Vibram’s 2012 Spring & Summer Collection

excerpts from VIBRAM press information kit

VItale BRAMani

For more than 75 years, Vibram has been a trusted leader in performance and innovation in the realm of footwear. Its revolutionary and visionary founder, Italian mountaineer Vitale Bramani, whose name the footwear now carries, foresaw the need for grip, traction and durability on performance shoes and developed the first rubber sole on a mountaineering boot.

This commitment to safety continued in the brand’s quest for the perfect footwear in decades to come, and years of research and the production of millions of soles for the best shoes in the industry led Vibram to its next milestone. In 2005, Vibram introduced the next generation of innovative performance sole design: one that allows the foot to move and work naturally, as if barefoot: Vibram FiveFingers.

Vibram FiveFingers challenges the paradigm of conventional footwear. The thin, flexible, and deconstructed sole allows the foot to curl and flex as nature intended. The five toes are separate just like our feet! Because of these features, every step taken in FiveFingers is a lesson in texture, temperature, and biomechanics that can make us healthier and more connected to our bodies.

Unconventional Footwear with Benefits

A special kind of footwear that can be used for athletic and non-athletic use, Vibram FiveFingers is known for its corrective and therapeutic qualities that no ordinary shoes or sandals can give.

Vibram FiveFingers is different than any other footwear on the planet. Here are five reasons to wear or train in Vibram FiveFingers:

1. Strengthens Muscles in the Feet and Lower Legs
2. Improves Range of Motion in Ankles, Feet and Toes
3. Stimulates Neural Function Important to Balance and Agility
4. Eliminates Heel Lift to Align the Spine and Improve Posture
5. Allows the Foot and Body to Move Naturally

When it first came out in 2005, its unconventional features were contested by its critics, debunking the many corrective and therapeutic qualities that conventional footwear are not known to offer. Even its first users thought it uncanny to wear something that resembles their very own feet. However, the unease turned to familiarity, and over the next few years, more and more people took to Vibram FiveFingers as an alternative to conventional shoes and sandals. Soon enough, the unconventional footwear became not only a standard, but a highly recommended choice by the prestigious Time Magazine, which considered it one of the Best Inventions of 2007.

Love Your Feet: Vibram’s 2012 Collection

Explore the joys of natural movement in authentic footwear from the company that started the barefooting revolution. Its newest collection takes pride in the latest innovations that it has incorporated in its models, a tradition that it continued doing for almost 80 years. In the Philippines, Vibram has found a growing market for its footwear for men and women of all ages, and it is launching its newest Spring/Summer 2012 offerings with much anticipation. Like its previous models, all its latest products carry a unique patented Vibram TC-1 performance rubber, which delivers excellent “foot feel” without compromising abrasion resistance. They are also are machine-washable and air-dry.

A fashionable take on the FiveFingers Classic, the Classic Fresca for women runners adds an element of style to the model that propelled the brand. Designed for barefoot balance and agility, it has a lightweight, stretch upper with a back pull-tab that allows you to cinch the topline for an adjustable, secure fit. A hook-and-loop closure holds the tab in place. Durable printing on the toes, sides and heel provides added protection and abrasion resistance. The Vibram performance outsole with serrated blade lug design provides flexibility, durability and optimum traction. The Classic Fresca sole has a Polyurethane reinforced pocket on the big toe for added durability and protection, and a serrated blade lug design that provides flexibility and traction on wet surfaces. It is available in grape/grey/white and grey/blue/white colors.

Unlike any running shoe on the market today, the FiveFingers Bikila was the first model designed specifically for a more natural, healthy and efficient forefoot strike. Built on an entirely new platform, the Bikila offers more plating protection, and distributes forefoot impact without compromising important ground feedback essential to a proper forefoot strike running form. Athletic padded collar and topline and a single hook-and-loop closure finish off this breakthrough design.

Bikila’s tread design for the soles offers more traction over a variety of surfaces, while its EVA arch follows the contour of the foot and reduces weight. Among its features are a 4 mm anatomical pod outsole design that distributes forefoot impact forces without compromising important ground feedback essential to a proper forefoot strike running form, and 3 mm Dri-Lex covered polyurethane footbed for more plating protection and reduced packing over a sustained period of time. It is available in silver/black.

Following in the footsteps of the FiveFingers Bikila, the Bikila LS for women offers a closed speed lace system to accommodate a wider foot or higher instep. It shares the same revolutionary platform as the Bikila to provide superior plating protection and distributes forefoot impact without compromising essential ground feedback. The naturally breathable upper features an athletic padded collar and topline, and road-worthy, abrasion-resistant toe protection. It is available in red/grey black.

The first trail running-specific models, the Spyridon and Spyridon LS provide the perfect balance of “foot feel” and protection on rugged surfaces, as its soles have a stitched-in polyurethane insole that protects the skin and foot, and a molded nylon mesh in midsole that adds a “rock block” effect, dispersing impact over a wider area. A minimalist Vibram rubber sole with an aggressive tread design provides sure-footed grip in all directions and a 3.5 mm rubber sole that maximizes impact protection from stones and debris, while better allowing proper barefoot dynamics. Naturally breathable upper with an adjustable hook-and-loop closure ensures a secure fit. It is available in black/green for men and lilac/black/green for women.

Designed for an enhanced trail running experience, the new Spyridon LS offers a closed speed lace system to accommodate a wider foot or higher instep. The naturally breathable upper has an adjustable hook-and-loop closure for a secure fit, and a minimalist Vibram rubber sole with aggressive tread pattern allows proper barefoot dynamics and “foot feel,” while delivering protection on rugged surfaces. It is available in military green/grey/black for men.

Vibram is available at SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Trinoma, Planet Sports (Rockwell, Vmall Greenhills, Newport and Glorietta) Tobys (Mall of Asia and Shangrila), Runnr (BHS, Trinoma and Ayala Center Cebu), ROX BHS, Urban Athletics Greenbelt and Chimes Davao. 

For more information, call 845-3850, e-mail:marketing@barefootwearinc.com. 

Visit the website at: www.vibramfivefingers.ph.

21K Barefoot Run

It was one of my plans to run barefoot on a race. But I never thought that I'd be doing it on a 21K race.

Rewind AUGUST 6, 2011
Slept around 11PM only to be awaken at 2AM (Aug 7) by the sound of rain outside of our window. Was already thinking of not going to the race, then I remembered that I have to give a 5K bib to a friend. So I set my alarm clock to 4AM.

AUGUST 7, 2011
At 4AM, I hurriedly took a shower, changed clothes, grabbed my bag and drove going to BGC. Halfway of my travel, I randomly checked the things I'll be needing for the race.

BIB, checked. TEAM BORING shirt, checked. SOCKS, checked, RUNNING SHORTS, checked. SHOES... !@#!#%$%%^!*@^

buti na lang tangaaaaaa!!!

Should I go back to get my shoes or just go to BGC and DNS the run. If I go back to get my shoes, I'll definitely be late for the race. And I'll be late in giving my friend his 5K bib. @#!$^@%!@*^!)(*@

Decisions... decisions...

I decided not to get my shoes and will decide if I'd run or not once I get to BGC.

And as luck would have it, the road going to the parking lot near Fitness First was already blocked from traffic. I was forced to follow the flow of vehicles being guided by the race marshalls.

As soon as I got to park, the 21K race started. Good thing I was able to find my friend and give the 5K race bib.

The 10K runners were starting to pile up on the starting line. So I have to inch my way to start my 21K race.

On the onset of my run, I was already thinking that I might not finish the distance since the longest I ran barefoot was only about 5K. Only 5K and it gave me blisters.

I was able to catch up with Jet at the 4K mark. I told Jet, that if I feel something wrong then I would stop.

But when we were about to go up the Kalayaan flyover, I said to myself... "Kaya ko to, konti na lang. Kalahati na lang"

Then this guy comes up from behind and asked...

Mr: "Uy! Barefoot ka hanggang matapos? Pang-ilang beses mo na yan?"

Rod: "Pangalawa na po."

Mr: "Ahhh.. kaya mo yan. Makakatapos ka."

Sorry Mr., but I lied. That was my first time to run barefoot longer than 5K. I told you that it was my second just so I won't get an "a-che-che" reaction.

a-che-che!!!

Jet and I did not try to run the stretch of Kalayaan flyover. You see, the asphalt on that area was so rough I can't even do my power walk.

So when we got down from the flyover, we started to jog. Blisters were already brewing, but walking only makes it more painful.

When Jet heed to the "call of nature". I told him that I would be doing power walk and to just catch up with me.

But when I crossed the intersection of Ayala and Buendia, I felt energized. So I started to run. I ran up to the U-turn before the train tracks and back again to the direction of the Kalayaan flyover.

If my calculations were correct, I spent 20+ minutes on that stretch. Can't do power walk. Can't do longer stride. Pain was unbearable at that point and was thinking of quitting. I was thinking of just going straight to the finish line. But then again, that would still be a long painful walk. So again I decided to run.

It's there were I met my new best friend... "CL", the "center line".

ayos sa planking!!!

Those CLs are smooth. And although I can still feel the pain, I'd run on one of those CLs anytime compared to the asphalts of the BGC area.

Last 50m to the finish line. I saw the time reading 2:46:50. So I dashed towards the finish line. Stepped on the mat while looking at the clock read 2:47:00.

That's when I felt all the pain. Team Boring team mates where giving high fives and were smiling (or laughing).

wahahahahahha!!!!

And while I was walking towards the hydration booth to get a Gatorade. I felt something wet on my shins. When I looked down, I saw the blister on the middle of my 4th & 5th toe squirting fluid. Then I fainted...

No, joke lang. I did not faint. I just cancelled the idea of going to the hydration booth and just go to my car.

I was so wasted that when I sat on my car, I never ever want to stand up.

Will I do it again? Yes, I will. But not on a 21K distance. Just thinking of running barefoot atop Kalayaan flyover still gives me the shivers...

I Ran Barefoot! Woot!

I've been toying the idea of running barefoot for quite some time. And when the MILO Apex coach told us to run 35mins around the BGC loop, I removed my shoes and ran barefoot.

Good thing that it was dark and not many noticed that I ran carrying my shoes.

1st loop was bliss as I was feeling everything. The asphalt, the cement, the sand, the stones, the road...

2nd loop, I felt something like a small rock got stuck on the balls of my right foot. But I ignored it hoping that it will eventually fall off.

3rd loop, felt the same thing on my left foot.

And on the 4th and final loop, I realized that what I was feeling on my feet was hot spots brewing.

All in all, the experience was very very good.

I just need to add more mileage and grow callous.

Failed Attempt

My first try on running barefoot made me realize that I should be doing this alone... Well, not really alone by myself. But alone as in, walang pwedeng kumontra!

My daughter and I just came home from running 5K at the Alaska Family Run. We were at the baggage counter earlier before the start of the race and I was removing my shoes to try running barefoot. As soon as my daughter saw this, she blurted.. "Ay nakoooo... hindi ako tatakbo...."

Ppfffttttt....

And so I did the next best thing. I removed my shoes after we crossed the finish line and walked barefoot. x_X

Barefoot Red

How does the name Barefoot Red sounds?

I'm in the middle of chapter 23 of the book "Born To Run", where Ted McDonald's story was being told. And how he eventually became Barefoot Ted.

asteeg!!!

O-ha! Ted... Red... Barefoot Ted... Barefoot Red... uy, rhyme!!! And! Mataas din ang hairline nya! Okay, fine. Ted is also bald. *smirk*

Now, why am I toying with the idea of going barefoot? Although I still have this love-hate relationship with this minimalist shoe brand. Well, mostly hate. (I'll write another post about this...) Ulit... Now, why am I toying with the idea of going barefoot? Reading chapter 23 made me realize that running shoes (especially the cushioned) does affect your stride and posture.

As what Barefoot Ken Bob said...

Shoes block pain, not impact!
Pain teaches us to run comfortably!
From the moment you start going barefoot, you will change the way you run.

I'll try to run barefoot this weekend and will post kung ano man ang mangyari.

Good luck sa akin! Woot!!!

MERRELL Barefoot

I was recently invited at the MERRELL Barefoot Launch at Market! Market! Although I wasn't able to try one, I think it has a lot of potential.

Below is the article given to those who attended the launch...

Let your feet lead you on a Merrell barefoot adventure!

There’s a new sports craze that has running magazines, websites, and bloggers talking – barefoot or minimalist running.

Barefoot running is not as far-fetched as it sounds. This running technique is so effective that it has enthusiasts and serious athletes trying out “barefoot” or “barely there” running shoes.

This type of footwear allows people to get back outside and reconnect with nature every step of the way. Its lightweight yet protective design allows wearers to get a feel of their surroundings and develop better flexibility, balance, and awareness. No more waiting in line at the gym or fancy equipment for a day of fun and adventure outdoors.

Merrell’s Barefoot collection is comfortable enough to let you run and play outside with the kids, cruise the farmer’s market, or complete an urban road race. Merrell also partnered with Vibram to ensure that each Barefoot shoe model is durable and gives that unique feeling of being almost barefoot.

Unlike other minimalist footwear styles, the Merrell Barefoot collection is super lightweight, flexible, low profile, beneficial, and stylish. Its ergonomic designs also strengthens feet and legs, realigns posture, and stimulates the senses. All of these benefits in one pair of shoes.

Go on a Merrell Barefoot adventure now. Try the Merrell Barefoot collection at Merrell concept stores and outlets nationwide.

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Merrell Barefoot Collection: Let your feet lead you

In 1960 Abebe Bikila was a late addition to the Ethiopian Olympic team, set to run the marathon. When he didn’t like the way his shoes fit before the race, he decided to scrap them and race barefoot, the way he had trained. Two hours and fifteen minutes later, he was Olympic champion, the hero of a nation and the first big name in barefoot running.

Almost 50 years later, Christopher McDougall publishes Born to Run, a book on the Tarahumara tribe in the remote mountains of Mexico and the unique yet efficient barefoot running style. Slowly, people started notice barefoot running and its benefits.

With these in mind, Merrell partnered with Vibram® to produce an exclusive Barefoot Collection for the outdoor category. Minimalist, lightweight, versatile, and efficient, the Merrell Barefoot Collection allows feet to grip authentic natural surfaces and lead sports enthusiasts into their preferred outdoor activities.
This new footwear style helps create a more natural stride because it encourages a forward momentum and mid-foot landing. It also provides a lower impact and an aligned and effortless gait. The Merrell Barefoot Collection is designed to stimulate different muscles, strengthen the core, and improve agility.

Walking, running or going around barefoot is usually a unique and pleasurable experience for everyone. People love being barefoot because it creates a connection with nature and what they’re doing. But since most people aren’t willing to go to work, hike a trail, or ride a bike completely shoe-less (not to mention most restaurants and shops won’t let you completely barefoot), this new shoe styles are ideal for people who are looking for that connection.

The Barefoot Collection for men includes the Trail Glove, True Glove, and Tough Glove. All three styles are extremely lightweight and versatile and can take you from the trail to walking around town.




Ladies will take a liking for the Merrell Pace Glove, Power Glove, and Pure Glove. All shoe models follow the Merrell’s credo “Performance Made Beautiful,” because they fit well and look good at the same time.




Try the Merrell Barefoot Collection now at Merrell concept stores and all leading department stores. Go outdoors with the Merrell Barefoot!

The Painful Truth?!?

I was toying with the idea running with slippers or even on barefoot. I already saw a few people running barefoot in races. Looking at them run seems so graceful yet so painful.


But searching the internet for answers if running with slippers or barefoot is okay, yield me a surprising find...

Here's an excerpt:

"Then there's the secretive Tarahumara tribe, the best long-distance runners in the world. These are a people who live in basic conditions in Mexico, often in caves without running water, and run with only strips of old tyre or leather thongs strapped to the bottom of their feet. They are virtually barefoot.

Come race day, the Tarahumara don't train. They don't stretch or warm up. They just stroll to the starting line, laughing and bantering, and then go for it, ultra-running for two full days, sometimes covering over 300 miles, non-stop. For the fun of it. One of them recently came first in a prestigious 100-mile race wearing nothing but a toga and sandals. He was 57 years old.

When it comes to preparation, the Tarahumara prefer more of a Mardi Gras approach. In terms of diet, lifestyle and training technique, they're a track coach's nightmare. They drink like New Year's Eve is a weekly event, tossing back enough corn-based beer and homemade tequila brewed from rattlesnake corpses to floor an army.

Unlike their Western counterparts, the Tarahumara don't replenish their bodies with electrolyte-rich sports drinks. They don't rebuild between workouts with protein bars; in fact, they barely eat any protein at all, living on little more than ground corn spiced up by their favourite delicacy, barbecued mouse.

How come they're not crippled?

I've watched them climb sheer cliffs with no visible support on nothing more than an hour's sleep and a stomach full of pinto beans. It's as if a clerical error entered the stats in the wrong columns. Shouldn't we, the ones with state-of-the-art running shoes and custom-made orthotics, have the zero casualty rate, and the Tarahumara, who run far more, on far rockier terrain, in shoes that barely qualify as shoes, be constantly hospitalised?"

Ouch!?!?

For the complete article, CLICK THIS!!!