Running is an activity that is highly popular. After all, it is one of the easiest and most effective ways to stay fit. People tend to opt for running as their preferred form of exercise because of the fact that you need very little to partake in this activity. All you need is a decent pair of running shoes, and you are ready to go.
Nevertheless, when purchasing running shoes there are several things that you need to consider. After all, you need to make sure that you buy a top-quality pair so that your running experience is a pleasant one. If you simply just wear any old pair of trainers then you can end up damaging your feet, moreover, you may find that the running experience itself is an uncomfortable one.
One of the first things that you should think about is the brand of the running shoes. This is important because it goes a long way to determining whether the shoes you buy are of a high quality or not. In order to find a good brand all you need to do is a little bit of research online. Simply read several reviews and feedback in order to form a general idea as to whether the brand you are considering has a credible reputation amongst its previous customers.
In addition to this, you need to think about the type of running shoes that you want to suit your feet and the type of running activity you will be partaking in. For instance, there are different shoes suited to different types of running, such as road running, trail running and racing. Therefore determine what type of running you are most likely to participate in before you buy your shoes. This is important for safety. Poor construction of shoes could even lead to you needing a personal injury attorney. Moreover when considering a type of shoe, the website you are on should provide information on the level of protection they provide and the attributes they have. These include aspects such as the level of cushioning, how lightweight the shoe is and the technology it boasts in order to enhance your run.
Aside from the points already mentioned, another thing you should consider is the style of the trainers. After all, while you may run for your health, when you are spending money on such a product you want to make sure that you are running in style. There are lots of different designs of running shoes available, and thus you are bound to find something to suit you and your taste. A lot of the trainers now feature a bright or neon aspect to them, not only do these look stylish but they aid with visibility which can help enhance safety.
A final point worth contemplating is the size of the running shoes you are going buy. This may sound obvious, but sometimes people buy shoes which are slightly too big or too small simply because they like them. This is highly inadvisable when it comes to running shoes because it can make them wear against your feet and thus the running experience is likely to become an uncomfortable one and may hurt your feet.
All in all, it is not hard to see why so many people favor running as their choice of exercise. It is easy to do and all you need is a quality pair of running shoes. Nevertheless, you need to take great care and consideration when picking these in order to ensure that your exercise is enjoyable and comfortable.
The National At-Home Dad Network is holding a virtual 5k on April 30, 2016 and I’m asking you to join me. This is their first ever Run Dad Run! spring fundraiser going to the extremely important cause of men’s mental health with the funds going to the operating costs of this wonderful organization.
I had the pleasure of attending the National At-Home Dad Convention last September in Raleigh, NC where I was overwhelmed with hundreds of other supportive, at-home dads just like me. I cannot stress the importance of having a network of other guys to share our thoughts, concerns, laughs, and sorrows enough. The NAHDN truly does play a major role in all of our mental health and helps fathers be the awesome fathers and husbands every family deserves.
I signed up during the Super Early Bird registration back in October, but since it’s only a few days away, there’s no more Early Bird specials. The good news is that you can still sign up now as an individual for $25 (including 1 free medal) or a family (including up to 8 free medals) for $50. For an extra $25, you can get a shirt, or simply donate whatever amount you like.
Are you on the edge of registering and need a little push? No problem, they just posted 4 Reason You Should Join For RunDadRun this Saturday. Check it out and hopefully that’s the push you needed to sign up the entire family.
The details that you will find on the National At-Home Dad Network’s site are below. Give them a good read and go register your entire family to run or walk the virtual 5k with us on 04/30/16!
WHAT IS A VIRTUAL 5K?
So glad you asked! A virtual 5K is an organized, co-ordinated event where participants can do their run where they are, when they want, at their own pace. This is an opportunity for dads and families to be active in their own neighborhoods, running with their friends and family and community. Since our organization represents dads and families from all over the country (and beyond!) this is a great way for us to be out and active together without being together.
HOW DOES THIS WORK?
Run Dad Run works pretty simply: just register for the run here — the cost for participation is $25 for individuals, or $50 for families — and on the day of the race you run (or walk!) the 5K at your own pace, where you are. For participating you will be sent a shiny exclusive medal! In addition you will have the opportunity to purchase a Run Dad Run t-shirt to wear during or after your run.
WHERE DOES THE MONEY RAISED GO?
This is the National At-Home Dad Network’s major annual fundraiser, and all registration fees will go to funding the costs of running the organization throughout the year. This includes things like administrative costs and filing fees, web hosting and marketing costs, accounting fees, as well as the numerous expenses related to the planning and execution of the Annual At-Home Dads Convention. As always, we are a volunteer-run organization, and no money goes to paying salaries.
Ever since I graced my feet with the Soft Star RunAmoc Moc3’s (read my review here), I’ve been a Soft Star convert. I can’t think of any other shoe I need besides just more Soft Star Shoes. Thanks to those wonderful, hard-working “Elves” in Oregon, more Soft Star Shoes is exactly what I got!
Begging to be worn to work and to workout!
They actually sent two different pairs of their Dash RunAmoc model. One with their 5mm Vibram™ rubber trail sole and another with their bullhide leather sole to review.
Similar to the Moc3’s, the Dash RunAmoc is perfect for everything from lifting to chasing your kids to just lounging around. Actually, I’d say they’re even better with the front lacing system providing a more secure fit. Don’t get me wrong, I still wear my Moc3’s for walking and casual use, but the Dash’s are my go to shoes for running, lifting, hiking, or anything that requires a snug fit and good traction.
A caveat to the good traction is the bullhide leather sole. They are extremely comfortable and a minimal shoe lover’s dream when running in dry conditions, but when the ground is wet, things get very slippery. So, I’d advise against wearing them at places like a splash pad like someone I know…..
Yeah, I’m smart. But, running in them to the splash pad was nothing short of liberating, especially when I was in the grass. Nothing beats feeling the ground as you run, and with the bullhide, you can reap the meditative effects of earthing/grounding.
You can choose between a Vibram™ rubber sole (5mm Trail sole or 2mm Street sole) or a tough bullhide leather sole. Both are zero drop between toe and heel. And their comparison.
Spacious toe box allows feet to stretch comfortably.
Regular, narrow, or wide width options are available.
Can be worn with or without socks.
Highly resistant to odors.
5.0–9.5 oz, depending on size, leather type and sole.
Made in USA: designed and handcrafted in Oregon using US-sourced materials.
One key point Soft Star left out on their site is how doubling up on their shoes means double the performance and fun. Like, for instance, the kid’s Ramblers combined with RunAmoc’s.
Looks
The first thing I noticed about these shoes is how they would fit in at the office along with khakis and a button up shirt. Perfect for those who want/need to get out of their work clothes and into workout clothes to exercise during lunch or right after work. No extra pair of shoes needed, they’ll work for both!
While I’m not going to the office any time soon as an at-home dad, they’re accepted by my wife when we go out to some place a little nice. And getting her to accept my chosen apparel when going places is a big “feet”!
I ran a 4th of July 5k in the bullhide RunAmoc’s (which I placed in my age group, thank you), and received many questions about my “dressy” shoes from fellow runners. Not sure why they stuck out so much though. I thought black and brown go together, no?
I proudly filled the runners’ ears about the greatness of American made Soft Star Shoes and they were eager to check out their site.
Fit and Feel
Wonderful and great. There, that’s all you need to know. The fit is about a half size down from what your normal shoe size is, at least that’s how it is for me. I normally wear 10 1/2, but the 10’s fit perfect with no foot slippage inside. I have the regular width shoes which work great for me, but if needed, you can choose narrow or wide as well.
I’ve worn them with and without socks, but prefer to wear socks most of the time. No real reason why, just habit I guess, and it’s obviously the stylish thing to do. But, Avery begs to differ.
Unless your feet are covered in baby powder, they’ll sweat, especially with the full grain leather. Once wet from sweat or any other water, the shoe’s color will bleed and stain socks if you wear them. I’m fine with this because, well, they’re socks. Plus, Soft Star gives fair warning on their site.
Die-hard barefoot shoe advocates would probably want to stray from the 5mm trail sole as it does reduce ground-feel. That said, I have no problem with the extra rubber and find there’s still a good amount of feedback between the ground and my feet.
The bullhide leather obviously offers more connectivity, and yes, it simply feels wonderful walking on any surface and connecting with the earth. Now excuse me as I look for my peace sign necklace and tie-dye shirt….
Performance and Durability
As long as you’re on a dry surface, the Dash RunAmoc’s offer the minimal athlete an outstanding shoe to run, jump, lift, and wonder trails with confidence. While in Colorado, I hiked and ran on trails in my 5mm trail sole almost without issue.
I say “almost” because the wide toe box, while awesome for giving toes freedom to spread out, seemed to catch on a lot of rocks when I was walking. Oddly, whene running, I didn’t have this problem, but when hiking, I stumbled several times with my wife there to point and laugh.
Stumbling aside, they provide plenty of feedback when running and lifting. Also, the wide toe box does enable my toes the freedom to spread out as they naturally would if running sans shoes. Something that the New Balance or Merrell minimalist shoes don’t offer with their narrower design.
I love having a shoe that performs well in the gym and on the road, and these fit the bill. Since the bullhide leather is extremely limited in traction, I stick to the rubber soles which work great in my garage gym. And since good form is vital when doing lifts like squats and dead lifts, the zero drop is a welcome feature.
I’ve kicked enough objects and scraped the shoes on many things with minimal wear and tear. From the abuse I’ve put them through, it’s easy to see how well Soft Star’s “Elves” constructed the Dash RunAmoc. My only concern is that the upper is glued to the sole instead of stitched, but they’ve been holding together with no sign of separation for the five months I’ve owned them.
Despite their high strength construction, the Dash RunAmoc’s are very lightweight starting at 5.0 oz which makes for another wonderful aspect when running/walking. They are also highly flexible which lends to natural foot movement and offers that “barefoot experience” without worrying about sharp debris on the road. I’ve run across many surfaces, all with plenty of protection from potential hazards on the ground.
Summary
I could go on about all of the Soft Star Shoes and how I want more, but I suggest you go check them out for yourself. They have shoes for the whole family to enjoy, and the Design-Your-Own option allows you to own a high quality and comfortable shoe that’s truly your own. They make a great gift too! We’ve obviously become huge fans since that’s all we packed for our vacation.
No other shoe, that I’m aware of, is at home in the office just as much (if not more-so) on the trail, pavement, or under a barbell. Their superior quality in form and function is what has me lacing up my Soft Star Dash RunAmoc shoes every day. I know I can count on them to get me through whatever’s in store for the day while keeping my feet happy. That is, unless Avery hides them from me.
From true barefoot feel allowing for natural foot movement, to high quality materials for construction, I know these shoes will last me several years under most conditions.
Pros
Water resistant and great for cold weather running as they keep your feet warm. Unless you get the perforated version.
High quality materials used for durable shoe build
Highly flexible with excellent ground feel and comfort
Looks like a dress shoe, but built to perform under all conditions
Zero drop between toe and heel
Cons
Wide toe box can cause you to trip if you’re not careful like me.
Leather will bleed onto your socks when your feet sweat.
The bullhide sole is very slippery on wet surfaces.
Looks like a dress shoe. I don’t mind this, but many seem to think it’s weird
Thank you, Soft Star Shoes, for making such an excellent line of shoes and providing earth-friendly footwear for the entire family!
Disclosure: Soft Star Shoes provided their Dash RunAmoc’s to me free of charge in exchange for review. I was not compensated for this post in any other way and all opinions are my own.
An at-home dad on a mission to keep it real when it comes to food, fun, and raising a healthy, happy family.
