Xero Shoes Logo

Xero Shoes Release The Sensori Venture

Xero Shoes Expand Their Product Range with the Sensori Venture

Xero Shoes have sold over 46,000 huarache-style sandals since 2009. They are worn throughout the world by people running, walking, trekking… even skydiving, rafting, travelling… You name it – Xero Shoes have done it! And now Xero Shoes are releasing a brand-new style to their armoury – and one that I am certain will be their best-seller over the coming year.

The Gap In The Market

Now most of us that own a pair of Xero Shoes (or Invisible Shoes as they were originally known) can often experience a bit of ‘slacking’. And by that, I mean where you struggle to keep the laces taut to your foot. Your foot can often feel unsecured, and you lose confidence in their ability to stay on your feet when you run.

Others find the whole ‘making-my-own-sandals’ thing quite daunting. And you have every right to be. I would hate to splash £20+ on a pair of DIY ‘shoes’ only to put the hole in the wrong place! That would be a nightmare.

That’s where the Sensori Venture fits in to the market.

Introducing The Sensori Venture

The Sensori Venture
The Sensori Venture

The Sensori Venture is the ready-to-wear, barefoot huarache-style sandal. Here are the key features:

  • Promotes natural movement
  • Secure to your foot
  • Costs almost half of a pair of Luna Sandals (also in stock at Feetus.co.uk)
  • FeelTrue rubber sole
  • Elegant contour of the sole
  • Great grip on top, keeping your foot in place
  • Dual chevron tread for great grip on every surface
  • 5.5mm thick sole providing great ground feel (proprioception)
  • Heel cup for stability and prevent
  • Double lacing system (with patent-pending fastening)
  • Silicone heel strap
  • 5,000 mile warranty

Don’t just take our word for it… Here’s Steven Sashen from Xero Shoes:

 

Stay tuned to keep up to date on when these will be on stock at your favourite barefoot running specialists Feetus.co.uk:

Facebook   –   Twitter   –   Email newsletter

And Another Surprise Addition to the Xero Shoes Product Line

We’ll provide a bit more information on this one tomorrow!

About The Author

Barefoot runner, cycling fanatic, outdoor-lover, Lee Firman is the man behind Feetus.co.uk. Click here to read more.

Swiss Barefoot Logo

Swiss Barefoot Socks – Now in Stock at Feetus.co.uk

Protective Socks That Offer ‘Barefoot’ Experience

We wrote a brief blog article back in February about the Swiss Barefoot ‘Protection Sock’. Fast-forward to the present day, and we now offer them at your favourite barefoot running store, feetus.co.uk.

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.ukOf the socks, SB claim these are “the first firm socks for the ultimate barefoot feeling without the risk of injury from sharp objects”. 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.ukThe 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.

Socks and Sockettes

Available at Feetus.co.uk, we have the sock and the sockette. What’s the difference?

The sock comes up to the lower calf, often referred to as ‘crew’ length.

The sockette is shorter, coming up just above the ankle.

Get Some Today

True, these socks may cost more than a lot of running shoes out there – but at least you can pick them up from feetus.co.uk and benefit from FREE DELIVERY and as always, we throw in a FREE Feetus neck tube (snood) with every order of Swiss Protection Socks.

About The Author

Barefoot runner, cycling fanatic, outdoor-lover, Lee Firman is the man behind Feetus.co.uk. Click here to read more.

Veggie Runners logo

Veggie Runners Put Xero Shoes to the Test

Create Your Xero Shoes With The Help of Veggie Runners

Feetus.co.uk recently kitted-out Jayne and Bibi with some Xero Shoes huarache sandals.

Armed with their brand-new running sandals DIY kit, they set to work making their own, customising them for the perfect fit, lacing them up in their own individual way, and made a short video to educate the rest of us on how to do it. For first-timers, they made it look so easy!! Take a look here:

Xero Shoes: Recommended

It seems they really like their Xero Shoes – and highly recommend them for beach use, swimming, and as a summer lifestyle sandal. Fully customisable, comfortable, and extremely practical; Xero Shoes are perhaps the handiest pair of ‘barefoot shoes’ you could possibly own!

Colourful

They look awesome too, and come in black, mocha brown, Colorado sky blue, hot salmon pink, and electric mint green. You can also choose from loads of different-coloured laces, from standard colours to reflective ones – and then tie them in your own unique way. You can even choose whether you want a 4mm sole (Connect) or a 6mm sole (Contact) made from Xero Shoes’ patented FeelTrue rubber.

Thanks

Massive thanks to Veggie Runners and to Zsolt from MothershipUK for making such a fabulous video. If you’d like to see more of their work, here are links to their websites:

Veggie Runners: www.veggierunners.com

Mother Ship UK: www.mothershipuk.com

Buy A Pair

Would you like to treat yourself to a pair of Xero Shoes too? Take a look at our range of Xero Shoes here

Who Are Vibram FiveFingers? Past and Present.

Many of us see Vibram FiveFingers and think ‘Vibram? They’re a new brand. I don’t know whether to trust these or to stick with Nike / Adidas / Asics / New Balance / etc [delete as appropriate].

But Vibram have been around a long, long time. In fact, Vitale Bramani founded Vibram the same year that Dame Shirley Bassey was born; the same year than J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit was published; and back when our George VI was still King.

You may recognise the yellow octagonal Vibram logo. It can be seen on rubber soles around the world on shoes and boots designed for outdoor purposes, fashion, performance, work and orthopedy. Having almost 80 years in the market, Vibram is a renowned leader synonymous with performance, quality, innovation, design and safety.

Vibram created the first sole made from vulcanised rubber, after Vitale Bramani applied the same technique used by tyre manufacturer Pirelli, applying the rubber under his mountaineering boots.  That kind of performance, reliability, and durability had never been seen before, and since then Vibram has been the sole of choice for outdoor shoe manufacturers.

Vitale Bramani, mounaineerer and founder of Vibram
Vitale Bramani, mounaineerer and founder of Vibram

To further elaborate on the strength of the brand, here are some other brands that are now industry standard:

Gore-Tex Waterproof Logo
Think ‘waterproof fabric’– You think of GORE-TEX.
Thinsulate - Thermal Fabric
Think ‘clothing insulation’ – You think of Thinsulate
The world-famous Vibram logo
Think ‘durable soles’ –You think of Vibram.

Since 1937 Vibram have applied their experience and unique know-how to develop the worlds most technologically developed soles. Today, 99% of the US Military wear Vibram soles.

An old Vibram advert
An old Vibram advert
An old Vibram advert
An old Vibram advert

It is fair to say that Vibram revolutionised the world of mountaineering, and now, with Vibram FiveFingers, they are revolutionising the sport of running.

Even Vibram FiveFingers are not as new as we think. Many of us think that they have only been around a couple of years at most. In fact, it was 2001 when the idea of Vibram FiveFingers was first proposed by Robert Fliri, an industrial designer, to Marco Bramani, the grandson of Vibram founder, Vitale Bramani.

2004 saw the patent filed, and in 2005 the Vibram FiveFingers went in to mass production. Soon, Fliri arrived at Vibram to begin his work in a team of experts to redefine and realise his idea of a shoe especially created for bare feet. The minimal footwear revolution was born, directly inspired by the barefoot phenomenon. Vibram had developed what is often referred to as a ‘barefoot shoe’: a flexible glove for your foot, with a Vibram rubber sole, each toe (finger) having its own ‘pocket’, helping the articulation of the foot, whilst stimulating the muscles of your lower limbs, thus giving a higher sense of wellbeing to the whole body.

 

NEW FOR 2013: The Vibram FiveFingers EL-X
NEW FOR 2013: The Vibram FiveFingers EL-X

Vibram continue to dedicate themselves to innovation. Their appreciation of continuous development and improvement has seen Vibram open their mega Technology Centre in Guangzhou, China. If you’re wearing a pair of Vibram FiveFingers, you can bet they’ve been researched, prototyped, tested, and manufactured inside this 41,000 square-metre innovation plant.

 

Impressive huh?

Who wants a pair? Click here to see our full range – and remember – every pair of Vibram FiveFingers comes with FREE DELIVERY and a FREE FEETUS NECK TUBE.

 

Vibram FiveFingers Trek Sport Sandal

Vibram FiveFingers Trek Sport Sandal Review

Are you looking for the perfect ‘barefoot’ trail running shoe to wear during summer? The Vibram FiveFingers Trek Sport Sandal may be the perfect option.

The KSO Trek Sport is one of the bestsellers at Feetus.co.uk. It features a fantastic sole, ‘grippy’ enough for trail running, yet not too rugged making it a good choice for running too. Many love the Trek Sport for their boot camp training too. Versatile and practical.

BUT… When I first heard saw the images of the Trek Sport Sandal, I thought Vibram had gone mad! Why would they make a ‘barefoot’ sandal with five toe pockets and a rugged sole? Then I saw the recommended retail price. £110 for a sandal… Who in the right mind would pay that?

That is – until the BIG Vibram FiveFingers SS13 shipment arrived on our doorstep. I was bowled over by the Trek Sport Sandal as soon as I saw it in the flesh.

THE LOOK

  • Lace-up system on top.
  • Zig-Zag pattern on the side
  • Rugged ‘Trek’ sole

THE FEEL

My Trek Sport Sandal’s made their debut running the 17-mile Osmotherley Phoenix. I toed the line as the only wearer of Vibram FiveFingers.

The Trek Sport Sandal coped very well on the rugged terrain. Much of the route covers the Cleveland Way, which is a mix of woodland trails, singletrack, stony paths and old rock paths. I was concerned that the vents in the side of the shoes would let gravel in, but this was never an issue.

The Sandals were in their element with it being such a hot (29C) day.

After 12 miles I could feel the shoes starting to rub. I suppose this is natural, given that this was the very first time I had ever worn them running. All new shoes take time to ‘bed in’, and before starting, I was expecting blisters.

CONCLUSION

The Trek Sport Sandal is a very capable ‘barefoot’ running shoe, and handles dry terrain with ease. Comfortable on various terrains, the Sandal is best suited to warm-hot days when the ground is dry.

If you’re a fan of the Trek Sport, you will love the Sandal version. I certainly prefer this to the Trek Sport, mainly due to its breathability and without question its aesthetics. The Trek Sport Sandal looks awesome!

I do feel that Vibram have got their price wrong for these shoes though. £110 is a HUGE amount to fork out on what is advertised as a ‘sandal’. Without knowing exactly how good these are in advance, its difficult to say whether I would be willing to splash the cash on these – but now I have them, they are my go-to pair of Vibrams for trail running as well as day-to-day use during warmer days.

 

Interested… Get yours here: Trek Sport Sandal

Perhaps you’d prefer the KSO Trek Sport?

…Free Delivery on all Vibrams – PLUS – a free Feetus neck tube

The Brand New Vibram FiveFingers SS13 Stock Is Here!

We received a BIG ORDER from Vibram yesterday. 

In this BIG order, included the red-hot EL-X and the super-cool Trek Sport Sandal – Both of which are brand new styles of Vibram FiveFingers for Spring/Summer 2013.

EL-X_13M0102_COPPIA
EL-X Grey / Orange / Black

EL-X - Black
EL-X – Black

It has taken a lot longer than we expected for them to arrive, but we’re glad they’re here – and they’re in good company too. Popular styles are now (finally) replenished after Vibram’s popularity in the UK saw the likes of the Bikila LS, the KSO, and the Trek Sport SELL OUT!

The Bestseller: The Bikila LS
The Bestseller: The Bikila LS
The Ever-Popular Trail Favourite: The Trek Sport
The Ever-Popular Trail Favourite: The Trek Sport
The Mighty KSO
The Mighty KSO

In their debut day, the EL-X has proved most popular by a country mile, dominating our orders. Not surprisingly really, given it is now Vibram’s best-value offering – as well as being so lightweight, versatile, and good-looking.

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO PRE-ORDERED

We always like to say ‘Thanks’ to our customers – That’s why we pop gifts in each order. But on this occasion, we owe a huge thank you to our patient customers who endured the long wait for their Vibram FiveFingers. THANKS!

…And our customers like to say Thanks too: Check out these lovely reviews here: http://www.freeindex.co.uk/profile(feetus)_530565.htm

 

Free Delivery and Free Gift

Don’t forget… All of the barefoot and minimalist running shoes come with FREE DELIVERY, and if you spend over £50 with us, we also give you a FREE FEETUS NECK TUBE.

CQOTW: Vibram FiveFingers: Laces or Velcro?

Customer Question of the Week

Every week we get plenty of questions from customers. So many in fact, that we have decided to dedicate a blog post each week to our favourite customer question, which we have abbreviated to ‘CQOTW’. So, without further ado, here is our inaugural CQOTW:

CQOTW1 – Vibram FiveFingers: Which is best, Velcro or Laces?

Vibram’s range of Velcro-fastening shoes are definitely the fastest and most versatile.

The KSO and Komodo Sport shoes have a Velcro that wraps around the heel and then fastens into place over the top of your foot. The Bikila and SeeYa range are more of a slipper-style (no rear strap), with the Velcro fastening over the top of your foot. Shoes that have just one Velcro strap such as the Bikila and SeeYa are less secure, albeit very slightly.

Laces are regarded by most as giving the most secure fit. Despite Vibram’s speed-lacing system, they still take longer to put on than a Velcro counterpart. Laced versions also offer slightly less ventilation, and have less of a barefoot feel.

A Personal Opinion

Personally, I prefer the Velcro versions of all Vibrams. This is because I have narrow feet and when I tie the laces, I feel that there is too much excessive lace (due to having to pull them tighter than normal).

If you have a normal width foot, or have wide feet, go with whichever – they will both serve you just as well.

Looks DO Matter

Taking in to consideration the above, consider looks. Which do you think look the best, lace or Velcro? That may just determine your final choice…

One final note

I have found that runners prefer laces, and gym-goers prefer Velcros. I have no scientific evidence for this, however, I think this is probably due to laces being a more conventional ‘look’ in running shoes, whereas gym-goers often like to look like they are wearing the latest trend – and Velcro, you could argue, looks a little more quirky and unconventional.

Here’s a handy table to help you find your perfect training partner:

Men

Women

Laces

Bikila LS (Black/Green)

Bikila LS (Blue/Grey)

SeeYa LS

TrekSport Sandal

Komodo Sport LS

Lontra LS

SeeYa LS

TrekSport Sandal

Komodo Sport LS

Bikila LS

 

Velcro

Bikila (Silver/Black)Bikila (Black/Red)KSOSeeYa

KSO TrekSport

Spyridon

SeeYa

Komodo Sport

KSO TrekSport

KSO

 

Any More Questions?

Feel free to drop us a line if you have a burning question. Who knows? It may just feature as our CQOTW!

Skora-Base-Running-Shoes

Our SKORA and XERO SHOES Give-Away Update

Barefoot and minimalist runners, listen up! 

Would you like to win a pair of SKORA Base running shoes?

How about a pair of Xero Shoes huarache-style running sandals?

 

We’re giving away a pair of each once our Facebook page hits 250 Page Likes! 

We had originally stated we’d hold on until we got to 350 Page Likes – but rather than test your patience, we thought we’d strip it down to just 250 Page Likes, to give all you barefoot and minimalist runners a better chance of winning!

And to push the boat out a little further, if we hit 250 Page Likes before the end of March, you will also have the chance to win one of three Torq goodie bags (worth £12.50 each!).

Why not head over to our Facebook page now, Like our page, and Share it with your running buddies? 

skora- torq xero shos running competition
It’s a WIN WIN WIN situation
Born-To-Run-Christopher-McDougall-Jake-Gyllenhaal-Barefoot-Peter-Sarsgaard-Film-Book-Vibram-Fivefingers-Shoes-BLOG

Will ‘Born to Run’ bestseller get film adaptation?

Will there be a film adaptation of Christopher McDougall’s bestseller Born to Run? There has been talk of it for years, with rumours that Jake Gyllenhaal was going to play a lead role, and that his step-brother Peter Sarsgaard (An Education, Garden State) would be in the directors chair.

If you’ve never read the book, here is an overview:

“Isolated by the most savage terrain in North America, the reclusive Tarahumara Indians of Mexico’s deadly Copper Canyons are custodians of a lost art. For centuries they have practiced techniques that allow them to run hundreds of miles without rest and chase down anything from a deer to an Olympic marathoner while enjoying every mile of it. Their superhuman talent is matched by uncanny health and serenity, leaving the Tarahumara immune to the diseases and strife that plague modern existence. With the help of Caballo Blanco, a mysterious loner who lives among the tribe, the author was able not only to uncover the secrets of the Tarahumara but also to find his own inner ultra-athlete, as he trained for the challenge of a lifetime: a fifty-mile race through the heart of Tarahumara country pitting the tribe against an odd band of Americans, including a star ultramarathoner, a beautiful young surfer, and a barefoot wonder.”

Have we been waiting in vain?

A simple Google search can yield thousands of results covering the possible adaptation, some dating as far back as July 2010. After years of waiting (in vain it seemed) there has been dwindling talk of the film, but this week, several online resources released information that McDougall had taken the reins instead of Sarsgaard:

McDougall told Relaxnews that the film adaptation negotiations have recently been “on the griddle,” with him taking on the project after finding Sarsgaard’s screenplay to be misguided. Sarsgaard also was hoping to make this project his directorial debut, but McDougall, who was excited about working with the “Jake/Peter combo,” said the working relationship with Sarsgaard has become acrimonious.

I would interpret this that it may be many, many years before we see anything come of this. Perhaps this story has been reignited in the media lately to help boost interest in McDougall’s new book.

Another adventure story

McDougall adds that he is also working on a book project, “another adventure story.” While he won’t give away too many details, he said he is looking at how “natural movement played a pivotal role in resistance fighting in World War II.”

Barefoot-Ted-Shoes-Running-Feetus.co.uk

Why Should I Adopt A Barefoot Running Style?

Barefoot running has seen a huge surge in interest since the 2009 release of Christopher McDougall’s bestseller Born to Run.

As appetite grows for shoes that replicate the ‘feel’ of running with bare feet, have you taken the time to understand exactly why running barefoot is good for you?

Why Should I Adopt A Barefoot Running Style?

Runners in shoes typically land on their heels, using the cushioning built in to the heel of the shoe. When your foot lands in this manner, it sends a jolt of force though your ankles, knees, hips and spine. This impact is called a transient force spike.

Running barefoot promotes a different technique. Runners who run barefoot tend to land on their forefoot or midfoot. This effectively keeps the landing point closer to your centre of gravity (as opposed to in front of the body, like shoe-clad runners).

When you run, your muscles, ligaments, and tendons in and around your feet will provide you with a natural spring-like mechanism, reducing the impact (transient force) through your body.

Correct Running Technique
Correct Running Technique

It’s All About Technique

Running with bare feet (or with barefoot shoes) will not guarantee injury-free running. Instead, you have to ensure you learn correct technique, focusing on a forefoot/midfoot strike, a shorter gait (shorter, faster foot steps), and only increase your mileage incrementally.

If you tried to run barefoot the same way you do when you’re in running shoes, it would really hurt. You should lose the shoes to understand how to run in a way that feels light and comfortable. Once you have mastered this, start to increase your mileage by around 10% and you may find running more fun and less likely to cause injuries.

There is no science that proves running shoes are helpful. In fact, people lived for millions of years without shoes. Until the 1970’s, runners enjoyed running without padding, orthotics, pronation, arch support, and motion control shoes.

Stephen Sashen from Xero Shoes (rather splendidly) puts it this way:

The three parts of our body that have the most nerve endings are our hands, our mouths and our feet. There’s only one of those that we regularly cover and make numb to the world… does that seem right?

Put a limb in a cast and it comes out of the cast a month later atrophied and weaker. When bind your feet in shoes that don’t let your foot flex or feel the earth, isn’t that similar to putting it in a cast (or as barefoot runners like to say, a “foot coffin”)?

Vibram FiveFingers running
Vibram FiveFinges offer perfect protection when you’re out on the trails!

Barefoot Running Shoes

Of course, in today’s world we can scarcely discard our shoes in favour of bare feet. That’s where barefoot shoes come in. They give you the sensation of running barefoot, whilst providing protection from anything nasty you may step on. VIVOBAREFOOT shoes have puncture-resistant soles. Xero Shoes have FeelTrue rubber soles that are guaranteed for 5,000 miles. And of course, Vibram FiveFingers and Merrell running shoes are equipped with Vibram TC-1 rubber – Very flexible, yet extremely durable!

 

Want to learn more about correct running technique? …Head over to the VIVOBAREFOOT Training Clinic.

What are your favourite barefoot running shoes? Let us know by making a comment…