For all women runners, Zappos now has the biggest selection of colors for Merrell Barefoot Dash Glove and Pace Glove. With Zappos ‘365 Day Return Policy‘ and ‘Free Shipping Both Ways‘, what are you waiting for?

Merrell Barefoot Dash Glove

Merrell Barefoot Pace Glove

Grab the latest colorway releases and those on sale at Zappos now!

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 terms of the outsole, but I prefer the uppers on the Ravenous Lite a lot more.

Running sockless on non-technical trails, this shoe performed better than expected. It is lightweight and has ample toe box space. The uppers does not restrict my foot and toe movement and it is also super-breathable. It also fared well on asphalt and concrete just like the Rogue Racer and Rogue Fly.

I choose the bright yellow (Chartreuse) colorway and it stands out in the trails and at night. I’m glad footwear manufacturers are adding brighter colors to the standard (dull-looking) colors. An open breathable mesh upper enhances cooling airflow and includes an internal micro-suede frame for a more form-fitting feel. The nylon rock guard on the forefoot protects toes from abrasions.

Non-marking Omni-Grip rubber compound with strategically placed traction lugs provide great traction on both wet and dry surfaces. I have only taken this to asphalt, concrete, and non-technical trails but I’m confident that this shoe will perform fairly well on technical trails too. The Columbia Ravenous Lite minimalist trail shoe offers a lightweight feel for runners looking for serious speed!

This is a no-nonsense, lightweight, sockless comfortable, minimal trail running shoe that is great for runners looking for an affordable but great performing shoe. Also works great as a gateway or transitional minimalist running shoe for those just getting into barefoot-style running shoes.

The Ravenous Lite is available in 4 colorways (Yellow, Black, Red, Grey) for Men’s.

And in 3 colorways (White, Grey, Blue) for Women’s.

The Columbia Ravenous Lite is now available at Zappos and online stores everywhere.

http://www.columbia.com

*Product provided by Columbia (MSRP $80). CMP.LY/1 Review

If you have a product you’d like reviewed, contact me at info@minimalistrunningshoes.org

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 to your favorite tunes, track your progress and reach your goals. In a nutshell, training coaches on demand in a device – the iPod of training with the PEAR Portal eco-system just like iTunes.

PEAR is a smart biofeedback training system that uses a wireless heart rate monitor and foot pod to measure your body’s response to a workout and deliver real-time coaching to keep you on track towards meeting your goal. At its core, it is a simple device designed to take the guesswork out of heart rate monitor (HRM) training.

Gear up by attaching the PEAR Square One unit on your clothing, headphones with the best fit earpiece on your ears, strap the heart rate monitor on your chest, and the foot pod under your shoe laces.

To begin, you must first complete the Heart Rate Assessment test used to calculate the five heart rate training zones based on your current fitness. During the assessment test (a 20-minute workout), you’ll run at various perceived exertion levels, according to the in-ear instructions from your virtual coach. I’ve been using the Maffetone method for the past 9 months so this will be an interesting change.

From the results, it appear that my target Maffetone aerobic heart rate beats-per-minute (BPM) of 132 is in Zone 2 of the PEAR unit. I just have to stay between Zone 1 and Zone 2 for my aerobic free runs.

Once that workout is in place, your personal training plan can be created and synced from the Pear Portal  which allows you to view your progress and record details about your workouts. The PEAR Portal currently offers about 50 (as of this writing) training and workout plans from a team of coaches including Matt Fitzgerald, Jenny Hatfield, Danny Abshire, Ben Greenfield, and Noelle Kozak. That number will grow significantly in the next few months as more and more coaches get on board.

After selecting your plans, you simply move up to 5 a la carte workouts to the device. The Heart Rate Assessment and Free Format Plans are always available on the device and do not count towards your 5 workouts. Sync with your device after finishing selecting the training plans.

It is recommended that you perform a heart rate assessment every month as you get fitter training with the unit.

The premise of the PEAR Square One unit is its simplicity. You put it on and JUST RUN. You don’t have to look at your watch to monitor your heart rate (as I do with my Garmin Forerunner 610 or MOTOACTV) or calculate in your mind as you are running which zone you are in, speed, cadence, etc. You simply run  (with or without music) and the unit will tell you how you are doing. if you are going too fast, the coach may yell at you! These audio cues and various vital signs information can be customized in terms of frequency and details on the PEAR portal – you sync it with your device after configuring online.

Note that you can also get all your vital signs on demand by pushing the INFO button on your headphones. The INFO button on the headphones wasn’t obvious when I first used it and tried to get vital statistics information as I was running. I had to go through the manual to find it later.

Personally, I don’t like to start a workout blind. I prefer to preview what is in the workout before taking off for an hour or more. At least a summary of what the workout consists of, a short video, and maybe even a downloadable PDF file might help. I know this is something PEAR is working on. The Danny Abshire natural running drill description page is a start.

Once you are done with your workout, you have to upload the data to the PEAR Portal via the USB. A wireless connection would be nice. The PEAR software analyze your data and give you a PEAR Score. The PEAR Score is a measure of your compliance to staying within the coach’s target zones for the entire workout. For example, a score of 50% indicates that you were in the target zone half of the time. A score of n/a indicates that the workout is not measured like the Heart Rate Assessment workout or Free Run.

From my ’20 Minute High Intensity Interval Run’, I have a 1% PEAR Score – one of my worst workouts. That means I was only ‘in the target zone’ one percent of the time. Why? I ran as instructed but because I have to run the sprints 6 times with a short rest (slow run) in between, it shows that I am not in top physical shape. The first sprint was done at a sub 5 minute pace and the rest were at a 5:30 pace – my heart rate was a lot lower than the workout planned as shown in the results below.

The light-blue boxes in the diagram shows where the workout plan expect my heart rate to be at during those times – Zone 5. I got tired after the first sprint. Additionally, my heart was already in zone 5 when I started the workout because it was really cold! I should have done a longer warm up before starting the workout.

I also tried out a few other plans including ‘Free Run’ and Danny Abshire’s ’15 Minute Natural Running Step Over Drill’. A little better with Coach Danny’s workout at 13% PEAR score. Danny was yelling at me multiple times to slow down!

You get the idea. Over time, it will get closer and close to 100%.

Lastly, on the PEAR Portal, there is also a Schedule showing all your workouts for the day or month. Of course if you miss a workout, you can move it to another day – just click and drag. Simple.

Here is a great in-depth YouTube video of the PEAR Portal system:

Although the PEAR Square One device is running-oriented, the programming already include weight loss, cycling, getting fit, and will soon be expanded to include Cross Fit training, yoga, stretching, and many other physical activities.

Here’s some suggestions for PEAR Sports that will make the Square One even more user friendly and potentially replace GPS and HRM watches:

• Feature: When in Free Run mode, the unit should allow for setting a heart rate zone trigger (for example, I want to stay in Zone 2 for the duration of the run) like most GPS watches – a fully aerobic fat-burning run. It should shout at me when I go over the targeted zone by 5 BPM.
• Feature: Wireless auto-sync like the Garmin 610 so I don’t have to plug in the unit and USB.
• Device: Include GPS electronics. The foot pod may be sufficient for measuring distances but I would also like to get a map of my run, terrain elevations, etc.
• Training Plan API: Open interface so trainers, coaches, organizations, and individuals can create custom plans for sale or free download to the public or clients.
• Device: Add an FM Tuner! You can listen to live News or Music during your run. Very nice feature when doing Free Run.

The PEAR Training Intelligence system is potentially a game-changing technology to help runners of all levels maximize their potential and reach their highest goals. With more training plans and covering even more sports, the PEAR Portal can grow to become the iTunes of fitness training.

http://www.pearsports.com

*Product provided by PEAR Sports (MSRP $250). CMP.LY/1 Review

If you have a product you’d like reviewed, contact me at info@minimalistrunningshoes.org

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 incomparable flexibility.  As a technologically modern style, the shoes are also infused with truWALK Architecture, a proprietary technology that provides a natural full range of foot motion, from shock absorption at heel strike (yes, the walking gait) to forefoot flexibility during push off, courtesy of Adidas adiPRENE cushioning technology.

The first thing that came to mind is the visual of Tony Post (CEO of Vibram USA) running in the 1990 New York City Marathon wearing Rockport Dress Sports casual shoes. You can watch the video and write up on Zero Drop. Back to the future…

The truWALK Zero T-Toe weighs in at 8.8 ounces, stack height of 22mm and a heel-to-toe differential of about 6mm. It has a wide toe box although I would have preferred an even wider one and wearing it sockless, it is very smooth in the footbed with the removable insole intact – it would be too rough with the insole removed.

The uppers has sporty overlays for an urban look and are waterproof in the forefoot area – proven in the wind & rain of northern California!  It also has a padded collar and tongue for comfort. There is a mesh fabric lining offering a breathable interior.

The EVA cushioned footbed features Adidas adiPRENE technology that absorbs shock on impact to reduce leg and foot fatigue. The lightweight rubber outsole features flex grooves and tread design with grip for sure-footing – great traction on wet concrete and asphalt.

This is an interesting sneaker from Rockport that has vibrant colors and sporty good looks – more options for those who are looking for casual shoes to complement their minimalist running shoes.

With the truWALK Zero Wing Tip, we are entering the more dressy category (Black colorway) or it can also be worn as business casual (Brown colorway). The uppers are the only major difference with a full-grain leather that is durable and easy to clean.

The Wing Tip is a welcomed addition to anyone who needs a dressy pair of shoes to go with a suit or dress pants but craves the comfort. Almost all leather dress shoes have narrow toe boxes and an elevated heel – I threw away all mine (4 pairs) after I started transitioning to minimal shoes. I have a 2E+ width feet today so most dress shoes in the market won’t fit me. And a growing number of people could identify with that. We should be able to get comfort with looks.

The leather in the uppers does wrinkle so it requires some maintenance. The good news is that Rockport shoes are pretty easy to maintain and take care of. Rockport recommends a damp washcloth or a once over with shoe polish every couple of months depending on how often you wear them. Works great with both straight leg and cuffed pants. The orange in the top eyelet adds a nice modern and casual touch to the Wing Tip! Not to mention comfort all day long.

The Rockport truWALK Zero Wing Tip is one viable option. The VIVOBAREFOOT Ra is another option but look out for this one coming to the market soon: Primal Professional. If you need something right now, the Wing Tip is it. And I love it!

If you have trouble finding a comfortable pair of casual or dress shoes for work or business meetings or just for walking on vacation or travel, your choices have increased significantly with the truWALK Zero T-Toe and Wing Tip (Men) or Welded Lace Up (Women).

The Rockport truWALK Zero T-Toe for Men’s is available in one colorway ( Black/Charcoal).

And in 2 colorways (Black/Lavender, Warm Grey/salmon) for Women’s as the Welded Lace Up model.

The Rockport truWALK Zero Wing Tip is available only for Men’s in two colorways ( Black/Charcoal, Dark Brown).

The Rockport truWALK Zero collection is now available at Rockport and Zappos.

http://www.rockport.com

*Product provided by Rockport  (MSRP $120). CMP.LY/1 Review

If you have a product you’d like reviewed, contact me at info@minimalistrunningshoes.org

The adipure collection consist of three models with heel-to-toe differential from 11mm to 4mm: Motion at 11mm, Gazelle at 7mm, and Adapt at 4mm. Whatever your running style, you can choose the shoes that are right for you so you can improve your running technique step-by-step.

The adipure Motion is for the Beginner and is the first step in natural running and weighing in around 7.2 ounces. The Motion has good cushioning and a stack height of about 27mm. The adipure Gazelle is for the Intermediate runner or someone who already has already progressed into natural running. The shoe weighs in around 6.3 ounces and has a stack height of about 16mm. The adipure Adapt is for the Advanced runner or someone who can already run barefoot or is very comfortable with the barefoot-style of running. This shoe weighs in around 4.5 ounces and has a stack height of about 13mm.

First impressions after a few short runs in all the models are: WOW! They don’t feel like anything I have tested from traditional to minimal shoes. I believe it is the 4-way stretch mesh Tech Fit uppers and the Pure Motion outsole that set these shoes apart from the rest of the offerings. I guarantee you that you will look at Adidas running shoes in a very different and positive light.

I will be wear-testing all three models extensively in the next few weeks and will have detailed reviews on how each fared very soon. Stay tuned or ‘Like’ us on Facebook for real-time updates.

The Adidas adipure collection of minimalist running shoes will be available in August 2012 from select online retailers. Each model will be available in only one colorway for men and one for women. MSRP for adipure Motion is $110, adipure Gazelle is $100, and adipure Adapt is $90.

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 most remote place in Arctic Siberia, to the world’s toughest ultra-marathon in the Canadian Rockies, The Perfect Runner weaves cutting-edge science with gripping adventure, and leaves the viewer with a new and inspiring understanding of our common evolutionary inheritance as the running ape.

This documentary is more than a documentary – it’s breathtaking cinematography. Runners and non-runners alike will enjoy this wonderful and scenic documentary as Niobe narrates and stars in.

Running is hunting for food and survival. The toughest guys are those who take running as part of the job like in Siberia. “These people run all day long,” Thompson said. “They’re cowboys without horses.”

Endurance running is human being’s special gift. Humans are not the fastest runners compared to a lot of animals. But we can out-run any animal if given enough time to exhaust the animal we’re chasing. Our ancestors are persistence hunters who could run down other animals to the point of exhaustion. “Humans are built to run,” said Thompson. “On a hot day, we can outrun all the animals in our environment.”

Meanwhile, back in the town of Bekoji in Ethiopia, what makes Ethiopian runners the best runners alive? One of the secrets, Thompson discovers, is that most Ethiopian athletes start out running in bare feet. Retired schoolteacher and coach Sentayahu Eshetu, featured in the independent film,  The Town of Runners, where “running is a way of life”, remarked that “athletes are training without shoes.”

It is not complete if barefoot running is not discussed. Niobe also visits Dr. Daniel Lieberman, the father of the barefoot running movement, who convinced him (scientifically using biomechanics) to change his running style from heel-striking to forefoot-striking. The knee pain that he had been struggling with eventually disappeared.

Niobe concludes the documentary by deciding to be a guinea pig in entering Canada’s well known Death Race, a 125 km all-terrain extreme adventure race course on very challenging terrain including three mountain summits and 17,000 feet of elevation change.

“You’re capable of a lot more than you think you are if you train, if you spend less time at a desk and more time out there using your body for what it’s meant to do, it’s extraordinary what you can accomplish,” Thompson said.

Push your limit.

Here’s the full trailer for The Perfect Runner:

You can read more about behind the scenes filming on this documentary and training for the Canadian Death Race from Niobe Thompson’s blog. It is doubtful if this documentary will ever be broadcasted in the United States so they only way to see it is to buy the DVD. Learn more and buy the DVD at theperfectrunner.com

The Perfect Runner DVD Giveaway

Niobe has shipped two DVDs to us in a giveaway: two lucky US readers will each receive a copy of The Perfect Runner DVD.

Simple rules: 1) You must be a US resident. 2) Head over to Facebook and ‘Like’ The Perfect Runner. 3) Just post a link back to this DVD review on Facebook (must be publicly viewable), StumbleUpon, or your blog and send the URL to:

info@minimalistrunningshoes.org.

All submissions received by Monday, April 23 at 5PM PST will be entered to win. Two persons will be randomly selected and results will be posted by Wednesday, April 25.

Contest is OVER.

Winners are: Cody R. and Sarah C.

Producer/Director: Niobe Thompson

Length: 45 minutes

*Product provided by Niobe Thompson. CMP.LY/1 Review

If you have a product you’d like reviewed, contact me at info@minimalistrunningshoes.org

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 – I just don’t like my toes constricted and explains why I only wear compression sleeves. I will only wear full compression socks without shoes indoors for recovery purposes. Or in an airplane with shoes off.

From a medical research background and specialist in sports compression, and combining high tech with the latest trends, COMPRESSPORT products have over 500 professional athletes endorsing and using their products daily. Improving performance, enhancing recovery, or just overall well-being of the athletes in their everyday life is just some of the benefits of COMPRESSPORT products.

“I have been wearing COMPRESSPORT products for over two years now, helping me train better and recovery so much faster, keeping me on top of the world.”

Chrissie Wellington OBE, 3X World Champion, World Record holder IM

I’ve reviewed compression socks before and is a firm believer in compression technology. I do all my training and racing with compression calf sleeves and arm sleeves (on cold days). I’ve started wearing quad/thigh sleeves on all my jump (track & field) events!

Why Should You Use COMPRESSPORT Technology?

From beginners to professionals and including experienced amateurs, COMPRESSPORT is dedicated to helping athletes:

• boost their performances
• delay fatigue
• avoid muscle tear and injury
• quick and optimum recovery

By providing a more effective venous return from the feet to the heart, the buildup of toxins in the legs is minimized. The muscles benefit from improved oxygenation by delaying or even eliminating the appearance of cramps and injuries thus allowing for longer, high impact training sessions with less fatigue and quicker recovery.

You may not get all these benefits depending on your training or workout schedule or your body chemistry. But my main draw to wearing compression technology is the reduction of shock waves and vibrations generated when running on hard ground, hills, or repeated jumps (long and triple jump) and thereby preventing tearing of muscle fibers and joint pain. And I have been doing this for over a year – it works for me individually (a competitive senior athlete). Recovering from aches and pain and especially injury is not something I want to experience at this stage. Reducing it to zero pain, aches, and injury is the ONLY goal for me. Recovery is quicker and returning to maximum training is much easier and quicker.

Ultra Silicone (US) Calf Sleeve

Unique to the Ultra Silicone calf sleeve are silicon spikes surrounding the ankle specially engineered for trail runners for optimum shock absorption. With its 220 soft silicon spikes which fully surround the ankle over a height of over 2.5 inches, the calf sleeve minimizes shock absorption and provides support to the Achilles tendon.

I wear the US calf sleeve on EVERY run, period. I would swap in my CEP Compression or Zensah calf sleeve if my COMPRESSPORT gets dirty between wash. The US calf sleeve is also tear-proof, chlorine resistant, and lightweight. It can also be stretched several times its size and recover to its original shape immediately. All COMPRESSPORT products comes with a 2-years replacement guarantee, whatever the defect!

ForQuad Thigh Sleeve

For various sports including triathlons, body building, cycling, skiing, running, tennis, squash, and many other, ForQuad provides support, strength, and recovery to the thighs. It assisted my performance in hill running, 400m races, and especially in triple jumps – both in training and competition. I have lessen my chances of cramping up or getting injured due to fatigue.

Compared to calf and arm sleeves, they are very easy to put on and pull off. Unlike compression shorts, ForQuad does not cover the groin area so they don’t need to be washed after each use.

PRORACING Arm Sleeve

Launched in February 2012, the high-tech ultra-lightweight PRORACING arm sleeve is ideal all season long. It has graduated compression from the wrist to the bottom of the elbow and from the top of the elbow to the biceps and triceps. The wrists and elbows are not compressed to ensure optimum joint movement and comfort.

The muscle compression allows for activation of microcirculation of the blood giving rise to natural heat control. The insulating fibers next to the skin optimizes heat protection thus providing better resistance to the cold in winter and the heat in summer – the arms stay warm even in the rain and are protected and stay cool even in hot, sunny weather. This is reinforced by the COLDBLACK treatment. COLDBLACK offers protection from UVA and UVB (minimum UPF 30+) and has the special feature of reflecting the heat therefore allowing for a reduction in temperature at the surface of the skin.

Silver ions embedded in the fibers (patented process), which controls heat and dampness, prevents perspiration and heating thus combating odors and preventing bacteria/fungi. The efficacy remains even after several washes.

Conclusion

As expected of technical sports apparel, COMPRESSPORT products cost more (based on the UK prices) than your standard compression apparel but they’re not really comparable. The quality and compression technology plus athletic benefits make it truly exceptional.

This is absolutely the BEST compression product I have ever tested and is my go-to gear for all my training and racing! Because I use it for every run, they go through a wash cycle twice a week. So far it has been holding up (after a month – 8 wash cycles) but I might have to stock up on them for the future. Other compression products have lasted about 6 months before it loose its effectiveness – you can feel it when putting them on.

Note that for calf sleeves, you don’t have to wash it as much since it is not covering your feet and you have less perspiration. Same for your quad/thing and arm sleeves. Once a week is sufficient until the summers.

From Europe to Asia, South Africa to Australia, COMPRESSPORT is currently established in close to 20 countries. The United States is next!

http://compressport.com/

*Product provided by COMPRESSPORT. CMP.LY/1 Review

If you have a product you’d like reviewed, contact me at info@minimalistrunningshoes.org

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 putting on The Adam when my feet grew but laces would have helped – I would just loosen them more.

The insole is removable in both models but the Samson only comes with the A-Bound Strengthen insole – the Adam had also included a Molded Support insole.

The Samson also has a 3.5mm EVA midsole that the Adam lack. This make the Samson a stronger but stiffer running shoe compared to the Adam.

Altra Samson

The Samson weight in at 8.2 ounces (US Size 10.0) and has a stack height of 10mm. If you remove the insole, you only about 7mm from the ground. All Altra shoes are zero drop – 0mm heel-to-toe differential. The Samson weighs about 1.5 ounces more than The Adam. The uppers is made of a quick-dry mesh but it felt rougher but definitely more durable than the Adam stretch fabric.

The lacing system is considered asymmetrical but looks normal. The tongue however does not slide around like other shoes and is also a little thicker but I like the soft padding – the laces does not cut into the top of your feet when I use it for sprint training or doing box jumps.

Since I run in all my running shoes sockless, the Samson felt a little rougher (both with or without the insole) than the Merrell Road Glove or New Balance Minimus Zero Trail or Vibram Spyridon LS. The uppers also had a crease from bending at the forefoot that gave me a hot spot on the top of my right foot. But after one run, the uppers soften and I never had another hot spot again.

Even with a standard US Size 10, the Samson has a super-wide toe box giving my 2E+ feet ample space to splay when running! If you remove the insole, you have an extra 3mm of toe box height and a lot closer to the ground.

Altra Delilah

My female wear-tester Sophie has been testing the Altra Delilah. She has been running in the Altra Intuition for the past few months as she transitioned away from the more cushioned and heeled Nike Free Run +2.

Her first impression were similar to mine. The outsole felt a little stiffer than the Intuition but has less cushioning (with the removable insole intact). She had no problem running in them and they felt fine (with less stack height) now that she strengthened her arch and feet. With no changes in running gait. But an old nagging stress fracture comes and go when she put in longer runs. This is more prominent on asphalt than on non-technical trails.

For walking, the Intuition scratches her left heel but that is likely a manufacturing issue as it only affects her left. The Delilah did not have this problem and she is delighted with it. So it has replaced her Intuition as her commute shoe as she puts in over a mile walking to and from public transportation.

Comparing the Delilah and Intuition, the Delilah is a lot lighter and great for the upcoming warmer months. It is also the next natural step in her transitioning path to lower and thinner minimal shoes. What’s next after the Delilah? Maybe take out the removable insole? But she felt the top of the midsole is a little rough. Maybe go completely barefoot? Time will tell.

Final Words

Altra took their most versatile minimalist shoe and made it even better. I love the lacing system as it is easier for me to put the shoes on compared to the Adam. Or if your feet grows, you can loosen the laces and extend the mileage on the Samson.

It may not be as minimal as the Adam with the additional non-removable midsole but I see this as a training shoe versus the Adam which is more of a racing shoe. You can put in longer runs with the Samson if you like a little extra cushioning.

Altra Zero Drop Samson/Delilah Giveaway

To celebrate the launch of the Samson and Delilah, Altra Zero Drop is giving away a pair of The Samson (or The Delilah) to one lucky winner.

Full contest details here. Contest is over.

The Altra Delilah for women comes in two colorways: Silver/Purple, Silver/Magenta.

The Altra Samson and Altra Delilah is readily available on the Altra Zero Drop web site and in running specialty retailers.

http://altrarunning.com

*Product provided by Altra Zero Drop (MSRP $100 each). CMP.LY/1 Review

If you have a product you’d like reviewed, contact me at info@minimalistrunningshoes.org

On April 5, 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!

To illustrate the ultra-lightweight quality of the shoes, Rockport has partnered with renowned performance artist Johan Lorbeer for his first stateside debut at the corner of 6th Avenue and West 43rd St. (at the Grace Building Plaza). Johan and team will illustrate how lightweight the truWALK Zero shoes are through his gravity defying installation where it will seem as if he and his team are suspended mid-air from a cube.

I’ve been testing the truWALK Zero T-Toe Sport and waiting for the Wingtip to publish my full review. The truWALK Zero collection will be available NOW on Rockport.com and Zappos.com soon. MSRP $120 to $140. Stay tuned!