The thing about socks is, you don’t always notice them unless they are bad. “Bad” has many definitions when it comes to socks, as it could mean that they itch, that they don’t wick well, or maybe there’s an annoying seam on them that could potentially give you a blister. You can really pay attention to socks when they suck, but not so much when they don’t. And that’s usually the mark of a good…
Joe: Several years ago, I went through a period when I was getting consistent blisters and hot spots on my toes. That’s when I first ventured into the world of toe socks. I tried a few different brands with success and they were very consistent in alleviating the problems, reducing the blisters and rubbing almost completely. Over time, I returned to conventional “mitten” style socks, and the continuing evolution in quality, design, and materials kept…
Joe: I love baseball caps. I actually don’t wear them that often, but my love of cool logos, graphics, and insignias has led me to accumulate a large collection of hats. In addition to various favorite sports teams’ caps, current and historic (insert plug for Ebbets Field Flannels here), I also have a number of nice hats from races. And one of my favorite caps is from local Portland outfit Grafletics, a hat whose crown…
When Columbia and Montrail partnered up in 2006 it might have spelled the end to an iconic trail running brand and yet, the two companies have managed to put out some very high quality shoes and gear over the years that holds up to the abuse of the trails and the climate changes that often accompany the life of a trail runner. Given the winters in Central Oregon, it is wise to have a few…
Fellow Run Oregon blogger Nikki Mueller already wrote about running apparel from RYU (Respect Your Universe), but I too got to test some of the Canadian company’s athletic clothing, and like Nikki, I’ve become a big fan, especially of the Vapor Long Sleeve top. Vapor Long Sleeve This is a long sleeve tech shirt suitable as a baselayer in colder weather or as the main layer in mild/cool weather. When I first opened the package…
Over the past couple years it’s safe to say that Balega Enduro running socks have become my favorite. Their combination of softness, cushioning, fit, breathability, and (so far) durability is hard to beat. So when I got a chance to test a few pairs of Balega’s new Natural Fiber Performance Blister Resist Mohair socks, I was both excited and wary. The Blister Resist socks are a much more elaborate and ambitious design than the Enduros,…
What is it about new socks that makes feet happy? Is it the way they hug your feet? Maybe it’s the connection between your feet, the socks and your shoes. Who knows?! Regardless, new socks are always exciting because they haven’t been broken down yet by miles of compression, by dirty, sweaty feet, or by going through the washer. New socks are about the cheapest “joy fix” I can think of, and for me,…
Unless you’ve run on a treadmill in a windowless dungeon all your life, you’re probably aware that running in the Pacific Northwest can be a soggy proposition. Showers Pass is a local apparel company that faces this fact head on, specializing in waterproof and otherwise weather-resistant garments for cyclists, runners, and other active northwesterners. Recently, I got a chance to test a Men’s Body-Mapped Baselayer Long Sleeve shirt and two types of Crosspoint Waterproof Socks.…
Starting a running clothing company in the world of giants like Nike, Brooks, New Balance, and Saucony is a huge challenge and takes a lot of guts, but those factors often result in a dedication and focus that leads to high quality, unique products. And we at Run Oregon are lucky to get a chance to try out some of these pioneering garments from small but proud companies. The latest packages to arrive on Run…
As the percentage of cooler and wetter fall days increases, I begin to work my long-sleeved tech running shirts back into the rotation. I recently got the chance to try out a new offering from the Canadian athletic apparel company Strongbody. The Runner’s Choice Long Sleeve shirt quickly earned a prime spot in my collection. While admittedly not a vital feature, the first thing I liked about the shirt was the color. The photo I saw…
