Minimalist Running Shoes

Age of Champions is the inspiring story of a group of athletes – Roger Gentilhomme, a 100-year-old tennis champion, Adolph Hoffman, a 86-year-old pole-vaulter, Bradford & John Tatum, a pair of swimming brothers ages 88 and 90, and The Tigerettes, a team of basketball grandmothers over 65 years old – all chasing gold at the National Senior Games (NSG). The film captures the triumphant spirit of these seniors who tackle old age with grace, humor, and optimism. Win or lose, they are living proof that it’s never too late to become a champion. It’s a funny coincidence how I’m actually…

The wait was excruciating for minimalist runners like myself. But the wait was worth it. SKORA Running has launched two models for men’s (women’s in Fall ’12) – the SKORA BASE and SKORA FORM. We will be reviewing the SKORA FORM. I want to acknowledge the ‘seed’ planted in my brain (from the movie ‘Inception’) from my blogger friend, Zak Branigan, of Average Guy Hits The Road. Zak’s article, ‘The Apple of Running Shoes‘, had me comparing SKORA to Apple, Dyson, Ferrari, etc. sub-consciously. And he is right! When I first saw the FORM, I had ECCO BIOM Yak leather…

I tested my first pair of K-Swiss racing flats, K-Ruuz, about a year ago. The K-RUUZ has a 10mm differential and a narrow toe box. Although not a minimal shoe, it was a great start for K-Swiss. But now, K-Swiss has launched their first true minimalist running shoe, the Blade Foot Run, a zero drop lightweight running shoe. The Blade Foot Run weights in at 9.2 ounces (US men’s 10.5) and has a stack height of 20mm. The uppers are made of a lightweight air mesh. The midsole uses Superfoam, an energy return foam that resists compression thus lasting longer….

It is rare to see many innovative technologies in the outdoor and fitness category. Something that is common in consumer electronics (my previous geek expertise) is now starting to show up in running shoes and running gear. Here are a few unique gems I stumbled upon recently. Ashmei Ultimate Softshell Running Jacket – The James Bond of Running Jackets from the United Kingdom, windproof, water resistant, fast wicking, warm and extremely breathable. Back panel is made of Merino wool. Full review coming soon. MSRP $275. SKORA Running FORM – The Apple of Running Shoes from start-up SKORA features a full…

I had done an early review of the Merrell Barefoot Road Glove a few months back after running in a pre-production model. The Merrell Barefoot Run Road Glove (Dash Glove for women) will be available online at Merell.com and in running specialty stores this month. Since I wrote the initial review in October 2011, the Merrell Road Glove and the Altra Instinct have been my “go to” road running shoes in my minimalist running shoe rotation. Dominantly a non-technical trail and road runner myself, I favor road shoes over trail shoes. Minimalist running shoes have been accepted in trail running…

Under Armour has been designing running shoes for quite some time but they have finally taken a radical approach to their latest minimalist running shoe design with the Charge RC, a transitional minimal shoe. Under Armour is best known for their compression apparel line which redefines how clothes fit and perform with the body. By keeping the DNA of their apparel (performance fit) in mind, the Under Armour Charge RC is its most advanced running shoe to date. The Charge RC weighs in at 10.8 ounces (US Men’s Size 10.5) with a heel-to-toe differential of 6mm and is clearly targeted…