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SKORA INC. 2505 SE 11TH AVE., SUITE 313
PORTLAND, OREGON 97202 USA
T +1 503 847 9040
F +1 503 339 2929
TOLL FREE US/CAN
+1 800 401 2231
PRESS BOOK
October 2012
SKORARUNNING.COM
“
Hey man I got the forms in the mail today. I can’t even explain to you
how excited I was about sliding em on my feet.
I can’t even believe how crazy good they feel. They are a whole different
world than the base and I love them. Literally took them out of the box
laced them up and ran twenty miles in them. Seriously insane how crazy
smooth they feel on the foot. I love them. Thank you so much.
-Max Peterson
This is true innovation from technology to design to functionality to
packaging.....like an upgrade to Business Class.
STYLISH DESIGN. It’s a winner hands down! The attention to details and
the quality of materials used for the entire shoe is simply worth the
money.
http://minimalistrunningshoes.org/skora-running-form-shoe-review
a “work of art” ...I couldn’t wait to get my feet into them though and
within minutes I was in sockless shod heaven.
Talk about comfort and fit, these ‘shoes’ engulfed my foot in a joyful
cocoon. Soft…soft …soft and flexible enough to allow my foot to flex
every which way it pleased.
If the late Steve Jobs ever got round to commissioning a pair of barefoot
running shoes – this could be the end result!
http://ultra168.com/2012/04/10/gear-review-skora-form-shoes-if-apple-made-minimalist-running-shoes/
To me, Skora Running is the Apple of running shoes.
http://averageguyhitstheroad.blogspot.ca/2011/10/apple-of-running-shoes-skora-running.html
The Skora Form is designed better and built better, and with that, comes
a $195 price tag. Justifiable? Coming from the cheapest guy I know?
Yes, very.
If you’re a minimalist runner who values form and function, give these
shoes a try.
http://ultrarunnerpodcast.com/gear-reviews-2/gear-review-write-ups
“
Greetings!
I just wanted to take a second to thank you for your shoes.
I have been running in Vibrams and other minimal/barefoot
shoes for about a year now. I run about 50 miles a week
and have just completed my second marathon this year. I had
the chance to try on a pair of SKORA Forms during a visit to
Zombie Runner in Palo Alto, and it was love at first step. I
purchased them as casual shoes, but I had a feeling that they
might be the perfect training/racing shoe for my first 50 miler
in January. When I arrived home I immediately ordered a pair
of yellow SKORA Base. I tried them out for the first time today
on a hilly 8.5 mile run.
I couldn’t be happier! They are the perfect combination of a
“barely there” sock-like fit with outstanding ground feel and
enough protection that I feel like I could easily go 50 or more
in them.
If I had the resources I would gladly invest $1,000,000 in
your company, not because I thought I would make a lot of
money but to help insure that you continue to produce and
develop shoes of this quality for decades to come. All I can do
is continue to purchase your shoes and spread the word. The
joy and love of running is tangible in the feel and design of the
shoes. No shoe is a “magic bullet” that is right for everyone,
but SKORA seems to have hit upon something that is ideal for
this runner. Thank you again.
All the best,
David
issue 1242
October 15, 2012
ISSUE 1242
october 15, 2012
NEWS & INFORMATION FOR THE RUNNING & TRIATHLON MARKET
The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry
SCORES BIG IN MINIMALIST
SCORES BIG IN MINIMALIST
MOVEMENT
MOVEMENT
SEES MINIMAL MOVEMENT
JUST BEGINNING
By Thomas J. Ryan
R
eports of minimalism’s death have
been greatly exaggerated. That’s the
view of David Sypniewski, founder
and CEO of the zero-drop running shoe brand,
Skora, who remains confident that barefoot design will still transform the running industry in
the decades ahead. He believes the oft-noted
slowdown in Vibram FiveFingers’ rapid growth
was likely due to the “novelty” effect wearing
off for many first-time buyers as well as a more
crowded market for minimal footwear.
He also believes the size of the market
for stripped-down, flexible models is being stalled by many long-time run specialty
owners resisting the movement. Reluctant to
abandon many of the precepts around running shoe-design and running form they’ve
preached to customers over the last two
14 SGB PERFORMANCE | OCTOBER 15, 2012
to three decades in their stores, Sypniewski believes many stores
“haven’t fully bought into minimalism.”
The next generation of running storeowners will likely be “more
open” to such concepts, he contends. He firmly believes that minimal
construction will continue to reshape the overall footwear marketplace, and noted how minimalism design can be seen increasingly
influencing trail and other categories. With consumers moving away
from stability and motion-control shoes, he predicted minimal construction will work its way much deeper into running design. Within
five to 10 years, he suspects the neutral running category will greatly
resemble today’s “fringe” minimal offerings.
He likens the change to his belief that the term “organic food’ will likely
go away as it replaces conventional food that came after the food industry
began spraying crops with pesticides and chemicals after World War II.
"LET'S USE LABELS TO INFORM, EDUCATE AND COMMUNICATE
RATHER THAN OBFUSCATE AND CONFUSE."
- David Sypniewski, founder and CEO Skora
OCTOBER 15, 2012 | SGB PERFORMANCE
15
In the same vein, minimal models only represent a “return” to running
shoe design before the early seventies brought overbuilt shoes that he
believes are causing many running injuries.
Obviously, Sypniewski has also become a staunch believer in the
midfoot strike and the problems inherent in heel striking. He found
religion around 2002 after a leg injury prevented him from enjoying
his passion of running and racing for nearly 18 months. Orthotics,
deep-tissue massages and motion control shoes offered no help.
Seeking out more holistic approaches, one night he ran across
Barefoot Ken Bob Saxton’s website, barefootrunning.com, and
quickly identified with the problems tied to heel striking. “Imagine
jumping off a stool and landing on your heels on a concrete floor,”
said Sypniewski. “you’d say, ‘No way!’ And running is nothing more
than jumping from foot to foot.”
The next day, he went to a local field, put on aqua socks, and ran
for the first time without pain in over a year. Said Sypniewski, “Magically without all this technology, the pain went away.”
Moving from Calgary to Fort Myers, FL, he developed his own
protective socks made of latex rubber bought from Home Depot to
sustain the local pavements that could reach 150 degrees. With
Vibram FiveFingers and Nike Free soon launching, he thought of selling his running socks to other barefoot enthusiasts but still lacked
the production knowhow, despite his corporate sales and marketing
background. He became more convinced to come out with his own
minimal shoe after Vivobarefoot came to the U.S. market in 2007
with more of a casual offering – their running shoes came out two
years later. His goal in launching Skora was to bring “honest product
with an honest marketing message of what footwear really should be
for runners, which is protection and nothing more from the surface.”
David Sypniewski, founder
and CEO Skora
Teaming up with Richard Kuchinsky, who had recently designed
shoes for the Denmark-based soccer shoe company, Hummel
International, he spent about four years and numerous credit cards
coming up with the design for Skora, which translates to “skin” or
“leather” in Polish. Landing a significant investment in 2011 enabled
the Portland-based startup to launch the Form ($185) and Base
($110) in February 2012.
Designed to fit like a ‘second skin,’ a proprietary anatomically correct last in both models mimics the foot’s contours as it moves, while
a zero-drop midsole/outsole and a curved profile in both the forefoot
and heel encourages natural movement. The Form features Pittards
Armor-Tan Goatskin leather and WR100X Sheepskin leather lining
that promote breathability and durability, as well as asymmetrical lacing and wrap-around tongue construction. The Base features a mesh
upper and adjustable X-strap closure system along with many of the
same features as the Form. Women’s versions of both came out in July.
For Spring 2013, two more shoes - Phase ($110) and Core ($155)
- arrive built on a whole new platform. The IBR (Injection Blown Rubber) midsole promises a better abrasion resistance, grip and compression-set than injected EVA, at a much lower density and weight
than rubber.
The Phase is an all-synthetic shoe while the Core is a hybrid goatskin version. Said Sypniewski, “It’s cool because it gives you the right
amount of feedback but also gives the right amount of protection, all
in a zero-drop design and fully concaved and curved heel. It’s about
mirroring the foot as much as possible.”
Sypniewski describes Skora’s entry as “very well received” with
the line reaching about 75 doors globally, and a solid response from
overseas. One obstacle was not coming out with a women’s versions until July, but he admits the overall U.S. market has been “a
little bit of a challenge” because of competition and the fact that
not all U.S. stores have fully embraced minimalism. “From a sellthrough perspective, it requires a merchant to engage and educate,”
said Sypniewski. “And don’t get me wrong, there’s many wonderful
stores that do this and pride themselves in it, but it is a challenge in
the U.S. market. It’s not quite as adopting yet to the lightweight and
minimal side whereas Europe, Southeast Asia and Australia have
been a little bit more accepting, even at the mainstream and chain
stores.”
While just entering the Canadian market, Skora expects to make
further inroads in the U.S. in 2013 with a broader offering of four
styles across two distinct platforms, both genders, and a range of
price points. The company is also seeking its second round of capital
investment to fund growth while building on grassroots outreach at
running events and pushing its story out to the media.
But Sypniewski believes demand for less-structured shoes will
build due to growing interest in the benefits from runners. Also
supporting the natural movement is the arrival of education programs
on proper running form from a host of brands for largely the first
time, as well as many running stores promoting natural running
16 SGB PERFORMANCE | OCTOBER 15, 2012
clinics. He believes these helped
reduce the injury rates as runners have
transitioned to more minimal shoes.
Finally, Sypniewski expects the overall
minimal opportunity will “start to be
much better defined” over the next
year for consumers and retailers.
“It’s been really crazy and confusing over the past eight to 12 months
between FiveFingers and all the mainstream brands and everyone else vying to create their own position in the
space,” said Sypniewski. “I think 2013
is the year that consumers will have
a much clearer understanding about
what New Balance offers in that space,
how is Skora different, how is Altra different, what Hoka’s doing…who are the
players and what do they believe in.”
Still, he believes the industry needs to work through some transitional hurdles. First, Sypniewski believes the overall mindset around
running “faster, harder and stronger” has to be replaced by more of a
go-slow approach to not only curb injuries but to bring a sense of fun
to the activity. “That’s a difficult pill to swallow because people want
long mileage and that cardiovascular return,” said Sypniewski. “But
at what cost is the short-term gain versus long-term health. It’s about
the quality and experience of running and not being in pain and not
being miserable. And recognizing when to not push it. I vote for the
longer, slightly more difficult training route.”
FALL/WINTER 2012 BASE COLLECTION FOR WOMEN
"SHOES AREN'T GOING TO GO AWAY, WHAT
NEEDS TO CHANGE IS THE TYPE OF SHOES. SO
IF WE WORK TOGETHER, WE CAN SOFTEN THE
BLOW FOR RETAILERS. IT'S A BIG ROCK TO PUSH,
BUT IT'S DOING THE RIGHT THING BY RUNNERS:.
- David Sypniewski, founder and CEO Skora
An even greater hurdle likely will be clearing up the varied terminology being used by many brands in the marketplace around minimal
offerings that is confusing consumers. In an open letter to the industry that ran as a full-page ad in the October issue of Running Times,
Sypniewski wrote that natural, healthy running is based on some basic,
accepted principles and misperceptions only occur when shoes with
rigid TPU shanks, "barefoot" shoes with 10mm heel to toe drop, and
"natural" shoes designed to encourage heel strike are being described
as minimal or natural. Wrote Sypniewski, “Let's use labels to inform,
educate and communicate rather than obfuscate and confuse.”
The letter also addressed the “hypocrisy” of some mainstream
THE CORE SHOE FOR MEN
FROM THE SPRING/SUMMER 2013 COLLECTION
brands offering minimal models that encourage running with a wholefoot gait while at the same time offering conventional running shoes
with large amounts of cushioning, support and a thicker heel that encourage a heel strike gait. This also compounds confusing messages
being heard in the marketplace.
Sypniewski asserts more “honesty” around design and marketing
language will help guide what he sees as the gradual shift from conventional shoes, which still make up about 85 percent of the market,
to less-structured ones. ■
OCTOBER 15, 2012 | SGB PERFORMANCE
17
VIVOBAREFOOT ULTRA MSRP $80
CONSUMER TYPES
Know The Difference
RETAIL USA
Local Fixtures Live On
INSIDE
The Footwear
Event 2012
Preview!
ASICS GEL-EXCEL33 2.0 MSRP $125
PHOTO BY FRANK JAMES
America, acknowledges that minimalism
has already moved to the mainstream, but
wonders how far will it go. “Minimalism has
already spread beyond running specialty,”
says Monahan.
“It will continue to have
LINES WE LIKE
MANAGEMENT
Shelf-Worthy
Shoes inHow
to Inspire
a place
the
market, but we believe the
rapid growth we have seen over the last
couple of years will begin to slow. The
long-term viability of this type of product
sits within running specialty.”
As for the future of minimal products
from Asics, Monahan says, “As we do with
all of product, we will continue to study the
science and consumer needs, leading to
the creation of the right product solutions.
For Spring 2013, we have taken our shoe
building philosophy for this product in an
entire new direction, re-engineering our
entire midsole construction to recognize
the multiple plans of movement within the
33 joints of the foot.”
Another major brand whose designs
impact and reflect the mainstream is
Skechers, whose upcoming additions
to its GOrun collection will include two
new launches, the GOrun Ride, targeting
runners transitioning into minimalist
footwear; and the Skechers GObionic, an
ultra-lightweight zero drop running shoe
designed to promote a mid-foot strike.
“With the introduction of our zero drop
Skechers GObionic platform this summer,
we continue to have a strong point of view
in regards to minimalistic footwear,” says
Rick Higgins, Skechers VP-merchandising
and product development. “As we move
forward into 2013, Skechers will be
offering additional minimalist footwear
styles and expanding into new categories
utilizing Skechers GObionic technology.
This category continues to emerge and
MINIMALISM 2.0
SKECHERS GORUN RIDE MSRP $80
WHAT’S NEXT?
ITHACA, NY
3(50,7 KIGO FLIT MSRP $87
PAID
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
FOOTWEARINSIGHT.COM • MAY/JUNE 2012
between
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Skora Running, a minimalist shoe brand based in Portland,
vendors
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featureswell
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Rachelle Kuramoto, chief marketing officer at Kigo
footwear, a brand that makes shoes designed for the
The Style
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barefoot
lifestyle
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extending
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brand
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major footwear category, thereby increasing the options for
sub-$100
to $195.
all
types of wearers,
and providing comfortable tools for all
Founder
and
David Sypniewski
kinds
of footwear
needsCEO
and issues.”
As minimalism
going
forward,
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be interesting
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its
to watch how different brands – large and small – choose to
minimalist
running
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drop,
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weight
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there
“Minimalism
as aflexible
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is very
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Mikal
Peveto,
director
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at Adidas
America.
“Lightweight
is a style
focus
as well.
“There
is another
element to the brand, and that element is
sexiness,” says Sypniewski. “Nobody wants
to run in an ugly running shoe.”
“We wanted to combine having both a
function and a form,” adds Sypniewski.
“Certain traditional running shoes make
you go ‘wow, that is hot and sexy and fast’,
and some of those products inspire you to
do a new activity. Running shoes make you
want to get out there and do it, so when
we build something we want to make sure
it not only has a function that is good for
the body but there is also a form to it that
is good for the ego, I guess you could say.
And that’s good for sales, too — for the
retailer and for us.” O
MINIMAL ISM 2.0
ADIDAS ADIPURE ADAPT MSRP $90
28 • Footwear Insight ~ May/June 2012
footwearinsight.com
BY CARA GRIFFIN
Ask three different people to define what a minimalist
shoe is and you will most likely get three different answers.
To an average consumer, minimalism might mean
lightweight. To a core running geek, it might mean zero
drop, and with a very specific, say eight mm or nine mm
stack height, max. For others, a minimalist shoe is simply
a cross between a barefoot shoe and a traditional running
shoe. Like it or not — in the marketplace right now, minimal
is all of those things.
Retailers and shoe brands can offer up varying definitions,
but in the end, it’s the consumer who will decide what is
minimal and what is not — and what is hot and what is not.
For now, we’ll widely define minimalism as bridging the gap
between barefoot and traditional shoes. And we’ll let the
brands do the rest…
PHOTO BY FRANK JAMES
SKORA BASE MSRP $125 / NEW BALANCE MINIMUS 20V3 TRAINER MSRP $99.95
Where Do We Go From Here?
“What I think you’ll see happening, and it is already
happening, is the more mainstream, traditional running shoe
brands are going to thread across their entire product line
an approach to designing shoes that has less technology
and less stuff,” says David Sypniewski, founder and CEO,
Skora Running, a minimalist shoe brand based in Portland,
OR. “And then the discussion will no longer be about which
brands make minimal shoes, it will be about which shoes are
designed well and are comfortable, and look good as well.”
Rachelle Kuramoto, chief marketing officer at Kigo
footwear, a brand that makes shoes designed for the
barefoot lifestyle and minimalist athletics, sees minimalism
extending into several different categories. “I think we’ll
see more specialization in the minimalist space with the
increase in offerings,” says Kuramoto. “Presumably, the
lines launched by longstanding run specialty brands will
lead in the run space. The lines that were launched by
recognized outdoor brands will lead in the camp/trail space,
and so on. With that will probably come more additions into
the lifestyle gap, which is already filling nicely. Our hope is
that minimalism is a concept that will have a hold in every
major footwear category, thereby increasing the options for
all types of wearers, and providing comfortable tools for all
kinds of footwear needs and issues.”
As minimalism evolves going forward, it will be interesting
to watch how different brands – large and small – choose to
navigate the waters.
“Minimalism as a concept is very important,” says Mikal
Peveto, director of running at Adidas America. “Lightweight
products are our fastest growing segment of styles in all
channels of distribution. Shoes under 10 ounces in men’s
size nine make up nearly 40 percent of our overall business
— up significantly over previous years. Ironically, the last
retail channel to wholeheartedly adopt this trend has been
the running specialty market. There are multiple segments
within minimalism footwear — lightweight with minimalist
construction and then barefoot minimalism for pure and
natural movement.”
New Balance, with its well-received Minimus collection,
is a key brand defining the minimalist category’s future.
NB has already introduced Minimus styles beyond running
and into the Training and Wellness categories and sees
the concept gaining significant traction outside of the run
specialty market.
Mainstream Appeal
In 2013, NB will offer updates to the current Minimus
10 series — with the Minimus 10v2 and the Minimus 10v2
Trail. There will also be an all-new Minimus 20v3 Training
shoe designed for cross-functional workouts like CrossFit.
The Minimus 80 Multisport will debut in Spring 2013 and
it is designed for the athlete who is looking for a low
profile, barefoot-inspired shoe but needs enough cushioning
underfoot for a full day of adventure in the outdoors. Much
later in 2013 NB is also looking into a Minimus stand-up
paddle board/water shoe as well (still in prototype phase).
Merrell, whose barefoot products have made a splash in
the minimalist category, also sees plenty of growth potential
for the category beyond running. “Minimalism is impacting
many areas of the outdoors and athletic business in the
marketplace today,” says Shaun Bohnsack, product line
manager at Merrell. “Minimalism’s effect is most prevalent
in running, but we are also seeing minimalism affect hiking,
multisport, and casual product development. Consumers
are also looking for product solutions that provide a
similar feeling to barefoot footwear, but with protection
and features that will let them recreate in different ways
outdoors. With the success we have had with barefoot, we
will continue to look into other areas of our product line,
where we can provide increased underfoot proprioception
and stability and bring the benefits of barefoot/minimal
construction to the consumer.”
ECCO, which is refining its BIOM Run line with new
product in 2013, is also targeting several other categories
for growth with minimalist product. “The biggest potential
for minimalism products is definitely in daily wear shoe
products,” says Alex Nicolai, global director of ECCO Sport.
“People can activate their feet and lower leg muscles
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“People
A Minimalist Running Shoe You'll Want to Wear All the Time | Running | OutsideOnline.com
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For years, runners have been told that technology—bags of air, gel, shock absorbing and overbuilt arch
and heel support—is supposed to make running better. Still, there is no proof that overbuilt support
systems reduce injury or make running better for you. In fact, there are many studies now that show
just the opposite.
Skora began four years ago as a passion project of founder and CEO David Sypniewski, a longtime
runner. He set out to design a shoe that would allow him to run more naturally.
"There is indeed now a movement toward products that encourage more natural running form," says
Sypniewski. Some call it barefoot, minimal, natural or free. "We believe that the best technology
available is the human body, and design our products to respect this. Skora shoes allow the human body
to function as naturally and efficiently as possible."
Rather than looking for new features to add when Skora builds its running shoes, they look for features
to remove. Skora has taken out the tongue, heel counter, cushioning (most of it at least), seams and the
elevated heel of a traditional running shoe. What they've added: asymmetrical lacing that follows the
shape of your foot, a wide toe box to allow your digits full contact for propelling you forward, and
extremely high quality materials.
Skora’s Form (http://store.skorarunning.com/skora-form-black.html) uses full Pittards goatskin
leather with a lining that's perforated to breathe. It conforms to your foot like it was made for you.
They're zero-drop shoes with minimal cushion—just enough to protect your foot from the road as you're
mastering minimalist running (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barefoot_running).
Uncategorized (/blog/fitness/running?
The Form's forefoot and heel are slightly curved to encourage a medial to lateral roll, the natural motion
category=Uncategorized)
of your foot from the outside of your midfoot when you strike to your big toe, which you use to push off.
Media (/blog/fitness/running?category=Media)
Even the last has an asymmetrical shape and a slightly curved bottom. And the forefoot of the shoe is
Books (/blog/fitness/running?category=Books)
slightly cupped for a more natural ground-like feel. And you won't just want to wear them running.
Once you get used to this minimalist footwear, you'll find you want to wear it all the time. Fortunately,
these leather trainers look as good with running shorts as jeans. Available now, $185; skorarunning.com
(http://skorarunning.com/).
—Berne Broudy
@berneb (https://twitter.com/berneb)
TV (/blog/fitness/running?
category=TV)
Celebrities (/blog/fitness/running?category=Celebrities)
Athletes (/blog/fitness/running?category=Athletes)
Politics (/blog/fitness/running?category=Politics)
Science (/blog/fitness/running?category=Science)
Nature (/blog/fitness/running?category=Nature)
Events (/blog/fitness/running?category=Events)
http://www.outsideonline.com/blog/fitness/running/a-minimalist-running-shoe-youll-want-to-wear-all-the-time.html?175569671
Shoes Unboxing (NOTCOT)
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The goat leather is even softer than you’d expect - the pink is BRIGHTer than i expected…
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The black and white patterned parts of the sole reminds me of morrocan tile patterns.
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ME
« 3D PRINTED INTERLOCKED CUBES: SHAPEWAYS | MAIN | NOTVENTURES ROUNDUP »
« 3D PRINTED INTERLOCKED CUBES: SHAPEWAYS | MAIN | NOTVENTURES ROUNDUP »
SKORA RUNNING SHOES UNBOXING- 08.23.12
*NOTCOT IN WEARABLE , 20:56
*NOTCOT IN WEARABLE , 20:56
SKORA RUNNING SHOES UNBOXING- 08.23.12
Firstly, let me just put it out there that i’m no runner. I’ve tried a few times, still trying to get in to it… and i’ve been loving
the Nike Frees for a while now. When Skora’s designer, Richard Kuchinsky, reached out to me, i wasn’t sure i was the right
person to try out their new shoes… then he told me they had amazing packaging, and i was hooked. What’s the story
behind this new Portland based minimal running shoe line? “At SKORA, we look at things differently. We believe that
running shoes should be built to encourage running performance that is as biomechanically correct as possible, with
minimal interference. Our footwear lets people run naturally. Run Real is our philosophy and we stand by it.” Beyond the
way these new running shoes help your running performance, there are a lot of beautiful patterns in the packaging and on
the shoes, as well as nice clean branding! Check out the unboxing and a peek at all the details of the women’s Skora Base
and Form running shoes on the next page.
Firstly, let me just put it out there that i’m no runner. I’ve tried a few times, still trying to get in to it… and i’ve been loving
the Nike Frees for a while now. When Skora’s designer, Richard Kuchinsky, reached out to me, i wasn’t sure i was the right
person to try out their new shoes… then he told me they had amazing packaging, and i was hooked. What’s the story
behind this new Portland based minimal running shoe line? “At SKORA, we look at things differently. We believe that
running shoes should be built to encourage running performance that is as biomechanically correct
as possible, with
REVIEWS (71)
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of the women’s Skora Base
SAN FRANCISCO (14)
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and Form running shoes on the next page.
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Portland entrepreneur seeks second round of
funding for running brand Skora
Published: Wednesday, August 08, 2012, 9:11 PM
Sponsored By:
Portland entrepreneur seeks second round of funding for running brand Skora | OregonLive.com
(http://ads.oregonlive.com/RealMedia/ads/click_lx.ads/www.oregonlive.com/playbooksprofits/article/L44/518335522/SecSponsor/OREGONLIVE/TwinStar01_OR_Business_SecSpon/thdj01039.html/726e634a676c416a3277
He says he was convinced from his own experience and research that the design of his running shoe
— a built-up sole common on many brands — was somehow responsible. He declined to name the
Updated: Wednesday, August 08, 2012, 9:12 PM
Recommenda
maker of the offending shoe.
Shadow
figures
(http://connect.oregonlive.com/user/aebrettman/index.html)
Jehovah
Whitney
ground would be healthier for the runner.
(http://connect.oregonlive.com/user/aebrettman/index.html)
Follow
Recommend
49 peopl
Sypniewski says he was convinced a lighter running shoe that allows the foot to be closer to the
By Allan Brettman, The Oregonian
457 peop
While moonlighting to get Skora off the ground, he was a channel manager for the public safety
0
11 people recommend this. Be the first of your friends.
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write a business plan in 2009.
Whitney
accordin
killer Jo
Sypniewski credits that adviser with connecting him two years later with a major investor. That
Running shoe rookie David Sypniewski
recruiting investors for his start-up
339 peop
A novice to running his own business let alone designing shoes, Sypniewski sought the help of a
Print
consultant in Florida to
(http://impact.oregonlive.com/playbooksprofits/print.html?
entry=/2012/08/portland_entrepreneur_seeks_se.html)
has returned to familiar territory —
Suspect
through
volunte
product division of BAE Systems.
Share
36 peopl
(http://ads.oregonlive.com/RealMedia/ads/click_lx.ads/www.oregonlive.com/playbooksinvestor, perhaps swayed by publicity surrounding the “minimal” market and the advocacy of
profits/article/L44/549254989/Rectangle/OREGONLIVE/TownCtryH10_OR_RoS_Multi/town_country_honda_102012_300x250
Facebook social p
barefoot running espoused in the best-selling book “Born to Run,” invested $900,000 in Skora.
Sypniewski declined to name the investor or the Florida adviser.
company, Skora.
Sypniewski hired a Toronto shoe designer, Richard Kuchinsky,</cq> who’d recently left the
But this time, Sypniewski has a
From Our Adv
Denmark-based soccer shoe company, Hummel International. He found him in a Web search.
different story to tell than the one he
peddled in February 2011.
Kuchinsky devised the distinctive stripped-down, yet stylish Skora look. Wired magazine called
A
(http://www
Skora’s “Form” shoe “the Bentley of barefoot running shoes.”
Back then, Sypniewski had only a
decade-old vision that a super-
Sypniewski moved the company to Portland because of its pool of running shoe company veterans.
lightweight running shoe could compete
View full size (http://media.oregonlive.com/playbooksprofits/photo/skora-2-0169-copy3jpg-5422bdf91e81bfc5.jpg)
Skora Inc.
The Skora "Base" running shoe ($110) was one of two styles launched
by the Portland-based minimalist brand.
against the bigger brands. He didn’t
Skora is located in the Ford Building in southeast Portland, home to other companies in the
have much more than that, but he
creative/active sector, including Nutcase Helmets.
secured nearly $1 million from an
Sypniewski, who was born in Poland and reared in Calgary, chose the brand name. Skora means
investor anyway.
“skin” or “leather” in Polish, depending on the context.
Now, Skora has two running shoe
Connect with OregonLive.com
styles in the “minimal” category
What's this?
(http://www.oregonlive.com/playbooksprofits/index.ssf/2012/01/adidas_america_hq_in_north_por.html) that went to market in
February. Two more styles will be introduced next year. And, after a productive four days last week
at the Outdoor Retailer tradeshow in Salt Lake City
(http://www.oregonlive.com/playbooksprofits/index.ssf/2012/08/oregon_companies_abound_at_sal.html), Skora has vastly
expanded its U.S. and international distributorship.
So Sypniewski has a different story to tell investors as Skora seeks to raise $1.5 million to $3
million by Dec. 15.
“Quite fitting,” Sypniewski said, “as we make ‘second skin’ shoes, with half our styles made with
performance
goatskin
leather.”
He said “skor” means “shoes”
(http://www.oregonlive.com/mobile(http://www.facebook.com/oregonlive)
(http://twitter.com/OregonLive)
(https://plus.google.com/114497808693334238461/)
(http://www.oregonlive.com/rss/)
device)
in Swedish.
Skora introduced the Form ($185) and Base ($110) earlier this year. Next year it adds the Phase
($110) and Core ($155).
All Facebook & Twitter accounts »
(http://www.oregonlive.com/connect)
In Portland, the independent running shop, Fit Right, is carrying Skora.
“It’s a local company and we like to support local,” said Robb Finegan,</cq> Fit Right co-owner and
footwear buyer.
Finegan also said the shoe design is “a little bit different that other minimal shoes,” of which his
store has more than a dozen different brands.
Popular Tag
adidas
(http://top
adidas america
(http://topics.o
coca-cola
“We have several investors we’re speaking with and engaging with,” Sypniewski said. “We’re
looking at adding more.”
Matt Powell, a footwear analyst with SportsOneSource, said Skora has “premium, well-thought
products.” But he said the minimal-barefoot category, pioneered by the Vibram Five Fingers as well
as the Nike Free, is “showing signs of fatigue. I do not expect big growth in the category.”
Sypniewski stopped his recreational running routine because of lingering pain about 10 years ago.
cola/index.html
(http://topic
danner
Despite that prediction, the category doubled this year compared to last. Overall, U.S. running shoe
http://www.oregonlive.com/playbooks-profits/index.ssf/2012/08/portland_entrepreneur_seeks_se.html
(http://topics.o
sales total about $7 billion of which $500 million are minimalist or barefoot.
Page 1 of 6
Sypniewski said his research shows at least 8 percent to 12 growth in minimalist next year.
(http://topics.o
derrick rose
(http://topics.o
erin andrews
(http://topics.o
“Is that big growth?” he said. “No, but that is still growth.”
garmont
(http://topics.o
At the Outdoor Retailer tradeshow (http://www.oregonlive.com/playbooks-
james curleigh
profits/index.ssf/2012/08/lifestyle_products_capture_spa.html), Sypniewski said Skora
(http://topics.o
recruited 15 new independent retailers in the U.S. for a total of 35 and added distributor partnership
jordan brand
in Canada, Singapore, South Korea and the Philippines. It already is distributed in Australia and New
(http://topics.o
Zealand as well as amazon.com (http://amazon.com/).
keen
(http://topics.o
“We’ve built a compelling product,” Sypniewski said. “And now we’ve got a compelling story.”
lacrosse
(http://topics.o
-- Allan Brettman; (mailto:[email protected]) twitter.com/abrettman
lance armstrong
(http://twitter.com/abrettman)
(http://topics.o
Related topics: minimal running
(http://topics.oregonlive.com/tag/minimal%20running/index.html), skora
(http://topics.oregonlive.com/tag/skora/index.html)
li-ning (http://t
ning/index.html
(http://topics.o
nautilus
http://www.oregonlive.com/playbooks-profits/index.ssf/2012/08/portland_entrepreneur_seeks_se.html
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2012 Recap by Abe Burmeister - Core77
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Page 1 of 13
Minimalism, of course, has been the word du jour in the running shoe
world for a while now, and it's hard to imagine things can get more
minimal than the running sandals of Luna and XeroShoes. Running shoes
are a bit out of my expertise, but the most interesting new player was
Skora, which seems to treat the minimalist and barefoot running
movement as an opening to rethink the running shoe in a completely new
form. They appear to be the first company to truly realize that barefoot
running isn't really about getting as close to no shoes as possible but
about building running shoes suited to a different running motion than the
one that has prevailed in the industry for decades. The insoles and
outsoles are both completely new designs, but perhaps more important is
that they are willing to use higher quality leathers in the uppers: frankly, it's
a damn shame it's taken the sneaker industry so long to reach that point.
ying what a Minimalist shoe is.
THE MINIMALIST HANDBOOK
RUNNING SHOE CHARACTERISTICS
®
RIALSSYNTHETICMESHWITHFEWOVERLAYS
>>>>>>>> Focus on where the runner is currently and match the shoe to his or her needs
4HENEWSMAGAZINEFORRUNNINGSPECIALTYRETAILERSs!UGUSTs6OL.O
Foot shaped
toe box
Contains toes
ALREADYFAMILIARWITHTHElT)NOV
of models allows a familiar fit for
affords, or new customers with
a transition from Minimalist to
medium to high arched feet. The
Barefoot Inspired. Curved shape
road versions are roomier in the
matches medium to high arched
forefoot than most of their trail
a close fitting upper
Nike made its mark in London withfeet
its well,
Volt with
footwear.
versions.
that is roomy in the forefoot.
5.0, 4.0, and 3.0 – shows the
customers ready for the most
emphasis Nike has placed on
minimal footwear. Accommodates
Minimal and Transitional shoes.
most foot types, except high
The
strength
building
aspects
volume feet.
THE MINIMALIST HANDBOOK
are optimized with the 4.0 and
3.0 when running is added to an
Vibram: The “shoe” that
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overall fitness program.
begins the Barefoot Inspired
THE MINIMALIST
K-Swiss: Most of the K-Swiss
New Balance: The Minimus line
Recommended for: Customers
conversation. The low profile and
HANDBOOK
See Pages
13- 33
running
line is aimed at the
has several shoes that will satisfy
currently in the Free 5.0, or in
zero drop require adaptation,
2AMPANGLE
A Retailers’
Guide to Barefoot
andwith
Minimalgood
Footwear By Cregg Weinmann
traditional running shoe customer.
all but the hardest core Barefoot
traditional
shoes
but the learning curve required
Its lower profile racing shoes and its
Inspired enthusiasts. Its zero drop
flexibility.
to put on a pair is the starting
EMILLIMETERSORLESS
zero drop model are great options
models feature a measure of
point. The variety of models may
for transitioning to true barefoot
cushioning and feedback, while its
Saucony: Features a range of
OWASMUCHOFTHEFOOTSNATURALMOTIONAS
have been one of the biggest
inspired
Minimalist and Barefoot Inspired
surprises, in features, color, and
e to pinch the sides
of shoes.
the upper’s heel together, four millimeters of offset models
Recommended
for: Customers
offer transitioning options for
models, all having been updated
surprisingly — feel. Website
e shoe torsionally
with little resistance).
interested
in
zero
drop
with
a
taller
neophytes
or
minimalists.
Partnered
TOVERSIONORBEYOND
ENCOURAGESEDUCATIONHTTP
ESFORAMENSSIZE/NEADDITIONALQUALIlER
stack height, for comfort. Curved
with Good Form Running for the
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of these three features lends the benefits of
shape matches medium to high
EDUCATIONALASPECTHTTPWWW
transitioning to less shoe, from
EDUCATION
allows inclusion within the category.
arched feet well, with good
NEWBALANCECOMRUNNINGGOOD
traditional midsole heights to zero
Recommended for: Customers
midfoot support.
FORMRUNNINGDEFAULTSCHTML
drop in several steps.
interested only in Vibram, or those
Recommended for: Customers
Recommended for: Customers
looking for a zero drop shoe with
Leming Footwear: Emphasizes
ready for minimal footwear with
familiar with the Saucony fit and
maximum toe splay, and those willRETAILER REGISTRATION
NOW OPEN
Barefoot Inspired shape, zero drop,
some cushioning aspects. A close
stepping down to less shoe, or new
ing to learn their best running form.
FOR THE RUNNING EVENT 2012
runninginsight.com
flexibility and maximum feedback.
fitting shoe design, fits curvier feet,
customers looking to find a match
Recommended for: Customers
but is also available in widths to
with their fitness level.
Vivobarefoot: vivobarefoot
for the most
offers a full line of zero drop
nt of the brandsready
responding
saw minimal
a distinct differ- improve options for fitting wider and
footwear.
All which
foot types
arethe terms
fuller volume feet.
Skechers
Go-Run
shoes,
from dressy to casual to
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of people run, and
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hough the majority
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by
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Barefoot & Minimal:
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design, except extremely narrow
Newton Running:
The introduction of running
midfoot
strike
by
its geometry.
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Inspired,
with a roomy forefoot
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The Inside Scoop
in the marketplace – has fueled significant research and development,
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of many events has contributed
ations, Vibram USA Vice President, Skora
Retailers Speak
offerings in the running shoe world; let us point out a few.
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and core training
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interested
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drop models feature very minimal
s ‘barefoot’ and Its options
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arch height.
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ndustry is classify‘minimalist’
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looking
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has
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or
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back
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transitioning process.
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program, available on its Website
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of
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sinceRecommended
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design accommodates a breadth of
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consumer.”
heir trail
feet well, with a close fitting upper
are optimized with the 4.0 and
that is roomy in the forefoot.
3.0 when running is added to an
Vibram: The “shoe” that
overall fitness program.
begins the Barefoot Inspired
K-Swiss
New Balance: The Minimus line
Recommended for: Customers
conversation. The low profile and
the
has several shoes that will satisfy
currently in the Free 5.0, or in
zero drop require adaptation,
customer.
all but the hardest core Barefoot
traditional shoes with good
but the learning curve required
shoes and its
Inspired enthusiasts. Its zero drop
flexibility.
to put on a pair is the starting
eat options
models feature a measure of
point. The variety of models may
barefoot
cushioning and feedback, while its
Saucony: Features a range of
have been one of the biggest
four millimeters of offset models
Minimalist and Barefoot Inspired
surprises, in features, color, and
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offer transitioning options for
models, all having been updated
surprisingly — feel. Website
with a taller
neophytes
or minimalists.
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$100
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drop in several steps.
interested only in Vibram, or those
STARS OF THE GAMES
o
SPONSORED BY
®
www.gore-tex.com
www.gore-tex.com
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DEFINING
MINIMALISM
o rd 2
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WHO
SPEAKS
FOR
UTAH?
BLACK
DIAMOND’S
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METCALF
STANDS UP TO
GOV. GARY
HERBERT
THE
INSIDE
STORY
saw, we like, we want to test
news
Down and dirty
War over water-resistant down,
plus youth leaders, USA-made
gear and new exhibitor finds
7
PG.
people
Movers and shakers
A chat with OIA’s new D.C.
policy chief, Mountain Mama’s
CEO and a fashion forecaster
PG.
93
new products
Gear guide
A sneak peek at must-see
innovations from personal
power to hydration to pets
The official publication of:
57
PG.
ORD Covers.indd 2
6. SKORA
RUNNING BASE
This shoe offers a stretch-mesh,
almost sock-like fit with an
adjustable strap system, including
back at the heel. Zero-degree drop
and an Ortholite footbed.
#41155 MSRP $105 www.
skorarunning.com
8/2/12 6:32 PM
r nighttime trail running,
s powerful 700-lumen
out to 140 meters.
w.petzl.com
5. COLUMBIA FREEZE DEGREE SHORT SLEEVE CREW
Columbia debuts its Omni-Freeze Zero technology in
this piece and others. The printed polymer, instead of
a chemical application, provides continuous sweatactivated cooling.
#28001 MSRP $60 www.columbia.com
CLING RIDER 3/4 CREW
orks in the summer, too. These cycling
the fabric but still provide light cushioning
to ease buckle pressure and maximize
7. PEARL IZUMI EM TRAIL N 2
Moving toward the middle, this trail running
shoe keeps protection with a forefoot rock
plate and carbon rubber outsole, but stays
minimal with a 4-millimeter drop at contact
and 7.5 millimeters at mid-stance.
#39153 MSRP $120 www.pearlizumi.com
RP $16) www.point6.com
7
1
2
4
5
6
8
8. BELLYAK PLAY
Bellyak is building up steam for the sport of
bodyboarding. Ride the Play in the prone,
seated or kneeling position by getting close to
the water and paddling with webbed gloves.
#PV535 MSRP $749 www.bellyak.com
3
august 3, 2012 / day 2
23
orrd
or
d 3
POWERED BY SNEWS
DAY
•
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OUTDOOR RETAILER DAILY
•
AUGUST 4, 2012
newexhibitors
New Exhibitor
Skora
www.skorarunning.com / David Sypniewski, founder & CEO /
INSIDE
Portland, Ore. / #41155 / Founded 2008
THIS
On leadership,
tragedy and saving
the canyon that
nearly killed him
ISSUE
NEW
EXHIBITORS
PARTIES &
SEMINARS
LOCAL
DINING
Aron
Ralston
news
Seeing it all
Reports from tent city and the
mezzanine, plus new fabric/fill
updates, hot undies and more
7
PG.
feature story
Barefoot 2.0
A look at the complex and
uncertain evolution of the
minimalist footwear boom
PG.
26
Skora running shoes
are built for light
weight perfromance
with zero drop.
people
Young guns
Conversations with Woolrich’s
33-year-old president and a
new voice in the blogosphere
PG.
The official publication of:
93
ORD Covers.indd 3
8/3/12 5:13 PM
David Sypniewski on Skora: “At Skora, we look at things differently.
We believe that running shoes should be built to encourage running
performance that is as biomechanically correct as possible, with minimal
interference. Our footwear lets people run naturally. Run Real is our
philosophy and we stand by it. Run Real is more than a statement; it is
a way of conducting business. We believe that runners are smarter than
most brands give them credit for. We are free-thinking and challenge
conventional wisdom. We believe in common sense, rational principles and
challenging the status quo.”
Tell us about your brands and
products.
At Skora, we reject the terms
“minimal,” “natural” or “barefootstyle” when it comes to running. We
believe there is only one way to run
that respects our bodies — simply
put, it is real running. Nothing more,
nothing less. All our running shoes are
designed with this simple philosophy
in mind and offer premium, zero-drop,
lightweight peformance.
What were you, as the founder of the
company, doing before this?
I was a channel manager charged
with designing programs to assist retail
and distributor partners succeed as
vendor partners.
Where did your inspiration come
from?
I was a frequent runner using
conventional running shoes when I
unfortunately experienced an injury.
88 outdoor retailer daily
After trying a variety of shoes and
treatments that didn’t help my recovery,
I discovered the benefits of barefoot
running and natural form and was
inspired to build a better shoe.
What’s the one best feature of your
product?
Skora is committed to using
premium performance materials. For
2013 we have two models that feature
Pittards Armor-Tan Goatskin uppers
with WR100X Sheepskin lining. Being
a natural material, the leather provides a
truly glove-like fit and breathability that
outperforms any synthetic material.
What has been your biggest
challenge?
Being a new, small brand in large
industry with so many independent
specialty retailers, our biggest challenge
has been just reaching the retailers
across the country. Once they try our
shoes, they all can see what makes
Skora different, but there is a lot of
mileage to cover.
Why are you at Outdoor Retailer?
 To provide an opportunity for
retailers to meet us and try our products.
Once you feel the care we’ve put into
all our products, touch the leathers,
experience the amazing groundfeel and
hear our story, you will be convinced.
Who do you look up to in the
industry?
 Jeremy Moon of Icebreaker. Jeremy
was faced with a problem (stinky
synthetic shirts) and pioneered a
new product category (merino wool
clothing) despite the obstacles and
preconceived opinions on wool as
a technical material in the outdoor/
sports industry.
Who do you want to compete against
in the industry?
 Like it or not we’re competing directly
with the big running brands. Like the
David versus Goliath story, however,
we see being small as an advantage.
Skora is a new company with new
vision and philosophy. This means that
we can do things differently and are not
in a position of trying to undo all the
marketing and design practices that are
the foundation of conventional athletic
brands and products.
Slatgrills.com LLC
Smooth Stand Up
Snow Lizard . . . .
Sockwa. . . . . . . .
Southwest Specia
Soybu . . . . . . . . .
Spooner Corporat
Sportek . . . . . . .
Sprout Watches .
Stand Up Paddle C
Stonelick . . . . . .
Stor N Boat . . . .
Storm Creek Appa
Strong Volt. . . . .
Strongback Chair
SUP ATX . . . . . . .
SUPLove Inc. . . .
Sure Aqua . . . . .
Survival Straps .
Sweaty Bands . .
Sweetwood Cattle
Switch Belt . . . .
Switch Vision . . .
Synergy Organic C
Tactical Lighting
Taffy Activewear
Target Dry LTD . .
tasc Performance
TAVA Paddle Boar
Teledex Inc . . . .
Tenkara USA. . . .
Terox Footwear In
Tervis . . . . . . . . .
Tessitura Taiana V
The Mann Group.
The Monster Fact
The RoboCup, LLC
Tianjin Pureland C
Equipment Co. Ltd
Tiger Tail USA. . .
Timberwolf Holdi
TKO Evolution . .
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Toesox Inc.. . . . .
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Trak Kayaks Inc .
Trekmates . . . . .
Trespass USA . . .
True Nature Grou
Trunki by Magmat
Tsair Yih Industria
TSI Manufacturing
Tuff Truck Bags In
U.S. Precision She
DBA Campfire Gen
Ultimate Directio
Umpqua Outdoor
United By Blue . .
Urban Junket . . .
Urban Plastix & V
Utility Flame . . .
UV Skinz. . . . . . .
Vapur Inc. . . . . .
Vargo Outdoors .
Vastrade Internat
Velo Bling Design
Venture Products
VestPac, Inc . . . .
ViewRanger / Aug
VIP Products . . .
Volusion . . . . . . .
WAI SUP . . . . . . .
Watersports Ware
Watson’s Bodywe
Wave Storm SUP/
WeatherHawk . .
Weinbrenner Shoe
WIN Detergent . .
Wind X-treme . . .
Wrightenberry Mi
X-1 powered by H2
Xero Shoes. . . . .
XShot LLC . . . . .
Yak-Gear Inc . . .
Yuantex Co,LTD .
Z Gear . . . . . . . .
Zippo Outdoor . .
ZOGGS . . . . . . . .
4
DAY
POWERED BY SNEWS
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OUTDOOR RETAILER DA
new product gallery
INSIDE
THIS
ISSUE
NEW
EXHIBITOR
PROFILES
STEP ASIDE,
EDMUND.
A NEW HILLARY
IS BREAKING
ADVENTURE
BARRIERS
PARTY &
SEMINAR
CALENDAR
POLAR
PIONEER
Introducing the SAZZI Decimal, featuring
patent-pending Toe Motion Footwear
technology. The 4 Toe Post Strap
configuration locks your foot to the foot
bed for superior lateral and forward leaning
control for proper athletic utility.
(MSRP $80) #29114W www.sazzi.com
news
SUP revolt
Boat brands discuss plan to
blow up costly patent payouts
to early SUP developer.
7
PG.
ORD Covers.indd 4
award recipients
Best of Booth announced
A visual tour of ORSM’s most
compelling exhibitor layouts.
Plus: Project OR picks winner.
PG.
8
FREE
STUFF!
CUDAS FOOTWEAR’s Tsunami is the lightest weight watershoe. Slotted outsole allows water
and air to flow through a perfed insole. Adjustable elastic for perfect fit. Blown EVA unit
bottom with rubber forefoot plug for non-slip/traction. Available in men’s and women’s,
multiple colors, open stock. (MSRP $50) #PV374 www.cudas.com
product picks
Last-chance looks
Our reporters continue to
sleuth out sweet new gear.
Here are their final 8 finds.
The official publication of:
22
PG.
The Boat Box pre-slotted foam inserts and
optional leaf insert hold up to 1,700 flies.
This durable, packable, waterproof, ultimate
fly box is perfect for protecting your bugs
and simplifying any fishing trip. From
MONTANA FLY CO. (MSRP $50) #38211
www.montanaflyco.com
The PEARL IZUMI Ultra Split Short
features utility in the patent-pending 1:1
Gel Flask Pocketing System, securing
nutrition in an anatomic position on body.
Transfer dry technology, fully integrated
float liner and no seam provides chafe-free
experience. (MSRP $70) #39153
www.pearlizumi.com
78 outdoor retailer daily
8/4/12 5:13 PM
ECOBOTTLE is a Swiss-engineered BPA-free
bottle that features a wide range of twistand-lock easy-clean openings. The Triple
Lock System tightly seals the bottle with a
half wrist turn. Wide-mouth design easily
accommodates ice cubes, powder mixes
and fruit! (MSRP $25) #PV485
www.ecobottleusa.com
The new precision
fit Endurance
Racer blends
powerful support
and sleek style
in an ultra-light
customizable
design. This bestin-class sports
bra was developed
in MOVING
COMFORT’s
biomechanics lab
to deliver highimpact support for
B-DD cups. (MSRP
$52) #36165 www.
movingcomfort.
com
SKORA RUNNING’s Form has a full-leather
upper made of Pittards Goatskin leather
with WR100X leather lining, designed
with asymmetric lacing and no-tongue
construction to provide a glove-like fit.
Zero-drop, 9mm stack height. (MSRP $195)
#PV275 www.skorarunning.com
Shoe company runs minimalist race
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Shoe company runs minimalist race
Shoe company runs minimalist race
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Articles - October 2012
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BY JON BELL
The highest hurdle facing Portland minimalist
running shoe company SKORA since it officially
brought its first two models to market in
February hasn’t been convincing runners of the
potential of the new shoes. Instead, it’s been one
of simple recognition among retailers in a field
dominated by big guns like Vibram FiveFingers
and the Nike Free Run.
“The biggest challenge is being recognized by the
running specialty market as an option,” says
company founder David Sypniewski, who first
saw the light with barefoot-style running after an
injury about a decade ago. “It’s been finding retailers that are progressive enough to truly carry
specialty products.”
The longer — and possibly slower — inroad into the $500 million minimalist-shoe market has simply
been to get people to try out a pair of SKORAs, either the BASE, which retails for $110, or the
FORM, which uses Pittards leather from England and goes for $185. By late August, SKORAs were
available in about 35 specialty running shops across the country and distributed in seven countries,
with more outlets coming onboard every week.
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“When a runner or a retailer puts them on, they see these are something truly different,” says
Sypniewski, 34, who comes from a sales and marketing background.
The other course for Sypniewski, who funded the startup with savings and credit cards until an
investor pitched in $900,000 in 2011, is money. He hopes to raise an additional $3 million in the
next two years, a decent chunk of which he is optimistic will be confirmed by the end of this year.
Wheels turning
Thank you for the comment about the title in our
newsletter this morning. Your point is well taken. A
better title would have been: "Few readers ...
Read more...
SKORA, which employs four people and has six sales reps across the country, will invest future
funding widely in marketing and advertising — from magazine ads to event appearances — and
retail support. R&D will figure prominently as well, as the company already has two new models
ready for 2013 and a trail shoe on the drawing board.
Combined, those efforts, along with a newly launched brand-ambassador program that will support
Wheels turning
I still brag about the fact that I was the VERY FIRST
member of Car Share when it started in Portland in the
mid-1990s. Member #101! Because of Car ...
Read more...
up-and-coming amateur athletes, have Sypniewski fired up about the future.
“We’re still small and scrappy,” Sypniewski says. “It’s early, but it’s exciting.”
Ninkasi breaks ground on major expansion
Thank everyone, for all the responses to this news. We
are humbled and eternally grateful for all the local
Oregon, state, regional, and now national support ...
Read more...
Add comment
http://www.oregonbusiness.com/articles/118-october-2012/8199-shoe-company-runs-minimalist-race
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Page 1 of 4
took inspiration from the word to define the idea that the shoes are meant to fit like
a second skin.
A 9mm stack height (13mm with the removable sockliner) and zero differential
between the heel and forefoot certainly places this shoe on the minimal side of the
marketing spectrum.
Another Runner: SKORA BASE Real Review
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The midsole (black portion of sole you see pictured) is a rather dense foamy stuff. I
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guess it's EVA. But, it's not as soft and squishy as the usual EVA midsole material.
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The outsole (red and blue pieces pictured here) are made of a dense, high-abrasion
rubber that seems to be highly durable.
Inov-8 Trailroc 235
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The rounded heel is a nice touch. Although, it can feel a little unstable while walking
around in the shoe at first (good thing it's made for running!). This is probably why
SKORA added more of that red outsole material to the heel of the shoe. It looks like
extra weight to me. And, I'd be curious to know what the BASE would be like with
some of that shaved off.
The clever people at SKORA appear to have a penchant for using all caps in their brand
and product names. This is difficult for me to ignore and somewhat of a dilemma.
I'm of the mindset that the use of all caps is for logos, advertisements, and expressing
anger in text across the internet. Every other example just demonstrates bad
etiquette. So, one side of my pedantic brain wants to type the company name as a
proper noun — Skora.
On the other hand, the empathetic side of my mind feels compelled to honor the
branding desires of the company, thereby following their lead in always using capital
letters for SKORA and their products, in this case the BASE.
Many of you will agree, I think, that using all caps in online discourse is tantamount to
shouting. So, every time I see SKORA in the middle of a perfectly normal sentence, like
this one; I imagine that the company's name is being emphasized rather frantically.
Recall, if you can, those Sega game commercials in which the speaker grinds out the
word "Sega" as if he'd just downed two cups of coffee, a Red Bull, and several sticks of
beef jerky.
Also, given the hard "r" sound and
dual-syllabic structure, the word
SKORA is quite similar in vocal action
to, oh, say, Sparta. Thus, I imagine
Gerard Butler fiercely shouting the
word in that famous scene from 300
just before kicking that dude into a
giant hole.
Is this good marketing? Clearly.
SKORA's use of all caps inspired me to
contemplate the brand name far more
than necessary. And, the fact that the
word's mere appearance conjures up
aural and visual memories in my mind is definitely a good way to make an impression
with minimal effort. That's real branding, folks! (Not that I know anything about
branding)
I'm harping on the SKORA brand presentation, because the company's attention to
detail should not go unnoticed. Their two shoe models, the leather FORM and mesh
BASE are fairly unique. And, the company shares a lot of specifics about the
manufacturing and design processes that mirror their Real Running philosophy.
LATEST
The removable OrthoLite® sockliner has little
bubble things to "increase .biofeedback". It is
not too thick, as far as sockliners go. In fact,
it's kind of dense for a sockliner. So, wearing
the AT
BASE
with
the sockliner inside is a very
DEALS
THE
CLYMB
different experience compared to wearing the
shoes without the liner. The shoe is very
comfortable either way. And, if you prefer to
run without socks, I don't think you'd be
disappointed here.
Personally, I like the BASE without the
sockliner inserted. It's even more flexible and
relays a much higher degree of ground feel.
It's fantastic, really!
If you sign up for The Clymb via these linked images, I will
receive a $10 creditUnfortunately,
to my own account removing
after you make
the sockliner means
your first
purchase.
Thanks!
there's
more
space within the shoe. And, for
me, that extra space is difficult to eliminate
with the strapping system that secures the
THIS
BLOG
shoe to my foot. So, I'm left with a somewhat
sloppy-floppy feeling when I take out the
sockliner. If only there
were a securing
Search
mechanism that allowed for a more precise
shoe fit.
SEARCH
BLOG ARCHIVE
So, I wear the BASE with the sockliners. And,
the dense sole in conjunction with the stack
height makes the BASE's proprioceptive
! 2012 (41)
! October (2) potential similar to that of the Merrell Road
Glove. That's a really good thing, in my
SKORA BASE Real Review
opinion. I get a sense of exceptional protection while detecting a decent amount of
Merrell Barefoot
Kids Trail
ground
feel.Glove Review
BLOGS OF INTEREST
Running on the White Line
Magness-Salazar Taper?
iRunFar.com
Mud, Wet and Fears: Warren Pole’s 2012 TNF
UTMB
Running and Rambling
VIVOBAREFOOT Gobi Boot Review (And
Discount Offer)
9run - a blog on running and the
active lifestyle
Quest for the Negative Split
Der Scott
Better Half - Medoc Trail Marathon 2012
Runblogger
Shoes Matter: Running Shoes Can Contribute
to Injury
Toe Shoes, Barefoot Running Shoes,
and Vibram FiveFingers News,
Resources, and Fan Forums Birthday Shoes
Vibram FiveFingers Lontra Initial Review
The Minimalist Runner
VIVOBAREFOOT Ra Review
Mud, Sweat & Tears
Litter: let's kick it out
Barefoot Running University
Is Running a Controlled Fall? Why the Gravity
Model Doesn’t Make Sense
Show
advertisem
" September (2)
" August (7)
" July (3)
" June (3)
Mind you, the BASE definitely does not fit like the Road Glove. The latter offers a
slightly wider toe box while the midfoot and heel are more fitted. Also, the BASE fits on
the large side of standard. So, while I wear a size 12 Road Glove, I have plenty of
room in a size 11.5 BASE.
" April (4)
" March (5)
" February (9)
" January (6)
" 2011 (58)
" 2010 (19)
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Now, you've likely read a review of one of the SKORA shoes already, most likely the
rather costly FORM. If not, it would be worthwhile to acquaint yourself with this
perspective on both the FORM and the BASE. You'll get a good sense of the back story
and see some interesting remarks in the comments section.
Back to BASE(ics)
POPULAR POSTS
New Balance MT10 Minimus Tra
Shoe Review (With Bullet Point
Speaking of Fit
SHOE REVIEW CRAZINESS
http://www.anotherfnrunner.com/2012/10/skora-base-real-review.html
Cool Fact: SKORA is Polish for skin. Thus, the Polish founder and CEO David Sypniewski
took inspiration from the word to define the idea that the shoes are meant to fit like
http://www.anotherfnrunner.com/2012/10/skora-base-real-review.html
Altra Adam Review
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Running and Rambling: SKORA Women's FORM Running Shoe Review
Running and Rambling: SKORA Women's FORM Running Shoe Review
SKORA concept. The company’s slogan is “RunStarfish
Real”, and
& they
Donald
Running Community
RUNNERGY Store
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RUNNING LIFE
BOOK!
don’t want to be considered a minimalist shoeCoffee
– rather, their
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BEST
ENDURANCE
BLOG
OCTOBER 18, 2012
SKORA Women's FORM Running
Shoe Review
Steve
in to
a create
primary intention is to promote natural running form
and
Speedo
the best possible shoes to accommodate it. They believe that the best
running shoes let your feet function naturally,Strength
while providing
Running
protection and comfort that allow you to extend your run as far as
terrible twos
and running
shoes
your body will take you.
The vast majority of technical specifications on theTrail,
women’s
FORM
Tri and
movement: the SKORA FORM.
with a high-end price tag of $185 that proved to be a hurdle for many
Hydration
review the heel and ankle with an elastic
Sizing canpack
be summary
adjusted around
Williamsburg
Track Club
Icebreaker
comfort. GT 200 Sprint legging
Downhill
better suited for female runners. It’s a zero-drop, medium All
midsole
From Here
shoe, placing it in the same category as Altra’s Intuition or Merrell’s
amazing hip
Dash Glove and Bare Access (review coming soon) – and since I
Ambitious
happen to be married to a runner who has reviewed all of
those
aspirations ...
models, I figured I had the perfect person to test the women’s FORM
as well.
i-gotU
VelcroGT-600
strap, GPS
and tracker
the ankle collar has soft padding for improved
La Sportiva Fireblade
La Sportiva Wildcat
Contest;
Random...
Uppers
are made from Pittards Armor-Tan goat leather, with
Pittards
WR100X
sheepskin
lining.
SKORA
Women's
FORM Running
Shoe
In other words … very UN-
Review
vegan.
Patagonia 50...
Random Shot...
Random Shots of Beauty
WeightBarefoot
of the women’s
version is 7.4oz, compared to 8.2 for the
Merrell
Dash Glove
Merrell
Barefoot
kids shoes
larger men’s
version.
Again, this isn’t super-minimal, but it’s light
Merrell
Pace feet
Glove
enoughBarefoot
so that your
don’t feel burdened. And of course …
Review; Pat...
at
(3
Part 6: A Moveable
b
tr
Part 8: The Best Laid
(2
bo
You're With
Headlands 100 Race
THE BAREFOOT
FILES: MY QUEST
TO BECOME A
BAREFOOT
RUNNER
Nathan Endurance hydration vest
Nathan HPL 020 update
Natural Running (book)
New Balance Minimus Trail
Training Update #1
New Balance Minimus Zero Road
ch
Wonderfully Made
New Balance Minimus Zero Trail
C
Training Update #2
New Balance MT100
The Barefoot
New Balance MT101
Revolution
" July (14)
" June (11)
" May (12)
Standing height is 13mm with the removable insole in place, and
Newton Gravity 2010
(Although to be biologically accurate, perhaps they should make the
Training Update #4
" February (13)
Newton Terra Momentus
woman way more flexible than the man. Or maybe that’s just my
Training Update #5
North Face E-Race Boa hydration pack
wife and me.)
Training Update #6
Patagonia Advocate moccasin
Fort Ord trail run
Patagonia Pau
Toro Park trail run
Patagonia Release
Where Do We Go
Petzl CORE battery pack
Now?
" January (14)
Barefoot Ted's
" 2011 (200)
Adventures
birthday shoes" 2010 (216)
Calm After the" 2009 (187)
Storm
" 2008 (120)
Raising the Bar (book)
Chic Runner
" 2007 (103)
Relentless Forward Progress (book)
Daily
Adventures
" 2006 (162)
Rollerblade Tempest 100 skate
" 2005 (38)
Running on Empty (book)
DC Rainmaker
PRODUCT REVIEWS
Salomon Trail III tights
Sanuk Boardroom sandal
Altra Adam
Altra Intuition
Sanuk
Hemp shoe
The outsole
consists of high-abrasion rubber that has held up
Saucony
Hattori
extremely
well after 200 miles. It performs equally well on roads
Saucony
ProGrid
and trails, only Kinvara
losing traction on loose gravel or sloppy, muddy
Barefoot Running (book)
effect of sizing up roughly one-half size.
Black Diamond Icon headlamp
Black Diamond Spot headlamp
Simple CARport shoe
Born to Run (book)
Simple GUMshoe
terrain.
SKORA Base and FORM
JustRunJustLiv
out of the box on a 31-mile road run, the last 13 miles of
which
CamelBak Octane LR
Soft Star Merry Jane
CamelBak Octane XC
Sockwa socks
Soft Star Moc3
Keeping Pace CamelBak Octane XCT
put a couple hundred miles on them since then, and I’m
really
Soft Star Phoenix boots
Kiwi
Runner
impressed with their durability in every way except for one,
which
CamelBak Skeeter
Soft Star Roo moccasins
I’ll explain shortly.
CamelBak Ultra LR
momo
In the meantime, let’s run through a quick recap of theQuadrathon
whole
SKORA concept. The company’s slogan is “Run Real”, and they
CHASING ROGER
BANNISTER
Sanuk Donny sandal
Removing the insole also expands the toe box somewhat, giving the
Cervelo P2 SL
CLIF Family Climber wine
CLIF products
Run DMZ
http://www.runningandrambling.com/2012/10/skora-womens-form-running-shoe-review.html
Run More Talk
Less
Soft Star RunAmoc
co
co
(4
(1
da
m
di
(1
do
(3
so
(3
(1
Prequel
em
Part 1: Sir Roger
fa
(And Me)
fa
Part 2: When Milers
fe
Ruled the Earth
fe
Part 3: The Marathon
fir
and the Mile
th
Part 4: May 6, 2004
fig
Part 5: The Beautiful
(2
Race
(1
Part 6: Taste the Pain
gl
Part 7: Indelible
go
Images
go
Part 8: A Night for
gr
the Ages
(1
Epilogue: Torch
po
Bearers
(5
Soft Star RunAmoc Dash
ha
Soleus GPS 1.0
GREAT MOMENTS
IN SPELLING!
Somnio Nada running shoe
Ultimate Direction Solitaire
Page 1 of 5
Ultimate Direction Uno
RunBare
Barefoot
Running
School
(1
(1
Salomon Fast II jacket
to receive them in the midst of my high mileage (relatively, Journey
at least) to a Brooks Green Silence
weeks of preparation for Leadville, and wore them almost Centum
straight
CamelBak Marathoner
L.A. Runner
ca
" August (11)
" March (15)
eJustBe
(1
v
Barefoot
Chronicles
consisted of leading a 1:45 pace group at a local half-marathon. I’ve
el
ca
Introduction
Training Update #3
iRunFar
provided a smaller size men's shoe for my own testing. I happened
br
New Balance Minimus Road
… flexibility of the women’s version is the same as the men’s.
Prior to the release, SKORA also offered me a mulligan of sorts, and
m
re
" September (5)
Newton Gravity
EverymanTri
bo
bu
MyTach GPS watch
" April 9mm
(16) if you remove the insole.
Do More
Trailrunz
di
co
Back of the
Pack
Diary of a
Rubbish
Marathon
Runner
co
Part 9: Love the One
Shore
Merrell Barefoot Trail Glove
b
Part 7: Affirmation
Part 10: Leaving the
Merrell Barefoot Tough Glove
ba
b
na
the Dark
Report
Merrell Barefoot Road Glove
Nathan HPL 020 hydration vest
Doc Waddel's Barefoot Training Sandals
Medicine
Good Grief!
MBT Tembea shoe
(1
Part 3: Wild Western
Plans
Luna Leadville
ac
am
Feast
La Sportiva Crossover
10
su
bo
Part 5: Dancing in
La Sportiva Crosslite
L
Here
Company
kigo shel shoe
CLIF Bar Seasonal Flavors Giveaway
Part 1 - Introduction
Part 4: Tell Me Thy
kigo edge shoe
Discount Offer)...
JOURNEY OF 100
MILES: A
WESTERN STATES
TRAINING DIARY
Part 2 - How We Got
Injinji socks
kigo drive
VIVOBAREFOOT Gobi Boot Review (And
CLIF Meet The Moment Giveaway Contest;
Runner's Blog
Hydrapak Flume hydration pack
Jinga Original shoe (2011)
Search
10:10
Wellness
are the same as the men’s version, with a few tweaks to make it
ZEM Gear Ninja
Gregory Diablo pack
Invisible Shoe huaraches
Timex Ironman Run Trainer GPS Review;
A Trail
two colors. Most of the design features and construction elements
VIVOBAREFOOT Pally (kids)
GoLite Tara Lite
inov-8 X-Talon 212
SEARCH THIS BLOG
...And the
ADVENTURE
Continues
365me
the company introduced a women’s FORM, which is now available
in
VIVOBAREFOOT Oaky (kids)
Inov-8 Race Pro 4 pack
! October (7)
21st Century
VIVOBAREFOOT Oak
Who in their
right mind...?
! 2012 (118)
At the time, the FORM was only available in men’s sizes, butMom
this fall
VIVOBAREFOOT Neo Trail
GoLite Amp Lite
Hydrapak E-Lite hydration vest
BLOG ARCHIVE
SKORA women's FORM
VIVOBAREFOOT Neo Kids
Going Long (book)
Ultrailnakama
n
me to do any serious high-mileage testing.
BLOGROLL
VIVOBAREFOOT Neo
Feelmax Osma shoe
GoLite Rush pack
properly, and my foot moved around inside the shoe too much for
medal
VIVOBAREFOOT Lesotho
Feelmax Niesa shoe
Twelve Down Training for
Tennessee
its BASE and FORM models, which were at least a half size too
raceAthlete gold
VIVOBAREFOOT Evo II
ECCO BIOM shoes
GoLite Micro Lite
I had some frustration in my testing due to SKORA’s sizing for both
height which I usually prefer), the shoe was difficult to fasten
VIVOBAREFOOT Evo
Drymax socks
TriGuyJT
users.
large. Even without removing the insole (creating a lower stack
VIVOBAREFOOT Dharma
Drymax max pro trail socks
review, and briefly run down the specs here:
The company set a pretty tall
paperback
VIVOBAREFOOT Breatho Trail
Drymax lite trail socks
GoLite Mesa Trail shorts
perhaps the most long-anticipated of the entire natural running
standard for itself with high-quality material construction, along
VIVOBAREFOOT boots (mens
CLIF SHOT gels
Travel
are identical to the men’s version – so I’ll refer you
to my earlier
Last spring I had the opportunity to test a shoe that had been
Now available in
CLIF products
Part VI: 2009
Ultimate Direction Wasp pack
Part V: 2008
Vespa supplement
Part IV: 2007
One design
feature(overview)
that doesn’t work for me is evident in the heels,
Vibram
FiveFingers
Part III: 2006
which are
roundedBikila
on both sides.
Vibram
FiveFingers
Part II: 2005
Because I tend to make heel
Part I: 2004
he
he
ho
(2
h
h
Ih
ic
Running is
Mental
Vibram
Bikila LS
contactFiveFingers
with the inside
of my heel, with increased mileage I’ve
Vibram
Sport
slightlyFiveFingers
worn downKomodo
the inside
of my right heel, which inclines me to
(2
running
stories
Vibram
FiveFingers
KomodoSport
LS than I do naturally. If you have
land even
further over
to the side
tr
(2
Running With
Cancer
Lacing is asymmetrical, and eschews a traditional tongue in favor of
Vibram
neutralFiveFingers
alignment,KSO
this won’t be an issue, but if your biomechanics
Vibram
FiveFingers
are skewed
to one KSO
side Trek
or another, you may have similar problems
the burrito-wrap style that seems to be appearing more frequently
She Do Run
Run
Vibram
with theFiveFingers
FORM. SeeYa
from various manufacturers. In my initial testing I commented that
Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon LS
(1
the shoelaces were way too long, but this was corrected between the
Vibram FiveFingers Trek LS
(1
prototype I reviewed and the final release version.
Vibram FiveFingers Trek Sport
ju
Spokane Al
Starfish &
VIVOBAREFOOT boots (mens/womens)
http://www.runningandrambling.com/2012/10/skora-womens-form-running-shoe-review.html
http://www.runningandrambling.com/2012/10/skora-womens-form-running-shoe-review.html
sh
ir
ja
Review: Skora Form « Barefoot Monologues
Review: Skora Form « Barefoot Monologues
10/24/12 10:44 AM
Review: Skora Form
10 Wednesday Oct 2012
Posted by Trisha Reeves in product reviews
≈ 2 Comments
Tags
minimalist running shoe, road shoes, skora, Skora Form
The Form is touted as a zero-drop shoe, and I certainly don’t doubt it. But there’s this “feature” of
the sole, if you will, where the center of the heel has a separated pod that gives it this feel of being
“lifted.” I don’t know how else to explain it. It’s curious to me, and I’m not sure what it’s there for.
Perhaps it is to add to the rounded feel of the sole, and to make it more flexible. But I guess it’s
neither here nor there, because the heel of any zero-drop shoe means nothing to me once I’m
running.
I started following the Skora bandwagon well over a year ago now, before they’d even released any
of their shoes. Heck, they probably weren’t even close to having designed one yet. For months,
with their mysterious, snippety teaser ads, Skora promised me the World’s Best Minimalist
Running Shoe. I was so enthralled by the idea of a brand new shoe company starting their entire
business on the platform of minimalist running, that I immediately inquired as to whether I could
test a pair. It took an excruciatingly long time for that package to finally come, but it was worth the
wait (pretty packaging, too, I might add – I kept the magnetic-closure box for storage). I imagine
that’s a little like how the owners of Skora also felt earlier this year, on the day they released the
first two models of the line.
Those two models are the Base and the Form, released early in Spring for men, and followed too
much later by the women’s models over the Summer. The Base model features a stretch mesh
upper and cross-over strap closure, while the Form features asymmetrical lacing and is made of
goatskin leather.
I chose the Form model because it was the only modern-day running shoe I’d ever heard of that
was made of leather, and I was curious about how the material would mix with running. I mean,
not only does it have this goatskin upper, but the liner inside the shoe is leather as well, sheep skin.
It’s like running inside of a wooly goat. Too macabre? Sorry. But still…leather liner? That’s crazy
talk!
As I talk more about in a minute, the goatskin was one of the many things about this shoe that I
thought I could predict as soon as I saw a photo, but that definitely surprised me in the end.
What Didn’t Surprise Me
What didn’t surprise me about this shoe was its performance. As promised, Skora put out a solid
minimalist road shoe on the first try, and I gotta respect that. Sticky and protective, the Form lets
me feel the ground but gives me enough of a buffer to stave off fatigue for awhile during a long
run. If you’re looking for superior ground-feel, this is no Luna Sandal or Vibram SeeYa. But I
would probably bring this shoe to a distance road race. It’s decent on trail too, if you find yourself
on one, as long as it doesn’t require a ton of traction.
For obvious reasons, I didn’t love that Skora made the decision to release the men’s models for six
months before the women’s. Additionally, the women’s model release came with an addition to
men’s colors, so they have four cool colorways to the women’s two. I can’t even tell the difference
between the men’s and women’s shoe, except the men’s are probably wider, so in hindsight I
suppose I could have just requested a pair of them instead. I didn’t love the color choices on the
women’s side – as is often true, we only get to choose between pink and blue. But in this case the
First Expection: This shoe is way too freaking narrow
pink choice is actually mostly white, and somewhat takes on the look of a 1970’s bowling shoe. Not
that there’s anything wrong with that, really – retro is in, baby! But I’ve never really been a fan of
You’ve read some of my other interviews. My feet are like blocks of wood. They’re built wide and white shoes, so I actually had trouble figuring out what to wear with these.
strong, and they only got wider once I started running barefoot (which is the way it’s supposed to
Yeah, I wrote that. Deal with it.
be). Any shoe that wants to rightfully call itself “minimalist” absolutely, positively MUST nurture
your foot at its very widest, and leave room for a runner’s toes to do their job.
The color of this shoe reminded me of an Easter bunny so I photographed it in the grass to
entertain myself.
SKORA Form
Gear Patrol
Features
Original Series
Videos
Categories Search
About
SKORA Form
Follows function
By Jason Heaton on 9.12.12 | Photo by SKORA
Like
20k
Follow @gearpatrol
The barefoot running trend is now a well-worn path: by eliminating the corrective, cushioning
components of traditional running shoes, humans can return to running the way we did eons ago
while chasing down antelope on the savannah. Most barefoot running shoes are, by nature, minimalist
in design and construction. But the SKORA Form ($185), while devoid of a heel counter and cushioning
midsole, is anything but skimpy.
The Form is designed with a wide toebox for optimal metatarsal spreading and a “zero-drop” sole that
keeps the heel on the same plane as the rest of the foot to encourage ideal running form. It eliminates
hot spots and chafing by using off-center lacing and eschewing a tongue; a Velcro strap at the heel
fine-tunes fit. But while these shoes are built for putting in the miles, you might find yourself wearing
them other places too, thanks to buttery-soft goatskin uppers and sheepskin lining from Pittards
along with decidedly urban styling. In this case, minimalist doesn’t mean it can’t be versatile.
Buy now: $185
FILED UNDER:
$100-$250,PRICE,RUNNING,SPORTS & OUTDOORS
barefoot running, Pittards, SKORA, SKORA Form
Innovation,
economics,
policy &
more
Fall 2012 Shoe Guide—Runner's World
10/23/12 1:15 PM
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Fall 2012 Shoe Guide
We've simplified your task of finding the right running shoe by reviewing
23 top new models.
By Jeff Dengate & Martyn Shorten, Ph.D.
Image by Jon Reinfurt
From the September 2012 issue of Runner's World
Treadmills
Electronics
Other Gear
Running Music
Blogs
Shoes & Gear
Fall 2012 Running Shoe Guide
Runner's World reviews the latest shoes to help you
find the perfect fit.
Video
Store Finder
Summer 2012 Running Shoe Guide
We test and review the latest shoes to
help you find the perfect fit.
The Shoe Believer
Danny Abshire's revolutionary Newton
shoes have the attention of runners, and
the competition.
Finding the right pair of shoes is a highly subjective exercise, but we've simplified the task by
reviewing 23 top new models. To find the best pair for you, answer the questions in this
flowchart. Your choices will lead to a set of options tailored to meet your needs and
preferences. For even more reviews, see runnersworld.com/shoefinder.
EDITOR'S CHOICE : Asics
GT -2160
The 2160 wraps the foot in a
soothing embrace that makes long
runs feel much shorter. We…
3 Rules for Healthy Running
Bart Yasso says there are three
commandments you don't want to
break if you want to stay injury…
Sponsored Link
"Strange Bean Burns Fat"
Celebrity doctor reveals the #1 pill to
burn stomach fat...
iconsumerknowledge.org
Saucony Omni 11 $120
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-400--14501-F,00.html
Page 1 of 16
“
If you’re looking for the
Bentley of barefoot running
shoes, Skora’s got you covered.
”
Times Square, NYC
“
Slipping on the Form for the
first time was akin to sliding
into a luxury sports car on the
showroom floor. The striking
lines give the shoe great visual
appeal, while the soothing smell
of new leather gently satisfies
the senses.
”
MEN 'S SPOR TSWEAR & MEN 'S GEAR
BESPORTIER?
Like
Follow @besportier
1
1k
Skora Form Running Shoes
Like
5
2
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Besportier.com on Facebook
We just got a pair of these Skora Form Running Shoes in the mail in Natural/Black/Red just in time
StumbleUpon
for a 5k race. Skora Form Running Shoes come in a fancy box (the type that has a magnet built-in
Submiton the flap) and boast the same expensive/sporty look you'd expect from $195 shoes.
"The FORM has a full leather upper that features Pittards Armor-Tan Goatskin leather with Pittards
WR100X Sheepskin leather lining. It is designed with asymmetric lacing and no-tongue construction
to provide a glove-like fit and premium performance.
"FORM is built on the R01 platform composed of the REALFIT last, developed to offer a unique
anatomical fit that closely matches the foot's shape. The R01 platform also features a zero-drop
outsole/midsole with minimal cushioning and a curved section profile in both the forefoot and heel.
This allows for optimal natural movement and performance."
I really liked the fact that the heel is adjustable with a velcro strap because it's very annoying when
you have that extra inch in the back that is loose especially before a big race. The shoes are very
lightweight and come in at 8.2oz/235g which is great for making it that last mile. Also, the laces have
a lot of texture and don't untie very easily. I really enjoyed running in them and think these are allaround great shoes made from the highest quality components.
These Skora shoes come in Black and Natural and can be your for a price of $195.
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Affordable Adidas Shoes : Adidas ZX 503 Shoes
Men's Originals
“
At $195, the Form shoes are
twice the price of much of the
competition. But the build is
noticeably higher quality. As
a bonus, the shoes are so nice
looking that you can literally
polish the leather and wear
them to a business meeting. (I
did, at least.)
”