Minimalist Shoe Review: Birchbury Bramfords Shoe Review

Birchbury Bramfords Shoe Review

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.

That is no longer the case.

Enter: the Birchbury Bramford 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.

First Impressions

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.

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.

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.

Fit and Feel

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.

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.

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.

After a Few Weeks

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.

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.

Now for the breakdown:

Pros

- Classic styling

- Checks all the minimalist boxes (wide toe box, zero drop, no intrusive support)

- High quality construction and materials

- Amazingly comfy footbed

Cons

- Lack of adjustment (for my long, skinny feet)

- Slightly heavy

The Verdict

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 HERE. (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.)

A Surplus of Minimalism

“Everything should be made as simple as possible, 

but not simpler.” - Albert Einstein

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.

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.

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.

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:

1. Less to remember
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...

2. Greater focus
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.

Laser-like intensity dedicated solely to fight preparation... along with several hours of free child labor. 

3. Less weight
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.

"Hey, where are the cup holders?"

4. Fewer variables
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.

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?

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.

Gear Review: Ensō Muscle Roller

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.

This is the primary configuration with which I use the Ensō when rolling my back and hamstrings. 

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.

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."

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.

For all the really cool features of the Ensō, there are a few drawbacks. First, and probably most importantly, the Ensō is expensive: $89.00. 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).

So, to recap, the breakdown looks like this:

Pros
Targets muscles
Super intense
Extremely adjustable
Versatile - replaces several pieces of equipment
Portable

Cons
Cost - $90!
Learning curve
Super intense

The Verdict: 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.

For more info, check out the EvoFit website. More pics below:

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.

Detail of the differences in depth between the individual rollers.

Detail of the aluminum "axle" tube and the adjustment radiuses.

This is the Ensō fully dismantled. The larger disks are on the right. 

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.

All the Ensō roller components laid out.

The Ensō aluminum center section. Notice the notches for the various disk positions. 

Size comparison vs. 18" J-fit. 

Ensō vs. 18" cheapie foam roller.

Next up on gear reviews: I try out some HumanX gear by Harbinger and get my first double-under. Stay tuned!

New 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!

Here is a couple of preview pics. Stay tuned!

Minimalist Shoe Review: Inov-8 Bare-XF 260

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.

First Impression: Straight-Up Purpose-Built
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.

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.

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.

Criss-crossed for security of fit.

Fit and Feel
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.

The skeletal pattern is a nice touch and included on the sole of all the Inov-8 Bare-X line.

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. 

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.

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.

Model name emblazoned on the toe cap.

Super flexy - as any good "minimalist" shoe should be.

Perforated, thin, flat insole. No support, no arch. Perfect.

The unstructured heel cup is quite nice.

Zero drop, Baby.

On The Road and Trail
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.

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.

The perforated insole (as if you couldn't tell by looking).

In the Gym
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!

One clever feature that I did not discover until a few weeks after I had already been wearing them:

What's this? Built-in motivation?

It's like the soul of my drill sergeant from basic training is built into each shoe strap. Scary thought.

Nevermind the grass and debris. That didn't come with the shoes. That was me.

The upper is almost burrito-like: no tongue to speak of (ya get it?).

The upper wraps the foot nicely.

The Verdict
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.

Pros
- Unique, unmistakably CrossFit-focused look
- Very innovative design
- Secure fit
- Great outsole/ground feel
- Versatility on the road and the gym

Cons
- Not so great sockless comfort
- Retail price tag ($140!)
- How do you feel about Velcro?

Inov-8 XF-260s (along with several other Inov-8 offerings) frequently go on sale at The Clymb and LeftLane Sports. Keep your eyes open, and you can find them for over 50% off!

Click on the links to sign up and enjoy the savings.

Super Simple Shoe Surgery

A 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:

Oh, Noes!

Yep, we're going to have to operate. He may never run a trail again!

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.

So, have you every had any gear busters? Post up your stories and pics.

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