OutdoorgearLab.com releases an updated review of women's barefoot shoes for running and everyday wear.
PRLog - Jul. 8, 2014 - CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- OutdoorGearLab, a website known for detailed comparison reviews of outdoor equipment, footwear, and clothing, has just released the results of their 2014 tests of women's barefoot shoes. This review updates one previously published in 2011 that compared models specifically for running. This recent review focuses solely on Vibram's FiveFinger models, which are the gold standard for barefoot shoes, and includes models for everyday applications as well as running. An upcoming review will look more closely at minimal footwear from many different brands. The models in this review all have separated toes and allow for varying degrees of flexibility and sensitivity that the lead test editor, Sarah Hegg, refers to as the “barefoot feeling.” Hegg tested these shoes on just about every type of terrain someone would consider running or hiking in: snow, sand, mud, on rocky trails, smooth pine needle trails, and on pavement. She wore each of the test models around for a number of months, sometimes wearing a different model on each foot for direct comparison. Hegg scored each pair on the metrics of barefoot feeling, warmth, traction, foot protection, breathability, comfort, and style. She distributed awards to the best all-around model, the best value model, and the top pick for winter or cold climate running and hiking.
The Award Winners:
Editors' Choice Winner: Vibram FiveFingers Treksport
Hegg explains that the Treksport does not stand out in any single metric or application, but overall it scores very well across the board. This versatility and high performance earns this model the Editors' Choice award. She concludes that it is the best all-around barefoot shoe for women. Hegg cites features such as extra rubber around the toes, which increases durability, and extra padding in the heel area, which increases comfort, as edging the Treksport ahead of similar models like the Vibram KSO. The Treksport has grippy, durable tread that allows it to function equally well on trail or pavement.
Best Buy Winner: Vibram FiveFingers Alitza
The Alitza is a very minimal shoe designed for casual and everyday use. Hegg observes that out of her test group, this shoe provides the barest and most sensitive feel. The sole is thin, the upper is low-cut and meshy, and the shoes are secured to the feet with stretchy, feminine straps reminiscent of a ballet slipper. Hegg finds that they can be used on trails for short distances, but these are not ideal for running or hiking. Available for a very affordable price, the Alitza present a great value. For a woman devoted to the barefoot movement, the Alitza are the ideal everyday shoe, and provide the most barefoot feel for the money. This model wins the Best Buy award as a high scoring product that won't hurt someone's budget.
Top Pick Winner for Winter Running: Vibram FiveFingers Lontra
Unique to all the other models in Hegg's test group, the Lontra are designed for running and hiking in cold, snowy, and icy climates. The features that set this model apart are an insulated micro-fleece lining, a thick sole with a burly tread, and a high-cut neoprene ankle cuff. All of these features add up to great traction on slippery surfaces and extra warmth and foot protection. Hegg notes that these thicker shoes provide less of a barefoot feel than any of the other tested FiveFingers, but they allow for far more freedom of movement than traditional running shoes. Being water resistant and insulated makes them the most protective of any FiveFinger shoe tested. Hegg also suggests that if someone plans to wear these in cold weather often, she should purchase them one size too large and wear them with toe socks for additional insulation.
Hegg's full review provides details on seven separate pairs of Vibram FiveFingers and compares them all against one another. Hegg's review is also accompanied by a buying guide that discusses at length the decision to transition to barefoot or minimal footwear. She objectively describes the perceived pros and cons to this movement and lays out why someone would want to try non-traditional footwear for running, exercising, and athletic activities. Hegg also briefly touches on the class action lawsuit that was brought against Vibram in early 2014, and she offers tips on how to safely transition to minimal footwear from traditional footwear.
OutdoorGearLab, LLC, from Cheyenne, Wyoming, creates the internet’s best outdoor gear reviews through direct hands-on comparison. The website, www.outdoorgearlab.com, is a free resource for those who enjoy activities outside such as running, hiking, backpacking, camping, climbing, cycling, skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, and yoga on a regular basis. The review team performs thorough side-by-side tests of popular and innovative gear and apparel and publishes the results in comprehensive comparison reviews. Each product is scored across a range of weighted metrics, competing products are ranked against one another, and winners are chosen in three different award categories from the top scoring models.
Read Full Story - Awards Given to the Best Women's Barefoot Shoes of 2014 by OutdoorGearLab | More news from this source
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Awards Given to the Best Women's Barefoot Shoes of 2014 by OutdoorGearLab
July 08, 2014 at 10:51 AM EDT
