| Page 46

Patagonia’s Fore Runner Trail Shoe

posted by gumptiongear March 30, 2012 0 comments

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once said, “In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.”

In the past, many trail running shoe designs have incorporated the “more is better” philosophy of design – if some cushioning and support is good, then more must be better for the life on the trail. At times the result has been stiff and chunky trail runners that seem better suited for long hikes meandering fire trails rather than running across trails carved by Mother Nature.

Marking Patagonia’s entry into the minimalist-shoe market, the Fore Runner stays true to the company’s steadfast approach to design – simple yet utilitarian accented with enigmatic color schemes that are in harmony with nature instead of adverse to it. The Men’s (and women’s) Fore Runner, new for 2012, continues this tradition of simplicity of design, while also marking the company’s entry into the minimalist-shoe market.

Gear Reviews Go Hike Go Outdoors Go Pack

Mountainsmith Scream 25L: Your New Travel Companion

posted by gumptiongear March 28, 2012 0 comments

“It is not down any map; true places never are.” – Herman Melville

Whether you are a weekend warrior, or a seasoned outdoor enthusiast looking for a getaway from your getaway, there’s no greater joy than making your way deeper into the woods; further along the canyon’s edge; closer to the waterfall….

If you’re a fan of moving light, fast, and unencumbered, then Mountainsmith might have just introduced your new best friend for the outdoors. The Scream is a member of the all new Mountainlight category in 2012. A perfect secondary bag for light travel and summit hiking.

Gear Reviews Go Outdoors

Patagonia Men’s Maui Smooth

posted by gumptiongear March 26, 2012 0 comments

Signs, signs, everywhere there’s signs
Breakin’’ up the scenery, breakin’ my mind
Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign – Tesla

The world seems littered with signs from ‘the man’ telling you what you can and cannot do. Perhaps the most infamous is that “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service.” Well my friend, slip on the Men’s Maui Smooth shoe from Patagonia, your favorite vintage Hawaiian shirt, and waltz right in to get your fair share of service.

Gear Reviews Go Tri

Newton’s Distance Neutral Lightweight Trainer

posted by gumptiongear March 23, 2012 0 comments

Whether running your first 10k in South Carolina or blazing through the final miles of the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii, one thing is certain: training and racing in the “right” shoes can mean the difference between crossing the finish line with a new PR and watching the race from the sidelines.

With slimmer, sleeker, more minimalist shoes appearing on the market every year, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd. However, through their lineup of technologically innovative and visually distinctive natural running shoes, standing out won’t be a problem for Newton Running. Based in Colorado and worn by triathletes and running enthusiasts around the world, Newton is determined to put science in motion, and make you a more efficient runner in the process.
Continue Reading

Gear Reviews Go Hike Go Outdoors

The Chaco Vade: Not Your Grandma’s Trail Shoe

posted by gumptiongear March 21, 2012 0 comments

Our Gumption Gal admits she identifies hiking shoes as being clunky, unbreathable and lacking in grace. In fact, back in the nether regions of her closet, alongside the assortment of other unused equipment lies such a pair of hiking shoes – she has worn them maybe twice in the last ten years.

It’s not that she doesn’t hit the trails. She just prefers to do so in trail running shoes, whether she’s running, hiking or just meandering. Then, with the arrival of Spring, came the fashionable yet utilitarian Vade hiking shoes from Chaco.
Continue Reading

Gear Reviews Go Outdoors

The kigo drive

posted by gumptiongear March 15, 2012 0 comments

Just beyond the drab grey walls of your office cubicle, there’s a world waiting to be explored. Whether your adventure involves scrambling alongside the mountain stream, or simply taking a new route to your local convenience store, there’s an ever increasing number of barefoot styled shoes for the minimalist adventurer to choose from.

If you’re looking for a comfortable, eco-friendly option, the minds behind kigo are working hard to create minimalist footwear that is attractive enough for everday wear, durable enough for athletic endeavours all while being constructed in a way that makes them as good for the Earth as they are for your feet and body.

Gear Reviews Go Run Go Tri

The Altra Adam: Time to set your feet free

posted by gumptiongear March 13, 2012 0 comments

“The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art.” – Leonardo da Vinci

The human foot is incredibly complex in its structures and function, yet in and of itself it is truly a masterpiece of engineering, a miraculous design. A network of strategically placed tendons, muscles, bones and nerves work together in harmony providing the body with support, balance, and mobility. Despite this masterful craftsmanship, we are all guilty of owning shoes that put our foot (and body) in an unnatural position. Those types of shoes treat our feet like a caged animal, inhibiting their natural movement and agility.

It’s time to set your feet free. Time for the Adam™ from Altra Footwear.

Gear Reviews Go Hike

Exclusive First Look: Hi-Tec Sierra Lite i WP

posted by gumptiongear March 12, 2012 0 comments

Winston Churchill once said, “The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you can see.”

In 1978 Hi-Tec changed the game. With the introduction of the athletically inspired “Sierra Lite,” Hi-Tec became the first manufacturer of lightweight hiking shoes and boots. The creation of the Sierra Lite represented a tectonic shift in the industry’s approach to the “hiking” category. ‘Lighter Faster Comfortable’ were now mantras applicable to the world of hiking. Flash forward to 2012 and Hi-Tec is re-introducing the original classic that literally revolutionized an industry.

This modern version of the original light weight hiker pays homage to 1978 version, but has been radically updated with the addition of new technologies like a rugged Vibram outsole, co-molded injection EVA, full-grain Nubuck leather and ion-mask over the entire shoe.

Gear Reviews Go Run Go Tri

The SKORA Form: Run Real

posted by gumptiongear March 8, 2012 0 comments

Reminiscent of a sleek, low to the ground, high-performance Formula 1 Race Car, the Form from SKORA Running is a minimalist, low profile zero drop shoe that uses a combination of innovative materials and state of the art engineering to provide a fast, form-fitting and responsive ride.

Through the use of natural materials an innovative engineering, SKORA is intent on making shoes that mirror and celebrate the body’s natural biomechanics. The Form, SKORA’s top of the line shoe, is engineered to work with your foot’s natural movements providing a barefoot-like running experience.
Continue Reading

Gear Reviews Go Hike Go Outdoors

Flare: Wolverine’s Low-Cut ICS Hiking Shoe

posted by gumptiongear March 7, 2012 0 comments

Flare [flair] verb, flared, flar·ing, noun: to start up or burst out in sudden, fierce activity, passion, etc.

As winter begins to loosen its grip on the nation and dirt and rock-laden trails begin to reemerge from their snow-covered slumber, it’s time for the outdoor adventurer to start planning the first outdoor excursions of the year.

For that moment you prepare to burst out onto the trail, you’re going to need a solid shoe to take you off the beaten path and back. The Flare from Wolverine might just be that shoe.

Older Posts

Newer Posts