Showing posts with label Shoes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shoes. Show all posts

30 August 2012

Video: How to choose parkour clothes and shoes?

By Asyraf   Posted at  15:57   Shoes
Video on the basics of parkour clothing and shoes. Hope, it will help you



29 August 2012

Adidas parkour shoes or K-Swiss parkour shoes?

By Asyraf   Posted at  11:03   Shoes
I've found interesting comment on Yahoo! Answers

The question was: "What shoes are better for parkour? K-Swiss Ariake or Adidas Nova??"

The best answer according to raiting is:

For starters, I am sponsored by K-SWISS.

Of course, this gives me pretty good knowledge about at least one of the shoes :) I've had as many pairs of Ariakes as probably anyone - and I love them. 

Pros - Grip, Fit, Feel, Durability
Cons - Break-In, Cost, Durability

How can durability be on both lists? Well, the perfect parkour shoe doesn't exist yet, but the Ariake's are a darn good shot at it.

Fit - buy the Ariake 1/2 a size smaller than you would most shoes. The Pro / Con here is that the shoes will be tight and probably not even comfortable for the first 3-4 times you wear them, and some people even get a heel blister. Stay on it. The payoff is that you end up with a shoe that feels like it was grown out of your fit instead of built around it.
Once you have a broken in Ariake there is more "feel" than any other shoe I've tried.

Grip - Ariake. No Question. For dry (and even some wet) surfaces these are awesome, but, like any purpose built shoe it has negatives, in wet grass or mud these are a little worse than ice skates. On Concrete and brick walls they are like wearing velcro.

Cost- Start at $100 and hard to find at a discount, so treat them nicely and use the for training and they will
last you as long as any other shoe that takes this kind of punishment.


By the way, here are those shoes:





27 August 2012

Types of Parkour Shoes

By Asyraf   Posted at  14:12   Shoes
Good parkour shoes are crucial for safe and enjoyable training.
When looking for the best shoes to train Parkour there are a few things that should be taken into account, certain things to look for, and other things to avoid. Sometimes the best shoes for training can be as little as $20 rather than a gimmicky ‘Parkour specific’ shoe that can be over $200 and not actually be that good for Parkour at all. 

What to look for in a parkour shoe?
Weight. Ideally the shoe should be as light as possible, when your running around all day the less weight you carry the longer you can continue to train. Generally, less added weight to the body is beneficial because it will allow more natural and free movement.

Sole. There are a couple of factors that need to be considered when looking at the sole of a shoe:

Thickness Despite what some may believe, a thick sole is not advisable in a Parkour shoe. Thick soles can sometimes assist in promoting poor technique. Thick soles generally provide a lack of sensitivity between your feet and the environment you interact with. This lack of sensitivity allows some people to attempt drops that they are not yet ready for. Having thinner soles allows you to feel the impact of landings. This is beneficial as it forces you to maintain correct technique so as to avoid injury.

Design Shoes with a one piece sole will be the most effective as they do not tear away in chunks as many soles that are glued together in segments tend to do.
Examples of one piece soles
As soles similar to the ones in the image above wear down, some of the individual parts of rubber (shown in red) will rip off while others stay on, exposing the padding which will wear through very quickly and provide less traction. Most people tend to want to avoid this.

Arches Arches are preferable when choosing a shoe, these work as a safety mechanism when performing precision landings. Sometimes when landing on an edge our feet slip forward, by having an arch in the shoe you can drop the heels and the edge of the landing tends to lock into the foot arch.The only exception to this rule would be when wearing a thin soled flexible shoe like the Feiyue or Dunlop volleys, due to the exceptional flexibility and sensitivity of these shoes you can use the natural arch of your foot for safety.
One thing to avoid is shoes that have hard plastic in the arches (shown in the above image in blue) as this can cause slippage when climbing, and if you happen to land on a metal rail with the hard plastic arch part it will cause you to easily slip off.

Compound The rubber that the sole is manufactured from will generally affect how long the shoe lasts and its ability to grip. Softer compounds tend to supply more grip but wear down more quickly. While harder compounds last longer, their grip can be ineffective at times allowing you to slip down on arm jumps.

Cost If money is no barrier then you are a lucky person and you can afford to spend a lot of money on shoes you will wear out quickly. But if that is not the case, then you should carefully consider how much you are spending on a shoe. If you are training quite a lot then you will more than likely wear the shoe out quickly. There is no point to getting an expensive shoe that will last marginally longer than a cheaper one.

Shoe recommendations
The preferred shoes of many members of the APA are:
Dunlop Volleys Cheap, thin soles, good grip, with the only drawback being the soft compound used for the sole which means they wear away very quickly if you train certain techniques.

Feiyues Similar to Dunlop Volley’s, but with an even thinner sole and a little more expensive. If you’re after a really light, unobtrusive shoe which allows great touch and sensitivity, this is a great choice. But be warned, they are very minimal and provide very little support or padding in the sole and can be hard to adjust to. They are often worn as martial art shoes with the Shaolin Monks being known to wear them.

There are a few companies out there who have made “Parkour Shoes” and generally, these are not recommended, and much better and cheaper shoes can be found. It’s recommend that you avoid the gimmicks and go with one of the recommended shoes above. It is becoming increasingly harder and harder to get good quality, cheap Parkour shoes. The types and style also differ greatly between continents and countries. It is highly recommended that you take the information from here and do your own research within your local region for something that fits within the specifications of a good shoe.

Training parkour barefoot
Although this has been all about shoes, taking them off and training barefoot is very beneficial. As discussed, a good shoe gives you good touch and sensitivity, hinders movement as little as possible, and promotes solid and refined technique. Training barefooted gives you the greatest feel for your environment, allows for complete freedom of movement, and forces you to have solid technique particularly in regards to landing. If you land poorly barefoot it will most likely hurt, so it forces you to land with very good technique, minimising impact.

Whilst it is very hard to train all techniques at a high level barefooted, it is great to take off your shoes and train, even if it is only occasionally. Once you have a reasonable grasp of the techniques involved in Parkour it is a good idea to start doing some barefoot training. Just start by taking your shoes off whilst you normally train and seeing how it feels. Make sure you approach your training with the appropriate caution until you adjust.
As your skill and experience training barefoot increases, you can train extensively without your shoes, eventually being able to train primarily barefoot.

26 August 2012

Review of Parkour shoes

By Asyraf   Posted at  10:51   Shoes
Trully good article from ParkourHelper
One of the most commonly asked questions in the world of le parkour, and one of the hardest ones to answer. There isn’t a definitive shoe that will suit anyone, and there isn’t any single shoe that is best for parkour.
Parkour shoe diamonds can be found in expensive brands or in cheap discount bins; there isn’t any shoe that stands out as best. Obviously if you are here reading this, you don’t want necessarily want to hear that, you want me to do the work and find you some decent parkour shoes. So be it. I have scouted forums and communities looking through the reviews of hundreds and thousands of traceurs, compiling reviews to determine which shoes are most commonly used and reviewed; and the results are in.
Scoring system.To properly access the shoes, there has to be some grading system. After scouring many forums and communities, I have decided to use eight criteria for scoring.

Grip: How well does the shoe stick to surfaces? Shoes intended for parkour should have a considerable amount of grip in order to aid in wall runs, tic-tacs, precisions and the like. To score high in this category, the shoe must have a good grippy sole that will not wear thin too easily. 

Fit: How snug is the shoe? Some shoes such as skate shoes have loose fits, allowing for the foot to move around within the shoe a lot; in parkour, you want to shoe to fit nicely to your foot to minimize room for injury and increase control levels. The better the other reviewers’ fit descriptions and opinions are, the higher the score will be.

Comfort: This will vary from traceur to traceur, but you will want a general idea of how a shoe is going to feel. To grade this I looked at all the shoes reviews and looked at how traceurs thought the shoe felt as they wore it. Obviously the higher the comfort is, the higher the score will be.
  
Weight: In parkour, you want a nice light shoe; one that you could forget was there. Chunky and clunky shoes may hinder your performance and can be physically taxing. While durability shouldn’t be sacrificed for a light pair of shoes, you don’t want to get a heavy pair by any standards. The lighter the shoe, the higher the score.

Flexibility: Many maneuvers in parkour that require your feet will require some amount of flexibility (for instance, a wall run), and you want your shoe to be able to allow that. A shoe that scores highly under this category will be flexible enough to allow for freedom of movement, without sacrificing safety or durability.

Durability: You want your shoe to last. When researching shoes and their reviews from traceurs, I look at how long they have been worn and how they are holding up. While you should never spend much on a pair of parkour shoes, you don’t want to unnecessarily be buying more pairs of shoes because your others have worn through. A shoe ranking high here will last a little longer.

Cushioning: This is a little trickier to score. A shoe for parkour should provide some cushioning to help the lesser experienced handle drops and falls (shoes with substantially less cushioning demand near perfect technique), but should also allow the traceur to interact with their environment. A good score here will be a happy medium between the two extremes.

Other: This takes into consideration other miscellaneous details such as pricing (prices will not be listed as they vary too greatly), shape and make of the sole (flatter soles are better for precisions and control; one piece soles are more durable), traceurs’ personal remarks and brand reliability. 

As a final note, when viewing score cards for each shoe there will be two numbers for each category. The first number represents the impression and opinion that I have developed through examination of the shoe and various reviews; the number in brackets represents the average score as represented by the general reviewing community.


Reviews.
Asics Gel-Evolution IIGrip: 8(9) 
Fit: 8(8.5)  
Comfort: 9(9.5) 
Weight: 9(8.5)
Flexibility: 7.5(7.5) 
Durability: 6.5(8)
Cushioning: 7.5(8) 
Other: 7(8.5)
 
Score: 78(84)% 

While the shoe is light and is considerably comfortable, with a good grip and a nice fit, it seems to fall behind in some of the other categories. The mesh takes away from durability as it can easily tear during any extensive training. The multiple pieces that make up the sole seem to be begging to be torn off and it hasn’t been reviewed as too flexible. Asics also tend to be a little pricey.
 
UnderArmour Proto-Evade
Grip: 7.5(8) 
Fit: 8(8)
Comfort: 8(9)
Weight: 9(8)
Flexibility: 8(8.5)
Durability: 7.5(7.5)
Cushioning: 9(7.5)
Other: 8(9) 

Score: 80(82)%
 
Being rather new to the market still, these shoes are a little pricey, however they seem rather functional. The grip could be a little better, but the overall response from the few traceurs who have tried this shoe has been great. One of the reviewers has suggested that you use another pair of running shoes for running so that this one doesn't wear out too quickly, and with the current price being what it is that may be an idea to consider.

K-Swiss AriakeGrip: 8.5(8) 
Fit: 8(7.5)
Comfort: 8(7.5)
Weight: 8.5(8.5)
Flexibility: 9(8)
Durability: 8.5(8)
Cushioning: 7.5(8.5)
Other: 8(7.5)
 
Score: 83(80)%
 
The reviews on this shoe have been the most puzzling, with some people absolutely in love with it and some who want to shoot the creator. What I have heard from the sources is that it can be a little pricey, though it can also be cheap if you look in the right places; it has been incredibly durable and able to withstand great abuse, though sometimes there are little problems like eyelets breaking off. Some other questions of concern are aimed at the toe which is a little longer and to some, a little uncomfortable, but general reviews were rather pleasant to the shoe.

La Sportive SlingshotGrip: 8(8.5) 
Fit: 9(9)
Comfort: 9(9) 
Weight: 9.5(9.5)
Flexibility: 9.5(9.5)
Durability: 8(7.5)
Cushioning: 7(8.5)
Other: 8(8.5)
 
Score: 85(87)%
 
The Slingshot is a force to be reckoned with according to the sparse reviews I have seen from traceurs. With grip almost comparable to the patented 'Stealth Rubber' of 5.10 and a great fit, comfort and flexibility it seems like the shoe would be a great success for any traceur looking for a parkour shoe. There are a few downfalls though: for newer traceurs, it isn't the best choice as it is a little thin on cushioning and good technique is required, though it isn't sparse on its padding; they last for a year and a half on average if you expect maximum functionality, though they can be used for longer; finally, they are no longer being produced. That's right, the slingshots are now only available through resales; however La Sportiva has two other near identical shoes title the Fire Blade and the Race Blade which come highly recommended by the same traceurs who reviewed this shoe.

FiveTen SavantGrip: 9.5(9.5)
Fit: 9(9)
Comfort: 9.5(9)
Weight: 8.5(9) 
Flexibility: 7.5(8.5) 
Durability: 9.5(9)
Cushioning: 9(9.5)
Other: 9(9)
 
Score: 89(91)%
 
Almost every reviewer of this shoe was ecstatic. Made by FiveTen, this shoe features the patented "Stealth Rubber" - an extremely grippy non-streaking rubber. The shoe is light, though there are lighter; it is moderately flexible though some reviews have lead me to believe that there is something more to be desired here; it seems to endure well and fit nicely. One source suggested a downfall is that it is perhaps overly cushioned and suggests that their Daescent model is lighter and more flexible, with FiveTen's Freerunner fitting somewhere in between.
 
Puma California
Grip: 8(8)
Fit: 9(9)
Comfort: 8.5(9) 
Weight: 8(7)
Flexibility: 7.5(7)
Durability: 8(9)
Cushioning: 7.5(8.5)
Other: 8(8)
 
Score: 79(82)%
 
There were only two reviews for this shoe by traceurs and both seemed to like it a lot, thus I reviewed it. It seems to be a cross between a skate shoe and a functional runner. The fit is stated to be rather snug with the shoe itself is apparently quite light. Another bonus is that it is apparently quite cheap, widely available and there are many colour options. The only thing I would question about the shoe is the actual durability, as I can't see it lasting much more than a year.


Vibram FiveFingers K.S.O.
Grip: 9(9.5)
Fit: 9(7.5)
Comfort: 9(8.5)
Weight: 10(9.5)
Flexibility: 10(9.5)
Durability: 9(8.5)
Cushioning: 8.5(8.5)
Other: 9.5(8)

Score: 92(86)%

I was surprised to see a FiveFingers shoe listed under a couple shoe review threads in parkour communities. The KSO (Keep Stuff Out) version of the FiveFingers is an improvement on the FiveFingers Sprint as it, well, keeps stuff out. Since my first review of these shoes, I have actually managed to purchase a pair, as well as the "Sprint" model. The shoe fits like a sock and while it takes some time to get used to (it took maybe five minutes to get used to having fabric between my toes), they can improve form, work muscles never used, improve balance and foot sensitivity and get you closer to your natural roots. While I was informed that the sizes currently do not come in 'halves' and sometimes this misfitting can cause ankle chaffing, I found that the degree of adjustablilty in the shoes allows you to overcome this with great ease; furthermore the steps on the sizing chart are very compact, which is to say that there is a shoe for your foot size. Finally, this is not for those who are not used to barefoot training or walking. While they can certainly work towards using it, it is not smart (and you will feel it) to jump right into barefoot training if you have lived a sheltered life of shoes. This is not to discourage use, but to have you note that it takes some time to work into them.


Feiyue Los
NOTE: There are various Feiyue shoe types; being asked to review the Feiyues was rather general, so I have chosen to review the Feiyue Lo shoes because they were the most prominent in parkour communities..

Grip:
 6.5(7)
Fit: 8(8)
Comfort: 8(7.5)
Weight: 9(9)
Flexibility: 8(9)
Durability: 6.5(7)
Cushioning: 8.5(7)
Other: 8(9)

Score: 78(80)%


The shoe has been identified as comfortable once you got used to them: like many barefoot shoes, there is little cushioning which I find productive (adjusting your joints properly and strengthening your calves) but which those with sloppy technique will find painful. A very concerning point is the durability - the tread has been said to "disintegrate" (a direct quote), an extreme response to the sole shredding by dragging feet and cat grabs. This puts the durability in severe question, though it has been said that the grip once the tread has worn off is excellent (if they last). The shoes are light however and the fit seems just fine. I wonder if the shoes which originally seemed meant for martial arts should stay away from our concrete jungles.

16 August 2012

Waterproof Running Shoes - Inov-8 F Lite 305 GTX Overview

By Asyraf   Posted at  01:38   Shoes

This is a overview of the Inov-8 - F-Lite 305 GTX, a durable black and white waterproof running shoe. Waterproof running shoes make a great shoe for not just running but for a number of outdoor activities. They are also stylish and comfortable enough to be used as everyday footwear for tackling those everyday activities such as going to school and running to the grocery store.

The is a waterproof running shoes that is made with Gore-Tex®, which is a waterproof breathable fabric that prevents water from getting into your foot, while allowing your feet to breath. Keeping your feet nice and dry in any type of wet environment.

The Inov-8 - F-Lite 305 GTX waterproof running shoes is an urban racer that is ultra lightweight and ideal for free-running, parkour or urban racing. This Advanced Meta-Flex™ technology which is anatomically aligned in front of the metatarsal heads for a natural forefoot flex. This shoe also has Synthetic leather and textile upper. TPU lacing support - laces are attached to polymer upper supports to cradle the foot more evenly. Gore-Tex® waterproof gives the shoe a breathable membrane and Met-Cradle™ cradles the forefoot behind the metatarsal heads for a secure foot hold. Endurance last provides a generous and comfortable fit is ideal for training and long distances. Fascia-Band™ on the outsole of the shoe aids propulsion efficiency of the running cycle. It also features a non-marking rubber outsole.

The Inov-8 waterproof running shoe is perfect for athletes because of its Advanced Meta-Flex™ technology, which makes the natural flexing of the foot less stiff. Its loose and comfortable fit makes it a great match for runners who run long distances. With the waterproof feature you know you are covered if the weather should happen to change at a moment's notice while you're on your daily run. Currently only available in women's sizes.

Stunning Sports Sneakers For Men

By Asyraf   Posted at  01:36   Shoes


When searching through the collection, there is a huge variety of shoes for men within the range. Actually, K Swiss men's shoes alone have a lot of different kinds and style's available for guys. Different shoes can be purchased for cross training, playing tennis, and everyday use. However, it does not end there. For each use of shoes, there are different styles and for each style there are different colors that go with certain sizes, but the point here is that every man can choose whatever he wants in K Swiss men's shoes classic collection alone, the possibilities are almost endless.

The most important part of K Swiss classic shoes are those especially made for playing tennis, training or running. In the world of tennis shoes, K Swiss has a lot to offer. Some of the more popular styles worn by elite athletes have certain names like Ultrascender, Glaciator, and Grancourt. These shoes contain features including stability control, leather uppers, Shock Spring technology, compression-molded EVA midsoles and durable rubber outsoles. These K Swiss men's shoes are not even the primary editions so those in store now come with improved features. The later designs of Glaciator for example keep your feet cool even during hot seasons.

Aside from tennis, K Swiss men's shoes also offer choices for active runners. The good thing here is that it is not just about colors but more importantly about the form of your feet whether they are neutrally arched, flat or with high arch. The Ariakes are K Swiss shoes that are popular for runners and those playing parkour. Well, to be honest, Ariakes were especially designed for those two tasks. By specially engineering their shoes with these options the manufacturer has designs a comfortable yet rugged and supportive shoe for runners.

The materials to which K Swiss men's shoes are made of vary as well. Some are made of canvas while others are leather with rubber outsoles and soles. An additional feature with these collections is that they are relatively well priced when compared to other more expensive and well known athletic and casual shoes. Therefore, if you are into casual men's shoes and by casual I do not mean those shiny leather footwear you wear in the office, maybe you should checkout the mens classic collection. With the variety they offer, you are sure to find something you like.

You can browse the web at YourSneakersOnline.com now and see the latest regarding K Swiss men's shoes and be amazed yourself. You will be even able to read customer comments posted by the buyers so at least you will have an idea how these shoes made their day.

James Bond Shoes From Casino Royale Chase Scene

By Asyraf   Posted at  01:33   Shoes No comments

Do you want to pull off the James Bond look without spending thousands of dollars on expensive designer clothing? Bond doesn't always wear a fancy tuxedo with $1,000 dress shoes. You'll be surprised to know that he also has his "casual" wear. You'll learn how to pull off the 007 look with the casual James Bond shoes.

James Bond, aka 007, is one of the most admirable characters in movie history. He is known for being a smooth talker, seducing countless women and killing endless villains, in order to complete his mission. Bond is every woman's dream and every woman's nightmare, at the same time. He also has exceptional style.

In Casino Royale, a hit movie from 2006, Bond (played by Daniel Craig) has a mission in Madagascar. He is sent out to take down a scar-faced man and get crucial secret agent information out of him.

A massive chase scene begins. The scene is famous for displaying the elegant parkour aka free running. As a matter of fact, the scene's antagonist is a famous parkour expert by the name of Sebastien Foucan. Throughout the scene, Bond chases Foucan through the crowded streets of Madagascar while wearing the James Bond Shoes.

Since parkour requires a lot of balance and proper traction, these particular James Bond shoes offered just that. The entire sole is flat and made of soft rubber which will provide desired traction to the dangerous sport of free running.

If you would like to wear the casual Bond shoes, you can find them at Soletopia. You can even find a low-cut version of the shoe, which is twice as cheap as the original mid. Looking like 007 doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg.

Ariake Shoes - One Of The Best Offerings From Parkour Shoes

By Asyraf   Posted at  01:29   Shoes No comments

Parkour is well known for its extensive range of shoes that enhance the training experience and help you perform at your best. Ariake shoes seem to be one of the best offerings from the brand thus far. It is just one more reason why Parkour shoes are the top choice amongst the top athletes. Here is a closer look at the features that make these shoes so great for any foot type.

The average foot

Most people's feet are found to be somewhere in the middle of flat and arched. This is what most shoes these days are geared. Ariake shoes are suited to this as well as other types. For the normal, or rather average foot, the shoe allows for the perfect motion whenever you step. It provides adequate support for your toes, heel and the arch of your foot. This makes for excellent control and dynamic maneuvers.

The arched foot

Some people are either born with naturally high-arched feet, or they wear shoes that increase the extent of their arch. Wearing average shoes can often lead to problems with balance because the foot has a limited range of motion. Many of the shoes that are designed to correct this problem are made to cushion the foot and as a result end up limited motion in any case. Ariake shoes are designed in such a way that they aim to cushion the foot while allowing you to have a reasonable range of motion without losing your balance.

The flat foot

The problem with the flat foot is that it causes you to roll when you run or walk. This means that your feet experience much more impact in certain areas than others, which could lead to pain. Ariake shoes enable you to have a comfortable shoe with a good grip, ensuring that you take the perfect step every time.

Choosing Shoes for Free Running

By Asyraf   Posted at  01:29   Shoes No comments

When you are considering buying a new paid for the shoes for performing Free Running, there are a few things you need to consider before you take the plunge and part with your hard earned cash.

Weight

Lightweight is the name of the game when choosing the right pair of shoes. Whilst running, jumping and landing the less weight on your feet the longer you are able to train for as the reduced stress means less energy expended.

Less weight to the legs will allow for more freedom of movement, faster running speeds and you will notice a considerable difference in energy levels.

Soles

Thickness

Poor technique can be a result of soles that are too think for Free Running and Parkour, as they do not allow you to feel and sense the surface you are on. A lack of sensitivity may also provide you with a false sense of security, incorrectly giving you a false sense of security for landing safely from a height you are not able to manage.

Thinner soles on your shoe will enable you to get a good understanding of a variety of different surfaces and ensure you can appropriately assess the impact of your landings. This will benefit you as a Parkour Practitioner, as it will encourage you to deploy correct techniques, furthermore avoiding injury.

Arches

Good foot arch support is a must when choosing the shoe. These sever to protect the foot arch when Free Running, performing precision landings and quick change of direction.

Shoes that utilize hard plastic for the foot arches are definitely not recommended as this has been known to cause the feet to slip around inside of the shoe causing blisters and other potential foot problems.

Price

Free Running shoes differ greatly in price and it all depends on the brand you choose based on the points above.

FiveTen are a renowned Free Running shoe manufacturer who specialize in producing shoes that are both durable and provide ultimate grip. Their prices seem to be quite consistent across their range.

Inov-8 are a UK based company and their prices seem to differ quite a lot depending on the model chosen. So compare a few different sites to get the best price.

K-Swiss have also jumped on the Free Running shoes trend and provide some great models. Their prices can be somewhat slightly higher which is due to the popularity of the company I feel.

Puma and Adidas also produce shoes that can be used for Free Running and although not specifically marketed for the Free Runner they certainly can compete with some of the lesser know but specialist brands.

If you purchase the cheapest pair of shoes you can find, you will not always be pleased with your purchase, as you certainly get what you pay for where Free Running shoes are involved.

With the volume of wear and the battering they will take from your daily Free Running sessions, there is every chance that a low cost pair of shoes will certainly need to be replaced within just a few of months.

All in all you don't have to spend a fortune on Free Running shoes, however you should bear in mind that you cannot put a price on comfort and safety. So choose wisely!

In addition, you can find more helpful information and Reviews over at Parkour Shoes Headquarters. Which is a site dedicated to helping everyone when choosing which Parkour and Free Running shoes to buy. We have lots of reviews for all categories and brands.

The Features Of Parkour Shoes That Make It The Top Choice For The Active

By Asyraf   Posted at  01:20   Shoes No comments

Parkour shoes are very popular amongst those who are always on the go, and if you are looking to add a great pair of training shoes to your closet then this should definitely be on the top of your shopping list. Here is a closer look at the features that make this shoe so awesome.

Good grip

When you are running around it is important that you have good grip. This will prevent slipping on the terrain you are running on. It will also provide more resistance to the ground and allow you to run faster and jump higher, and will also help with those complex turns. The rubber grip itself extends all the way to your toes, ensuring a greater range of grip.

Convenient sole

When it comes to shoes used during training it is often the sole that can make or break the shoe. With Parkour shoes the sole is one of the most striking and beneficial features. The sole itself is available in a variety of thicknesses from the thin to the very thick. The soles are flexible, which allows your foot to contour to whatever you land on, making it a far more sensitive alternative.

The flexible balance

If you look at most of the big names in training shoes today you will see that they either feature solid varieties or flexible varieties. The reason for this is that each of these comes with its own advantages. Flexible shoes are easier to maneuver and allow for more freedom of motion. Shoes that are less flexible may limit movement, but at the same time they tend to be more durable. Parkour shoes have managed to strike a balance between flexible and sturdy. This means that you can now get a shoe that brings you the best of both worlds.

Choosing the Right Inov-8 Shoes for Parkour

By Asyraf   Posted at  01:19   Shoes No comments

Inov-8 shoes carry a philosophy that is based on staying true to the human foot. The design for every pair of shoes ensures that they allow the foot to move freely as it does without any impeding structure. At the same time, Inov-8 shoes aim to protect the foot from the elements of off-road running. This makes these shoes popular with off-road runners and especially with parkour practitioners.

For those who practice parkour, there is a whole line of Inov-8 shoes devoted to urban running, known as the F-Lite line. Numbered according to weight, the shoes in the line are all made for the sport. Made to give the feet ample mobility and feel of the environment, the F-Lite series already fulfills a basic requirement for any good parkour shoe.

The Inov-8 F-Lite line offers different kinds of support for its different weights. For example, the 320 offers more support with its underfoot cushioning and is therefore ideal for jumping. In the mid-range is the 301 which offers cushioning, but is made to be a more versatile shoe for both running and jumping. Those who prefer running over jumping, though, would probably look to the 220 and the new 195, which both come with low-profile soles. These soles by Inov-8 give the wearer a better sense of the ground and environment.

The final decision on what to choose for parkour depends on what the practitioner needs. Some practitioners would recommend lighter shoes, as shoes with thicker soles might encourage poor form. They may even need different pairs of shoes for different training days. This is also why Inov-8 provides a variety of shoe designs with particular strengths.

Parkour Shoes Need To Have The Best Arches

By Asyraf   Posted at  01:19   Shoes No comments
The arches of shoes are things that many people tend to forget about when they are finding shoes. However, these shoes can be essential for many things. This is especially the case for parkour activities. Any pair of parkour shoes will need to feature a good series of arches. These shoes will be comfortable and easy to use.

Using a drop in the heel

A good heel drop is needed for some landings from all types of heights and angles. This will help to keep the shoes from being harsh and comfortable. For example, the shoe can work to where the feet will be able to stick with a good amount of traction. This will be used to keep the feet from slipping forward when a landing occurs. It is a valuable function that anyone can use when getting parkour shoes.

With safety in mind

The arch should be used to limit the landing to where it will be easier for a person to keep from slipping. A softer arch will allow a person to have more control over the sole of the shoe. This will be used to keep a person from slipping and hurting oneself when dealing with a landing. It is important to watch out for this when getting a shoe to work when landing.

Avoid hard items

It is critical to see that the arches are not going to be too hard. The arches in parkour shoes should be very soft. This will be used to all a user to keep traction on a variety of different areas. Hard arches will be difficult for anyone to handle. These arches will cause a person to slip when climbing on a surface. This is due to the lack of a proper grip from the hard arch. Be sure to take a look at a softer arch when getting these shoes to work.

What You Should Be Looking For In The Perfect Pair

By Asyraf   Posted at  01:17   Shoes No comments
Parkour shoes have become increasingly popular in places all over the world and they are flying off the shelves. Whether you already have a pair or two, or whether you have not ventured into the world of Parkour then there are a few things you need to look for in order to find the perfect pair for you.

The design and look

People are going to be looking at your Parkour shoes wherever you go and there is no stopping this. Aside from this, it is also important that you are happy with the design. The shoes that feature a single piece sole will often do better than the alternatives since they have less chance of separating from the shoe itself.

The weight

The last thing you want is a shoe that weights you down while you are walking or running. Parkour shoes features a range of lighter shoes, which should be a consideration if you find that you are always on the go. This makes training much more effective so you get the benefit of feeling freer and less limited, while still having shoes that are protective, comfortable and durable.

The sole

The sole of any shoe is the part that bears the brunt since it is on the receiving end of all that impact when you run or walk. The aim is to get a sole that is thick or thin enough to provide you with the feel that you need. Thinner soles are great of you want to get better at your technique since you will be able to be more sensitive to wear your feet are and how you land, but at the same time these will wear easily. Thicker soles will be more durable, but it will decrease the sensitivity that you experience when landing

How To Find Soles In Parkour Shoes

By Asyraf   Posted at  01:16   Shoes No comments
There are a number of parkour shoes on the market. These shoes can feature a variety of designs. One point of any pair of shoes to see is the sole. The sole can be one of the most critical points of parkour shoes that anyone can use. It should be used with many different functions and features for the best possible use that anyone can have.

Thinner soles are important

It is best to look for thinner soles when finding these shoes. A thin sole will allow anyone to feel the impact of a landing. This will work to get a user to work on proper parkour techniques. This is so the user will not feel pains when landing in a number of different ways.

This is a much better thing to use than thicker soles. Thick soles will not support the user's need to work on a proper technique. Being able to feel the impacts of different moves is important for anyone to do. This is so a person will understand what needs to be done and what needs to be improved in order to feel more comfortable.

Watch for how connected it is

A smart thing to find with parkour shoes is the arrangement of the soles on the shoes. Good soles will be fully connected. This is where the sole will be arranged in one continuous shape. This will not be as likely to tear apart or break away like with soles on other types of shoes.

Rubber is also essential

The soles will need to be made out of rubber. Rubber soles will allow a user to have a greater amount of grip on the ground. This will help to keep a person from slipping or being harmed when running to get a good parkour move going. This easy feel will help to keep anyone to feel comfortable when running properly.

Good Parkour Shoes

By Asyraf   Posted at  01:13   Shoes No comments
If you are interested in Parkour or Freerunning, and you have been doing it for a while, then you probably know how important it is to have a good pair of shoes. If you are just starting your Parkour or Freerunning career, then make sure you know the benefits of shoes specifically designed for these extreme, physically demanding activities.

There are a few different attributes that one should look for when determining what shoe should be used to practice Parkour. Grip may be the first thing that comes to mind. Grip is definitely one of the most important attributes of shoes that will be used for Parkour. You are basically always on the move, climbing walls, jumping, and sticking landings. The more rubber on the shoe, the better. Not just on the bottom, but wrapped up the back and front of the shoe. This allows for more contact with the ground and especially walls. Thus you'll be able to have increased mobility.

Another characteristic of good Parkour shoes is a balanced distribution of weight. It's best not to have thick insoles. You do not want top-heavy or narrow shoes that make you more prone to tip over. Also, it's best to get shoes that are somewhere in the middle of being light and heavy. There's a reason why marathon runners have shaved the soles of their shoes in the past. Added weight will slow you down over a period of time, even if it's only a few ounces. Shoes that aren't heavy will allow higher and farther jumps. However, that shouldn't make you just want to get lighter shoes. You want something a bit heavier that will be durable and will support your foot, since your shoes will definitely take a beating throughout your training. So remember that it is important to get shoes that are neither on the light side, nor on the heavy side.

So far, we have mentioned important aspects of a good Parkour shoe. However, don't forget that they should be comfortable. Make sure the shoes fit your feet. They should not be loose. This would cause you to lose balance much more easily when landing or even running compared to when using a more snugly fit shoe.

Finally, when shopping for an adequate pair of shoes, remember that the material that the shoes are made of matters. Your shoes will go through much wear and tear. Parkour is very demanding. Make sure to get strong, thick material like canvas, so that your shoe will hold up and not become too torn or flimsy over time.

So remember these points when looking for Parkour shoes. A good pair of shoes will help you get the most out of your Parkour training, and will make it all the more fun.

The Parkour Shoe Series

By Asyraf   Posted at  01:11   Shoes No comments
Parkour shoes offer more natural and free movement to the user. Though buyers may find them to be a bit on the expensive side, they are worth the price. Ideal Parkour shoes are as light as possible. Wearers walk and run all day. Hence, the less weight they carry, the longer would they train. Usually, it is beneficial to have less added weight to the body as it permits more free and natural movement.

How to Select

When choosing a shoe, arches are usually preferred. These work as safety mechanism while performing precision landings. By using arch in Parkour shoes, you can easily drop the edge of the landing tends and heels into a foot arch.

Avoid Parkour footwear containing hard plastic in the arches. They are likely to cause slippage during climbing. If you land on metal rail, they are bound to cause a nasty slip.

Rubber also plays a vital role in the manufacture of Parkour shoes. It decides the gripping and lasting ability of the shoe. While harder compounds last longer, softer compounds supply more grip and wear down quickly.

Training with Parkour Footwear

Good Parkour shoes offer high sensitivity and touch, promoting refined and solid technique with little hindrance. It also provides freedom of movement and solid landing skill. Landing barefoot is likely to hurt and force you to touch down with minimal impact.

Though it is difficult to get trained with every technique barefooted, amateurs can occasionally take off their Parkour shoes to practice. Once you get a proper grasp of techniques involved in Parkour, you will learn and perform accordingly. Ensure that you train with caution till you get a feel of everything.

Experience and skill will make you an expert. And once you are clear with the technique, you can put them on and amaze everyone with your daredevil stunts!

3 Qualities of The Perfect Parkour Shoe

By Asyraf   Posted at  01:05   Shoes No comments


Parkour shoes are a special breed of running shoe that allows the wearer to feel like the shoe is just an extension of themselves. Not something clunky and heavy that weighs you down when you are trying to perform some pretty amazing skills. Whether it be running up a wall, climbing a building or leaping, rolling and running into your next move, you are going to want to know that your shoes are going to help you not hurt you. Below you will learn which three qualities make a perfect Parkour shoe.

1. Grip: It goes without saying that when you are performing any Parkour move, you are going to want to be sure that your shoe has got your back, the grip of the sole is probably one of the most important qualities that are needed in a Parkour shoe. Look for a shoe that has a sole that is in one piece and has rubber that wraps over the toe. A few of the best shoes out there that offer this include, FiveTen Freerunner Freerunning, K-Swiss Ariake Stability Running Shoe and FiveTen D'Aescent Trail Shoe.

2. Weight: Parkour shoes tend to be heavier than a running shoe, yet lighter than a hiking shoe. A nice middle ground gives you the perfect balance of something that will work with your body as you make your way from point A to point B. You want your shoe to become one with your body as you become one with your surroundings. Find something that is comfortable, unobtrusive yet strong and stiff enough to give you the confidence you need to perform Parkour tricks; you don't want to be worrying about your shoes when you are leaping from obstacle to obstacle.

3. Flexibility: This is a little harder to come by in most shoes, which is why it is important to get something that is designed with traceurs in mind. You want the material of the shoe to be well made, of good quality, stiff enough to protect your ankles and feet, but flexible enough so that it doesn't get in the way of what you are doing. As you are free flowing around the obstacles around you, you want your shoe to be free flowing around your foot and giving you that extra boost that will help you clear the next jump. Another popular choice in shoes is the K-Swiss Kirov running shoe.

Above you learned about Parkour shoes and 3 qualities that they need to have to qualify for this very important job. They need to have excellent grip, be just the right weight and offer the right amount of flexibility while still protecting your feet with quality and someone stiff material. A few of the best options out there include the FiveTen Freerunner Freerunning as well as the D'Aescent Trail Shoe and a couple of the K-Swiss brand like the Ariake running shoe.

To learn more about the perfect shoe, visit Parkour Shoes and find out which shoe is the absolute favorite.

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Parkour Outfit is a website that talks about parkour apparel around the world. When we were founded, we started out focused solely on Parkour Apparel. As we continue to grow we will always stay with the latest gear, fashion, apparel of Parkour around the world and we will always be focused on helping spread and grow the discipline of Parkour and Freerunning that David Belle and Sebastian Foucan brought to the world.
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