I’ve recently decided I hate hate hate my current shoes. Looking for alternatives I stumbled across two unusual candidates. Anyone ever own or run in:
Bite Xtension running sandals
manufacturer website
I think the *idea * of a running sandal is fantastic. However, I am skeptical. I can find no reviews or recommendations, save on the company website. Anecdotally, the company founder has run marathons in them (and offers a free pair to anyone who beats his time while wearing the sandals). Further I can’t find a retail store that carries them, and I’s really like to see/touch them before buying.
or the
Nike Air Rift
shoe review
Granted, the version pictured in the link above looks a little sissy, but the idea of a shoe designed for the Kenyan Running Team is intriguing. How do you design shoes for runners who don’t wear any? 
Did they like them?
Again, haven’t found a store with any, and it seems they’ve become more of a fashion item than a true running shoe. They’re listed on eBay regularly, but I want some experience/assurance before buying?
Any comments?
I’ve seen the Nike shoe in a specialty running store around here before. I never tried on a pair, nor do I know anyone who’s owned them.
I would never buy a pair of running shoes that I had not tried on before. (and I’m excluding "hey, I’m going to buy another pair of this model because I love them so) Running shoes, if you’re actually going to run in them, are far too important to gamble on. What if you put them on and they feel like crap?
My advice would be to forget it unless you can find a pair in real life to try on. And PLEASE do not buy them just because someone else might pop in here and say they’re great. That person’s feet might be completely different than yours, and you may require a different kind of shoe.
I’ll put the soapbox away now…
Thanks Scout. Good advice.
I was actually looking to maybe catch a pair of either cheap ($20-$30) on eBay or something, so it was more of curiosity purchase. I figure if they don’t work to run, I have a pair of walking around shoes and a story. I would never drop the real coin shoes usually cost without trying a pair.
Can’t tell you about those two shoes but the unusual one I’m interested in is the new ones from Spira. Basically they’ve beenbanned for racing by the USATF but they sound cool as poo.
A friend of mine picked up a pair while he was in Boston for the marathon and he says they’re the most comfortable shoes he’s ever trained in. They’ve got some kind of proprietary metal spring in the heel which the company claims returns 90% of the impact energy, which is what the USATF has a problem with; Their rules apparently outlaw springs. Spira’s contention is that there is no net energy input (i.e. return greater that 100%) and that there is a reduced risk of injury . . . I’m interested, but not $150 interested yet. Have been thoroughly enjoying my new Mizunos though. Good luck!
I have two pairs of Nike Rifts and I love them but ONLY for casual use. They do not have nearly enough cushioning or support for me (170 pounds).