SKORA: Base Shoe Review

It’s difficult to find a pair of shoes that you can run-in, walk-in and wear out to dinner… Shoes that are good for everything. But I think I finally did it, I found my one stop shop!

SKORA

Skora is a new company, from Portland, Oregon, with lots of fresh ideas. They are different and original with a slogan that makes you want to give them a try: RUN REAL. I want to run like I was supposed to run, not run how company’s are trying to mold me. I was a little skeptical at first going to something new but literally, I have not felt a more comfortable shoe. I opened the box, put them on and didn’t take them off. No joke. I was like no way a shoe is this comfortable without breaking them in. EVERY shoe I have ever worn has recovered some break-in time. But not these. Here are the shoes I got:

These are called Base, which are a women’s shoe in light blue, white, and blue

MY FIRST RUN

For my first run in the Skora’s, I did a road run of 5 miles. It was great, and even in the rain. They were very light and not bothersome at all. No blisters, no discomfort anywhere, just a great run. You can wear these shoes in rain or shine, socks or no socks, road or trail, they are amazing.

Also, just to add-in, I’m not used to the minimalist shoe yet. So my first run did go very smoothly, however, I had sore calves the next day, which isn’t a bad thing. It’s part of the process from changing from a heel strike to a strike in the middle of my foot. I don’t mind feeling sore, I like to know my body is working hard. I did some shorter and slower runs to build the up muscle memory and get my legs used to the motion and new running style. It’s only been 3 weeks but I feel that these shoes and I will go far… no pun intended.

Notice the velcro straps

A WEEKEND IN D.C.

I just went on a mini vacation to Washington D.C. and I brought my Skora’s… I actually didn’t bring any other shoe on the trip. Our first day there, we walked 15 miles. Now, that’s a far walk. My sister’s started complaining about their feet and legs and blisters… But not me. I didn’t even think about my shoes once. I never had to re-tie the laces(thanks to the velcro), never felt a blister forming, and had no pain anywhere. Next day, we did 10 miles. No problems again. It even rained on us. My shoes dried so quickly, it was great. Also, I wore my Skora’s out to dinner and they look great with jeans or shorts. They are so versatile.

The Jefferson Memorial. Look closely and you will see that I am rocking my Skora’s

Outside the National Zoo, walked miles to get here!

THE BASE – WOMEN’S SHOE: LIGHT BLUE, WHITE, BLUE

Now more about the shoe itself. Base is a very durable shoe. The shoe has a very unique design with an X-strap system for the laces. There are no shoe strings, just velcro that crosses the shoe in the middle and it can be adjusted. There is also another velcro strap on the heel that can be adjusted to your liking. The shoe is made of a stretchy mesh material, which makes it so comfortable. Also, if you decide to run at night there are reflective details that will make you be seen by oncoming vehicles. A helpful tip is to order a half-size smaller if you decide that SKORA looks like the shoe for you. To learn more about the Base design and the method behind it, visit: http://skorarunning.com/#/

Overall, I’m so excited to train for my half-marathon in my Skora’s. My race is on November 25 so I’m training now and the running couldn’t be better. I will keep everyone updated with my training and how it goes. I’m so excited. It will be my first half and my friends are even doing it with me. Enough sitting for me, time to go outside!

P.s. If you are on Facebook, SKORA has a great page with many helpful tips, reminders, and motivation to keep you training. I love when their stuff pops up on my newsfeed.

Taking It To The Trails: Reasons Why

It’s a new revoultion of running… TRAIL RUNNING! That requires a new revolution of running shoes… THE MINAMILST SHOE!

Recently, I have become more interested in taking my runs from the streets to the trails. Running on the road is much different then running on roots, mud, rocks, hilly terrain, etc. I have heard that once you start trail running, you won’t want to go back to the streets.

I find Trail Running to be so much more beneficial than any road run that I have done. I also, feel that I have to work a lot harder while running on trails. Here are some of the benefits I have found to trail running.

1. Scenery Change

Mountains, forests, springs, waterfalls, nature… Trails are beautiful. The scenery is never the same. I see so many animals while running, like deer, rabbits, tortoises, birds, etc. Also, the overall atmosphere is perfect. It makes me feel like I’m somewhere different, not in Florida anymore, away from all the stressors in life. It’s very relaxing to be surrounded by trees and wildlife. Being more relaxed makes my run that much more better. Also, many of us are indoors majority of the time surrounded by concrete and walls, trail running allows you to escape all of that!

2. Easier on the Joints

Trail running is great because the surface is soft, usually covered by leaves, pine needles, dirt, and grass which are much better for your joints when compared to concrete and asphalt. And if you are like me and run a lot, you want to keep your joints pain free and trail running, will help prevent any injuries that could be caused by running repeatedly on a harder surface. Your knees will be saying thank you if you transition to the trails.

3. Makes Your Body Tougher

Running on trails requires a different type of running style. It’s not just flat ground… you are going uphill, downhill, leaping over things, etc, your body never gets used to it because the trail changes. Also, if you are a trail runner, you will have a forefoot strike rather then a heel strike. Running on the middle of your foot is what you should be doing. If you are making the transfer from heel striking to forefoot striking, expect your calves to be sore but believe me, I am making the transfer now, and what a difference. My legs actually feel so much stronger and I feel so much more efficient while running. You take smaller steps but you go further in the long run.

4. The Trail Shoe: Very Minimal

Trail running shoes are a necessity if you want to become a trail runner. They make you do more of the work. They have more tread, they are built more durable, and lightweight. Vivo Barefoot is a shoe brand that carries high-quality trail shoes. I like to run in the Vivo Barefoot Neo Trail. It has very aggressive tread for off road surfaces, and I even have tried it on the road and it is manageable for road running. It also, has a water-resistant upper that is perfect for the outdoors. It has a big toe box that allows your feet to flex and a zigzag, lace-lock structure that will keep your foot secure in all circumstances. It is a thin shoe but also has cushion, as well as a removeable insole. Overall, a great shoe for running. The minimalist design is exactly what to look for when it comes to trail running.

Vivo Barefoot Neo Trail Shoes

I know the road may seem more convenient but sometimes you should “treat” yourself to something nicer. Where I live, I have to drive to get to trails but it’s totally worth it for me. But remember, train on what you will compete on. If you do more road races then I suggest sticking to the streets. However, I feel the trails would prepare you just fine for your road races. You will be ready for anything and your body will be even tougher. Go Nature!