Persistence has certainly paid off for Portland, Oregon-based entrepreneur and formerly injured runner David Sypiewski, who has quietly toiled for several years to make the perfect shoe for injury-free natural running. Soon, all runners will be able to step inside David’s dream when Skora running shoes go on sale this February. Well-funded with $1 million in capital from a private investor, Skora just might have a fighting chance in the suddenly crowded minimalist marketplace. “Our shoes are designed to encourage running performance that is as bio-mechanically correct as possible,” Sypniewski told one sports retailer industry newsletter. “Our footwear lets people run naturally. Running form is the most important aspect to injury-free running. Adapting to a zero-drop shoe with minimal padding should be a gradual process and cannot be rushed. The shoes you use need to enable you to run with great mid-foot/whole-foot form and give you the proper feedback with every stride. Skora does do this.”
According to Skora press material, the company will be launching its Base ($125) and Form ($195) shoes. Both models are built on a special footwear last “with a natural arch shape, zero drop from heel-to-toe, a generous ball girth and wide toe box. Total stack height in both models is 13mm with the insole, 9mm without. These features enhance a natural mid-foot/all-foot contact consistent with a ‘barefoot-style’ of running. Both models are designed to be worn comfortably with or without socks.” Zero Drop can’t wait to try these shoes.
$195?!? This is absurd. Save your money and just go run barefoot for pete’s sake. Or strap on some huaraches for a quarter of the price and let your feet be free AND protected.
The only people saying you need a gradual transition to barefoot-style running are shoe companies hoping to profit from your interest in minimalist running. The best thing you can do is just ditch the shoes, cut way back on the mileage, and learn to run ACTUALLY BAREFOOT. In 3-5 months you’ll be back to your old mileage and loving it, having never fallen for this kind of BS.
This post reads like a press release and encourages gear worship. Not cool.
I’m loving the barefoot revolution, but I live in West Michigan, where we’re expected to have over a hundred inches of snow this year. I need a minimalist option that can sustain me through the winter. But give me a break, there’s nothing on the market that is both durable and affordable. I’m really frustrated with the industry right now.
I tend to agree with you, but it stands to reason that the foot needs some protection if one is running on roads or trails.Sand is different. So I say the crazies on either side are way off. You don’t need a “combat boot”, but the feet need something and smoething smarter than what some companies are merchandizing.
I have been wear testing both of their models and have nothing but good things to say about the products and the company. I have done the barefoot and also over 3000 miles in Vibrams. I have moved back into running in minimalist shoes and found this is the best for me.
Kyle,
These are the business class barefoot style shoes….they have a great road feel and amazing quality of leather. really good for the day job and walking. We will be getting them at Two Rivers Treads.
Dr. Mark
Great Mark! I’m glad to see you will have them at the store 🙂
Have you all had a chance to try the Base and Form? Would love to read your professional comments re. these shoes. TIA!