Originally submitted at Onlineshoes.com

Whether youre a weekend warrior or an everyday enthusiast, the V-Lite Radar II Event Low sport shoe from Hi-Tec is a fitting choice. Packed with features for outdoor adventure, the V-Lite Radar II Event Low is crafted with an eVent waterproof, breathable membrane, a moisture-wicking lining, and a c…

V-Lite Radar II Event Low

These trail runners have heart and soul

Sizing: Feels true to size

Width: Feels true to width

Pros: Great Traction, Durable, Stable, Water Resistant, Comfortable

Cons: Heavy

Best Uses: Trail running, Day hikes

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

The V-Lite Radar II Event Low by Hi-Tec surprised and impressed me. Hi-Tec has always provided quality products at value pricing for the hiking industry, but as an avid trail runner I was weary of trying out something that wasn’t made from a tried-and-true technical running brand. The V-Lite Radar II was incredibly comfortable right out of the box (no breaking-in needed), sizing was correct and the shoe felt stable and responsive. I’ve now run and hiked several aggressive trails with these runners and I’m really pleased. They’ve held up well, traction has always been great (even in sloppy mud) and they provide a near perfect blend of stability and cushioning for trail running and light hiking.

(legalese)

Good socks for spoiling active feet

Sizing: Feels true to size

Pros: Soft, Attractive Design, Fitted, Breathable, cushiony, Durable

Best Uses: Running, Athletics

Describe Yourself: Runner, Athletic

I’m currently training to run the NYC marathon (my 10th marathon) and I really want to take care of my feet – these do just that. The Eurosock Sprint fits incredibly well around the whole foot with a fitted arch/instep and a snug, low-profile cut. I found the sock’s instep to be thin and breathable, while the foot bed was plush and well-padded. They’re thinner than Thorlo Lite running socks, but thicker than most normal athletic socks. I like the stylish look of the socks (you can barely see the socks with your shoes on, but they still protect your feet from chaffing against your shoes). After a long run my feet don’t feel beat up, I haven’t had any blistering or hotspots and the socks look like they’re pretty durable and will hold up well.

(legalese)

As we roll into summer and your commitment to run solidifies consider the following tips before your resolve writes a check your body can’t cash. 

You’ve got to crawl before you can run.  That’s a little severe, but it’s the right idea – be conservative with the level of intensity and duration of your workouts when you’re just getting started.  It is best to ease into a running program by walking first and slowly integrating progressively longer intervals of running into your workouts.  Soon your short running intervals will overtake the walking and you’ll be running without stop!

Example Workout Plan:

Week One: 

4 minutes walking

1 minute running

4 minutes walking

1 minute running

4 minutes walking

1 minute running

4 minutes walking

1 minute running

Total workout = 20 minutes (15 walking, 5 running)

Week Two: 

3 minutes walking

2 minute running

3 minutes walking

2 minute running

3 minutes walking

2 minute running

3 minutes walking

2 minute running

Total workout = 20 minutes (12 walking, 8 running)

Week Three: 

2 minutes walking

3 minute running

2 minutes walking

3 minute running

2 minutes walking

3 minute running

2 minutes walking

3 minute running

Total workout = 20 minutes (8 walking, 12 running)

Week Four: 

1 minutes walking

4 minute running

1 minutes walking

4 minute running

1 minutes walking

4 minute running

1 minutes walking

4 minute running

Total workout = 20 minutes (5 walking, 15 running)

Week Five: 

20 minutes running

Total workout = 20 minutes (20 running!)

You’re going to be the best judge as to the actual length and intensity of your workouts, but be conservative and reasonable. If you feel that you can easily run more than the plan above allows – do it, and listen to your body. 

If at anytime you feel that your body is unnaturally sore, or you’ve got nagging aches and pains that won’t go away – slow down and shorten your workouts.  If cutting back doesn’t help – see a doctor.

It can take some time for your body to acclimate to the impact forces of running, but if you stick to a conservative training plan while you’re getting in shape you’ll be less likely to get injured or burned out, and more likely to adopt a healthy, active lifestyle.

There you have it – get out and go run!

While running shoes are designed for different foot shapes, body types and biomechanics, everyone’s most basic needs should be the same – get the right fit and feel, and don’t settle for anything that causes you discomfort.  It’s hard enough staying motivated to run, add a lousy pair of trainers and getting out the door for a run gets exponentially more difficult. 

Fit

The most important basic need is fit.  The impact forces of running will cause your feet to swell and elongate during your run so make sure to allow for enough room across the width of your foot and in the toe-box.  The rule of thumb is that the space between the end of your long toe and the end of the shoe should be close to the width of your thumb.  The vast majority of runners buy shoes that are too small, which will lead to bruised toe-nails, calluses, blisters and general discomfort. 

Most technical running shoes are made in multiple widths – make sure you find one that accommodates your foot.  Don’t feel embarrassed about trying out a wide width – a great percentage of American runners have wide feet.  If you have a bunion or corn – size accordingly, you don’t want to aggravate either by wearing a narrow shoe.

Keep in mind – just because you wear the same size in all your dress, casual and work shoes it does NOT mean that you’ll wear the same size in running shoes.  Most running shoes fit a half size smaller than all other shoes and sometimes you’ll find yourself wearing a shoe a width wider than all your other shoes.  This is hard for some women to accept because of the negative association with big feet, but I say – if the shoe fits, wear it!

Feel

Once you have your size dialed in make sure to find a shoe that feels great right out of the box.  No more should you expect to have to ‘wear-in’ your new trainers – they’re not combat boots so don’t needlessly endure blisters and hot-spots from pinching and binding or any other new shoe malady.  A comfortable pair of new running shoes should inspire you to get out and run. 

Get out and run

You’ve found a pair of shoes that fit well and feel great right out of the box, but will they continue to be comfortable 10, 20, 50 or 100 miles later?  They should and if they don’t – return or exchange them.  Running shoes are not cheap and you don’t want to risk injury or ongoing discomfort due to fear of returning shoes that have a few miles, a couple of puddles and some good ole fashioned sweat on them.  95% of the time your new shoes will feel great and perform well for 300-500 miles, but occasionally you’ll find a shoe that just doesn’t work.  It’s not uncommon to exchange a worn shoe for a new pair because the sizing didn’t work out, the shoes don’t feel as comfortable as they did when you bought them, you’ve developed a hot spot, etc. 

If you’ve only put in a handful of runs in your new sneakers and they’re not holding up to your expectations – SEND THEM BACK.  When you’re returning or exchanging a pair of lemons make sure you’re clear about why they didn’t agree with you – this information will make it back to the manufacturer and hopefully they’ll consider your feedback when designing the next update to the model you purchased.

Once you have shoes that fit, feel great and offer up the support you need – get out and run!

In July, Brooks will unveil the first-ever biodegradable running shoe midsole: BioMoGo. Brooks claims that BioMoGo will have the same cushioning and ride of their long-lasting Mogo EVA midsole material with the environmentally sustainable benefit that BioMoGo will decompose in a landfill in 20 years compared to the 1,000 years or more it takes EVA to breakdown.

If you’re thinking that the 300-500 miles it takes you to destroy a pair of shoes is too short already, don’t worry – Brooks says that three critical elements need to be present simultaneously in order to begin decomposition.  Unless you do your training buried deep beneath a pile of landfill waste your shoes will see a full life.

Brooks will debut BioMoGo in their flagship shoe, the Trance 8, being released in July.  The Trance has long been a popular high-end stability trainer featuring moderate support and top-shelf cushioning.  All Brooks running shoes currently featuring Mogo midsoles will be made with BioMoGo by the end of 2009.

For more information on Brooks and their environmentally friendly practices checkout: http://www.brooksrunning.com/About+Brooks/Green+Room

Men’s ASICS GT-2130

A Great Shoe for the Running Masses

Sizing: Feels true to size
Width: Feels true to width
Pros: Responsive, Stable, Breathable, Lightweight, Comfortable
Best Uses: Pavement, Trails, Track
Describe Yourself: Competitive Athlete and an all-around-A-Okay-Guy

I’ve been running in these since the GT-2040 came out and over the years ASICS has had some winners and some good, but not great updates – the GT-2130 is an AMAZING update. It is just a beautiful, responsive, well-cushioned ride. Runner’s World Magazine gave it their Editor’s Choice Award and I agree – for the price you can’t do any better and I’d be hard pressed to find a shoe that would perform or feel better at any price range. The GT-2130 continues to offer moderate stability and great heel and forefoot cushioning – the perfect shoe for 85% of runners out there. If you’re having a hard time deciding what shoe would work well for you I suggest taking a gamble on the GT-2130 – it’s a winner.

Okay, so I’m biased – I helped develop the Shoe Finder, but it is pretty cool…

www.onlineshoes.com/running/ShoeFinder.asp

Good or bad – let me know your thoughts!

J.