ALTRA, HOKA ONE ONE, TOPO ATHLETIC, 361º, VIBRAM, LIFEWAY Protein Kefir, ACUMOBILITY
Much is made about getting in shape-but most of our pals- are athletic already-and want to keep the old self-rather just as is-makes sense, fitness wise- once hit mid 30s on up, depending on the activity.
SNEAKERS, Trail Running and Fitness shoes come in all shapes and sizes for different activities, foot anatomies, and level of efforts...short bursts vs long endurance endeavors.
Some highlights from cult brands:
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| Long distance fav-ALTRA adds to its no drop ZERO DROP™platform with new beefier shock absorbing A-Bound™ maximum cushioning models-for neutral or stability needs-aimed at trail runners and roadsters- Pictured: women's specific OLYMPUS 2.0 9oz trail runner |
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| characteristic of ALTRA-FOOTSHAPE™ toe box- allowing the toes to spread naturally...unless trained as a ballet dancer en pointe shoes...Olympus 2.0 revamped Vibram trail sticky rubber outsole for maximum cushioning...36mm stack height flexible upper, EVA top layer absorbs rugged trail bumps. |
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| women's specific ADAPT stable light cushioning -powered by iFIT®-provides live feedback on foot strike, cadence impact force and running form via a razor thin sensor that rests beneath the insole and syncs wirelessly with iFIT wearables (like new smartwatches)...get the 411 via LED display_audio cues,,,nifty for the stat hungry-post workout analysis too. |
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| lotsa options by ALTRA: Instinct/Intuition 3.5 softer upper, responsive ride with FOOTPOD™ outsole technology maps the bones and tendons of foot for natural flexibility+more responsiveness. Dual layer EVA midsole w/ A-BOUND™ TOP LAYER & INNERFLEX™---reflective pops |
ALTRA smartly offers up a few separates that color synch with their running shoes...
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| packable half zip---packs into chest pocket 360º reflection, zipper garage, bonded thumbhole, armpit vents, welded zipper, chest pocket fits iPhone 6, fully welded |
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| love this packable windbreaker---comes with run easy belt---literally can put in on without missing a stride...velcro attaches in back at waist for fit, reflective pops, |
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| packable windbreaker...elastic trim at waist/arms keep breezes out...unisex sizes xs-xl |
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| packable windbreaker |
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| featherweight racing singlet tables-front/back reflection |
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| ALTRA running tees, tanks, singlets (women's) with Provision moderate stabile moderate cushioning shoe |
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| 361º (refs ONE DEGREE BEYOND mantra) newish athletic footwear brand and apparel...361º STRATA breathable mesh and dual thickness TPU film upper...women's pictured-aomed at high milage athletes |
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| we can attest to how fast rebounding foam breaks down in beloved brands---well 361º 'deals' with that via its ODP system of converting energy into a responsive cushioning QUIKFOAM™that is vertically assembled- insole (comfort), and 2 layers of midsole (cushioning), and (rebound and propulsion) pictured above...with Stable EVA underneath...medial posting and arch bridge for support. |
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| Anatomical flex grooves biomechanically designed to promote natural foot motion with blown rubber for a smooth ride-361º - STRATA n=9.6oz, 7.5mm drop |
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| 361-CHASER 2 fast runners 6.2oz, 18.5mm drop -breathable mesh upper and simple overlays for snug fit,,,with outsole innovative flex groove pattern |
Other models-offer stabile and neutral rides for fast pace or long slow distance outings...and BASKETBALL kicks
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| Training shoe-361 BIO-SPEED slightly firmer QUIKFOAM -breathable air mesh with thermal printed upper and non-stitch film provide form fitting comfort +stable to go the distance-stable platform to enhance shock dispersion and maintain agility...reinforced heel for added durability-good for mile loggers with a heel strike. |
HOKA ONE ONE is synonymous with over-sized RMAT® high rebound cushioning, PRO2LITE +10 midsole for propulsive push and response-and yup-almost the platform version of sneakers-that look odd.. Spring '16 delivers a new CARBON ROCKET 5.4oz (w), 1mm drop competition racer--whether going one mile-or a full marathon distance...sleekest model we've seen -hoping fits us...as the Clifton original model ran big-all the way around for us though the cushioning springy benefits were obvs.
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| Rocket Trainer-lightweight 7oz -guys w/ PRO2LITE dual density midsole -upper reduces water retention |
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| INFINITE-looks huge...actually weighs in at 8.1oz women- medium level of stability and oversized EVA midsole, full surfavce outsole---built on a wider platform featuring late stage Meta-Rocking geometry, seamless upper,balanced cushioning, stability and support-padded tongue and heel... |
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| TOR ULTRA HI waterproof hiker-w/running shoe cushioning +supportive trekking uppers 17oz men's |
TOPO ATHLETIC has left its initial split toe design -and has evolved into a footwear brand with more standard looking kicks-highly ergonomically designed- with forefoot toe splay room-secure fitting midsole/heel, and a neutral platform with light cushioning for natural load support and normal foot motion during the gait cycle. All models light to ultra-light weight- with seam reducing construction...that eliminates the hot spots.
Like the aforementioned brands-there are styles - for speed training-road racing, trail (including a waterproof
Hydroventure model with EVA midsole with flexible protective rock plate, multi-directional lug traction and forefoot flex grooves+mud release features), and gym training needs...
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We tried out the TRIBUTE a 6.1 oz 0-drop speed training model-with an ultra breathable upper, heel to toe flexibility for easy propulsion-no matter if we were mid footing it--with enough of a protective outsole to run the 2 miles of asphalt- to/fro the track -or more forward in our stride-doing sprints. The fit was ideal...form fitting comfy to do a speed workout around (and around) a 400 meter track without really being aware of our sneakers. Which is ideal.
BONUS-the toe box was roomy but our narrow feet didn't mind-a lot of other brands are just too big and we feel slow us down with all that extra awkward feeling space. |
CODA: Summarizing the new kicks from the aforementioned niche brands...doesn't include personal reviews-as our feet work best with low drop-regular-narrow cut sneakers...while a lot
a lot of brands ----are cut too big and the drop is too high...
for us.
WHAT ELSE:
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| probiotics are a must for any athletes---when combined with a vegetarian way to meet protein needs (11grams-140 calories) -major bonus points to LIFEWAY...tasty too... |
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| the best foam roller we ever tried-seriously...the ECLIPSE ROLLER...by ACUMOBILITY-is shaped so that in can get the narrower-or wider spots... a truly unique design. After a 20 miler when we're zonked, we can roll both calves at same time on the black end parts...then zero in on Achilles -middle part. AVAILABLE Jan 2016 pre-order $59.95-not to heavy -we travel with it. |
