This year's shoe reviews have a little bit of everything. Here's a pic of some of this season's minimalist footwear reviews that are coming up:
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| Fall/Winter 2012 Shoe Reviews |
Showing posts with label Winter Minimalist Footwear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Winter Minimalist Footwear. Show all posts
September 25, 2012
Shoe Reviews for Fall/Winter 2012
I know I mention it a lot in my reviews but it is a great time to be a minimalist shoe reviewer. When I first started wearing minimalist footwear in 2008, there were not a lot of options for run specific, work appropriate or winter footwear but now, every season brings new models for a variety of purposes.
This year's shoe reviews have a little bit of everything. Here's a pic of some of this season's minimalist footwear reviews that are coming up:
Anyone want guess what they all are?
This year's shoe reviews have a little bit of everything. Here's a pic of some of this season's minimalist footwear reviews that are coming up:
March 12, 2012
Snow Day at Bragg Creek in Neo Trails
Last week we had one of those mornings when you wake up and the world outside is covered in white: a SNOW DAY! We decided to go for a hike in nearby Bragg Creek. There was even more snow out there than there was at home! My spouse and I both decided to wear our VIVOBAREFOOT Neo Trails for the hike in the snow. We could definitely have worn snowshoes but actually feeling the ground is so much more fun!
We picked the snowshoe trail so the dogs wouldn't destroy the cross country ski tracks on the other trails (for which the skiers were probably very grateful). We hiked uphill for about 2 km. It was slow going with the dogs and the uphill and all the snow. Traction was awesome, however, even in the fresh new snow. We stopped for lots of pictures, of course.
Because we were wearing our lightweight Neo Trails, we decided to run down. It was super fast! Again, great traction on the corners, which was good because otherwise we would have landed on our faces in the snow or wrapped around a tree. After the run down, we went back home and had a pack nap.
Here are some pics:
We picked the snowshoe trail so the dogs wouldn't destroy the cross country ski tracks on the other trails (for which the skiers were probably very grateful). We hiked uphill for about 2 km. It was slow going with the dogs and the uphill and all the snow. Traction was awesome, however, even in the fresh new snow. We stopped for lots of pictures, of course.
Because we were wearing our lightweight Neo Trails, we decided to run down. It was super fast! Again, great traction on the corners, which was good because otherwise we would have landed on our faces in the snow or wrapped around a tree. After the run down, we went back home and had a pack nap.
Here are some pics:
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| Kiah and Cordie LOVE the snow! |
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| A whole lot of new snow. |
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| Taking a picture break #1 |
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| Taking a picture break #2 |
December 14, 2011
Icy Neo Trails
It's often a dilemma for me to pick which shoes to wear for a walk with the dogs (I know, such a rough dilemma to have but, believe me, I'm grateful at this point because it wasn't always this way). The other day, we went for a walk and it had snowed quite a bit and was icy on all the sidewalks and paths. I chose to wear the Neo Trails and am so grateful I did for this particular walk.
We ended up walking along the snow covered paths around our neighbourhood and it was beautiful. We decided to cut across the frozen creek to the other side instead of walking all the way down to the bridge and back. The creek is usually QUITE frozen by this time of year. Apparently, this is not the case this year.
Much to my surprise, one of my steps made my foot fall through the ice into the water below. Thankfully the creek is not deep this time of year and there was only enough water to go up to my ankle (the rest was frozen).
This post is about how grateful I am that the upper in the Neo Trail is hydrophobic. Most of the cold creek water beaded away from my foot and didn't soak it through. The only part of me that got wet was just above the throat of the shoe. Had I not been wearing water resistant footwear, I might have been in big trouble getting home in the cold and snow with a soaking wet foot. Because most of my foot was dry, I easily made it home before the cold set in too deep in my ankle.
In addition to their fantastic water repellant properties, they also have incredible grip in the snow and they're warm enough for temperatures down to -10C (with socks, of course).
We ended up walking along the snow covered paths around our neighbourhood and it was beautiful. We decided to cut across the frozen creek to the other side instead of walking all the way down to the bridge and back. The creek is usually QUITE frozen by this time of year. Apparently, this is not the case this year.
Much to my surprise, one of my steps made my foot fall through the ice into the water below. Thankfully the creek is not deep this time of year and there was only enough water to go up to my ankle (the rest was frozen).
This post is about how grateful I am that the upper in the Neo Trail is hydrophobic. Most of the cold creek water beaded away from my foot and didn't soak it through. The only part of me that got wet was just above the throat of the shoe. Had I not been wearing water resistant footwear, I might have been in big trouble getting home in the cold and snow with a soaking wet foot. Because most of my foot was dry, I easily made it home before the cold set in too deep in my ankle.
In addition to their fantastic water repellant properties, they also have incredible grip in the snow and they're warm enough for temperatures down to -10C (with socks, of course).
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| Can you tell which shoe fell through the ice? |
January 18, 2011
Building a Better VIVOBAREFOOT Brooklyn Boot
Dear VIVOBAREFOOT designers,
I live in Alberta, Canada and have to cope with a great many days that are colder than -20C here in the winter. I'm so grateful that you make the Brooklyn boot as they are the only minimalist footwear I've found that is warm enough in this extreme cold. I've spent this winter almost exclusively wearing the Brooklyn boot for walking outside.
There are many features of this boot that I love: The off-road sole is fantastic for gripping on snow and every other surface I've tried (except smooth ice, which is understandable). The smooth leather is easy to snow-seal and does not show salt stains like suede does. The upper is waterproof, which is a must for slushy snow. The depth of the sole and thickness of the insole prevent all cold from the ground from transmitting to the feet. The sole is flexible enough to feel the contours of the hard-packed snow trails. The faux shearling lining is incredibly warm and keeps my shins and calves warm in -30C (and I have been out when it's that cold, not including the windchill).
May I suggest two changes to make this boot even better?
1) It would be beneficial to the fit of the boot if it had laces and a zipper, similar to last year's Dundan boot. Because the Brooklyn slips on and there is no way of customizing the fit, I find that my foot slides around in the boot when walking either uphill or downhill. It is most noticeable walking downhill as my toes get squished against the end of the boot, and after long walks, can be uncomfortable for quite a while. Laces would allow one to customize the fit around the ankles and calves, and prevent slipping. To preserve the waterproof feature, the tongue could be continuous with the upper part of the boot, like a fold, which would keep snow and water out. The zipper would make the boot easy to get on and off without affecting the fit of the boot each time the boot was taken off, and would be much easier to do up. It could be a waterproof zipper, like those included on waterproof rain jackets, in order to preserve the boot's waterproof feature. It could also have a flap of material covering it on the inside of the boot to preserve the boot's incredible insulating feature and prevent the zipper from touching the skin.
2) It would be great if the toe box could be a little wider, again similar to the Dundan last. I find that the toe box is smaller in the Brooklyn than the Dundan and can wiggle my toes less. It might be because of the added insulation in the Brooklyn, but thick socks definitely do not fit in the boot with the insole inside. A wider toe box would allow for thick socks and more toe wiggle room while the addition of the laces would keep the foot from moving around inside the roomier forefoot.
This is the first winter I've been able to comfortably walk outside in the extreme cold of the Canadian winter. Again, I'm very grateful for the Brooklyn boot and thank you for designing the best minimalist boot on the market to date.
Yours sincerely,
Tina
I live in Alberta, Canada and have to cope with a great many days that are colder than -20C here in the winter. I'm so grateful that you make the Brooklyn boot as they are the only minimalist footwear I've found that is warm enough in this extreme cold. I've spent this winter almost exclusively wearing the Brooklyn boot for walking outside.
There are many features of this boot that I love: The off-road sole is fantastic for gripping on snow and every other surface I've tried (except smooth ice, which is understandable). The smooth leather is easy to snow-seal and does not show salt stains like suede does. The upper is waterproof, which is a must for slushy snow. The depth of the sole and thickness of the insole prevent all cold from the ground from transmitting to the feet. The sole is flexible enough to feel the contours of the hard-packed snow trails. The faux shearling lining is incredibly warm and keeps my shins and calves warm in -30C (and I have been out when it's that cold, not including the windchill).
May I suggest two changes to make this boot even better?
1) It would be beneficial to the fit of the boot if it had laces and a zipper, similar to last year's Dundan boot. Because the Brooklyn slips on and there is no way of customizing the fit, I find that my foot slides around in the boot when walking either uphill or downhill. It is most noticeable walking downhill as my toes get squished against the end of the boot, and after long walks, can be uncomfortable for quite a while. Laces would allow one to customize the fit around the ankles and calves, and prevent slipping. To preserve the waterproof feature, the tongue could be continuous with the upper part of the boot, like a fold, which would keep snow and water out. The zipper would make the boot easy to get on and off without affecting the fit of the boot each time the boot was taken off, and would be much easier to do up. It could be a waterproof zipper, like those included on waterproof rain jackets, in order to preserve the boot's waterproof feature. It could also have a flap of material covering it on the inside of the boot to preserve the boot's incredible insulating feature and prevent the zipper from touching the skin.
2) It would be great if the toe box could be a little wider, again similar to the Dundan last. I find that the toe box is smaller in the Brooklyn than the Dundan and can wiggle my toes less. It might be because of the added insulation in the Brooklyn, but thick socks definitely do not fit in the boot with the insole inside. A wider toe box would allow for thick socks and more toe wiggle room while the addition of the laces would keep the foot from moving around inside the roomier forefoot.
This is the first winter I've been able to comfortably walk outside in the extreme cold of the Canadian winter. Again, I'm very grateful for the Brooklyn boot and thank you for designing the best minimalist boot on the market to date.
Yours sincerely,
Tina
January 11, 2011
Long Review - VIVOBAREFOOT Evo II
The full-length review of the VIVOBAREFOOT Evo II went online on Living Barefoot last week (I've been a little busy and forgot to post the update). They are just like the original Evos but with a denser nylon mesh upper for increased water resistance and a microfiber lined interior for added warmth and comfort. They are fantastic cooler weather running shoes.
Here's the link: http://www.livingbarefoot.info/2011/01/review-vivobarefoot-evo-ii/
Here's the link: http://www.livingbarefoot.info/2011/01/review-vivobarefoot-evo-ii/
December 6, 2010
Long Review - Vivo Barefoot Brooklyn Boots
The long review for the Vivo Barefoot Brooklyn boots has been posted on the Living Barefoot site.
Here's the link:
http://www.livingbarefoot.info/2010/12/review-vivo-barefoot-brooklyn-boot/
I love the Brooklyns. This is the first winter that I have footwear that don't hurt my back when I walk, are comfortable, AND are warm. Mostly I was missing the warm part. Like I say in the review, most minimalist footwear have either too thin a sole, too little insulation, or both to keep my feet warm in -20C. Here in Alberta, it's -20C A LOT.
Although I mention in the review that the Brooklyns don't grip well on ice, I don't have a single pair of minimalist footwear that does. Now I think the challenge to the industry will be to design a pair of comfortable, minimalist footwear that is good for -20C and can grip on ice. I think it's a tall order.
Here's the link:
http://www.livingbarefoot.info/2010/12/review-vivo-barefoot-brooklyn-boot/
I love the Brooklyns. This is the first winter that I have footwear that don't hurt my back when I walk, are comfortable, AND are warm. Mostly I was missing the warm part. Like I say in the review, most minimalist footwear have either too thin a sole, too little insulation, or both to keep my feet warm in -20C. Here in Alberta, it's -20C A LOT.
Although I mention in the review that the Brooklyns don't grip well on ice, I don't have a single pair of minimalist footwear that does. Now I think the challenge to the industry will be to design a pair of comfortable, minimalist footwear that is good for -20C and can grip on ice. I think it's a tall order.
November 18, 2010
Winter Wonderland in Brooklyn Boots
Snow! Glorious Snow! (This is a good attitude to have when you live in Canada and the white stuff is around for a good six months of the year and can fall in any month of the year :) ).
We've had almost a foot of snow where I live and my new Vivo Barefoot Brooklyn boots could not have arrived at a better time. I wore them outside for the first time yesterday in approximately 6 inches of snow and today in about a foot. They are fabulous! If you need a warm winter boot that grips well on snow and ice, still lets you feel the ground contours, and has absolutely no positive heel, then these will work out well for you!
My previous minimalist winter boot options, the Vivo Barefoot Dundan boots and Feelmax Kuuva boots, both have the same problem: their soles are too thin to prevent the frozen ground coldness from coming through to the inside of the boot, which results in frozen feet. This is NOT a problem with the Brooklyn Vivo Barefoot Off-road sole, which has an outsole thickness of 5 mm (2.5 mm sole base and 2.5 mm grip depth). Standing on ice and frozen ground was not a problem for me with only a thin pair of socks. I have left the removable insole in for now but I'll be testing the boots without it as well. Today it was -17C and my feet were toasty warm the whole time.
The boots are almost knee-high and the shaft of the boot has a faux shearling lining for warmth. My calves weren't cold at all in today's frigid temperatures (and there's no need to worry about wind chill).
If you're thinking of buying a pair, the Terra Plana website says that the Brooklyn is running TWO full sizes short and they are NOT exaggerating. I generally wear size US 8/EU 38, most of my Vivo Barefoot shoes are US 9/EU 39, and the Brooklyns are US 10/EU 40 and they fit well at that size.
I will be writing a long review of the Brooklyn boots for Living Barefoot, but until then, here are some pics of me in the snow with the boots.
We've had almost a foot of snow where I live and my new Vivo Barefoot Brooklyn boots could not have arrived at a better time. I wore them outside for the first time yesterday in approximately 6 inches of snow and today in about a foot. They are fabulous! If you need a warm winter boot that grips well on snow and ice, still lets you feel the ground contours, and has absolutely no positive heel, then these will work out well for you!
My previous minimalist winter boot options, the Vivo Barefoot Dundan boots and Feelmax Kuuva boots, both have the same problem: their soles are too thin to prevent the frozen ground coldness from coming through to the inside of the boot, which results in frozen feet. This is NOT a problem with the Brooklyn Vivo Barefoot Off-road sole, which has an outsole thickness of 5 mm (2.5 mm sole base and 2.5 mm grip depth). Standing on ice and frozen ground was not a problem for me with only a thin pair of socks. I have left the removable insole in for now but I'll be testing the boots without it as well. Today it was -17C and my feet were toasty warm the whole time.
The boots are almost knee-high and the shaft of the boot has a faux shearling lining for warmth. My calves weren't cold at all in today's frigid temperatures (and there's no need to worry about wind chill).
If you're thinking of buying a pair, the Terra Plana website says that the Brooklyn is running TWO full sizes short and they are NOT exaggerating. I generally wear size US 8/EU 38, most of my Vivo Barefoot shoes are US 9/EU 39, and the Brooklyns are US 10/EU 40 and they fit well at that size.
I will be writing a long review of the Brooklyn boots for Living Barefoot, but until then, here are some pics of me in the snow with the boots.
November 15, 2010
First Run in Evo IIs
There's nothing more motivational (for me at least) than that first run in a new pair of minimalist shoes. My new Evo IIs arrived on Saturday and today I got to go for my first run in them. I adore the Evo I and have been looking forward to the warmer version of them, the Evo II, for months now.
It was just as I imagined it would be: perfect. The Evo IIs fit almost exactly the same as the Evo I. They are a tiny bit more snug so I loosened the laces on them a little bit. They are MUCH warmer. Even when I wear socks, I can feel a draft with the Evo I. There is no such draft with the Evo II with the addition of the microfiber liner. The ground feel is phenomenal, the grip is great, and the fit is fantastic.
I can't wait to try them out in the coming snow (this week's forecast for my area is snow every day for the next five days). I'll write about running in them in snow as soon I get out in it.
Until the long review is posted on the Living Barefoot site (in about a month), here's a sneak peak at some pictures.
It was just as I imagined it would be: perfect. The Evo IIs fit almost exactly the same as the Evo I. They are a tiny bit more snug so I loosened the laces on them a little bit. They are MUCH warmer. Even when I wear socks, I can feel a draft with the Evo I. There is no such draft with the Evo II with the addition of the microfiber liner. The ground feel is phenomenal, the grip is great, and the fit is fantastic.
I can't wait to try them out in the coming snow (this week's forecast for my area is snow every day for the next five days). I'll write about running in them in snow as soon I get out in it.
Until the long review is posted on the Living Barefoot site (in about a month), here's a sneak peak at some pictures.
March 4, 2010
Vivo Barefoot Dundan Boot Review
My detailed review of the Vivo Barefoot Dundan Boot went online on the Living Barefoot site yesterday.
You can check it out at: http://www.livingbarefoot.info/2010/03/review-vivo-barefoot-dundan-boot/
In short, I absolutely love these boots. They are incredibly comfortable and so easy to put on and take off. I think they look fabulous. I can wear them in a wide range of temperatures: for extreme cold, I wear the insole and for mild cold to normal Alberta winter/spring temperatures, I don't wear the insole. Their grip is great, even on snow (maybe not so much on ice when it's really cold as the nubs on the sole get stiff).
I've worn these boots pretty much all winter. There's practically no wear on them. The sole shows no wear and is still wonderfully flexible. The only wear marks are a few scratch marks on the leather where I walked in crusty snow one day.
They are my favourite boots to run errands when walking on concrete or asphalt because of their warmth, comfort, grip, and ease of getting on and off.
Here are some pictures I recently took of my Dundans. The photos aren't as good as Al's in the review, but I'm still working on my photography skills. :)
You can check it out at: http://www.livingbarefoot.info/2010/03/review-vivo-barefoot-dundan-boot/
In short, I absolutely love these boots. They are incredibly comfortable and so easy to put on and take off. I think they look fabulous. I can wear them in a wide range of temperatures: for extreme cold, I wear the insole and for mild cold to normal Alberta winter/spring temperatures, I don't wear the insole. Their grip is great, even on snow (maybe not so much on ice when it's really cold as the nubs on the sole get stiff).
I've worn these boots pretty much all winter. There's practically no wear on them. The sole shows no wear and is still wonderfully flexible. The only wear marks are a few scratch marks on the leather where I walked in crusty snow one day.
They are my favourite boots to run errands when walking on concrete or asphalt because of their warmth, comfort, grip, and ease of getting on and off.
Here are some pictures I recently took of my Dundans. The photos aren't as good as Al's in the review, but I'm still working on my photography skills. :)
December 19, 2009
Run in Kuuvas
The other day, I went for a run in my Feelmax Kuuvas. It was above 0oC but the sidewalks had not been cleared yet so they were full of snow, slush,and ice. I didn't want to risk slipping or falling while wearing my absolutely-no-grip VFF Flows, so I wore my super grippy Kuuvas. It was fabulous.
I only laced them to the end of the lace holes and didn't tie them into the hooks. I didn't want the boot to be tight around my lower leg and this lacing seemed to work well for that. The boots did not feel too tight or too loose anywhere on my feet, ankles, or legs.
I was amazed at the grip I had on the slippery sidewalks. I could run at my normal pace (which admittedly is pretty slow) comfortably and with no fear of slipping.
Even though it was above 0oC, my feet were never too warm, either.
I think the Kuuvas are a great winter running option when it's not too cold and the terrain is slippery with snow and ice.
I only laced them to the end of the lace holes and didn't tie them into the hooks. I didn't want the boot to be tight around my lower leg and this lacing seemed to work well for that. The boots did not feel too tight or too loose anywhere on my feet, ankles, or legs.
I was amazed at the grip I had on the slippery sidewalks. I could run at my normal pace (which admittedly is pretty slow) comfortably and with no fear of slipping.
Even though it was above 0oC, my feet were never too warm, either.
I think the Kuuvas are a great winter running option when it's not too cold and the terrain is slippery with snow and ice.
December 7, 2009
Long Review - Feelmax Kuuva
My latest review has gone online on the Living Barefoot website - for the Feelmax Kuuva boot.
Check it out at:
http://www.livingbarefoot.info/2009/12/reivew-feelmax-kuuva-boot-review-winter-barefooting-series/
In short, these boots are incredible! I love their style, comfort, and barefoot feel. They are a great addition to any minimalist footwear collection that is missing something for colder temperatures and/or wet conditions. They are excellent for temperatures dropping to about -10oC, beyond that, you're definitely going to feel the cold from the ground through the bottom of your feet.
Check it out at:
http://www.livingbarefoot.info/2009/12/reivew-feelmax-kuuva-boot-review-winter-barefooting-series/
In short, these boots are incredible! I love their style, comfort, and barefoot feel. They are a great addition to any minimalist footwear collection that is missing something for colder temperatures and/or wet conditions. They are excellent for temperatures dropping to about -10oC, beyond that, you're definitely going to feel the cold from the ground through the bottom of your feet.
October 13, 2009
Feelmax Kuuvas Arrived in Time for Winter
The Feelmax Kuuvas arrived this past weekend. So far, I think they're awesome boots! They are incredibly comfortable and warm. I went for a walk today in -6C with a windchill of -14C with 2 cm of snow and slush and my feet were warm and dry the whole time. I don't have a lot of time to write about them today but I thought I'd add some pictures for people to see what I'm talking about. I'm so glad that there are options for minimalist footwear for winter.
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