Archive for the ‘Reviews’ Category

I  just picked up my second pair of Sidi Dominators (5) after I was forced to retire my first pair after nearly 5 years of abuse.

These shoes are quite possibly the finest product I have ever used.  It is one of those items that you don’t purchase due to the high price tag… but after you do, you wonder how you survived without them.  (ok, maybe exaggerating a bit)… but I couldn’t be happier with these shoes.

I have a wide foot and am forced into a smaller selection when it comes to footwear.  Sidi Dominators come in a ‘Mega’ size… which is their wide option.  It takes a couple of rides, but very soon the shoe forms to your foot.   If you go to Sidi’s website, you can read up on their technology and shoe options.  Some models allow you to swap out the cleats and straps.

They are truly meant for long term abuse.  I have not only biked in about every condition imaginable with these.. but also ran several miles during races, paddled, climbed, etc.    If you keep your eyes open, you can sometimes catch clearance/sale prices that make them very affordable.

Picked up these Prana Mojo shorts the other day at Backwoods in Omaha.  They are designed to be durable and provide unrestricted movement. They have an elastic waistband, two front pockets and a rear pocket.

They are made of polyester and  come in a few different colors.  The inseam length is decent — not too short, not too long.

I took them for a 12 mile paddle and a 6 mile run in a single day.  During the paddle, I waded up to my waist for a section, so the shorts were soaked.

They dried about as quick as any other wicking material and remained comfortable during my run.  I thought I might have issues with the elastic waistband (rubbing, etc), but it was comfortable.

I will update more after I have had them a chance to bike and race with them.

If you are an endurance runner, you are probably not a stranger to using custom footbeds.  A lot of times when your shoe feels worn out and/or doesn’t provide the support like they did when they were new, it is probably due to the insole.  Most insoles that come standard in new/off the shelf shoes are pretty weak.  They hold up a few dozen miles… some more, some less.

I read an article posted on Nike ACG’s website.  They recommended these Sole foodbeds, stating they are fantastic for endurance running/hiking etc.  I always hesitated buying because of the $45 price tag.    After my insoles broke down in my Merril Gortex shoes, I decided to pick up a pair at Sheels.

Out of the box, they look pretty extreme.  They have a very high arch and do not look like they would be very comfortable.  The instructions direct you to heat the footbeds in the oven at 200 degrees for 2 minutes.  An indicator on the bottom of the insoles will turn black when they are properly ‘cooked’.    You quickly insert them into your shos, slip in your foot, sinch them up, and stand still for 2 minutes.  The idea is that once they are heated, they mold to your foot.

On the first try, I noticed how the high arch was leveled a bit by my weight… and how the other parts of the footbed molded to my foot.  However, after a couple of minutes, I could still feel the arch pushing more against my foot than the rest of the bed.    So, back in the oven they went.  The directions indicate you can reheat the insoles several times.  The second time, I noticed a huge difference in how they fit.  What was the most noticable is how I felt every part of my foot touching the bed.   I guess it makes sense, if your foot is only touching the insole in a few places, these spots are prone to blisters, fatique, etc.

My foot felt very balanced in the Sole.  Every part of my foot and toes feel like they are touching the insole evenly.  In theory, this means that my weight is evenly distributed over the entire insole.  After racing the Bonk Hard Chill, I was very impressed.  My usual leg, back and foot fatique was noticably less after wearing the insoles.    I’m hooked.  This is truly a fantastic product and well worth the money.

I saw these Heat Factory Heated Footbed’s at Dick’s Sporting Goods the other day and thought they would be fantastic.  I have a problem with my feed getting cold, regardless of what I wear.  The Heat Factory footbeds are designed like any other custom insole, where you cut to fit, etc.  However, these footbeds have a cavity under the toes where you can slip in a normal size foot or hand warmer packet.  Here’s the problem… heat packets require air to active them.  Because there is essentially little to no airflow under your foot, the packets quickly lose their ability to keep warm.  So I’m back looking for another solution.

There are other, more expensive options.  Hotronic makes a heated footbed as well as Scarpa.  I suppose if my feet get cold enough, I’ll be willing to lay down the $200+ for a set.  Until then, I’m still looking for options and suggestions.  As for the Heat Factory ones… they were not worth the $12.

-hank

If you train through the winter in Nebraska, you either have the correct gear, or wish you did.  I have made many winter gear purchases 10 minutes after a three hour ride in January.

One of the finest products on the planet is the Underarmour Cold Gear line.  If you have worn this stuff, you know exactly what I’m talking about.  I own a couple of pieces:  The NTS (next to skin) thick baselayer and the fleece outer, secondary layer.  I have ridden in wind chill temperatures as low as -25F with two layers.  Layer 1, my UA Cold Gear.  Layer 2, my Mountain Hardware ice climber softshell.  Before I had the Cold Gear, I had at least 3 other base layers.  If you look at the total cost, $50 doesn’t seem like much.  I bought mine in Florida at an outlet mall for $30… but, ordinarily this stuff does not drop in price.