Don’t miss out on our Hot Deals for the cold weather conditions. With an extra 10% off our already heavily discounted footwear, now’s the time to treat yourself while stocks last! Offer expires midnight Monday 25th Octobe 2010.
With Halloween, Bon Fire night and then Christmas on its way, we’ve put together a hotter offer to keep you cosy through the cold weather conditions.
Simply type FFW10 into the coupon box at the checkout for the your extra discount!
So whether you’re looking for a new pair of boots for walking the dog or some rugged outdoor trainers that you won’t mind getting muddy, you can enjoy an Extra 10% Off all this weekend at FitnessFootwear.com.
Now the weather’s turned cold, even our staff are looking for a bargain, with many of us tempted by Merrell walking boots, North Face Trainers and even ladies snow boots. Throw in some warm, winter socks and our feet couldn’t be more cosy.
So what do you need for the cold weather?
Visit www.FitnessFootwear.com for all your sports and outdoor shoe needs.
Popularity: unranked [?]
We’re proud to launch our brand new FitnessFootwear.com website with sleek new looks and effortless navigation for an even better online shopping experience.
Let’s be honest, the old site was a tad chaotic. So we thought about how people are used to walking into a shop and seeing the various sections. So instead of launching someone straight into mens Merrell walking sandals, we felt it was better to encourage people to browse FitnessFootwear.com by category.
After all, if someone is looking for something that specific, then chances are, they’ll land on our site from a Google search.
So now you can easily browse by Mens, Womens, Brands and our top level categories: Outdoor, Running, Toning and Casual.
OUTDOOR
Enjoying the great outdoors, climbing Ben Nevis or taking the dog for a walk? Then our Outdoor section has everything from lightweight summer walking sandals to warm, waterproof snow boots for winter. We also stock a wide range of walking boots and walking shoes for all kinds of weather conditions. So whether you’re looking for lightweight comfort and breathability or support and Gore-Tex waterproof protection, We stock every kind of walking shoe, boot and trainer imaginable from the biggest outdoor brands.
Our outdoor brands include:
Hi-Tec
Brasher
Keen
Merrell
North Face
Salomon
Teva
RUNNING
Going for a casual run, competing in a marathon, going off road or going barefoot, our running shoes section has every kind of shoe for every kind of runner, including trail running shoes and the latest range of barefoot running shoes.
The barefoot running shoe trend has really taken off lately and we’re looking forward to expanding this range in 2011, along with our already wide range of specialist running shoes from the biggest brands in running.
Our running brands include:
Asics
inov-8
Mizuno
New Balance
Saucony
Vibram Five Fingers
TONING
Toning is a relatively new niche in the world of sports and everyday wear. While toning footwear began in the form of a comfy sandal to tone your legs with every step, toning trainers have helped to develop this category in recent years, making toning shoes appealing for a wide range of people from those looking to improve their overall health and fitness to athletes seeking to enhance their training sessions.
We stock a wide range of everyday toning shoes, boots and sandals to get a work out while you walk to competitive toning trainers which use a number of technologies to help you run faster, further and harder with less fatigue.
Our toning brands include:
FitFlop
Reebok
Skechers
CASUAL
Everyone’s got to relax once in a while, even our staff! So as well as sports and outdoor shoes, we also stock a selection of comfortable, rugged and hard wearing casual shoes, boots, trainers and sandals with a focus on the outdoors.
Truth be told, casual shoes are becoming more functional than ever and the gap between function and fashion is forever shrinking. Just look at walking trainers and ladies snow boots for example.
Our casual brands include:
Birkenstock
Caterpillar
Merrell
We hope you like the new site and find that’s it’s much easier to browse and filter for what you’re looking for. We’ll be adding more great features over the coming months to enhance the ease, speed and enjoyment of shopping online with us.
From everyone here: Thank you for shopping with www.fitnessfootwear.com
Popularity: unranked [?]
It’s like Christmas here at FitnessFootwear.com, because that’s how much we all love Merrell shoes. Owning your first pair of Merrells is almost part of the induction into the company. So as you can see, Merrell is a brand that we’re all very passionate about.
Our Autumn drop arrived first thing this morning, bringing with it the new Merrell Colour Stories – ranges of mens and womens shoes all coloured to match the seasons from men’s Autumnal terracota and rust to the cool womens’s Winter violet collection.
Best of all, we’ve now got the Merrell Refuge Pro GTX. It fits very much like the Merrell Intercept but with a batter grip, a little more cushioning underfoot, better wrap around fit and of course, complete waterproof protection thanks to the Gore-Tex membrane.
After yesterdays rain, the summer is well and truly over. Autumn is here and Merrell is simply the best footwear brand to embrace it in comfort, quality and style.
We’ve been out ‘shoe spotting’ recently and were amazed by the number of people out wearing Merrell trainers. Then again, more people than ever seem to be wearing outdoor shoes rather than traditionally trendy trainers. Could there be a shift in fashionable footwear? If so, then Merrell will be more popular than ever this year.
Not got your Merrells yet? Check out our massive range at 10% Off with Free UK delivery here: http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/c-2-merrell.aspx
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 [?]
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 [?]
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 [?]
As the Uk’s best online Merrell stockist, we’ve got even more Merrells arriving in the new year. This time we’ve turned out attention to the latest womens Merrell shoes, boots, trainers and sandals with one foot in fashion and the other in the great outdoors.
If there’s one thing that really appeals to women it’s Merrell footwear. Other outdoor brands are known for their brown leather boots, uncompromising technical performance or cheap and cheerful products. But Merrell has always been one of the more fashionable outdoor footwear brands and their ladies footwear has always looked especially good!
So what does the future have in store for women with a preference for the comfort, quality and styling of Merrell shoes? Quite a lot actually.
Merrell Womens Walking
In the past there’s been a relatively small selection of Merrell womens walking shoes, boots and trainers, but the ladies Siren range has gone from strength to strength, year on year, delivering unrivalled style every time. Meanwhile the ladies Chameleon Arc range continues to grow while Merrell has introduced a new Avian range of lightweight footwear for more fast paced outdoor adventures.
Merrell Womens Siren Breeze – Brindle
Merrell Womens Siren Breeze – Dark Gull Grey
Merrell Womens Siren Sport GTX – Seagrass
Merrell Womens Chameleon Arc 2 Mid GTX – Dark Gull Grey Lobster
Merrell Womens Chameleon Arc 2 GTX – Dark Gull Grey and Lobster
Merrell Womens Siren Ventilator Mid GTX – Smoke
Merrell Womens Avian Light Sport GTX – Dark Shadow
Merrell Womens Avian Light Leather – Deep Tan
Merrell Womens Sandals
When it comes to comfortable, functional and fashionable sandals, Merrell really shines! Few outdoor brands can boast such a fabulous selection of summer footwear that’s perfectly suited to walking far and wide in the countryside while being suitable for the beach or a colourful summer dress.
Women are spoilt for choice with a completely new colour range of Merrell Siena sandals while the best selling Merrell Kahuna gets another revamp in its third incarnation without losing any of its eyecatching style. Meanwhile there are a number of new additions the range, including the Waterpro Belle and Cambrian trekking sandal.
Merrell Womens Siena – Silver Lining
Merrell Womens Siena – Persian Red
Merrell Womens Siena – Smoke
Merrell Womens Siena – Dark Shadow
Merrell Womens Siena – Twilight Blue
Merrell Womens Siren Strap – Opal Grey
Merrell Womens Cambrian Pull – Oyster
Merrell Womens Kahuna III – Classic Taupe
Merrell Womens Kahuna III Sport – Pewter
Merrell Womens Waterpro Belle – Grey and Skyway
Merrell Womens Barefoot Running Shoes
Having teamed up with Vibram the Merrell Barefoot range is on its way. We’re looking forward to testing some out for ourselves and to compliment the range of mens minimalist running shoes, Merrel has a range of women’s Barefoot shoes in light pastel colours as a more feminine alternative.
Merrell Womens Pace Glove – Lavender Lustre
Merrell Womens Pure Glove – Chilli Pepper
Merrell Womens Pure Glove – Acacia
Merrell Womens Pure Glove – Lavender Lustre
Considering the success of the Vibram Five Fingers shoe and the surge in barefoot running thanks to the book Born To Run, Merrell could do very well with their barefoot running shoe range.
This is just a handful of the great range of Merrell footwear that will be available from FitnessFootwear. We’re looking forward to the return of the Merrell Jungle Slides, the arrival of the new Merrell Kahuna sandals and can’t wait to try on a pair of the Merrell Barefoot shoes.
In the meantime, stay tuned to FitnessFootwear.com and the FitnessFootwear Blog for the latest developments in Merrell footwear. We’ll have more photos of the latest styles very soon!
For our full range of Merrell footwear, visit: http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/c-2-merrell.aspx
Popularity: unranked [?]
When it comes to comfort, style and rugged quality, there’s nothing quite like Merrell shoes. In fact, we’ve been wearing and selling Merrell for longer than we can remember. And like many of our customers, we’ve got a real passion for the Merrell brand and their fantastic range of products that combine the outdoors with comfort, quality and style.
So whether you’re enjoying some comfy Merrell sandals this summer, exploring the city in some rugged Merrell trainers or conquering the countryside with some breathable Merrell boots, Merrell has a fantastic new range of footwear in store. We hope you’ll be just as excited as we are!
Merrell has expanded their existing range of footwear while redesigning a number of firm favourites and reintroducing alternative mid cut models of last year’s best sellers. So without further ado, let’s take a look at what’s coming soon!
Merrell Chameleon
The iconic Merrell Chameleon range continues with a fresh selection of shoes from their latest Chameleon 3 collection, including a mid cut boot of the Chameleon Evo. Perfect for light hiking and completely waterproof with a Gore-Tex membrane.
Merrell Mens Chameleon 3 Blast – Espresso and Coriander
Merrell Mens Chameleon 3 Blast – Boulder and Granite
Merrell Mens Chameleon Evo Mid GTX – Black and Charcoal
Merrell Refuge
Refuge is the new outdoor performance shoe from Merrell with an upper made from a mixture of nubuk and suede with a breathable mesh lining. The Refuge Pro is strong, reliable and protective whilst the Vibram sole offers maximum performance. Essentially it’s the modern version of the Merrell Intercept, building on that classic Merrell shoe as a basis for it’s stability, shape and styling with extra feature for superior comfort, protection and performance.
Merrell Mens Refuge Pro Ventilator – Aluminium and Harvest Pumpkin
Merrell Mens Refuge Pro Ventilator – Dark Earth and Kangaroo
Merrell Mens Refuge Core Mid GTX – Coffee Bean
Merrell Mens Refuge Pro GTX – Dusty Olive and Black
Merrell Pantheon
Last year the Merrell Pantheon proved to be very popular with its rugged, rustic good looks and hard wearing materials as a versatile walking shoe. This time it’s back in a selection of natural colours inspired by the great outdoors.
Merrell Mens Pantheon Sport GTX – Forest Night
Merrell Mens Pantheon Sport GTX – Castle Rock and Daphne
Merrell Mens Sandals
If there’s one thing that Merrell does well it’s a suitably manly sandal. Birkenstocks will only carry a man so far and when it comes to comfort, quality, underfoot support and hard wearing footwear, a man simply can’t find a better summer sandal than a Merrell sandal. Fortunately the best selling Merrell Kahuna II is back as the Merrell Kahuna III, taking performance and style to the next step while offering the all the comfort and familiarity of the previous design.
Merrell Mens Kahuna III – Classic Taupe
Merrell Mens Kahuna III Sport – Boulder
Merrell Mens Cambrian Convertible – Coriander and Dark Earth
Merrell Barefoot
Merrell has lept aboard the barefoot bandwagon and teamed up with Vibram to product the Merrell Barefoot range of running and walking shoes. Merrell Barefoot footwear combines all the comfort, quality and breathability of lightweight Merrell shoes with a minimalist sole shaped like a foot to give you all the benefits of the barefoot running gait, but with added grip and a layer of impenetrable protection.
Merrell Mens Trail Glove – Black and Molton Lava
Merrell Mens Trail Glove – Olympia
Merrell Mens True Glove – Dusty Olive and Amazon
This is just a handful of the great range of Merrell footwear that will be available from FitnessFootwear. We’re also glad to welcome back the Merrell Mens Moab Mid GTX – Beluga which was always very popular. Also as fans of the Merrell Intercept range, we’re very excited to finally have the Merrell Intercept sport in stock.
Stay tuned for the full range with photos in a few months. But in the meantime, if you’re looking for some new Merrells or are looking to experience the comfort, quality and rugged good looks of Merrell shoes for the first time, checkout our current Merrell footwear range here: http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/c-2-merrell.aspx
Popularity: unranked [?]
The spring/summer 2011 womens Hi-Tec collection has recently been unveiled at the 2010 Outdoor Show in Friedrichshafen. The extensive new collection features 70 new models to choose from in the New Year, with a major boost to all of the popular Hi-Tec designs, with new releases incorporating the latest technology, shaving even more weight of their already ultra lightweight designs, with a host of new colour schemes.
News of the release comes on the back of the hugely successful Hi-Tec Liquid Mountaineering viral video campaign, starting off the extreme sport of running on water. Naturally you should get a pair of the latest hydrophobic Hi-Tec’s on your feet before attempting to set your own record breaking aquatic running attempt, with many of the new models liquid-mountaineering certified. The video highlights the incredible waterproofing and ultra lightweight designs of Hi-Tec shoes, keeping you light on your feet and moving quickly in all weather conditions.
Producing highly technical footwear for all off-road running and walking adventures, Hi-Tec footwear keeps you going for longer easing the effort the muscles are required to perform. No one could criticise Hi-Tec for style, producing a boot and a shoe for all tastes. Whether you prefer the classic brown leather walking boot, or a highly technical snazzy trainer, you will be spoilt for choice, and that is before the 70 new styles are released early in the New Year.
For advanced details of what the Spring / Summer 2011 has in store for lovers of the great outdoors, have a look at the new designs due at Fitness Footwear in early 2011.
Hi-Tec V-Lite Hiking
Hi-Tec is well known for their lightweight designs, which feature throughout their footwear range, however the V-Lite Hiking series offers the greatest weight saving. The hiking boot category is traditionally the realm of heavy, durable boots, offering the maximum protection for the toughest terrain and the harshest weather conditions. Hi-Tec has developed their own range of technologies to dramatically reduce the weight of their boots, keeping you light on your feet without reducing protection and support. Rather than rely on a chunky cushioned sole for cushioning and protection, Hi-Tec have developed the vertical build system, which utilises 5 layers of ultra lightweight materials to keep the weight to the bare minimum, whilst providing the highest level of protection.
The V-Lite series features lightweight and durable carbon rubber outsoles, a stiff lasting board to protect the feet on uneven and rocky terrain, a Comfort-Tec insole for an anatomically moulded fit, and a cushioned midsole for shock absorption with robust yet lightweight uppers. Next year sees the popular Altitude Ultra, Rapidtrail Ultra and Belleville mid boots remodelled, and an all new Malvern hiking boot. Constructed from waterproof suede and mesh, the mid or low cut boot offers a highly comfortable fit, a lightweight and highly breathable design and all-weather protection, with cool feminine colours with yellow and pink detail.
New Hi-Tec V-Lite Hiking Models for 2011
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Altitude Ultra Luxe Wpi – Chocolate and Light Taupe
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Rapidtrail Ultra Wpi – Smokey Brown, Taupe and Golden Haze
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Belleville Wpi – Blue Moon, Grey and Fig
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Rapidtrail WP – Blue Moon, Cool Grey and Powder Blue
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Malvern Mid WP – Smokey Brown, Light Taupe and Custard
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Malvern Mid WP – Blue Moon, Cool Grey and Lavandula
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Malvern Low WP – Blue Moon, Cool Grey and Lavandula
Hi-Tec Lite Hiking
Hi-Tec’s commitment to lightweight design sees them assess competitor brands and put their shoes to the test, to help them produce boots and shoes which are 10%-15% lighter than their nearest competitor. Over long hikes the weight saving can really be felt, keeping your legs from tiring prematurely and keeping you going for longer. V-Lite boots and shoes are highly supportive, with steel shanks for rigidity to prevent bruising on hard terrain, with a good degree of flexibility for a natural foot movement and long term comfort. The waterproof designs offer full weather protection, and offers the maximum versatility, being perfect for rugged terrain and winter walking and highly breathable for warm weather walking.
The Enviro embodies Hi-Tec’s commitment to the environment, using 50% recycled material for the moisture wicking lining, recycled rubber in the outsole, and a recycled metal shank for support. The full grain leather uppers are vegetable tanned offering an environmentally friendly boot which will leave nothing behind but your footprints. The latest V-Lite styles feature blacks, greys and browns throughout the range, offering traditional styles and colours with a modern twist and the latest technology. The Altitude is the most popular Lite hiking boot which gets a further three designs in 2011, with two brand new models in the Lynx and Montclair, with leather and mesh uppers for maximum breathability.
New Hi-Tec Lite Hiking Models for 2011
Hi-Tec Womens Altitude Glide WP – Brown
Hi-Tec Womens Altitude Glide WP – Blue Moon
Hi-Tec Womens Altitude Glide Low WP Nubuck – Smokey Brown
Hi-Tec Womens Montclair Mid WP – Olive, Taupe and Golden Haze
Hi-Tec Womens Lynx Trail Mid WP – Hot Grey, Lavandula and Iris
Hi-Tec Womens Lynx Trail Mid WP – Smokey Brown, Taupe and Damask
New Hi-Tec Lite Hiking Enviro Model for 2011
Hi-Tec Womens Altitude IV Enviro NT WP – Walnut and Dark Taupe
Hi-Tec V-Lite Adventure Sport
The Adventure Sport range features the all new Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity, the incredibly stylish trail running shoe as featured in Hi-Tec’s Liquid Mountaineering video clip. The shoes are designed for trail running, with an ultra lightweight design, far lighter than anything we have seen here at Fitness Footwear. The uppers are incredibly thin, highly breathable, and feature ion-mask hydrophobic technology for total waterproofing. The stitching has been reduced to eliminate weak points and improve the comfort with no interior seams to avoid points of abrasion to keep blisters at bay. The Vibram rubber outsole is designed not to clog up with mud, and keeps you treading lightly in all conditions.
Whilst not to the same extreme feather light construction as the Infinity, the Nightwalk features the same technology with a more hard wearing design for long runs over tough terrain. Designed with a strobel construction for comfort and flexibility, extra support is provided by a TPU midsole for maximum stability and exceptional balance. Toe and heel bumpers add robustness and an external ESS shank gives extra support and durability Designed for all terrain running in total comfort, the shoes feature a Comfort-Tec sockliner moulded to match the natural contours of the foot, and a female specific last construction for a snug and secure fit.
New Hi-Tec V-Lite Adventure Sport Models for 2011
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Infinity HPi – Black, Aquamatic, Squash
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Infinity HPi – Black, Silver, Melon
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Nighthawk WP – Flint, Cool Grey and Dawn
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Nighthawk Hpi – Mink, Light Taupe and Wedgewood
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Nighthawk – Steel, Violetslate and Candy
Hi-Tec Multi Sports
Hi-Tec multi-sports shoes feature the most versatile designs for the best performance across the full range of outdoor sports, utilising Hi-Tec’s considerable expertise to produce lightweight, supportive and robust footwear designs which are up to the rigours of highly challenging terrain. . The shoes feature tread pattern to maximise both on and off-road traction, with highly breathable robust uppers and great cushioning underfoot. The shoes pack in the technology with a CMEVA full length midsole for exceptional shock absorption, a Comfort-Tec anatomically moulded sockliner for support and softness underfoot, and a sticky Vibram rubber outsole for great off-road grip, constructed with a highly durable blend of rubber for a long lifespan.
2011 will see a boost to three of the multi-sport models, with the greatest range of new styles added to the popular V-Lite Total Terrain all purpose off-road shoes. Constructed from split nubuck, leather and suede uppers they offer the maximum durability with great off-road styling. Using liquid rubber in the toe and the heel, the shoes are highly protective with a shank for added rigidity over highly uneven and rocky terrain. Both the Napier and Aukland feature split suede and mesh uppers for maximum breathability, with a carbon rubber outsole to reduce the weight, and a rigid shank for off-road protection and waterproof uppers for all weather action. No matter what the conditions or whatever the terrain, the shoes offer a performance to match.
New Hi-Tec Multi Sports Models for 2011
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Total Terrain Lace – Hot Grey and Aquamatic
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Total Terrain Lace – Old Moss and Custard
Hi-Tec Womens Total Terrain Lace – Clay, Light Taupe and Custard
Hi-Tec Womens Total Terrain Lace – Hot Grey, Warm Grey and Aquamatic
Hi-Tec Womens Total Terrain Aero – Clay, Light Taupe and Custard
Hi-Tec Womens Total Terrain Aero – Hot Grey, Warm Grey and Aquamatic
Hi-Tec Womens Napier WP – Blue Moon, Storm and Wedgewood
Hi-Tec Womens Napier WP – Clay, Taupe and Golden Haze
Hi-Tec Womens Auckland WP – Taupe, Light Taupe and Winter Plum
Hi-Tec Terra Active
The Hi-Tec Terra Active range is aimed at the casual trainer market, providing multi-sport functionality for walking, running, cycling and everyday wear. Constructed from robust suede to cope with knocks and abrasions, the design is ultra lightweight with a highly breathable mesh upper for maximum breathability. Ideal from the spring through to the autumn, the range offers the maximum comfort for prolonged use. Padded collars are comfortable on the ankle and Achilles, with moisture wicking linings for dryness during the most active outdoor sporting activities, keeping the feet perfectly cool, dry and comfortable at all times.
For maximum shock absorption, the EVA contoured midsole runs the length of the foot, with increased cushioning in the heel to prevent shockwaves from travelling up the legs, easing the pressure on the joints.
Featuring earthy tones with feminine colour flashes, the range is highly stylish with a wide choice of designs to go with all casual attire. The ghilley lacing system allows for easy tightening and removal, perfect after a long day on the feet, whilst offers a highly comfortable and snug fit, dissipating lace tension around the whole of the upper. All Terra Active trainers are constructed from a female specific last, offering a secure fit, tailored to the natural contours for women’s feet. The spring/summer collection features 16 brand new models and styles, catering to all sports and all terrain activity with gre4at new colour schemes and five new models.
New Hi-Tec Terra Active Models for 2011
Hi-Tec Womens Mayfair Lace – Black and Topaz
Hi-Tec Womens Mayfair Lace – Hot Grey and Dawn
Hi-Tec Womens Mayfair Lace – Old Moss, Taupe and Lavandula
Hi-Tec Womens Mayfair EZ – Black and Topaz
Hi-Tec Womens Mayfair EZ – Hot Grey and Dawn
Hi-Tec Womens Mayfair EZ – Old Moss, Taupe and Lavandula
Hi-Tec Womens Mayfair Pump – Black and Topaz
Hi-Tec Womens Mayfair Pump – Hot Grey and Dawn
Hi-Tec Womens Mayfair Pump – Old Moss, Taupe and Lavandula
Hi-Tec Womens Saratoga WP – Navy, Storm and Wedgewood
Hi-Tec Womens Alameda – Clay, Taupe and Golden Haze
Hi-Tec Womens Alameda – Hot Grey and Lavandula
Hi-Tec Womens Palo Alto Aero – Clay and Seagrass
Hi-Tec Womens Palo Alto Aero – Hot Grey and Lavandula
Hi-Tec Womens Vista – Blue Moon, Cool Grey and Wedgewood
Hi-Tec Womens Vista – Smokey Brown, Light Taupe and Golden Haze
Hi-Tec Sandals
Hi-Tec sandals utilise the same V-Lite construction as their boots and shoes, for the height of comfort and protection with an ultra lightweight design ideal for the heat of the midsummer. Hi-Tec has announced that there will be additional 37 new models in 2011, with a style, design, and colour scheme for all terrain and all occasions. Featuring standard hiking sandal designs to protect the feet and offer extra support for off road walking and highly fashionable styles for around town and the beach, the new summer arrivals are sure to match with every outfit and give a full summer of coolness and comfort.
The most eagerly awaited sandal is the Vigorate Slide, a highly comfortable new model with an absorptive moisture wicking lining to keep the feet dry and comfortable. The sandals feature an innovative insole with Cool Gel pads located in the heel, forefoot and toe to help keep the feet cool in the summer, offering incredible underfoot comfort, gently massage the feet to improve blood circulation whilst you walk. The Hi-Tec Vigorate is the perfect antidote for tired and swollen summer feet. The sandals are designed to offer maximum comfort, and give extra summer shock absorption, cushioning the joints from shockwaves for to ease the strain on the ankles, knees and hips, whilst the softness underfoot helps to prevent blisters and abrasions from forming on pressure hot spots.
New Hi-Tec Sandals Models for 2011
Hi-Tec Womens Vigorate Strap – Bamboo and Linden
Hi-Tec Womens Vigorate Strap – Black and Cool Grey
Hi-Tec Womens Vigorate Strap – Marshmallow and Topaz
Hi-Tec Womens Vigorate Slide – Bamboo and Linden
Hi-Tec Womens Vigorate Slide – Black and Cool Grey
Hi-Tec Womens Vigorate Slide – Marshmallow and Topaz
Hi-Tec Womens Vigorate Thong – Black and Cool Grey
Hi-Tec Womens Vigorate Thong – Marshmallow and Topaz
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Shakti – Coastal and Dawn
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Shakti – Cork and Seagrass
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Minerva Strap – Black and Topaz
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Minerva Strap – Seagrass and Linden
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Minerva Slide – Black and Topaz
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Minerva Slide – Marshmallow, Aqua and Squash
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Minerva Thong – Seagrass and Linden
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Minerva Thong – Black and Topaz
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Minerva Thong – Marshmallow, Aqua and Squash
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Sheba Strap – Black and Lavandula
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Sheba Strap – Honey, Taupe and Peacock
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Sheba Strap – Blues
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Sheba Strap – Greens
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Gran Canaria – Black, Grey and Lavandula
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Gran Canaria – Blue Moon and Light Blue
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Barbados – Black and Grey
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite Barbados – Light Taupe, Olive and Golden Haze
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite OM – Coastal and Dawn
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite OM – Cork and Seagrass
Hi-Tec Womens V-Lite OM – Old Moss, Taupe, Lavandula
Hi-Tec Womens Maui Strap – Black, Hot Grey and Cool Grey
Hi-Tec Womens Maui Strap – Taupe and Lavandula
Hi-Tec Womens Maui Strap – Seagrass, Taupe and Linden
Hi-Tec Womens Maui Thong – Black, Hot Grey and Cool Grey
Hi-Tec Womens Maui Thong – Taupe and Lavandula
Hi-Tec Womens Waimea Falls – Black and Cool Grey
Hi-Tec Womens Waimea Falls – Blue Moon, Cool Grey and Light Blue
Hi-Tec Womens Waimea Falls – Chocolate, Wheat and Sand
Hi-Tec Womens Aloha – Bamboo and Seagrass
Hi-Tec Womens Aloha – Black, Grey and Topaz
Here at FitnessFootwear.com we’re excited to see what everyone thinks of the up and coming Hi-Tec styles. Having tried the new Hi-Tec Infinity and Vigorate sandals for ourselves, we’re convinced that the new Hi-Tec range is going to take the outdoor footwear world by storm while their improved brand identity will have a broad appeal to all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts.
To check out the current range of Hi-Tec shoes, boots and trainers at FitnessFootwear.com, visit: http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/c-30-hi-tec.aspx
Popularity: unranked [?]
We were pretty excited to finally get the Salomon Elios 2 GTX in stock and give it a thorough test. With other Salomon models in the range offering high comfort and performance the shoe had a lot to live up to.
We were eager to get straight out and test them, so it was a good job that it was comfortable straight out of the box and didn’t require any wearing in. We did find it was a fraction smaller that it’s stated size, so we would recommend going up a half size to be assured of a perfect comfortable fit.
The oiled Nubuck upper looks fantastic and it’s certainly one of the best looking shoes we have seen from Salomon. It has a solid and robust look and feel, and appears designed to take some pretty rough treatment and come out unscathed. The extra protection provided by the leather toe cap and protective rubber heel cap is a great addition for getting more life from the shoes. They are highly breathable and waterproof thanks to the GORETEX lining and the Contragrip® outsole provides excellent traction. This model offers traditional laces rather than the unbreakable Kevlar laces which feature on many Salomon models, and whilst not so robust they are much easier to replace when they break, which even the Kevlar ones do from time to time.
As with most models from Salomon, the shoes give excellent arch support, but whilst Salomon tend to be geared towards high arched feet the Elios 2 achieves the perfect balance. The custom women’s last construction and 3D fit padding moulds perfectly around the foot and feels as if it was custom made. It really cannot be faulted in the comfort stakes.
Off-road walkers who prefer a high degree of cushioning may find this model a little light in the forefoot; although it does provide great feel for good foot placement and the heel foam cushions particularly well where it is needed most. Whilst probably not best suited to serious heavy duty hiking, for light to moderate terrain they are an excellent choice.
All in all, the Salomon Elios 2 not only has the awesome looks but offers performance to match and is an excellent all round walking and light to moderate hiking shoe. It is capable of dealing with the wet and pretty much anything you come across. They are highly recommended.
For the complete range of Salomon Elios 2 and a huge selection of the best selling Salomon shoes, check out: http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/c-71-salomon.aspx
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Popularity: unranked [?]