Win a pair of Skora Base

SKORA BASE and FORM Reviews + SKORA Giveaway

Run Real with Skora

Barefoot and minimalist running fanatics in the UK have been crying out for Skora since their introduction to the US market in 2009. Now, Feetus.co.uk are thrilled to announce that we will become UK stockists of Skora running shoes in the very near future.

Excited? You probably are. And we’ll be giving away a pair of Skora Base running shoes in March 2013. See more details here.

…In the meantime, here is our review of both the Skora Base and Form shoes.

First Impressions

Have you ever bought an Apple product? Perhaps you have an iPhone, a MacBook, or an iPod. If so, you’ll know that Apple place as must thought in to their packaging as they do their main product. This creates a special experience. You genuinely feel like you are getting an amazing, one-off product.

Skora are no different. Their shoe box looks and feels such high quality (no flimsy tissue-box here!)– magnetic closure, classy branding, sleek design – you know there’s going to be something amazing inside.

Opening up, the first thing that hits you is the smell. They honestly do smell great! How often do you smell leather when you open up a box of running shoes?

Skora Form and Base side by side
“High Five”: The Skora Form and Base

Enough about the box. What about the shoes?

The Sole

Both the Base and Form have the same zero-drop sole, that comprises of an outer sole, midsole, and an insole. You will see from the images that we have a 4mm rubber tread with raised lugs for grip. On top of that is 5mm of a softer rubber that features a quirky pattern (consistent with design on upper and on box).

The insole is around 5mm, and features small ‘bumps’ which are designed to help your foot grip the inside the shoe better. These small bumps feel great – like a mobile massage!

The shoes are definitely built for use on the road, the treadmill, or hard-packed trails – Not so much for rugged terrain.

 

Skora Base sole
The Skora Base bares its sole

The Uppers

The difference between the Base and Form is all in the upper. The Base is made from synthetic material for breathability. Across the top is a cross-strap which Velcro’s on the outer side of the foot.

The Form is a little more luxurious; its upper made from Pittards goatskin leather, and features a diagonal lacing system that follows the contour of your foot. There is no separate tongue, so the leather behind the laces will always stay in place (similar to the New Balance Minimus range).

The inside of the shoe is sheepskin-lined. This incredibly soft material is extremely comfortable and quite grippy, keeping your foot firmly in place on the run. The Form also comes with a spare pair of laces to match the sole of the shoe (Nice touch!).

Both models feature a rear-strap Velcro, which allows you to tighten the shoes further, should you wish to.  The toe box on both models is sufficiently wide, giving your toes the important space to splay as you run.

 

Skora Base Running Shoes
The Skora Base. Futuristic
The Skora Form, spare laces, and ortholite insole
On Top: The Skora Form, spare laces, and ortholite insole

Fitting and Feel

The Base feels a little more snug than the Form. I have narrow feet and for me, the Base is a perfect fit, with the cross-strap Velcro offering the right amount of tightness. The Form seems to have a wider toe box, which would be better for runners with wider feet. The rear strap offers very little in terms of increasing tightness around the heel.

I love to run in shoes that have as minimal sole as possible. I found that, in order to get the desired level of ‘feel’ from my run in these shoes, I had to remove the 4mm insole. The combined stack of 13mm (sole, midsole, insole) was a little too thick for my liking.

The soles offer the right degree of flexibility and sturdiness for running. They won’t roll-up like a pair of Vibram FiveFingers, but they certainly aren’t as stiff as a pair of Asics! …For comparison sake, they are perhaps as flexible as the New Balance MT10s.

What do I love about Skora shoes?

  • Amazing, built-to-last quality
  • Very attractive (Wired magazine called the Form ‘The Bentley of running shoes’)
  • Zero-drop heel to toe
  • The cross-strap system on the Base. Looks great, easy to fasten – A possible triathlon favourite?
  • Good road grip
  • Wide, roomy toe box

What could be improved / What I would like to see

  • The luxury of leather on the Form means it is heavier, and less breathable.
  • Further weight reduction
  • A further stripped-down sole
  • An alternative model with aggressive sole for trail use
  • More attention on the purpose of the rear strap

Overall

I haven’t tested these shoes out in a race yet, so a comment on their performance will follow later in the month; but for now, I have high expectations – especially for the closer-fitting, lighter (and cheaper!) Base. Bring it on.

There is certainly a lot to love about both the Base and Form. Minimalist runners will enjoy the zero-drop, though may crave a lighter, thinner sole. For anyone who does like a little extra cushioning, or is looking for a first shoe to transition in to a more minimalist running shoe – Skora is a perfect choice. I can’t wait to see their forthcoming Phase and Core models later this year. #RunReal.

Fancy winning a pair? Head over to our Facebook page!

 

And finally, for the weight-weenies out there:

Skora Base: 254g (225g without innersole)

Skora Form: 270g (241g without innersole)

Removable Ortholite innersole: 29g

Skora Base weighs 254g
Lightest: The Skora Base weighs in at 254g
You can reduce the weight of your Skora shoes by almost 30g by removing the ortholite innersole
You can reduce the weight of your Skora shoes by almost 30g by removing the ortholite innersole
Skora Form weighs 270g
The Skora Form comes in at 270g

??? WANT TO WIN A PAIR OF SKORA BASE ???

Simply, sign up to our newsletter here (and enter your shoe size in the comments box),

and Like us on Facebook here. 

…Simple!

 

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Feetus Logo - Leaders in barefoot and minimalist running wear

Thank You

This is a very brief post to say THANKS for visiting feetus.co.uk. 

Our online store was launched yesterday (20th February, 2013), and although we have some fantastic barefoot and minimalist gear , from Vibram FiveFingers and VIVOBAREFOOT to Inov-8 and Injinji, it was the Xero Shoes huarache-style sandals that completely stole the show. They flew off the shelves! 

Have you placed your 25%-off Order?

You will be pleased to know that we’re still offering a whopping 25% off EVERYTHING. This fantastic welcome offer is only valid for ONE MORE WEEK, ending midnight on 28th February 2013.

Simply enter ILOVEFEETUS25 at the checkout, and don’t forget that when you spend over £25 we will ship the goods to you absolutely free!

25 percent special offer at feetus.co.uk for Vibram FiveFingers, VIVOBAREFOOT, Xero Shoes, Injinji, Merrell, Inov-8, barefoot running shoes and socks - best in the UK
Get your 25% off NOW

All Injinji toe socks now have a further 25% off, so you will be able to grab some massive bargains there!

Exciting Times: SagePay. More Stock. Site Improvements. Blog Update

Sage Pay will be introduced very soon, but for now, you can pay 100% securely with PayPal.

Over the next week you will see fantastic new products and an increased size-range added.

And although feetus.co.uk is already a lovely-looking, well-oiled machine, we’re still working on making it EVEN BETTER. You will benefit from better product filtering to find exactly what you’re looking for, in what size, and which colour, plus much more…

We will also be importing all of our existing blog posts from our previous WordPress blog: FeetusOnline.Wordpress.com

In the meantime, get running!

THANKS

FEETUS IS ALIVE! (with 25% off for you!)

If you love the best barefoot and minimalist running shoes on the market – You will love Feetus.co.uk.

To celebrate the launch of our new online store http://feetus.co.uk we are giving YOU 25% off EVERYTHING (including: Vibram FiveFingers, VivoBarefoot, Merrell, Inov-8, New Balance, Xero Shoes, and much, much more!)

25% off Vibram FiveFingers, VivoBarefoot, Merrell, Inov-8, New Balance, Xero Shoes, O1M One Moment, Injinji socks, SportTape, GU, Torq, and more
YOU HAVE UNTIL THE END OF FEBRUARY TO CLAIM YOUR 25% OFF
Visit us at: www.facebook.com/feetusonline for future offers

 This offer ends midnight 28-February-2013 and is open to everyone in the UK and EU

Welcome to our new site

We are very pleased to announce the launch of our brand new eCommerce site,  and also our new blog, which will be updated regularly to keep you up to date with the latest news and special offers.

Our new site has been developed with our customers in mind, and as a result of this you’ll find an easy to use website with effective search facilities and an efficient checkout process.

We really hope you enjoy having a look around the new site – we will be constantly adding new products and updating the site, so keep checking back.

Swiss Protection Socks by Swiss Barefoot

You don’t often see folk outside wearing socks without shoes, do you?

Swiss Protection Socks from Swiss Barefoot have created a sock for outdoor use. Similar to the likes of Injinji and ToeToe in the sense that the sock has individual pockets for your toes, the Swiss Protection Socks are designed to give you that barefoot feel, whilst giving you complete protection from gnarly bits and pieces that could potentially harm your precious feet.

Swiss Protection Socks: Barefoot Alternative Minimalist Natural Running Shoes Feetus.co.uk
“Please take your socks off before you come in”

Of the socks, SB claim these are “the first firm socks for the ultimate barefoot feeling without the risk of injury from sharp objects”. Having researched these further, not only do Swiss Barefoot recommend them for walking an running, but for a whole host of activities: rock climbing and water sports!

Swiss Protection Socks: Barefoot Alternative Minimalist Natural Running Shoes Feetus.co.uk
“What a pair”

The socks are made from 50% Kevlar (the cut-resistant stuff used in ropes and bullet-proof jackets), 32% polyester, 10% cotton, and 8% Spandex, with eco-friendly PVC laminated in to the sole

Swiss Swiss Protection Socks: Barefoot Alternative Minimalist Natural Running Shoes Feetus.co.uk
“Will anyone cotton on to this craze?”

Price Tag

At 55 Euros (£48, $75) for the ‘sockette’ and 59 Euros (£51, £81) for the full protection sock – they are certainly not cheap. Are they worth it? Would you pay that?

If you’re interested, or would like to see more photos of the socks in situ, check out the SB website: http://www.barefootcompany.ch/

Keep up to date with Feetus

Like this? Why not like our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter? Our new online store goes live in 10 days and we’ll be rewarding our followers with exclusive discounts as well as some fantastic prizes in a giveaway! Don’t miss out!

The Freeheel Running Pad – Doing Things by Half

Not sure about barefoot running? If only there was a way of going half-barefoot to see if you like it…

Drum roll please. Enter: The Freeheel Running Pad.

Winner of the ISPO Award 2012, the Running Pad is designed and manufactured by Starringer in beautiful Bavaria, Germany. Starringer claim the Running Pad is of minimal weight, protecting the foot only where it is needed, and is a great alternative for long-distance and high temperature runs.

FreeHeel Running Pad Barefoot Minimalist Natural Heel Toe Feetus.co.uk
The Freeheel Running Pad

The barefoot revolution has certainly brought us some of the most peculiar-looking shoes over the last four years (think Vibram FiveFingers, One Moment, ZEMgear), but the Freewheel Running Pad is certainly the most bizarre. It is genuinely innovative. It’s neither a shoe, nor a sandal. It’s not a glove, nor a hoof.

From the top, you could easily mistake the Running Pad for a sandal. Very similar to a Birkenstock. I particularly like the use of the straps – very trendy. But then we look at the side profile. The sandal has no sole under the heel, nor does it have anything to wrap around the back of your foot.

FreeHeel Running Pad Barefoot Minimalist Natural Heel Toe Feetus.co.uk
Would you dip your toe?

The Archer

Now I haven’t tested this ‘shoe’, and the jury is out on how they would perform, but I really fancy having a go at these. To me, they look like something you’d see on a half-horse/half man. As a Sagittarius, my Zodiac symbol is the archer – maybe that’s why I am attracted to them…

FreeHeel Running Pad Barefoot Minimalist Natural Heel Toe Feetus.co.uk
“I’ll have two pairs, please”

A little more:

  • Improves muscle strength/coordination lower extremities
  • Higher running efficiency as compared to heel striking
  • Optimal foot climate compared to other “barefoot shoes”.
  • Back to the roots – like in telemarking “free heel” & snow shoe “free-heel”
  • No need to squeeze your toes in little pockets
  • Water & gravel in & out!
  • no length adjustment needed – select from small/medium/large depending on the width of your fore/midfoot.
  • Backup-Protection for barefoot runners

Check out their website for more information: http://www.runningpad.de/ 

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Congratulations Jez Bragg on Completing the Te Araroa Trail

Jez Bragg, UK Ultra-Runner, has just completed his 3,054km journey over the Te Araroa trail in New Zealand in an astonishing 53 days, 9 hours, and 1 minute… That’s 56.km (35miles) per day. Incredible.

“It was raw emotion for me; all my heart and soul, sweat and tears, had been put into realizing this moment, and it almost happened too suddenly to take it all in. I’ve been a robotic state for most of the time since I started – in my own little bubble – and I think it’s going to take several days to snap out of it.”

Now, this is such a huge achievement, I think it is worthy of consideration for Sports Personality of the Year 2013!

Jez Bragg Te Araroa Trail 2013 Sports Personality of the year 2013 Feetus Ultra Running
Congratulations Jez

Read his story here: http://jezbragg.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/day-53-riverton-to-bluff-finish-o.html