Minimalist Shoe Buying Guide - Fall/Winter 2012

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Our Sponsors This edition of Minimalist Shoe Buying Guide is brought to you by: ASHMEI LEMING FOOTWEAR SKECHERS PERFORMANCE GROUP SKORA RUNNING ZEMGEAR

Copyright 2012 Minimalist Running Shoes

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CHAPTER 2

Introduction

Copyright 2012 Minimalist Running Shoes

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Welcome to the Minimalist Running Shoes Fall & Winter 2012 Minimalist Shoes Buying Guide!

A quick word about the different shoe types as categorized in this guide. Since 2009, I have been wear testing minimal shoes from all around the world and with over 100+ pairs that my feet have personally tested, I've seen the best and the worst out there. Wear testing minimalist shoes is my passion. Shoes are the secondary (to running form) tools to sustainable running.

With that in mind, what I have found is that we are individuals. What works for me may not work for you. As a matter of fact, one of the almost perfect shoe that Dr. Mark Cucuzzella recommended for me turned out to be the shoe from hell for me - I got a stress fracture running in them. So be forewarned, try them out and if they start to hurt, STOP IMMEDIATELY. The minimal shoes should be pain free and injury free when you run in them - super comfortable and you can run forever. Being a shoe tester, it is part of my job to endure some pain and continue testing but you don't have to. I was sidelined for over 3 months and ended up focusing on casual and dress minimal shoes during that down time good and bad. I miss running so much during that time.

But there are certain minimalist shoes characteristics that are absolutely required. If these are present, you have a better chance of finding a pair that will not hurt you. If you don't have the time or interest to dig into the technical aspects of minimal shoes, then you can read about my reviews of these shoes in my blog.

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www.minimalistrunningshoes.org

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Here's a simple list of the features to look for in a good minimal shoe (running, walking hiking, gym, etc.): •

Wide Toe Box - your toes should be allowed to splay to their fullest without any restrictions. But not too wide that your feet slide when running.

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Lightweight - stay with something less than 9 ounces but less than 7 ounces preferred.

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Flexible - shoe should be able to flex at the correct flex points. Try bending them longitudinal and latitudinal (left-to-right and top-down).

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Cushioning - you might want a little cushioning for long runs but less is more as you don't want to cause muscle atrophy. Work your feet to stay strong and healthy!

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Low Stack Height - get as minimal as possible from the bottom of your heel to the ground with less than 15mm.

Most important of all, the shoe should NOT restrict your foot from any movements naturally.

A traditional running shoe has an elevated heel (high heel-to-toe drop) with too much cushioning, is stiff, and has a narrow toe box.

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Here's a basic definition of the various shoe categories as defined by the Natural Running Center in which Dr. Mark Cucuzzella, Bill Katovsky, and myself created based our personal and professional experiences.

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Neutral/Transitioning Category • • •

Little to no heel-to-toe drop Encourages midfoot landing 'Starter' shoe for transitioning runner

Minimalist Category • • • •

Little cushioning Little to no heel-to-toe drop Enhanced ground feel with feet Soft, flexible, lightweight

Barefoot-style Category • • • •

Thinnest layer of protection between foot and ground Zero heel-to-toe drop Wide toe box Lightweight

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Minimal shoes would cover the Neutral/Transitioning, Minimalist, and Barefoot-style categories. Racing Flats are technically minimal shoes.

More about how to transition to minimal shoes injury-free can be found in my latest Apple iPad iBook, Wear Tested, now available on the Apple iBookstore.

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CHAPTER 3

Adidas Running

www.adidas.com

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Adidas adipure Motion These running shoes have a Pure Motion midsole designed to mimic the reaction time of bare feet. With a second-skin layer and adiprene+ in the forefoot, these shoes are flexible and adaptive with a little extra launch. It also has a synthetic upper for lightweight comfort.

Gallery 3.1 Adidas adipure Motion

Adidas adipure Motion

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Adidas adipure Gazelle These running shoes have a Pure Motion midsole designed to mimic the reaction time of bare feet. With a second-skin layer and adiprene+ in the forefoot, these shoes are flexible and adaptive. It also has a synthetic upper for lightweight comfort.

Gallery 3.2 Adidas adipure Gazelle

Adidas adipure Gazelle

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Adidas adipure Adapt Born from a 4D anatomical design test that measured every square centimeter of the bare foot while running, these adipure Adapt shoes give you the natural feel of barefoot running with the added protection of fulllength adiprene+ cushioning and an adiwear outsole enhanced with a Pure Motion design that moves just like the bare foot.

Gallery 3.3 Adidas adipure Adapt

Adidas adipure Adapt

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CHAPTER 4

Altra Zero Drop

www.altrazerodrop.com

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Altra Instinct 1.5 & Intuition 1.5 An upgrade from the original Instinct shoe, it is the first shoe to truly marry the form-improving benefits of a minimalist shoe with the comfort, cushioning and support of a traditional running shoe. The Zero Drop™ platform and innovative footshaped design work together to help runners maintain proper running technique and reduce joint impact while freeing their toes to help alleviate foot pain. Trust your instincts and experience the world’s first fully cushioned, foot-shaped, Zero Drop™ running shoe.

Gallery 4.1 Instinct 1.5 & Intuition 1.5

Men’s Instinct 1.5

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Altra The Superior With a removable StoneGuard system and CheckerTrail sticky rubber outsole, The Superior trail shoe gives incredible protection and stability on loose dirt and rocks. A Zero Drop platform, foot-shaped design and 2layer, A-Bound midsole promotes maximum foot relaxation, stability and speed. Tackle the toughest trails with this rugged shoe.

Gallery 4.2 Altra Superior

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CHAPTER 5

Brooks Running

www.brooksrunning.com

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Brooks Pure Cadence Lean construction fuses with a responsive fit in the Pure Cadence. For guidance to support runners, this shoe delivers more support through smart, streamlined features such as a wider NavBand that’s locked in to the medial strike pod. A reinforced heel counter secures the foot and the internal PDRB helps prevent overpronation. The Pure Cadence gives runners who need more stability the chance to experience the feel of a natural foot strike with a lightweight, breathable shoe.

Gallery 5.1 Pure Cadence

Brooks Pure Cadence

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Brooks Pure Grit Free your feet and embrace the trail with the Pure Grit. Working with ultra-marathoner Scott Jurek, Brooks developed a unique one-piece outsole that has a concave shape. When forces are applied, the piece splays out to provide a more balanced laydown. A sleek grip lug pattern and wide base protect the feet but still allow the runner to get in touch with the ground. Top it off with an ultralight mesh and conforming foam upper for a fit that really hugs the foot.

Gallery 5.2 Pure Grit

Brooks Pure Grit

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CHAPTER 6

Inov-8

www.inov-8.com

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Inov-8 TrailRoc 235 Designed specifically for running on loose, rugged and eroded trails. Minimal underfoot cushioning ensures it is perfect for runners seeking a trailroc with a natural feel without sacrificing protection.

Gallery 6.1 TrailRoc 235

Inov-8 TrailRoc 235

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Inov-8 TrailRoc 245 Designed specifically for running on loose, rugged and eroded trails. The middle shoe of the trailroc range, includes sufficient under foot protection and cushioning for racing and training. Includes MetaShank gen3 for increased underfoot protection.

Gallery 6.2 TrailRoc 245

Inov-8 TrailRoc 245

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Inov-8 Bare-X Lite 150 The lightest shoe in the Road range.

Includes a one piece upper and quick lace system, making it perfect for race day and triathlon. Incorporates zero drop with a 7mm midsole to provide underfoot cushioning and protection.

Gallery 6.3 Bare-X Lite 150

Inov-8 Bare-X Lite 150

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CHAPTER 7

Leming Footwear

www.lemingfootwear.com

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Leming Footwear Primal Origins Leming have taken the shoe down to just the necessities by stripping away all the structure in a shoe and put it atop a sole that replicates the anatomy of the human foot. Leming’s Air Injection Rubber sole is specially formulated to mimic the physical properties of human skin. It's the first sole with elasticity like human skin.

The Leming Primitive Performance sole delivers the experience that humankind has been missing.

Gallery 7.1 Leming Footwear Primal Origins

Leming Footwear Primal Origins

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CHAPTER 8

Merrell

www.merrell.com

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Merrell Barefoot Road & Dash Glove Run, naturally with Merrell’s Road glove, connecting you to the earth and your unique natural stride. Its supportive fabric and mesh upper breathes and secures the foot Zerodrop cushioning lands your feet pancake-flat, aligning your body and strengthening muscles. A Vibram barefoot sole add bruise protection and traction.

Gallery 8.1 Merrell Barefoot Road Glove & Dash Glove

Merrell Barefoot Road Glove (men)

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Merrell Barefoot Trail & Pace Glove Less is definitely more exploring with Merrell’s Vibram-soled Trail Glove natural adventure shoe. All the protection your feet need from rocks and roots, and an ultra-lightweight upper with a synthetic leather foot sling for stability fits like a glove.

Gallery 8.2 Merrell Barefoot Trail Glove & Pace Glove

Merrell Barefoot Trail Glove (men)

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Merrell Barefoot Bare Access & ARC For distance runners and those new on the path to barefoot running, Merrell’s Bare Access 0mm drop running shoe gives you a barefoot feel, with added toe to heel cushioning. Still allowing your foot to land flat and follow its own natural motion, its cushioning protects from sustained impacts due to longer runs or a new barefoot training program.

Gallery 8.3 Merrell Barefoot Bare Access & Access ARC

Merrell Bare Access (men)

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Merrell Mix Master 2 & Glide Made for transitioning through multiple adventures, Merrell’s minimalist Mix Master multi-sport shoe lets you experience your BareForm while offering lightweight cushioning. With a 4mm heel to toe drop, its thinner, lighter midsole cushions while getting you closer to the ground for better control. The lightweight air mesh upper with bellows tongue fits snugly to keep out debris.

Gallery 8.4 Merrell Mix Master 2 & Mix Master Glide

Merrell Mix Master 2 (men)

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CHAPTER 9

Mizuno Running

www.mizuno.com

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Mizuno Wave Universe 4 The Mizuno Universe has garnered a huge following among runners looking for light shoes with a tremendous feel for the road. The super light Universe 4 will carry the mantle without missing a step. So whether you want a racer to help you set that next 5K PR or a terrific shoe in the minimal realm, the Universe 4 is a great choice.

Gallery 9.1 Mizuno Wave Universe 4

Mizuno Wave Universe 4

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CHAPTER 10

New Balance

www.newbalance.com

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New Balance Minimus Zero The Minimus Zero running shoe (MR00) is engineered for use on pavement and other varied running surfaces. Supremely comfortable and extremely lightweight, the Minimus Zero is taking the running world by storm.

Gallery 10.1 New Balance Minimus Zero Road & Trail

An entirely different approach to trail running, the Minimus Zero Trail (MT00) takes the proven versatile durability of a Vibram outsole and combines it with a fitted, minimalist upper that's comfortable with or without socks.

New Balance Minimus Zero Road

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New Balance RC5000 Designed for track and speed workouts and road racing up to 10,000 meters, the New Balance 5000 racing comp utilizes intelligent geometries and extraordinarily light materials to construct a responsive and hightraction racing flat, and at 3.2 ounces it's one of the lightest in the world.

Gallery 10.2 New Balance RC5000

New Balance RC5000

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New Balance Minimus 1010 Trail The New Balance Minimus 1010 trail runner introduces a new kind of minimal fit to the performance-driven runner, taking a remarkably lightweight, stylish upper and combining it with ROCK STOP protection in the forefoot and a supremely durable Vibram outsole. Knocked down to a 4mm drop, this up-and-coming minimalist superstar helps you go the distance again and again while simultaneously allowing you to concentrate on your form and the exhilarating feel of the trail beneath you.

Gallery 10.3 New Balance Minimus 10101 Trail

New Balance Minimus 1010 Trail

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New Balance Minimus 20v2 Trail An entirely different approach to trail running than the traditional running shoe, the New Balance Minimus 20 Trail v2 (MT20) takes the proven versatile durability of a Vibram outsole and combines it with a fitted, extremely minimalist upper that's comfortable with or without socks. This update to the Minimus 20 Trail features a modified upper on the same comfortable sole unit as its popular counterpart, creating a near-barefoot experience on the trail.

Gallery 10.4 New Balance Minimus 20v2 Trail

New Balance Minimus 20v2 Trail

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New Balance Minimus IONIX 3090 Much is made of what goes into shoes, but with genuine innovation and inspiration the New Balance 3090 is made truly great with what has been taken away. Inspired by the geometries of a molecule, the 3090 with IONIX technology removes some material from the midsole to create a lightweight everyday running shoe with a plush, underfoot feel with enhanced flexibility and comfort. Weighing in under 7 ounces, this shoe looks and feels so great that you may just extend your daily run by a few blocks or by several miles!

Gallery 10.5 New Balance Minimus IONIX 3090

New Balance Minimus IONIX 3090

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New Balance 110 All Weather You wont find a lighter or more nimble shoe for stormy conditions out on the trail than the 110 All-Weather.

The flexible midsole moves with your foot through rocky terrain, and the lugged outsole grips well on almost any surface. A waterproof gaiter wraps the entire shoe and ankle, locking out water and debris. Complete with a thin rock plate, this shoe gives you full protection against the elements without weighting you down.

Gallery 10.6 New Balance 110 All Weather

New Balance 110 All Weather

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CHAPTER 11

Saucony

www.saucony.com

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Saucony Kinvara 3 Saucony redesigned the look of their most popular shoe, but kept the fit, feel and ride consistent with its predecessor. The upper now features FlexFilm, a strong yet pliable material innovation that adapts to your foot and provides a lightweight, seamless feel.

Inside the shoe, anatomicallycontoured memory foam heel pods secure a perfect fit. In the midsole, ProGrid technology provides a unique blend of responsiveness and cushion, and the heel crash pad has been beveled for an even smoother ride as the runner transitions through the gait cycle.

Gallery 11.1 Saucony Kinvara 3

Saucony Kinvara 3

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Saucony Kinvara TR The Kinvara TR was designed for the trail runner seeking a lightweight and low-profile shoe. FlexFilm locks the foot in place throughout the gait cycle, while the midsole features an EBO plate for added protection.

Gallery 11.2 Saucony Kinvara TR

Saucony Kinvara TR

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CHAPTER 12

Skechers

www.skeckers.com

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Skechers GObionic Interactive 12.1 Skechers GObionic

Uppers

GO like never before in the Skechers GObionic shoe. This zero-drop, ultraminimal performance running shoe features a design developed using advanced bio-mechanic innovations inspired by the human body.

Extreme flexibility with roomy toe box and vamp area along with an articulated sole allows the toes and foot greater freedom of motion.

Flex Zones

Zero Drop

Durability

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Skechers GOrun Skechers GOrun is designed to give you a more natural running experience allowing you to interact with and respond to practically any surface, while also offering Resalyte cushioning for impact protection.

Gallery 12.1 Skechers GOrun

Constructed of lightweight synthetic and mesh fabric uppers, the seamless flexible upper with lace up front has a stay-put tongue and soft smooth fabric shoe lining for easy barefoot wear.

Skechers GOrun

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Skechers GOwalk Skechers GOwalk elevates the natural walking experience, allowing you to interact with and respond to practically any surface, while offering the additional benefit of real world protection.

Gallery 12.2 Skechers GOwalk

Constructed of soft comfortable suede upper, the slip on design with stitching and overlay detail has a pull on heel loop design and a soft fabric collar edging trim. Complete with a soft smooth fabric shoe lining for easy barefoot wear.

Skechers GOwalk

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CHAPTER 13

SKORA Running

www.skorarunning.com

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SKORA BASE BASE is the ultimate, multi-purpose running shoe. Equally at home on the road, in the gym, or in a triathlon, BASE offers a stretch-mesh sock fit with an innovative adjustable X-strap system, elastic heel strap, reflective details and stitch-down construction with an Ortholite sockliner. Lightweight, quick-fit, and unique in design, BASE provides a no-nonsense, Zero-drop ride with 9mm stack height, 13mm with antimicrobial insole, perfect with or without socks.

Gallery 13.1 SKORA BASE

Skora BASE

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SKORA FORM FORM is definition of premium performance. Featuring a full-leather upper made of Pittards Goatskin leather with WR100X leather lining, FORM is designed with asymmetric lacing and no-tongue construction to provide a glove-like fit in combination with stitch-down construction and an Ortholite sockliner. A perfect balance of comfort, cushioning and control, FORM will take you further on any road, trail or running surface you throw at it with a Zero-drop, 9mm stack height, 13mm with antimicrobial insole, engineered for excellent ground feel.

Gallery 13.2 SKORA FORM

SKORA FORM

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CHAPTER 14

TRUE Linkswear

www.truelinkswear.com

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TRUE Linkswear Tour The original TRUE Tour caused quite a stir in the market when launched as the first barefoot golf shoe that is often called a ‘slipper with traction’ by golfers. The new TRUE tour has better leather, a new lace box, a 3D mesh lining, a new tongue design, and the TRUE Ergo-Traction 2.0 outsole. All of the comfort and performance of the original TRUE tour has been upgraded in a package that looks a lot cleaner on and off the course, while also providing improved traction and stability.

Gallery 14.1 TRUE Linkswear Tour

TRUE Linkswear Tour

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TRUE Linkswear Phx & Isis TRUE decided to launch a water resistant hybrid golf shoe that would look great with shorts, both on and off the course. The TRUE phx has the same TRUE Ergo Traction 2.0 outsole as the Tour. The upper is a nod to your favorite pair of tennis shoes, while the comfort and performance is uncompromisingly TRUE.

Gallery 14.2 TRUE Linkswear Phx & Isis

The TRUE isis is the first barefoot golf shoe designed specifically for the foot shape of women. The TRUE isis has a unique reverse saddle that evokes performance and comfort.

TRUE Linkswear Phx (men)

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TRUE Linkswear Sensei A multi-functional shoe built on the TRUE barefoot platform. Designed for running, golfing, walking, and just about anything you can think of, it has a TRUE lite synthetic upper with a 3D mesh liner and memory foam heel. Top it off with the new TRUE sensei rubber outsole.

Gallery 14.3 TRUE Linkswear Sensei

TRUE Linkswear Sensei

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CHAPTER 15

Vibram Five Fingers

www.vibramfivefingers.com

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Vibram Five Fingers Spyridon The Spyridon is the first trail running specific model from Vibram. A minimalist 3.5mm Vibram rubber sole provides impact protection from stones and debris, while better allowing proper barefoot dynamics. The aggressive tread design delivers surefooted grip in all directions, molded nylon mesh in midsole adds a bock block effect, dispersing impact over a wider area. The Coconut Active Carbon upper offers natural breathability and an adjustable hook-and-loop closure ensures a secure fit. 3M reflective applications for safety after dark.

Gallery 15.1 VFF Spyridon & Spyridon LS

VFF Spyridon

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Vibram Five Fingers SeeYa The ultra-streamlined 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. Minimum rubber thickness in the outsole maximizes foot feel and flexibility, while a soft TPU midsole further reduces thickness and weight for natural movement. A stitched-in polyurethane insole protects skin and foot tissue during longer runs.

Gallery 15.2 VFF SeeYa & SeeYa LS

VFF SeeYa

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Vibram Five Fingers Lontra Cold weather running in minimalist footwear can be challenging. The new Lontra has a multi-layer laminate upper with fully taped seams provides insulation and water resistance.

Gallery 15.3 VFF Lontra

The micro pile fleece liner is soft against the skin while helping wick perspiration away from the foot. Includes a neoprene heel cuff to keep out snow and debris, a reinforced hook-and-loop closure for a snug and secure fit; and reflective surfaces for safety at night.

VFF Lontra

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CHAPTER 16

VIVOBAREFOOT

www.vivobarefoot.com

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VIVOBAREFOOT Breatho Trail Tackle the toughest of terrains in the ultra lightweight Breatho Trail. The off road outsole is designed with multidirectional lugs that maximize grip, a puncture-resistant layer that maximizes protection while being ultrathin to maximize proprioception.

This triple threat outsole combined with the lightweight and breathable mesh make your choice for the ultimate trail running shoe an easy one.

The zigzag, lace-lock structure is not only fashionable, but is designed to keep your foot secure, while the anatomic toe box and zero-drop profile allow your toes to splay and the foot to flex.

Gallery 16.1 VIVOBAREFOOT Breatho Trail

VIVOBAREFOOT Breatho Trail

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VIVOBAREFOOT Hybrid Whether you're a golf lover or just a fan of the outdoors, reawaken your senses in the Hybrid. The vegetable tanned leather and rip-stop nylon trimmings provide increased durability on the upper, while the bellowed tongue construction creates 360 degree water-resistant breathability. The Hex Mesh inner structure adds extra ventilation and lightness to provide the ultimate barefoot experience. The Hybrid is constructed on VB off road outsole, which offers maximum grip from multi-directional lugs while still providing maximum proprioception with protection.

Gallery 16.2 VIVOBAREFOOT Hybrid

VIVOBAREFOOT Hybrid

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VIVOBAREFOOT Evo III The mens Evo comes with the same familiar styling but now with increased functionality. The breathable, dual layer mesh is perfect for summer or warmer weather. It features the performance VIVOBAREFOOT multi-terrain sole for maximum proprioception with protection, whilst the anatomic toe box maximizes toe spread and allows the foot to flex naturally.

Gallery 16.3 VIVOBAREFOOT Evo III

VIVOBAREFOOT Evo III

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VIVOBAREFOOT Gobi The ultimate barefoot desert boot, the Gobi comes in either luxury full grain leather or classic suede. The Gobi enables you to live barefoot all day everyday. The uppers are made with thick full grain leather or thick suede with round waxed cotton laces. The collar panel and lining has outstanding comfort and style. A 3mm EVA insole with Dri-Lex performance material layer provide for superior moisture-wicking and comfort.

The sole is constructed with soft, high abrasion TPU allows for maximum sensory feedback on hard, flat surfaces.

Gallery 16.4 VIVOBAREFOOT Gobi

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CHAPTER 17

Xero Shoes

www.invisibleshoe.com

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Xero Shoes Connect/Contact Express yourself in COLOR, with the new Xero Shoes barefoot sandals.

Made of exclusive FeelTrue rubber, you get the same high-performance, grip, comfort, fit, and style as their Black outsoles, but now pick from Hot Salmon, Mocha Earth, Boulder Sky, and Electric Mint.

Gallery 17.1 Connect/Contact

In their 4mm Connect or 6mm Contact thicknesses, you can get these as a simple DIY Kit or send them a tracing of your foot and they'll professionally custom-make your Xero Shoes for a perfect fit and pre-lace them for you.

Xero Shoes Connect/Contact

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CHAPTER 18

ZEMgear

www.zemgear.com

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ZEMgear Terra The Terra is ZEMgear's most recent expansion of the Training series. The ergonomically molded, separated protective toe guards promote barefoot agility and shield all toes from the perils of a more rugged environment.

Gallery 18.1 Terra

A distinctive barefoot last accommodates the sensitivities and fit of natural feet. The tech-counter of the Terra cradles the heel and guards against the impact of equipment and terrain of many training settings. ZEM reflective tech-bands are welded into the upper material to provide strong lateral stability and enhance nighttime safety.

ZEMgear Terra

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ZEMgear CINCH The CINCH delivers the performance features of the 360 and incorporates both additional fit flexibility and weather expansion. A thin technical lace-system allows the user to adjust the fit to the very individual feel desired. The ThermoPrene upper fabric expands the usability into colder weather. A soft thermal lining adds an energizing comfort-feel while insulating against colder temperatures.

Gallery 18.2 CINCH

ZEMgear CINCH

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ZEMgear APEX The APEX expands the Terra's activity range into colder and wetter conditions. A high performance ThermoPrene upper offers great fit versatility and insulation from the elements.

The soft thermal lining keeps toe energized, cozy, and dry. An ergonomically molded, separated protective split-toe guard shields all toes in many environments and promotes barefoot agility.

Gallery 18.3 APEX

ZEMgear APEX

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ZEMgear HERO The HERO will take you to the finish line with protection from the elements during an adventure race. A perfect combination of highperformance ThermoPrene and a secure above-the-ankle pattern makes the HERO ideal for many environments. It's soft thermal lining keeps toes cozy and dry. An ergonomically molded, separated protective splittoe guard shields all toes in many environments and promotes barefoot agility.

Gallery 18.4 HERO

ZEMgear HERO

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