Adidas Climacool are SOOOO COOL!

    So I know that last week I was totally pumped about the Asics GEL-Kayano 17 but I've been giving it some thought ... and I've changed my mind.  Although the GEL-Kayano17 is a fabulous shoe it's not the shoe for me.  
    When I run I do what is called forward running.  Essentially, I run toe-to-heel instead of the traditional heel-to-toe that most people do.  This technique is supposed to emulate the natural style of running humans are born with.  This is supposedly how we ran in ancient times when we had no shoes, "barefoot" running.  With forward running a runner uses their legs as springs that absorb the shock of hitting the ground.  A runner who implements forward running in their stride is able to run faster, harder, longer, and ends up toning their calves so they look awesome.  Below is a video of a runner demonstrating "barefoot" running; here you can see the toe-to-heel forward running technique.

    What does how I run have to do with the Asics GEL-Kayano 17 you may ask....Well, the Asics GEL-Kayano 17 has tons of cushioning and a significant rise under the heel as most running shoes.  Although all the fancy stuff that I talked about in earlier post is great, these fancy features actually tend to get in the way of runners who do forward or "barefoot" running.  This is why I am changing my vote to the Adidas CLIMACOOL Ride; which is SOOOO COOL!

My New Favorite Shoe

    The Adidas CLIMACOOL Ride is actually a minimalist shoe.  Even though it looks like a typical running shoe the amazing part is the technology within.  The CLIMACOOL Ride has a significantly lower drop between heel and toe allowing for a more barefoot feeling when running; this is what makes it a minimalist shoe.  There is still a large portion of cushion on the bottom though to protect a runners foot from rocks and rough trails.  The out-sole is made with Injected EVA tooling allowing for maximum flexibility and breathability. 

    Breathability is a main feature on the Adidas CLIMACOOL Ride.  A perforated sock-liner and a non-woven material constructing the upper allow for 360 degree ventilation.  These features actually decreases the inner-shoe temperature by 12 percent during running.  In addition, 50 percent less sweat develops in shoes and socks cutting down on foot injury and disease caused by high moisture and temperature levels.  As a runner who know what it is like to run 8 miles and have hot sweaty feet, 360 degree ventilation sounds freaking AWESOME!!!
    Pretty much the Adidas CLIMACOOL Ride is AMAZING!!!  I already have my order in for a pair of neon green and black ones...PIMP!  I am so excited and can not wait to see how a minimalist shoe helps my forward running.  Trust me you will hear back soon about my cool new shoes and how cool my forward feet feel in them.  

Happy Trails :) 

"Prince Shoe Charming" and the Kingdom of Asics

    Lately, I have taken up running.  In my opinion it is the one sport an uncoordinated buffoon like myself can succeed in (without practicing everyday since they were three, like a child prodigy).  It's not that I'm not athletic; I simply can not catch, hit, throw, kick or anything of the sort when a ball is involved in some competitive activity.  Usually I just want to have fun and Susie Sport with Warren Winner get mad at me for not playing right.  However, when it comes to running it's just me and I can just GOOOOO!
    Recently I have been trying to find my dream running shoe.  There are lots of shoes out there and I'm not sure I have found my "prince shoe charming" yet but I have defiantly found a contender.  My prince hails from the kingdom of Asics where Kihachiro Onitsuka is king.  In 1949 Asics celebrated its first independence day in Kobe, Japan.  The kingdom was established under the slogan, "a sound mind in a sound body", from the Latin phrase Anima Sana In Corpore Sano.  King Onitsuka believed that the key to happiness is through health and fitness and with the help of his first son, The Asics Tiger, Onitsuka took on basketball then moved on to other sports from there.    

This is the kings first born, The Asics Tiger...ROAR!

    Since then the thriving kingdom of Asics has really expanded and has come to be known as one of the foremost authorities on running; which is where my prince comes in.  Prince GEL-Kayano 17 is his name and running is his game.  The first time I saw him boy did I go weak in the knees.  I knew right off the bat this was a guy I wanted to get to know better.  

As you can see there is a lot to know.  

    Here are the highlights on my man, who may be the one for me.  He is the top gun in the structured division of the empire.  He cares especially for people who tend to overpronate, ankles tip inside instead of strait up and down, like myself.  Also, he'll be sure to wrap you up nice and tight with his Biomorphic Fit Upper to reduce irritation wherever it may come.  

    One of the best things about him is he's loyal.  With his Personal Heel Fit there is no-way-Jose he can cheat on you because you left your memory in his foam.   He knows how to treat a girl nice to with a ComforDry Sockliner, providing a nice environment that's cool, dry, and all around healthy.  

    However, the two things I love most about him are his Gender Specific Space Trusstic System and his new Guidance Line.  He understands how not only my mood can change through out the month but my arch too and is willing to adapt to accommodate me.  When I need some extra support he'll rise to the challenge and when I feel like laying down the law he'll back off.  He's always thinking of me thou.  With his new Guidance Line he's only concerned about getting me where I need to go in the most efficient way possible.  Plus I'm bad with directions and he helps keep me pointed the right way.  

    So I think for the next step in our relationship we should keep dating each other but stay open to other options.  All I know is Prince GEL-Kayano 17 has certainly made an impression.  We'll just have to see if he is my "prince shoe charming" or if he'll send me running for the hills.    

*Underlined words are key features on the Asics GEL-Kayano 17 model.  

The Purpose of It All

I have always had a deep love for shoes.  Boots, heels, athletic shoes, flats, sandals, you name them I love them!  Recently I have acquired a job at Tradehome Shoes in the Provo University Mall.  

I have decided as part of my new employment I should become more knowledgeable of shoes; therefore, I created this blog (and it happened to count for class credit too which was great!).  Here I will post information and on a single shoe (probably not daily, but defiantly weekly) along with my "review" of the shoe.  This of course is just my rough idea right now.  The Blog may evolve and develop into more information on shoe brands or history but right now we’ll shoot for specific shoes.  I will also have occasional surveys on the side for readers asking footwear related questions.  This may be interesting and something totally different from what you’re used to reading but I am pumped to learn all sorts of stuff about all kinds of shoes.  I know I will enjoy this and I hope you will too.  Happy trails J