The running shoes heel collar area is extremely thin as well

As much as I try to stay aware of what’s going on in the world of minimalist footwear, every now and then a company kind of sneaks up on me. Such is the case with Somnio.

The small company from the small coastal town of La Selva Beach, California has dabbled in traditional training shoes for a little while, and until very recently had distinguished itself by creating an adjustable component system which creates a customizable fit for each user. This year, they set that strategy aside in order to test the minimalist waters – and for a first-time entry, they’ve done a fairly remarkable job.


Somnio Nada

The product in question is the Nada, which - depending on who you ask – stands for No Anterior Drop Applied, or is the Spanish word for “nothing”. Both descriptions are accurate, as the Nada is a zero-drop trainer that is so lightweight that it feels like there’s almost nothing attached to your foot.

Weighing in at just 3.5oz (the official spec is for women's size 8; my size is closer to 4oz), the Nada is clearly one of the most lightweight running shoes on the market. With a midsole height of only 6mm in the heel and forefoot, it’s also one of the lowest to the ground. Its construction features some of the basics you’d find in road racing shoes, and a few design elements that make it barefoot-friendly. The only drawback I have is that it’s strictly a road shoe, with poor crossover potential for use on trails, largely due to the outsole.

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves … so let’s go back and start at the top.


Breathable mesh upper with protective coating at toes

Uppers of the Nada consist of a very breathable stretch mesh that’s ideal for hot days, but still insulates well with a good pair of socks. TPU overlays help secure the upper against the midfoot area, and there’s plenty of width in the toebox for natural splay at foot strike. Laces are asymmetric and do a great job of maintaining tension through the midfoot and across the top.


Thin heel collar and barefoot-friendly interior

The heel collar area is extremely thin as well, and wraps very securely around the ankle. The sockliner is a soft fabric that’s comfortable against sockless feet if that’s your preference. There’s a thin layer of “roadblock rubber” at the heel and tip of the toebox for additional abrasion resistance.


6mm midsole at heel

Specs through the midfoot are simple: 6mm of compression-molded EVA in the heel, and 6mm in the forefoot. It’s a flat platform, just low enough to the ground to be authentically minimalist, but providing a tad bit of cushioning for comfort.


EVA outsole suitable for road use; definitely not for trails

Nada’s outsole is fairly simple as well; it’s primarily a 2mm extension of the midsole material with some token traction lines cut into it for gripping the road. The good news about this design is that with a resultant height of 8mm (6mm midsole plus 2mm outsole), the Nada is only 1mm higher than the shoe I consider the gold standard for road minimalism: Vibram’s FiveFingers Bikila, which has a 4mm insole plus 3mm outsole. The bad news is that there’s very little grip to the outsole, making the shoe practically ineffectual for any off-road use. Obviously as a trail runner this is a major drawback for me, but dedicated road runners shouldn’t have a problem with it.


Super flexible outsole!

If traction of the outsole is the main limitation, here’s its main strength: complete flexibility to allow natural foot function. There’s nothing about this construction that will prevent your foot from moving the way it wants to. Combined with the barely-there weight of the shoe, the Nada might be the closest you’ll come to feeling barefoot while wearing something resembling a traditional running shoe.

To their additional credit, Somnio recognizes the caution that goes along with venturing into minimalist running, so each purchase of the Nada also comes with a training DVD developed by Phil Wharton, a renown musculoskeletal therapist who has an ideal resume to help people safely transition to running with less shoe. The DVD includes form drills and strengthening exercises designed to address running efficiency and prevent injury.

Considering that this is their first effort with minimalist running shoes, Somnio has done a commendable job of incorporating the important elements of natural foot motion along with a bare minimum of traditional design aspects. I'd love to see them develop a trail version in the near future, but in the meantime, the Nada is a solid choice for minimalist road running.

Jerusalem Lebanese army troops took up positions

JerusalemLebanese army troops took up positions along Israel's border on Friday as part of the U.N.- mediated ceasefire in Lebanon. The development comes as violence flared in the Palestinian territories.

Lebanese soldiers took up positions in the village of Shebaa near the disputed enclave known as Shebaa Farms. The territory is claimed by Lebanon, but occupied by Israel, which says it is part of the Golan Heights and actually belongs to Syria. Israel seized the area during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.Shebaa Farms has long been a flashpoint for conflict in the region. Hezbollah militants cite Israel's continued presence there as a justification for their attacks on Israel christian louboutin black shoes, such as the one that sparked the current conflict on July 12 when Hezbollah militants seized two Israeli soldiers. So far ugg boots on sale in uk, the 2,000-strong U.N. peacekeeping force in Lebanon beat Ugg Classic Tall Boots 5815 Chocolate, known as UNIFIL, has not been reinforced.

U.N. officials say they plan to send 13 jordan heels for women,000 additional troops to Lebanon to help Lebanon's army demilitarize southern Lebanon and stop the flow of weapons to Hezbollah militants. They say they hope to have an advance force of 3 rock running shoes,500 troops to Lebanon within two weeks. Israel's Foreign Ministry spokesman nike dunks sb high heels, Yigal Palmor says the longer the delay, the more chance for instability in southern Lebanon. "We do not understand why the international community is not stepping up the pace of organizing around this question. If they go on postponing the organization of this force and its deployment ugg ultimate boot, it will only mean that the council's resolution will not be carried out as planned and we will stay a bit longer ugg sand," he said. "This will give Hezbollah the chance to foment some instability and violence around the border and that is certainly not in anybody's interest." Meanwhile, Israel says it killed two Palestinian militants

Friday after a two-hour standoff near the West Bank town of Bethlehem. Aides to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told newspapers Friday that because of the conflict in Lebanon Israel was putting on hold its plan to withdraw from large parts of the West Bank, and demarcate its border with the Palestinians.

You should buy these shoes if you are a quick runner

In order to assist the selection of the suitable trail running shoe, training footwear split into some types: balance, motions control, assist, compact along with x-country.

The very first step is choosing the best trail running shoe which fits your biomechanical demands and also the form of training such as surface (road, field, trail, and so on.). The most often run. Another phase should be to be sure you buy the trail running shoe with the correct contour to suit your needs.

For starters here are the 5 types along with information about the type of runners who have to utilize this form of running shoes.

Control of movement: The movements regulate shoes are the most rigorous oriented control your running form. Meant to restrict overpronation (stepping with) the motions control shoes are likely to be heavy but very long-lasting. These can sometimes include features like a medial post (regarding pronation regulate), some sort of sole-media polyurethane and also rubber outsole. The majority are built on a flat foundation, which gives utmost stability and assistance.

You can purchase these shoes if: you need you move in and also regulate and as well enjoy the resilience or if you use supports and wish some sort of sole-media firm along with a deep heel. Or if you are a hefty runner who demands additional strength and control. Runners with flat foot frequently perform better in these footwear.

Stability: The Steadiness of trail running shoes give you a excellent mixture of shock reduction, inside support and durability. To provide stability, these footwear often times have a post half-soled half or twice thickness. These are designed on a semi-curved. You should obtain these footwear if you are a runner of normal weight that do not possess severe movement management and wish a shoe which includes medial assist and also excellent durability. Runners with standard arches shoes accomplish well for stableness.

Support: The support or padding shoes usually possess the softest (or more damped) midsole and the lower support indicates. They normally are constructed using a semi-curved or bent to help stimulate the movements with the foot which can be ideal for hipopronadores (those whose feet are stiff, immobile). You can purchase these shoes in case you are a proficient runner does not stand in and do not require any kind of extra inside assistance. Runners with high arches frequently do most effective shoes with support.

Lightweight: The lightweight trail running shoes training tend to be lighter types of normal training tennis. They are usually built on a semi-curved or curved, these shoes are intended for quickness training or skills. Some light tennis are fairly steady, others not. You should buy these shoes if you are a quick runner, you want an efficient second shoe for speed training or if you prefer a tennis competition, but more support and also padding you obtain with extremely light in weight shoes for competition.

Cross Country: The cross-country shoes offer better traction over the outsole, the midsole is identical to the shoes for steadiness and also protection tips have strengthened joins for sturdiness. You should obtain these footwear when: you run considerably in therefore you will need shoes using more traction force using more tips and much more resilient protection against bone bruise.

Sport shoes, which allow parents to buy two pairs of shoes of two different sizes

Children grow out of shoes very quickly and parents may think it unnecessary to invest in expensive and supportive shoes at this age. The truth is that kids also need comfortable and supportive shoes that fit correctly. Choosing a smaller size or unsupportive footwear for your child can cause a lot of pain and discomfort for the child. Also wearing worn our shoes can be result in long-term pain and discomfort for the kids and should be avoided.

Choosing the right fit for your child is even more important if your child is involved in sports and needs the extra support. Various companies have developed a whole line up of junior running shoes because they realize the need for it today.

Shoes have also become a status symbol. Junior running shoes are also sold at a higher price range and some parents might not be able to afford new shoes every few months for their kids. Choosing an affordable pair of shoes can be challenging and yet possible.

If you are looking for an affordable air of junior running shoes, parents should avoid going for flashy sets. The flashiest or most expensive pair of shoe, besides being expensive, may not provide the same level of comfort. Therefore, looking for a comfortable and average-priced shoe is the best option for parents.

Since, kids grow out of their shoes very fast, there is not point buying shoes for kids in advance. Also, parents should take their kids along with them when buying shoes for them. It is important that your kids try out the shoes before you purchase it. Shoes can be bought online only after confirming the correct size.

Parents should keep a lookout for discount and other offers in stores and other online sites that can get them a good deal on junior running shoes. Keeping track of sales in the holiday season can help you choose an affordable and comfortable pair for your child. Alternatively make use of coupons and clearance sales in stores so that you can get a branded pair of footwear and do not have to spend a great deal on junior running shoes.

Some online sites have flexible return and exchange policies which allow parents to buy two pairs of shoes of two different sizes and return one after confirming which one fits best. Buying the right shoe is important. You should not ignore the comfort of your child and make them wear old or uncomfortable shoes. Buy a few pairs every season and replace them as soon as it gets worn out or your kids grow out of them.



Featured Running Shoes bet you can have an idea : Exploreing Shoes List

To remember that using the wrong pair of shoes could result in lifelong injuries

To remember that using the wrong pair of shoes could result in lifelong injuries to you ankles, knees, hips and lower back. Training Shoes vs Running Shoes. The fitness world has seen a lot of changes in the last 2 decades regarding the types of shoes to use, and for which sports to use them for. There are a lot of different shoes to choose from, this is made possible because of the different companies that are manufacturing shoes.
Barefoot Running Shoes for Men


The sportswear shoe industry is a multimillion dollar annual business and is growing each year. Because of the technology that has been developed over the last few years, it has been made possible for shoes to be designed for different levels of training. What we will talk about here, are the differences between Training Shoes vs Running Shoes.

If you are a running enthusiast or involved in fitness sports, there are a variety of shoes to choose from. Because different types of movements are required for different types of sports, the correct kind of footwear is necessary. A specific type of shoe with its own characteristics is available for each level of sport. Taking this into consideration each type of training shoe or running shoe is therefore different and should not be interchanged between sports.
Training Shoes vs Running Shoes: Differences in usage.Featured Running Shoes

Trainers – if you’re looking for training shoes they are not meant for everyday use. Training shoes or cross training shoes are used for multi-directional movements or training. They provide ankle support in different types of fitness environments. These shoes are meant for many kinds of physical movements such as, jumping, side-to-side movements, weight training, and even kickboxing. They should be used according to the reasons they were purchased. There are many types of training shoes available today. Some have technology that will allow anyone with any type of foot issue to purchase a pair that will allow better performance and conditioning.

Jogging or Running shoes – are built specifically designed for forward motion. With the “toe off heel strike design” these shoes are designed for better running starts as well as comfort during the run. Running shoes provide maximum benefit for the runner allowing for flexibility and promoting agility. Running shoes are mainly designed to be thicker with more cushioning on the sides and the soles. The midsoles and heels are thicker for more flexibility in the toes. To keep the foot arched the soles have a curve shape for better performance.

When comparing Training Shoes vs Running Shoes, we need to understand the reasons in which we are making the purchase. Are you buying them to run in, or are you making a purchase to train? This will help you to get the maximum benefits from your workouts or training, and to give your body the best chance for conditioning. This will also allow your feet to feel more comfort and support while reducing the chance of injury due to wearing the wrong shoes.
Cheap FiveFingers for Men


Whether you need shoes for training or running, the idea is to take good care of your feet. Your feet are important, and you want to allow them to experience less stress, in-turn this will create minimal problems in the future.

We're a little less than a month away from the official start of our eight-week triathlon running shoes

We're a little less than a month away from the official start of our eight-week triathlon training program -- that means it's time to evaluate your fitness level and make sure you'll be ready to go on Day 1 of training. (For those who haven't peeked at the plan, that means you should be able to jog for 30 minutes at a time, two days a week.)

If you haven't been for a run in ages, now's the time to start working your way up to this level. And even if you have been running, it's a good time to evaluate your footwear and make sure the shoes you're wearing are keeping you comfortable and injury-free.

Shoe selection at Jackrabbit Sports, an awesome NYC triathlon store


5 Toe Shoes for Women


Walk into any running or sports store and it's enough to make you dizzy -- so many shoes, so many colors and styles, so many different price points; how do you decide? I'm not going to give you actual product recommendations, because what works for me may not work for you. But there are a few things you can do to make sure you get the best shoe for you.

Get to Know Your Feet
First things first: Go to a running or triathlon-specific store, rather than a general sporting goods or shoe store, if you have one in your area. These salespeople are trained to get you in the shoe that's going to work best for you as a runner, and many stores will even test you out on an in-store treadmill to analyze your gait and running patterns.

But even before that, there are things you can do at home to learn more about these incredible instruments that will eventually carry you across the finish line. One of those is the "wet test," which will give you a good idea whether you're an over- or under-pronator -- in other words, whether your foot rolls inward, rolls outward, or stays neutral while you walk or run. This will determine what type of support you need in your shoes.

This article suggests checking out your footprints on the bathmat after you get out of the shower; I've also done the wet test on a brown paper bag. You can even trace the outline of your foot and take it in to your running store -- chances are this isn't the first time an experienced salesperson is seeing something like this!

What About Those Barefoot Shoes?
Another thing you can learn about your running technique is whether you tend to land on your heel or your mid-sole. Sprinters and people who run barefoot tend to land lightly on the balls of their feet (but not their toes), and research has shown that this way of running is much less stressful on the body than landing hard on your heels. Take notice the next time you go for a jog, or ask a friend to watch your footfalls.

Those trendy minimalist shoes help train you to land on the balls of your feet. But the downside is that if you wear them and continue to land hard on your heels, you'll be very uncomfortable -- and at even greater risk for injury. Most traditional running shoes, on the other hand, have a built-up, cushioned heel to protect heel strikers from injury and discomfort. (How well they actually protect you, however, is a matter of much debate in the running world.)

If you've been running with no injuries or no discomfort, there's probably no reason for you to change shoes or worry about your stride. But if you've experienced injuries -- or are curious about how to switch up your running technique -- ask a salesperson about a shoe that can train you to gradually transition to mid-sole running.

Note my stress on the word gradually: Running in these shoes works entirely different muscles than walking, and you'll need to build up strength and endurance slowly. (The first time I went running in my Merrell Pace Gloves -- which I now love -- I overdid it and my calves ached for a week!)

Stick with It
Once you find the right shoe for you, you can likely continue buying the same brand and model over and over again. Because they'll change little from year to year, it cuts down on the time needed to break in a new pair. Replace shoes every 350 to 550 miles (write the date you bought them on the bottom in permanent marker so you have a good idea of how many miles you've logged), or when you notice significant or very uneven wear on the treads.

That's what I love most about running shoes: For the last four years, I've walked into my local running store and asked for the same pair of shoes every time (they're Mizunos, if you're wondering) -- no trying stuff on, no picking out a color, no decisions to be made. They even know me well enough now that they'll let me know when my shoes are going on sale, so I can stock up!
Featured Running Shoes

What shoe-buying conundrums have you come across in your run training? Have you found a pair that works great for you? Share your thoughts here or on our triathlon discussion board!

Amanda MacMillan is a freelance writer, currently blogging about planning an budget- and eco-friendly wedding at LeanGreenBride.com. She has completed three Olympic-distance triathlons and several half marathons, and is looking forward to her first sprint tri this fall with Team Whole Living. Her triathlon training blog runs every Thursday on Whole Living Daily.

Some of my friends had been asking me about my secrets for having best running shoes

Some of my friends had been asking me about my secrets for having ZERO blister after reading about my unsuccessful attempt at last month's Canadian Death Race. Well I'm not too sure what's my secret. It could be due to my hardened feet although it was more likely due to the type of socks and/or shoes that I wore during the race. You see, despite CDR being a wet, muddy race this year, I completed 110km out of 125km using just 1 pair of socks and 1 pair of trail shoes! :)

Drymax Socks
The first time I heard of the Drymax socks was while reading my first subscription issue of the 2011 Mar's Ultra Running magazine. The advertisement included the feet of Jamie Donaldson after she had completed the 2008 Badwater race - a pair of blister free feet immediately after 135 miles through Death Valley. She said "...... In 2008, I made the switch to Drymax Maximum Protection socks and have been blister free with zero tape or lube ever since. I love my Drymax socks!" "Hmmm, that sounds great!" - I thought to myself. Although I won't say I was bothered by persistent blister problem, it was always nice to find a product that claimed to be the best in the market. This year, I had zero blister after completed Mar's 16-hour Twilight Ultra Challenge (85km), Apr's TNF100 Philippines (100km) and May's Comrades Marathon (87km), while I had a couple after completing Jan's Hong Kong Ultra Trail (100km) and Jun's Sundown Ultramarathon (100km). The worse was Feb's Bataan Death March (100 Miles) as I had more than 10 blisters on both my feet, despite changing to a new pair of socks and shoes.

I decided to give Drymax socks a try. With my 20% discount from signing up TNF100 Singapore, I went to Funan Centre's Running Lab and bought 2 pairs of Hot Weather Running Drymax Socks (S$29 a pair) and 2 pairs of Hyper Thin Running Drymax Socks (S$19 a pair). (Running Lab also sells the Running Lite-Mesh Drymax Socks for S$16 a pair on top of these two versions of the Drymax socks. The Lite Trail Running Drymax Socks has also arrived since mid-August for S$19 a pair.) I tried both version of Drymax socks for most of my runs in July, including the last TNF Run Series - Woodcutter's Trail Run. Drymax looked and felt more thick than my other running socks and I had my doubts early on as I loved thin socks. But after wearing the socks in my running shoes, I didn't felt as thick. In fact, the socks was fitting, soft and breathable. The Woodcutter's Trail Run was the longest distance I ran using the Drymax socks - about 14km. The socks did what it was supposed to do and given the distance I ran in, I would give Drymax socks a solid but not so spectacular 6/10.

Hot Weather Running Drymax Socks

For CDR, I chose to wear the Hyper Thin version instead of the Hot Weather version since it was cooler in Canada and less humid than in Singapore. During the first 3 Legs of the race, I stepped into numerous mud pools along a distance of 67km. At the Leg 3/Leg 4 exchange area, I took a longer rest to refuel. I checked on both my feet and they were perfect. No blister. :) I decided to push on using the same socks and shoes. For the rest of my journey up and down Mt Hammel and up to the carpark just before the river crossing, I covered another 43km, mostly in raining condition. Occasionally, small stones and pebbles would jump into my shoes. I pushed on until designated check-points, where I could remove them. At the emergency aid station where runners were permitted a drop bag, I wasn't able to find mine for a change of dry socks and shoes. To save time, I pressed on after removing more stones and pebbles from my shoes. My final 7km (from start of Leg 5 to carpark before river crossing) was the worse as the trail was so soft and slippery. In a few occasions, my feet sank into the mud and I had to grab on to whatever I could find to pull myself up the short segment of slopes. When I got back, I thought I might have a few blisters but magically, I had none! Drymax scored a perfect 10/10 for me!

Hyper Thin Running Drymax Socks

The North Face - Sentinel Trail Running Shoes
As one of TNF Run Leader (more of sweeper role), I was given a pair of TNF Sentinel Running Shoes. I felt great the moment I tried on the shoes, and even greater when I took it for a trail run. It also felt lighter than my other TNF Rucky Chucky Trail Running Shoes, although both weighs 10 oz (per side). While Rucky Chucky looked and felt rugged and heavy, Sentinel looked and felt lighter and had sufficient support to execute nimble, fast footsteps.

My Blue Color TNF Sentinel (also available in Aloy Grey/Blitz Blue or Q-Sliver Grey/Melon Red)

I didn't have many opportunities to try it out in Singapore before CDR and I certainly won't run into puddles of water or muddy terrain unless I absolutely could not avoid them. But during the recce for the Woodcutter's Trail Run and the actual run, chances presented as we tried our best to jump over the muddy terrain. At the end of the run, I didn't feel my feet being overly hot or having excess water (from sweat and water in the muddy terrain). So I guessed this meant that the TNF Sentinel had enough breathability due to their so called "multiple-weave engineered mesh found on the shoe's upper". Whether it was on dry or wet road, dry or muddy trail, the grip of the TNF Sentinel did a fine job. Going up and down steep incline was okie too but it was slightly more tricky on sandy, dry steep slopes. Tough trails Vibram Five Fingers Men's (those strewn with rocks or roots) were also easily overcome but that's if you run / jog at my kind of slow speed over the rough terrain. All in all, I'll give the TNF Sentinel a strong 7/10. (Note: as all of us have different feet type and shape, its very hard to recommend a good running shoes, as compared to recommending a good pair of running socks. Socks are soft and will wrap around and fit onto the shape of your feet but for shoes, it's the other way round. I.e. you have to find a pair of shoes that your feet will fit into it.)