Product Reviews coming: (suggestions/requests?)

[Second Wind]

Hey guys, Over the next couple of months I'll be doing a series of product reviews on my blog to celebrate this 2011 running 'season'. I'll also post each review here in the BRS forums as well. So far I have products lined up from:

• CEP (compression gear)
• Zensah (compression gear)
• Polar Bottles (bottles
  
  )
• Opedix (New "Knee saving" compression tights)
• Stem Footwear (Casual minimalist 'barefoot' shoes)
• Recofit (compression gear)
• VIVOBAREFOOT (Terra Plana) (Neo - their newest minimalist running shoe)
• Altra (Adam - their newest ultra minimalist running 'shoe')
• Asics (Piranha III racing flat)
• Vibram (VFF) (KSO, KSO Trek, and Bikila)
• Nike (Running shorts and dri-fit tops - NO shoes!)
• Merrell (Trail Glove minimalist running shoe)
• iMapMyRun (GPS run tracking app)

Each review will provide pictures, thoughts, pros and cons, how they stack up for barefoot/minimalist specific, etc. If anyone thinks of any more brands/products they would like to see reviewed, please let me know and I'll see what we can do!

 

[migangelo]

I just ran in my new Merrell

I just ran in my new Merrell trail gloves courtesy of planetshoes.com. they were nice. had a lot of traction. wasn't used to that. i just have to give a review but i doubt it will be as well written as yours or any other bloggers. i'm such a laymen.



Mike

 

[Nyah]

I have some requests for each

I have some requests for each shoe review:
1. While wearing both shoes, take a photo while standing, with the camera at head-height and the lens pointed straight down at your feet.
2. Roll the shoe under, starting with the toe. People often show a shoe rolled up to "prove how flexible it is". Well I want to see it rolled the other way so that the sole is on the inside of the roll.

 

[dirtdemon77]

when reviewing shoes, keep in

when reviewing shoes, keep in mind that not everyone is a barefoot purist. Those of us that prefer minimal shoes to BF tend to be a bit more forgiving when it comes to certain features. So don't condemn a shoe for not being as close to BF as BF is. Rather, compare its features, comfort, and durability to others like it.

LPJ, a true barefooter, does a great job of reviewing shoes for those of us who haven't made the commitment to go completely BF.

 

[chadisbarefoot]

Cold weather gear: beanies,

Cold weather gear: beanies, softshells, vests, tights, pants, etc. It's really tought to find good reviews on lots of that stuff - especially comparison-based reviews (three or more at once with comparable features). Oh, add shorts to that list.



I love the Brooks and Mizuno stuff, but would love to see what else is out there.

 

[Second Wind]

All great suggestions

All great suggestions guys!



I'll start posting the initial reviews next week and appreciate the feedback.



@Chad: I'll do my best, and agree with you on the lack of reviews out there. Unfortunately we're already hitting 80+ (one day of 90 already) here in east TN so it might be a while on those



@Dirtdemon: I will certainly keep that in mine - as I myself am with you. Though I do run barefoot, I am usually a VFF (Gasp!) guy myself. So I will certainly be reviewing the shoes from a minimalist perspective - running as well as casual wear.



@Nyah: good idea, I'll try to oblige when I do shoe reviews



@Migangelo: I'm sure everyone would love to hear your thoughts (quite the popular shoe right now isn't it? I haven't tried them yet myself, but they are on my radar for a review sometime during this process)

 

[Go_Blue]

I would suggest the Somnio

I would suggest the Somnio NADA flat (0 drop, ~4oz).

 

[Nyah]

Thanks, Second Wind. Also,

Thanks, Second Wind. Also, VFF (especially the VFF Sprint) is a great baseline to measure other shoes with. That gives me more photo ideas: 1.With the VFF and the reviewed shoe placed sole-to-sole, take a photo which shows the top of the reviewed shoe, straight-on, from at least 4 feet away. 2.With the VFF and the reviewed shoe placed sole-to-sole, take a photo which shows the arch-side of the shoes, straight-on, from at least 4 feet away. Any other photo which acurately compares a shoe with the VFF would be helpful as well.