Inov-8 Trailroc 235 and Baregrip 200: a comparison with other minimalist trail shoes

After a long break away in the Pennines, walking 268 miles from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm inside the Scottish border, I have got hold of two new pairs of trail running shoes from Inov-8.

Long have I been looking for a durable, grippy and protective trail runner for longer and more technical trails, so I ordered the Baregrip 200 and the new Trailroc 235. Both of these shoes sport a 0mm drop from heel-toe and fit into the 'minimalist' category of trail shoes.

See the video link below to find out what I make of these shoes and if they match what I have been looking for...

Happy running everyone, and drop me a comment if you have any questions
CavemanClarke

CavemanClarke makes it into Outdoor Fitness magazine

CavemanClarke (left) in Issue 9 of Outdoor Fitness Magazine (UK)

Outdoor Fitness magazine contacted me asking me to write an article about losing weight and returning to fitness after an over-indulgent holiday break. When I discovered that the feature would include a 4-week fitness plan and nutritional and lifestyle information, I couldn't refuse the opportunity.

Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon vs Spyridon LS: a review

Hello everyone! In my busy schedule I have finally managed to bring you the promised Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon vs Spyridon LS review; and what better way than to post my first video on my blog!

Click on the link below to see an extensive review of both trail running specific models from Vibram.

Preview of the Spyridon LS vs Spyridon

So, I have taken them out for a spin and can give you a short, first impressions opinion of the VFF Spyridon LS in comparison to the Spyridon (with velcro hook and loop closure).

After my first run in the Spyridon LS

I love the styling. As a trail runner I think that these shoes in the colour scheme shown in the picture is the most appealing model that Vibram have released to date (and it will take some beating). The mountain-bike-like tread screams at me to take these bad-boys out for a muddy run. As for the upper; I love the balance between sensible trail running colours such as brown and black with the injection of vibrant white skeleton-like strips coming from each toe and meeting to the side of the foot. Simply damn cool and sexy!

Back from Honeymoon

Hi readers.

Firstly, a massive apology for being away the last few weeks. I got married and went away on honeymoon. Getting married was the most amazing experience of my life. I am now back and will be reviewing the Spyridon and Spyridon LS for you all, soon after I get over one last hurdle...

A few weeks ago whilst upping my training, mileage and intensity I over-did it. I ended up with a stress fracture in my foot :( It is getting better although I run a health and fitness company called Trinity Fitness Ltd, so I am forever demonstrating exercises and running with them. Ie progress is slow!!!

Vibram Fivefinger Spyridon and Spyridon LS Review coming soon

Just to let those of you waiting for the VFF Spyridon Review to appear on my blog know, I have managed to acquire a pair of Spyridon LS too, so I thought I would review them both together at a later date when I have had time to compare them against one-another. I am getting married in less than 2 weeks so it may be a little while until I get the time to properly try them out and get to my PC with enough time to provide you all with a fully comprehensive review. I think my new wife will get a little miffed if I constantly disappear running on our honeymoon!!!

Coming very soon...Vibram Fivefinger Spyridon Review

CavemanClarke has recently got his hands on, and feet into, a pair of Vibram Fivefinger Spyridons. I have been on a few runs in them recently in order to get a well-rounded opinion of exactly what I think of them before publishing an in-depth review of the good, bad and (hopefully not) the ugly!

Here is a picture of the pair I got hold of in the black and green colour scheme...

The European model have a velcro hook and loop closure system like the KSO

Vibram FiveFingers Review

The now 'world famous' and 'conversation starting' individual toed footwear, that arguably started and has carried forward ever since, the barefoot running craze, definitely deserves a blog post of its own.

You either love or hate these shoes, and I love them with a passion!

Before the Vibram FiveFingers (VFF's) arrived on the scene, shoes had taken us far away from natural movement, encasing our feet in strange shaped, supportive and cushioned structures that ultimately resulted in the weakening of one of the bodies most amazing biomechanical tools; a coffin for the strength and development of the lower legs and feet. Well done and congratulations Vibram for jumping straight in the deep end and giving the world a shoe that allows the user to move as God intended us to.

Running to help others

Ready to run for charity

Running is fantastic. Whether it represents time spent with close friends or family, running in a huge pack of people in a race or fun-run, or whether it boils down to some quality time spent on your own out in nature; running is magical.

Recently I have run on my own many many times and many many miles. I love to get away from it all. I long to run free, surrounded by just nature. No people, no stress, just keep focusing on putting one foot in front of the other. It is my escape, a time used to clear my head, relieve stress and blow out the cobwebs that build up inside after hours spent phoning, emailing and meeting with people. Work is not relevant, nor are the petty arguments you have had when over-tired, nor is money or future plans. For an hour or two it's just you and the trail. Peace at last.

Vivobarefoot Neo Trail Review

Neo Trails in the snow...perfect!

Upon opening the box it was clear these were a gorgeous looking trail shoe. The aggressive tread in the form of 'V' shaped lugs was unlike any other I had ever seen on a bareform shoe. And that is exactly the reason I had purchased a pair. Couple the grip with the fact that these have a water resistant upper and you can see why I immediately had high hopes for these shoes.

Trying them on I was slightly disappointed. Firstly, the original pair i was sent had a faulty heel section inside the shoe. The stitching was not finished properly and had become undone, leaving a rather untidy mess in the left heel. This is not a good first impression, but i was reassured by Vivobarefoot that this was a one-off. First impressions are lasting though! Thankfully the second pair were absolutely fine. Also, once again as with many shoes I was slightly in between sizes. I knew a size larger would leave me with clown feet so I had to stick with slightly-too-small-but-just-about-OK!. This is not really a moan at the shoe companies, as I suppose it's my feet that are the problem. But on the other hand, shoe companies could easily solve this problem if they were to provide us with half size options like Merrell and New Balance already do??!! This being said, the shoes are still very comfortable.