If there’s a shoe that’s really won us over this year, it’s Vibram Five Fingers and there’s never been a better time to go barefoot than with out 25% reductions across the range!

The barefoot running shoes which fit like gloves for your feet while letting you feel everything underfoot have soared in popularity this year. Not just with us, but with our customers too!

While there are many other brands jumping aboard the barefoot bandwagon, Vibram Five Fingers are at present the undisputed kings of barefoot technology.

Their minimalist shoes provide a thin, low profile sole which allows you to run the way Mother Nature intended while letting you feel all the detail in the terrain underfoot, but without the pain of sharp stones.

If you’ve never tried barefoot shoes for yourself, we highly recommend Vibram Five Fingers for walking about the house, going to the beach or barefoot running.

Barefoot walking and running is great for your posture, an excellent form of exercise and a lot of fun!

We were surprised just how liberating being able to walk and run in your bare feet really is. Start running across the fields in summertime with a pair of Vibram Five Fingers and you’ll be smiling like a child. The sensation really is that liberating!

Get your Vibram Five Fingers at 25% Discount whiles stocks last from FitnessFootwear.com

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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.

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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

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Everything you ever wanted to know about Miniamlist shoes and Minimalist running shoes, but were afraid to ask!

Minimalist shoes are the latest fitness footwear sensation and are currently enjoying a huge surge in popularity as people look to get more from their fitness shoes than comfort alone.

Minimalist footwear strips down shoes to the bare minimum, and offers the full benefits of barefoot walking with an ultra thin rubber outsole for added grip and protection. Barefoot walking helps to boost fitness, increase strength and improve stamina, with minimalist shoes returning the body to a natural walking gait, whilst protecting against stones, spikes and hot urban surfaces!

Although removing the EVA cushioning layer from shoes would appear to make walking far less comfortable, the reverse is true, returning the body to a much healthier way of walking allowing the muscles and ligaments of the feet to perform as nature intended. The shoes encourage a flatter footfall, with the forefoot landing first, followed by the heel. The shoes are the product of biomechanical studies into running efficiency, and help to reduce all too common injuries whilst increasing the strength of the calves and improving the distribution of the impact strike force.

Benefits of Minimalist Shoes

  • Develop stronger calves and improve stamina
  • Promote a more natural barefoot style of walking
  • Help to improve the posture to align the bones and muscles as nature intended
  • Eliminate pronation and dissipate the strike force to reduce foot injuries
  • Offer the feel of barefoot running with protection from small stones and spikes

Leading the field with the widest choice of styles and some of the most innovative minimalist designs is Vibram. Their range of FiveFingers take the awesome performance rubber for which the manufacturer is famed, and add very little else. They retain the full benefits of barefoot walking with added grip in the wet, perfect for bouldering, scrambling, water sports and all summer activities. Designed to mould closely to the foot like a second skin, they literally offer a glove like fit with a separate compartment for each toe providing a natural, barefoot sensation which has many wearers forgetting they are on the feet. Perfect for dealing with hot pavements, small stones and spikes, they have become highly popular for the full range of sports, with this year seeing the release of a new line of minimalist running shoes. Vibram rubber is also chosen for competitor brands such as Merrell Barefoot and New Balance Minimus shoes, with both companies deciding that the best rubber was already on the market.

Protection for the feet need not mean thick EVA foam, and minimalist shoes demonstrate that nature had it right all along, with the feet only needing a thin layer of sticky rubber for added grip and protection on modern surfaces. Backed up by recent high profile studies into the health benefits of barefoot running, minimalist shoes are set to continue to enjoy their recent surge in popularity with great new styles and foot hugging designs from leading manufacturers creating a style for all sports and all occasions.

For full details of the exciting collection of minimalist shoes at FitnessFootwear.com visit http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/s-370-minimalist-shoes.aspx

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Starting with tomorrow night’s X Factor, Reebok are relaunching their ReeTone television campaign for their Reebok EasyTone toning trainers.

Throughout summer Reebok EasyTone shoes have been endorsed by Kelly Brook who appeared naked in posters worldwide, wearing nothing but a pair of the toning trainers.

Meanwhile, to appeal to a male audience with a focus on fitness and training, Reebok has also been endorsed by Footballers Thierry Henry and Ryan Giggs while Formular One racing driver Lewis Hamilton training in Reebok RunTone trainers. Yet, oddly, no one has been endorsing the Reebok TrainTone

The first Reebok ReeTone television marketing campaign was a runaway success and like so many other stores, we completely sold out in a matter of days!

This time we’ve secured lots more stock, so our only problem is going to be getting it all out of the door on Monday morning. But for us, that’s a nice problem to have,

This Saturday evening, the ReeTone television campaign begins anew with heavy exposure around Simon Cowell’s latest series of The X Factor airing on ITV1 at 7:30pm.

Desperate to get your hands on a pair of Reebok EasyTone trainers before stocks sell out again? Then get them here: http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/c-401-reebok-easytone.aspx

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It’s taken a while for many brands to hop aboard the barefoot running bandwagon, but the release date of New Balance Minimus, Merrell Barefoot and Inov-8 Evoskin is getting ever closer, while Vibram Five Fingers are currently the must have athletic footwear for barefoot runners everywhere.

This week New Balance has leaked a few more images of their New Balance Minimus barefoot running shoes range, as well as a very in depth interview about their creation.

But the long and short of the interview is that a renowned barefoot runner in the US took a knife to a pair of New Balace trainers he was given and stripped the shoe down to the bare essentials, which them formed the based for New Balance Minius barefoot running shoes.

Much to our surprise the Minimus has a lot in commom with Vibram Five Fingers with regards to the sole unit (which is also made by Vibram) in the way it wraps around the foot. The upper and rear straps also help to lock the heel and foot arch in place to minimise movement. Meanwhile the lightweight honeycomb mesh pattern for lightweight performance and breathability is reminiscent of Vivo Barefoot running shoes. Finish it off with some laces, New Balance branding and you’ve got a great looking barefoot running shoe!

Will the New Balance Minimus come with the token New Balance ‘knobbly’ laces that never come untied while your running? We hope so.

Stay tuned for more info about New Balance Minimus and barefoot running shoes as it breaks at FitnessFootwear.com

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Last week, Transformers star, Josh Duhamel and wife, Black Eyed Peas singer, Fergie were spotted running together in Brentwood park.

While the Mail’s story is mostly about the couple, an aside mentions Vibram Five Fingers and their growing popularity as the latest ‘it’ in athletic wear.

“The shoes, which cost between $75-125 have a strange appearance, making the wearer look as if they have gecko-like feet. But they are said to be hugely beneficial for both posture and back strain as they allow the wearer to walk without a heel. The shoes also condition toe-spread, especially the big toe, for lateral stability.”

The reason for Josh wearing Vibram Five Fingers is in order to strengthen his calf muscles.
The actor ruptured his left achilles six years ago and the muscle never fully grew back, leaving it half the size of the other.

Here you can see him wearing a pair of the Vibram Five Fingers Classic in Grey and Orange, one of the more colourful VFF styles.

While Vibram FiveFingers have been around for years, the barefoot running has received enormous attention in the running community throughout 2010 and should continue to grow as more and more people embrace their barefoot over heel cushioned trainers.

We love our barefoot shoes here at FitnessFootwear.com whether we’re walking, running or simply enjoying the comfort of being barefoot without the pain of sharp stones or other objects beneath our feet.

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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

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This week we were treated to a sneak peak of Vivobarefoot’s new barefoot shoes range, including the Vivo Barefoot Ultra – the first fully molded, amphibious, barefoot running shoe. Adam, our resident barefoot fanatic was quite taken with them and should be getting a pair to review very soon.

Unfortunately we’re not allowed to show you any photos yet (boo, hiss!), but for now, it’s over to Vivo Barefoot with the low down on their up coming barefoot 2011 range:

Vivobarefoot expands its performance line with three groundbreaking new products; The Achilles, The Revo and The Ultra.

The Vivobarefoot performance line helps awaken the senses and encourages us to run as million years of evolution intended – barefoot.

Following the success of the Evo performance shoe, Vivobarefoot is expanding its performance range for
SS11 by introducing three groundbreaking shoes. In addition to the Revo, a new minimalist running model, Vivobarefoot has transformed the EVA beach shoe and humble flip-flop into multi-functional, genuine barefoot performance footwear.

• The Revo – an accessible minimalist running shoe that
transcends performance and streetwear
• The Achilles – a pioneering barefoot running sandal
• The Ultra – the first fully molded, amphibious, barefoot
running shoe

The Revo is the second incarnation of the Evo, which was created in conjunction with podiatrists, movement specialists and biomechanics experts and designed to be the ultimate barefoot running shoe. The Revo features all the hallmarks of the Evo, but with a soft airmesh upper (made from recycled plastic bottles) and a more accessible aesthetic and price point.

Key features of the Evo and the Revo
include:
• Streamlined Vivobarefoot shape and the ultra thin
patented puncture resistant sole that offers the health
benefits of being barefoot with the protection of
normal shoes.
• Recycled, sweat absorbing, antibacterial lining.
• Washable, breathable and removable foot bed.
• Anatomically aligned to the axis of the foot, allowing
toes room to move.
• A lightweight, flexible design that promotes natural
development of all muscle groups in the foot that
leads to strong, healthy feet & ankles.

The Achilles is a two part fully molded high performance running sandal with a five millimetre
Vivobarefoot patented puncture resistant sole. Developed in conjunction with leading barefoot running
coach, Lee Saxby, the Achilles has an extra front medial support to give enhanced balance reception around the
ball of the foot. Ideal for summer wear, the advanced thong sandal has a removable strap and is super flexible, lightweight, minimalist, and superb for running.

The Vivo Barefoot Ultra is the first fully molded barefoot product. With functional plug in tongue and laces for maximum fit and performance, the Vivobarefoot Ultra is lightest amphibious barefoot running product on the market. Made with eco friendly EVA, the Ultra is ideal for beach side runs or splashing through trail streams.

Why Run Barefoot?
With 200,000 nerve endings, 33 major muscles, 28 bones, 19 ligaments; the human foot is a biomechanical masterpiece and perfect for running. In 2010, the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Harvard University both released studies to support that running barefoot reduces injuries, reserves energy, and improves technique. While the evidence to support this movement grows, in the last 40 years we have been led by a common misconception that cushioned, padded sneakers are better for running. Despite all the developments in sports shoe technology, an estimated 60 – 85 percent of people give up running because of injury – a movement that should come naturally.

The benefits of Vivobarefoot
• Strength – while naturally strengthening the muscles
in your feet you are also exercising calves, thighs,
glutes, the lower back and abdomen, and increasing
your core strength.
• Alignment – as our posture naturally improves it
lessens impact on our knees and hips.
• Stimulation – by increasing stimulation to all 200,000
nerve endings in your feet, it enhances sensory
perception and improves circulation.
• Protection – our patented, puncture resistant sole
allows all the benefits of barefoot with the protection
of normal shoes.

So there you go -plenty to look forward to from Vivobarefoot in 2011, plus all the benefits of barefoot walking and barefoot running. Stay tuned for more barefoot running news as it breaks at FitnessFootwear.com, plus our review of the Vivobarefoot Ultra!

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Today our Skechers rep popped in with a bag full of the latest Skechers Shape Ups shoes for us to cast our eyes over. Suffice to say, we liked what we saw amongst the dazzling number of pink ladies trainers.

Pink is diffinately the direction Skechers are taking with many of their toning shoes while expanding the range to include all manner of trainers designed for enhancing every step you take whether walking to work, running on the roads or taking a walk in the park.

Read the low down on the latest styles:

Skechers Shape Ups Resistance Runner
First up is the new Skechers Shape Ups Resistance Runner. We had the preview video up last week and liked what we saw. Skechers is evolving their Shape Ups range for runners, offering an active toning trainer to help athletes build up to the big race. They’re also great for casual runners looking to get a little extra out of their morning run. Skechers Resistance Runners are designed for running, but also lend themselves to other activities.

* SKECHERS Shape-ups Resistor SRR running shoe has amazing technology to enhance performance
* Leather, synthetic and mesh fabric upper
* Stitching and overlay details
* Mesh side panels with protective overlay
* Side S logo detail
* Lace up front
* Padded collar and tongue
* Soft fabric shoe lining
* Removable Adaptive Comfort Ride cushioned insole
* Kinetic Wedge midsole
* Kinetic Return System midsole
* High Viscosity Kinetic Wedge technology absorbs energy, minimizing impact
* Kinetic Wedge creates resistance to maximize your workout
* High abrasion ultra light rubber outsole
* 1 1/2 inch midsole at center point
* Studies show up to 13.2% more calories burned
* Helps increase postural muscle activation up to 85%
* Helps increase gluteus medius muscle activation up to 71%
* Helps increase calf muscle activation up to 68%

Skechers Shape Ups Resistance Training Shoes
Built for cross training, Skechers Shape Ups Resistant Trainers are designed for enhanced resistance training and accelerated muscle activation when taking gym classes, circuit training or getting a generall all-round workout. They’re better for multi-directional use, but are equally good for running. Skechers Resistance Trainers are great for cross-training, bootcamp style workouts and resistance training.

* Perfect for those who want to maximize their workout
* Smooth leather, synthetic and mesh fabric upper
* Contrast stitching detail
* Textured synthetic toe and heel bumpers
* Side stripe overlays
* Cooling mesh panels at front and sides
* Contrast colored edging detail
* SKECHERS S and Shape-ups logo
* Lace up front
* Padded collar and tongue
* Fabric shoe lining
* Advanced Stabilization Insole includes a rigid heel for added support and stability
* Roll Bridge in midfoot increases side to side stability
* Two part soft and firm density midsole gives maximum fitness benefits, support and stability
* Kinetic Wedge super soft foam midsole to absorb shock and provide exercise
* Flexible rubber traction sole

Skechers Shape Ups All Terrain
What’s the difference between the new Skechers Resistance Runner and Skechers All Terrain? The grip! Eessentially the same kind of toning trainer with more rugged outdoor looks and better treads, allowing you to take your walking workout off the pavement and on to the tough terrain or the great outdoors -or just a casual stroll in the park. It’s entirely up to you! The Skechers All Terrain will be available in a selection of earthy, natural colours and with the increasing popularity of outdoor shoes as everyday casual footwear, this could be a good move on Skechers part who seem to have nailed the perfect blend of fitness and fashion so far.

* Take your Shape-ups off roading with the Diamondback AT toning sneaker
* Leather, synthetic and durable mesh fabric upper
* Lace up cross trainer sneaker design
* Stitching accents
* Leather and synthetic overlays
* Contrast colored edging
* Textured woven fabric panels for durable breathable design
* Side S logo
* Adjustable precise fit straps
* Lace up front
* Padded collar and tongue
* Soft fabric shoe lining
* Removable cushioned comfort insole
* Combination Wave Technology midsole for advanced energy return
* Stabilizing external heel clip
* Motion Control Cage midsole provides excellent lateral stability
* Kinetic Wedge midsole provides advanced fitness benefits
* 1 3/4 inch midsole at middle section
* ProBlade Xtreme all terrain design flexible rubber traction outsole
* Lugs and treads on sole

As well as all these new functional Skechers Shape Ups designs, we’ve also been told to expect an increase in the Skechers Shape Ups Extended Wear range as more people than ever wear Shape Ups on their commute to work. With a great selection of traditional office shoe styles on offer, Shape Ups XW are going to be incredibly popular!

That’s all for now, but stay tuned for Skechers Shape Ups Toners and many more exciting styles from the growing Skechers Shape Ups collection.

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We take a look at the up coming Saucony ProGrid Peregrine. As Saucony’s latest minimalist trail running shoe the Saucony Peregrine doesn’t disappoint and could prove a cheaper alternative to next years Inov-8 shoes.

‘Minimalist’ is the phrase Saucony are using to describe their expanding range of incredibly lightweight, low profile running shoes with 4mm heel-toe drop soles.

Minialist or ‘Barefoot’ shoes are becoming increasing popular and after New Balance demonstrated in their 1 minute video how to ‘barefoot run’ properly without injury, it seems that the minimalist footwear phase is evolving the way we look at our footwear. It’s certainly no longer under threat of becoming just another fad.

Yesterday we got a good look at the Saucony ProGrid Peregrine and we liked what we saw!

So what makes the Saucony Peregrine so appealing compared to other trail running shoes and minimalist off road shoes?

First of all, it’s pitched at a more affordable price point while being just as lightweight and breathable as comparable shoes from other minimalist off road brands.

Secondly, the treads really caught our attention with the length of its multidirectional lugs which are made from sticky rubber. In many ways it reminded us of the North Face Hedgehog, which is amazing in thick, sludgey mud.

So really, the Saucony Peregrine is the more affordable North Face Hedgehog for minimalist runners, but without the Gore-Tex, which means it should drain very well.

Minimalist/Barefoot shoes always offer a lot more grip because your using your natural foot shape and the traction generated by your toes to push off and propel yourself forward. Combine this with the sticky rubber Eternal Bedrock outsole with XT-900 lugs (the names sound good!), which isn’t far off the North Face Hedgehog treads and you can imagine just how good these are going to be on all kinds of terrain.

Will you save them for race day or train in them before switching to Inov-8s for competitions? We’ll leave that up to you to decide.

For specific product info on the Saucony Peregrine click here: http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/p-3826-saucony-progrid-peregrine-black-and-blue.aspx

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It’s time to put away your cool summer sandals and out on your warm winter boots as the seasons change at FitnessFootwear.com.

Truth be told, August wasn’t quite as hot and sunny as we’d hoped. Sudden downpours brought the British summer to a bit of an abrupt end and more than a few of us ended up with wet feet as a result.

Now we’re well into September, the weather’s getting colder and we’re already wearing warm wooly jumpers. But when it comes to our feet, some proper leaf kicking boots are called for. Something comfy, cosy, hard wearing and preferably waterproof too.

Many of the girls in the FitnessFootwear office are already wearing their Emu boots now that the weather’s turned chilly.

Meanwhile the men a wearing a mixture of Caterpillar boots for everyday comfort and North Face boots for that blend of fashion and outdoor function.

It’s all change here at FitnessFootwear.com as we leave summer behind and embrace the Autumn. Our ranges are changing too and we’ll soon have a wide range of walking boots, waterproof shoes and fashionable, functional footwear for all your needs. Plus, many more exciting developments in the pipe line.

Stay tuned for more great deals, exclusive news and competitions from FitnessFootwear.com!

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The eagerly awaited womens North Face 2011 spring summer collection was announced today, and it looks like it has been worth the wait, with great new styling, brand new colour schemes and upgrades on the already impressive technology.

The North Face has long been a driving force behind some of the greatest extreme adventures, providing the footwear and equipment to cope with the most challenging terrain. They are a name synonymous with the mountains which they help to tame, and offer cutting edge technology to cope with everything that mother earth can put in your way. No matter where your path takes you, you can be sure that the North Face will keep your feet perfectly protected and in total comfort, with great outdoor styling which looks just at home on the high street.

As expected the hugely successful Hedgehog range of high performance hiking trainers gets a major boost with 7 brand new styles due at Fitness Footwear early in the New Year. However there are some absolute gems in each of the performance lines, with great new styles for hiking, running, water sports, multi sports and sandals with over 30 new models to choose from.

Womens Hiking

For tackling highly uneven and punishing terrain in maximum comfort, the North Face Sable has long been one of the preferred hiking shoes for women. Designed to keep the load light, it provides maximum support and cushioning, and is perfect for helping you to pick up the pace. The sable combines the performance of a hiking boot with the light agile design of a running shoe, and offers a host of technologies to keep the feet perfectly protected, dry and comfortable. The 2011 Sable range offers a full GTX treatment, with Gore-Tex linings to keep the feet perfectly cool and dry, with moisture wicking linings and highly breathable uppers. The sable is sold in a performance mid boot and a highly responsive low profile hiking shoe.

The Sable features a Heel Cradle construction to lock the heel in place, providing excellent support and minimising the risk of injury over tough, rocky trails. The feet are well supported with a Northotic ergonomically designed footbed, and a gusseted tongue keeps the trail out of your shoes preventing irritation. The Sable is constructed from a female specific last to ensure a perfectly snug and secure fit, with further tweaks made to last year’s design to maximise performance for women, including a female specific Vibram rubber outsole for incredible off road traction.

Womens North Face SS11 Hiking Models

North Face Sable Mid GTX XCR – Classic Khaki and Tofino Blue
North Face Sable Mid GTX XCR – Burnt Olive Green and Citronelle Green
North Face Sable GTX XCR – Burnt Olive Green and Citronelle Green
North Face Sable GTX XCR – Shroom Brown and Fossil Ivory
North Face Sable – Dune Beige and Slickrock Red
North Face Sable – Weimaraner Brown and Berry Lacquer Purple

Womens Multisport

Whilst the North Face Sable offers the chance to keep moving fast over the full range of terrain, the North Face Hedgehog takes you up to top gear, with a sleek design, fearsome tread and the ultimate in responsiveness. This super lightweight trainer series is one of the high performance Fastpacking range from North Face, designed to keep the feet well supported and cushioned, whilst taking the terrain at maximum speed. They offer excellent versatility for year round use, with a highly breathable Gore-Tex design to cope with the wet weather, a lightweight construction for the summer and a tread pattern for rain, snow, rocky and muddy terrain.

The North Face Alkaline GTX is a new offering which shaves all important ounces to off the weight of the shoes, without compromising comfort, support or cushioning. For the fastest cross country running times, and to take all terrain in your stride, the Alkaline GTX is the answer. The ultra lightweight mesh upper has been reinforced with nubuck leather bands to keep the feet perfectly supported and protected, with a ziplock lacing system for an incredibly snug fit. The laces pull from the base of the shoes to ease lace tension on the feet, a Snake Plate allows for a natural flex of the foot, and the tread is designed for speed over slick off-trail terrain and multi sport wear.

Womens North Face SS11 New Multisport Models

North Face Hedgehog Tall GTX XCR III – Fossil Ivory and Berry Lacquer Purple
North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR III – Pink Pearl and Dark Gull Grey
North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR III – Classic Khaki and Chrysanthemum Red
North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR III – Pale Blue and Griffin Grey
North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR III – Soy Beige and Moonlight Ivory
North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR III – Coffee Brown and Pale Blue
North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR III – Black and Fuschia Pink
North Face Alkaline GTX XCR – Black and Foil Grey
North Face Alkaline GTX XCR – Berry Lacquer Purple and Windchime Grey

Womens Amphibious

North Face amphibious shoes combine the lightweight construction of a water shoe with the high performance of a hiking shoe, perfect for when your path frequently takes you across streams and wet and boggy ground. Whether hiking through the jungles of Borneo or traversing the hills and valleys of North West England, North Face amphibious footwear keeps you moving fast and maintains traction in the wettest conditions. The shoes feature an injection moulded EVA construction to keep the weight to a minimum, with a lightweight suede and mesh upper to maximise breathability in dry conditions, and drainage holes to help pump out water after a soaking.

The Hydroshock was one of the first high performance hybrid shoes released, and has rapidly become one of the most popular. The Mary Jane style shoes feature rubber pads on the outsole for increased traction, and superb grip on the trail, muddy river banks, and over gravel and stony ground. The North Face Sieve III is the third generation of this impressive amphibious shoe which keeps getting better and better each year. The Sieve III offers even more of the benefits from hiking trainers, with a stylish and protective design, expert grip and impeccable cushioning. A ¾ length shank gives the support to tackle rocky ground, a closed mesh upper keeps debris out of the shoes, and the highly breathable design keeps your feet cool and comfortable. Perfect for rocky shorelines, canyoneering and mixed wet and dry terrain, the Sieve III will take some beating.

Womens North Face SS11 New Amphibious Models

North Face Hydroshock Mary Jane SE – Alloy Grey and Exotic Green
North Face Hydroshock Mary Jane SE – Grotto Blue and Griffin Grey
North Face Hydroshock Mary Jane SE – Pink Pearl and Zinc Grey
North Face Sieve III – Griffin Grey and Fuschia Pink
North Face Sieve III – Pale Blue and Griffin Grey
North Face Sieve III – Moonbeam Beige and Oxford Tan

Womens Running

This year saw the release of the Singletrack trail running shoe, a lightweight all purpose shoe for the trail, great for walking yet able to perform if you fancy breaking into a run. It is a great all round off road shoe offering great underfoot support and protection for hard packed trails and uneven stony ground. The external tongue and scree collar prevents small stones and debris from getting into the shoes and causing irritation, protective toe and heel bumpers are ideal for uneven and stony terrain, and the famed North Face Snake Plate to allow a natural forefoot flex.

The Singletrack features an X-Dome Cradle for excellent shock absorption, a Northotic footbed for comfort and a sticky rubber Tenacious™ grip outsole for maximum traction. Already having a winning design, it has been further improved for 2011 with the release of 4 new styles and a brand new design in the Singletrack TH.

The Singletrack TH trail-running shoe takes the original Singletrack design and technology and adds a Terrain Harness to reduce pronation of the foot for greater stability, comfort and foot health. The chassis offers greater resistance to prevent the inward rolling of the foot, and helps to conserve energy by adding efficiency to the stride. The North face Ultra 105 also offers over pronators the maximum support and comfort, and is an ideal shoe for those with low arches for maximum stability and support.

Womens North Face SS11 New Running Models

North Face Single Track – Blitz Blue and Metallic Silver
North Face Single Track – Graphite Grey and Fuschia Pink
North Face Single Track T.H. – Zinc Grey and Blitz Blue
North Face Single Track T.H. – Griffin Grey and Hamel Green
North Face Ultra 105 GTX XCR – Dark Gull Grey and Pinot Red

Womens Sandals

The summer appears to have officially ended, and as the lightweight cool summer shoes are packed away for another year, news of the latest Hedgehog and El Rio styles will tempt you to leave your tired old hiking sandals in back of the wardrobe. Many outdoor brands produce walking and hiking sandals however few offer the support and comfort for serious summer hikes. The Hedgefrog changes that, combining the supreme off road performance of the Hedgehog, with the aquatic prowess of a custom designed water sports shoe, achieving the perfect balance. If you want maximum versatility for the summer there is little competition, with 5 new styles and colour schemes to choose from in 2011.

If you prefer a more classic walking sandal style, the El Rio will be right up your street. The 3 strap design looks stylish, and the forefoot, instep and the heel straps keeps the sandals secure and the foot well cushioned. The water friendly uppers are constructed from soft nubuck for comfort, with a sticky rubber outsole for excellent grip o the trail. The versatile design converts into a slide with a removable heel strap, perfect for when you are in and out of the water and anti-microbial AgIon treatments ensure perfect foot health. Two new ultra feminine El Rio styles are due at Fitness Footwear, with the pink and blue colour schemes sure to be a hit during next year’s summer scorcher.

Womens North Face SS11 New Sandals Models

North Face Hedgefrog – Griffin Grey and Fuschia Pink
North Face Hedgefrog – Fossil Ivory and Demitasse Brown
North Face Hedgefrog – Mountain Blue and Grotto Blue
North Face Hedgefrog Sandal – Classic Khaki and Chrysanthemum Red
North Face Hedgefrog Sandal – Dark Gull Grey and Tofino Blue
North Face El Rio – Q Silver Grey and Fuschia Pink
North Face El Rio – Classic Khaki and Pale Blue

Earthy colour schemes, feminine pastel detail, and sleek styling are sure to make 2011 another great year for this bestselling North Face range, which offers the maximum versatility for everyday casual wear and high performance sports alike. However if you can’t wait until next year to get your hands on a pair of North Face shoes, the autumn / winter 2010 womens North Face collection doesn’t disappoint, with a great choice of styles to keep your feet warm and toasty all winter. Be sure to check them out at: http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/c-366-north-face.aspx

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This week Skechers released another video, this time of their Shape Ups Resistance Runner trainers which are designed for serious sports training.

One look at the video and the price tag of the new Skechers Shape Ups Resistance Runners and it’s clear that Skechers are deadly serious about their toning technology.

Available in November and retailing at £139.99, Skechers Resistance Runner shoes are all about strengthening muscles and improving speed and endurance for both casual and competitive runners.

The concept is a shoe that allows you Run Less and Get More. To do this, Skechers have evolved their Shape Ups shoe with a a kinetic wedge and energy return system which mimics running barefoot on soft sand while providing great shock absorption and forward propulsion.
Skechers Resistance Runner shoes are designed to allow runners to train in comfort while burning more calories and strengthening muscles in the legs, back and core.

Skechers Shape Ups Resistance Runners work by giving you a more gentle heel strike and smoother forward roll on to the forefoot while the mechanical spring gives better energy return for forward propulssion and increased speed.

Numerous science boffins concluded that by wearing Shape Ups Resistance running shoes, runners will use more energy and burn more calories. Although how the shoes provide any ‘resistance’ in order to enhance exercise and effort required currently remains a mystery.

Check out the video below and see what you think. Considering their price tag, Skechers Shape Ups Resistance Runner shoes will have to deliver some impressive results. Hopefully we’ll get some ahead of schedule to test out and review.

For more information, check out our Skechers Shape Ups Resistance Runner page.

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