Thursday 17 October 2013

Newton Running Shoes

Lightweight Comfort
The human body is designed for running.  In so many ways we were born to run. Literally. Through evolution, the biomechanical and physiological make-up of the human body has positioned us humans as the most efficient running machine nature has ever produced. Newton have aimed to take advantage of some of these features and incorporate them into their running shoe designs. Like any shoe, they are not suited to every runner, however if you favour a forefoot/midfoot running technique Newtons are the shoe for you.

newton running distance u trainer
newton running distance u trainer
Newton Running Headquarters are in Boulder, Colarodo which is itself a hub of innovative athletic businesses, runners and outdoor enthusiasts.  No surprise then that Newton pioneers felt right at home here.  At Newton, great care and research was undertaken to design shoes that actively support you as you rediscover and strengthen your natural running motion. Newton running shoes give you highly responsive cushioning and protection plus enhanced ground feel – a rare combination. Newton Running shoes are designed to provide a more level-to-the-ground platform with minimal drop – like your feet – to help you find your optimal position as you run.
Newton Running Action/ReactionTM Technology
Newton Running Action/ReactionTM Technology
Action/ReactionTM Technology
Most running shoes utilize passive cushioning like EVA foam, gel or air that lose energy as they are engaged. Like a mattress, these materials flatten under your body weight over time. With Action/ReactionTM technology, you experience a highly responsive and engaging cushioning system that "protects the runner from shock and reduces energy loss". It is these features which make this an ideal choice for forefoot runners and will aid in their energy return propulsive phase of gait
  
Newton Running minimal heel to toe drop
Newton Running minimal heel to toe drop
Minimal Heel to Toe Drop
Newton Running shoes are designed with a minimal “drop” – or height difference – between the height of the heel and the ball of the foot. A more level-to-the-ground platform positions you to support a natural running motion.

 Biomechanical Sensor Plate
Newton Running Biomechanical Sensor Plate
Newton Running Biomechanical Sensor Plate
Our feet are sensitive and brilliantly designed to ensure that we step efficiently and protectively. Unfortunately, highly cushioned shoes often obstruct this communication with the ground. Enter our biomechanical sensor plate, which allows you to sense the ground better so you can stride more efficiently and with more stability – some might even say intelligently, the way nature intended. Some call this “neuromuscular” enhancement. The foot senses the ground and sends a message to the brain to tell the muscles what to do.
Lightweight Comfort
Newton shoes are designed to deliver functional performance with minimal weight and a natural feel. With numerous models to choose from you can select the optimal weight for your needs. 
There’s More:
  • We don’t like friction or bacteria any more than you do, which is why we like Newton's ETC® antifriction and antibacterial technology built into the sockliner
  • The outersoles and laces are built with recycled materials
  • Newtons are designed with flex panels in the upper to allow your foot to flex and spread naturally and efficiently
  • For such a lightweight trainer, these shoes also accommodate orthotics and insoles comfortably for those of you whom need that extra bit of support.
Cautious integration:

Newton Energy NR
Newton Energy NR
While we love Newton running shoes we do recommend caution when first using these shoes. Their are a couple of key features which make these shoes quite unique which we have identified in this article, namely the low heel-to-toe drop and the forefoot lugs. This lower platform may cause increased loading to certain muscle groups which had not previously been present, particularly to calf muscles. For those of you whom have not tried lower profile shoes in the past it is advised to very gradually integrate the shows into your training program while also maintaining the use of your usual shoes. This helps the aforementioned muscle groups to adjust to this added work without becoming overloaded in the early stages. It is for this very purpose which Newton have added the Energy Nr model to their range. Less heel-to-toe drop (6mm) and less forefoot lug height make this shoe an ideal model to help you to transition into the Newton range of shoes. Available for both males and females in two colour options at Footpro.


Thursday 19 September 2013

Trail Running in Australia


In the past number of years trail running events have experienced a significant rise in participation all across Australia. Evidently the idea of undulating, winding, scenic tracks is becoming more appealing to runners than the bustling city footpaths. As the Salomon Trail Series slogan states, “Bitumen is Boring”. At Footpro we are continuing to expand our knowledge of trail equipment and growing our range of products accordingly. In the following blog we aim to give you a good understanding of the importance of trail running gear and to steer you in the right direction.


Trail Running Events

Whether you are new to running or a seasoned veteran you can be sure there is a place for you within the vast array of running events available today.  Trail running events have attributed strongly to the increased interest in trail running in Victoria in recent years. The Salomon Trail Running Series is a prime example of such. This series has been a major success in 2013 selling out 1,500 entries to each of the four races at Kew, Studley Park, Silvan and the culmination of the series at Anglesea this Sunday September 22nd. The aim of this series was to encourage and accommodate for the increased interest in trail running and to facilitate this with a number of race distance options across picturesque Victorian trails. The variety of races available ensures that every athlete’s age group and abilities are catered for. Rapid Ascent has been responsible for putting this series together and they have done so with great success for the past 3 years. In conjunction with expert support from Salomon, Optimus Health, Hydralyte, and of course all of our team at Footpro, these events have helped to create a community of trail running enthusiasts across Victoria. For many, these races are an excellent way to keep fit while enjoying the scenery surrounding them. For others they are a social occasion where they can meet up with friends whom share their passion for trail running. For the more dedicated and driven athletes these races serve as a stepping stone to long distance trail races such as the upcoming SurfCoast Century 100km trail run ultra marathon this Saturday 21 September. This race is a prime example of the upsurge of ultra trail marathon races with double the amount of athletes (200) signed up for the full 100km distance while a further 400 athletes will complete the event as part of a team. Many of Australia’s elite distance athletes will be participating in this event and the competition promises to serve up some exciting racing. The North Face 100 is another world renowned ultra trail race which has attracted some of the world’s most elite ultra distance runners since it’s inauguration in 2008.

Technical Trail Gear

Finding appropriate running equipment can be a daunting challenge at times and this is even more true with respect to trail running due to a lack of specialist retailers. It is therefore paramount to seek out advice from experts on all aspects of trail running equipment. At Footpro, our aims are to ensure that athletes get the best possible advice on all aspects of trail running equipment as well as passing on the feedback which we receive some top quality trail runners which we have had the pleasure of dealing with. Trail running footwear is quite different from road running shoes in many key features. Firstly there is a need for increased underfoot traction for running off-road and the shoe selection is often
dependent on the level of grip required for one’s preferred trails. Another key criterion to consider is cushioning, specifically the amount of foam and the difference in it’s height from the heel-to-toe of the shoes. Similarly to road running shoes, trail running shoes range from thinly cushioned (minimalist) to thickly cushioned (maximalist) and everything in between. For those whom prefer lighter-weight shoes and increased feeling underfoot, minimalist shoes are the category of choice. For many others whom prefer cushioned and supportive shoes there are a plethora of options. Our advice would be to try out a number of different options in a specialist store and choose the best fitting shoe based on sizing, cushioning and support.



Aside from footwear, clothing, accessories and nutritional items can greatly improve your experience of trail running. Trail running clothing will need to be more weather resistant than road running apparel as the conditions tend to be more demanding off-road. Salomon dedicates a whole scientific lab team to develop these products in conjunction with elite athletes like Kilian Jornet and Ryan Sandes, the results of which compile their S-Lab range. This equipment ranges from specialist compressive clothing, footwear, backpacks, hydration storage and fuel belts. These are some of the most technical items of running equipment on the market and they are available for purchase at Footpro. The Salomon Advanced Skin running backpacks are ultra lightweight and comfortable while also allowing for 12 litres of overall capacity and 1.5L soft reservoir. They are the item of choice for more and more trail runners as they fulfill the requirements for ultra races. If you prefer not to running with a backpack then the Salomon Sense Hydro Set would have you covered. A neat little hand held soft flask which is barely noticeable while running. Alternatively the Salomon S-Lab belt allows you to carry all you little necessities like phone, wallet, keys and nutrition comfortably around your waist with minimal movement.



Whether a tech expert or a complete novice, Suunto has something to match your needs with regards to performance monitoring. Features such as heart rate, GPS, compass, navigation, altimeter, barometer not to mention a world of downloadable apps ensure Suunto leads the way when it comes to monitoring outdoor activities. Their range includes the flagship model the Ambit 2, the Ambit 2S, Core Crush, Quest, M5 and M2 models. More information on all these watches is available here.
  

Diet & Nutrition

While technical equipment is very important, it will be redundant unless one's body is capable of the physical requirements for trail running. This refers to strength and conditioning, flexibility and diet, all of which play a vital role in the success of an athlete. As trail running is strenuous and vigorous in nature and requires endurance it is fundamental that the body is fueled adequately before, during and after training bouts. The importance of hydration needs to be highlighted first. It is paramount we hydrate ourselves with water however, the requirements vary depending on the individual, activity and climate. Providing the body with sufficient nutrition assists with fueling for upcoming training sessions and aiding recovery.

Carbohydrates are the body’s primary and preferred fuel source. Carbohydrates can be fast-acting (high glycaemic index (GI)) or be slow-acting (low glycaemic index (GI)). Within these paradigms is where supplements integrate into the mix. Supplements come in many shapes and forms including gels, chews, tablets and drinks. Supplements promote balanced and sustained energy, hydration and assist with maintaining and replacing electrolytes lost during activity. Supplements are categorised into their ideal ingestion period; whether that be pre-, during- or post-event. Depending on the desired timing to be ingested will influence the composition of the supplement and its corresponding GI. Primarily, low GI supplements are ideally utilised prior to an event to promote a sustained and prolonged energy release. Some products have implemented a lower GI fuel source into their supplements to be ingested during an event, targeted at those events that are extensive and enduring in nature. High GI supplements play a significant role when consumed during an event as they allow for a rapid energy intake that is shorter lived in comparison to supplements that are low GI in nature. High GI supplements are becoming increasingly popular when ingested immediately after finishing to help promote recovery. At Footpro we have a number of products on hand that can assist with supplementing your nutritional needs. We stock a range of products from Dextro and 32Gi which the staff are more than happy to talk through any requirements and provide the appropriate recommendations. 

At Footpro we are constantly trying to expand our knowledge to ensure we can offer the best possible service to our customers. We have grown our range of footwear and clothing in response to the growing market and we endeavor to fulfill every customers wishes. We have had the fortune to deal with some amazing athletes in the past five years and hope to do so for many years to come. If you have anything you would like to see at Footpro in the future then please let us know. Similarly if you would like any further details on the discussed topics then feel free to contact us at your convenience. Comments below would be much appreciated.

Happy running everyone,
Team Footpro

Thursday 25 July 2013

Hoka One One Rapa Nui Comp and Kailua Comp

Hoka One One Rapa Nui Comp & Kailua Comp 

Hoka One One Rapa Nui Comp

THE RISE TO FAME OF HOKA ONE ONE RUNNING SHOES IS LIKE NOTHING WE HAVE SEEN BEFORE AND UNLIKELY TO SEE AGAIN IN THE NEAR FUTURE. IN A RECENT JOURNAL ON A MAJOR US RUNNING FORUM, THE TERM ‘HOKA ONE ONE’ WAS THE CLEAR LEADER IN A LIST OF BRAND NAMES SEARCHED, THE GAP TO 2ND PLACE, ‘BROOKS’ WAS ALARMING AND CEMENTED THE NOTION THAT HOKA HAD SERIOUSLY IMPRESSED A LOT OF PEOPLE.

What makes the Hoka One One story even more impressive is that functionally they are great shoes to run in, BUT they look like a combo of an MBT and a corrective orthopaedic shoe designed for the vertically challenged. As keen runners the Footpro test team try to focus of function and feel, but even after miles of wear testing we still feel self conscious in our Hoka’s.
Like most running shoe brands Hoka One One will launch new shoes every year and in early 2013, we got wind of the new up and coming lower profile and more traditional looking Rapa Nui Comp trail shoe and Kailua Comp road running shoe.  The most notable design change of the Rapa Nui Comp and Kailua Comp was a thinner midsole that reduced weight and gave them a sleeker look.  The midsole dimensions of the Rapa Nui and Kailua are 26mm at the heel (a traditional shoe is 24mm), and 21mm under the forefoot (traditionally running shoe is 12mm).  Comparing the numbers highlights that the impressive cushioning features associated with Hoka are still there, only reduced slightly to provide a more responsive feeling shoe and help to complete the Hoka range.

Hoka One One Rapa Nui Comp Tread
The upper design on the Rapa Nui Comp and Kailua Comp looks and feels like a combination Bondi 2 and Stinson Evo technology.  The fit is no different to the rest of the Hoka range which is a relief as most lighter, faster and more responsive shoes also come with a narrower fit.   The overall weight of a Rapa Nui and Kailua is approx. 10% lighter than a Bondi 2 and we don’t think that comes as a great sacrifice to shoe lifespan.

Those of you who have already tried Hoka will be excited at the prospects of a race day shoe or another Hoka option better suited to shorter and faster sessions.  For everyone else that couldn’t quite swallow the Hoka One One cosmetics we are excited to say ‘It’s time to fly’.

Available now @ +Footpro Melbourne.

Wednesday 22 May 2013

Hoka One One Running Shoes


Hoka One One Running Shoes

Hoka One One 2013 Melbourne

Hoka One One Bondi 2, Stinson Evo, Stinson Evo Tarmac & Mafate 2. $219.95 - Lighter and updated with some subtle but worthwhile modifications to the original Hoka Bondi.


Approx 12 months ago the Footpro footwear test team took a punt on a new and innovative brand called Hoka One One. A lot can happen in a year, most notably the way one new brand can be so adored, raved about and reinvigorate the running careers of so many. Hype is one thing but hype based on serious wear and tear testing is another thing altogether.  

Originally launched as an ultra distance road and trail running product the bulk of the Hoka fanatics do like a long run, and as most endurance athletes appreciate the right equipment the unusual appearance of a Hoka doesn't seem to phase them one bit.  2013 is a big year for Hoka with the release of their first two model updates.  Mafate 2 and Bondi 2 hit the shelves last month and thankfully demonstrated a great original idea that didn't need anything more than a tweak.  Hoka Stinson Evo hasn't been changed this season and most whom run in that shoe would be thankful of this. Its already a cracking trail shoe!

The Hoka One One Bondi 2 demonstrates true evolution.  By that we mean what needs to adapt has been changed and what was working well stays the same.  The Bondi 2 is lighter and fits the foot with a softer and more forgiving upper design.

The other critical feature of this iconic road running shoe is the unchanged midsole and outsole design.  The success of the Bondi stems from the stable but immensely cushioned midsole which Hoka seem to have got right from the start.  As they say "if it ain't broke......".  The new Hoka One One Bondi 2, with its increased breathability, lighter upper, and internally seamless mid and forefoot will be here in early February 2013. Before Brazil, France, Britain, Korea, Spain, all of South America and possibly even Canada and North America, you’ll be able to pick up these sweet new superlight runners from Footpro Melbourne.
The main advances in the latest build that will be of interest to runners, triathletes and all manners of sports people are: 
  • lighter, more breathable mesh upper
  • lighter exoskeleton and seamless interior mid and forefoot for barefoot running comfort
  • properly sized heel loop for pulling on quickly in transitions
  • subtly modified heel ergonomics and ankle cuff for better natural fit


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Tuesday 21 May 2013

Suunto GPS Watches


Suunto GPS Watches

Suunto overview image

Ambit 2 Black & Silver

Ambit 2 Black


Ambit 2 SilverSuunto Ambit2 is the GPS for explorers and athletes. All you need for outdoor sports - navigation, speed, heart rate, altitude, weather conditions and features for running, biking and swimming. Thousands of Suunto Apps are available to add new functionalities to your watch, as well as add on hardware options such as the bike power sensor which measures wattage output. Packed in a glass fiber reinforced casing with a battery life of 16/50 hours and water resistant to 100 metres Ambit2 is ready for any adventure. Lighter and sleeker than it's predecessor, the Ambit 2 is also a comfortable and stylish watch with a number of colour options available. In a move that redefines sport watches in the same way Apple did to the Smartphone, Suunto is also upgrading the Suunto App Zone – the community forum where users can find and create free Apps for the Ambit GPS watches. The upgrade now gives Ambit owners the chance to create and share more advanced Apps, putting the power of personalisation in their hands. Since it launched in November 2012, the App Zone has proved popular with users, who have created over 5,000 Apps so far. Suunto’s online sports community Movescount.com which hosts the App Zone, will also be updated to provide new  tools for in-depth analysis, enhanced navigation and improved opportunities for sharing.


Ambit 2 Sapphire

Ambit 2 Sapphire

The Sapphire model has all the features of the regular Ambit 2 plus a little more! The crystal face is scratch and glare resistant as well as beautifully stylish. The sapphire also has nice recessed black anodised quarter markers cut into the steel bezel. The Sapphire model is not only a perfect training partner but also a great look for an every day watch. 




Ambit 2S Red, Lime & Graphite 

The Suunto Ambit2 S is designed to fuel your passion for sports. Latest GPS in a light and sleek design with advanced features for running, biking, swimming and more. Thousands of Suunto Apps available to add new features to your watch.The Ambit 2S is slightly thinner and lighter than both the Ambit and the Ambit 2 (Ambit2 is 93g - Ambit2S is 73g). This comes from the addition of the barometric altimeter and temperature sensors, which adds 9g of weight between the Ambit2S and the (non-Sapphire) Ambit2.
Ambit 2S RedSuunto Ambit 2S Lime Suunto Ambit 2S Graphite

Cycling: The new Suunto Ambit2 S will support power meters (ANT+) and offers various power measurement values and numerous options for in-depth analysis.
Swimming: The Ambit 2 S also offers comprehensive swimming functionality, including pace and distance, automatic intervals, stroke rate and swimming time related to different pool lengths. The Ambit 2 S will also learn to recognise your swimming style, which makes performance analysis easier.
Running: Runners benefit from highly accurate pace and distance thanks to FusedSpeed™, the Ambit’s accelerometer integrated GPS, as well as interval timer and autolaps for training.
Multisport Training: Users can switch between sports, making the Suunto Ambit2 S ideal for recording your multisport training or race.

Compare Suunto GPS Watches in Further Detail Here...






Thursday 21 February 2013

Top Five Ski Boot Fitting Tips

Top Five Ski Boot Fitting Tips

Footpro Melbourne - Ski boot fitting Professionals

1) Be patient and allocate enough time. A ski boot fitting will take approx two hours. Trying on ski boots and the boot selection process will take up a third of that time, the rest of the time will be spent analysing the foot type and assessing your biomechanics, constructing a custom ski boot insole and then completing the fit with any required modifications.

2) Get in early. Get your boots fitted at the start of the season when stock levels are good. Even midway through the season the selection of boots is smaller in certain models and sizes. This means your boot fitting technician is potentially working on a smaller range and only able to show you what would have been third and forth choices one month earlier.

3) Don't bother researching ski boot models, research ski boot fitters. In my experience most people who spend hours researching the best boots end up more confused then informed. Ski boot write ups don't explain how each brand and model will have a different last (foot shape) which results in you getting excited about a ski boot that was never going to fit. On the other hand, researching who can provide the best boot fitting service is something worth spending time on. Google and ski forums are good places to start looking and don't be afraid to call past the ski boot shop prior to your purchase and suss out what they offer.


4) Communication is the key. Great ski boot fits are made easier when customer and ski boot technician are communicating well. To start off it helps to talk with your technician about previous experiences, medical conditions, skiing goals and where you like to ski. No point trying on a high end freeride boots when you spend most of your time skiing terrain park. A skilled boot fitter can make all the right moves but the customer has to do their part and communicate with the boot technician about whats going on inside the boots. If only feet could talk.

5) Comfort and performance does exist. Get your boots fitted professionally and they become an extension of your body. No more blaming your boots for a lack of ability. To achieve this level of fit the boots will feel very tight to start and gradually get more comfortable over the next two days of skiing. The comfort of the boots will evolve because the internal liner of the ski boot is designed to stretch and pack out. After this stage of wearing in you can better judge the need for further boot modifications. If you do need something tweaked it's always best to return to Footpro where we offer a comfort guarantee that includes free boot adjustment.
In the name of happy feet!

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Tuesday 19 February 2013

Crossfit for Runners

CrossFit and Running

A review of CrossFit and how it can be of benefit to runners

Crossfit for runners
Recent years have seen a massive upsurge in CrossFit gyms worldwide, and Melbourne is no exception. For those of you who haven't heard of CrossFit it is a type of training which involves strength and conditioning exercises which are constantly varied, high intensity and involve all fundamental functional movements. It's aim is to increase overall fitness through short anaerobic workouts involving movements such as sprinting, rowing, jumping rope, climbing rope, weightlifting, and carrying objects. CrossFit was created in California in the mid- 90's by former gymnast Greg Glassman and his wife Lauren. Glassman was commissioned to train police forces and firefighters and CrossFit emerged as the method of training. Today CrossFit is the principal strength and conditioning program for many police academies and tactical operations teams, military special operations units, champion martial artists, and hundreds of other elite and professional athletes worldwide. There are now approximately 3400 CrossFit gyms worldwide including around 20 in the Melbourne district. CrossFit training essentially consists of nine fundamental movements divided into 3 categories:
  • 3 squats: air squat, front squat and overhead squat
  • 3 presses: regular overhead shoulder press, push press (hip motion to bring weight up higher), and push jerk (legs and dropping under the weight to increase co-ordination)
  • 3 deadlifts: regular deadlift, sumo deadlift high pull (pull up to chin level), and medicine ball clean (bring ball to shoulder level)
A combination of one from each category is used to develop the three-element Workout of the Day or “WOD”. Workouts may vary in length dependent on the target goal of the session. AMRAP (As Many Rounds As Possible) sessions as the name suggests consist of repetitions of a given set of exercises as many times as possible within a certain time limit.
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Runners have increasingly turned to CrossFit in an attempt to increase core strength and conditioning and provide variation to their training programs. According to Roberto Morales, CrossFit coach, "CrossFit is a good complement to running because it encourages the full range of functional movement, whereas running is only a partial range. A runner’s muscles get limited by repetition - and that is where injury comes into the picture". He is also of the opinion that, “Sure, runners have better fat utilization but an unvaried aerobic exercise leads to loss of muscle mass, so it’s not very healthy to only run". For runners, CrossFit training may help to resolve muscular imbalances, primarily lower limb, which conditions the body better to deal with the repetitive strain it is put under during running.
While CrossFit training can be an excellent form of training, it is very important to perform all exercises correctly and efficiently. Improper technique in conjunction with poor feedback from trainers can lead to serious injuries such as muscle tears, ligament sprains and in more serious circumstances rhabdomyolysisis. Rhabdomyolysisis a medical condition that may arise when muscle tissue breaks down and the contents of muscle cells are released into the bloodstream. One molecule in particular, myoglobin, is toxic to the kidneys and can cause kidney failure and, in the most severe cases, death. In one particular case, Makimba Mimms from Virginia USA, successfully sued crossfit for $300,000 due to injuries suffered during a CrossFit session with an uncertified CrossFit trainer. Increasing amounts of literature are being published regarding CrossFit but as it is still in its early stages much of the evidence involving CrossFit is as of yet anecdotal. What we can ascertain is that their are obvious strength and conditioning benefits to CrossFit training when performed properly under expert supervision.
Inov8 Crossfit Shoes-
As with any sport, having the correct gear is essential to maximising performance and comfort. For CrossFit, the right footwear can help minimise injury, aid technique and performance while also offering excellent comfort. Inov8 shoes have been the world leader in minimalist type footwear for years and their shoes are the most commonly chosen by CrossFit members. Hailing from the Lake District in the UK, Inov8 have an extensive range of trail and lightweight, low-drop shoes. CrossFit requires a shoe that is low to the ground, increasing proprioception and maintaining natural biomechanics as opposed to a high cushioned heel typical of most running shoes.-
The most frequently used Inov8 shoe for CrossFit has been the F-lite 195. Weighing in at a mere 195g, this shoe has a flexible mesh upper and a sticky rubber sole with an eva midsole with just a 3mm heel-to-toe drop. This makes it an ideal shoe for cross training while offering a little cushioning for running. The Inov8 Bare XF 210 is a CrossFit specific shoe which has no midsole making it a zero drop shoe ideal for lifting weights and circuit training. The upper provides medial and lateral protection against climbing ropes while the sticky sole offers great traction. If you feel these types of shoes are too hardcore or minimal for you, Inov8 also offer slightly more cushioned shoes with 6mm heel-to toe drop.
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New Balance Minimus T10 Crossfit ShoeThe F-lite 215 and 240 are both lightweight training shoes which offer slightly more cushioning with a 6mm heel-to-toe drop. While Inov8 shoes have proven the most popular choice for CrossFit, they are not the only option available. Many shoe companies have identified the increasing market for minimalist or "barefoot" shoes and have dipped their toes in them to varied degrees of success. Vibram Five-Fingers have an extensive range of minimalist shoes with individual toe spaces providing excellent proprioception and balance ideal for CrossFit. New Balance have also had massive success with their minimalist range specifically the MT10 and MX20 which manage to be both comfortable and supportive while maintaining their status as minimal. They have just 4mm heel-to-toe drop and a very durable rubber sole made by Vibram which provides excellent grip for cross training as well as good level of cushion and support for running on trails and bitumen alike.
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To conclude our review, CrossFit can be an excellent form of training to accompany running. The improvements in strength and conditioning achieved in CrossFit helps runners to better deal with the stresses of repetitive loading involved with running. As CrossFit involves high levels of anaerobic training including lifting heavy weights, it is crucially important to practice good technique and receive proper feedback from trainers. All of this can be helped by having the proper gear to begin with and you could scarcely do better than Inov8 shoes. If you haven't tried it out and are keen to get going then why not look up your nearest CrossFit gym and give it a go! More information is available on our website and on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/FootproAUS, add us today for more discussion!