After years spent and millions invested, we thought we'd designed running shoes for every situation, sport and pronation. Then all of a sudden someone came up with barefoot running...
Climbing in Swiss Barefoot Socks.
Selling running shoes to help barefoot running? Makes no sense. Yet there's a lot of support for the claim that we're better running off the front of our feet, rather than striking hard on the heel each time - and barefoot shoes just aid this.
Now whether you go for it or not, there's definitely a role in the adventure sports for this new barefoot influenced product, the Swiss Barefoot Sock.
Barefoot Sock? Just sounds ridiculous, but it's not... and we've pairs you can win!
Swiss firm Mael created the Swiss Barefoot Sock. Available in crew or long, this foot slipper is made from a knitted fabric of 50% kevlar, 32% polyester, 8% spandex and 10% cotton.
But why bother?
Well, if you look at how they can be used and the current options, you'll soon see that what at first appears to be a novelty is actually a very clever product indeed.
If you windsurf, kitesurf or sail, the chances are you slip on booties of some sort to help protect your feet from unseen sharp objects on the beach. Same goes for snorkelers and scuba divers swimming around rocky reefs.
For when you don't know what's underfoot
The key attribute of the Swiss Barefoot Sock is that its sole is cut resistant - made from eco-friendly PVC and strong enough to meet the strict German TUV 2 benchmark.
The idea is the you should never cut your feet again while living barefoot; the entire foot is protected, including each toe separately.
On first impressions the socks are underwhelming; colours are great with the large Swiss cross emblazoned onto the green / yellow flecked material, however the sole looks too thin to do what is claimed on the box.
Mael reassure us it's cut resistant, and now having walked on a variety of surfaces, we believe it!
Win a pair of Swiss Barefoot Socks
And thanks to the socks' compact size, you should be able to bin the ugly, misshapen rubber slip-ons and flip-flops you usually pack.
Fancy winning a pair and trying for yourself?
Just tell us where you'll be wearing yours and what you'll be doing. Let's hear some inspirational answers and we'll ship you a pair to try!
