Gear ReviewsGo RunGo Tri

The SKORA Form: Run Real

posted by gumptiongear March 8, 2012 0 comments

Reminiscent of a sleek, low to the ground, high-performance Formula 1 Race Car, the Form from SKORA Running is a minimalist, low profile zero drop shoe that uses a combination of innovative materials and state of the art engineering to provide a fast, form-fitting and responsive ride.

Through the use of natural materials an innovative engineering, SKORA is intent on making shoes that mirror and celebrate the body’s natural biomechanics. The Form, SKORA’s top of the line shoe, is engineered to work with your foot’s natural movements providing a barefoot-like running experience.
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Gear ReviewsGo HikeGo Outdoors

Flare: Wolverine’s Low-Cut ICS Hiking Shoe

posted by gumptiongear March 7, 2012 0 comments

Flare [flair] verb, flared, flar·ing, noun: to start up or burst out in sudden, fierce activity, passion, etc.

As winter begins to loosen its grip on the nation and dirt and rock-laden trails begin to reemerge from their snow-covered slumber, it’s time for the outdoor adventurer to start planning the first outdoor excursions of the year.

For that moment you prepare to burst out onto the trail, you’re going to need a solid shoe to take you off the beaten path and back. The Flare from Wolverine might just be that shoe.

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Gear ReviewsGo Run

inov-8® X-Talon™190: Soar Over Your Trails

posted by gumptiongear March 6, 2012 0 comments

Based in “England’s last Wilderness”, the North Pennines, inov-8 is a British company passionate about the specialist off-road running products they make.  Part of the “Off Trail” line, the inov-8® X-Talon™190 is a light weight minimalist trail shoe offering elite-performance in light, fast and comfortable package.

Whether you’re lacing up for your next solo scamper through the backcountry, or your race over the summit, the X-Talon 190’s breathable mesh upper, minimalist design and sticky rubber outsole ensure that you’ll soar over the trail.
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Gear ReviewsGo Outdoors

Kuru’s Aalto Chukka

posted by gumptiongear March 1, 2012 0 comments

Whether you are traveling halfway across the world running from one plane to the next, taking a long drive along the coast or simply walking around town – wearing an uncomfortable pair of shoes can ruin your trip.

Enter the Aalto Chukka from Kuru. The Aalto Chukka is Kuru’s travel and walking shoes featuring an anatomical last that allows your feet to splay naturally; a patent-pending custom orthotic midsole for arch support and an upper covered in soft leather giving it a retro-stylish look.  Nominated as a Finalist in About.com’s 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards for the best Comfort Shoe, we were excited about the opportunity to put the shoe to the test.
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Gear ReviewsGo Outdoors

Darn Tough Vermont Socks

posted by gumptiongear February 29, 2012 0 comments

More than ever athletes and outdoor enthusiasts alike are realizing that the quality of their socks are just as important as the quality of their shoes. Deciding which pair is best for you, however, can prove to be a daunting task.

As with most gear, finding the “right” pair of socks – the ones that work best for your activity, weather conditions, and your feet – has as much to do with personal preferences as it does performance. Select the “right” pair and your feet will happily take you through your training session or outdoor adventure. However, if your feet aren’t comfortable, then you won’t be comfortable nor will your excursion be as sweet. That being said, having had the opportunity to spend many a mile in both running and hiking specific socks from Darn Tough, your normal sock choosing preference might be about to change.

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Business of GearGear ReviewsUncategorized

The Business of Gear: Q&A with Skora Running Founder and CEO David Sypniewski

posted by gumptiongear February 23, 2012 0 comments

At Gumption Gear we strive to provide our readers with in-depth,  informative, and balanced reviews of the latest outdoor gear.  Through our new feature “The Business of Gear” we aim to  introduce our readers to the personalities and companies behind your favorite gear.

We start our series with a question and answer session with Skora, a Portland, Oregon-based company founded in 2008 by self-proclaimed “ordinary” runners tired of the injuries caused by traditional running shoes. Recently we posted a first look review of Skora’s flagship minimalist running shoe the Form. David Sypniewski, Founder and CEO of SKORA Running, was gracious enough to discuss the company, his vision and the shoes that make the brand.

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BlogGear ReviewsGo Outdoors

Yukon Charlie’s Snowshoes: Icon Alpha Series

posted by gumptiongear February 16, 2012 0 comments


One of the great beauties of snowshoeing is that anyone can partake in the sport.  Since the Snowshoeing boom in the 1990s, the number of snowshoe models and brands on the market has blossomed, providing consumers with a variety of options.  Yet, one problem endures; while the sport remains relatively inexpensive, the ever increasing range of models has also come with an increasing price tag.

Founded in 1996, Yukon Charlie’s was built upon the vision of creating a snowshoe company that would fill the need for high quality snowshoes at a reasonable price.  So if you’ve got big powder drift dreams, but suffer from a less than illustrious sized wallet, the Yukon Charlies ICON series fits the bill.  Offering an array of snowshoe and snowshoe accessories at a stellar price point the Yukon Charlie’s brand allows any winter enthusiast to tackle the toughest winter terrain without depleting their savings account.
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Go RunUncategorized

The Advantage of Going Natural: Hyland’s Homeopathic

posted by gumptiongear February 15, 2012 0 comments

The three components of your exercise routine – pre-workout, active session, and post-workout – have a dramatic impact on your overall fitness gains and sports performance. Treat your body properly and you will train more effectively, with less pain and in the end, hopefully see greater results.

As prescription drugs become more prevalent and complex, and the costs of health care continue to skyrocket, athletes are giving greater consideration to treatments such as herbal and homeopathic remedies that provide a gentle alternative to treat the body, aid the recovery process and perform at a higher level.  Hyland’s is one company working hard to provide natural, homeopathic products to help you train more naturally and with less pain. Continue Reading

Gear ReviewsGo RunGo Tri

First Look: SKORA Form – WOW!

posted by gumptiongear February 14, 2012 0 comments

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”  – Leonardo da Vinci

The essence of today’s minimalist running shoes is “less is more.” By designing running shoes that remove all of the non-essential features found in traditional running shoes – heel counters, stability control, extra cushioning, and weight – runners will be able to rediscover their natural running from, enabling better, more efficient performance while reducing the risk of injury.

For runners seeking to rediscover their natural running form, SKORA has introduced the Form.  A low-profile, zero drop runner designed with an anatomical last, the Form offers a barefoot-like feel without wearing those funny finger-like foot gloves.  Wait, what? You have never heard of SKORA Running before?  Allow us to make the introductions, because if the quality and performance of this shoe is any indication – you’ll want to get to know them up close and personal.
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Gear ReviewsGo RunGo Tri

Sockwell Circulator Socks

posted by gumptiongear February 14, 2012 0 comments

Valentine’s day.  A holiday that celebrates love and passion.  The week of cupid having arrived, we felt it appropriate to begin our latest review with a short poem of new found devotion.

An Ode to Sockwell….

Life without you was fine, was okay.
It was spent aimlessly, roughing it through each new training day.
Now that you’re here, comfort and relief I foresee,
Each blissful moment filled with sweet recovery.
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