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Happy Easter: Here’s An Extra 20% Off All VIVOBAREFOOT Shoes

It’s Easter weekend. It’s Spring. In theory, the weather should start taking a turn for the better.

After our heaviest downfall of March snow since 1979, and the coldest March since 1969, we need something to cheer us up.

HAPPY EASTER

Here’s a 20% discount code to redeem against any VIVOBAREFOOT shoe of your choice.

VIVOEASTER

Now all you have to decide whether you’re going to go for the Neo Trail, the Ultra, an EVO or a Breatho Trail. Decisions, decisions. Take a look at our full range here.

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

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/ 

Keep up to date with Feetus on:

Facebook

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Barefoot Shoes Inspired by Amazonian Tribes: One Moment and Iguaneye

Welcome to a quick blog post to present two relatively new, relatively similar barefoot shoes that are worth sharing.

Iguaneye

I have just stumbled across a new brand of barefoot / minimal shoes ‘Iguaneye’, based in Lyon, France. They have developed am ultra-minimalist shoe inspired by Amazonian tribes.

Here is a little more about the shoe:

“The shape of the Iguaneye has been created to perfectly conform to the contours of your feet. The anatomic form has been custom-made by Dulster Design and provides a supportive, secure and extremely comfortable fit. Unlike flip-flops, the piece that parts the toes is placed 1 cm ahead. Just like a second-skin, Iguaneyes perfectly fit all your movements and do not cause irritation.”

The advanced elastomer used for the main part is neutral, hypoallergenic, soft and very flexible. It is also 100% recyclable.”

It’s also worth adding that Iguaneye achieved their funding through Kickstarter – an online funding platform for start-ups. Well done! Here is Olivier talking us through the shoe: http://vimeo.com/54534013

Iguaneye Freshoe J-1 Barefoot Minimalist Biodegradable Running Shoes Feetus.co.uk
Iguaneye’s Ultra-Minimal Shoe

One Moment (O1M)

How many of you have heard of One Moment?

Based in Valencia, Spain – They manufacture an extremely minimal shoe that is 100% biodegradable. This shoe comes in all sorts of colours, lipstick red, lime green – very ‘Euro’. I’ve tested these out, and while they are not ideal for running in – they ARE great for general use: walking, at work, lounging… These shoes were also created from the ancient practice of latex-clad tribal feet.

One Moment O1M Barefoot Minimalist Biodegradable Running Shoes Feetus.co.uk
I Can See A Rainbow:
The One Moment Range

Iguaneye vs One Moment – Make up your own mind

  • They are both biodegrable / recyclable
  • Both inspired by Amazonian foot-dippers
  • Iguaneye costs 49 Euros (£42, $67)
  • O1M cost 10 Euros (£8, $13)
  • Iguaneye look more ‘acceptable’
  • O1M have a wider range of colours
  • Feetus will be stocking a range of O1M shoes!

I’m keen to learn what others think of the Iguaneye and One Moment shoes. Is there a place for these in the market? Would you buy them? Are Iguaneye entering the market at a too-high price point? What do you like / dislike about these shoes?

Keep up to date with us on Facebook and Twitter.

You may also want to check out:

One Moment website

Iguaneye website

A Warm Welcome for Skora’s New Range: The Phase and Core

Skora Running are releasing some fantastic new minimalist running shoes this year. Having seem them a while back in 2012, they were brought to wider attention at the recent Outdoor Retailer show.

Welcome Skora Phase and Shora Core

The Phase-X made Gear Junkie’s Best in Show list and was regarded by RunningShoes.com as ‘Best Shoe in Show’. Impressive.

The two shoes have an outsole constructed out of IBR (injected Blown Rubber), which is lighter and more flexible than regular rubber. The cushioning from IBR also means that an EVA midsole is not required. Although IBR is less resistant to wear, Skora have strategically placed rubber on the outsole to reduce the effects of wear.

Skora Phase

  • 7.2oz Men’s / 5.8oz Women’s
  • minimal, single-layer mesh upper
  • asymmetric lacing system
  • unique unibody IBR outsole
  • Zero-drop, 8mm forefoot/heel stack height
  • $110 MSRP (£69.99)
Skora Phase Barefoot Natural Minimal Minimalist Running Shoes 2013 at Feetus.co.uk
The Magnificent Skora Phase

Skora Core

  • 8.1oz Men’s / 6.7oz Women’s
  • perforated Pittards® Armor-Tan® Goatskin leather upper
  • combination lining with WR100X® leather and antibacterial Agion mesh
  • asymmetric lacing system
  • unibody IBR outsole
  • Zero-drop, 8mm forefoot/heel stack height
  • $155 MSRP (£99.99)
Skora Core Barefoot Natural Minimal Minimalist Running Shoes 2013 at Feetus.co.uk
The Wonderful Skora Core in grey

Skora Core Barefoot Natural Minimal Minimalist Running Shoes 2013 at Feetus.co.uk
“Rapid”. The Core in white / blue

 When Can We Expect to See Them?

These shoes are yet to be released in the US, but rumour has it that they should hit the shelves in March. Having spoken with Skora recently, they are adamant that they will have a UK distributor wrapped up within a matter of weeks. Whether this means the UK will have access to the full range or just the Base and Form shoes, it remains to be seen.

Regardless, I am 100% sure Skora will make a massive impact over here in the UK!

For more information, AnotherRunner has an impressive write-up.

Our Feetus.co.uk store goes live in February. Make sure you keep up to date at Facebook and Twitter to be in with a chance to win some fantastic prizes as part of our store launch, and for some exclusive discounts.