Gear Closet: Icebug Spirit 4 OLX Running Shoes

Yesterday, I posted a review of a pair of minimalist running shoes that I liked very much. They were lightweight and comfortable, and very affordable priced. Today I have a very different running shoe, that was built for a very different type of runner. A shoe that is built to get dirty. One that is meant to get off the civilized confines of the street, and on to a nasty trail. But in doing so, it will give the runner all the tools they need to conquer that trail, and then some.

Awhile back, I tested and reviewed a pair of running shoes from a company called Icebug that were specifically designed for trail running in the winter. Those shoes were built to keep your feet warm and dry, while also providing excellent traction – thanks to built-in carbide-tipped cleats – on snow and ice. Now, Icebug has brought that same approach to their trail running shoes that are designed for use in the summer as well. Their new Spirit 4 OLX model has been designed to give trail runners a pair of shoes that will allow them to be very aggressive in their approach, without compromising speed, comfort, and agility in anyway.

When Icebug was creating this shoe, they were actually building it for the specific needs of world class orienteering competitors. But their needs actually align quite nicely with those of serious trail runners as well. The Spirit 4 takes some cues from Icebug's previous model, the Spirit 3, but make some slight modifications to improve overall comfort. Those adjustments include a softer, more comfortable heel cup, and a slight lowering of that cup to reduce the pressure on the Achilles tendon.


It is important to point out that the Spirit 4 is water resistant, which means it will take on some water when they get wet, although Icebug says it won't add more than 20% to the weight. While there are obviously other running shoes on the market that are completely water proof, those tend to not breathe as well, which can lead to hot feet during the summer months, and worse yet, blisters.

These shoes include Icebugs trademark carbide-tipped spikes to offer extra traction for runners tackling demanding terrain. Those studs actually do help, allowing the runner to dig in on a variety of terrains in order to get traction. When running a tough trail with these shoes on, I certainly felt more confident that I wasn't going to slip and slide all over the place, even when things got a bit muddy or greasy.

Icebug built these shoes to be incredibly durable, which is why it has a sole that can shrug off punishment with the best of them. These shoes are meant for getting dirty, but that doesn't mean that they'll also start to fall apart once you get a little mud or water on them. While I still want to put more milage on them before I say for sure, the Spirit 4 does seem to be built like a tank, not showing signs of wear or tear in any sense of the word.

This shoe is so good at taking on tough terrain, that I almost hesitate to call it a trail shoe at all. If anything, I'd describe it at an "off road" shoe, since it doesn't even need a trail per se to allow you to keep running. The design is incredibly rugged, the steel cleats offer great traction, and it comfortable on the foot. The result is footwear that should fit the needs of just about anyone who enjoys an active outdoor sport.

These shoes are fairly lightweight considering the fact that they have 14-fixed carbide studs on the sole. They tip the scales at 290 grams (10.2 ounces), which doesn't put them in the same category of truly lightweight shoes on the market. But considering everything that they bring to the table, that's a remarkable weight for sure.

Make no mistake, these shoes are not for everyone. Your average trail runner or outdoor athlete will like find them to be a bit of overkill. But if you fall into the category of runners who demands a lot out yourself, and your gear, these are excellent shoes to have at your disposal. Whether you're competing in an orienteering competition, doing your favorite trail run, dipping your toe in the adventure racing market, or trying an obstacle course race, this is the shoe for you. It would probably even serve as a comfortable approach shoe as well, given that its design is meant to be versatile.

Priced at $144.95, these shoes aren't a minor investment. But they are definitely worth it for the right athlete.

Gear Closest: Skora Fit Running Shoes

Like most runners, I got pulled into the minimalist craze that was all the rage a few years back. I liked the idea of running with lighter footwear, and the approach that proponents of the minimalist approach espoused, and while I found it worked well for me on short runs (3 miles (5km) or less), when I ran further than that, I often found that the approach didn't hold up for me personally. I needed a shoe with a bit more support for those longer distances, and most the minimalist shoes just weren't meeting my needs.

Back then, one of the shoes that I reviewed was the Skora Form, which I liked very much, although I found them on the pricier side of the minimalist market. But like most of the other footwear that I tested in that category, they were ver comfortable to wear and gave you a sense that you were well connected to the ground, but I also didn't find that they were good for longer distances. Over the past couple of year though, Skora has continued to perfect their designs and offer new options for runners. Recently, I decided to give one of their new designs a second look, and I'm glad I did. The new Fit training shoe is a good example of how the minimalist movement has matured in recent months, blending new designs and materials to still create lightweight shoes, but also providing more overall support and comfort than ever before.

I have to admit, when I first pulled on my pair of Fit shoes, I was afraid I'd have the same relationship with them as I had in with similar designs from the past. They instantly felt good on my feet, but I worried that might not hold up on longer runs, especially since I had recently increased my weekly mileage by a fair amount, and added a lot more hills to the workout. I first put them to the test on 6.5 mile (10.4 km) route with a new running group that I joined, and they performed well. I was able to maintain a steady seven-and-a-half minute mile for the workout, and when I was done, my legs and feet felt great. Subsequent runs confirmed those findings, and if anything, they actually got more comfortable once I put a few miles on them.


Skora says that the Fit is "the ultimate all-purpose running and training shoe," and as such, they've built it for comfort, speed, and agility. It is made from breathable fabrics that help keep your feet cool and dry, and an innovative new support pattern is actually created using a 3D printer. The results are pretty impressive. While this isn't a "barefoot" shoe by any means, it does manage to be super lightweight, without compromising on the protection for your feet and legs.

As with the previous Skora shoes that I tested, the Fit also seems quite durable for a minimalist shoe. I've put a fair amount of milage on them already, and they still look practically brand new. Then again, I am one of those runners whose shoes tend to look good, long after the support and cushioning has blown out. They end up being horrible for running, but still look practically brand new.

Skora also managed to make some serious headway in offering an affordable option for those who are looking for a very lightweight shoe. The price tag on a fair of Fits is just $94.95, which makes them very competitively priced with just about an other decent running shoe on the market. That is to say, you can obviously by running shoes that cost less than this, but you really do get what you pay for.

Throughout this review, I've used the word "minimalist" and "lightweight" a lot. So just how light are the Fits? They tip the scale at 8.2 ounces (232 grams), which definitely puts them in the minimalist category, even if they are a slight step up from "barefoot."

Personally, I think Skora has a winner on their hands with these shoes. They are comfortable, but surprisingly supportive, which in turn keeps your feet very happy. If you're in the market for a new pair of running shoes, and you want to go minimalist, the Skora Fits will fit your needs quite nicely. And they won't make your wallet cry out in pain either.

Gear Closet: Sperry Top-Sider SON-R Sounder Shandal

One of the holy grails of outdoor gear has always been a pair of comfortable water shoes that can be worn both on and off the water. Sure, there are plenty of great shoes out that there that perform well while boating, kayaking or hiking through lakes and streams, but wander away from the water and usually become uncomfortable to wear for a prolonged period of time. But Sperry Top-Sider hopes to change all of that with their SON-R Sounder Shandal, a shoe that looks like a light hiker, is designed like a water shoe and performs somewhere in the middle.

If you're not familiar with Sperry Top-Sider, they've been designing footwear for nearly 80 years. The company has the distinction of creating the first boat shoe and since introducing it back in 1935, Sperry has continued to push the envelope in terms of shoes designed to used in and around the water. Today they have a wide variety of shoes that range from casual slip ons, sandals, oxfords and much more. But company's legacy remains in water shoes and it is a field in which they continue to chart new territory.

The SON-R Sounder Shandal is one of their newest offerings and features a host of specialized technology. The shoe is made from quick drying and breathable mesh materials that are designed to keep the feet comfortable while limiting scuffing and abrasions. Those same fabrics allow water to drain from within the shoe, helping to further promote quick drying performance. A soft internal lining is made from anti-microbial materials that helps minimize odor while also further protecting the foot. A rubber outsole keeps its grip quite nicely, even on wet surfaces but still allows the wearer to have a sense of feedback from the ground, helping them to feel connected to the ground at all times.

So how do all of those components perform when assembled together to create the Sounder Shandal? Turns out, exceptionally well. For starters, the shoe is extremely comfortable to wear both around the water and on dry land. Soft and flexible, the Shandal feels a lot like a lightweight running shoe that just so happens to be able to shake off water with ease. True to the their word, Sperry has built a shoe that does indeed dry quickly, which is important for keeping your feet happy while transitioning from water to land and back again. These shoes make that transition so effortless in fact that you'll barely notice when you move from one medium to another.

Of course, you can make similar claims about a other water shoes from competitors as well and what really sets the Sounder Shandal apart from the crowd is its SON-R technology. This aspect of the shoe's design is meant to keep the foot in touch with the ground, providing good feedback on surface conditions. While wearing these shoes, your feet actually do feel in touch with the surface beneath them, whether that is rocky lake bed, the wet deck of a ship or a dry trail through the woods. As mentioned earlier, the Shandals actually feel a bit like a trail running shoe, which is a major compliment considering their intended purpose.

Kayakers in particular will find the Sounder Shandal to be a particularly good addition to their personal gear closets, especially if they find themselves having to make portages on a regular basis. The shoes are comfortable, quick drying, and drain nicely without keeping all kinds of silt or pebbles on the interior where they can rub blisters onto your feet. I think sailors will enjoy the shoes as well since they have a distinctive look, grip well on a variety of surfaces and are easy on the feet.

Obviously there are better options out there for a pure trail shoe but that isn't what the Sounder Shandal is all about. However, aas far as water shoes go, it is tough to beat what Sperry Top-Sider has done here. They perform as well as any water shoe I've ever worn, they look great and they provide solid performance away from the water as well. If you're in the market for an excellent shoe for your paddling activities, you owe it to yourself to try the Sounder Shandals. With a price tag of $90, they offer exceptional value for footwear that is built to perform like nothing else on the market. Give 'em a shot. I have a feeling you're going to like them too.

Gear Closet: Keen Alpha WP CNX Hiking Shoes

When shoe company Keen isn't busy building sandals to our custom specifications they're putting together some of the most comfortable and versatile footwear available to travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. For the past ten years Keen has pushed the envelope in terms of design while continually creating lightweight and durable products for both town and trail. That tradition continues with their new line of CNX shoes, which feature a minimalist design that doesn't compromise on stability or protection.

The latest addition to the CNX line-up is the new Alpha WP, a low-cut shoe that has been built with the multi-sport athlete in mind.  It features a lightweight midsole and contoured arch support that allow these shoes to feel much sturdier than their 12 ounce (340 gram) weight would normally imply. The Alpha has a unique, flexible sole that keeps your feet in tune with the surface yet still provides plenty of comfort and protection. In keeping with Keen's typical high standards, the shoes are also very durable, brushing off all kinds of punishment while remaining as good looking as if they had just come out of the box.

At first glance, the Alpha resembles a mash-up of a light hiking shoe and a trail runner. Its synthetic upper is soft, lightweight and breathable. It also happens to be waterproof, which lends these shoes a level of versatility that isn't found in many of tis competitors. This combination of properties makes these a great shoe for hitting the trail for just about any kind of activity. While putting my pair of Alphas to the test, I took them hiking on trails of mud and rock, mountain biking and even trail running. In each case, they performed exceptionally well. At the end of each of those activities my feet felt as comfortable as they did when I first set-out. That's no small feat for footwear that weigh so little.



One of my favorite aspects of Keen shoes has always been the fact that there is little to no break-in time. That holds true here as well. Typically I take a new pair of hiking shoes out of the box and wear them while running errands around town for awhile before I actually hit the trail, but when I put the Alphas on for the first time they felt like they were good to go straight out of the box. As a result, I never experienced any kind of abrasions or blistering while wearing these shoes, even when I hiked a substantial number of miles in them on hot Texas trails.

As mentioned, these shoes are waterproof and feature Keen's proprietary Keen.dry technology. At the heart of that system is a breathable membrane that manages to keep moisture out while also allowing heat and vapor from inside the shoe to escape. This is an extremely effective system as the shoes managed to keep my feet nice and dry while crossing streams but also kept them from getting too warm during the heat of the day. When paired with a lightweight hiking sock, these shoes are perfect for just about any conditions.

Many of Keen's shoes have a styling that makes them work well both on the trail or in casual settings around town. The design of the Alpha definitely lean more towards the trail however, although I still found plenty of reasons to wear them in an urban setting where they performed equally well. Because they are lightweight and easy to pack, they also make great shoes for the active traveler, where versatility and performance are greatly appreciated.

If you're in the market for a pair of shoes that can serve you equally well on local trails – both on foot and on a bike – or while trekking in remote locations on the other side of the planet, the Keen Alpha WP is a great option. These lightweight, comfortable and durable, not to mention waterproof, shoes are a great investment for the active outdoor enthusiast who doesn't want to break the bank. Keen has priced these shoes at $130, which seems like quite the bargain for a footwear that is this easy to like.

Follow Up: Keen "Build Your Own Shoe" Experience

A few weeks ago I posted about a new option from Keen footwear that allows you to build your own custom pair of their iconic Newport sandals. The new site gives you the option to select the individual colors of nearly every part of the shoe allowing you to completely personalize the look of your sandals. At the time, I had just gone through the process and was waiting for my shoes to built and sent my way. Keen indicated it would take 2-3 weeks for delivery and I promised I'd follow up once I had the final product in hand. The shoes arrived on my doorstep a week and a half ago and I have to say I'm quite impressed.

Over the years I have owned several pairs of the Newport sandals and they have always been one of my favorite shoes. The Newports are perfect for kicking around town, light duty on a trail, relaxing in camp or as a travel shoe. They are versatile, comfortable and good looking and they perform well in and around the water too. In short, they are a fantastic option for an urban adventure or one that takes you to the far side of the globe.

I wasn't sure if that description would hold up for a pair of Newports that I designed myself and Keen custom built to my specifications, but considering Keen's legacy for creating excellent products, I should have known better than to worry. My new sandals have a fantastic build quality and look great too, which wasn't always a given considering I picked all of the colors myself. But more than all of that, this new pair of sandals are by far the most comfortable Newports that I have worn. That says something considering they weren't just picked off the rack in a retail store but were instead built specifically for me.

The new "Build Your Own" option is not only fun it delivers a great pair of shoes too. That is exactly what you'd expect from Keen but it was nice to have those expectations not just met but exceeded. If you're a fan of Keen's active sandals, the ability to create your own is a compelling option. Sure, you can still go buy a pair of Newports in your favorite outdoor store and they'll serve you well. But for a few dollars more, you can get a pair built to your own custom design. Why not express your creativity and go with this option? You won't be disappointed.

Keen Launches "Build Your Own Shoe" Option

One of the coolest things I saw at this year's Outdoor Retailer gear show was a sneak peek from Keen on their new option to build your own custom version of their classic Newport Sandals. In a cool behind the scenes demo, I got an early look at a website that would allow customers to choose colors for various parts of the shoe, including the laces, soles and even the individual straps. At the end of the demo we were told that the new website was in beta testing but would go live soon, and true to their word, Keen launched the "Build Your Own Keen" option last week and I was fortunate enough to get the chance to take it for a test drive.

The Newport is the perfect shoe for Keen to use to introduce this new option. After all, is the sandal that put the company on the map and has remained a mainstay in their line-up for the past ten years. This is a shoe that is durable, comfortable and versatile enough to go with you just about anywhere and my aging pair have been with me on many adventures. The close toed design makes them a great option for hiking trails, paddling rivers or just kicking around camp. They're even stylish enough that you'll enjoy wearing them on your urban adventures too.

Knowing what I know about these shoes and Keen's new option for building your own custom designs, I was eager to see just what the new website would allow a customer to do. I was not disappointed. Choosing from numerous color options and patterns I was able to create a one of a kind pair of Newports that aren't likely be matched by anyone who crosses my path. The colors options allow you to be as conservative or wild as you want and it is possible to select each and ever individual strap, giving you the ability to create some truly outrageous looking shoes.


The site is incredibly easy to use, but more than that it is also incredibly addictive. I hopped on to see what it could do figuring I'd spend 10-15 minutes putting together something that I liked. An hour later I realized that I was never going to complete my order unless I stopped playing around and made some tough decisions about which color combos to go with. I eventually did just that but not before lamenting the various choices that I had to reject in favor of my final choices

Building your own custom Newport sandals will set you back $130, which is $30 more than buying a pair off the rack. Not bad for a pair of shoes that is completely built to your specifications and expresses your own individuality. Keen says that it takes approximately 2-3 weeks to get your shoes after they've been ordered and my pair hasn't arrived yet. Once they do get here, I'll do a follow-up post with my thoughts on the final project. I suspect it will be indistinguishable from any other pair of Newports in terms of quality and comfort, it'll just happen to be of a design of my own creation.

Try your hand at building your own custom Keen sandals by clicking here.

Gear Closet: ECCO Biom Chiappo Sandals

Throughout the year, I've been fortunate enough to test and review a couple of pairs of shoes from ECCO, a company that has been revamping its entire footwear line and in the process releasing some seriously great products. First I was impressed with their Biom Lite Helion minimalist running shoe and later I was bowled over by the Biom Hike 1.2 boots.  Both products were durable, attractive and very comfortable, delivering very good performance in their two very different outdoor activities. Recently I've been putting a new ECCO shoe through its paces and like with its predecessors, I'm extremely impressed. Once again the company has found a way to surprise me with their designs, this time offering up a sandal that is built for the trail. 

If you were to compare the new Biom Terrain Chiappo sandal to a motorized vehicle you'd say that it looks like an ATV or even a dune buggy. It has a rugged suspension, in this case in the form of an amazing outsole and a comfortable interior that keeps the wearer safe from harm while allowing them to go places they never thought they could. At least not in a shoe like this one. 

If you turn the shoe over and only saw the bottom, you'd probably guess you were looking at a light hiking shoe. The sole is flexible, yet incredibly sturdy and offers an excellent grip, even on slick surfaces. ECCO may have built the Chiappo to look like a sandal, but this shoe has the heart of a hiker. 

Slipping the shoe on is an eye-opener as well. These sandals cradle the foot nicely and provide an excellent layer of padding that was completely unexpected. I didn't just think the Chiappos were comfortable for a sandal, I just thought that they were comfortable when compared to any shoe. The ergonomically designed footpad felt great and the low profile sole kept my feet well connected to the surfaces that I was scrambling over – something that is very important when moving over uneven terrain. 

ECCO wisely included three straps for adjusting the fit of these sandals – two across the top of the foot and one along the back of the heel. This really helps to dial-in how you want these sandals to feel on your feet. Personally, I happen to like my performance shoes to be a little on the snug side. It helps me get a better feeling for the ground and react accordingly much more quickly as well. Tightening up the velcro straps on the Chiappos achieved exactly that goal and kept them from feeling like they were going to fall off my feet unexpectedly, something I've experienced with some other sandals in the past. 

Made from yak leather, the shoe's uppers feel soft and comfortable while wrapped around the foot. They also happens to wear very well, resisting scuffs, cuts and other damage with equal aplomb. After putting these shoes to the test on the beach, several hiking trails and while kicking around town, I can honestly say they still look like they have been just taken out of the box. The same level of quality that I saw in ECCO's previous shoes shines through here as well, giving you the sense that these are a pair of shoes that will be with you for years and see you safely through all kinds of adventures. 

In terms of styling, I really like the looks of the Chiappos too. Available in four color schemes, I was sent a pair that are dark gray with reddish accents, a combination that is known as Dark Shadows and Lava in ECCO's vernacular. Those color combinations look totally unique and help these sandals to stand out from the crowd. While they do retain a classic sandal styling, the Chiappos also have a design that is modern, unique and all their own. 

One thing that was a bit of a disappointment for me was the design choice to make the Chiappo an open toed shoe. That means that they vent well and allow your feet to breathe better, particularly in hot climates, but it also allows more loose debris, sand and dirt to get inside. This is somewhat common with many sandals like these however and is basically something you accept when you choose to wear them. Closed toes do make these shoes a more viable option when visiting certain areas or participating in some outdoor activity. For example, when I visited the Amazon Rainforest a few years back, we weren't allowed to wear open toed sandals as they didn't provide enough protection. But in that case it wasn't protection from dirt and dust that was a concern so much as it was the snakes. 

That one nitpick aside however, I have to say that I really love these shoes. I continue to be impressed with how good they feel on my feet and how well they perform in the field. If you've been looking for a lightweight, comfortable and durable sandal that you can hike in, your search is over. Pick up a pair of Ecco Biom Terrain Chiapos and get trekking. Similarly, if you want a comfortable shoe for wearing around camp while backpacking, you can't go wrong either. Your feet will thank you when you slip into them at the end of the day and they won't take up much room in your backpack either. 

The Chiapo Sandals carry an MSRP of $130, which is a competitively priced with similar offerings from competitors. 

Gear Closet: ECCO BIOM Lite Helion Running Shoes

The minimalist running craze has had an undeniable effect on the shoe industry. A few years ago the options for lightweight running shoes were few and far between, but today every major manufacturer has footwear that is designed to meet the needs of the minimalist runner. These options range from barely there barefoot offerings to only slightly more substantial shoes with a more traditional slant. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, but they are all incredibly light and flexible.

Recently I've had the opportunity to test a new entry into the minimalist running shoe market, with this latest design coming from ECCO. If you're not familiar with the company, it offers a variety of high quality footwear options including everything from dress shoes and sandals to hiking boots and athletic gear. ECCO is planning to make a big splash in the running market in the months ahead, releasing shoes for a variety of distances on both the street and the trail. One of their first models in this impressive line-up is the new BIOM Lite Helion, their first truly minimalist running shoe.

As you would expect from a minimalist shoe, the Helion is incredibly lightweight,  to the point that you barely even know that they are on your feet. They feature a zero-drop heel and a very thin sole that helps to keep runners more connected to the ground, while providing only the smallest of protection from impact and surface debris. The shoe has been constructed of highly breathable materials that help keep the feet cool and dry on longer runs. This not only aids in comfort, but also helps to prevent chafing and blistering too.



These shoes are designed to wrap snugly around the foot, creating an anatomically correct layer of protection from the rigors of the road. I found that while they felt comfortable from the first time I ran in them, I also had to put a few miles on them before they were truly broken in. Over time, the interior footpad molded itself nicely to foot, providing a higher level of comfort, while the entire shoe became more flexible and forgiving.

I ran in my pair of Helions with and without socks and actually found them to be more comfortable to wear barefoot. Without socks however, I did manage to rub a blister onto the top of my foot, although to be fair this is an issue I've had with similar shoes in the past as well. I actually feel this is more of an issue with the shape of my foot rather then the shoes themselves. The more I ran in the shoes, the less of an issue it became however.

As with other minimalist footwear that I've tried, the Helion provides a fantastic connection to the road. I found it absolutely sublime to run in these shoes and looked forward to putting them on each day. For me personally, there really is a magical element to running with very little between my feet and the pavement. But I will admit that I can only wear these types of shoes on shorter runs (generally less than five miles) or my feet do suffer from the impact. On longer runs I still revert back to more traditional shoes with thicker, heavier soles.

ECCO's first entry into the minimalist market is a strong one, providing everything a runner could need in a shoe of this time. They are definitely lightweight, and yet at the same time, quite durable. They are also a nice mix of retro design with modern sensibilities, giving them a unique look all of their own. They also happen to be competitively priced at $140, although there are less expensive minimalist options available.

If you're looking for a new lightweight shoe for your running needs, then the ECCO BIOM Lite Helion   needs to be on your radar. Its a great entry into a market that is getting continually more crowded, although these stand out for their comfort and well high quality construction. If you get the opportunity, take 'em for a test run. I think you'll find they make a great addition to your gear closet too.