Full details of the majority of the running and casual/dress shoes that the NRC have wear tested can be found at the Wear Tested Gear Review (formerly Minimalist Running Shoes) web site.
by Nick Pang. Wearable technology is making sports like football (not soccer) safer with concussion-prevention sensors embedded in helmets and mouth guards with live data via Wi-Fi on the field and sidelines. What about running? Even with all the latest shoe- cushioning technologies and research, runners are still get injured every year. Now Scribe Labs…
by Nick Pang. The Topo MT offers the ultimate hybrid experience by pairing the best features of a trail and road shoe. A rugged lug outsole provides multi-directional traction and the three density sole platforms offers plating protection without sacrificing ground feel. Reduced weight and increased flexibility will help you maintain your pace when you…
Building on the success of the best-selling Skechers GOrun 2, Skechers has created another potential winner with the launch of its GOrun 3 running shoe. The Skechers GOrun 3 is the next generation of transitional (or bridging) running shoes. Designed for speed with innovative performance technologies to promote a midfoot strike, it fosters a barefoot-running…
by Nick Pang. There is a dangerous swing (in my opinion) in the running shoe pendulum from minimalist to maximalist running shoes for 2014. The pendulum swung the opposite direction a few years ago. Which direction will it swing next and where will it settle? Make sure you understand the choices before diving in….
Nick Pang, our shoe review editor and co-founder of Natural Running Center, recently attended The Running Event trade expo in Austin, TX. There, for three consecutive days, he happily stalked the carpeted exhibit hall where he checked out the new crop of 2014 running shoes. Many footwear companies were only showing demo models, so Nick…
by Nick Pang. The second generation of casual and dress minimalist shoes are finally here. Once a runner has transitioned away from large-heel, ample cushioned, and narrow toebox running shoes, he or she will almost never go back. But what about their everyday casual and work shoes? Does the same hold true here? Personally, my…
by Nick Pang. When Puma introduced the Mobium Elite earlier this year, it started to move into the minimalist running shoes category. The FAAS collection has been around for a while and Puma is filling in the opposite end of its spectrum with lightweight and lightly cushioned shoes. Now, the most minimal shoe in the…
Summer Outdoor Retailer 2013 trade show in Salt Lake City just finished and most shoe companies have announced their Spring 2014 models. Some of these models won’t be available until December or January at the earliest with some as late as March. However, some will be available in a few weeks. We will get a definite…
by Nick Pang, The long awaited product launch of Tony Post’s (ex-CEO of Vibram FiveFingers) new company, Topo Athletic, which was previewed last April, is finally here. Topo Athletic called their approach to design, ‘innate amplification‘. They are in awe of the genius of human biomechanics, and to that they respectfully bring their modern constructions, materials and designs…
by Nick Pang. The VB ONE is VIVOBAREFOOT’s ultimate on-road or in-gym barefoot performance shoe. The uppers feature a lightweight and breathable hex mesh with V Web lamination for stitch-less lateral support. It is also lined with a soft-fit performance lining containing environmentally friendly Aegis to provide active moisture management, anti-stink, and a pure barefoot…
by Nick Pang, NRC shoe review editor. Building on the success and experience with the original GObionic road running shoe, Skechers has created another blockbuster with the launch of its GObionic Trail running shoe. I have worn my original GObionic road shoe for a lot of my trail running mileage but small debris keep getting lodged…
NRC Shoe Editor Nick Pang reports: Under Armour continue its move into natural running motion with the launch of its “natural collection” of minimalist running shoes: Toxic Six. The collection offers the athlete an extension of the foot to deliver a superior, natural, protective ride. The ultra-flexible, anatomical Micro G midsole helps your foot move naturally. A glove-like…
Altra Zero Drop The ONE is a fast, light, and slightly cushioned do-it-all performance shoe that launched recently. But it is also one of the most anticipated shoe on my 2013 list as I wanted to see something between the Altra Instinct 1.5 and Altra Adam. –Nick Pang, NRC shoe editor From Altra’s literature, “From…
by Nick Pang. Merrell recently launched its new M-Connect series of running shoes. It is a complete collection featuring running, training, and hiking shoes in addition to apparel. They have everything for the beginning transitioning runner to the advanced minimalist runner. This is Merrell’s biggest introduction to date and is a complete solution addressing the…
by Nick Pang. Just like the minimalist road running shoes of 2013, these trail shoes will be lower to the ground at 6mm or less, lightweight, moderate cushioning, and some protection. Footwear manufacturers like Merrell, New Balance, and Inov-8 are coming out with shoes for the full minimal shoes spectrum – from the beginner to the…
Natural Running Center’s shoe review editor Nick Pang also helms the website Minimalist Running Shoes, which goes into great, useful detail about all the new shoes now hurtling through the commercial pipeline. Nick’s shoe database is much larger than NRC’s, and includes many shoes in the casual, walking, lifestyle and even golf category. I often…
The Natural Running Center has an extensive data base of running shoes on our site. But as a further service to runners, we will now be featuring short, up-to-date, wear-tested shoe reviews by our shoe editor Nick Pang who also helms MinimalistRunningShoes.org. *** U.K.-based Inov-8 introduces TrailRoc, a new range of trail running shoes designed…