Question: How often do you get the chance to meet with a load of like-minded people, attend a presentation by a top ultra trail runner, trial a full range of the best sport nutrition on the market, and then take guided runs through some beautiful Shropshire trails?
Answer: Not very often (unless you’re a pro runner).
Well that’s exactly what Torq (in association with FreeStak) put together for a group of trail runners this weekend.
A Trail Team is (Almost) Born
This was billed originally as an ‘Assessment Day’ to help select a small group of amateur trail runners to form the inaugural Torq Trail Team. Not only would this team proudly represent Torq at events across the country and have a healthy supply for Torq goods at their disposal – but they would also be taken for a training holiday to cover the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) circuit. Not bad eh?
Saturday: Education. Inspiration. Perspiration.
The format of the day was very relaxed. After an hour of socialising, a brief introduction from the charismatic Simon and Julie from FreeStak, we received a fantastic presentation from Torq’s nutritional guru, Ben. It’s fair to say that we all learned an awful lot from what became an interactive session covering all aspects of ‘fuelling’ on the run. Don’t hit that wall!
We were then treated to a superb session with Stuart Mills. Thought-provoking, inspirational, controversial, and more… “Run as fast as you can, when you can”, “If you’re doing core work, you’re not doing enough running”. If you’ve never stumbled across Ultra Stu’s blog before, do it today, you won’t regret it!
Inspired and wired (on gels), we donned our running gear to hit the trails across the Long Mynd. Often surrounded by low cloud, battered by a side wind, and shin-deep in snow, we were distracted by great company and beautiful views. The only competitive aspect of the run was perhaps the rush for the showers at the end.
Sunday: Long Run
Sunday’s schedule was simple. You either ran a 2-hour circuit, or a 4-hour circuit, and your reward would be a well-earned hotpot in the hostel. The typical British weather did little to put the hardy group of trail runners off on what turned out to be an unforgettable day of running.
Picking up the paceStanding around ‘Torqing’
The Future
Torq and FreeStak have got big plans for this concept going forward, with plans for the next few years already being formulated. It’s fair to say that interest in this Trail Team will only grow, but who knows, if you stay up to date with Torq via their Facebook page; it could be YOU in 2014…
Whether you’re a professional or an amateur athlete – we’re always on the lookout for gear that improves performance.
Compression base layers are nothing knew. Research has existed for many moons documenting how compression gear can not only enhance our performance in training and racing, but also as a recovery aid.
Top Performance
Top compression clothing normally carries a ‘top’ price. You can spend a small fortune on kitting yourself from head to toe in Lycra. That’s why we were amazed when we discovered RedVenom.
Initially a little sceptical – We tested the RedVenom gear out on a variety of exercises from running and cycling, to strength training and core work, only to find that each garment held it’s own and performed admirably. A few weeks (and many miles) of training in RedVenom later, we’re proud to become stockists.
Competitive Pricing
RedVenom pride themselves on offering the same quality garmets as the top brands, but offering them at around a third of the price. They can do this by keeping advertising costs to a minimum, and over-spending on excessive packaging.
These form-fitting garments deliberately fit tight to your body to help reduce the build up of lactic acid, whilst keeping you dry and comfortable during excersise by wicking moisture away from your skin. The fit also improves recovery by preventing muscle oscillation which effectively leads to fatigue and muscle soreness.
Give Them a Go
You won’t be disappointed with RedVenom’s range. They offer shorts and tights, and both long and short-sleeved tops. We barefoot runners will also greatly benefit from their two options of calf guards, plus a graduated compression sock – All of which provide relief to sore calf muscles after running.
Ask Us A Question
If you have any questions regarding RedVenom clothing, feel free to leave us a comment, or send us a message here. We’re happy to help.
Do you use apps such as Endomondo, RunKeeper, or Adidas MiCoach to track your runs?
Would you like to get £10 off a pair of Vibram FiveFingers? How about 20% off your favourite pair of VIVOBAREFOOT shoes? Or perhaps you’d like a free pair of laces with your new Xero Shoes?
I believe we have a solution for you.
GoRun is a brand new app that is being developed with sports enthusiasts in mind. Not only will you be able to log all of your training, but you will also benefit from exclusive offers from a broad range of retailers for achieving pre-set milestones and training goals.
Get Involved
You also have a unique opportunity to shape the development of this amazing app. But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s Joe, the creator of GoRun, with a bit more info and how you can get involved: See the GoRun video here
Barefoot and minimalist running fanatics in the UK have been crying out for Skora since their introduction to the US market in 2009. Now, Feetus.co.uk are thrilled to announce that we will become UK stockists of Skora running shoes in the very near future.
Excited? You probably are. And we’ll be giving away a pair of Skora Base running shoes in March 2013. See more details here.
…In the meantime, here is our review of both the Skora Base and Form shoes.
First Impressions
Have you ever bought an Apple product? Perhaps you have an iPhone, a MacBook, or an iPod. If so, you’ll know that Apple place as must thought in to their packaging as they do their main product. This creates a special experience. You genuinely feel like you are getting an amazing, one-off product.
Skora are no different. Their shoe box looks and feels such high quality (no flimsy tissue-box here!)– magnetic closure, classy branding, sleek design – you know there’s going to be something amazing inside.
Opening up, the first thing that hits you is the smell. They honestly do smell great! How often do you smell leather when you open up a box of running shoes?
“High Five”: The Skora Form and Base
Enough about the box. What about the shoes?
The Sole
Both the Base and Form have the same zero-drop sole, that comprises of an outer sole, midsole, and an insole. You will see from the images that we have a 4mm rubber tread with raised lugs for grip. On top of that is 5mm of a softer rubber that features a quirky pattern (consistent with design on upper and on box).
The insole is around 5mm, and features small ‘bumps’ which are designed to help your foot grip the inside the shoe better. These small bumps feel great – like a mobile massage!
The shoes are definitely built for use on the road, the treadmill, or hard-packed trails – Not so much for rugged terrain.
The Skora Base bares its sole
The Uppers
The difference between the Base and Form is all in the upper. The Base is made from synthetic material for breathability. Across the top is a cross-strap which Velcro’s on the outer side of the foot.
The Form is a little more luxurious; its upper made from Pittards goatskin leather, and features a diagonal lacing system that follows the contour of your foot. There is no separate tongue, so the leather behind the laces will always stay in place (similar to the New Balance Minimus range).
The inside of the shoe is sheepskin-lined. This incredibly soft material is extremely comfortable and quite grippy, keeping your foot firmly in place on the run. The Form also comes with a spare pair of laces to match the sole of the shoe (Nice touch!).
Both models feature a rear-strap Velcro, which allows you to tighten the shoes further, should you wish to. The toe box on both models is sufficiently wide, giving your toes the important space to splay as you run.
The Skora Base. FuturisticOn Top: The Skora Form, spare laces, and ortholite insole
Fitting and Feel
The Base feels a little more snug than the Form. I have narrow feet and for me, the Base is a perfect fit, with the cross-strap Velcro offering the right amount of tightness. The Form seems to have a wider toe box, which would be better for runners with wider feet. The rear strap offers very little in terms of increasing tightness around the heel.
I love to run in shoes that have as minimal sole as possible. I found that, in order to get the desired level of ‘feel’ from my run in these shoes, I had to remove the 4mm insole. The combined stack of 13mm (sole, midsole, insole) was a little too thick for my liking.
The soles offer the right degree of flexibility and sturdiness for running. They won’t roll-up like a pair of Vibram FiveFingers, but they certainly aren’t as stiff as a pair of Asics! …For comparison sake, they are perhaps as flexible as the New Balance MT10s.
What do I love about Skora shoes?
Amazing, built-to-last quality
Very attractive (Wired magazine called the Form ‘The Bentley of running shoes’)
Zero-drop heel to toe
The cross-strap system on the Base. Looks great, easy to fasten – A possible triathlon favourite?
Good road grip
Wide, roomy toe box
What could be improved / What I would like to see
The luxury of leather on the Form means it is heavier, and less breathable.
Further weight reduction
A further stripped-down sole
An alternative model with aggressive sole for trail use
More attention on the purpose of the rear strap
Overall
I haven’t tested these shoes out in a race yet, so a comment on their performance will follow later in the month; but for now, I have high expectations – especially for the closer-fitting, lighter (and cheaper!) Base. Bring it on.
There is certainly a lot to love about both the Base and Form. Minimalist runners will enjoy the zero-drop, though may crave a lighter, thinner sole. For anyone who does like a little extra cushioning, or is looking for a first shoe to transition in to a more minimalist running shoe – Skora is a perfect choice. I can’t wait to see their forthcoming Phase and Core models later this year. #RunReal.
Lightest: The Skora Base weighs in at 254gYou can reduce the weight of your Skora shoes by almost 30g by removing the ortholite innersoleThe Skora Form comes in at 270g
You don’t often see folk outside wearing socks without shoes, do you?
Swiss Protection Socks from Swiss Barefoot have created a sock for outdoor use. Similar to the likes of Injinji and ToeToe in the sense that the sock has individual pockets for your toes, the Swiss Protection Socks are designed to give you that barefoot feel, whilst giving you complete protection from gnarly bits and pieces that could potentially harm your precious feet.
“Please take your socks off before you come in”
Of the socks, SB claim these are “the first firm socks for the ultimate barefoot feeling without the risk of injury from sharp objects”. Having researched these further, not only do Swiss Barefoot recommend them for walking an running, but for a whole host of activities: rock climbing and water sports!
“What a pair”
The socks are made from 50% Kevlar (the cut-resistant stuff used in ropes and bullet-proof jackets), 32% polyester, 10% cotton, and 8% Spandex, with eco-friendly PVC laminated in to the sole
“Will anyone cotton on to this craze?”
Price Tag
At 55 Euros (£48, $75) for the ‘sockette’ and 59 Euros (£51, £81) for the full protection sock – they are certainly not cheap. Are they worth it? Would you pay that?
If you’re interested, or would like to see more photos of the socks in situ, check out the SB website: http://www.barefootcompany.ch/
Keep up to date with Feetus
Like this? Why not like our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter? Our new online store goes live in 10 days and we’ll be rewarding our followers with exclusive discounts as well as some fantastic prizes in a giveaway! Don’t miss out!
Not sure about barefoot running? If only there was a way of going half-barefoot to see if you like it…
Drum roll please. Enter: The Freeheel Running Pad.
Winner of the ISPO Award 2012, the Running Pad is designed and manufactured by Starringer in beautiful Bavaria, Germany. Starringer claim the Running Pad is of minimal weight, protecting the foot only where it is needed, and is a great alternative for long-distance and high temperature runs.
The Freeheel Running Pad
The barefoot revolution has certainly brought us some of the most peculiar-looking shoes over the last four years (think Vibram FiveFingers, One Moment, ZEMgear), but the Freewheel Running Pad is certainly the most bizarre. It is genuinely innovative. It’s neither a shoe, nor a sandal. It’s not a glove, nor a hoof.
From the top, you could easily mistake the Running Pad for a sandal. Very similar to a Birkenstock. I particularly like the use of the straps – very trendy. But then we look at the side profile. The sandal has no sole under the heel, nor does it have anything to wrap around the back of your foot.
Would you dip your toe?
The Archer
Now I haven’t tested this ‘shoe’, and the jury is out on how they would perform, but I really fancy having a go at these. To me, they look like something you’d see on a half-horse/half man. As a Sagittarius, my Zodiac symbol is the archer – maybe that’s why I am attracted to them…
Welcome to a quick blog post to present two relatively new, relatively similar barefoot shoes that are worth sharing.
Iguaneye
I have just stumbled across a new brand of barefoot / minimal shoes ‘Iguaneye’, based in Lyon, France. They have developed am ultra-minimalist shoe inspired by Amazonian tribes.
Here is a little more about the shoe:
“The shape of the Iguaneye has been created to perfectly conform to the contours of your feet. The anatomic form has been custom-made by Dulster Design and provides a supportive, secure and extremely comfortable fit. Unlike flip-flops, the piece that parts the toes is placed 1 cm ahead. Just like a second-skin, Iguaneyes perfectly fit all your movements and do not cause irritation.”
The advanced elastomer used for the main part is neutral, hypoallergenic, soft and very flexible. It is also 100% recyclable.”
It’s also worth adding that Iguaneye achieved their funding through Kickstarter – an online funding platform for start-ups. Well done! Here is Olivier talking us through the shoe: http://vimeo.com/54534013
Iguaneye’s Ultra-Minimal Shoe
One Moment (O1M)
How many of you have heard of One Moment?
Based in Valencia, Spain – They manufacture an extremely minimal shoe that is 100% biodegradable. This shoe comes in all sorts of colours, lipstick red, lime green – very ‘Euro’. I’ve tested these out, and while they are not ideal for running in – they ARE great for general use: walking, at work, lounging… These shoes were also created from the ancient practice of latex-clad tribal feet.
I Can See A Rainbow: The One Moment Range
Iguaneye vs One Moment – Make up your own mind
They are both biodegrable / recyclable
Both inspired by Amazonian foot-dippers
Iguaneye costs 49 Euros (£42, $67)
O1M cost 10 Euros (£8, $13)
Iguaneye look more ‘acceptable’
O1M have a wider range of colours
Feetus will be stocking a range of O1M shoes!
I’m keen to learn what others think of the Iguaneye and One Moment shoes. Is there a place for these in the market? Would you buy them? Are Iguaneye entering the market at a too-high price point? What do you like / dislike about these shoes?
I heard from Saucony earlier this month that they are discontinuing the Hattori. This came as a massive shock to me, as I am a massive Hattori fan – often using this super-lightweight minimal firecracker for my 5K’s. Having raved on about it to many friends and colleagues in the past, many others also use this shoe as their weapon of choice.
Farewell Hattori
Today, I met with Matt from Saucony, who brought with him two huge luggage bags full of shoes. Jaw-dropping stuff.
The Saucony Virrata
I am pleased to say that, although we’re sadly going to see the last of the Hattori and the laced-up Hattori LC, the shoe that will replace this is right on par. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the Virrata.
Introducing the Saucony Virrata
Now I know this isn’t groundbreaking news – but this was my first in-person view of the Virrata. Slightly similar to the popular Kinvara 3, the Virrata weighs less (184g for a men’s size 9). If I had only looked at the sole I would have bet my money that it was the sole of a Hattori – same colour, material, and very similar tread pattern (a triangular lug design). Very flexible too…
The Virrata offers a good deal of room in the toe box, which is essential for good, natural running form. There is zero drop (0mm) from heel to toe making it a good option for barefoot and minimal running shoe lovers. The upper is also very breathable, with its mono mesh, and looks the part too with its reflective details.
In Rainbows
Saucony’s full range of shoes could almost be classed as psychedelic. There are barely any sensible colour options (black/black). Triathletes will love this colour-pumped ‘look-at-me’ range (as do I), but I do wonder if the distinct lack of ‘sensible’ colour schemes may put a number of people off. Time will tell.
The Kinvara TR2
For me, the star of the show was the Kinvara TR2: Very easy on the eye, looks geared for maximum performance on the trails, and features a minimal 4mm offset from heel to toe. Can’t wait to get my hands on a pair in my size!!
Running Porn: The Saucony Kinvara TR2
Another One To Watch: The Saucony Unleash SD
This is not one I have seen in the flesh – but the Saucony Unleash SD looks realy nice. Although it is a shoe designed for shot put, discus and hammer throwers, I think this shoe looks really cool, similar in style to the Hattori. I wonder if it’s suitable for running? What do you think?
The Saucony Unleash SD – Can you run in these?
I’ll post some post-run reviews of these beauties in the near future. In the meantime, stay tuned: Facebook and Twitter
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