I might give a breakdown of the information you will find in this video with a short review/critique. After all, why would you visit my blog if you didn't care what I thought, right? The list below is a summary of the content of the video. It contains information on:<br />
- Michael and Jessica's personal barefoot running stories: their respective history and how they discovered the joy of running shoeless.<br />
- The biomechanics of barefoot running with practical tips and shoutouts to Barefoot Ted, Christopher MacDougall, and Dr. Daniel Lieberman of the Harvard Biomechanics lab<br />
The instructional portion contained info about:<br />
- Posture<br />
- Core engagement<br />
- "The String" ala Danny Dreyer/Chi Running<br />
- Arm positioning<br />
- The "Controlled fall" idea<br />
- Definite <i>forefoot</i> strike instruction; <i>without</i> heel touching but sometimes "brushing" the ground<br />
- Lots of borrowed/synthesized material from various sources (POSE, etc.)<br />
- Grounding - a bit hokey and hippy-ish, but whatever.<br />
- Pre-run meditation "listening to your body" - "syncing with nature"<br />
- Great foot strengthening and warm-up drills<br />
- Pretty, natural feet, wider forefoot for yoga platform<br />
- Form drills: "pelvis to neutral," etc. - one of the video's biggest strengths<br />
- Err on the easy side - never to the point of blistering<br />
- Foam roller and ball technique (tennis)<br />
<br />
<i>Barefoot Running</i> is a great resource that all avid barefooters should take a look at, but it is best as an introduction to running without shoes. Michael and Jessica's personalities are hilarious (they are huge nerds; I identify with that), and the instruction has an overall very hippy-esque taste to it. Regardless, there is a ton of great instruction on how to transition properly to running roads and trails with the least possible separation between you and nature.<br />
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Now on to business! Here's how the giveaway will work; you must complete one of these steps for one entry with the possibility of completing all three for a total of three! (confusing, I know).<br />
<b>- Post below in the comments = 1 entry</b><br />
<b>- Post a link to my blog on Facebook = 1 entry</b><br />
<b>- Do something creative to get people to visit here and post up (anything goes)= 1 entry</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>*Update: Tweet a link with the hashtag "#unshod" and consider that an extra entry! Contest ends on Friday, October 14.</b><br />
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Let me know in the comments which you have done. Enjoy, and best of luck.<br />
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<br />ChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030662647672220127.post-15922221757090480172012-09-29T17:31:00.000-07:002013-05-11T20:13:25.044-07:00Minimalist Shoe Review: Skora BaseA few weeks ago, I wrote a post about how Skora, a newcomer to the shoe market, is one of the "next big things" in minimalist running. A representative from Skora was kind enough to contact me and ask if I would like to review a pair of their Base model (that's the actual name; it doesn't mean is has roll up windows and no air conditioning), and I was happy to oblige.<br />
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I was feeling a bit adventurous when placing my order, so I decided to go for the yellow colorway. Warning: in the pictures on Skora's website and elsewhere, the color is listed simply as yellow, and the pictures look like a pale canary. This is just a tad misleading because this yellow shoe is freaking retina-searing, fluorescent highlighter yellow. This is not a complaint; I needed a high-visibility shoe in my arsenal. It's just something to be mindful of when ordering yours. Note: The color is not accurate in my pictures either. The flash washes them out a bit. They are seriously bright.<br />
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<u><b>First Impressions</b></u><br />
Out of the box, the Base looks really well constructed with sharp design and high-quality materials. Putting on the shoe initially proved rather quick and easy - exactly what you would hope for and expect from a shoe that appears to be marketed directly at the triathlon crowd. The interior lining of the shoe is a perforated synthetic material which provides sufficient comfort for sockless wear. The insole is removable, of course, which allows for better ground feel and more room on the interior of the shoe. A bit puzzling is the design of said removable insole with its reverse dimpling. It feels like a golf ball turned inside out which I didn't find especially comfortable, but it was not even noticeable walking around. The upper, overall, is more structured than many of its competitors, but I don't necessarily see this as a negative. Weight is also on par with the competition - slightly better than the Altra Instinct.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXapsxqtH030n69gY2gWcTc925t88FArB5hZ4ApWRHyfahvVG6Kcy9B83jI9jh04aEZPrd9m8TSPYSBtLDnBlvjwR9dATtQUaK9tuS3TER6QbN_GLqDh8OLZTvfFBIda9p-6w1oggqF8/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXapsxqtH030n69gY2gWcTc925t88FArB5hZ4ApWRHyfahvVG6Kcy9B83jI9jh04aEZPrd9m8TSPYSBtLDnBlvjwR9dATtQUaK9tuS3TER6QbN_GLqDh8OLZTvfFBIda9p-6w1oggqF8/s640/DSC_0018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Pretty sweet looking shoe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaQGVCSENp-pfhUexpoduShpGR13fzh95wSdooa0ZzdMaVo5fxrLuAkvPV4icukK_fmFb8Lgl3xep2yy25G-WeIwBmt_z4nGPlaiO-HC_cZN5sMdD1dSdDUPXlKW_1KhTKAsvZnkJj5A/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaQGVCSENp-pfhUexpoduShpGR13fzh95wSdooa0ZzdMaVo5fxrLuAkvPV4icukK_fmFb8Lgl3xep2yy25G-WeIwBmt_z4nGPlaiO-HC_cZN5sMdD1dSdDUPXlKW_1KhTKAsvZnkJj5A/s640/DSC_0027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A laminated toe cap of sorts. I assume this is to prevent excessive wear from toes contacting the roof of the toe box.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbUwvlRalHk7RFVO1NoWQ8-eD6mMIbNPonE7x1zBWRmaHMXdhavWPxKH46x5PJcup6tNsK1igUE6iTmJjQF7x7ubXYjRA0ROKT6RNxt_4KtsqZIv6E2I72A0UyWh0B2IjcVecFLsnzlU/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbUwvlRalHk7RFVO1NoWQ8-eD6mMIbNPonE7x1zBWRmaHMXdhavWPxKH46x5PJcup6tNsK1igUE6iTmJjQF7x7ubXYjRA0ROKT6RNxt_4KtsqZIv6E2I72A0UyWh0B2IjcVecFLsnzlU/s640/DSC_0021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Insole in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1JolJIT6coU67YmUz9_kncQRGKYBq4qIPQ7wNTKBLsV9xe-F-_Conk4G8AlYYtZ0eUoFOJnT_FwCUBRzPJOTAfxd1FfXm-Hq0bv7lJZz-mCmIzI7Ugk_E383oNkoospZLFHz9g1cg_8/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1JolJIT6coU67YmUz9_kncQRGKYBq4qIPQ7wNTKBLsV9xe-F-_Conk4G8AlYYtZ0eUoFOJnT_FwCUBRzPJOTAfxd1FfXm-Hq0bv7lJZz-mCmIzI7Ugk_E383oNkoospZLFHz9g1cg_8/s640/DSC_0025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Without insole - smooth as butta.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LVYwWvUNJsRUkJsSGup9vlcEf15k3P8kf5EBG5KLRVNC_XrbNqsSMptnfjeXE4lalxGuBDKFZw4cAY0JPQSvmVIr0Ib29cjhnc1bSH_tVQcPyCIxpJ43S0YvIoThMChnNENisepnvvQ/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LVYwWvUNJsRUkJsSGup9vlcEf15k3P8kf5EBG5KLRVNC_XrbNqsSMptnfjeXE4lalxGuBDKFZw4cAY0JPQSvmVIr0Ib29cjhnc1bSH_tVQcPyCIxpJ43S0YvIoThMChnNENisepnvvQ/s640/DSC_0023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">You cannot see the reverse dimpling here, but it's there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Hxc6EeBBf4iyBDVsOmTkyaYwFEsPRudTKf-VZeijL5onPvxJERG004h8J3z0uxvAT5d6BabTWJmwYpgaf4Kp7jCxFmDhXTL3zpRFiNdwVxNTFOqbkReKpGa0n5zFsc-3kVPk7D3PjBQ/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Hxc6EeBBf4iyBDVsOmTkyaYwFEsPRudTKf-VZeijL5onPvxJERG004h8J3z0uxvAT5d6BabTWJmwYpgaf4Kp7jCxFmDhXTL3zpRFiNdwVxNTFOqbkReKpGa0n5zFsc-3kVPk7D3PjBQ/s640/DSC_0024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The insole is contoured, but I had no discomfort in my arch from it at all. No support, thank goodness.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u>Fit</u></b><br />
One of the most prominent features of the Base is the X-style velcro strap. I like this idea a lot, and it really sets the shoe apart aesthetically from other minimalist offerings. However, as attractive and clever as it may be, this was my first indication that fit issues would plague my experience with Skora's shoe. Full disclosure: I have a long, thin foot except at my toes. I prefer a slim-fitting shoe through the arch with a super-wide toe box. The Base is the exact opposite. While the toe box on the Base is respectable for a traditional shoe, it is not sufficiently roomy for my preferences. I would place it somewhere between my Mizuno Wave Musha 2s and the New Balance Minimus Trail (MT10). The width of the ankle and arch portion of the shoe, however, is crazy wide on my foot - a size 11.5. To make the problem a bit worse - and this is an issue with many shoes that feature velcro closures - there is not sufficient adjustment to fully tighten the shoe. The velcro strip on the shoe is too short/not low enough to cinch the shoe down.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9RrjDHEv_9CmcqiCwAaeKvkMN501B7YN7fAKaanyAeoQDvHnx3m5a9wVfcWJnUYRuIKRkkVNzdhN8m-tzXMUkjjmxI8BTU4LogCGr8RHwfy8dF2g__2TIZdqdMvT8xlyv6fm_sQGD5o/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9RrjDHEv_9CmcqiCwAaeKvkMN501B7YN7fAKaanyAeoQDvHnx3m5a9wVfcWJnUYRuIKRkkVNzdhN8m-tzXMUkjjmxI8BTU4LogCGr8RHwfy8dF2g__2TIZdqdMvT8xlyv6fm_sQGD5o/s640/DSC_0019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">You can get a good look at the toe box width ratio to the rest of the shoe in this pic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAU_0s-vkRfn4VreY-_EYLUNAz58hnvErnGJSNILhTy9POQWUxAUS7hOfk6pDMcooOt3tL2JVt3Zf-jRKYa6AI_72wXGDWs-ruYrD95YNWmqoOU5MkbXgm4RsrprrF7g3gLBj6dmEPzFE/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAU_0s-vkRfn4VreY-_EYLUNAz58hnvErnGJSNILhTy9POQWUxAUS7hOfk6pDMcooOt3tL2JVt3Zf-jRKYa6AI_72wXGDWs-ruYrD95YNWmqoOU5MkbXgm4RsrprrF7g3gLBj6dmEPzFE/s640/DSC_0034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">This is the adjustment strap in the "fully taut" position. I'm not sure why shoe companies do this, but Skora is certainly not the only one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NUMl_KBuEKQUu86TCAjoyRqRsK5RURzgI9BPOkTG3Vvoa4y3kJrf9yawC1tXl4vsd5Qx2YFSm9OXjnQ8s5kIFP8RV0TRwYPcMQkMhE-YCjfb-Ep-qhKihvcQKe1FBzt85ab5MfJOiZw/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NUMl_KBuEKQUu86TCAjoyRqRsK5RURzgI9BPOkTG3Vvoa4y3kJrf9yawC1tXl4vsd5Qx2YFSm9OXjnQ8s5kIFP8RV0TRwYPcMQkMhE-YCjfb-Ep-qhKihvcQKe1FBzt85ab5MfJOiZw/s640/DSC_0026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Here you can see the strap adjusted to the "neutral" position. Notice the slack.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-Q1MYeNJGHKZgXsUzRn6p0qleU03Jzslwfti5_yv4CY-jfEkWZNXAF4QXFIq4psWa6ZS30LswNyPUGL0Mi1ila9v-bm_VB3KG9nRLBpwNjZGv41Oos_w5W0bm893RH_G_1XW526q4uI/s1600/DSC_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-Q1MYeNJGHKZgXsUzRn6p0qleU03Jzslwfti5_yv4CY-jfEkWZNXAF4QXFIq4psWa6ZS30LswNyPUGL0Mi1ila9v-bm_VB3KG9nRLBpwNjZGv41Oos_w5W0bm893RH_G_1XW526q4uI/s640/DSC_0032.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Slack.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFGid4u4KScSo4mnSghwIy2H7tZ-PesMC-_aXI6oJHcxxKizrv7IeJVvFzQIdHeYA2ugn7VAStmMJPx6YJAvqj2kXDdBVjI1l81ualf7CJVy2FNm3PGMyLLgPa9d3ltqLUvs3Wo1TS28/s1600/DSC_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFGid4u4KScSo4mnSghwIy2H7tZ-PesMC-_aXI6oJHcxxKizrv7IeJVvFzQIdHeYA2ugn7VAStmMJPx6YJAvqj2kXDdBVjI1l81ualf7CJVy2FNm3PGMyLLgPa9d3ltqLUvs3Wo1TS28/s640/DSC_0038.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Rear adjustment strap provides a surprising amount of fit modification.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All is not lost, though. There is an elastic adjustment strap on the back of the shoe to allow wearers to tweak the fit a bit, but this didn't fully resolve the issue for me. Instead, I took matters into my own hands.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVF1qFDMW43UhScc92XHWTu0I37dUUe9paNuaaFCxCMW5Zik0BLwUYRPJ2D_t4uOM_x1Poi0aEhVWK27fsjpyXcX8bAqwLftEPu9jJyyfDsVAwS0r_PFdqmcNgpbdEsoyoWWCWH5KMLk/s1600/DSC_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVF1qFDMW43UhScc92XHWTu0I37dUUe9paNuaaFCxCMW5Zik0BLwUYRPJ2D_t4uOM_x1Poi0aEhVWK27fsjpyXcX8bAqwLftEPu9jJyyfDsVAwS0r_PFdqmcNgpbdEsoyoWWCWH5KMLk/s640/DSC_0044.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My handiwork. I will post another pic later.</td></tr>
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<u><b>On the Road and Trail</b></u><br />
Running in the Base took a bit of getting used to. The knobby rubber outsole and thin midsole is a bit on the rigid side, but I have noticed a good deal of break-in over the time I've worn them. There was an initial *clip-clop* that worked out of the shoe within the first 20 miles. The fit and construction of the shoe, with my foot shape, make it great for running on hard surfaces and little else. I would be hesitant to suggest the Base for running on technical trails because of the slop in the fit; the shoe moves around a lot on my foot if I have to cut or torque in them. I just can't cinch them down like I would want. For casual wear, the Base is fantastic. The yellow is extremely eye-catching, but I am fine with that. It matches my personality, and I am more confident in low-light out there on the roads. There is also prominent toe spring present in the Base, which may bother some. I have never had a problem with it.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNYEshbAK7cYuoaumtBVH8p5Trefh3anF7EmpWgUR6BXXrwfbjH4PO3zVv5-Kp9tVQw4KU4kPgGXBWy3U38H6kBiYh6hyphenhyphen9XXxD1uGARSsLTYVj5WHQ2IuBbgH4zmUHGM9dDGs2HnAye0/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNYEshbAK7cYuoaumtBVH8p5Trefh3anF7EmpWgUR6BXXrwfbjH4PO3zVv5-Kp9tVQw4KU4kPgGXBWy3U38H6kBiYh6hyphenhyphen9XXxD1uGARSsLTYVj5WHQ2IuBbgH4zmUHGM9dDGs2HnAye0/s640/DSC_0020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Very well designed sole. The rubber outsole has proven quite durable. The little island in the heel felt a bit annoying initially, though.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbUIZ5KFh0P_ALSKfx9Vl6xePSqZA8DsYypS7A_wUTgdkOj-Zh-L3mAk8MwFn32Swl8PGz6CFgX9Cm78JxdqwJV_xjm4pvS_a7J0ESsoaP8WwNxD9jvb2TtX1FR4p-sTdEFMlI6y1k6c/s1600/DSC_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbUIZ5KFh0P_ALSKfx9Vl6xePSqZA8DsYypS7A_wUTgdkOj-Zh-L3mAk8MwFn32Swl8PGz6CFgX9Cm78JxdqwJV_xjm4pvS_a7J0ESsoaP8WwNxD9jvb2TtX1FR4p-sTdEFMlI6y1k6c/s640/DSC_0041.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Toe spring.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDmDxKuYviQGego1AY8fxvI3OgqGacbl-YWIm4lNHYCOsZLYgdCd-lVUAsym3pAyfeFevFR0C1S23eKqoMTBbjzj9XpR4o5ckUDgvT0JuXPRatIQfhax56rvhRQegQcMI-WEOa_oH6RA/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDmDxKuYviQGego1AY8fxvI3OgqGacbl-YWIm4lNHYCOsZLYgdCd-lVUAsym3pAyfeFevFR0C1S23eKqoMTBbjzj9XpR4o5ckUDgvT0JuXPRatIQfhax56rvhRQegQcMI-WEOa_oH6RA/s640/DSC_0042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Notice the curvature of the sole. Toe spring does not bother me, but some people don't dig it.</td></tr>
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<b><u>The Verdict</u></b><br />
The Base is an excellent first effort from an upstart company with tons of promise. The shoe certainly has its flaws: it's bit traditional in the toe box and wide in the rest of the shoe with limited and flawed adjustability, but its positives certainly outweigh its negatives. If you are a wide-footed runner or triathlete looking for a shoe as a first foray into minimalism, I would definitely recommend the Base. They go for $110. Check them out at <a href="http://skorarunning.com/#/">Skora's official website.</a><br />
<br />ChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030662647672220127.post-36271235911706988682012-07-15T09:42:00.000-07:002012-07-15T09:42:07.050-07:00Pull me up, Scotty.A very popular topic amongst my running friends is cross-training. Crossfit seems to be the flavor du jour, and I believe that is for very good reason. It's built upon what I believe is a solid philosophy of interval circuits, and it is "open source" to meet the needs of the widest possible variety of fitness levels. My local gym, however, is a nearly 30-minute drive from my home and is <i>crazy</i> expensive! What's a lowly barefoot runner living on teacher pay to do?<br />
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Well, I have been slowly collecting items and evolving my garage into a training grounds to deal with my lack of overall strength without having to pay outrageous gym fees. My intention is to create a versatile space with the necessary tools for total-body workout of various designs while keeping costs way down and not taking over my parking/workspace. This is my favorite tool.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hQTD4j5Wjaaet1W2RWCtBpxFkvPxRD7ivZSxUCmb97Ef1EvsRuuDAF5F7GT7bQbFcyWnH_YfEshe2Lqth53E56L-PNOf-dKaZG1E6BhSIO39WfxSzsmLUq_eBZZLDk0UJSsqA5KjME8/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hQTD4j5Wjaaet1W2RWCtBpxFkvPxRD7ivZSxUCmb97Ef1EvsRuuDAF5F7GT7bQbFcyWnH_YfEshe2Lqth53E56L-PNOf-dKaZG1E6BhSIO39WfxSzsmLUq_eBZZLDk0UJSsqA5KjME8/s640/DSC_0002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hangboard is mounted on 1/2" plywood above the steps down to my garage. It's a perfect location where I can't help but see it every time I leave the house.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWtclqtnng6QC2jHu5lHCxq5syA5wvpGzokoX1OH58TFd3UMzVpWViP358xUl9TOOFfHfm5bXDV0MLIGlr2pkpXC4M07TqYeJ7fr5qfxJAtwOI2bCtQWFx3vi-IxFfmdP5kNi_7yWkyg/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWtclqtnng6QC2jHu5lHCxq5syA5wvpGzokoX1OH58TFd3UMzVpWViP358xUl9TOOFfHfm5bXDV0MLIGlr2pkpXC4M07TqYeJ7fr5qfxJAtwOI2bCtQWFx3vi-IxFfmdP5kNi_7yWkyg/s640/DSC_0003.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wider shot from the garage entrance. Please ignore the clutter. It's quite a bit better now.</td></tr>
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I've had my training board for a while, but I just put it up (with the help my my bro, Wesley) in our house recently. My lovely wife bought it for me for Fathers' Day a couple years ago, and it unfortunately sat after we moved. In the last six or so weeks, I have gone from a feeble two - maybe three - pull ups to a solid twelve dead-hangers. Since starting, I have seen consistent improvement in my overall upper body strength, shoulder development, grip strength, and core stability. Perhaps the area that I have seen the most drastic difference is my recovery: I can do sets of pull ups now where just a few weeks ago I would eek out three or four reps and that was it for the rest of the day...maybe two days. Push ups are also easier which I suspect is a result of both shoulder and core strength.<br />
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My training has consisted of simply executing as many good-form pull ups as possible every time I walk out the door. When I reach failure, I just hang there until my grip is exhausted. Sophisticated, I know. Every once in a while, maybe once/week, I have been integrating sets of pull ups into a complete workout. That's it. I have just begun trying some of the more advanced elements on the board: L-hangs and leg raises (core-specific workouts) and some of the smaller holds. I shall have an iron grip and a six pack!!! My goal is 20 pull ups before the Summer is over.<br />
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Oh, and I don't kip. Kipping is for losers. :)<br />
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Here is the <a href="http://www.metoliusclimbing.com/simulator.html">link</a> to the board I have. It goes for about <a href="http://www.backcountry.com/metolius-simulator-3d-training-board">$80 at Backcountry.com</a> which is retail. In my opinion, this is a much better tool than a pull up bar. It is more versatile, practical, and real-world applicable. I like it!ChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030662647672220127.post-39653122342450138842012-07-14T13:35:00.001-07:002012-07-15T09:42:46.753-07:00The Next Big Thing - Products to get excited about: Part 1 - Skora<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybo78Wv1JueCGZKGnQ0Zu6rNxY9nyanCCqWnmGWBl1eRg00hltdLZWwJRu_IKS9eiBseYEVgXp5b1e9whJwYs1N-Gedgc8m9XCqVe8z2vpbd8R1QevpEe066JkeM4xLavy64PnNQSY3Q/s1600/tech-photo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybo78Wv1JueCGZKGnQ0Zu6rNxY9nyanCCqWnmGWBl1eRg00hltdLZWwJRu_IKS9eiBseYEVgXp5b1e9whJwYs1N-Gedgc8m9XCqVe8z2vpbd8R1QevpEe066JkeM4xLavy64PnNQSY3Q/s640/tech-photo.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">So, barefoot running as a movement is officially having a serious impact on major shoe design throughout the industry. "Barefoot" and minimalist shoes are now making up a significant percentage of overall running shoe sales in the U.S., and all indications are that the trend is only going to increase. The fact that some of the big boys (New Balance, Merrell, Nike</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">!, etc.) are on board with increasingly minimal footwear is great news for gear junkies like myself, but I get really fired up by the smaller, innovative upstart companies that are pushing the envelope in innovation and design. I most recently reviewed the exquisite, ultra-minimalist Altra Adam and found a new favorite road shoe.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Y_0tf2Y1doK5iB1nmIeVH8WSOl3G3g3j01R76grg-xC_nv_BahC-ISzgdCRj8LfREdW10lycqGN1iNvDT4-CNFcRLjhk-DZGgjN0Wl-Zkbtny_V6cw2K1dBJi7gFGEy6xbssn5G30uQ/s1600/SKORA_FB_front_FW12_06-preorder+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Y_0tf2Y1doK5iB1nmIeVH8WSOl3G3g3j01R76grg-xC_nv_BahC-ISzgdCRj8LfREdW10lycqGN1iNvDT4-CNFcRLjhk-DZGgjN0Wl-Zkbtny_V6cw2K1dBJi7gFGEy6xbssn5G30uQ/s640/SKORA_FB_front_FW12_06-preorder+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the pretty colors!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With a market so newly-flooded with intriguing minimalist shoes, one may ask where a smaller company fits into the picture. Skora, a complete newcomer, appears to be aiming at becoming the Apple or Volkswagen of the running shoe world. Their product line, currently consisting of the asymmetrically-laced Form and the criss-crossed-with-velcro-straps Base road running models, boasts high-quality materials, innovative and unique designs, a "connected" running experience, and a fetching aesthetic. For a complete list of features, check out <a href="http://skorarunning.com/#/tech">the tech section of Skora's website</a>. The combination of these factors really sets Skora apart from the field, and their prices reflect it ($125-$195). If the shoes are as good as they claim, however, I believe the prices will prove quite reasonable. I would expect the Base to appeal greatly to the triathlon crowd which would put it in direct competition with another boutique-cum-heavy-hitter Newton. The Form is a bit harder to categorize, but its appeal to minimalists is already clear simply based on its zero-drop, proprioception-focused construction, which is still quite rare especially in such a neat looking package. I hope to be able to review one or both of the Skora models in the near future to bring everyone the full picture with a feature-by-feature breakdown. *fingers crossed*</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AXKp1i-rlMft6jJwMiXzrk6-cqiCcG7tXYCgYuW73HIliTS4x5rVnJbgsA5O6rEY9VDDfpn_Ze0ylDNxzt4xr73Ymfslcl-V5PUXp5Kf5ZffwrMFnq4Y_U5KQAqZq9nn9arZMCfFuhY/s1600/SKORA_Running_Times_ad_Aug_2012_05+-+Copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AXKp1i-rlMft6jJwMiXzrk6-cqiCcG7tXYCgYuW73HIliTS4x5rVnJbgsA5O6rEY9VDDfpn_Ze0ylDNxzt4xr73Ymfslcl-V5PUXp5Kf5ZffwrMFnq4Y_U5KQAqZq9nn9arZMCfFuhY/s640/SKORA_Running_Times_ad_Aug_2012_05+-+Copy.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting marketing angle. Oddly enough, Skora's shoe might just be a preview of the future of running shoes - making minimalism the new normal. I dig it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHCSAk-gve9YMs9u6UfMYdI_fWiddTK5eMNsYlEzJan0WG_OjVqRjgdF5XsEt8ODCDsViNvUm8rQX9QHfTJzN0iJTlFbsRiS9ae5K6j1h-9VEgrQCFeoIZUh6KWQXkkbd0IL0Lgu9AHE/s1600/SKORA_FW12_main_slider_01-preview-21.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHCSAk-gve9YMs9u6UfMYdI_fWiddTK5eMNsYlEzJan0WG_OjVqRjgdF5XsEt8ODCDsViNvUm8rQX9QHfTJzN0iJTlFbsRiS9ae5K6j1h-9VEgrQCFeoIZUh6KWQXkkbd0IL0Lgu9AHE/s640/SKORA_FW12_main_slider_01-preview-21.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two flagships. Note the prices.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">One item that Skora has unquestionably gotten 100% right is the educational side of the running equation. Skora seems to have taken cues from the likes of Merrell and VIVOBAREFOOT by rolling out instructional materials that teach good running form. The fact that the majority of runners transitioning to minimalist shoes that have not run barefoot/minimalist before are going to have to drastically change how they run is embraced by Skora. Their method: "The Three Rs." They stand for reconnect, reposition, and rhythm.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Related anecdote: I remember being a teenager watching videos of skateboarders shredding a session down an entire city block and getting completely pumped to go ride my skateboard. As I matured, I recognized in myself a love of watching videos of athletes doing athletic things athletically because it always motivates the heck out of me. Runners with strong form now top the list (followed by rock climbers/boulderers; I could watch that crap all day!). If you suffer from the same tendencies, here's a bit of motivation from Skora to give you that push off the couch. Enjoy!</span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/RiQZKPV9wuU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">For more info on form, products, and pricing, check out </span><a href="http://runreal.com/" style="text-align: center;">RunReal.com</a><span style="text-align: center;"> or </span><a href="http://skorarunning.com/" style="text-align: center;">Skorarunning.com</a><span style="text-align: center;">. </span>ChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030662647672220127.post-21508915846125975232012-06-27T20:35:00.004-07:002012-07-15T09:43:37.034-07:00Sidelined!Okay, so I just realized that it has been two months since my last post. That's unacceptable, but there is a reason. I'll explain. Warning, it's depressing, (at least to me), but maybe some of you can sympathize.<br />
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My last post explained how I was jumping into a marathon totally unprepared because I was getting free entry and I'm a cheapskate that cannot pass up a deal like that. Well, the race entry fell through, so my weekend running partner, Richard, and I ran over 20 miles that Saturday to commemorate the race. I had been battling some intermittent illiotibial band issues for a couple months at this point due to increasingly long weekend runs, but the issues seemed to come and go without much of a clear pattern. I ran about seven of those 20 miles on that Saturday morning barefoot and felt pretty good at the end despite being completely spent - the kind of tired you feel when you know you are getting good training. It might be important to not that this was the longest distance I had ever run... by far! Prior to this run, I had never gone more than 14 miles in training.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For those that don't know what the heck I'm talking about, this is a sinewy, muscly diagram. (medicinenet.com)</td></tr>
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As the next week progressed, I just focused on resting and letting my body heal. On my next run, I could tell all was not well. I got a nasty tightness in one hip/upper-outside thigh, then the other in the same place starting around mile two that didn't go away. I stopped and stretched at a few points which helped a bit but didn't resolve it. After our run, I was concerned even though my legs felt alright. I enjoyed the rest of my Saturday on the couch until I tried to get up. Yeouch! The outside of my thighs and knees were wound tighter than a snare drum and hurt like the dickens! I knew immediately what it was due to my previous ITB bouts, but this was altogether different. The severity was several times that of previous attacks, and I have been basically forced to shut it down since then.<br />
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In the weeks following, I have tried to run distances up to five miles. Each one has been shorter than the last, and each one has been interrupted and/or followed by a bout out ITB flare up. I have essentially no choice but to completely stop running for the foreseeable future, and I will work toward rehab, healing and strengthening in the interim. Right now, I plan to spend a lot of time on my bicycle, do lots of squats and lunges, and utilize the heck out of my foam roller.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhft4DPfTpusBH5J2QdbKxfvC4m2vnbgh5jKtb8XiUW5VoUCOfdET2ggwUC4eqoqpkyLjYlTBKETaTTmlRIf0c1Tt5u_hSY-M9kOSkBRbzCcabKIddcVFgmoxDOagJaYKYrG6J75lPy1OQ/s1600/Foam-Roller-Long-Round-ITB-Muscle-Massage_554_640x640.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhft4DPfTpusBH5J2QdbKxfvC4m2vnbgh5jKtb8XiUW5VoUCOfdET2ggwUC4eqoqpkyLjYlTBKETaTTmlRIf0c1Tt5u_hSY-M9kOSkBRbzCcabKIddcVFgmoxDOagJaYKYrG6J75lPy1OQ/s400/Foam-Roller-Long-Round-ITB-Muscle-Massage_554_640x640.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo depicts a very unrealistic foam rolling exercise. Why is it unrealistic, you ask? Because the lady is smiling. This hurts like hell!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>ChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030662647672220127.post-1966723356466155522012-06-27T19:44:00.000-07:002012-06-27T19:44:18.297-07:00Deal Alert! Altra Shoes up to 50% off.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnP-YNQO5bMh6zBCsWNdtcndBrxoBhS8sb6aWS1wOxBbzzx0zl6MQhKVPGVfSJXwj0Qz9sLDa2VG9OsM4M7W4hEyIIVlS3wQSGX_w4f6pEaJg1Zxssmd2bb1di3AvHy6P40VY_Osn2RSM/s1600/DSC_0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnP-YNQO5bMh6zBCsWNdtcndBrxoBhS8sb6aWS1wOxBbzzx0zl6MQhKVPGVfSJXwj0Qz9sLDa2VG9OsM4M7W4hEyIIVlS3wQSGX_w4f6pEaJg1Zxssmd2bb1di3AvHy6P40VY_Osn2RSM/s640/DSC_0178.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Altra Adams - my go-to shoe for when the pavement is too hot or cold. They are as close as it gets to minimal perfection, in my humble opinion.</td></tr>
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Altra Adam, Instinct, Eve, and Intuition models are on ridiculous sale (50% off!!!) at Left Lane Sports!<br />
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I reviewed the Adam (women's version is the Eve) <a href="http://unshodandunashamed.blogspot.com/2012/03/minimalist-shoe-review-altra-adam.html">here</a> a few months back.<br />
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Click on my referral link to sign up (if you haven't already). It costs nothing, and their daily deal emails are full of great stuff for runners, hikers, bikers, triathletes, surfers, climbers, campers, skateboarders, and generally outdoorsy types. Act fast, though; the deal is only good until July 3rd!<br />
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<a href="https://www.leftlanesports.com/invite/ChadWilkerson">Referral Link!</a></h2>
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Feel free to post any questions about the Adams below in the comments.</div>ChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030662647672220127.post-37201285038419844672012-04-21T10:19:00.003-07:002012-07-15T09:43:56.615-07:00Just a little bit nuts...Have you ever wanted to do something really badly, but when the opportunity arises you are totally and completely unprepared to do it?<br />
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I had this happen recently, and this is your preview for what could turn out to be a huge mistake, a glorious adventure, or some combination of both. I received an offer last weekend from a friend to run Nashville's Country Music Marathon next weekend. I said, "Heck, yeah!" However, I am grossly underprepared for such an undertaking. No matter; I'm totally doing it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9huTKS6EY2c1O1UM7K7sTIz-jDm33ET6_jW9VxzuSfL8CVoK3GJzmkEd933EJf9_XW6o0f585iQ-7PWdtsaTqrfhTWnpRDPGfzIU9gGBqUYeLM__iZtXmoBAiYnVj-CwXXoa4AwBPJ9Y/s1600/homer_running.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9huTKS6EY2c1O1UM7K7sTIz-jDm33ET6_jW9VxzuSfL8CVoK3GJzmkEd933EJf9_XW6o0f585iQ-7PWdtsaTqrfhTWnpRDPGfzIU9gGBqUYeLM__iZtXmoBAiYnVj-CwXXoa4AwBPJ9Y/s400/homer_running.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And I'm totally stealing Homer's look. Headbands + wristbands + singlet + legendary beer belly = legit marathoner!</td></tr>
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<br />
"Why?" you say? Well, first of all, I have been wanting to run a marathon for quite a while now, but they are so doggone expensive that it's just not feasible on my shoestring budget (lol, pun intended). I just couldn't pass up an opportunity to run a big-budget marathon (part of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series) for absolutely nothing.<br />
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Secondly, this is not the first race I have entered with little targeted training. I ran a local half marathon a couple years ago grossly underprepared (never running longer than six miles prior to the actual race), and I finished in under two hours. I was very pleased with the results of that race, all things considered. By the way, that race entry was free, too. I ran in place of a friend whose nagging back injury prevented him from going on race day. In short, being a slacker who hates paying for stuff has worked out beautifully for me so far. I have every reason to believe that the CMM will be a fantastic experience. If it isn't or I have to DNF, well shoot, who cares! It's free! No harm done.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Cb5u8SFXfshWYSCNfJ-XcbLC3xWpBmLtaXwr0EQOR6FiWHnUyc1I4yWbJLxpOy3qYQ5Ro-d2D-3vORFL0vWbv63ZEH5YpMIqZIVJYCb-0dzAZPM6MOUOrOZ6MPCzuPosBe1qmPu3nMM/s1600/mikael.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Cb5u8SFXfshWYSCNfJ-XcbLC3xWpBmLtaXwr0EQOR6FiWHnUyc1I4yWbJLxpOy3qYQ5Ro-d2D-3vORFL0vWbv63ZEH5YpMIqZIVJYCb-0dzAZPM6MOUOrOZ6MPCzuPosBe1qmPu3nMM/s400/mikael.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I mean, what's the worst that could happen? Am I right?</td></tr>
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<br />
Lastly, I think that many a layperson takes training for and competing in many sporting events they have to pay to enter just a tad too seriously. (Case in point: pretty much any triathlete most of us have ever met!) A marathon is a significant undertaking and shouldn't be taken lightly; however, people should not confuse themselves with Paula Radcliffe or Geoffrey Mutai either (If you do not follow the marathon scene, they're elite women's and men's marathoners, respectively). Basically, if you are reading this blog entry, you are likely a layperson much like me who will never <i>win</i> much of anything while running. You run because you enjoy it and like to challenge yourself. Races are great fun if you have the right attitude, and most runners are in more danger of taking things too seriously than they are being too laid back. Don't confuse me with those people who just goof off and enter races with no ambition to finish, but you won't see me elbowing old women out of the way on the sprint for the finish, either.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVsOFEFmwFK9UVql4qMBKGEJ57tngLCw1tNAFIju-B1doVKCantcVRWM54Jq3cxfAM0fqNGM0QFdCXH2uR-SKb97KFjac1Pcy4wq24YMGp3qDqLhDMGSVJhfB2sGxuj8m6k1trP7B5rk/s1600/hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVsOFEFmwFK9UVql4qMBKGEJ57tngLCw1tNAFIju-B1doVKCantcVRWM54Jq3cxfAM0fqNGM0QFdCXH2uR-SKb97KFjac1Pcy4wq24YMGp3qDqLhDMGSVJhfB2sGxuj8m6k1trP7B5rk/s400/hall.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not quite this seriously....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRVjculUbsqenOX1u48I0moqK0Al0idtqDbScxo3sh3xiMrJdNCZ83iO6L7fwRd8KOe8kXr9zjpzwfYtEaKq7rYY9pBLgeL21xE61KbNryttmBMl_3DxL1qAQ1fmQH-tWu9GiLq1BVj0/s1600/tokyo-marathon-costumes-25.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRVjculUbsqenOX1u48I0moqK0Al0idtqDbScxo3sh3xiMrJdNCZ83iO6L7fwRd8KOe8kXr9zjpzwfYtEaKq7rYY9pBLgeL21xE61KbNryttmBMl_3DxL1qAQ1fmQH-tWu9GiLq1BVj0/s400/tokyo-marathon-costumes-25.jpeg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and nowhere near this silly. /lolJapanese</td></tr>
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<br />
So maybe I'm in a perfect place to run a marathon for the enjoyment of the experience, and maybe I'm woefully delusional about my lack of preparation. Plus I have just a dash "I don't really care," thrown in there for good measure. And because I am sure some are curious, I will be running at least part of this marathon barefoot. My goal is completing the half bare before throwing on my Altra Adams (love!) to finish it out. I believe that this marathon - my first - will be a race to remember. I am excited, confident, and fully prepared to enjoy myself.<br />
<br />
....and maybe just a little bit nuts.<br />
<br />ChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030662647672220127.post-1696023604673641962012-03-29T13:24:00.001-07:002012-03-29T13:24:02.409-07:00Link of the Week: New Balance Minimus Zero Road Review and Giveaway!If you are interested in the New Balance Minimus Zero Road shoes, and I cannot imagine you couldn't be, check out this review from Donald at Running and Rambling. Dude is rad. Hopefully I will get a chance to review these puppies soon.<br />
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http://www.runningandrambling.com/2012/03/new-balance-minimus-zero-road-review.htmlChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030662647672220127.post-20622155775747820572012-03-25T07:13:00.000-07:002012-03-25T07:24:53.682-07:00Minimalist Shoe Review: Altra Adam<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3otldirf8aRG1ftN3f1m505Cgt4Gme7hEG5ZF-Jf5rv9pihbw3sfrwcKZbSDGIS1UvZo1Pi3l6l46WJufzBW0NUFEIK4sQe33ow02vjs1H4sVjjexzsqLyzMmp8-woplfLsLoXg5XT6E/s1600/DSC_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3otldirf8aRG1ftN3f1m505Cgt4Gme7hEG5ZF-Jf5rv9pihbw3sfrwcKZbSDGIS1UvZo1Pi3l6l46WJufzBW0NUFEIK4sQe33ow02vjs1H4sVjjexzsqLyzMmp8-woplfLsLoXg5XT6E/s640/DSC_0180.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah, yes. Tasty minimalist goodness!</td></tr>
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Let me just start by saying this review has been a long time a-comin'. I first heard about Altra on Runner's World Barefoot Running subforum at least two years ago. They were calling themselves "Altegra" or "Ultegra" or something equally as preeminent-sounding back then. Their concept art for their first, as-yet-unnamed shoe looked remarkably like a Vibram Fivefingers KSO model with one extremely important (to many runners) exception: no individual toe pockets. Keep in mind that at the time, minimalist shoe options were very few and far between. The choice was essentially either $85 VFFs if you could stand looking ridiculous or $160 VIVOBAREFOOT Evos. The excitement level was quite high for the shoe that would eventually be called the Altra Adam, so I was super stoked when I got an email response from Altra offering to allow me a pair for review!<br />
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Although I just received the Adams a little over three weeks ago, I have worn them to work and on runs pretty much every day including one run of 14 miles just to put them through their paces. I can say that the results are exactly what I was expecting. Keep reading for an explanation.<br />
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<b><u>Appearance</u></b><br />
At first blush, the Adam definitely looks a lot like a water shoe or boat shoe. The straps add to the effect. There is something just a bit jarring about a shoe that doesn't have laces; our minds just register it as "that's not normal." I am totally down with "not normal," but the reality is you aren't going to win any fashion contests wearing these puppies with your blue jeans. The black/grey color scheme is understated, but it cannot hide the shoe's true minimalist intentions. If you are someone who prefers a more under-the-radar shoe, (a seriously minimalist shoe that looks like a normal shoe), I can't say the Adams should be your first choice.<br />
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<b><u>Fit</u></b><br />
"These shoes have velcro straps," is a statement that strikes fear into the heart of many who use their feet for activities other than ambulating from the couch to the fridge. But, as if you didn't already know, I'm a bit weird even for a barefoot and minimalist runner. I like velcro and really hate laces. I mean HATE! I can never get laces to stay tied unless I double knot them, and if I do that I can never get them off! Not to mention, I have a touch of OCD when it comes to the tightness of my shoes; this often requires a few re-adjustment when I first get my shoes on. So needless to say, the idea of velcro straps on the Adams were not nearly as of a problem for me as it was for others.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEySe79sqN8YlGjVRCt0WMPR6AuVXwWk1iKRWBWZTTsmgffzr9H8YcXGaCcGnQMH-qBJ55aeGnJbxnIKAbUuV9S7g9YTPgRsPtUA4eJogop3jDRDjfMEkiIblKMTSYo3HBw_ImPg7Gtp4/s1600/DSC_0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEySe79sqN8YlGjVRCt0WMPR6AuVXwWk1iKRWBWZTTsmgffzr9H8YcXGaCcGnQMH-qBJ55aeGnJbxnIKAbUuV9S7g9YTPgRsPtUA4eJogop3jDRDjfMEkiIblKMTSYo3HBw_ImPg7Gtp4/s640/DSC_0181.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top and bottom. When I ran across a frost-covered bridge in the Adams, I left prints that looked exactly like a bare foot. Brilliant!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZo6ChiMWef89KhodPz_DEgMDxm9EfQzdSYFdpBTX8L12RtIrZDnr5-UUErWzIgAgyjYm5OJNdBdkLgh2PadbWhUrCcMzlAdUkFNlQZU8GLB-H6cypGpxS6e5yrbXSsWm51I4npUHvkFk/s1600/DSC_0186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZo6ChiMWef89KhodPz_DEgMDxm9EfQzdSYFdpBTX8L12RtIrZDnr5-UUErWzIgAgyjYm5OJNdBdkLgh2PadbWhUrCcMzlAdUkFNlQZU8GLB-H6cypGpxS6e5yrbXSsWm51I4npUHvkFk/s640/DSC_0186.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comfy ankle collar. Despite the visible seams, the footbed is quite comfy as well.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsPWKD4f_4VBnhUsNX0hjwHnpxUmWkOfBGDZKyrqD5L9OsDceT1fjUgSA6Lsx-cyoCJd93w7w05gui6KEDl9TbQMWDPgPXwNGppaa9bR-W-MypOLioJglLSftu568xqzGYKhNHf3e5tQ/s1600/DSC_0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsPWKD4f_4VBnhUsNX0hjwHnpxUmWkOfBGDZKyrqD5L9OsDceT1fjUgSA6Lsx-cyoCJd93w7w05gui6KEDl9TbQMWDPgPXwNGppaa9bR-W-MypOLioJglLSftu568xqzGYKhNHf3e5tQ/s640/DSC_0201.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very clever pulls placed fore and aft of the foot opening for easier ingress and egress. I wish all my shoes had these</td></tr>
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Putting on the Adam for the first time was fantastic! I have yearned for a truly minimal VFF alternative for a long time, and these duders are perfectly foot-shaped. The toe box has a ton of room for toe wiggle and splay. I had no problem getting the perfect tightness with the upper strap, and my heel stayed locked down on all my runs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Tfsev-YkKdCF7aTeweVzTSHkVjaGv8eUy37aS6wSnQiQEPv4ADhgwSdhqiwnWHAbmBVeiG5zs6PjENEpp3ccyitfGd83QMhDAiUfxrqZj-iuYQVCl7AB1NvvBBToDFHIPzTGftnM3dU/s1600/DSC_0188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Tfsev-YkKdCF7aTeweVzTSHkVjaGv8eUy37aS6wSnQiQEPv4ADhgwSdhqiwnWHAbmBVeiG5zs6PjENEpp3ccyitfGd83QMhDAiUfxrqZj-iuYQVCl7AB1NvvBBToDFHIPzTGftnM3dU/s640/DSC_0188.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty seamless. The wide mouth is much easier to get into than Vibram's KSO.</td></tr>
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The fit was not all roses and sunshine, however. The forefoot of the shoe has a second strap that crosses over the foot twice: once about midway up the foot and once across the very top knuckles of my freakishly long toes. This proved to be a bit of a challenge for a couple reasons: it's tough getting the tightness just right (a personal pet peeve), and the plastic "stay" on the outside of the foot can rub because of where it lies on the foot. Don't take this as a deal breaker; I love the fit of this shoe, but the forefoot strap and adjustment took some getting used to. The long-and-short of the Adam fit is that the forefoot strap placement is not ideal, and that is a significant limiting factor in how well the shoe functions on downhills and during high-intensity activities where you are changing direction a lot.<br />
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One factor that sets the Altra Adam apart from the many current and upcoming minimalist models on the market is its removable insole or "footbed." For whatever reason, minimalist shoe makers like to build in their insoles. I am not sure if this is a cost-saving measure or if it has something to do with perceived comfort or function in the shoe. Whatever the case, Altra's takes a very different route. The two insoles included with the Adam allow for three very different configurations to adapt fit and purpose. Obviously, the shoe can be worn without the insole for maximum ground feel and minimal protection. I ordered the Adam "true to size," which for me was an 11.5 US.<br />
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Without an insole, the shoe feels a bit a bit loose unless I cinch it down, which can be uncomfortable; however, the shoe wasn't overly clumsy or awkward with the insole removed like some other reviewers have noted. I was honestly not expecting to like either insole, but I find myself switching them around in the shoe for a couple reasons: (1), If I'm wearing a shoe at all, it's because I need protection of some kind on my feet; otherwise, I'd be barefoot, and (2) The cushy footbed is comfy for standing on my feet all day and actually provides the best fit - placing my foot at the right location in the shoe. I like comfort. If you don't, I'm not sure what to say.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRthlAnN1mbIdxNcS_JFoNJuYScAIesdHa2TQRkiPtsSiThyphenhyphenyY5ayvEbyhUHAm5I96IMgrvTZIrnKqJzVjapktZaG85kuS0iSOB5x8NvXyck-MQZWr_YQPGLlaa6KoJaUv_9Rs5Bokfw/s1600/DSC_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRthlAnN1mbIdxNcS_JFoNJuYScAIesdHa2TQRkiPtsSiThyphenhyphenyY5ayvEbyhUHAm5I96IMgrvTZIrnKqJzVjapktZaG85kuS0iSOB5x8NvXyck-MQZWr_YQPGLlaa6KoJaUv_9Rs5Bokfw/s640/DSC_0191.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I tried to capture an image that showed the difference in thickness between the two insoles. The "Strengthen" footbed is in the foreground; the "Support" footbed is behind it. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7n8NyZE-jBCXfdT9DjgNU_nhBKL5zxSXth2mjFSHSTqeGdOzdfofpLoGoNtjQcggkrqN2bXHVoddETapVZfv4MPteKgkRx_w5gnIcwa7A7ijTM0_nX5BzdlLJjRGdfPCrnCQnBcix65k/s1600/DSC_0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7n8NyZE-jBCXfdT9DjgNU_nhBKL5zxSXth2mjFSHSTqeGdOzdfofpLoGoNtjQcggkrqN2bXHVoddETapVZfv4MPteKgkRx_w5gnIcwa7A7ijTM0_nX5BzdlLJjRGdfPCrnCQnBcix65k/s640/DSC_0192.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Support" footbed on the left has an obvious scallop at the heel and arch, but there really is no <i>actual</i> support provided by the thin, cushy foam. I find it quite comfy, though. The "Strengthen" footbed on the right is completely flat and much more dense, although they seemed to have developed impressions from my foot. I guess I wore the label off, too.</td></tr>
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<b><u>Ground Feel</u></b><br />
I cannot rave enough about the excellent ground feel offered by the Adam - a quality I have determined to be a function of a shoe's sole thickness, flexibility, and overall design. The obvious comparison for this shoe is the VFF KSO/Sprint/Class (all the same footbed and outsole), and that is for good reason. However, there are important differences in the two shoes. The removable insoles that I mentioned above really set the Adams apart from other minimalist offerings on the market, and the concept really is brilliant. Users can customize the amont of cushion vs. the level of ground feel: an idea built upon the "transition" philosophy. I don't personally ascribe to the idea that gradually integrating minimalism into your runs, but I understand what Altra was trying to do here. These shoes should appeal to a range of runners: from those wanting an "as close to barefoot as possible from the get-go" experience to the "I want to move slowly and gradually" folks. I actually found the insoles to be quite useful for adjusting fit and comfort. No other minimalist shoe offers such customizability.<br />
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Obviously, the interchangeable footbeds have a significant impact on the Adam's ground feel, but it wasn't as pronounced as one might think. Even with the "Support" footbed in place, I felt a significant degree of connection with the running surface. Like I stated above, if I have shoes on at all, it's because there is something preventing me from going completely barefoot (debris, excessive heat or cold, etc.). I do not mind trading off a little ground feel for a bit of protection. In the case of the Adam, I really did not have to sacrifice much with either insole in place. My ideal running configuration became the "Strengthen" footbed which I find provides similar ground feel to my Vibram Fivefingers Sprints.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9kP3i8zT7Qix0XPaxLwyY5TT-ok9noIYCcy3IuudMnK_8G95ZYKnQV3YIZMF3GjjS87D8IGcKKFDRu5ntsFqV3nSFx3PmBD3jPfJDZoKfFSl_4CunMnuXAlG4pFqGL1qRjVRN8jaL6w/s1600/DSC_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9kP3i8zT7Qix0XPaxLwyY5TT-ok9noIYCcy3IuudMnK_8G95ZYKnQV3YIZMF3GjjS87D8IGcKKFDRu5ntsFqV3nSFx3PmBD3jPfJDZoKfFSl_4CunMnuXAlG4pFqGL1qRjVRN8jaL6w/s640/DSC_0184.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The visible siping on sole does little other than allow a bit of extra flexibility. Ground feel in the Adams is unparalleled and customizable.</td></tr>
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<b><u>Flexibility</u></b><br />
If the golden standard of minimalist shoe flexibility is the Vibram KSO/Classic/Sprint, the Adam meets or exceeds the golden standard. The thin, siped outsole allows for impressive flex, and the detached insole options really makes for a fantastically malleable footbed. With no insole, the Adam rolls up almost as tightly as my Invisibleshoe FeelTrue huarache footbed. Impressive.<br />
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What I found quite remarkable was just how much flexibility the Adam maintained even with the insoles inserted. I believe this a result of Altra choosing to not build in a footbed because the insole can move independently of the outsole.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyr6vveo20g1Ch4oxnPCWrfSjDtdegVUKRQUfJuv5Rju_Nba-ONcKHZj7mwR1MMwVCI4KdOEN-zijBYmxHMcS4i3vO1lHKLNxKYML9mWXKD6QDxELK0Iwe4yOEGk3o4zyMTqKHtcWJUQ/s1600/DSC_0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyr6vveo20g1Ch4oxnPCWrfSjDtdegVUKRQUfJuv5Rju_Nba-ONcKHZj7mwR1MMwVCI4KdOEN-zijBYmxHMcS4i3vO1lHKLNxKYML9mWXKD6QDxELK0Iwe4yOEGk3o4zyMTqKHtcWJUQ/s640/DSC_0197.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I could ball the Adam up into a pretty tight little cinnamon roll with very little effort, and this is with the "Strengthen" footbed INSIDE the shoe! You can clearly see the razor siping (ala Vibram) that further strengthens the Adam's flexibility.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGqgkfoFC7lJBRYDYoDmOKqGUTu1tMx_fPRWeYEKWXrU5JRM_PmnrFxxHBxqVE2eM2-o_n6aqeJiDrAadSgB8raoba-PrjhRj-9jT4J0TTCCCTmD1wOn9DAeqhMXdp12OMwnlhbOauwI/s1600/DSC_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGqgkfoFC7lJBRYDYoDmOKqGUTu1tMx_fPRWeYEKWXrU5JRM_PmnrFxxHBxqVE2eM2-o_n6aqeJiDrAadSgB8raoba-PrjhRj-9jT4J0TTCCCTmD1wOn9DAeqhMXdp12OMwnlhbOauwI/s640/DSC_0196.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not much to this shoe when it comes right down to it. This pic was taken without an insole in the shoe.</td></tr>
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<u><b>Weight</b></u><br />
With no insole, my Adams weighed in at right at six ounces on my kitchen scale. That is a bit surprising since Running Warehouse has the men's size 9 at 6.2 oz. Maybe my scale is off a bit, but even if it's 1/2 oz. off, that's still less than seven ounces. Most Impressive.<br />
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<u><b>Traction</b></u><br />
This is one category where the Adam has some inherent limitations. On slippery, wet rocks or wet pavement where the siped soles can engage, the Adam feels sticky. On anything involving loose dirt, rocks, or mud? Forget it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82xb4DsYbyS-cjHusK0PWAsxURenhzJoBTYqQYxJqVASS-PRnwyIxNKy5qDsfe9cXe6zCdMiddeUp_HYGvaeKBZnca3DBe-hB8jLGmBYoA_cSgW5dk6CqT-zirIxZZvbhPIrN9wdL1Ak/s1600/DSC_0200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82xb4DsYbyS-cjHusK0PWAsxURenhzJoBTYqQYxJqVASS-PRnwyIxNKy5qDsfe9cXe6zCdMiddeUp_HYGvaeKBZnca3DBe-hB8jLGmBYoA_cSgW5dk6CqT-zirIxZZvbhPIrN9wdL1Ak/s640/DSC_0200.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of the razor siping featured on the Adam. It does its job beautifully on smooth dry or wet surfaces. I wouldn't consider hitting any rocky, root-y mountain trails in them, though. </td></tr>
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<b><u>Durability</u></b><br />
Seeing as how I've had these shoes for less than a month, it's a bit silly to even give them a durability rating. The sole shows no visible signs of wear, which is good - expected, but good. However, I did note a bit of an issue with the stitching on the heel collar on the inside ankle. I was able to quickly and easily "repair" the fraying portions (limit it from happening further) with a lighter, but still. This may be an anomaly, but it certainly is a bit of a knock on a brand new shoe. Overall, the quality of construction appears equal to that of Vibram and certainly far superior to the Wal-Mart water shoes I see some guys wearing around in the cold months.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SfMFQcYwbMHs8OUVs-qGFj0lkSOPqsdltwxGNHj1jzh26ENZ3ZArvcIU4qlQGls_BkD3lFMVEeazGaZPoSGma7JLn-zm9RX5pbdS6IDFHtJKihW_j8Vbq8V5F8RRu38RUJD9ircAbgU/s1600/DSC_0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SfMFQcYwbMHs8OUVs-qGFj0lkSOPqsdltwxGNHj1jzh26ENZ3ZArvcIU4qlQGls_BkD3lFMVEeazGaZPoSGma7JLn-zm9RX5pbdS6IDFHtJKihW_j8Vbq8V5F8RRu38RUJD9ircAbgU/s640/DSC_0198.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of stitches holding the strap stay that locks a wearer's foot into place started unraveling after about a week. Since my "repair," I haven't had any other issues here. </td></tr>
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<u><b>Versatility</b></u><br />
This is a category where the Adam really stumbles. If shoes are tools, the Adam is not exactly a Leatherman: i.e. it's a one-trick pony. Of course, that "one trick" is where I spend the majority of my time and effort in this hobby: road running. As such, the Adams are a wise investment and allows for the widest range of customization of running experience within that specific category. Maybe the best metaphor would be a multi-bladed pocket knife: three different blades, but no screw driver or tooth pick....<br />
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On light gravel, I appreciated the "Strengthen" footbed as it dampened the jagged variations in the smallish pebbles. I headed out off the beaten pavement path once in the Adams, and quickly headed back. Keep in mind that roots and nasty rocks are plentiful on local trails, so anything without a rock plate would have been woefully inadequate. Still, the Adam was quite out of its element. No corkscrew on this Swiss Army knife.<br />
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Fashionistas that desire anything other than the "I-just-got-back-from-canoeing-and/or-flippin'-rocks-and-catching-crawdads-and-the-creek" look are likely to search elsewhere for their daily wear. No tweezers on this Swiss Army knife.<br />
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I honestly loved wearing these shoes to work because I'm on my feet literally all day. I felt fantastic at the end of the day - quite the opposite of what is typical of my experience with even the least constrictive dress shoes I own. Of course, my professionalism takes a bit of a knock. Boat shoes with a tie is not exactly smiled upon by people who have a critical eye for such things. No file on this Swiss Army knife, either.<br />
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So the Adam is built for running on smooth surfaces and little else, but what it does, it does with aplomb!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKe_X3yKkBWy0VSxXf2jO0hZ4BmG0AhHka_npLyTq3CB_ZMHAxFVxlC6KbuXb34yLUkv5X9n5veKfxD1YN9VAqtm8xQsZnBQBg_i5wbReny-Sd3YFhe8wKVSZ0aFU0x-14l_fjytn8iEQ/s1600/DSC_0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKe_X3yKkBWy0VSxXf2jO0hZ4BmG0AhHka_npLyTq3CB_ZMHAxFVxlC6KbuXb34yLUkv5X9n5veKfxD1YN9VAqtm8xQsZnBQBg_i5wbReny-Sd3YFhe8wKVSZ0aFU0x-14l_fjytn8iEQ/s640/DSC_0206.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, I have hairy legs. Don't hate. </td></tr>
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<b><u>Price</u></b><br />
The Adam goes for $80 shipped from Runningwarehouse.com. Very reasonable.<br />
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<b><u>The Verdict</u></b><br />
The Adam is definitely a worthwhile addition to the minimalist shoe market. They're definitely my #1 choice for road running shoes in conditions where bare feet are not an option followed closely by my Invisible Shoe huaraches. (The Adams get the nod in the masculinity department.)<br />
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*Disclaimer: These shoes were provided to me for review by Altra. All opinions are my own and unapolagetically exhibit blatant personal bias. If you disagree with me, please post in the comments below, and I will politely explain why you are wrong. Happy running!ChadisBarefoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10326198525322279659noreply@blogger.com11