As the weather starts to improve, the sun rises that little bit earlier and gradually sets later, more and more of us are inspired and encouraged to get out and enjoy the extended days. It’s Merrell that tells us ‘Let’s get Outside’ and thanks to their latest addition to the range of Merrell walking shoes, it’s easier for everyone to enjoy the outdoors.
Merrell footwear started life as a hiking specialist by manufacturing a range of top quality boots at a premium price, but soon switched to manufacturing a more affordable high-end boot and later a range of lightweight shoes. So understandably, it makes sense that when searching for the perfect shoe or boot for walking, Merrell shoes are the first choice.
One of the latest shoes to come out of Merrell HQ is the Merrell Avian Light Sport shoe, a lightweight and durable walking shoe that offers comfort and protection for a wide variety of walking levels and terrain. Available in variations for both men and women, the Avian Light shoes may look like a stylish and simple shoe but they certainly pack a punch when it comes to footwear technology.
Merrell walking shoes for men and women take the most up-to-date features and introduce them to their footwear range in a way that works in harmony with the Merrell ethics. The Merrell Avian Light Sport shoes feature a superb lightweight Vibram sole that offers stability and comfort and the Merrell air cushion in the heel for shock absorption and additional stability. Inside, these Merrell shoes take comfort and cleanliness seriously with Ortholite anatomical footbed, and revolutionary antimicrobial protection from Aegis Microbe Shield, an antimicrobial barrier against bacteria, fungus and other microorganisms.
Furthermore, Merrell understand the importance of recognising the difference between men and women’s feet. Ladies have wider hips which affect their angle with the knee and so causes the woman’s strike to be concentrated on the outside of the foot. They correct this by shifting weight towards the inside of the foot which in turn can result in pain and discomfort. To combat this way of movement Merrell introduced the QForm Comfort midsole into their Merrell women’s walking shoes – something that the Avian Light Sport shoes benefits from.
Merrell’s Avian Light shoes are also available in a GTX sport variant with GORE-TEX® Performance Comfort footwear lining for dryness and protection, and a mid boot for enhanced stability and support while tackling tougher terrain.
Merrell support the outdoors and have done for some time by supporting likeminded organisations that encourage the exploration of the natural world. Merrell footwear has always had walkers in mind and is committed to manufacturing footwear to keep you going for years to come. Get the latest styles at FitnessFootwear.com.
Popularity: 4% [?]
Plantar fasciitis is one of the commonest foot complaints in the UK, and occurs when the plantar fascia is injured and becomes inflamed. The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue which forms the floor of the foot arch, running from the heel bone to the ball of the foot. When the arches are inadequately supported, or during exercise when the muscles in the feet get fatigued, the plantar fascia is placed under greater strain which can result in injury, and even small tears forming in the plantar fascia.
The condition is most painful first thing in the morning, as after a period of rest the plantar fascia contracts and the initial stretching can lead to intense pain. The condition can take some time to heal, with plantar fasciitis exercises often used by physiotherapists and doctors to help stretch out the plantar fascia. Effective stretching can prevent painful episodes from occurring, and encourage the heeling process. One such beneficial exercise is walking barefoot in soft sand, as the foot is encouraged to move through a plantar fascia stretching roll, whilst the sand helps to support the foot. This method of walking is also simulated by FitFlop sandals, thanks to the innovative design of the Microwobbleboard™ midsole.
The Microwobbleboard™ was developed by Dr. David Cook and Darren James at London Southbank University, and consists of triple density EVA Foam rubber, which helps t activate muscles throughout the lower body. The design is such that it also increases the range of movement of the feet. FitFlop footwear helps to accentuate the rolling motion from heel to toe, providing proper support for the foot arches and excellent cushioning throughout the stride. The smooth rolling motion gives the plantar fascia a gentle stretch, similar to walking barefoot in soft sand. The high density foam in the heel also provides excellent cushioning, with the Microwobbleboard™ reducing the shocks from walking by up to 22% more than standard footwear, helping to ease heel pain resulting from plantar fasciitis.
Whilst the FitFlop was designed to get the muscles working, the shoes have been reported to be highly beneficial for sufferers of plantar fasciitis, helping to stretch out the plantar fascia gently when walking. Customers have found that the smooth rolling motion can prevent painful episodes, and even eliminate morning foot pain. The feet are well supported by the triple density midsole, and the roll from heel to toe is smooth for a gentle stretch. Plantar fasciitis can be persistent; however wearing FitFlop footwear on a daily basis ensures that the plantar fascia is properly exercised and stretched, preventing the pain from returning for many sufferers, even in cases of chronic plantar fasciitis. The Microwobbleboard™ may not have been created with foot pain sufferers in mind, but for anyone who sufferers from plantar fasciitis, the pain relieving properties of FitFlop footwear is far more important than getting the muscles activated for faster toning, with that just being an added extra.
Popularity: unranked [?]
As the temperatures start to soar, keeping the feet cool becomes a problem, and whilst changing over to a pair of walking sandals is great for getting air to the feet, many walkers prefer the support, cushioning and toe protection which come from walking or hiking shoes. Fortunately Salomon has produced a great new hybrid shoe for walkers and hikers, which combines the lightweight and airy minimalist construction of a sandal, with the support and protection of a hiking shoe.
For the summer you really can’t beat a cabrio for improving airflow, and the Salomon Epic Cabrio has the same effect. The shoes are the most breathable shoes from the extensive Salomon range, and have an ultra lightweight design to save energy on hot summer days. Salomon has done away with the lightweight mesh from their trail shoes and has justleft the protective nubuck panels to let air flow freely through the shoes.
The Salomon Epic Cabrio is designed to be worn without socks, and to minimise potential sources of abrasion, internal stitching is hidden and the shoes feature a neoprene lining for comfort, with a moisture wicking footbed to keep the feet dry, cool and comfortable. The shoes use an innovative removable heel strap for maximum security on the trail, yet have the versatility to be converted into a slide sandal for the beach and riverside. A protective rubber cap keeps the toes well protected, and an injection moulded EVA midsole provides excellent shock absorption over hard baked summer surfaces. As with Salomon trail shoes, the Salomon Epic Cabrio features Salomon’s famed Contragrip outsole for exquisite grip over the full range of terrain, making it ideal for off road action and stability over a wide range of terrains.
If the size of the holes is a concern and you prefer a little more protection from the debris usually encountered on the trail, or want greater functionality to be able to head into the water, there is the Salomon Techamphibian 2. This next generation trail shoe come sandal come water shoe is ultra lightweight, and one of the most versatile shoes from the Salomon range. It features a patented convertible adjustable heel for a secure fit, with a similar design to the Salomon Epic Cabrio, but with an anti-debris mesh to keep the trail out of your shoes. A bungee cord quick lace system allows for quick and easy adjustment even when wet, and the quick drying uppers are perfect for when you want to head into the water to cool down.
If you want to stay cool this summer without scrimping on foot protection and comfort, the latest models from Salomon really take some beating, and are perfectly suited for all of your summer adventures.
Popularity: unranked [?]
We first wrote about the Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX back in 2009, when the boots were released to an unsuspecting public, and were first being put to the test by Brian Blessed on Channel 4’s The Gadget Show. Whilst they got full marks and a glowing review by the big man, it’s now 2 years on, technology has improved considerably, and a fair few hundreds of thousands of miles have been clocked up in the lightweight boots, so how have they fared and are they still as impressive as they were when they were released?
Given that Salomon is keen on updating its shoes and boots each season, it is a little surprising that the Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX has changed little since its release. Apart from the Autobahn and Quick men’s model having been joined by a quite striking lime green version which can be seen from the other side of a dale, it’s essentially the same boot. However, the fact that little has changed is testament to the extraordinary design, which was so ahead of its time that no other boots have come close to offering such a lightweight design and remarkable performance, even given that technology is moving at lightning speed in footwear design.
Customers here at Fitness Footwear have been putting the boots through the paces for a couple of years now, and the feedback received is full of praise for the comfort, support and grip. Save for one man’s struggle to find replacement laces in the right colour, the Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX has received 5 out of 5 stars from every reviewer.
Whilst the Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX is highly rated across the board, it is the comfort and the lightweight design which is the biggest attraction with the boots. The Cosmic 4D GTX weighs in at an impressive 750g for a UK size 9, yet it functions perfectly well as a backpacking boot, and its performance is anything but lightweight. The design is versatile enough to be used as a hill walking boot, and is light and flexible enough to be used for even for light off-road walking. Considering that many boots in its class add nearly an extra kilo per pair, it’s no surprise that it gets such high marks, especially considering that each kilo on the feet is equivalent to an extra 5 in the pack. The difference that makes over a day of trekking is considerable.
The comfort comes from Salomon’s extraordinary trail running shoes, essentially using the same 3D chassis construction to give an unparalleled fit. An extra layer of support has been added to create the 4D system to deal with tougher terrain, yet all of the comfort of a pair of lightweight tail shoes remains. This gives the boots comfort straight out of the box, and a design which is ideal for maintaining that comfort over long hikes, difficult terrain, and the most punishing weather conditions.
Salomon may have been resting on their laurels after producing such an exceptional hiking boot, but given how extraordinary the Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX are, we think they can be forgiven for taking a little time off to rest their grey matter. Two years on and the Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX is still the best hiking boot in its class.
Popularity: unranked [?]
This week sees the introduction of a brand new range of performance socks at Fitness Footwear, offering a design to get the feet moving just how nature intended. Injinji socks provide an exceptionally close and comfortable fit, moulding to the exact anatomy of the feet right down to there being a separate compartment for each toe. Injinji socks have been designed with foot health first and foremost, and improve foot health by creating the perfect microclimate for the feet, whilst increasing the range of movement of the toes to give the full benefits of being barefoot. Injinji socks can help to improve balance, posture and grip, and can greatly improve comfort, and are the ideal socks to wear inside barefoot shoes.
You may remember the five-toed sock design from Christmases gone by; however Injinji socks are a far cry from the novelty hosiery of the 1980’s, and instead offer a highly technical performance to get the feet working efficiently. Injinji socks are the product of extensive testing, and use a highly technical design to keep the toes moving in a friction free environment. The Anatomical Interface System uses an anti-friction construction, with the seams concealed, and flatlock stitching to reduce potential sources of abrasion, and a layer of Coolmax® fabric to wick moisture away from the feet quickly. Coolmax® fabric offers superior moisture wicking properties to ensure the feet stay perfectly dry and comfortable, even during heavy exertion to ensure the feet stay perfectly dry, cool and comfortable. With no skin on skin contact and the feet kept dry, blisters are kept at bay making them ideal for long walks and hikes and a full day on the feet.
Whilst having the toes enclosed is perfect for insulating in cold weather, injinji socks are just as well suited to warmer climates. When the feet get hot and sweaty, the Coolmax® fabric keeps moisture moving away from the feet, whilst the natural movement of the toes helps to increase air-flow. The same movement of the toes helps to stimulate the blood circulation, and preserves the full benefits to the body of being barefoot.
Injinji socks are the perfect partner for a pair of Vibram Five Fingers or barefoot shoes, and thanks to the ultra thin and lightweight dual layer fabric, give exceptional moisture management to keep the feet fresh, dry and comfortable. The range includes crew socks for maximum warmth, micro socks for running and everyday wear, and mini crew socks to fit perfectly in your barefoot shoes, with a great choice of colours to match with your favourite footwear.
If you want the full benefits of being barefoot, yet are loathed to give up wearing socks Injinji socks are the answer, and for great foot health, are second to none.
You can view the full collection of Injinji socks at http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/c-464-injinji.aspx
Popularity: unranked [?]
Hiking boots are designed to give the best possible off road performance, with robust uppers to protect the feet and support the ankles, soft cushioning insoles for comfort, and midsoles for shock absorption and rigidity; however it is the outsole design which will keep you on your feet and get you powering over tough terrain.
Whilst the outsole may not be one of the primary considerations when purchasing hiking boots, its construction has a significant bearing on performance. Hiking boot companies invest considerable resources into developing highly technical designs to give the best possible traction, and formulate rubber blends to stick to soft ground and have the durability to cope with abrasive and punishing surfaces. Choosing hiking boots with an outsole to match the terrain you plan to cover can have a significant bearing on the lifespan of your hiking boots, and will also ensure that you have the traction to cope with your preferred terrain.
The blend of rubber for hiking boots is vital for providing traction, with sticky rubber the best for coping with soft, wet ground. Vibram is the best known performance rubber manufacturer, and is widely regarded as the best. The soft and sticky blends are ideal for low level trails and for heading off road and for hill walking, although there is often a trade off between stickiness for traction and hardness for durability. Blending rubber with other compounds and varying the density helps to provide better durability for dealing with tougher terrain. Carbon rubber is a popular choice for the toughest hiking boots, which offers a much harder wearing composition better suited for highly abrasive terrain.
Tread pattern plays an important role in traction and lug placement and tread patterns are highly technical. The function of the outsole is to generate friction across a wide variety of surfaces and conditions, and the lug placement has an important bearing on grip. The function of outsole lugs is to sink into soft ground and increase the surface area in contact with the terrain. Multi-directional lugs provide the maximum traction on slippery surfaces, with precise angles to give maximum bite and to prevent slippage. Hiking boots tend to use wide tread patterns to prevent clogging and adding to the weight which needs to be carried, whilst ensuring each foot placement has clean contact. On harder ground and on slick surfaces, contact area is minimal and creates pressure points on the outsole, and the rubber blend needs to be robust and rigid to cope, with a deep tread to dispel underfoot water. When walking downhill the heel is required to provide most of the traction, and a heel brake is used in hiking boots to slow down the descent, and give maximum bite to limit slippage and sliding.
Pay attention to outsole design and construction when buying hiking boots, and make sure that the design matches the terrain you plan to cover and the conditions. High quality hiking boots use a well researched design to give the proper level of traction, and the highly technical construction will help to ensure that no matter what the terrain or gradient, you will be sure on your feet.
Popularity: unranked [?]
If you were expecting more of the same from Keen Sandals this year, prepare to be surprised. Whilst the old favourites such as the Keen Newport and Newport H2 range have been tweaked again with a wider choice of colour schemes, there have been a plethora of new styles added to the collection which have surprised us all.
If there is one thing you can count on from Keen, it is that their sandals will provide exceptional protection for the toes. It was Keen’s toe protection system which revolutionised water sports sandals in 2003, when the Keen Newport was originally launched. Ever since the chunky rubber toe bumpers have been a permanent feature of the entire range. This year marks a daring departure for the brand that created the hybrid sandal, with new models leaving the toes wide open to abuse.
It has to be said, that whilst the beefy bumpers protect the toes, they are not everybody’s cup of tea, and if you do not like a robust look to your footwear; options have previously been rather limited. Even when Keen released their first toe-post sandal, the Women’s Waimea, they couldn’t resist curling the toes up and adding their famous bumper.
It would now appear that the designer responsible for incorporating this iconic feature to the shoes has been on long term sick leave, as not one, but 4 models have been released as part of this year’s collection without even a hint of thick chunky rubber to protect the toes.
The his and hers Keen Daytona and Sarasota use an open toe design, although they stick to the tried and tested formula which have made Keen sandals such a success. The waterproof leather sandals have the look of the very first Keen sandal, the Newport, with the chunky razor sipped soles, drawstring laces, and thick side panels. Keen have opted for an all leather look, right down to a burnished leather footbed, but its all change underneath. Keen have replaced the compression moulded EVA foot frame, with a metanomical footbed of cork and latex, which still provides the comfort and cushioning, but has less of an impact on the environment.
The Keen La Paz is a brand new addition to the women’s range, and too lacks the Keen toe bumper. In fact, that’s not all the sandals lack. Chunkiness has been replaced with sleek minimalist styling, thick protective side panels with g-string thin straps, and even the outsole is razor thin. Another brand new flip-flop also joins the collection, using a similar amount of restraint when it comes to beefiness. The Keen Cabo offers an ultra feminine style with bright multi-coloured patterns and an EVA foam rubber footbed.
If you have never been one for beefy sandals, or want to have Keen comfort with a little more panache, this year’s collection is certainly worth a look, and with now over 80 models in the Keen collection you will certainly spoiled for choice this year, whether you are a fan of the toe bumper or find it a turn off.
Popularity: unranked [?]
When it comes to trail running shoes, there is no better brand than Salomon, with the French off road specialists producing ultra lightweight shoes to maximise performance and speed.
For off-road performance, Salomon trail shoes are the benchmark by which all other trail running shoes are judged and none more so than the Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX. Although the Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra is sold in a GTX and standard model, the weight difference between the two is minimal, with the GTX version weighing in at only 390g for a UK 8.5 and for a year round wear it pays to have the Gore-Tex Extended Comfort treatment. The Gore-Tex lining and a gusseted tongue gives the shoes a 100% waterproof design which can keep the feet dry even in the wettest weather conditions.
When the temperatures pick up, some Gore-Tex lined shoes can start to feel a little warm, yet the Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX remains highly breathable, thanks to the double 3D stretch air mesh which keeps the air flowing, to facilitate the escape of hot moist air out of the shoes. The mesh has a dual purpose, also preventing dirt and grit from getting into the shoes and causing irritation.
As with all Salomon trail shoes, comfort is first rate thanks to the Sensifit™ design, which moulds the upper around the foot for a highly comfortable and secure fit. An asymmetric lacing system with ultra thin laces keeps the shoes secure on the feet, whilst minimising pressure on the instep and matching the contours of the feet. Under the feet, support and cushioning is exceptional, with an Ortholite® footbed for support and a triple density EVA midsole to cope with anything the trail can throw in your path.
As with all Salomon trail shoes, the Salomon XA Pro Ultra GTX offers an incredibly stable ride, which is made possible by Salomon’s 3D chassis system. Sitting between the outsole and the midsole, it is an extra support structure which improves stability and improves motion control.
Developed to give the right balance of rigidity and flex, the shoes allow for a natural forefoot movement whilst providing excellent support when taking on the trail at high speed. The feet are protected against spikes and stone bruises, and the Salomon XA Pro Ultra GTX offers a degree of pronation control, helping to guide the foot through a natural and smooth heel to toe motion.
Salomon XA Pro Ultra GTX is the trail shoe by which all others are judged, and if you want the best performance, exceptional grip and want to take on demanding trails in all weather conditions, the Salomon XA Pro Ultra GTX is sure to give you an unbeatable performance.
Popularity: unranked [?]
Injinji socks have long been a favourite choice for use with barefoot shoes, with a design that is ideal for colder climates to add more insulation, and great for warmer weather to wick away moisture to keep the feet cool, dry and comfortable. The lightweight design makes them ideal for all barefoot shoes, and the five toed design ensures that the benefits of being barefoot are not lost, whilst allowing them to fit comfortable in Vibram Five Fingers shoes.
The socks may be ideal for minimalist shoes, but the design is actually perfectly suited to all types of footwear. Making the switch over to Injinji socks for use in all athletic and hiking footwear, can greatly improve comfort, minimise the chance of blisters forming, and even stimulate the blood circulation. With the toes free to move throughout the stride, blood flow is improved helping to keep the toes toasty and warm, making the socks ideal to wear in cold weather conditions. With the toes free to move independently, posture is improved to allow for proper body weight distribution, and the toes can work just as nature intended improving dexterity and balance.
The fine weave of the fabric and foot hugging design makes Injinji socks ideal for wearing in restrictive footwear, and for the coldest weather conditions Injinji socks are excellent as a warm base layers. They can be comfortably be worn under standard walking and hiking socks to add an extra layer to protect from the cold. Injinji liner socks have been designed specifically for this purpose, and use a featherlite construction with Nylon to eliminate friction and keep the toes moving freely, whilst Coolmax® fabric wicks away moisture from the feet quickly. Lycra keeps the socks snug on the feet and prevents slippage, and the toes are free to move even when combined with thick woollen walking socks.
Because each toe is treated separately and covered with a layer of fabric, the socks offer excellent insulation, but in contrast to standard socks, they prevent any skin on skin contact. The toe sections are seamless to ensure there are no potential sources of abrasion, and chafing can be prevented to keep blisters at bay. If you are prone to develop blisters on your toes when hiking or running, using Injinji socks can make them a thing of the past.
Injinji socks may feel a little odd at first and will certainly take longer to put on your feet than standard socks, but you can really feel the benefits from them quickly. They are comfortable and highly supportive, and fit the feet like a second skin. For long walks and hikes, when the feet are really put through the paces, Injinji socks can greatly improve comfort, and the innovative design and the blend of fabrics makes them highly versatile for year round wear. If you want to improve the comfort and health of your feet, Injinji socks are second to none.
Popularity: unranked [?]
Barefoot and minimalist shoes are becoming a highly popular choice with runners and outdoor enthusiasts, and help to ease the strain on the feet by changing the walking gait. Standard shoes promote a heavy heel strike, but with barefoot footwear the gait changes and the forefoot takes more of the body weight. The foot is designed for this method of movement and when barefoot, or wearing barefoot shoes, the shock absorbing apparatus in the feet is allowed to work exactly as nature intended. The toes too are allowed to move naturally and independently which greatly improves ground feedback and helps with balance, whilst the additional movement can stimulate the blood circulation and build up strength and stamina in the feet.
Barefoot shoes help to recreate the barefoot running experience, and just add a layer of rubber for grip and ultra thin insoles for a little extra comfort; however the shoes have little to no cushioning. Whilst the foot can cope perfectly well without a thick layer of EVA foam rubber, it takes time for the feet to become properly conditioned and exercise needs to be built up slowly.
Barefoot aficionados will swear by the shoes, but the new footwear is not everyone’s cup of tea. However for anyone looking for more of the benefits of being barefoot, without having to take the plunge with minimalist footwear, Injinji socks are a great choice. Injinji socks can offer many of the benefits of being barefoot, and can greatly improve comfort. Injinji socks feature a five toed design, with each toe fitting into its own lobe. By wearing Injinji socks, each toe can move independently which can help to improve balance and dexterity, and with the toes more involved throughout the stride. The muscles get strengthened and conditioning, the toes get more of a workout, and with greater strength and improved dexterity common foot injuries can be kept at bay.
The design of Injinji socks not only helps to increase toe activity throughout the stride, but the friction free design eliminates chafing and stops blisters from forming. Coolmax® fibres next to the skin wick away moisture fast and promote its escape from the shoes, helping to keep the feet dry and comfortable. An ultra lightweight design means Injinji socks are highly versatile, and can be worn as a replacement for your standard socks, or as a thin base layer in improve insulation in winter. The improved toe movement also helps to get warm blood from the core to the extremities, to keep the toes toasty when the temperature plummets.
Whilst Injinji socks will not turn you from a heel striker into a forefoot runner, and will not give the full benefits of being barefoot, they are a great option for improving comfort and if you do take the plunge and buy a pair of barefoot shoes, your toes will already be properly conditioned and ready for action.
Popularity: unranked [?]
There has been an explosion of new Keen styles this year, with the Oregon hybrid footwear company having been hard at work in recent months. There are new summer sandals aplenty; however those who like to hit the trail and take on tougher terrain will certainly not be disappointed.
Keen are the masters of hybrid footwear, and like nothing better than to take two styles of footwear and pick out the best bits of both, and the new Keen McKenzie is no exception. The Keen McKenzie combines the lightweight construction of a sandal with the performance of a trail running shoe, with an ultra lightweight design using plenty of mesh to keep the air moving, and the feet cool. It has all the usual Keen features for comfort and support, with a multi-terrain razor sipped outsole and multi-directional lugs giving it excellent wet and dry traction. Designed to keep you moving fast on the trail throughout the summer, it will also hold its own on the beach, or wherever your summer adventures take you.
The McKenzie is only available in the men’s range, so to even things up a little, there is the women’s only Keen Shasta. Underneath its stylish exterior it’s a real beast, capable of taking on the toughest trails in total comfort. The leather and mesh uppers are hardy yet breathable, multi-directional lugs are rugged with extraordinary grip, with dual density PU used for the midsole and footbed for excellent support. It’s lightweight, nimble and highly versatile, and with a women’s specific last construction it will fit like a glove.
Keen Alamosa is another great new addition to this year’s collection, and is one of the most versatile shoes produced by Keen. Its lightweight, waterproof, has superb cushioning thanks to a compression moulded EVA and PU midsole and a drop-in EVA heel insert. To cope with uneven ground is also features a TPU shank for extra stability, and to reduce torsion. It really grips the trail with its 4mm multi-directional lugs, and is designed to keep you fast on your feet.
Up a notch from the Alamosa, and designed to take you higher up the mountains is the Keen Voyageur. It’s essentially a hiking shoe for summer, using plenty of mesh to maximise airflow rather than offering a totally waterproof barrier. It’s designed to take on tougher mountain terrain, and has the cushioning to match. A dual density EVA midsole takes the sting out of tough terrain, with a removable dual density EVA footbed for good measure – although this can easily be replaced with an orthotic insole should you need additional support. To prevent torsion and to add stability the Voyageur features and ESS shank with an S3 heel support structure, and offers excellent cushioning for rapid downhill descents.
Whilst Keen has taken care of the new, the old models have not been forgotten, with updates throughout the Keen range. The Targhee II now available in a plethora of new styles and colours, and the Keen Pyrenees is now available in a women’s model. For outdoor adventuring the latest Keen collection adds even more comfort, and with a great new choice of Keen slippers, the great indoors has got a whole lot more comfortable too!
Popularity: unranked [?]
As the music festival season edges ever closer and the weather starts to improve, the dream of listening to your favourite bands in glorious sunshine over a long weekend starts to take hold, but anyone who regularly visits Glastonbury and Reading will be well aware, that whilst the summer may promise brilliant sunshine, there is at least an equal chance of the weekend being a total washout.
Whilst summer music festivals can be great fun, when the heavens open and the ground turns to thick mud, for the ill prepared it can rapidly turn into a pretty miserable time. As city folk descend on the countryside in their tens of thousands in late July, few are well prepared for the inevitable showers, and would do well to follow the lead of the farmers well versed at dealing with the rigours of the British weather in the countryside. Hunter wellies have long been a favourite brand with farmers, offering exceptional comfort for a full day on the feet, and total protection from the elements. Hunter wellies feature an aggressive tread which can cope with rain and mud, with the versatility to remain comfortable should the ground get baked rock hard from an atypical early summer heat wave.
Whilst a pair of rubber boots may not be the first footwear that springs to mind for the style conscious festivalgoer, a look at the latest limited edition festival range may well be enough to change your mind. Protection from the elements and comfort for a full day on the feet does not mean having to make a trade off between function and fashion, with the vulcanised protective rubber boots now featuring stylish straps aplenty, lizard skin textures, cool arty prints and bright and bold colours. However, with the Hunter wellies Festival range only released s limited editions, you will need to get your sates on if you want to secure your own pair. If last year is anything to go by, the boots sell out much faster than the full weekend festival passes.
Hunter wellies have come a long way in recent years, and even produce a wide range of wellington boots which are much better suited for urban wear, with designs and styles for townies as well as the countryside set. Standard green and black Hunter wellies have been joined by purples, reds, and pinks, with calf boots for maximum protection, and short boots and clogs for those who like to be a less restricted when dancing in the fields. What’s more, with the latest styles they are sure to get more use than just a few days revelling at the festivals.
A pair of Hunter wellies can make all the difference between being dry and comfortable, or cold and miserable, and when the full concentration is required just to stay upright, anyone who has opted for a pair of Hunter wellies will be in their element.
Popularity: unranked [?]
The benefits of being barefoot when exercising have been widely published in recent months, and the number of barefoot runners and exercisers is on the rise. Switching over to barefoot running can turn you from a heel striker to a forefoot runner, with the walking gait changing considerably when the shoes come off. Shoe manufacturers have been quick to offer footwear which mimics the barefoot walking gait, with Merrell Barefoot and Vibram Five Fingers two of the hottest new footwear styles to offer the full benefits of being barefoot.
Getting back to our roots is an excellent way to reduce the forces acting on the joints, spread out pressure in the feet more naturally when running, and giving the toes room to move is great for balance. However in colder weather, barefoot shoes can be a little chilly, and in the heat of the summer, the close fitting style can lead to the feet getting a little sweaty. Since socks cramp the toes, and do not allow for the full movement throughout the stride, wearing them with barefoot shoes is counterintuitive, and of course, wearing them with Vibram Five Fingers impossible.
Injinji socks offer a solution and offer a design which fits easily into all barefoot shoes, thanks to a fine weave, a foot hugging style, and a separate compartment for each toe. The compartmentalisation of the toes allows them to act as if being barefoot, helping to move independently to help with balance, giving greater dexterity on the toe off phase of the stride. With greater toe involvement the blood circulation is stimulated, and airflow is enhanced inside the shoes to keep the feet cool. The insulation is first rate in winter, and the socks manage moisture effectively and help to maintain a comfortable environment for the feet when the temperatures rise.
Injinji socks are constructed from Coolmax® fabric to wick away moisture quickly from the feet, with the movement of the toes helping the warm moist air to escape. The Nylon outer layer offers a friction free environment, and without skin to sin contact and the seamless design, potential sources of abrasion are removed to keep blisters at bay. In the summer, when the feet really start to sweat, Injinji socks get the moisture away fast to keep the feet cool and comfortable, whilst also helping to prevent foot odour from taking hold of your barefoot shoes.
Since injinji socks allow the feet to perform as nature intended, they are a great partner for barefoot shoes, and just add an extra level of comfort without cancelling out any of the great health benefits.
Popularity: unranked [?]
Get your favorite pair of running shoes on and get moving for a worthy cause: women runners who live in or near Hartlepool are invited to participate in Cancer Research U.K.’s Race for Life.
Now in its 16th year, Race for Life is a fundraising event organized by Tesco and Cancer Research UK, the leading cancer charity in the country. The money raised in the event will go towards helping medical professionals and scientists gather more information on cancer in order to diagnose, treat, and ultimately beat cancer. Race for Life welcomes women of all ages and fitness levels to take part in the 3-mile run. Race for Life event manager Helen Tibbott stressed, “All women are welcome, regardless of whether they are taking part on their own or as part of a group.”
A typical Race for Life event starts with a speech from the event organiser, who explains what Cancer Research U.K. is and what the money raised from the fundraising event will go towards. Time is allotted for warm-up (20 minutes). Race finishers are awarded medals and goody-bags.
This event may be a great way for you to test-drive your new running shoes while working with your fellow women runners towards a common, and very worthy, goal! Many runners opt to wear pink, so expect to see a lot of pink running shoes, like the Women’s Asics Gel Trail Attack 7 and the Women’s Merrell Siren Sport.
The Hartlepool Race for Life starts at 11am on June 5, at the Promenade in Coronation Drive.
If you’re too far from Hartlepool, you may visit the Race for Life venue page to find a Race for Life event in your neighborhood.
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For the first time in 30 years, the Army is making several important changes to the standard twice-yearly fitness test. Whereas the old test consisted of a timed two-mile run, two minutes of push-ups, and two minutes of sit-ups, the new fitness tests will pose a greater challenge. Lt. Gen Mark Hertling, the head of Army training, believes that soldiers will approve of the new fitness tests. “Soldiers like to be challenged,” Hertling said. “This will definitely challenge them.”
The new program will consist of two combat-related tests: the first fitness test will focus primarily on “physical readiness.” The test will consist of, among other things, a 60-yard progressive shuttle run, a timed 1.5 mile run, and a standing long jump. The physical readiness test may be given bi-annually. The second test will measure the soldier’s ability to survive on the battle field. The test includes dragging a 180-pound sled to simulate carrying a fallen comrade to safety, and running, crawling, jumping over hurdles and vaulting, all while holding a weapon and wearing full combat gear and tactical boots. The combat readiness test may be given once a year.
The new program may replace the old fitness tests by October. The new regimen is currently being tested at Fort Lewis, West Point, Fort Bliss, Fort Bragg, Fort Sill, Fort Benning, Fort Jackson, and Fort Leonard Wood.
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