Wednesday, November 30, 2011

The Ultimate Gym Shoe: Vivobarefoot Lucy



I own Sage To Summit, a specialty mountain running store.  As the owner and buyer, it is imperative I wear test the shoes I sell, and as a result, I own a ridiculous amount of footwear.  Despite the fact that I have a quiver to choose from, when it comes to my gym shoes, I frequently choose the Vivobarefoot Lucy. I pick a shoe to wear in this order: fit, function and fashion.  Yes, fashion, I care about the way they look on my feet.  This brings me to the ultimate gym shoe – The Vivobarefoot Lucy

The Lucy is perfect for the gym 

I came across Vivobarefoot late one evening while sorting through mail.  Vivobarefoot offered me the opportunity to wear test their shoes.  I ordered the Lucy.  It is different than any other shoe I own. There is no cushion and has a cool European sporty look.  I spend most of my time in running and hiking footwear, and the Lucy has a casual sneaker feel, which adds nice variety to my collection of footwear.  I wear the Lucy to our local Bishop Crossfit gym and constantly receive “cool shoe” comments.

The reason why the Lucy is the ultimate gym shoe is because of its fit, function, and fashion.  A shoe has to fit or you won’t wear it, at least I won’t, and the fit on the Vivobarefoot Lucy is right on.  I have a narrow foot with some volume.  Fit can be a challenge because typically there is sloppiness in my footwear.  The upper is leather so there isn’t as much “give” compared to a synthetic mesh upper found on most athletic shoes.  If you find a good fit with leather uppers, the shoe is less likely to stretch out.  When the fit is right, it means that a shoe can accommodate a variety of foot types and not be lumped into a category of wide or narrow. The Lucy functions as a barefoot shoe, which means there is no structure. It can be rolled up into a ball, has no arch support, and doesn’t do anything to correct your gait.  Barefoot shoes are ideal for the gym.  When lifting weights or doing pushups, pull-ups, or any bodyweight exercise, you don’t want a lot of cushion and support in a shoe.  Heels should be flat not elevated. The fit and function of the Lucy are dialed, but it is especially nice that it is super cute and can crossover as a casual shoe.  I can leave Crossfit and wear my Lucy’s for the remainder of the day, unlike others who are wearing some pretty funky looking footwear at the gym. Check the shoe out on our site www.sagetosummit.com, or better yet, come in and try it on.  If you like it and want to buy it, will give you 20% off – just mention this blog post.





Sunday, November 20, 2011

'Unbreakable' film screening at Sage To Summit

On Friday, December 16th at 6:30pm we will be hosting a screening of 'Unbreakable,' JB Benna's Journeyfilm documentary about the 2010 Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run and it's 4 top contenders that year. Check out the film trailer at www.ws100film.com for a sampling of how awesome and inspiring this film is going to be and then come join us!

Here are the details...

What: screening of 'Unbreakable'

Where: Sage To Summit, 312 N. Main St. Bishop, CA 93514

When: Friday, December 16th at 6:30pm (the film is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes)

Cost: $10 (stop by the store to purchase a ticket or pay at the door)

Why: To get inspired and hang out with a fun, like-minded, outdoor crowd!

Benefit: Any net proceeds will go to the Bishop High Sierra Ultras, a local first-class event with 4 race distance options held each May by RD Marie Boyd as a fundraiser for the Northern Inyo Hospital Foundation.

Stop by the store or give us a call at 760-872-1756 if you have any questions.

See you there!

Friday, November 11, 2011

The Skhoop Skirt



My good friend Kirsten lives in Alaska and told me for a few years ago that Sage To Summit should sell Skhoop Skirts.  I didn’t “get it”.  Skhoop skirts are insulated skirts designed to be an outwear piece.  Hummm, an insulated outerwear skirt?  I thought to myself, maybe it’s an Alaskan thing.   My opinion quickly changed when I went to the Outdoor Retailer show and saw these cute girls walking around in insulated mini skirts.  I tracked them down and asked if they were from Alaska.  They promptly pointed me to the Skhoop Booth, where I saw a tall blond Nordic goddess, Osa, surrounded by people placing orders for these unique insulated skirts.  My opinion quickly changed when I saw the mini skirts.  Oh my, they are cute.  There is a two-way zipper in the front, which makes them really easy to put on over jeans, long underwear, running pants, or tights.  I am not comfortable walking around town in my winter running tights, it’s not my best look.  Sometimes circumstances dictate that there is not time to change after a workout.  That is where the Skhoop is genius.  After skiing, running, climbing, I put on this cute insulated mini.  I’m psyched to be warm while wearing cute clothes when there isn’t time to change.  After wearing the Skhoop for a few years, I found there are many uses in addition to the post workout wear.  Here are some I’ve discovered:
Here I am bouldering in my Skhoop Mini
  • Teachers on yard duty who don’t want to wear long underwear
  • Sport Moms.  For any freezing outdoor sporting event where  a jacket doesn’t cut it . . . it is jacket for your legs.
  • Après Ski.  Ditch the ski pants but keep the long underwear and you’ve got a cute outfit.
  • If you’re into running skirts – this is a winter version
  • Nordic Skiing
  • Belaying in the Owens River Gorge – Belaying Anywhere where it is cold
This is my son Cosmo and I had to share his cuteness.  The only relationship this picture has with Skhoop Skirts is that it was taken when I was wearing my insulated mini.

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