The Keen brand was formed in 2003 in response to a lack of suitable sandals on the on the market which were able to deal with the rigours of water sports whilst providing adequate protection for the toes. Sandals left the toes exposed and shoes became waterlogged and heavy making them difficult and tiring to wear and a nightmare to dry out after a good soaking.
Their response was to develop a range of hybrid shoes combining the technical features of a walking shoe with the lightweight design of a water-sports sandal. The most striking feature which is present throughout the range is the patented toe protection element which prevents stubbing toes by utilising a protective rubber toe bumper for cushioning. Due to the additional forces at work underwater, their sandals have a robust design to prevent tearing and a thick sticky carbon rubber sole with a razor sipped tread to expel underfoot water for a secure foothold.
The Keen Newport sandal was their first creation which offered the robustness and protection of a shoe, with a lightweight design and excellent waterproofing. It became an instant bestseller with white water enthusiasts due to the superb grip and protection it provided from underwater hazards. The model remains as popular today as it was when created, and is still the number 1 bestselling model for men.
Designed for an aquatic life, the uppers are fully waterproof and are constructed from hard wearing leather, Nubuck or synthetic abrasive resistant materials. For easy tightening and removal when wet, the shoes feature an elasticised drawstring lacing system which keeps the shoes tight on the feet. An anatomical last construction ensures great support underfoot, and a healthy environment is maintained with an Aegis anti-microbial treatment.
As a female companion to the Newport, the Keen Venice offers the same outstanding features with a more lightweight design and more feminine styling with contrast stitching and more delicate straps, whilst still retaining the same grip and protection. Ideal for canoeing and kayaking, bouldering, scrambling and rock hopping they are one of the few truly amphibious sandals on the market and certainly regarded as the best by lovers of extreme water sports.
Whilst Keen sandals were designed to deal with the problems created underwater, the range has since been expanded to deal with the problems of water on dry land, protecting against occasional downpours, deeper than expected puddles, and offering great traction in thick mud and on wet grass. They have been designed to keep the feet warm in winter, cool in summer and perfectly dry no matter what the weather.
The Keen shoes range includes both men and women’s mid-boots and shoes with the trademark chunky sticky rubber soles and protective toe bumper. More suited to walking and hiking, the entire range is kept lightweight to help reduce muscle fatigue, and is better suited to moving at pace over varied terrain even offering great functionality for a cross country run.
Their shoe range features a host of Keen technologies which have been developed in house to give the ultimate protection for the feet in terms of grip, comfort and insulation. E-vent membranes offer a waterproof seal whilst retaining excellent breathability, their S3 support structure gives outstanding shock absorption of forces from a heavy heel strike and their dual climate rubber compounds hardens in cold temperatures for extra bite in snow and ice, and softens when the temperatures rise for outstanding grip no matter what the surface and conditions.
If you are serious about extreme outdoor sports then Keen are worth exploring further and you can find full details of the range of hybrid sandals and shoes at http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/c-377-keen.aspx
Popularity: unranked [?]
We have a huge rang of Inov8 running shoes available, but what’s the difference between a Mudclaw, Terroc and Roclite? Read our Inov8 shoe guide for all the essential info.
Being lightweight is not always such a bad thing; take Inov8 for example. There is no lighter weight contender for tackling the path less trodden, but don’t be fooled by the weigh-in because Inov8 shoes pack a super heavyweight punch.
Casually glance through their award tally and it will be immediately apparent that Inov8 are serious contenders, having secured multiple awards from all of the major running publications. The Pennine company has been showered with prestigious accolades over the past 7 years since they burst onto the scene in 2003, and rapidly made winning gold easier for runners and a lot harder for their competitors.
The trail and fell running award season has in fact got a little boring with this legendary off-road brand winning year after year after year. Whilst it would be exciting for a newcomer to mix things up and make the review awards less of a sure thing, the past 7 years has rarely brought forth a contender to match the high level of performance, super lightweight construction and the superior feel which Inov8 running shoes provide.
What sets the brand head and shoulders above the competition is their passion for running and off road extreme sports. Attention to detail is all important when coping with razor sharp rocks, uneven terrain, steep gradients and perilously slippery mud and grass. On the fells, a secure footfall can be the difference between a record time and serious cuts and bruises, when a tried and tested high performance shoe can be worth its weight in gold.
To cater to all terrain and running styles Inov8 offer a range of shoes specifically created to cope with different running disciplines and surfaces, without becoming so specialised as to fail when the surface suddenly changes. All shoes feature super lightweight technology which is able to offer protection to each of the metatarsals at differing levels within each step, and allow the feet to flex naturally for perfect forefoot flexibility. A low profile design gives maximum ground feedback for last minute foot placement adjustment, and offers the right level of cushioning for the task at hand.
It took the human body 200,000 years to perfect the plantar fascia to give outstanding shock absorption, whereas Inov8 knocked up their Fascia Band in about 6 months, had a couple of tea, and moved on to bigger and better things. By replicating the action of barefoot movement this technological advance makes running more efficient, absorbing the impact force and using it to propel the body forward into the next step.
To ensure the perfect grip, Inov8 offer two rubber compounds on the outsoles to give amazing grip or high durability. Sadly they have yet to engineer a rubber which offers both; however they need to leave something for next year’s awards. Their super sticky soft rubber gives sublime grip when wet, whilst the hard wearing compound gives the durability necessary for hard packed trails and tarmac.
For support and cushioning each model features a 4-arrow support rating helping runners to achieve the correct balance between feel and cushioning, with the low level replicating barefoot running, with the 4-arrow rating giving hard surface distance runners the most support and comfort.
Each shoe within the range is given a number to indicate the weight in grams, ranging from 180g to 390g (6.34 to 13.75g in old money). So without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the Inov8 off-road footwear range and what each model offers the extreme runner.
Inov8 Roclite
Available in a mid boot and trainer design, the Inov8 Roclite has been developed to offer maximum versatility to cope with a wide range of surfaces for trail running and walking. The aggressive tread is ideal for coping with loose rock, mud, and grass in wet and dry conditions. The shoes feature the patent pending Fascia-Band to improve running efficiency, super soft sticky rubber soles for maximum traction, and a cushioning level of 3 or 4 arrows depending on the model. The high level of cushioning is perfect for hard packed trails and distance running, and features women’s custom last designs or unisex models.
Inov8 Mudclaw
One look at the soles will tell you that the Inov8 Mudclaw is a serious shoe for seriously slippery conditions. The bi-planar heel gives two planes of curvature promoting an earlier heel strike and superb stability for steep ascents and descents. For fell running in extreme conditions no shoe gives better high speed grip. The 2-arrow shock absorption maximises ground feedback and a TPU lacing system cradles the foot for a secure fit. Constructed from a performance last, this unisex model minimises heel slippage and the one piece construction keeps water and debris out. Whilst able to cope with hard surfaces, the sticky rubber is best suited to mud and grass and craves extreme action.
Inov8 X-Talon
The Inov8 X-Talon features a low profile midsole with minimal cushioning for maximum feel. The sticky rubber outsole features well positioned aggressive studs for maximum grip. The performance fit and 2-arrow shock absorption offers minimal cushioning for racing with excellent stability, whilst the Fascia Band aids running efficiency and minimises muscle fatigue. Upper webbing support and a TPU lacing system spreads lace tension and cradles the foot for a secure foothold. The X-Talon is ideal for mixed terrain, superb on mud and grass, and both the shoe and mid-boot styles are perfect for cross country and fell running, short trail and X-Mountain racing and are the lightest in their class.
Inov8 F-Lite
For harder surfaces such as compact trails and urban running the Inov8 F-Lite is a highly versatile shoe with incredible feel with a 2-arrow model and comfort, and 4-arrow style for distance running. The low profile tread pattern and soft sticky non-marking rubber outsole is perfect for free running, and offers a generous fit for wider feet and more comfort long distance running. The unisex design is based on an average runner’s last and features a super lightweight mesh upper with the option of a GORE-TEX lining for wet weather running. This model is ideal for hard surfaces, training, distance running and more leisurely cross country adventures.
Inov8 Terroc
The Inov8 Terroc features a 3-arrow shock absorption rating and is ideally suited to longer distance running over mixed surfaces. The shoes feature a medial and lateral post to correct over pronation and supination and are ideal for hard packed trails, the track and trail running. An endurance rubber outsole offers maximum durability and superb wet and dry grip, with a GORE-TEX model for mud, snow and seriously wet conditions. For walking and trail running and superior foot cushioning and protection the Terroc gives the perfect balance of grip, support and comfort for long runs and great for a more leisurely approach to extreme off-road action.
Throughout the range Inov8 tame the most treacherous off-road terrain and conditions, giving the runner the ultimate advantage in off-road racing. They cut away the chaff and offer the lightest off-road technical running shoes on the market, with cutting edge technology to give the ultimate protection for the feet in the most varied and difficult terrain. If you are looking to gain precious time in a race, or seek the best possible protection and grip, Inov8 are a brand to be trusted and perfect for when the surface gets a bit gnarly.
All of the Inov8 off-road running shoes from Fitness Footwear include free UK delivery and a no hassle return service. For the best prices, the maximum choice, and assistance in choosing the right model for the terrain you are looking to cover Fitness Footwear are here to help. Inov8 running shoes are available from only £49.45
Check out the entire Inov8 range or running shoes and accessories at: http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/c-116-inov-8.aspx
Popularity: unranked [?]
Fitness Footwear is excited to announce the arrival of the latest Inov8 running shoes. The long awaited new models add to an already impressive selection of super lightweight running shoes catering to all outdoor environments and all running styles.
Since their arrival in 2003, Inov8 have been positioned at the top of the charts for running shoes, and are constant bestsellers at Fitness Footwear. When it comes to running, no matter what the surface Inov8 have produced a model which responds perfectly to the terrain, offering exquisite grip, exceptional comfort and one of the most lightweight and durable designs to be found on the market.
The British company from the Pennines are widely regarded as one of the best manufacturers of outdoor running footwear on the market. Since their arrival on the outdoor footwear scene they have won no fewer than 39 major awards for their performance shoe range. The name is appropriate for they are renowned for using the latest technology in their shoes to help the body to conserve energy, adding propulsion efficiency to each stride.
At Fitness Footwear we have long recognised Inov8 as one of the best outdoor brands of running shoes, and whether you are looking for an efficient road running shoe or require exceptional grip for the most perilous of wet grassy descents Inov8 have developed a model to suit. Whilst well known for their performance trainers, Inov8 even produce walking boots for those of you who like to go walking and hiking as an alternative to trail running or triathlons. When a little more comfort is required, Inov8 have developed a range of ultra lightweight and comfortable after-sports shoes. Designed to allow the feet to adopt a natural position, they are a great way to relax after a hard fought race and ideal shoes for travelling.
As an outdoor performance footwear specialist Fitness Footwear is dedicated to providing the widest selection of high quality performance footwear, and Inov8 have pride of place for their comfort, breathability and durability. No matter what the environment and what the weather has in store you can be sure that Invo8 have a model to suit and at Fitness footwear you’ll find the best selection at excellent prices.
Each pair of Inov8 running shoes is sold with free UK delivery and a no hassle return service. To choose from the widest range of this award winning performance footwear visit http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/c-116-inov-8.aspx
Popularity: unranked [?]
We love Merrells shoes, so we’ve put together a series of the best Merrells to help our customers pick the perfect pair of Merrells shoes, boots, sandals or trainers.
At FitnessFootwear.com we have a real passion for product, but when it comes to Merrell shoes, it’s a brand that almost all of us wear as a casual shoe, comfy trainer or walking boot.
The one thing that unites us in our love of Merrell footwear is the comfort and fit. Many of us had never tried on a Merrell shoe until we began working at FitnessFootwear.com. Now we can’t get enough of them and we’re convinced that once you’ve tried on a pair of Merrells for yourself, then there’s no looking back.
We’ve been wearing and selling Merrells for longer than we can remember and as one of the #1 online retailers for Merrell footwear, we sell a lot of Merrells!
However, this means that there’s an almost overwhelming selection of Merrell sandals, shoes, trainers and boots to choose from. So how does a newcomer to the Merrell brand or a fan of the brand choose?
To make choosing easier and to promote awareness of the latest best selling styles and firm old favourites, we’ve put together a series of reviews, highlighting the best Merrells for your needs.
Now you can browse the Top 5 Merrell sandals, shoes, trainers, walking shoes and hiking boots, complete with indepth guides from people who have actually worn them!
Start choosing your next pair of Merrells now with the Top 5 Merrell guides at FitnessFootwear.com
>> Top 5 Merrell sandals
>> Top 5 Merrell shoes
>> Top 5 Merrell walking shoes
>> Top 5 Merrell trainers
>> Top 5 Merrell boots
Popularity: unranked [?]