Reviews Archive

Columbia Ravenous Lite Shoe Review

Posted on May 15, 2012 | No Comments
Columbia Sportswear has been in business for more than 70 years and makes outdoor gear and is especially well-known for their quality outdoor apparel. They also own Montrail and Mountain Hard Wear. But they also have some minimalist trail shoes that deserves a look. The Columbia Ravenous Lite is a no-nonsense lightweight trail running minimalist shoe. Weighing in at 7.2 ounces (US Size 10.5) with a heel-to-toe differential of about 4mm as measured by my digital calipers, it has a stack height of about 17mm. It is similar to its sister shoe, the Montrail Rogue Fly and Rogue Racer, in...
Continue Reading...
PEAR Sports Square One Review

Posted on May 9, 2012 | No Comments
Kristian Rauhala, an avid triathlete, surfer, and entrepreneur, founded PEAR Sports because of his frustration with heart rate (HR) training zones, listening to music while running but cautiously listening out for the HR monitor beeps, and constantly looking at his watch. Attempting to follow a plan to train effectively was very difficult and these challenges led to the ideation and creation of PEAR, and the evolution of smart biofeedback training. PEAR stands for Performance Enhancing Audio Research and encompasses the evolution of smart biofeedback. It’s simple, intuitive and compact way to get world-class coaching, understand heart rate based training, listen...
Continue Reading...
Rockport truWALK Zero Shoe Review

Posted on May 8, 2012 | No Comments
Last month, Rockport launched its revolutionary new truWALK Zero footwear for men and women, featuring super lightweight, flexible technology. truWALK Zero is the culmination of years of research and testing, making it one of the lightest shoes that Rockport has ever designed. They’ll make you feel like you’re walking on air! Rockport considers the truWALK Zero technology as the ‘greatest breakthrough in shoe technology since the invention of laces.’ Drawing on Rockport’s rich and authentic heritage in designing flexible and lightweight shoes, the truWALK Zero takes cues from performance technologies with its unique sole, which incorporates flex grooves that boast...
Continue Reading...
The Perfect Runner DVD Review

Posted on April 19, 2012 | No Comments
How did our ancestors survive the shift from trees to land, and evolve to dominate the planet? The answer lies in a remarkable ability we evolved far earlier than our powerful brains: humans are nature’s perfect endurance runners. Gemini-winning anthropologist Niobe Thompson takes a journey of personal discovery back in evolutionary time, in conversation with leading evolutionary biologists and immersed in cultures whose survival still depends on endurance running. Niobe actually has a PhD in Social Anthropology from the University of Cambridge and a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Anthropology from the University of Alberta. From the highlands of Ethiopia, to the...
Continue Reading...
COMPRESSPORT Compression Gear Review

Posted on April 17, 2012 | No Comments
From Switzerland comes the king of veino-muscular compression technology in Europe – COMPRESSPORT. All COMPRESSPORT products are 100% European made – R&D, fibers, knitting, assembly, dying, testing, etc. They are also tested in the toughest conditions – where the toughest races take place like Abu Dhabi, Hawaii, Mont Blanc, etc. For the past few weeks, I’ve been testing several compression products from the Swiss-based manufacturer but focused on 3 main ones: US (Ultra Silicone) calf sleeve, ForQuad thigh sleeve, and ProRacing arm sleeve. Being a sockless runner, I’ve only tested their compression socks with casual shoes on cold days –...
Continue Reading...
Altra Zero Drop Samson & Delilah Shoe Review

Posted on April 10, 2012 | No Comments
Ever since I reviewed the Altra Instinct two months ago, I wanted a slightly lighter version but that wouldn’t be available for a while. However, Altra Zero Drop recently launched the Samson (Delilah for women) – a combination of the fit of The Adam (which we reviewed a year ago) with a lace-up design and stronger midsole. I have since outgrew my Adam by one full size. The Samson features razor-siped soles just like the Adam – they are identical. They are both 3.4mm performance rubber BareSole. The lace-up design is a welcomed addition as I had a hard time...
Continue Reading...
Vibram Five Fingers SeeYa Shoe Review

Posted on March 27, 2012 | No Comments
For the past few years, the Vibram Five Fingers KSO model is the most popular, thinnest, and lightest model in the Vibram collection. My feet has grown by one full size since I last wore my VFF KSO two years ago. The new ultra-streamlined VFF SeeYa is Vibram’s newest performance option for serious minimalist runners. Designed to bring you even closer to the barefoot sensation, they’ve radically reduced overall weight and material with a more breathable mesh upper to deliver true, performance-driven footwear. It’s as close to barefoot as you can get. I’ve worn the original VFF KSO and I...
Continue Reading...
Montrail Rogue Fly Shoe Review

Posted on March 23, 2012 | No Comments
Trail running equipment specialist Montrail is continuing its minimalist direction with the Montrail Rogue Fly that is lighter and more comfortable than the Rogue Racer we reviewed last year. The Montrail Rogue Fly is designed for trail racing and daily training. The Rogue Fly weighs in at 8.2 ounces (US size 10.5) and has a stack height of 23.5mm. It is less bulky than the Rogue Racer but it still pack plenty of rock protection and traction for serious trail performance. The heel-to-toe differential is about 10mm. Comparing this to the Rogue Racer, it’s about 1.0 ounce lighter and with...
Continue Reading...
Vibram Five Fingers Spyridon LS Shoe Review

Posted on March 21, 2012 | No Comments
It has been at least 18 months since I last ran wearing a pair of Vibram Five Fingers – the original VFF KSO (Keep Stuff Out) that re-started my running. I got caught up with starting this web site and has since tested more than 100 minimalist shoes for running, recovery, dress, golf, cross fit, water sports, and many more categories than you can image! I never tried wearing my VFF KSO for trail runs (other than a designated cross country hill course) when I first started running in them – I was just happy to be able to run...
Continue Reading...
Puma FAAS 250 Trail Shoe Review

Posted on March 20, 2012 | No Comments
Puma took the successful FAAS 250 running shoe and made it off road. Here’s comes the Puma FAAS 250 Trail running shoe, a fast growing segment in the running category: lightweight trail shoes. In future reviews, we hope to be reviewing other lightweight trail shoes like the Montrail Rogue Fly, Vibram Five Fingers Spyridon LS, Salomon Labs Sense, GoLite TR63, Saucony Kinvara TR, Inov-8 Trail Roc 235, and Skechers GOtrail. The first thing you’ll notice about Puma is the shoe box, or lack of it. It is a ‘Clever Little Bag‘ instead that uses 65% less paper and is reusable...
Continue Reading...