Posts Tagged ‘trail shoes’
Caveman goes Altra Running
I’m very happy to announce a Caveman and Altra Running partnership!
After years of struggling with injury (since I cut my foot at XTERRA Richmond) and not being able to run much, I believe I found the answer to my calf injury woes. A shoe that promotes Natural Running, and also gives you many cushioning and tread options: All Altra shoes have Zero drop soles- which promotes proper foot strike (a problem I have not been able to fix by simply concentrating) – where your foot is supposed to land under your belly button and improve posture. The wide, foot shaped toe box is not only super comfortable, but also makes your big toe and Achilles work properly.
Read more on the very insightful “Learn to run” page.
Golden Harper the founder and owner of Altra ran a 2.45 marathon at age 12, looked at the science of injury prevention, and went on to remove the heel drop in shoes by baking them in a toaster and shaving the heels down. Sounds Caveman enough for me!
Why Altra is awesome:
A foot shaped shoe!
Who would have thunk?! Seems like common sense, but no one else does it. Using your big toe is crucial for stability and efficient running, and the big toe box allows your toes and forefoot to function naturally. Absorbing impact, balancing and pushing off.
Zero drop for all shoes:
Avia AVI STOLTZ review
My own customization for the muddy ski slopes at XTERRA Vermont
From Triathlon Product Reviews
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Avia Avi Stoltz Xterra Racing Shoe
After the traction disaster that my wife and I both suffered during the Granite Bay Duathlon, we went looking for a shoe with better traction that qualified as a racer. We both have significantly different needs. I sometimes qualify as a Clydesdale as I hover around 200 lbs, but I’m a pretty neutral runner. I usually race in a light weight trainer (like the Brooks Ghost for example) with the green superfeet insole for just a little support. My wife Tatjana weighs about 115 lbs and is one of the fastest 40+ runners in our area. She pronates moderately, but since she is so small, she doesn’t need a lot of support. She usually races in a racing shoe that has some support built in and orthotics or the same green superfeet insoles.
Customizing your Avia AVI Stoltz for mud…
XTERRA Vermont was the muddiest race I have ever done. Even the run was really slippery and muddy and it went straight up and down the Sugar Bush ski slopes.
Special conditions calls for special measures. I modified my Avia AVI STOLTZ Caveman style…
Step 1: Buy a handful of 1/2 inch screws with big heads.
Step 2: Screw them into the sole in the right places. (2 screws on the heel optional)
Step 3: Run in the mud!
Here is a picture of the downhill in Sugar bush in Vermont. The run gained (and lost) 750m (2300ft) in 10km.
