Vibram Fivefingers SeeYa LS Review: Fit, Feel, and First Run Thoughts

Back in the summer of 2009, the Vibram Fivefingers KSO was my first ever barefoot-style running shoe. Vibrams played a big role in my transition to minimalism, but to be honest it’s been a long time since I’ve run regularly in VFFs. The main reason for me is that I’ve had a really hard time getting...

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Vibram Fivefingers SeeYa LS Review: Fit, Feel, and First Run Thoughts

Back in the summer of 2009, the Vibram Fivefingers KSO was my first ever barefoot-style running shoe. Vibrams played a big role in my transition to minimalism, but to be honest it’s been a long time since I’ve run regularly in VFFs. The main reason for me is that I’ve had a really hard time getting...

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Mizuno Be: Show Us the Data

I came across the video below via a Twitter post by Ian Griffiths: Now Mizuno are at it: bit.ly/UCSmuqSome bold claims here about performance improvement and muscle activation... Evidence please...? — Ian Griffiths (@Sports_Pod) October 10, 2012 In the video, Mizuno claims that the new Mizuno Be shoe is designed to "increase activation" of the flexor digitorum longus and flexor hallucis longus while walking, thus incresing the stregth of these muscles....

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Mizuno Be: Show Us the Data

I came across the video below via a Twitter post by Ian Griffiths: Now Mizuno are at it: bit.ly/UCSmuqSome bold claims here about performance improvement and muscle activation... Evidence please...? — Ian Griffiths (@Sports_Pod) October 10, 2012 In the video, Mizuno claims that the new Mizuno Be shoe is designed to "increase activation" of the flexor digitorum longus and flexor hallucis longus while walking, thus incresing the stregth of these muscles....

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Jay Dicharry on Choosing a Running Shoe

Great post by my buddy Jay Dicharry on choosing soft vs. firm running shoes: “…the marketing research is clear. People buy shoes b/c of 1) color, and 2) “first feel”. First feel is that first step you take. You know that sense of walking on a cloud…..the same feeling that made you think you could stand around in them for hours? Well, that doesn’t have anything to do with running shoe selection. Running is not standing.” Read the full post here: http://anathletesbody.com/2012/10/29/chevy-tahoe-or-a-mini-cooper-a-tip-on-running-shoe-selection/...

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Jay Dicharry on Choosing a Running Shoe

Great post by my buddy Jay Dicharry on choosing soft vs. firm running shoes: “…the marketing research is clear. People buy shoes b/c of 1) color, and 2) “first feel”. First feel is that first step you take. You know that sense of walking on a cloud…..the same feeling that made you think you could stand around in them for hours? Well, that doesn’t have anything to do with running shoe selection. Running is not standing.” Read the full post here: http://anathletesbody.com/2012/10/29/chevy-tahoe-or-a-mini-cooper-a-tip-on-running-shoe-selection/...

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Posterior Views of My Running Form in Vibram SeeYa LS, Merrell Flux Glove, Altra Instinct 1.5, and Saucony Ride 5

After posting videos of my running form in several shoes on Thursday, I was curious to see what things looked like in a few other options, particularly some zero drop shoes and a shoe with a higher drop. Yesterday I took my camera out to the street in front of my house and shot posterior-view video...

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Posterior Views of My Running Form in Vibram SeeYa LS, Merrell Flux Glove, Altra Instinct 1.5, and Saucony Ride 5

After posting videos of my running form in several shoes on Thursday, I was curious to see what things looked like in a few other options, particularly some zero drop shoes and a shoe with a higher drop. Yesterday I took my camera out to the street in front of my house and shot posterior-view video...

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Critique Me!: Posterior Views of My Form When Running Barefoot, in Newton Distance Racers, and in the Skechers GoRun

I spent some time this afternoon with a group of my research students who are designing a senior project that they’ll hopefully conduct on running form. The goal for today was to familiarize them with the cameras that I have, and get some video from different angles so they have an idea of what they...

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Critique Me!: Posterior Views of My Form When Running Barefoot, in Newton Distance Racers, and in the Skechers GoRun

I spent some time this afternoon with a group of my research students who are designing a senior project that they’ll hopefully conduct on running form. The goal for today was to familiarize them with the cameras that I have, and get some video from different angles so they have an idea of what they...

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Inov-8 Bare-X 180 Review: A Top Choice Among Ultraminimal, Barefoot-Style Shoes

I have to admit that I’ve been very impressed by Inov-8 lately. So far I have only reviewed one of their shoes (Road-X 233), but I now own 4 additional pairs of Inov-8’s - the F-Lite 195, Bare-X Lite 150, Trailroc 135, and the Bare-X 180 (most purchased at steep discount via The Clymb). Of the shoes...

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Inov-8 Bare-X 180 Review: A Top Choice Among Ultraminimal, Barefoot-Style Shoes

I have to admit that I’ve been very impressed by Inov-8 lately. So far I have only reviewed one of their shoes (Road-X 233), but I now own 4 additional pairs of Inov-8’s - the F-Lite 195, Bare-X Lite 150, Trailroc 135, and the Bare-X 180 (most purchased at steep discount via The Clymb). Of the shoes...

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Shoes Matter: Running Shoes Can Contribute to Injury

Damn you injuries! (Photo credit: aaipodpics) I’ve been part of an interesting email thread over the past few days. I’m not going to discuss any specifics, but the gist of the discussion has revolved around the question of whether shoes can cause running injuries. The refrain lately in the running...

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Shoes Matter: Running Shoes Can Contribute to Injury

Damn you injuries! (Photo credit: aaipodpics) I’ve been part of an interesting email thread over the past few days. I’m not going to discuss any specifics, but the gist of the discussion has revolved around the question of whether shoes can cause running injuries. The refrain lately in the running...

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Barefoot Shoes: More Than Just an Oxymoron

Awhile ago I read a great post by Jason Robillard on the relative merits of using the phrase “barefoot shoes” to describe minimalist footwear. Here’s how he opened it up: “I’ve been trying to fight this trend for years now, but the masses have spoken.  In a battle that would rival BetaMax v....

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Barefoot Shoes: More Than Just an Oxymoron

Awhile ago I read a great post by Jason Robillard on the relative merits of using the phrase “barefoot shoes” to describe minimalist footwear. Here’s how he opened it up: “I’ve been trying to fight this trend for years now, but the masses have spoken.  In a battle that would rival BetaMax v....

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The Influence of Minimalism on Trail Running Shoes: Interesting Article in Footwear Insight Magazine

Quick post to direct you to an interesting article in the Sept/Oct 2012 issue of Footwear Insight.The article interviews reps from a variety of shoe companies on recent trends in trail running footwear. Among the topics covered are the rise of bright colors, the influence of minimalism on trail shoe...

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The Influence of Minimalism on Trail Running Shoes: Interesting Article in Footwear Insight Magazine

Quick post to direct you to an interesting article in the Sept/Oct 2012 issue of Footwear Insight.The article interviews reps from a variety of shoe companies on recent trends in trail running footwear. Among the topics covered are the rise of bright colors, the influence of minimalism on trail shoe...

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Underfoot Pressure Tracings of Forefoot, Midfoot, and Heel Strikes in Barefoot Runners: We All Supinate!

There is a lot of misinformation out there regarding how the foot initially contacts the ground during running. For example, some people like to refer to themselves as “supinators,” as if it’s a diagnosis of something unique and bad. Some think that a midfoot landing involves the entire bottom of the...

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Underfoot Pressure Tracings of Forefoot, Midfoot, and Heel Strikes in Barefoot Runners: We All Supinate!

There is a lot of misinformation out there regarding how the foot initially contacts the ground during running. For example, some people like to refer to themselves as “supinators,” as if it’s a diagnosis of something unique and bad. Some think that a midfoot landing involves the entire bottom of the...

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Running Form in My Son at 18 and 30 Months of Age

In a comment to a post I wrote earlier today someone suggested that I should take a video of my son running every six months to track how his form changes over time. This is a great idea, and my kids are used to being guinea pigs for me, so I thought I’d start by pulling together the first two videos I have of my littlest guy Benjamin. Below is a video showing him running at 18 and 30 months of age. It's amazing to watch how much more fluid his movement...

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Running Form in My Son at 18 and 30 Months of Age

In a comment to a post I wrote earlier today someone suggested that I should take a video of my son running every six months to track how his form changes over time. This is a great idea, and my kids are used to being guinea pigs for me, so I thought I’d start by pulling together the first two videos I have of my littlest guy Benjamin. Below is a video showing him running at 18 and 30 months of age. It's amazing to watch how much more fluid his movement...

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Panasonic FZ200 Video - 2 year-old Child Running in Slow Motion at 120fps

Yesterday I was playing around with a new camera (Panasonic FZ200) that I recently purchased for gait filming that will shoot 120 frames per second in 720p high definition (a first in a sub-$1,000.00 consumer grade camera as I’m aware; it also shoots 240fps in VGA which is solid). So far I’m really impressed with the camera compared to the Casio models I’ve used in the past, and hope to have a more detailed review on its utility for gait analysis in the not...

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Panasonic FZ200 Video - 2 year-old Child Running in Slow Motion at 120fps

Yesterday I was playing around with a new camera (Panasonic FZ200) that I recently purchased for gait filming that will shoot 120 frames per second in 720p high definition (a first in a sub-$1,000.00 consumer grade camera as I’m aware; it also shoots 240fps in VGA which is solid). So far I’m really impressed with the camera compared to the Casio models I’ve used in the past, and hope to have a more detailed review on its utility for gait analysis in the not...

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Altra Superior Trail Running Shoe: First Look Video

I just received a pair of Altra Superior trails shoes in the mail (I purchased them at Running Warehouse – they are now in-stock). My plan was to run in them today and write a first impression report tonight, but it turns out they run small so I need to send them back for a half-size up. In the interim, I thought I’d try something new and shoot a quick video showing some of the features of the shoe – here goes! ...

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Altra Superior Trail Running Shoe: First Look Video

I just received a pair of Altra Superior trails shoes in the mail (I purchased them at Running Warehouse – they are now in-stock). My plan was to run in them today and write a first impression report tonight, but it turns out they run small so I need to send them back for a half-size up. In the interim, I thought I’d try something new and shoot a quick video showing some of the features of the shoe – here goes! ...

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Switching to a Forefoot Strike: How Does it Affect Lower Back Movement and Shock Applied to the Body

A new study was just released ahead-of-print on the Medicine & Science in Sport & Exercise website. The study was authored by Traci Delgado of UNLV and colleagues, and is titled “Effects of Foot Strike on Low Back Posture, Shock Attenuation, and Comfort in Running.” The goal of the study was...

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