Photo lens Rudy Rydon Impact X

With the new year I bought myself a new pair of sunglasses.  Primarily it was because I bought a Specialized road bike and needed a pair of clear sunglasses to protect my eyes when I ride in the evenings.  I had a couple of choices to pursue including buying a new pair of clear sunglasses, purchasing a pair of Oakley’s with interchangeable lens or just sticking with my existing pair of dark Oakley sunglasses.

Dont get me wrong, I love my Oakley’s!!  They have helped me through many years of running.   But I just have to tell you about this new pair of sunglasses I bought from Wiggle.co.uk.   It’s called the Rudy Project Rydon Impact X Sunglasses – Photo Lens.  I bought the Crystal-Red Tip/Pads Impact X Photo Clear.

What do the terms mean?

Crystal-Red Tip/Pads – As you can see from the picture, the frames of the glasses are clear.  They are not white.  The arms are grey and the ends are red grip material that sit on top of your ears.  The nose pad is also red and are grips.

Impact X – means that the lens are unbreakable.

Photo Lens or Photochromic – means the glasses go from a clear 0% to about a 80% grey tint.  You can also purchase Impact X Red photochromic models that start off with 50% tint which doesn’t make sense because it would defeat the purpose of having photochromic lens.

I am so impressed with these sunglasses and I’ve only worn them twice so far.  I wish I could wear them more often.  Here is why they are just so great:

1.  The sunglasses came in an impressive case.  Usually if you purchase sunglasses at the store or online they give you a cloth bag to put your sunglasses, these sunglasses included a hard case and a soft cloth.  The hard case also has a button strap where you can attach it to your bag.

2.  The lens are unbreakable.  Ok this might not be so impressive since I don’t intend to jump on them, but imagine you are cycling and you accidentally ride over them.  You don’t have to be afraid that you are going to break them.  On the packaging there’s even a picture of them trying to smash the glasses with a hammer. There’s no scratches and no cracks.

3.  The photochromic lens are reactive to changes in light.  It starts off as clear lens and tints between 0-80%.

4.  The photo lens is seamless and I didn’t even notice that they had already changed tints.  Initially when I wore the sunglasses I thought they weren’t working, but in fact they had already tinted about 80%.

5.  The sunglasses are extremely light weight.  It is made out of carbon and titanium.

6.  The sunglasses initially was too tight around my head, but the tips of the sunglasses are adjustable.  They bend up down and sideways so you can customize it to fit the shape of your head.

7.  If the nose piece is too tight around your nose, the nose piece is also adjustable.

8.  Everything is so clear.  Even when the lens change color, the view you see still stays the same as if you were not wearing them.

These glasses will be great when I’m cycling.  I don’t want to be juggling between sunglasses when I’m cycling transitioning from late afternoon to evening.    I’ve even worn these sunglasses when I”m running outside at night.  It’s perfect to keep my eyes shielded from snow and rain getting into my eyes.   That reminds me! These photo lens will also help keep the bugs out of my eyes. I remember those trail running drills on Thursday nights in the summer.  Bugs would constantly fly into my eyes. I would rub my eyes not remembering my face and hands were covered in sunscreen and then my eyes would be burning.   These are a great find and highly recommended.  Check them out here.

elaine
elaine@truerunning.com

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	Where to buy
	Price range: $154.99 – $200.99
	Authorized stores
	Store	Price
	Buy.com	$154.99
	BestBuy.com	$179.99
	TigerGPS	$189.99
	UnbeatableSale.com	$200.99
	Target.com	$159.99

Product Summary

The good: Great reception, compact, good battery life	Overall: Comfort: Style:
The bad: Takes a long time to acquire a signal.
The bottom line: This is the ultimate training watch for runners. Upload your run data and Garmin will show you a chart, graph, map, and elevation of your run.
Specifications: ;See full specs
Price range: $154.99 – $200.99   check prices

True Running Editors’ Review>

Specifications>

Where To Buy>

	Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS $154.99 – $200.99

Store	Customer rating	Price	Coupons
Buy now Authorized store		$154.99 View Mens/Womens Free Shipping	$5 off $100 or more. Coupon Expires 11/30/09.
Buy now Authorized store		$179.99 View Mens/Womens
Buy now Authorized store		$189.99 View Mens/Womens	Free Shipping Coupon Code
Buy now Authorized store		$200.99 View Mens/Womens	$10 off $120 or more. Coupon expires 12/30/09
Buy now Authorized store		$159.99 ViewMens/Womens	Spend $50 and get Free Shipping

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3. Asics Gel-Kayano 15

	Where to buy Asics Gel-Kayano 15
	Price range: $129.98 – $140.00
	Authorized stores
	Store	Price $	In Stock
	Buy.com	139.99	Yes
	TheWalkingCompany.com	139.95	Yes
	FinishLine.com	129.98	Yes
	RunWorldWide.com	139.99	Yes
	REI.com	140.00	Yes

Product Summary

The good: Asymmetrical lacing system Improved gel cushioning Snug fit	Overall: Comfort: Style:
The bad: Expensive Stiffer than previous models
The bottom line: Great running shoes for beginners running 15-20 miles a week.
Specifications: Excellent cushioning and stability running shoe for runners with normal arches and mild overpronators; See full specs
Price range: $129.98 – $140.00 check prices
See all Asics product reviews

True Running Editors’ Review>

I’ve been alternating my training with these shoes on roads and trails. After 3 weeks I haven’t had any huge problems with them. The new off center lacing pattern that follows the top line of my foot provides a snug arch wrap and has taken the pressure off the top of my foot. The improved gel cushioning helps runners who are more heavyset and require the additional cushioning when feet hit the ground. The only bad thing I can see from these shoes is that after 3 weeks they are showing signs of wear with a slight tear in the fabric along the trim of the shoes. I haven’t had any blisters or shin splints so far and it has great cushioning for longer runs. Their average lifespan is about 200 miles which makes the Kayano’s great for beginners who are just starting out to run.

Specifications>

Where To Buy>

Store	Customer rating	In Stock?	Price	Coupons
Service since 1997 Buy now Authorized store		Yes	$139.99 View Mens/Womens Free Shipping	$5 off $100 or more. Coupon Expires 09/30/09.
Service since 2004 Buy now Authorized store		Yes	$139.95 View Mens/Womens Free Shipping
Service since 1976 Buy now Authorized store		Yes	$129.98 View Mens/Womens Free Shipping	$10 off purchase $60 or more. Coupon code: Summer1060. Expires 12/31/09.
Service since 1981 Buy now Authorized store		Yes	$139.99 View Mens/Womens Free Shipping
Service since 1938 Buy now Authorized store		Yes	$140.00 View Mens/Womens Free Shipping	Save 15% when you sign up for REI Gearmail.

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What are Vibram Five Finger Shoes?

Wearing VFF shoes was like attaching rubber soles to the bottom of my feet.  It totally redefined walking and basically felt like I was walking barefoot everywhere. When I walked on concrete to grass or transitioned to asphalt, I felt the change in ground surfaces immediately.  It was definitely a really cool feeling.

What type of support can I get with Vibram Five Finger Shoes?

Similar to walking around barefoot, it does not offer any additional support for over or under pronators.

Can I wear Vibram Five Finger shoes and do sprints on concrete streets?

The answer depends on how you land when you run.  I went sprinting on the sidewalks with the Vibram and found that my feet were pounding on the pavement too hard.  In the end I found my shins and calves were burning after 400 yards.  If you want to see what it feels like to sprint with them, take off your socks and shoes and go sprinting barefoot.  It’s quite difficult, but feels exactly the same.  There is no ankle or arch support with makes it 100x harder to run.

Can I run a marathon in Vibram Five Finger Shoes?

Again it really depends on how you land and how strong your feet are.  If you have weak ankles, shins, knees or arches and relied on good shoes to help you with your running, it will be painful.  Traditional running shoes do all this work for you, but now that you stripped it away with wearing the VFF’s, you have to strengthen all these areas yourself.  It’s very easy to twist your ankles.  I would suggest to go running barefoot first then try on harder terrains.  Once you feel comfortable with that then buy some minimal shoes likes racing flats.  f you insist on running with them, this will ease your transition to the Vibrams.

Will the Vibram Five Finger Shoes hurt my feet?

Yes.  In the beginning these shoes will hurt.  I’ve tried running in them a few times and it will definitely take me over a year to get used to them.  But I’ve been only using them for my super easy runs.  I don’t dare take them on my longer runs yet.  I have bad knees and my Saucony’s help me with ankle and knee support.  I would say that it takes about 2 years of running with them to safely run a marathon.  I’m just thinking, running 3 miles barefoot.  ouch.

Do you wear socks with Vibram Five Finger Shoes?

No.  You don’t wear socks when you run or walk with these.   The problem becomes chaffing of the toes.  I went walking with them and a light jog, I came back with chaffing on the outside of my pinky toes and inside of my big toe.  I think it will just take time getting used to them as with any new shoes.

How durable are the Vibram Five Finger Shoes?

They are amazingly durable.  I’ve gone hiking and rockclimbing with them.  They don’t tear or rip easily.  THey are easy to wash and grip to any surface.  They were great also to use when I went dragonboating, so I assume they are also great for other water sports like kayaking or windsurfing.

Where can I find a pair of Vibram Five Finger Shoes?

If you want to try a pair, I live in Toronto and found mine at MEC.  If you live in the states they can be found at Paragon Sports or Rock Creek.  Price range $70-$80 USD.

Some people swear by running barefoot and embrace the the Vibram Five Finger Shoes technology but for me I’ll stick to my Sauconys for now.  I’ll use my Vibram’s as a good pair of shoes to do other sports in.  I totally love them for rockclimbing, they really grip onto the wall.  If you scrape the wall, the top part of the shoes do tear but it’s easy to sew it back together.

———————————————-

Thanks for comments from Justin and below are answers to some of his questions:

“3) Regarding how you run, you never actually mentioned how you run – do you heel-strike when you run? If you do, it’s not surprising that you’d be hurting so much after a 400 yard sprint. You simply can’t heel strike running barefoot or with VFFs.”

I do heel midfoot strike and push off my forefoot when I run as I’m accustomed to.  If I was to pursue running barefoot I would try to alter my running form.

“Why would ankle or arch support make it 100x easier to run?”

Because arch and ankle support is to protect my feet, ankles and knees.  When running on the grass or dirt paths the number one concern I have is twisting or rolling my ankles.  VFF’s don’t have this support which makes it 100x harder to run in them.   When I ran in them I almost twisted my ankle just running on the sidewalk.   Arch support is necessary to keep my feet stable and to protect my knees.  After running in the VFF’s I felt a slight sharp pain in my shins and knees which I don’t usually get when I wear my running shoes.  I don’t want to risk injuring myself before my races.

“4) Why do you estimate it will take you over a year to get used to them? Depending on how slowly you take it transitioning to VFFs, you should not experience much pain — maybe some soreness as you rehabilitate atrophied muscles, but this isn’t very different from training any other muscle of your body.”

It would probably take me over a year to transition to VFF’s and to run at maximum speed.  I have bad knees and to strengthen them and my ankles would take lots of work.  Especially since I’ve been relying on Saucony technology for over 7 years to help me with it.   If “a runner” was persistent in running with the VFF’s I’m sure they will pick it up much faster.

“5) Lots of people wear socks with fivefingers — but they are necessarily toe socks such as injinjis. If anything, wearing socks actually reduces chaffing and seems to make it less likely you’ll get blisters while wearing VFFs. On the other hand, they add weight and heat to your feet and just make for a tighter fit. Plus, who has 5-toed socks? At $10+ a pair, it’s easier to just toughen up and grow callouses. But yea, you can and people do wear socks with VFFs.”

Really? I tried it and found that wearing socks with my VFF’s were very uncomfortable.  Especially since my socks are spread out across all my toes not just the shoes.  The fit is very tight so I think if people want to wear socks with their VFF’s they should buy a slightly bigger size shoe.   If you plan to wear normal socks with the VFF’s I don’t recommend wearing ankle socks because the socks shrink down to your arch after your done slipping the socks between all your toes.

“Interesting you like them for rock climbing — I’ve heard mixed reactions to their application in rock climbing as they apparently make things like smearing very difficult.”

No smearing required when I do rockclimbing.  I’m climbing beginner to intermediate walls indoors and there are holds that do not require friction between the soles and the walls.

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