This year has been a huge success for the Reebok Reetone footwear range, which offers men and women the chance to get a whole lot more out of exercise, only requiring a simple change of footwear.
Few will have escaped the Reebok Reetone advertising campaign which has circled the globe, highlighting what the shoes can do to the lower body, speeding up toning in the calves, hamstrings and buttocks and making exercise a whole lot more fun.
The shoes feature an innovative outsole design with instability pods located in the heel and the forefoot which create a slightly unstable base. When walking, running and training in the shoes, the shifting air in the pods causes the body to make minor adjustments to the posture to maintain balance, and in doing so increases muscle activity in the gluteus by up to 28%, and the hamstrings and calves by 11%.
However there is more to the shoes that simple toning, offering an incredibly comfortable fit and softness underfoot making them some of the most comfortable trainers ever produced by Reebok, not to mention the highly fashionable styles. With this year being such an outstanding success for the Bolton born company, it will come as no surprise that 2011 promises to be even bigger and better, with a host of brand new fashionable styles coming to the market, with a welcome boost to the men’s range with great new colours and designs for women.
For a sneak preview of the great new styles due in the New Year, have a look though our guide to the SS11 Reebok Reetone collection.
Reebok Easytone
The Easytone is the shoe which started off the Reebok toning craze earlier this year, offering the opportunity to work out whilst you walk, turning every daily activity into a toning session. The highly fashionable and comfortable shoes were an instant hit, helped along the way by big names such as Kelly Brook, who has often been seen sporting her Easytones, which have helped her to keep in perfect shape this year. Here at Fitness Footwear we have long sang the praises of these excellent exercise shoes, having written many an Easytone trainers review over the past few months, as new styles and colour schemes have been released. However the Easytone is due for a huge boost in 2011 with a host of new and fashionable styles of these revolutionary shoes hitting the shelves early in the New Year.
The SS11 collection features 8 new styles for women adding to the popular 2010 styles, which are sure to make you stand out from the crowd. Working out and looking good is about t get a whole lot easier. What makes the shoes such big sellers, apart from their impressive toning properties, is the comfort they offer. Inside the shoes the feet are treated to a seamless Smoothfit lining, which is silky smooth on the feet, removing all potential sources of abrasion, wicking away moisture, and keeping the feet perfectly dry, cool, and comfortable. Wearers notice the benefits from the shoes even after just a few minutes of exercise, really feeling the extra work which the body has had to put in at the end of the day. Whilst previously only the realm of women, Reebok now offer a good selection of men’s styles which help to improve strength and stamina, as well as get more definition for sexy, strong legs which are sure to impress the ladies.
For details of what 2011 has in store for men and women who want to make their lower half their better half, have a look at the new styles coming soon at Fitness Footwear.
New Womens Easytone Models For 2011
Womens Reebok Easytone Reexperience – White, Silver, Steel
Womens Reebok Easytone Reexperience – Black, Silver, Steel
Womens Reebok Easytone Trend LP – Black, Magenta, White
Womens Reebok Easytone Trend LP – White, Champagne
Womens Reebok Easytone Reenew Lux – Brown, Brass
Womens Reebok Easytone Reenew – White, Blue, Silver
Womens Reebok Easytone Reenew – Black, Silver, Grey
Womens Reebok Easytone Reenew – White, Magenta, Silver
New Mens Easytone Models For 2011
Mens Reebok Easytone Casual – Black, Light Grey
Reebok Runtone
For those who like to take their exercise a leisurely pace, Reebok Easytone shoes are a great choice, but for the millions who prefer to crank up the speed and get a targeted workout, the Easytone are not best suited. Fortunately for joggers and runners, they need not miss out on getting the extra burn thanks to the release of Reebok Runtone trainers. The Runtone UK launch was a glitzy affair, with sports personalities aplenty, most notably Ryan Giggs and Lewis Hamilton, both of whom have adopted the shoes to get more out of jogging and running. Reebok Runtone feature a similar design to Reebok Easytone trainers, however the shoes are better suited to moving at pace, with shallower instability pods located in the heel and ball of the foot capable of resisting the increased forces generated when jogging and running.
With the backing of famous sports personalities extolling the benefits to the body, it is no surprise that Reebok Runtone shoes have become such a runaway success. The shoes help to improve core muscle strength and stamina, allowing greater value to be gained without increasing the time spent exercising. For premiership footballers who need to boost strength, and Formula 1 drivers requiring incredible stamina, they offer the perfect way to get in, and stay in shape. The most popular toning trainers for men get a boost with two new cool styles, with women also getting and fashion boost in 2011, with highly feminine styles in magenta and silver. If you want to look at your best on your daily jog, and get into shape in the fastest timeframe, you will need a pair of Runtones on your feet.
New Womens Runtone Models For 2011
Womens Reebok Runtone Prime – Silver, Blue, Black
Womens Reebok Runtone Prime – White, Magenta, Silver
New Mens Runtone Models For 2011
Mens Reebok Runtone Vibe Uform – White, Silver, Blue
Mens Reebok Runtone Vibe Ufrom – Grey, Silver, Red
Reebok Traintone
Reebok’s plan from the start was to offer more than just a toning shoe to help improve body tone, instead creating an entire range of exercise footwear catering to all walks of life and all sporting activities. Their trainers have been aimed at getting people out of the gym and getting exercise in the great outdoors, whilst making exercise more fun. However for Pilates partakers and aerobics aficionados, and those who love getting to the gym for a serious workout, there is the Reebok Traintone. Reebok Traintone feature the same highly comfortable design which works the whole of the lower body, however the design has been tweaked to make them better suited for the gym and indoor exercise regimes. The two instability pods offer much greater stability, perfect for the treadmill, Stairmaster, Yoga and Tai Chi exercises.
Reebok Traintone shoes have only been on the market for a couple of months yet have already generated huge sales for female fitness fanatics, with the men now benefiting from the Traintone experience too. The SS11 collection features two great styles for men, and the women get a style boost two with two great new highly fashionable designs, guaranteed to look fantastic with all exercise outfits. Reebok Traintone look just like standard Reebok trainers, with a less pronounced design and are arguably the most comfortable shoes in the Reebok Reetone range. Designed to cope with a wider range of movement, the shoes have lost the toe pod present in the Easytone, in favour of extra grip, ideal for your downward dog and all of your asanas.
New Womens Traintone Models For 2011
Womens Reebok Traintone U-Form – Black, Grey, Gravel
Womens Reebok Traintone Anthlin – White, Silver, Carbon
Womens Reebok Traintone Reeactivate – Silver, Magenta, Steel, Grey
New Mens Traintone Models For 2011
Mens Reebok Traintone Active Uform – White, Red, Silver
Mens Reebok Traintone Active Uform – Black, Silver, White
Offering a shoe for all exercise regimes, the Reebok Reetone collection is the most comprehensive of all of the toning shoes on the market, offering the ultimate in comfort whilst you turbo charge your workout. Whether taking a stroll through town, a run in the park, or a session in the gym, with the Reetone collection you have shoes which will improve strength, boost stamina and help sculpt the perfect lower body.
The new styles are sure to bring in the compliments and keep you looking at your best, however don’t discount the Reebok Easytone winter 2010 collection, there are some fantastic styles to keep you looking at your best.
Popularity: unranked [?]
We’ve been lucky enough to have a look at next summers Keen sandals. But if we’re completely honest, it’s more of the same comfort and quality with their Newport H2 range leading the way with a bigger choice of colours.
So for those of you who have never experienced the comfort of Keen, we hope you’re sitting comfortably:
Keen footwear was launched in 2003 to critical acclaim with the release of the Keen Newport, a hybrid shoe offering the performance and robustness of a hiking shoe, with the flexible design of a water sports sandal. Providing awesome cross surface grip and excellent underwater traction, the shoe fast became the sandal of choice for lovers of extreme outdoor adventures. The popular outdoor brand has been a constant innovator, building on the impressive performance of the Newport by incorporating the technology into a wide range of styles and designs to cover all terrain and conditions.
Keen footwear sets the standard for summer shoes, providing the maximum versatility across all surfaces with a highly comfortable design, attractive styles, and excellent protection for the feet. Comfort is assured with an anatomically moulded insole and a compression moulded EVA foot frame keeps the feet properly aligned and well cushioned, even over highly uneven terrain. Whilst sandals are the perfect choice to maximise air-flow, their main drawback is toe protection, with most models coming up a little short for off road action. However, Keen sandals feature a patented toe protection system with a robust toe bumper and enclosed toe box. The rubber bumper is present in all of their sandals offering unrivalled protection from underwater hazards, and is equally at home on the trail. Keen uses a host of technologies to ensure the shoes remains looking good, with silicone impregnated uppers, hydrophobic treatments and an Aegis microbial shield to keep both the shoes and the feet healthy.
Whilst new to the outdoor performance market, Keen sandals have rapidly become one of the most popular brands of outdoor summer footwear, bringing new levels of comfort and style to lovers the great outdoors. This year, the Keen Newport H2 sandal has been a bestseller, offering the robust design of the original Newport with synthetic leather uppers for a truly amphibious existence. Equally at home in the water as on muddy riverbanks and trails, the chunky sticky carbon rubber sole makes light work of all terrain with razor sipping to dispel underfoot water for a secure footing.
Keen are not wont to rest on their laurels and despite leading the field in hybrid shoe design, produce a host of tweaks each year, to offer greater comfort, protection and durability. The Keen 2011 footwear collection promises to be the best yet, with a range of attractive new styles, cool new colour schemes and further refinement to the already impressive designs. Despite the amphibious heritage, Keen shoes covers the full spectrum of outdoor pursuits, producing highly breathable water sports sandals to lightweight hiking shoes and winter mid boots. With a boost to the full range of sandal, hybrid shoe, hiking shoe and boot designs 2011 promised to be another great year for this legendary British performance footwear brand. If you are looking for footwear for serious off-road adventures and want the maximum protection, support and comfort for your feet, you need look no further than Keen shoes.
To view the full 2010 Keen sandals and shoes collection take a look at: http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/c-377-keen.aspx and watch this space for further news on next seasons exciting spring / summer collection.
Popularity: unranked [?]
Skechers Shape Ups now include an extended line of health and fitness footwear with a new focus on resistance training and all terrain running.
Skechers has decided to take their best selling toning trainers to the next level with a new range of Skechers Shape Ups shoes designed to encompass off-road running, resistance trainers, extended fitness and casual comfort.
This time Skechers has reached out to the men’s fitness market with a number of trainers targetted to give men a better workout while they walk and run.
With the latest range of Shape Ups trainers comes a new ‘power bar’ and varying designs on their Dynamic Rolling sole which is the core toning technology behind their fitness footwear. Basically, the higher the ‘burn-o-meter’ the more intense the workout from walking or running in Skechers Shape Ups.
Many will also be pleased to see a reduction in the sole size of Shape Ups on the whole, making them far more appealing as a casual everyday shoe with secret toning technology for added exercise with every step.
Autumn 2010 Womens Shape Ups:
We haven’t had the chance to grab a sneak peak of what the new womens Skechers Shape Ups for Autumn 2010 will look like yet, but we have got the basic info about each and every style, plus how they help you to get a better workout while you walk, run and train. We’re also pleased to see the return of the Mary Janes style Skechers Shape Ups Sleek!
Womens Skechers Shape Ups XF Hyper Blast – Black (Sleek)
Womens Skechers Shape Ups XF Hypersonic – Black (Sleek 2)
Womens Skechers Shape Ups XF Energy Blast – BKN
Womens Skechers Shape Ups XF – Hydro Black Z strap
Womens Skechers Fitness Training – White/Silver/Pink
Womens Skechers Fitness Training – Charcoal/Silver/Pink
Womens Skechers All Terrain Diamondback – Blue
Womens Skechers Resistance Runner – Black/HotPink – Burn 5
Womens Skechers Resistance Runner – Silver/Pink
Autumn 2010 Mens Shape Ups:
This year Skechers has really pushed the boat out when it comes to their mens Shape Ups. This time around there’s a much stronger focus on health, fitness, resistance exercise and training on the road, in the gym and across all-terrain. Will they become a popular part of men’s training routines? Time will tell…
Mens Skechers Resistance Training – Black/Charcoal
Mens Skechers All Terrain – Brown/Black
Mens Skechers Resistance Runner – Black/Silver
Mens Skechers Resistance Runner – Charcoal/Lime
The new range of Skechers Shape Ups is just a few months away with an official release date in late Autumn. In the meantime, check out the full range of Skechers Shape Ups toning trainers at FitnessFootwear.com : http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/c-301-shape-ups.aspx
Popularity: unranked [?]
When people think ‘The North Face’, they think ‘waterproof jackets’, but North Face has an excellent range of outdoor footwear from walking shoes and hiking boots to comfy summer sandals and even slippers!
The North Face is a brand instantly associated with waterproof jackets and ski gear, much like Salomon. But if Salomon can make a big break into the outdoor market, then surely North Face can do the same?
The North Face takes its name from the coldest, most unforgiving side of a mountain, so it’s clothing and footwear should be able to take on any challenge.
Many will have heard of the North Face Hedgehog -a trail running shoe without equal when it comes to grip in the wettest, muckiest conditions. But beyond the Hedgehog, The North Face is relatively unknown as a footwear brand. However, there’s much to offer any fashionable skiier, active outdoor enthusiast or summer stroller.
Featuring all manner of industry leading technologies and Vibram outsoles, North Face walking boots are good looking, hard wearing and incredibly comfortable while often featuring Gore-Tex as part of a mesh gasket construction, which makes them incredibly lightweight. At FitnessFootwear.com we’re looking forward to the mid cut model of their best selling Hedgehog trainer, essentially becoming the North Face Hedgehog boot. So when it comes to ultra-lightweight walking boots (or jessie boots as some traditionalists call them!), North Face offer some excellent footwear.
Unlike other outdoor brands however, North Face has always had a fashion tag attached to it. It’s cool to wear North Face jackets and the logo is well known. As such, North Face make a number of shoes that you wouldn’t normally associate with an outdoors brand and perhaps that’s why they haven’t seriously broken into the walking boots market in the same way that Salomon has. But, they do make some exceedingly good North Face sandals and flip flops. The unique egg shell style footbed, which is common in foam packing is incredibly comfortable while a selection of strappy sandals make them a very popular ski and surf style brand for outdoor adventures in the summer. Even these comfy flip flops have excellent grips for the great outdoors.
Finally, for when the weather’s really cold and you want to curl up by the camp fire or soothe your feet after a long day of skiing or hill walking, there’s the very unusual North Face Tent Mule slippers. Essentially miniature sleeping bags for your feet, they’re incredible snug and cosy while being fairly water resistant for all kinds of uses.
So overall, when it comes to the innovative, the unusual and something a little bit different, The North Face has much to offer in the way of footwear. Their Hedgehog trainers are a radically different kind of off road running shoe, their sandals use technology commonly used in premium packing and their slippers are tiny sleeping bags for your feet.
There’s a real ‘cool factor’ when it comes to The North Face, which thankfully doesn’t get in the way of performance, but instead develops some fresh ideas in footwear to offer something that no other brand can.
Interested in checking out North Face shoes for yourself? Then view our full range of North Face footwear.
Popularity: unranked [?]
Britain’s best selling hiking boot has just got better. The Brasher Hillmaster II GTX offers luxurous comfort, a new, improved look and upgraded performance in mens’and women’s fit. Perfect for hill and valley walking!
The iconic brown leather walking boot returns. The Brasher Hillmaster II GTX is the evolution of the original Brasher Hillmaster hill walking boot from back in the early 80s.
30 years on, it’s remarkable to think just how radical the first Hillmaster boot was. Back in the day, the standard walking boot was big and heavy with steel shanks and rubbed a lot of blisters. But then Chris Brasher discarded his boots half way through a trek in Wales and put his running trainers on instead. Upon getting to the end of his adventure, he hit upon the concept of a walking boot that would be just as comfortable and supportive as a running trainer. After all, if he could comfortable walk for countless miles in his trainers, he should be able to do so in a pair of equally light and flexible walking boots.
Ironic then, that super lightweight hiking boots are only just begining to be embraced in the world of outdoor walking. But that’s another story…
The important thing is that the Brasher Hillmaster was the first traditional brown leather walking boot to be lightweight, flexible and featured the early Gore-Tex breathable, waterproof membrane. Having been the best selling walking boot of all time and the inspiration behind ever walking boot ever since, the Brasher Hillmaster has evolved into the Brasher Hillmaster II GTX for the modern market.
Set for release in Spring 2011, the Brasher Hillmaster II GTX offers a number of modern features with a gender specific fit and updated styling while still holding on to the traditional concept of a classic brown leather walking boot.
Meanwhile a modern Hillmaster sole unit reduces the lug depth while increasing the surface area in contact with the ground in order to give greater stability and grip while picking up less mud and stones with each step.
This time Brasher has gone for full grain leather uppers for their Hillmaster II which varies between 2.2mm and 2.4mm thickness for men and 2.0mm and 2.2mm for women. Brasher has been very conscious of gender this time around and there’s also a new tongue system, a soft leather inner lining as well as added heel support and memory foam for a softer, snugger and more secure fit. And of course, not forgetting the Gore-Tex breathable, waterproof membrane.
Finally, the new Brasher Hillmaster II GTX weights in at 1412g per pair (706g each), which is 200g more than the original Brasher Hillmaster and it will be sold at an RRP of £145 while the current Hillmaster is priced at £120. Despite being heavier and more expensive, you get a lot more boot for your buck and we can expect many traditional brown leather walking boot lovers to be eagerly awaiting the official launch of the Brasher Hillmaster II GTX in March 2011.
In the meantime, stay tuned for more info about the forthcoming Spring/Summer 2011 range of Brasher walking boots at FitnessFootwear.com!
Popularity: unranked [?]
At 11am today some samples of Hi-Tec’s new V-Lite Infinity trail running shoes landed on our desks to review. We’ve been eagerly waiting for the Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity ever since we first saw men run on water in Hi-Tec’s Liquid Mountaineering viral marketing campaign and finally they’re here.
This is an initial Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity review, having gone for a quick run over different terrains and through some very big puddles.
Looks
We were sent the V-Lite Infinity HPi in grey, green and silver to test and it’s a good looking trainer. The branding is fairly subtle, but all the logos are there and it looks great with a pair of jeans if wearing them as a casual trainer is also your thing. The almost luminous green lacing hooks look great, but the matching inner heel could be considered a little overwhelming. We personally would have preferred a different shade of black or grey.
Fit
Very easy to slip on. The tongue pulls right up, although the laces need to be pulled tight for a secure fit. Once the laces are good, tight and secure, the heel fits very nicely as does the fore foot with a nice amount of toe room.
Feel
The Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity feels great, thanks to its soft inner lining and lightweight uppers. When running the upper is incredibly breathable and you can feel the wind flowing through the shoe. No rubbing, no discomfort, just a great anatomical fit. The heel is especially comfy.
Cushioning
While there is cushioning throughout the V-Lite Infinity, there’s a huge amount of cushioning in the heel. It’s pretty solid however, which makes it a bit bone jarring for road running, but so long as your strides are huge, the heel strike isn’t too bad before you get off the road for your real run. Once you’re off road, the Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity really excells in offering cushioning, stability and fantastic grip.
Grip
Using a Vibram sole, the Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity offers excellent grip. There’s a forefoot flex in the outsole and the unusual lug design provides multi-directional traction for even the slipperiest surfaces and thick mud, as well as grass, stones and hard ground. There’s even a bit at the back of the heel for better braking when descending.
Water Resistance
We ran through some puddles and even poured water on to the shoe and just like in Hi-Tec’s Liquid Mountaineering video, the water ran straight off the Ion-Mask treated material. However, the tongue hasn’t been treated in this way, so water will go through to your socks.
This is because the V-Lite Infinity HPi are hydrophic while the V-Lite Infinity WP is waterproof. We wish we’d had the WP to test and kept our socks dry.
However, the Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity is very good at drainage and effectively pumps water straight out through the lightweight uppers when your forefoot flexes.
Final Thoughts
If it wasn’t for the tongue letting in water, we’d be seriously thinking about giving this shoe full marks. However, for a few pounds more you can get the Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity WP, which is waterproof.
Hi-Tec has done an amazing job with their V-Lite Infinity off road running shoes, creating a high performance trainer that looks good, fits well, provides plenty of support and cushioning, fantastic grip and waterproof protection, plus drainage. In fact, it’s rare to find a trail running shoe that’s both extremely water resistant and effective at draining.
4/5 – Incredibly light and highly breathable with soft inner linings. Good water resistance, good drainidge and great grip.
Due for release in late Autumn, the release date for these shoes is just a few months away. In the meantime Check out the full range of Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity coming soon at FitnessFootwear.com.
Popularity: unranked [?]
We’re a little shoe crazy here at FitnessFootwear.com, but once in a while a shoe arrives that blows even our socks off. We’ve been reviewing the new 2011 Vibram Five Fingers range all week, but one of the new shoes really impressed us and set the standard high for any brand looking to make barefoot or minimalist footwear -and that’s the Vibram Five Fingers Komodo Sport.
Instantly comfortable, effortless to slip on and pretty much everything you could ever wish for in a barefoot running shoe. But will barefoot purists approve of its cushioned insole? Read our in depth review of the Vibram Five Fingers Komodo Sport and see for yourself.
Technical Specs
aggressive multisport design
stretch nylon upper
heel and instep hook-and-loop closure
stitch free, seamless 2mm PU footbed to reduce friction
EVA arch support
individual toe pockets seperate and strengthen toes
4mm vibram performance rubber outsole for grip and protection
Looks
When it comes to appearance the Vibram Five Fingers Komodo Sport looks every bit the technical sports performance shoe that it is. Borrowing design elements from the KSO and Bikila before restyling them into something sleeker and far more aggressive, these Five Fingers are covered in eye catching details. The Vibram Five Fingers Komodo Sport comes in a choice of black/bronze, black/grey and yellow/black colours for men (we liked the yellow/black the best). Meanwhile for women, there’s a choice of black/bronze and blue/yellow. The blue/yellow looks surprisingly good too. After all, if you’re going to wear unusual shoes, you may as well be bold about it!
Fit
Effortlessly easy to slip on just like the Bikila, your feet slide straight into the Vibram Five Fingers Komodo Sport and your toes easily find the right place while providing plenty of room to wiggle, and without slipping out.
Pull the heel and instep straps to whatever tightness you prefer, stick then in place with the Velcro underside and you’re good to go.
The Komodo Sport fits very comfortably around the heel and ankle. Once again, by raising the cuff, the newer range fo Vibrams don’t pull on the toes and instead forms a strong, secure and snug hold around the ankle.
Feel
Even though there’s soft footbed and extra cushioning and grip across the full length of the foot, there’s still a lot of feeling in your feet. Walking or running, you still get a fully detailed feel, especially in the toes which have a lot of freedom to wiggle. The great thing about the Komodo Sport is all the extra cushioning. You could walk, but not run, in these heel striking all the way and it wouldn’t bother you. While that goes against the whole point of barefoot shoes, it’s a lot more forgiving when you do forget your gait and smash your heel into the tarmac. As Vibram’s Five Fingers line develops, it seems to be more about providing protection and support for your barefoot training rather than punishing you for getting it wrong.
One thing that’s really interesting is the sole, because there’s a huge chunk missing from the inside of the midfoot. Instead is a peice of tough, connective rubber, presumably to hold the shoe together and provide a bit of protection from whatever’s on the ground. But this part of the shoe is never used by your foot to make contact with the ground. That makes quite a big saving on weight, which explains how the Komodo Sport is so lightweight despire all the extra material, padding and straps.
Although there’s plenty of breathability, they are quite warm. This won’t bother you when you’re running about, playing basket ball or whatever, but for casual wear it’s quite noticeable. However, the irresistably cosy fit more than makes up for this. Plus you can comfortably wear them during the colder times of the year without a care.
What We’d Use Them For
We have to agree with Vibram that their Vibram Five Fingers Komodo Sport is designed for running and fitness, but its perfectly suited to all kinds of sports as well as casual wear. Something this comfortable shouldn’t be worn just for sports. If it wasn’t for the footbed, then you could wear these watersports just like regular KSOs.
Blended together from the KSO and Bikila, the Vibram Five Fingers Komodo Sport is the perfect shoe for the core barefoot demographic. It’s great for running, walking and sports in general while being comfortable, supportive and stylish.
Will there be a backlash from barefoot purists over the soft footbed? Some won’t like it, but others will appreciate that your feet won’t need to ache quite so much from going ‘minimalist’ with their footwear.
Final Thoughts
You certainly get what you pay for with the Komodo Sport, even if you do pay a lot for it. We expect this to become the mostly highly sought after Vibram Five Finger shoe simply because it’s got everything. You can do virtually anything in it and go anywhere.
It’s a huge leap forward from the original Vibram Five Fingers Classic, combining the features of the two best selling ‘advanced’ Vibram Five Finger styles, taking the comfort, fit and protection of the KSO and combining it with a sole a toe fit that’s similar to the Bikilas.
Like with the rest of the new 2011 Five Fingers range, Vibram has paid attention to the heel area, providing more cushioning for any barefoot gait slip ups as well as more padding around the heel area of the foot itself for a more comfortable fit.
If you’re trying barefoot for the first time and you’ve got money to burn, get yourself a pair of these. They may be very technical, but they’re still perfect for an entry level barefooter. But we can safely assume that most will progress up to them from the standard Vibram Five Fingers Classic.
So, to round up: Unless you’re going off road in serious mud and filth or doing water sports (in which case you’d want the Treksport or KSO), the Vibram Five Fingers Komodo Sport is the best Five Finger shoe for running, walking, sports, comfort, fit and style. That’s right, THE BEST.
The Vibram Five Fingers Komodo Sport will be avaialble to buy from our Vibram Five Fingers UK store in Spring/Summer 2011.
5/5 – The creme de la creme of Vibram Five Fingers. Instantly comfortable, great looking and highly versatile for a wide range of sports and everyday casual wear. The perfect barefoot shoe for the barefoot demographic.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our Vibram Five Fingers reviews. Stay tuned for more product reviews, previews and the latest sports and outdoors news right here at the Fitness Footwear Blog.
Popularity: unranked [?]
The autumn / winter 2010 collection from The North Face sees this legendary performance footwear company give even greater protection for the feet, with a new collection of shoes and boots designed to cope with the rigours of mountain life. You can rest assured that North Face footwear will keep your feet warm and toasty at base camp, and perfectly protected over the toughest extreme terrain.
The North Face has developed a host of technologies to keep the feet perfectly supported and in total comfort in the most treacherous conditions. Wintergrip™ rubber outsoles are hard wearing with the right balance of stickiness for coping with the slipperiest of conditions, perfect for winter traction on snow and ice. The North Face SnakePlate™ offers highly flexible yet supportive forefoot protection to give great feel without compromising support and cushioning. Robust and durable uppers ensure a long life span, and lightweight highly insulating linings are sure to keep the feet perfectly warm when the temperatures outside the tent drop well below freezing. With the North Face on your feet, you can be sure that wherever you put your feet you will get the maximum protection and the latest 2010 autumn winter styles are guaranteed not to disappoint.
North Face Tent Mule III
For lovers of the great outdoors, and those seeking pure comfort for the great indoors there is the North Face Tent Mule III. The highly protective and comfortable slipper is perfect for slipping on the feet after a hard day’s trekking, offering an ultra lightweight design ideal for rest and relaxation. Offering a little luxury at base camp, they are equally suited to the home and the garden, providing expert grip, warmth and pure comfort for the feet. The improved designs for the Tent Mule III gives an even better fit, greater insulation and underfoot support to make them one of the most comfortable slippers on the market.
The Tent Mule features highly insulating 450 fill down insulation to keep the toes warm and toasty when the outside temperatures plummet. If you have ever wondered what happens to your recycled plastic bottles, take a look at the Tent Mule. The uppers are constructed from 100% recycled PET, which offers perfect protection from the elements with a 100% waterproof upper to keep the feet dry when venturing out of the tent and for pottering around the campfire. The slippers feature die cut EVA sockliners for comfort, Aegis anti-microbial treatments for great foot health, and sticky lugs on the outsole for perfect grip on snow and ice. Three new models for men and women for the 2010 autumn winter collection are sure to make this rugged slipper even more popular this season.
New Men’s North Face Tent Mule III models
North Face NSE Tent Mule – Black
North Face NSE Tent Mule – Camo Green
North Face NSE Tent Mule – Demitasse Brown/Black
New Women’s North Face Tent Mule III models
North Face NSE Tent Mule III – Black
North Face NSE Tent Mule III – Demitasse Brown Lace
North Face NSE Tent Mule III – Moonlight Ivory Lace and Classic Khaki
North Face Traction Mule
If you love the comfort and design of the Tent Mule, but want a little extra protection and grip, then the North Face Traction Mule takes the protection up a notch to cope with difficult base camp conditions. Offering even greater protection than the Tent Mule, the rubber outsole is designed to cope with the most slippery of surfaces and keep you on your feet. The outsole is constructed from 40% recycled materials, offering one of the most environmentally friendly shoes produced by the North Face. Featuring the same waterproof 100% recycled PET construction for the uppers as the Tent Mule you will have warmth, comfort and protection with a clear conscience.
Under the foot, a die cut soft EVA footbed moulds closely to the sole providing excellent shock absorption, perfect for short trips in the great outdoors, be it around the garden or around base camp. Designed to give the feet a much needed rest after a long day in hiking boots, the soft uppers and highly insulating design will assure your feet are kept toasty and warm at all times. The 2010 collection offers two new models, with a stylish, plush black model for the men and brown and ivory for women.
New Men’s North Face Traction Mule models
North Face NSE Traction Mule – Black
New Women’s North Face Traction Mule models
North Face NSE Traction Mule – Shiny Moonlight Ivory and Demitasse Brown
Women’s North Face Nuptse
Taking the highly comfortable design of North Face slippers as the base, the North Face Nuptse increases the protection for the feet and ankles with a highly flexible and comfortable pull on boot design. Featuring a Wintergrip™ sole for maximum traction in slippery conditions with Ice Pick temperature sensitive snowflake lugs, they are perfect for cold weather walks when the temperatures plummet and frost, snow, and ice are the order of the day. An excellent lightweight boot to take on all your winter sporting adventures, you will be assured of perfect traction no matter where you care to tread.
The boots feature 100% recycled P.E.T for the uppers, forming a perfectly waterproof seal, with 100% recycled faux fur trip, and 600g of fill power insulation to ensure the feet are kept in the ultimate comfort, no matter what the weather has in store. Two snap closure fasteners make for easy removal and tightening with cold fingers, and the fashionable styling makes them one of the most attractive winter boots ever produced by the North Face. An Ortholite Northotic footbed ensures perfect comfort underfoot, a cut and buff EVA midsole cushions well over the full range of terrain, and they look pretty cool and stylish too, with three new models to choose from.
New Women’s North Face Nuptse models
North Face Nuptse Pull On – Black and Dark Shadow Grey
North Face Nuptse Pull On – Moonlight Ivory Lace and Classic Khaki
North Face Nuptse Fur IV – Black
North Face Syncline GTX
For those who take their outdoor adventure seriously and want the ultimate in protection for long winter hikes, the latest models of the North Face Syncline GTX will be right up your street. This highly protective rugged hiking boot features durable nubuck leather uppers with a fully waterproof Gore-Tex membrane to cope with the worst of the weather. The super lightweight design is sure to keep you light on your feet, without losing any protection or stability. Constructed with a highly breathable design, the boots offer excellent moisture management to keep the feet cool and comfortable, with a northotic footbed offering great comfort and underfoot support.
To cope with highly variable terrain, the boots feature the famed North Face Heal Cradle™, firmly locking the heel in place to give maximum support on challenging ascents and descents. A Vibram™ rubber outsole offers a great balance of durability for boot shredding terrain, with stickiness for wet and boggy conditions. Self cleaning lugs ensure that the terrain doesn’t stick to the boots to keep your load light, with a full length Nylon shank for support and protection for the longest of winter hikes. Whilst the 2010 collection only features one new model for men and women, it is all you will ever need for perfect winter walking comfort.
New Men’s North Face Syncline GTX models
North Face Syncline GTX – Black and Graphite Grey
New Women’s North Face Syncline GTX models
North Face Syncline GTX – Classic Khaki and Indian Clay Red
North Face Jannu II GTX
For great protection and support over tough terrain, the North Face has released a new addition for men and women in their highly technical hiking boot range, with the latest the Jannu II designs. The one piece full grain leather upper limits weak points for maximum longevity, with a highly robust design offering maximum protection for the feet over the most demanding terrain. Featuring a 100% waterproof and windproof Gore-Tex lining, the boots are highly breathable to keep the feet perfectly dry, cool and comfortable in all conditions. A gusseted tongue completes the seal, to keep debris out of the boots and the elements from spoiling your comfort.
The boots pack in the technology with Heal Cradle™ technology to keep the foot properly positioned and to eliminate slippage in the shoes, forefoot, midfoot and rear foot underlays, a full length rigid Nylon support shank to cope with hard, uneven terrain and a Medial and lateral X-Frame™ roll-control stabilizer to protect the ankle and keep the foot well positioned and highly stable. If you want perfect protection for the feet in all weather conditions, and want support and comfort for the longest and most challenging hikes, you need look no further than the Jannu II.
New Men’s North Face Jannu II GTX model
North Face Jannu II GTX – Furrow Brown and Dune Beige
New Women’s North Face Jannu II GTX models
North Face Jannu II GTX – Furrow Brown and Fossil Ivory
Men’s North Face Flow Chute
The North Face Flow Chute is a minimalist boot, with a clean exterior design constructed from waterproof robust synthetic leather for all winter walking adventures. The boots have been constructed to make light work of the toughest and most brutal winter conditions, perfect for snow, ice, hail and torrential downpours alike. The lightweight midboot really holds its own on frozen ground with North Face Wintergrip™ technology. Ice Pick temperature sensitive outsole lugs giving extra bite in snow and ice, becoming stickier when the temperatures rise to maintain perfect traction over all surfaces in all conditions.
To cope with the cold, the boot features lightweight PrimaLoft™ Eco insulation with a Hydroseal™ membrane for a 100% waterproof seal. TPU welding offers a durable construction, with a highly cushioned insole for a comfort fit and a compression moulded EVA midsole for excellent shock absorption. The boots feature a Gaiter-compatible D-ring and heel tab making them perfectly compatible with snow shoes when the terrain gets decidedly tricky. If you are looking for the ultimate winter boot for seriously cold and tough winter hiking, this is what you need on your feet. The 2010 autumn winter collection adds a new colour scheme in the men’s range with the latest North Face Flow Chute – Black and Pewter Grey model, due to be released in the next few weeks.
Men’s North Face Chilkats
Winter trekking over snow and ice is a speciality area for North Face, producing a wide range of boots to cope with the worst of the weather and the coldest and most treacherous conditions. The North Face Chilcats is designed to keep the feet warm and comfortable down to -32º F / -35ºC, with a tread pattern and rubber compound specifically designed to offer exceptional traction in snow and ice. Fully compatible with snowshoes, there are few more protective boots available on the market.
The boot is constructed from robust split 2.0-2.2 waterproof nubuck and suede, with rustproof lace eyelets, and a wide protective rand for added durability. The boot features the best anti-bacterial technology with AgION™ treatments to prevent bacterial growth, ensuring a healthy environment for the feet at all times, preventing foot odour from taking control of your boots. The boots feature the famed North Face Winter Grip™ rubber outsole with sticky rubber for expert grip and bite on hard frozen terrain. The autumn winter 2010 collection offers men a new model with the highly stylish
North Face Chilkats – Mud Pack Brown and Sienna Orange.
Women’s North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR
Last, but by no means least, the autumn sees the release of a brand new Hedgehog model for women, with the North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR – Dark Shadow Grey and Bliss Pink added to the already impressive hiking shoe range. The feminine colours and sleek design adds even greater style to this highly popular lightweight all-terrain hiking shoe series, designed to help you pick up the pace and move quickly over all terrain. Featuring a 100% waterproof construction with a Gore-Tex lining, this highly breathable hiking trainer is constructed with a mesh sandwich upper to maximise airflow, facilitating the exit of moisture from the shoes. The Hedgehog is one of the most comfortable hiking shoes you are likely to find, and is guaranteed to keep you in comfort for all of your off-road adventures.
Whilst being given a feminine treatment, this shoe remains incredibly tough, allowing you to take all terrain in your stride. Under the foot a Vibram rubber outsole features sticky rubber for excellent cross-terrain grip, with a Northotic ergonomically contoured footbed for great underfoot comfort. The abrasion resistant bomber synthetic Nubuck uppers are highly durable and can cope with knocks and scrapes on rough ground and stay looking as good. If you want a lightweight hiking shoe, with the support and protection of a boot and a highly comfortable fit, there are few shoes which can come close to the performance of the North Face Hedgehog.
So no matter where you plan to walk and how difficult the conditions, you can be sure that your feet will be perfectly protected, warm and comfortable throughout the autumn and winter with North Face footwear. The latest models feature tweaks to the already impressive North Face designs, and the best protection for all off-road adventures.
To get up close and personal with North Face, and to see the extent of their highly protective footwear collection, be sure to visit http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/c-366-north-face.aspx
Popularity: unranked [?]
This time Vibram has taken their Five Fingers in a new direction, away from running barefoot outdoors and taking barefoot into the gym. The Vibram Five Fingers Jaya range is designed purely for exercise and fitness while offering the training benefits of going barefoot.
Essentially, they’ve taken the original Vibram Five Fingers Classic, restyled it, cut the cuff a little higher for a more comfortable fit, improved the padding around the heel and developed a brand new sole unit for extra stability, grip and support. Then they made it look really pretty while being able stand up to high reps and gruelling intervals.
Technical Specs
stretch nylon upper for secure and comfortable fit
padded collar for added comfort
5.5mm EVA sole provides protection and ground feel
vibram tc1 poerformance rubber pads provide grip and durability
individual toe pockets seperate and strengtehn toes
Looks
The Jaya looks like a sleeker version of the Vibram Five Fingers Classic and looks fantastic in white, grey and pink. The black isn’t bad either. Meanwhile the Jaya LR is more subtley styled in tan, grey/white and grey/black with leek leather overlays that make them look less like a barefoot and more like a technical gym shoe.
Fit
Both fit just like the Vibram Five Fingers Classic while offering additonal padding around the heel for a softer, more secure fit. This makes them very easy to slip on and off and get a great fit straight out of the box.
Like the Treksport, the toes are kept quite close together, which tends to be more comfortable for women too. Most importantly, the cuff has been raised further up the foot than the Classics, so the shoe fits snugly without pulling on the toes.
Feel
Just like the Treksport, Vibram has sacrified flexibility in the toes to offer greater support and cushioning. There’s also a lot more cushioning in the heel, which makes them ideal for walking on hard, flat surfaces and improves balance and control for agility and power exercises.
When it comes to casual use, the Vibram Five Fingers Jaya and Jaya LR both fit very comfortably, although the individual toe pockets can be felt when walking, as can the extra padding under the forefoot, but this initial feeling quickly passes and they become very comfortable quite quickly. Otherwise, they feel very soft, lightweight and snug fitting.
What We’d Use Them For
Vibram has designed the ladies Jaya for fitness, after sport and travel. Meanwhile, we’d recommend them for gym based activities and casual wear. They’re great for things like Crossfit where you’re required to lift a variety of weights and run through obstacle courses, because these both test your stability and core strength. So by giving you a more secure and supported footing, Vibram Five Fingers Jaya would be excellent.
The Jaya and Jaya LR both look great and provide a little more stability and cushioning when walking, especially on the heel. However, these are certainly not for running in due to their limited forefoot flex and forefoot and toe padding which are designed purely for stability.
Final Thoughts
Because the Jaya and Jaya LR are quite similar to the Classics, we’d recommend them for women who are looking to try barefoot walking for the first time. The superior fit, styling and built up sole makes them very comfortable and the closer toe spacing makes them perfect for most ladies feet.
Whether you take them to the gym, out walking or choose to wear them casually is then up to you. But they’re comfortable, pretty and very supportive.
So for a few pounds more, you’re getting an improvement on the standard Vibram Five Fingers Classic: More underfoor support, a better fit, more padding around the heel and a choice of pretty styles in some more attractive colours. For many ladies these could become the new entry level Vibram Five Fingers.
The Vibram Five Fingers Jaya will be avaialble to buy from our Vibram Five Fingers UK store in Spring/Summer 2011.
4/5 – An improved ladies only model of the Vibram Five Fingers Classic with added comfort, support and fit, but sadly the Jaya and Jaya LR are not suitable for running.
Finally, we round off the week with a review of the new Vibram Five Fingers Komdo Sport. Believe us when we say “We saved the best til last!”
Popularity: unranked [?]
The original Vibram Five Fingers Bikila was named after in honour of Abebe Bikila, who won the 1960 Olympic marathon while running barefoot. Ever since its release barefoot runners everywhere have tried to get their feet in a pair, but in 2011 the Vibram Five Fingers Bikila is back as the new Vibram Five Fingers Bikila LS.
What does LS stand for? Lacing System we assume, because that’s the main feature. The Vibram Five Fingers Bikila LS comes in grey and grey/black styles with a simple pull cord lacing system for fast fitting while accomodating the wider foot or higher instep.
Technical Specs
closed speed lace system (LS) for wide feet and high insteps
Dri-Lex 2mm polyurethane insole
4mm anatomical pod outsole
superior plating protection against stone bruises
coconut active carbon fabric for natural breathability
abrasion resistant PU toe protection
Looks
You may be surprised to learn the that new Bikila LS looks quite different to the orignla Bikila. The reflective dots are in a different pattern, the colour scheme is completely different and the upper is completelty unique. But the sole remains the same.
Fit
When you slip your feet in, it’s all nice and soft inside, plenty of movement and lots of padding around the heel. Pull the drawcord tight and the whole thing hugs in around your foot while the nubuck leather upper forms a secure hold.
However, if you don’t have wide feet or a particularly high arch, then these aren’t going to work for you. It’s a real shame when the draw cord lacing works so well and fits so comfortably. But if you don’t have big feet your toes will be forced quite wide apart with too much room to wiggle and may slip out. Also if your foot arch isn’t high enough the bottom of the lacing system will dig in to your metatarsals.
We did try going down a size, but then the shoe was uncomfortably tight around the heel and ankle.
Feel
Although there are extra treads and a little more heel cushioning, the Bikila LS feels like the original Vibram Five Fingers Classic under foot.
There’s a lot of detailed feeling, which is great for controlling your feet and making sure you don’t heel strike. Many of the newer Vibram Five Finger models offer quite a bit of heel cushioning, which doesn’t really encourage you to run with the proper barefoot gait. But this provides just that little bit of extra protection as well as some additional plating against stone bruising.
What We’d Use The For
Vibram recommend that these should be used for running. But when you consider that they feel like a small step up from the Classics, they’re not bad for general sports and fitness either. However, their main focus is going to be generating forward propulsion for long distance running.
The speed lace system offers such a secure fit that it’s a shame these are only suitable for people with wide feet and/or high insteps, because they really are great for running in.
Final Thoughts
So if you have wide feet, a high instep and a desire for barefoot running and little else, then these are for you.
Barefoot running is a growing, but still, quite a small niche, so for Vibram to make a product that’s even more niche is quite surprising.
So it’s back to the standard Bikila for the majority of us, while those with wide feet can enjoy the new Bikila LS and its quick, easy and incredibly comfortable speed lace system.
3/5 – A fantastic redesign of a very comfortable, high performance Vibram Five Finger from last year -that’s not suitable for the majority of people. Still, if you’ve got wide and/or high arch feet you’ll be in heaven!
Visit us tomorrow when we review the new ladies Vibram Five Fingers Jaya and Jaya LR shoes!
Popularity: unranked [?]
Ever tried running in Vibram Five Fingers Classics off road or in the wet? It’s difficult, because they don’t have the grippiest soles; they’re designed for running on roads and other fairly flat, dry surfaces. But not the Vibram Five Fingers Treksport!
Based on last year’s KSO Trek, then Treksport features the same high traction sole unit, but with a lightweight and sporty new style that’s incredibly comfortable while providing all the support, grip and control of the Trek.
Technical Specs
coconut active carbon upper offers natural breathability and brasion resistance
4mm EVA midsole for plating protection from stone bruising
individual toe pockets seperate and stengthen toes
lightly cleated 4mm vibram outsole for added traction on a variety of surfaces
Looks
Great looking Vibrams available in orange/black, red/black and black for the men while the womens colours include a fantastic pink/blaCK, blue/grey and black. The pink is particularly stunning!
Fit
Because the Vibram Five Fingers Treksport fits around the ankle like a regular shoe, they’re far more comfortable and don’t pull on the toes. However, this make it harder to get your foot into the shoe and your toes into the ends while the Classics are relatively easy to slip on. But once you’re feet are in, the Treksport is very snug and supportive with a soft inner lining and padding around the heel while two straps running around the back of the foot and over the arch lock your heel in place very comfortably.
The only debate was when it came to the toes. Unlike other Vibram Five Fingers, the toes are a little closter together to offer better offroad and cross country support.
For the men, this was uncomfortable at first due to the restricting toe movement. You simple can’t wiggle your toes in these. However, after extended wear, this wasn’t an issue.
For the women, who typically wear shoes that push their toes together, this was very comfortable compared to the Vibram Five Fingers Classics which spread your toes apart.
Feel
If you’re progressing up from a pair of Classics, then the sole unit is going to come as a shock -especially if you’re not off road on soft ground. While the upper is extremely soft, light and breathable, the sole feels quite heavy by comparison, but that’s because it’s fairly chunky. It’s also very firm under the forefoot and where your toes flex.
But once you get off road and onto the mud, grass and the great outdoors, the shoe totally transforms!
There’s so much grip that there’s no danger of slipping on the wettest earth and you can just power along, across the fields. The sole is fairly built up in order to offer support, balance and traction. However, it doesn’t really encourage the proper barefoot gait when the heel is so well cushioned. But some may prefer a shoe that doesn’t punish you for the occassional heelstrike.
The toes are incredibly grippy, but the great thing is that you can’t feel it. You just get this great sense of traction propelling you forward.
What We’d Use Them For
Great for serious mud and filth! We’d recommend Vibram Five Fingers Treksport shoes for someone looking to take their barefoot running off the road and into the great outdoors. We probably won’t see anyone seriously trail running in a pair of Treksport, but they’re seriously good fun.
Vibram says that the Treksport is suitable for light trekking, climbing, bouldering, running, fitness and travelling. We feel that these would be great for all manner of sports and outdoor pursuits, but where they’ll really excel is off the beaten track. So if you’re looking for a more general purpose sports model for urban environments, there are other Vibrams that do it much better, like the Komodo Sport. The Treksport is definitely suited to the great outdoors.
However, we would recommend these to women who prefer having their toes closer together, especially when the pink and black Treksport looks so fantastic.
Final Thoughts
If you live out in the country or are a real outdoors type, then these are for you. They’re perfect for all kinds of rugged rural terrains while also being suitable for general running and more urban pursuits.
Even so, there’s a big leap from the Vibram Five Fingers Classic to the Vibram Five Fingers Treksport. The Treksport is a highly engineered shoe, so it’s likely to be worn by someone who has already experienced Vibram Five Fingers -especially when it comes to getting your toes in.
That said, there’s nothing stopping a barefoot newcomer from trying on a pair and exploring the great outdoors in something more natural than a traditional brown leather hiking boot.
Vibram’s new direction with their Five Fingers range seems to be enhancing the human foot in completely new ways while proving that the toes are an incredibly important part of traction and forward propulsion.
The Vibram Five Fingers Treksport will be avaialble to buy from our Vibram Five Fingers UK store in Spring/Summer 2011.
4/5 – Great for going off road and conquering the countryside. Okay on the roads and very comfortable. However, some may have issues with the toe spacing.
See you tomorrow when we review the new Vibram Five Fingers Bilika LS running shoe!
Popularity: unranked [?]
The autumn winter collection of Caterpillar boots will soon be arriving at Fitness Footwear, with great new styles and colours to ensure your feet are kept warm snug and cosy as the temperatures dip, and the wet autumn weather sets in. Famed for their high quality construction, superb protection and classic styling, the boots are a firm favourite with workmen seeking the ultimate in foot protection. However this year there are some stylish new additions to the classic designs just as well suited for casual wear as they are for construction site foot protection. Retaining the classic designs and high level of protection, the sleek new styles are perfect for winter walking and are sure to keep you warm and comfortable on a night out on the town.
The Men’s Caterpillar Harding – Chocolate Big Sky is a classic Chukka 8-hole highly durable boot with the comfort fit of an athletic shoe, designed to look great with jeans and keep you looking cool from autumn through to spring. Featuring CAT Technology for durability, a padded collar for comfort, and a hard wearing outsole, it is a great new addition to the casual range. The sleek understated styling is sure to make it a popular choice for those seeking a more casual boot for everyday wear throughout the colder months.
For those who prefer a more traditional sturdy utility boot, the Men’s Caterpillar Colorado – Gingerroot Sh-Broom is the new colour scheme launched for the 2010 autumn winter collection. This nubuck leather boot is a classic work boot, with a padded collar to protect the ankles, and an oil and slip resistant sole with a chunky tread to make light work of all terrain. Particularly well suited to wet, snowy and muddy winter conditions, its hard wearing design and Goodyear welt construction will ensure years of use. Whilst one of the most popular men’s work boots, women too can have the same degree of comfort and protection with the Women’s Caterpillar Moody – Gingerroot Sh-Boom, offering a similar design to the men’s range, with more feminine styling.
In fact it’s great news for women this season with the imminent arrival of three new models of women’s high boots for winter warmth and comfort, guaranteed to keep the toes toasty no matter what the weather has in store. For winter style the Women’s Caterpillar Anna – Fern Contribution is a highly feminine boot with a 2-inch heel, constructed from plush leather with a thick synthetic sheepskin lining for great insulation and exceptional moisture management. Featuring a stylish instep buckle for a close and comfortable fit, and a non-slip chunky rubber sole, this grey/brown boot is a classic winter warmer and perfect for the colder months.
The Caterpillar Molten offers more of the same, with exceptional warmth and great style for the winter. Featuring a PolarTec fur lining, the boots offer an incredibly snug fit and are sure to keep the feet perfectly warm, even when the temperatures drop well below zero. Featuring a T938 rubber outsole for excellent wet and dry grip, the hard wearing compound ensures a long lifespan with a reinforced toe and heel bumper for added protection. The autumn Winter 2010 release features the Women’s Caterpillar Molten – Cola Shag and the Women’s Caterpillar Molten – Black Shag, both highly fashionable boots which are sure to keep you looking stylish throughout the winter months.
To view the full collection of Cat boots and shoes, take a look at http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/c-82-caterpillar.aspx
Popularity: unranked [?]
Finally, the full range of FitFlop SuperTone trainers has been revealed. We managed to get a sneak preview of the new FitFlop Trainer a few months back, but since then the SuperTone has undergone some changes. Now we’re looking at a very sleek lifestyle trainer that borrows elements of the best selling casual shoes to make something altogether new.
You can see a distinct soft leather upper used for most casual trainers with detailed sticking, metal eyelit lactes and a pull cord above the heel with a moc-like fitting. Meanwhile a thick rubber sole provides cushioning and grip with lots of tiny treads.
The great thing about the new FitFlop SuperTones are that they’ve kept the FitFlop MicroWobbleboard technology very discreet. In fact, if it wasn’t for FitFlop logos on the side of the heel and across the tongue, no one would ever know! However the sole does turn upwards from the forefoot in order to create that extenuated foot movement that’s crucial to FitFlop’s toning technology.
Originally rumoured to be called the Signature Red, we could still see FitFlop promoting their SuperTone range with the FitFlop SuperTone red making a bold and stylish statement.
The FitFlop SuperTone silver will be very popular with young adults looking for something a little more bling and with the sudden surge in silver and gold casual trainers, we wouldn’t be surprised if these are worn by some pop stars in the months ahead.
Meanwhile the very smartly styled FitFlop SuperTone black caught our eye with its mixture of casual comfort and descreet fashion. Not forgetting that black goes with absolutely anything.
Similarly the FitFlop SuperTone White is classically designed to offer something for everyone almost regardless of age or outfit.
As you can see, they all look fantastic and having tried on a pair for ourselves, we can assure you that it’s certainly going to be well worth the wait. Currently the FitFlop SuperTone is due for release in September.
Popularity: unranked [?]
We review the new Vibram Five Fingers 2011 range. Stay tuned for a Vibram Five Fingers review every week day!
Barefoot running has really taken off this year thanks to the book Born To Run, but in the world of footwear Merrell and New Balance have joined Vibram in offering runners a wide range of minimalist running shoes. While Vibram may be manufacturing soles for Merrell Barefoot, New Balance Minimus and their own Vibram Five Fingers, Vibram is determined to remain top dog in the barefoot footwear market -and their 2011 Vibram Five Fingers range proves it!
While Vibram released a number of innovative new styles in 2010, next year sees Vibram return to their original Vibram Five Fingers Classic design and develop the barefoot shoe in amazing new ways, taking the concept of barefoot shoes in a totally new direction.
We’ve spent the past few hours trying on and testing the latest styles and already have a love for the colourful Komodo Sport, the sleek ladies Jaya LR and the rugged Treksport with its extreme tread.
Starting Monday next week we’re going to review each of the up and coming Vibram Five Fingers 2011 styles. So check back every day to see what we’ve been trying on, testing and putting through its paces.
In the meantime, check out the full range of Vibram Five Fingers colours and styles coming in 2011.
New Mens Vibram Five Fingers for 2011
The three new styles for men are the Komodo, Bikila LS and Treksport. All three feature radically different sole units and take the barefoot nature of Vibram Five Fingers in three totally different directions. The Komodo has a versatile multi-sport sole with added cushioning in key areas with enhanced grip. The Bikila LS is wider fitting for a wider foot while featuring a sole that’s very close to the Classic, but with added treads for road running. Finally the Treksport fits much like the Komodo, but with tougher support for the toes that keeps them together while a built up sole that’s covered in various tread types offers grip and support for walking not just off road, but through the countryside.
2011 Mens Vibram Five Fingers Range
Mens Vibram Five Fingers Komodo Sport Black, Gold, Dark Grey
Mens Vibram Five Fingers Komodo Sport Black, Silver, Dark Grey
Mens Vibram Five Fingers Komodo Sport Yellow, Silver, Grey
Mens Vibram Five Fingers Bikila LS Cool grey, Kelly Green, Black
Mens Vibram Five Fingers Bikila LS Black, Cool Grey
Mens Vibram Five Fingers Bikila Light Grey, Red, Grey
Mens Vibram Five Fingers Bikila Royal Blue, Grey
Mens Vibram Five Fingers Treksport Mandarine, Orange, Black
Mens Vibram Five Fingers Treksport Coconut, Red, Black
Mens Vibram Five Fingers Treksport Coconut, Black, Charcoal
New Womens Vibram Five Fingers for 2011
The Treksport and Komod also comes in alternative colours for women, as well as three unique styles designed just for women: The Jaya and Jaya LR which feature extra cushioning and grip under the foot pads and toes as well as a comfortable stretch fit. Meanwhile the Performa is a leather Vibram Five Fingers moc designed for gym classes.
2011 Womens Vibram Five Fingers Range
Womens Vibram Five Fingers Komodo Sport Blue, Yellow, Grey
Womens Vibram Five Fingers Komodo Sport Black, Gold, Grey
Womens Vibram Five Fingers Jaya White, Grey, Purple
Womens Vibram Five Fingers Jaya Black, Silver
Womens Vibram Five Fingers Jaya White, Firey Red, Blue
Womens Vibram Five Fingers Jaya LR Frosted, Almond
Womens Vibram Five Fingers Jaya LR White, Monument Grey
Womens Vibram Five Fingers Jaya LR Black, Cool Grey
Womens Vibram Five Fingers Performa Black, Black
Womens Vibram Five Fingers Performa Violet, Black
Womens Vibram Five Fingers Treksport Process Blue, Light Grey, Medium Grey
Womens Vibram Five Fingers Treksport Light Pink, Dark Pink, Black
Womens Vibram Five Fingers Treksport Coconut, Black, Charcoal
Can’t wait to slip your feet into a pair of Vibram Five Fingers, need more information, have a lot of questions or want to check out the current range? Then visit our Vibram Five Fingers page here: http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/c-204-vibram-five-fingers.aspx
Visit us on Monday to read the first of our new Vibram Five Fingers reviews, starting with the Treksport, followed by a new review every week day!
Popularity: unranked [?]