After attending Outdoor Retailer, I must admit that I am excited for all of the products we are going to bring in. Here are some of the items that you should be most excited about.
Nathan Human Propulsion Laboratories
As a (recreational) runner, I am excited to say that we are expanding into other areas of running outside of minimalist shoes, starting with hydration! Nathan is esteemed amongst casual runners (like myself) as well as ultra-marathoners. I am always on the lookout for good water bottles and Nathan delivers with the Tritan.
Vibram FiveFingers
Anytime Vibram FiveFingers comes out with something new, how can everyone not flip over it?
The Bikila has been a popular shoe and we are excited about getting it soon at the Kayak Shed. It has been compared to the KSO, but it is running specific and was designed for a more efficient forefoot strike. It has a Dri-Lex covered polyurethane insole that is thickest under the ball of the foot and a 4mm anatomical pod outsole. It has a lot of features, but the one that I think will separate the Bikila from the others is the TPU toe protection finish that I hope will help decrease seam breakage.
I admit to wishing I could sleep in my FiveFingers. My wish has been answered with the Smartwool Classics. When I am not wearing my VFFS, I wear Smartwool socks, so this really unites my two favorite pieces of footwear. They have the Vibram FiveFinger sole that I love, but they feel like slippers. What more could I want?
Immersion Research
Kayaking is fun, especially when you stay dry, which is why I like the Special K Skirt. It is a bit hard to get on, but it is highly implosion resistant and the new rand really keeps the water out.
