Salomon was founded in 1947 in the very centre of alpine skiing and innovation by Francois Salomon and his son George, and from day one, committed itself to providing the most innovative and progressive mountain sports products available on the market. Driven by a passion for skiing, Salomon developed the first modern ski bindings but later on it would be Salomon footwear that offered solutions to everyday life on the mountain. Taking that experience from Salomon’s advanced range of skiing boots, bindings and apparel, years of knowledge and research was injected into Salomon shoes and Salomon Boots which today, have become one of the leading brands in outdoor adventure footwear.

The latest range of Salomon walking boots at FitnessFootwear.com are exceptionally impressive with some of the most advanced technical features available on the footwear market. The perfect winter boots, a Salomon boot not only looks good, but keeps your feet warm in some of the most extreme and challenging environments. Available in both Salomon men’s boots and women’s, models such as the best selling Salomon Quest 4D GTX Boots enjoy GORE-TEX® Performance, a protective rubber toe and heel cap, and waterproof split suede leather, textile fabrics for increased dryness in wet conditions.

Salomon women’s boots including the fabulous Salomon Xtiana Mid GTX boast features such as the Sensifit and Quicklace optimized fit for women, non marking Contagrip soles and a lightweight GORE-TEX membrane for additional comfort.

The latest Salomon Boots build on the company’s 60 year heritage, culture, and commitment by expanding their horizons and offering a collection that walkers and adventurers would be proud to wear. By doing so, Salomon continue to do what they originally set out to do – to be the world’s leading mountain people creating the world’s leading mountain products.

Snow boots have come a long way, and while many still resemble the same style of the moon boots that emerged way back when, they have grown in popularity thanks to fashion sense and sensibility. The rise of sheepskin boots and thicker, warmer faux fur lining has brought snow boots to the forefront of both style and practicality. Thankfully, as footwear design and technology have progressed, so too have aesthetics and as such, here are a selection of the latest snow boots for women that enjoy both.

Columbia Powder Down Women’s Boots

If its ultra warmth and comfort you’re looking for, the Columbia Powder Down Women’s Boots are a must have for this winter. Columbia took the style and warmth of a retro ski jacket and created a super protective, cosy boot with instant style appeal. Omni-Heat insulation and lining keeps feet warm in temperatures as low as-25F, but these boots are not only warm, but they boast some excellent features.

Waterproof suede and ripstop material with Omni-Shield® offers advanced repellency for stain and water protection, removable EVA footbed with nylex cover cushions and offers additional comfort, and a non-marking Omni-Grip® rubber compound provides maximum traction – just what you need in challenging walking conditions. Unlike previous models, these boots have taken the squishy moon-boot feel away and replaced it with a more solid feel to your stride. Stylish and lightweight, these Columbia boots are a great choice for cold and icy winters where style is as important as comfort.

North Face Women’s Shellista Lace Boots

There are few other brands that can match the build quality and technology of The North Face and so it makes sense that they should feature in our selection of the best winter snow boots. One of their latest offerings, The North Face Women’s Shellista Lace Boots enjoy a fashionable approach to footwear but hides some brilliant technical features underneath.

Anatomically engineered, injection-molded TPR shell with forefoot flex grooves, H20 Proof outerlayer fabric and cemented and seam-sealed – all just to make the shoes brilliantly waterproof. But what makes these boots really stand out is the sole and it’s TNF WINTER GRIP™ RUBBER OUTSOLE COMPOUND which offers a softer, tackier rubber design which provides ample traction in the wettest weather conditions. Couple that with IcePick® lugs and a sturdy construction and you’ve got a boot that’s designed to tackled winter weather conditions head on. You’d expect nothing less from The North Face

Merrell Oslo Waterproof Boots

With the fashion conscious functionality doesn’t always cross the mind, but with Merrell it’s certainly taken into consideration. The Merrell Oslo Waterproof Boots are proof of that as when you take a first glance, they look like a top quality fashion boot that could be worn with anything. But beneath its stylish exterior, these boots from Merrell are more than just good looking.

Waterproof full grain leather, synthetic fur shaft and footbed treated with Aegis™ Antimicrobial, and Polartec® Insulation lining keep the water and the cold out while adding one of this seasons must have styles to your shoe collection. Underneath, the Merrell Winter Artrek™ sole and a sturdy footbed make sure that between you and icy terrain is a solid and steady surface allowing you to walk comfortably and safely while looking great.

Snow boots and winter shoes were designed to bring much needed support, comfort and warmth to frosty feet in cold weather. At FitnessFootwear.com only the best brands make it in and it’s this investment in quality that keeps brands such as Merrell, The North Face and Columbia at the top.

Drawing on years of experience in the footwear industry, Brasher specialises in designing and delivering out-of-the box comfort with every pair of boots they manufacture, and keeps in mind its core heritage and values when developing new designs.  The latest collection for walkers in 2011 builds on this and keeps its styles classic throughout.

The Hillwalker is one of Brasher’s best-selling hiking boots and it doesn’t take much to see exactly why this is.  With a luxurious approach to walking footwear, the Hillwalker features 1.6-1.8mm full grain leather outer, making for both an easy to care for material, and a retro take on the styles of walking boots from years gone by. But while in looks, these durable boots may echo a time past, they’re thoroughly modern in the technology that’s built into them.

When choosing walking boots, weight can be a huge deciding factor for most so making sure that walking in a pair of boots isn’t going to feel like you’re dragging your feet the whole way is something that Brasher take carefully into consideration. Weighing in at a mere 1202g per pair, the Brasher Hillwalkers are lightweight and perfect for a day of outdoor adventures. As walkers are fully aware, the importance placed on providing durable yet flexible soles is vital and so The Brasher Hillwalker also enjoys excellent durability and traction control in its rubber sole with a shock absorbing EVA midsole.

While on the exterior, these Brasher boots maintain an air of nostalgia, inside the technology speaks for itself. A GORE-TEX lining takes all the elements of warmth, dryness and comfort and multiplies them to provide complete peace of mind. Breathable and waterproof, GORETEX lining also protects against the elements of cold weather. A winning combination of protection and performance, rain and cold is kept at bay yet excessive heat and moisture can escape leaving a comfortable environment for the feet to sit in all day, making walking in the Brasher Hillwalkers a much more enjoyable pursuit.

The Brasher Hillwalker GTX boots are available for both men and women in a classic chocolate brown shade, adding to the image of a hard wearing and classic pair of boots, perfectly designed for venturing through the valleys and hills of a demanding and tough terrain.

The best hiking boots feature all the essentials – great ankle support for tackling a rugged landscape, a tough sole that is made to handle whatever ground it traverses and a design that fills you with confidence to get out and explore. Brasher continues to tick every box with its footwear every season and the Brasher Hillwalker GTX certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Toning however is only part of the attraction with FitFlop footwear, and just as the triple density midsole activates more muscles, it also plays an important role in correcting the posture, and easing the forces transferred to the joints when walking. FitFlop footwear has been reported to help ease pain from a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, reducing the strain on the ankles and knees which can lead to pain, and can even eliminate chronic lower back pain caused by poor posture.  The high density foam located in the heel of FitFlop footwear provides excellent shock absorption, cushioning the heel far more effectively than standard shoes and sandals.  Testing at Salford University has determined that compared to standard shoes, the FitFlop can reduce the stresses acting on the joints significantly, by absorbing up to 22% more shocks.

Whilst the foam acts as an excellent cushioning material for absorbing the force from the heel strike, the design of the shoes also helps to deal more effectively with the forces generated when walking. When walking in FitFlop footwear, the body is encouraged into a more upright position, with the muscles and bones properly aligned. The spine becomes straighter, and the shoulders roll back. With the body properly positioned, the strain on the muscles in the back neck and shoulders is greatly reduced.

In standard footwear, the ground reaction force is directed upwards through the knees, which places an unhealthy strain on the joints. Biomechanical tests conducted using motion capture techniques demonstrate that with the FitFlop, the ground reaction force is channelled differently, with the force acting in a straight line through the hips, which are far more effective at dealing with shockwaves than the joints in the ankles and the knees. Superior cushioning from the design of the Microwobbleboard™ midsole and the postural changes brought about by wearing the shoes, ensures that the forces are effectively channelled, easing the strain on the ankles, knees, pelvis and lower back.

Posture is also improved in the feet, with the toes given room to move naturally and the soft midsoles helps to distribute pressure more evenly, helping to prevent pressure hotspots which are common in standard footwear. The pressure loading rate in the heel is reduced by 15% when wearing FitFlop footwear, with a 30% reduction in the toes. With the correct alignment, proper support of the foot arches and reduction in foot pressure concentration, the FitFlop can bring a new lease of life back into tired feet, and ease the strain on the delicate joints in the toes.

Poor posture is an all too common problem which can lead to chronic pain, especially in later life. By wearing FitFlop footwear, posture can be corrected, and the joints eased of damaging shock waves, helping to prevent posture related problems from developing and easing the pain when they do.

Further studies conducted in Salford University have delved deeper into what happens to the feet in FitFlop footwear, and helps explain how the FitFlop can ease foot pain. Throughout the stride, pressure is exerted on the soles of the shoes, with the heel and the ball of the foot taking the brunt of the force. As the heel strikes, the full body weight is channelled directly downwards creating a jarring force on the joints, and as the foot rolls forward the ball of the foot takes over and takes the body weight. By studying the pressure loading in standard shoes and comparing it to the FitFlop, it became clear how FitFlop Footwear and the Microwobbleboard™ was easing pain. FitFlop footwear changes the pressure distribution throughout the feet, spreading out the forces more evenly and prevents pressure hot spots.

By using a Medilogic in-shoe pressure system to show how pressure was exerted, the research team were able to determine that the FitFlop reduced foot pressure concentration by an average of 25%, with 30% less pressure in the toes and 15% less in the heels. The reduction of pressure hot spots is what makes the shoes so beneficial for anyone suffering from Morton’s neuroma, and is the reason why tired and aching feet can be eased. Low pressure concentration reduces the chance of hard skin forming in pressure hot spots, and prevents exerting too much force on problematic joints which can lead to chronic foot pain.

The studies also demonstrated how the FitFlop supports the feet, with the results clearly showing increased contact between the midsole and the foot. With a greater surface area in contact with the feet, FitFlop provides much better support, in particular to the arches of the feet. When walking for long periods, a lack of support can lead to aching and tired feet, as the arches are placed under a greater strain. FitFlop demonstrated an 8% increase in contact area, in particular under the arches, helping to give greater support, ease tired feet, and keep wearers walking for longer in comfort.

FitFlop Footwear may well have been designed to get the leg and buttock muscles working harder for improved toning; however when it comes to the feet, they give them a much easier ride.

The feet can have a pretty hard time of it. They have to carry the full bodyweight, they get cramped up in stilettos and by socks, and they often get neglected or even mistreated, yet are expected to carry on working without any problems or complaints. It’s no surprise that doctors have to treat so many foot ailments.

Great foot health is important for the wellness of the whole body, and getting the proper arch support and cushioning is important for foot health, and so is giving the toes room to move. Whilst most outdoor enthusiasts get the footwear right, and even spend upwards of £100 on a high quality pair of walking boots, when it comes to socks they often are an afterthought.

Socks are in direct contact with the feet, and standard tube socks treat all the toes as one and cramp them. Highly technical sports socks can add in cushioning, offer superb moisture management, but they still pay scant attention to the toes. Injinji socks are different. With Injinji socks on your feet, the toes are treated as individuals, with each given each a separate lobe to allow them to move independently.

The toes have evolved to work independently, and allow for greater finesse when it comes to traction and balance. The body can gain important ground feedback from the terrain and adjust balance accordingly, and allowing them to move can improve dexterity. By increasing toe involvement throughout the stride, they too get a workout, and their movement helps to stimulate blood flow in the feet whilst helping to circulate air in the shoes to get rid of hot moist air to keep the feet cool.

Injinji socks use a seamless design to prevent abrasion to the toes, yet still allow them to move freely thanks to the friction free materials used in their construction. A Nylon outer layer allows the toes to slide past each other, with Lycra® to keep the socks fitting closely, and the inside layer of the socks is constructed from Coolmax®. Coolmax® fabric greatly improves the rate of moisture wicking compared to cotton and other synthetics, helping to keep the feet perfectly dry. By helping to reduce moisture, they can prevent fungal infections from taking hold, whilst the design prevents blisters forming from skin rubbing on skin.

Injinji socks may be perfectly suited for wear with barefoot shoes, but are just as well suited for standard footwear. Everyone can benefit from improved moisture management and greater toe involvement, and making a change to your usual brand of socks can be an important first step to great foot health.

Hunter wellies may be best known for the protective comfortable wet weather winter boots, however as the days get longer they still get plenty of use. Hunter has designed their wellington boots for maximum use throughout the year, with an orthopaedic fit for maximum comfort for full day on the feet, and great shock absorption for dealing with either rock hard frozen ground, or hard baked surfaces, but no matter what the time of year, when the heavens open and the ground turns to mud there is no better choice of footwear.

The calf hugging boots with their neoprene insulating linings are of course the bestsellers throughout the colder months; however there is more to Hunter wellies that extreme weather protection, with the company having now expanded their range to better deal with warmer weather, when the chance of a rainy day isn’t that much lower in good old Blighty. For early summer when the music festivals start in earnest, the Hunter wellies range includes limited edition festival boots, which match wet weather protection with exquisite style, ideal for dealing with the Glastonbury mud. The limited edition boots offer the fashion conscious a chance to get protected from the elements, whilst retaining cutting edge style with bright and bold colours, snakeskin textures and strappy numbers with a pearl gloss finish.

When the temperatures really pick up but the threat of rain remains, the short wellington boots come into their own, offering a less restrictive design with moisture wicking linings to help keep the feet cool. Hunter short boots are ideal for dealing with dewy ground for early morning dog walks, and featuring an easy clean design and quick drying design.

However, as the weather gets warmer still, even Hunter wellies can start to get a bit sweaty. When summer starts in earnest, consider making the switch to a pair of Hunter clogs. Featuring a low cut design, a chunky rubber tread and a host of fashionable prints, they are the perfect choice for pottering around the garden. They offer the same vulcanised rubber construction for which the brand is world renowned, without the restriction of their calf hugging boots and thanks to the orthopaedic fit and multi layered insole, ensure comfort over both soft and hard ground. If you want to be better prepared to deal with the British weather, no matter what the season Hunter wellies and clogs are a great choice.

Launched in the late 80s, the Brasher Hillmaster was the first walking boot to discard the heavy steel shank and incorporate Gore-Tex breathable, waterproof technology while providing all the comfort and fit of a running trainer.

The revolutionary concept occured when Olympic athlete Chris Brasher removed his heavy leather walking boots, having rubbed countless painful blisters and donned his running trainers in order to complete his trek across Wales. Exclaiming at the finish how he wished his walking boots could be as flexible and supportive as his running trainers, he hit upon an idea.

After all, if he could comfortable walk for countless miles in his trainers, he should be able to do so in a pair of equally light and flexible walking boots. 30 years on, it’s remarkable to think just how radical the first Hillmaster boot was.

But now it’s time for a new brown leather walking boot to take tradition into the 21st century.

Chris Brasher’s Hillmaster was the first traditional brown leather walking boot to be lightweight, flexible and featured the early Gore-Tex breathable, waterproof membrane. Having been the best selling walking boot of all time and the inspiration behind ever walking boot ever since, the Brasher Hillmaster has evolved into the Brasher Hillmaster II GTX for the modern market.

Ironically, the Brasher Hillmaster 2 GTX is almost identical, save a few visual updates, but what lies within the boot is what will make all the difference.

Set for release in Spring 2011, the Brasher Hillmaster II GTX offers a number of modern features with a gender specific fit and updated styling while still holding on to the traditional concept of a classic brown leather walking boot.

Meanwhile a modern Hillmaster sole unit reduces the lug depth while increasing the surface area in contact with the ground in order to give greater stability and grip while picking up less mud and stones with each step.

This time Brasher has gone for full grain leather uppers for their Hillmaster II which varies between 2.2mm and 2.4mm thickness for men and 2.0mm and 2.2mm for women. Brasher has been very conscious of gender this time around and there’s also a new tongue system, a soft leather inner lining as well as added heel support and memory foam for a softer, snugger and more secure fit. And of course, not forgetting the Gore-Tex breathable, waterproof membrane.

Finally, the new Brasher Hillmaster II GTX weights in at 1412g per pair (706g each), which is 200g more than the original Brasher Hillmaster and it will be sold at an RRP of £145 while the current Hillmaster is priced at £120. Despite being heavier and more expensive, you get a lot more boot for your buck and we can expect many traditional brown leather walking boot lovers to be eagerly awaiting the official launch of the Brasher Hillmaster II GTX in March 2011.

If you’re regularly conquering the countryside on your walks, the Brasher Hillmaster II GTX will be ideal for conquering the steepest hills. Although with the heavy price tag, casual walkers will want something a little lighter on the wallet.

Having been reviews on Channel Five’s The Gadget Show by none other than Brian Blessed, the Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX has become the ultimate walking boot of choice for outdoor enthusiasts across the globe.

And when it costs over £140 it had better be! Poeple are able to pick up a pair of entry level walking boots for around £40 and even less, so wy should someone spend an extra £100 on a pair of top of the line Salomon walking boots?

More importantly, beyond it’s good looks and Brian Blessed’s roaring praise, what makes the Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX walking boot so special?

When it comes to outdoor footwear you get what you pay for. So if an entry level walking boot will offer essential cushioning, grip and water resistance, imagine what a high end walking boot will provide.

So in the case of the Salomon Cosmic it’s the sheer volume of technology, treatments and materials which makes them infinitely more comfortable, supportive and better fitting than a cheaper alternative. Not to mentioned being extremely lightweight, hard wearing and breathable. But enough about how comfy they are, let’s focus on the tech.

Long ago, Brasher boots made a name for themselves by taking the lightweight performance and cushioning of a running trainer and applying it to their rugged brown leather walking boots.

Today Salomon has done exactly the same, borrowing the technologies from their own range of lightweight, high speed trail running shoes. The end result is a walking boot that fits like trainer, feels light a trainer, but offers all the support and protection of a walking boot.

Ballistic Nylon Upper
Ballistic nylon is a thick, tough, synthetic nylon fabric originally intended to protect WWII airmen from flying debris and fragmentation caused by bullet or artillery shell impacts. Today it’s a touch material that’s difficult to cut or tear, making it an ideal material for walking boots.

Gore-Tex Extended Comfort Footwear Membrane
There are many different versions of the Gore-Tex breathable, waterproof membrane on the market. Although GTX and XCR are the best known types. The Salomon Cosmic boot features the Gore-Tex Extended Comfort Footwear Membrane that surrounds the foot in order to draw excess heat and moisture away from the skin to keep your feet cool and dry while providing complete waterproof protection from the outside.

Sensifit
Commonly used in high performance trainers, a Sensifit system system envelopes the foot providing a precise and secure fit, which in turn makes the boot or shoe more comfortable and responsive. You can see the Sensifit zig zagging down the sides of the Salomon Cosmic boots.

4D Advanced Chassis
The biggest selling point behind the Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX is Salomon’s 4D advanced chassis. This is a 4 level combination of dynamic cushioining, 4D stability and an all-mountain traction outsole for complete protection, support and grip.

The top level is an EVA midsole with added heel foam cushioning.
The next level is the 4D Chassis which adds rigid strength and minimises forefoot flex for superior comfort and performance on tough mountain terrain.
Below that is a layer of extra firm cushioning to protect against rocks and other sharp objects causing pain through through the sole of the boot.
Finally, the ContaGrip all mountain traction outsole offers multidirectional grip for ascending, descending and even side ways movement to keep your feet in complete control.

Lightweight
Weighing just 630g, the Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX is far lighter than comparable walking boots.

With outdoor gear getting progressively lighter all of the time, saving even the smallest amount of weight can have a big impact on a long journey.

As a technical sport brands, Salomon are forever at the forefront of the outdoor footwear market when it comes to performance. In this instance, they’ve created a top of the range backpacking boot that’s incredibly comfortable to wear, providing excellent flexibility and support, all while being light, breathable and completely waterproof.

“The best boots I’ve put on in years!” Roared Brian Blessed, having reviewed the Salomon Cosmic before adding that he could easily walk up Kilimanjaro in them simple because they were so lightweight.

The Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX is the must have boot for serious walkers seeking an all-weather walking boot..until Salomon release their next top end walking boot of course!

To find out how this excellent walking boot performs in the great outdoors, we recommend reading the Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX review by Sean at Striding Edge.

Yesterday we saw the promo video featuring Thierry Henry and Lewis Hamilton talking about the trainers. So today we’re looking at the latest technical video released to explain what Reebok ZigTech is and how the Zig sole works.

“ZigTech, it’s all about the energy. Its unique sole propels you forward while reducing wear and tear by up to 20% on key leg muscles. zigTech sends a wave of energy throughout your entire running stride.The combination of energy return and cushioning reduces the impact and strain on your legs in the glutes, shins and hamstrings. With more efficient strides your muscles don’t work as hard and your legs will feel fresher.”

Just to clarify. You get more energy, greater forward propulsion, less fatigue and reduced change of injury thanks to the extra cushioning. Just to clarify what Reebok mean by “your muscles don’t work as hard” -they mean that your key leg muscles aren’t getting tired from hard impacts or compensating for a lack of cushioning in your heelstrike. By providing the extra cushioning and energy transfer, your muscles will still be working hard, but in the movement of running or jumping rather than absorbing the shock of heavy impacts on a solid surface.

You can continue to work your key leg muscles for longer while working them in the way which rewards your training. So if you’re running in reebok zigtech shoes, you can run further and faster for longer and use your leg muscles purely for running, not for taking the impact of your feet hitting the ground at speed.

Stay tuned for more on the Reebok ZigTech and the ReeZig marketing campaign. Hopefully we’ll be able to try some for ourselves soon!