Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Xero Shoes Offering for Fall 2021-THE 360!

I have been wearing and reviewing Xeros for over 10 years now, from the first pair of Contact sandals I bought when the company was just starting out. They never seem to disappoint. The 360 is no exception. For purposes of full disclosure, I received these at no cost for testing purposes. If you happen to buy them from here on my site, I will receive a small commission from the sale. There were NO preconditions or suggestions as to how I would review these, or any others that I have reviewed in the past. These are a great all around training (and almost anything else) shoe. They have a multi use tread, not as aggressive as a trail shoe, (but they work for that, too...I tried it!). Whether you are in the gym, the yard, or running around town, these are really comfortable. The soft breathable upper is really forgiving to the feet. They, of course, in Xeros tradition, are zero drop, and have the characteristic wide toe box. One unique feature on these that I have never seen is the addition of rubber strips across the front/top of the upper. That feature will be, I think, particularly good for extra traction if you are doing things such as climbing ropes, etc. My use of them was a bit unique. I ran in them, of course, but the way I really put them through their paces was using them as I worked our organic orchard. I am tramping through mulch, up and down out of ladders and trees all day long when I am working the orchard (in addition to my day job). These have worked out very well for that purpose. The rubber strips, for my purpose, are handy for hooking a toe under a ladder rung or a limb as I'm reaching to pick fruit or prune branches. (I told you my use of these would be a bit unique.) Most people will use these, I think, in the gym or weight room, doing aerobics, etc. and I think they are well suited for such activities. If you have a need for an all purpose, "go-to" shoe, the 360 just might be for you. I don't think you will be disappointed!
I have also posted a video review: https://youtu.be/FKS3SjpG7aU If the link doesn't work for you, just copy and paste to your browser. I promise it's there!!

Friday, April 2, 2021

SHAMMA SANDALS-WARRIOR MAXIMUS---THE GOLDILOCKS SANDAL

Kind of a strange title to this post, I know, but it is really descriptive of this release from Josh at Shamma Sandals. I first tried the original Warriors from Shamma a number of years ago. I really enjoyed the incredible ground feel they provided, while offering protection from rocks, burrs, sticks, etc. More recently, I had the good fortune to obtain a pair of Mountain Goats, Shamma's model with a substantially thicker sole, made for heavy trail use. They are incredible, and I found myself wearing them whenever I was going on less-than-groomed trails. Add in their available Power Straps, and you are ready to take on the toughest terrain, wet or dry. Even in mud, these are on your feet to stay and they don't slide around.
Josh was recently kind enough to send me a pair of one of his newest models without charge, for purpose of testing and review. I am referring to the new Warrior Maximus. This review has taken longer than most, as I have worn and worn these. I have had them on dirt trail, trail with heavy leaf/other debris, sand, mud, gravel, asphalt, concrete, you name it. I really gave this pair a tough trial. Josh has truly hit the sweet spot with this sandal. They are thinner than the Mountain Goats, and thicker than the original Warriors. They came with power straps, and feel incredibly light on your feet. These are part of his Elite collection. I opted for the Ultragrip footbed. I found it really comfortable and conforming to my foot, and able to hold it's grip, even when wet. These are the perfect combination of the qualities of the Mountain Goats and the original Warriors. Just right, thus the Goldilocks reference in the title. So far, they are wearing very little, considering all of the miles I have put on them. When they get muddy, they are easy to just hose off and set up to dry. If you want a truly great experience in a running sandal, give the Warrior Maximus a try. Check them out at www.shammasandals.com

Saturday, March 13, 2021

XERO SHOES NEWEST OFFERING FOR SPRING-DAY LITE HIKER FUSION-REVIEW

 






Hi, This is Bob from Primitive Health & Fitness with a review of the Day-Lite Hiker Fusion, the new offering from Xero Shoes.  Xero sent this to me without charge for testing and review.  If you happen to buy a pair from my site, www.primitivehealth.blogspot.com, I will receive a small affiliate commission.  

     That being said, I wanted to compare this new offering to the original Day-Lite Hiker that I have reviewed and tested previously.  This offering has many of the same features that are present in Xero Shoes' models, such as a wide toe box, smooth interior that works with or without socks, zero drop, and durable sole and upper.  
     The main difference I noticed was the adjustment strap on the outside of the original model is gone, having been incorporated into the upper.  There is also quite a difference in the soles.  The Fusion has a much more robust, lugged sole that makes it suitable for any hiking situation.  This sole proved to be a match for any terrain I encountered, and provided excellent protection from rocks and other trail features.  It is a lightweight hiker, and has a water-resistant upper.  
     Durability will be proven only over time, but if my past experiences with Xeros is any indication, these will be rugged and dependable.  I have been wearing Xeros for over 10 years now, and still have the original pair of sandals I bought in 2010 when the company was still pretty new.  Xero continues to innovate, and provide something for everyone.  I am very pleased with these, and think you will be too!